Happy Birthday, Courtney!

Please excuse my absence for the past month and a half.  We've had just a few things going on.  :)  More on that later.  For now, because I was a lame sister last year and had every intention of writing a birthday post, THEN DIDN'T, I must, before midnight tonight, pay tribute to my youngest sister (in-law - minor detail), who celebrates yet another birthday today!

Courtney Andersen: a girl who says it like it is; who knows what she wants and goes and gets it; who sends out thank you cards, even when it's not expected or necessary; who helps her niece with homework during family vacations (and shares her lollipops with her nephew), who knits and cooks and bakes; who, in two years, will be one wicked occupational therapist, and who, in two more years, will be the proud wife of Dr. Andersen, DDS.  Courtney remembers special dates, flosses her teeth daily, values the important things in life, loves her husband and dog, and is a great addition to our crazy family.

I'll have you know, Courtney, that we ate pizza for dinner tonight, followed by a freshly baked batch of pumpkin pie bites for dessert.  Let's just say, you weren't only celebrated in the South today.

When I said crazy, I was not lying.  It would not be the same without you.  {Lake Powell - September 2011}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LITTLE SISTER! XO.

Flashback Friday: celebrating!

In honor of Brady and Sara, who celebrate two very special milestones this week, I dedicate this Flashback Friday post to them!

Brady is Neil's cousin, who I got to know really well back in 2006 when he was at the Air Force Academy and we were living in Colorado Springs. Lots of Saturday nights hangin' at the house, Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, occasional sushi dates, talks about girls and life in general were all the norm with Brady.  I adored him, and was sad when he graduated and moved away.  The one quality in Brady that I spotted right off the bat and have continued to see as the years have passed is his giving heart and genuine concern for others.  He's just a really good guy.  I still remember when he called to tell me he was engaged.  He was so deserving of the happiness he displayed and I couldn't have been more excited for him.  It was really neat listening to him talk about Sara and how I was going to love her and how he was excited for me to meet her.  And sure enough, when that day did finally come (at Malinka's 50th birthday BBQ), I fell in love, insantly.  It doesn't seem like that long ago yet here they are today, celebrating two years of marriage!

Did I mention Sara had a baby last night?  That would be the second reason we're celebrating.

Meet Jack, who made his debut at 7:22pm (a short 4 1/2 hours shy of his parents' anniversary), weighing a whopping 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 inches.  From what I hear (and see on Facebook, where I stole this picture from), Jack is perfect and has already acquired quite the fan base. 

THEN (06 October 2009 - night before their wedding.  Look how little Chloe is!)

And NOW (well, sorta - June 2011, when Brady and Sara were in the area and stopped by for lunch and a short visit.  Sara has an itty bitty baby bump but it's hard to see in this picture.  What is NOT hard to see is that Brady is properly representing a team we all love.)

I really could not be more happy for Brady, Sara and Jack.  Although it's been years since Brady and I spoke regularly, I still hold a special spot in my heart for him and probably always will.

So Happy Birthday, Baby Jack!  And Happy Anniversary, to the new parents!

Happy Anniversary, kids!

Forty-five years ago on this day something pretty special happened.  My parents, then twenty-two and twenty-three, who were madly in love - and I mean madly in love - who had waited four long years, and who were more than ready to begin their lives together were, at last, married.

I had the privilege of seeing these two lovebirds this week when they came for their annual Fall visit.  As I was driving them to the airport Tuesday night, I asked them each to tell me what they valued most about their forty-five years of marriage.

DAD said the best thing was "having learned the truth of the last line from the song, "Nature Boy" which is:

The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return.

"In order to understand the truth of that line you do have 'to love and be loved in return' - and I do think that's the greatest thing."

MOM said this:

"Though I have always cherished my time with Dad, I find that increasing more and more. We always loved being together, and since much of our courtship was spent apart, the "At Last" (pertaining to the song) for us applies not only to our having found each other, but also to finally being married, so we could be together all the time - "At Last." When we married and I followed him to California I didn't know a soul there except a few of his friends I'd met only briefly. But it didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was there. As the years go by, more and more I realize the value in just being with him. Though I enjoy the company of others and consider myself a social person, when I am away from him for any length of time I miss him, and I still cry when I leave him at the airport. We sit for hours after breakfast talking about many things, either the business at hand or reminiscing about old times. We talk as we take our walks, or sometimes don't talk, just walk hand-in-hand (and it's amazing how many people have commented on our holding hands as we walk). And he still makes me laugh - out loud - all the time. Being together is so comfortable, so right. And as time goes on, that only increases, getting better with each passing year."

The love these two share is a fierce, unbreakable kind of love.  The foundation they've built throughout their journey together is immovable and they continue to strengthen it each day through simple acts of kindness, affection and laughter.  The longer I'm alive and married the more I see just how much my parents' value of marriage has rubbed off on me.  In a world where it's taken less and less seriously, I am grateful for this confidence and level of sacredness they have instilled in me.  And there's no doubt in my mind that Neil and I will someday celebrate forty-five years too.



When I think about my parents I feel peace and comfort in my heart.  They love each other so deeply, know each other so well, and take care of each other with such tenderness.  Just as any parent finds joy in seeing his/her children happy, I find joy in seeing my parents happy.  I sleep better at night knowing they are taken care of.

Over the years my parents have talked about some of the things that initially attracted them to each other.  My dad has mentioned several times my mom's skinny ankles and her playful, vivacious spirit.  He's also mentioned more than once the lasting effect she had on him the night they met on her front porch when he and their mutual friend, Lynn Hemingway dropped in to say hello.  In a recent description he wrote about the movie, Legally Blonde for their annual Halliday Film Festival which they host each summer, he said this:

"You've gotta love Reese Witherspoon in this unlikely tale of blonde determination - and intelligence! - sticking it to academic snobbery and snooty elitism.  It may surprise you, but Witherspoon in this film reminds me of Jill back in her twenties.  Yup, the fun-loving confidence, the indomitable perseverance, the charming quick-wittedness, the life-loving exuberance, and the total absence of vindictiveness, even when maliciously wronged - the Jill I fell in love with over four decades ago."

My mom has talked endlessly about how handsome my dad was.  She told me that the first time her youngest sister, Valeri, who was nine at the time, met him, she raced into the kitchen announcing that Dick Van Dyke was standing in their living room!  My dad made her and everyone laugh, and that was a quality she'd always wanted and continues to appreciate and cherish to this day. 

A variation of courtship photos ranging from 1962-1966.

With my grandparents, all of whom have passed away except Grandma Martha (second from the left), who will celebrate her 95th birthday this December.  Love these people so much.  Can't say it enough.

Shortly after they were married.  Can you tell they're happy?

I love this one.  Not sure what year it was taken but my guess is late 60s or early 70s.

You've still got it, guys!  Even after forty-five years, you've still got it!
And just look what you have to show for it!

{Mother's Day 2011 - Salt Lake City, UT}

We love you and hope today is perfect!
Happy Anniversary!

Birthday wishes for Wendy and Emma

Today is my best friend's birthday. Wendy and I go so far back that I honestly don't remember life without her. Our moms are sisters, and we might as well be too. We know each other inside and out, and have always, always been close. I love, respect and admire Wendy more than she even knows, and though I only get to see her once or twice a year, I think of her often.

And then there's Emma.  Strong, sweet, perfect Emma, for whom Wendy (and Brandon and Chase) waited for a very long time. Emma celebrated her 1st birthday on Wednesday, the 31st.  In the short time she's been on this earth she's endured more than many endure in an entire lifetime, and in doing so, she's touched countless lives, including my own.  She is an angel and a blessing to her family and those with whom she comes in contact.

I love you BOTH and hope you've had wonderful, wonderful days!

A visit and 3 birthdays

It's always fun when Grandma comes to visit, especially on a week when two great milestones are taking place!  What, you ask, might those be?  Well, kindergarten for Chloe, of course.  And for Grandma Susie?  A birthday!  That's right.  On August 13th, Susie celebrated the big 5-5!  What a milestone!  She sure is youthful for being that old (HA!), despite Chloe's innocently honest remark over Sunday's dinner about all her wrinkles.

Grandma Susie, we're so glad you could come hang out with us for a week!  And we're even more glad that you chose to do so the week of your birthday!  It is rare that we get to the chance to celebrate with you and it was special for us just as we hope it was special for you!

{During an afternoon of rafting and enjoying some warm California sun.}

You are an awesome person for whom I hold high respect.  You know what you want, know how to achieve it, and don't waste any time in the process.  I also love that you are honest and direct.  One of the nights you were here, Chloe asked if you went to church and you told her you went to the same church that she does.  I loved what you said next:  "It's true, ya know."  What strength and confidence your children and grandchildren gain in hearing you share your beliefs.  I have always admired your obedient heart and love for and confidence in the gospel.  And I find it to be more comforting than ever now that Chloe is growing old enough to understand the concept of a testimony and use yours and other loved ones' as a foundation for her own.

Rafting, sugar cookie baking & frosting, swimming, shopping, bike riding, and movies... it was all a blast!  Thanks for coming to see us, and thanks for being awesome!

{Eating a special birthday breakfast cake while opening a very funny birthday card.}

We love you and hope you had a wonderful birthday!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grandma Jean, who celebrated on the 16th and also my father-in-law, Dave, who celebrated on the 19th. 


{LEFT to RIGHT: Uncle Don, Grandpa Don, Grandma Jean & Blake, Mom, and Dad}

I had to steal these pictures off facebook since I don't have recent pictures of either one of you. Obviously it's been too long since we hung out. Good thing Lake Powell is just around the corner!  XOXO.

Happy Birthday, Allison!

Today's a special day!  Know why?  Because my sister-in-law is having a birthday!


{June 2011 - Jared and Lori's sealing (just a month away from having baby Todd)}

Allison, given the circumstances with the latest Andersen addition, I hope you get a nice long nap for your birthday!  We love you!

Better late than never

Happy Birthday last Thursday to my sweet little nephew, Grant, who turned 2! 

{June 2010 - Colorado Springs, CO}

Sorry you're getting this wish 3 days late, but I hope you had a marvelous day!

And, while we're on the topic of birthdays, here are a few other belated wishes for:

My brother, David, who celebrated a birthday October 21st
{August 2010 - Colorado Springs, CO}

My brand new niece, Katherine, who was born September 25th
{4 days young - Fort Collins, CO}

My sister-in-law, Courtney, who celebrated a birthday September 14th{May 2010 - Colorado Springs, CO}

My best friend and cousin, Wendy, who celebrated a birthday September 4th
{July 2010 - Salt Lake City, UT}

...and who also gave birth to this sweet little angel, Emma on August 31st
{September 2010 - Salt Lake City, UT}

And going even further into August (sheesh!), my dad-in-law, David celebrated a birthday on the 19th
{May 2009 - Nashville, TN}

And last but not least, Grandma Jean celebrated a birthday August 16th
{May 2009 - Nashville, TN}

Wow, that's a lot of birthdays.  Hopefully I can keep up better from now on!  Happy Birthday to all of you!

Happy Birthday to Mama Susie!

Happy Birthday to my mother-in-law, Susie!

{Proud Grandma with Chloe, Grant & Ryan - July 2010}

Susie has been a good mama to me for nearly 8 years, and a fun grandma to my babies.  I have never met a harder working, more cheerful and energetic woman in all my life!  She is also the most thorough and efficient cleaner around, and I'm grateful that skill has rubbed off on my husband!  I'm serious!  I used to be intimidated by her tendency to want to clean whenever she came to my house.  Now I look forward to it and gladly allow her to work her magic whenever and wherever she pleases.  Not 3 hours after she arrived here to visit last month, Neil and I left her with our two kids and our nephew Grant to go run some errands.  We were gone maybe an hour and a half.  The kids were happily playing together when we got home, and after exchanging a few words, Susie nonchalantly says, "Oh, and I mopped your floors."  You what?  With a 4 1/2 year old, a 20 month old and a 19 month old running around, you mopped my floors? Are you kidding me?  The woman doesn't mess around!  And I love her for it!

I don't just love her for her cleaning skills!  I could write a full list of qualities and other reasons why I love her.  In fact, I have!  HERE!

Mama Susie, I hope this day provides laughter, happiness and all the other good things life has to offer!  Wish I could give you a big birthday hug!  Love you.

My parents

I just wanted to say a little something about my parents.  First of all, they are wonderful.  They've always been wonderful.  And I've found them to be even more wonderful these recent weeks as they've reached out to me more than ever. 

Chloe adores them - always has, of course - but on a whole new level now.  Part of it is that she's growing old enough to develop relationships and true feelings for others.  Another part of it is that she spent a solid 2 weeks with my parents in July.  It's been a pretty cool experience watching her discover what it is to love and care for someone deeply. 

She and my mom have always been close.  But this trip Chloe took a particular liking to my dad.  Tonight he told me, "Chloe's the apple of my eye."  I think if Chloe knew what that meant, she'd say the exact same thing about him.  During the time we were visiting, she would just follow Grandpa around everywhere.  She wanted to be a part of everything he was doing, and hardly left him alone.  Luckily he didn't mind one bit, and welcomed her company.  Those two developed a true bond during their time together, and it was hard to go back home for that reason. She was overjoyed when he, my brother and two of their close friends drove through last week on their way to New Orleans, and cried genuine tears the morning they left.  Since then, she's said at least once a day, "I miss my Grandpa."

Tonight I had a chance to catch up with my parents on the phone.  After getting the kids to bed and sitting down to work on the usual: pictures, I started to ponder my parents, their journey, and the amazing individuals that they are.  I find it's when I've grown that I discover yet another quality that they possess.  Well, I've been doing a lot of growing lately, so I suppose that's where this post stems from.  I am so grateful for my parents, for their hospitality, for their acceptance, for their support, for their example, and for their genuine love and concern for me and my family.  I really couldn't ask for anything more.

Grandpa with the kiddos - Hogle Zoo, July 2010

Grandma Jill with the kiddos - Paradise Bakery, July 2010

Don't I have a pretty mom?  Thanks for all you do, guys!  We love you.

On a side note, I am closing up business August 31st.  I am officially burnt out, and just too busy and stressed to be enjoying it anymore.  I do hope to resume business once I'm settled with Neil in California, but for right now my focus needs to be the kids and our home.  Once I'm caught up, which seems like an eternity away, I will be able to invest my late nights into this poor blog.  It kills me how behind I've gotten.  I took over a thousand pictures during our UT trip last month, not to mention the hundreds of May and June pictures which I have yet to even look through.  Hopefully after Labor Day I'll be able to find some ME time and get back on the blogging bandwagon.

Happy Birthday to Allison!

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Allison, who turns 29 today!

{Fox Run Park - July 2010}

Aside from her accomplishments and outer beauty, Allison carries with her a warm and empathetic heart.  When she expresses a thought or pays a compliment, there's no phoniness.  She doesn't just say things to say things.  She is genuine and thoughtful in word and action.  I admire Allison both as friend and sister, and I look forward to many more years of knowing her, building memories, and watching our boys grow to be the best of friends.

Happy Birthday, Allison dear!

An Anniversary wish...

Before midnight hits, I just have to quickly congratulate my amazing parents, who celebrate...

...are you ready?

43 years of marriage today!

Just look at these adorable children, who wouldn't even exist if it weren't for you!



I say you have a lot to be proud of! We love you both and hope your day has been perfect! XOXO.

Signing Time

We have a deaf family in our ward with a few small children. To help accommodate and make these little ones feel welcome and included, we've started incorporating a 'Signing Moment' in Primary each Sunday, where the mom of this family teaches the primary children a new sign. We just started this last Sunday, but I can already tell it's going to be an awesome thing. The kids were totally into it, and I sensed unity in the Primary room as they all watched and learned.

In the process of tossing around this 'Signing Moment' idea, it's occurred to me that I should introduce sign language to Chloe and Ryan! I never did signing with Chloe because there wasn't a need for it. Obviously that's not the only reason to sign with your child, but it just didn't really occur to me. Chloe was so vocal early on and even when she wasn't speaking, we still communicated just fine.

Well, I decided this would be the perfect time to start with Ryan, and Chloe's always open to new things. So I borrowed a handful of 'Signing Time' dvds from my friend, Tina. In the few days we've had them, it's all Chloe's wanted to watch! She's already singing along with the songs and following the signs like a pro. And I'm starting to use some of the basics with Ryan, which he's bound to pick up on eventually.

ANYWAY! Aside from this fun new educational tool, I made an interesting and ironic discovery last night. Chloe had finished the 'Move and Groove' dvd, which has won her attention over any of the others, and the credits were rolling. I was reading to her and so neither of us were really paying attention. Neil apparently was because suddenly he said, "Hey, Valeri, this may interest you!" He then grabbed the remote and rewound it back to where the musicians were listed on the credits. You probably know where this is going. That's right. Under "Saxophone", David Halliday was listed. I had to chuckle. So all this time Chloe's been learnin' and groovin' to the music of her very own Uncle D! I love it. I immediately called David to tell him how cool he was!

So if you have any of these dvds, be listening for that saxophone! It's my big brother!

Crazy, amazing, exhausting, wonderful weekend!

Wow, what a weekend! My brother, David, who is a well known jazz saxophonist in the Salt Lake area, was invited to open for Diana Krall, renowned jazz singer and pianist, at Red Butte Gardens Friday night! He announced the exciting news Wednesday afternoon, and that same evening I decided to make the 9 hour drive to be there. Aside from the fact that I love Diana Krall (and have since her 2001 album, 'The Look of Love' came out), I just simply couldn't miss witnessing this opportunity of a lifetime for David. And so, Thursday evening after Chloe's swim lessons, we packed up the car and headed to Laramie, where we stayed the night with a friend of my brother's. Friday morning I got up way too early, hopped back on the road, watched the sun rise over the hills of Wyoming, and arrived in Salt Lake around 11:30. David and I met up and headed straight over to my parents', who had NO IDEA I was coming. Ah, just icing on the cake. The look of shock in their eyes was priceless. And wonderful. Not only did I just see them a few weeks ago, but my mom is coming to Colorado Springs next week. So never in a million years were they expecting this!

I hung around with my parents for a couple hours while David did whatever he needed to do, then at 4:00 he picked Ryan and me up and the three of us headed to Red Butte for his sound check. As we were pulling in we saw Diana Krall's tour bus with a lovely Mercedes SUV parked right in front of it. While David and guitarist, Kenji Aihara, got ready for their sound check, Ryan and I explored the garden, which was beautiful, then sat down at the back of the stage and watched on as the stage crew got things set up, tuned the piano Diana would be playing, and got everything else squared away. I kept waiting for someone to tell me to get off the stage, but even with a few funny looks, no one said a word to me. I soooo wanted to have my camera out and snapping shots of anything and everything, but they didn't allow cameras, and I was afraid if I got mine out early on, I wouldn't have a chance to sneak in a couple shots during the actual performance.

Here's one that David got from basically where I was sitting.


Around 5:30, David, Ryan and I headed up to the catering tent for a fabulous dinner. I felt like quite the VIP. We kept waiting and hoping for Diana to wander in, but we knew it wasn't likely. And we were right. We did, however, meet one of her producers.

Doors opened at 6, and shortly thereafter Ryan and I were settled on a blanket in the front row, only 20 or so feet from stage, along with my parents and some family friends.

Here are the boys, ready to bring it!


At 7:00, David and Kenji opened. And might I add they sounded absolutely amazing?! They captured the audience instantly and really set the mood for the night. They were so compatible and well-synchronized. They just killed it! That's all there is to it.



I know David's my brother, so of course I think he's all that, but it had been quite a while since I'd heard him play and he really truly just blew me away! I was so SO proud of him. And I wasn't the only one whose heart he stole! He and Kenji received a standing ovation, and after their performance, people were practically swarming us with "Where does David play regularly?", "Does he have an album out and where can I buy it?", etc., etc. I was so honored!

Here's how Ryan kept himself occupied between performances...



THEN...

At 8:00, Diana Krall was announced and came out to stage with her band (Anthony Wilson - guitar, Jeff Hamilton - drums, and Robert Hurst - bass). Her presence alone gave me chills. She was so beautiful, confident and calm. She sat right down at the piano and without hesitation, began playing. Wow. I couldn't believe I was sitting just a matter of feet from her. It was an experience.







What was an even greater experience, however, was something she did about halfway through her performance. I had noticed her glancing in my direction a few times, but didn't think much of it. Well, after finishing a song and once again looking my way, she nonchalantly said something along the lines of, "I can't stop looking back at that mother rocking her sweet baby..." It took me a good five seconds to realize she was referring to me and not someone else! But it didn't end there! THEN! She proceeded to play a soft lullaby on the piano as prelude to her next song, "I'll String Along With You" (which is most likely playing right now, or will be starting momentarily - turn up the volume). It all happened so fast, that in some ways it's just a blur. But wow! Of all the thousands of people in the audience, Ryan and I were the ones that caught her eye. I was blown away. That song, which I already adored, holds a whole new meaning now. And how wonderful it will be to tell my son years from now, that when he was 9 months old, Diana Krall played him a lullaby?! Ironically, Ryan was due on her birthday. So really, their connections go back further than Friday night. :)

I love this one. Diana's glowing like an angel. Great shot, David.


It was an amazing night. Diana Krall rocked the house, and I love her more now than ever. She talked quite a bit between songs, which gave the audience a chance to get to know her a little. I learned that she has 2 1/2 year old twin boys, which of course made her all the more endearing to me (and probably everyone else too). It also became obvious in her talking that she values family. I was really touched by that, because so many celebrities nowadays just don't! She seemed very down to earth.

Here she is with her sons: Frank and Dexter. They were born December 6, 2006, which happened to be her and Elvis Costello's 3rd wedding anniversary. Love it.


This is the one decent shot I got of the band (David took all the others).

Sometimes having a big bulky camera is a disadvantage. I was approached by a security guard twice about having it out. He hee. Thank goodness David had his little point and shoot he could sneak some good shots with.

Neither David or I got to meet Diana in person (I was especially bummed for David's sake), however after the show, as we were loading his car, we noticed the rest of the band sitting in the van just a few feet away. David went and introduced himself to the guys, and I followed. I wasn't going to shy away from this opportunity. I had Ryan with me, which I'm sure helped. They were nice guys.

I slept good and hard that night. I was SO exhausted. And luckily, the kids slept well too. Ryan slept 6 hours straight, which is unheard of for him. We got up at 9:45am Saturday, and Chloe slept in until 11! Wow.

Saturday was just relaxing and low key. My mom took me early birthday shopping, we had lunch at Cafe Rio, and just goofed around. Here are some shots of Grandpa and Grandma with the kiddies.

Ironically enough, the matching shirts were NOT planned.

I brought this shirt for Ryan to wear to the concert, but because it was SO HOT Friday, I ended up putting him in something a little lighter. Then my dad shows up to the concert wearing practically the same shirt. So anyway, I put Ryan in it on Saturday and my dad put his shirt back on so we could get some pictures of the matching men.

I looooove this one.


Grandma and her girl (the pink hat was per the request of Miss Chloe).


Looks like Chloe's casting a spell on her brother. Poor kid.




Saturday came and went too quickly. Before I knew it, it was time to pack the car up again and prepare for another long drive. We headed out Sunday morning at 4:50am. Ugh.

While every moment of insanity and exhaustion was worth this trip, I will never drive 18 hours in a 48 hour period again! :)

Here's Sunday's sun rise. Approximately 6:20am. Beautiful, isn't it?

A perfect ending to a perfect trip...

Thanks again, David, for this wonderful memory. I'm proud of you on so many levels, and I love you.