My Christmas Inspiration

Ever since we moved from Idaho, I have missed being a part of or attending The Messiah at Ricks/BYUI. It was a personal highlight of the Christmas season. It deepens the Christmas season and my love for the scriptures. I have found something that is also inspiring here.
Every year at the Arlington Stake Center they have a Natvity display. The rooms all over the church are decorated thematically and display nativity sets. They have over 1000 throughout the building. A couple of rooms are sets from 1 collector each. One lady has her sets organized according to where the set was made, like these from Africa. One is made from banana leaves and the lower one indiginous organic items. They are from all over and many are unique.

They have a look and find sheet for the children to point out different kinds and sizes, helping the children look at each nativity. One set was from a lady in Poland who learned of her collection so she made one for her made of colorful tinfoil candy wrappers.

They have choirs from around the area sing Christmas songs every half hour. Emma got to sing this year with her choir from Pearcy. Taylor sang with West a few years ago.

I feel full of awe at the craftmanship of the different sets, the effort of the displays, and the love and rejoicing that comes from the rememberance of the Savior born for us. This gift and His gift are so powerful to me. I weep every year.

Don't bug me

Daniel is very allergic to the fire ants here.

Collegiate Inn Improves!

Just in case you haven't driven by to check out the improvements on the apartments lately.
You can't see the Plumbing redo (which was enormous) and the HVAC system, (also extremely big) but all will enjoy this. The exterior is looking increasingly better. Yay!

Trial slide

Halloween Trunk or Treat

At the ward Trunk or Treat, Luke got maybe one candy, a package of skittles, and got to jump into the back of a truck with the MacDonnell's. He had a ton of fun and was completely satisfied with his "loot".

Jacob is of age (last month)

Jacob's baptism day.
Grandma and Grandpa Timothy and Grandma and Grandpa Andersen were all able to come!

Some of the things in San Francisco

In or Out

Every time Troy goes to California, he picks up the latest version of the In and Out burger tee shirt. This was our first order of business to take care of on our trip to San Francisco. (We ate as well.)

Company Congratulations to Troy

Everyone



We are very pleased to announce that Troy Andersen has received his CMB designation. This is a tremendous accomplishment. There are only around 1,000 people in the MBA that have received this designation. This is great for the Company resume and client visits. Those active in mortgage banking and in the MBAA know how hard it is to achieve. Everyone should take time to congratulate Troy on this accomplishment.




Certified Mortgage Banker


The Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation is the industry standard of professional success. It symbolizes respect, credibility, ethics, and achievement within real estate finance. Earning a CMB instantly places you at the top of our dynamic industry and makes you a part of the elite group that has achieved the highest level of professional success.

You can choose to earn a Commercial or Residential CMB. Complete both programs to earn your Master CMB. Achievement of these designations represents the epitome of dedication and expertise in the real estate finance industry.



Since its inception in 1973, the CMB has been the highest professional designation for the real estate finance industry. The CMB community is made up of outstanding industry professionals and leaders. With such a great community, the designation continues to define excellence within the industry. In October 2007, the CMB community reached a milestone 1,000 designees.

Whether obtaining the designation as a personal achievement in their career, or as a testament to the industry, CMB designees exhibit the dedication that inspires other professionals to strive for excellence. In fact, more than 89% of CMB designees hold the title of vice president or higher, reflecting the level of leadership and commitment designees maintain.

Refreshing morning

It was 51 degrees while I was picking Taylor from Seminary this morning and then taking him and Emma to school. They both were stunned at how cold it was as I paused to breathe in the almost crisp feeling of the air. Not a bad trade off for being awake.
I ended up taking Lucas to the park in Irving. It was so gorgeous out. I wish I would have worn better shoes. If I can figure out how to send my pictures from my phone to the computer, I have one of him singing wheeeeee on the swing. Half of the time we were there, he was chasing birds or the rocks he would throw. He squeezed in chatting with a grandma that was walking on the park path (mostly about his rock)and the park mowers. I walked around with him and enjoyed the beauty of summer,the chance to be outside watching a player at work and not having to be somewhere soon.
I have had moments when I dreaded going to the park. As I think about it, it was because I was either pregnant, pressed for time, or too hot. I am so glad we had this fun today, and that he is taking a nap so I can. . .do stuff like this.

I think I know who taught him, but can't he learn on purpose?

Yesterday, when our good-thing-he's-cute-not-yet-two-year-old was told 'You should not dump mommy's purse out anymore' said, for as far as I know the first time, "Why?"

It isn't always like this

Play together. The one that had the most fun was Luke. It is his favorite time to be with all the family at once. Everyone else liked their picture taken.

When it was pleasant to go outside.

I'm not dead yet.

I actually met a young couple who haven't seen "Monte Python's Holy Grail". I thought at least everyone 45 and younger had seen this iconic movie. Never gave it consideration anymore. In my past it was proven again and again that everyone watched and knew the lines from this movie. It is practically basic communication. Monte Python
My friend tried to explain "Napoleon Dynamite" as the grandchild of its kind. While I believe it is similar in phrases you say and make you laugh because of the understanding and commonality of language, if you do compare them, the Holy Grail stands out by far because it has actually funny parts and only painfully dumb every once in a while.
Another friend compared in it's classic-ness to ">Princess Bride"
While I must agree, you must see Princess Bride just because it is one of the best movies ever, classic worthy of being called classic, and use of watching a movie, it isn't the same. Not because the Holy Grail is better as far as story, moral or humor. The Princess lines, while in my home are quoted often, are not a common comedy reference in all circles as with the Holy Grail, at least with guys, isn't it. Well, obviously not, because this couple included a guy. Am I dated? Is it a clear demarkation of my era that Monte Python was iconic. Was it in fact a fad? These thoughts coursed through my mind as I was picking my jaw off of the floor after hearing my friends hadn't ever heard of Monte Python.I am sure my perspective is now going through a crisis and I will have to rethink my opinions on movies and classic and comedy in general.

Can he tell the difference?

First thing this morning, Daniel came in and told me he had to tell me about his dream. 'It was a scary ninja story, I didn't like it. I had a friend with me and we went out and beat up some ninjas (bad guys). Then dad speared me.' I said, why would dad spear you? He said, "It was a dream."
'I went outside again and dad speared me again. It didn't hurt. They got fire on me and pulled off my leg. I lost it. But I could hop on one leg like this. . .It was a nightmare.'

We had a ball

Troy and I were invited to the Rangers/Yankee(2nd this week, they apparently won in a tight game Monday night) game by our friends Mike and Jana Sweet. They brought some other friends Chris and Amy- I don't think I got their last names, but they were fun. We were in a suite,an air conditioned box, on the 3rd base. There were other people whom we didn't know, but they all knew the host, Jimmy, a finacial investor. They had a buffet of yummy game food and dessert! We had a wonderful time with all the Sweet people and the game was super. Great plays by both teams and then "our team" won!! Because of the hurricane's leftovers, we had a cool breeze and some clouds, so it felt actually pleasant. The darkening sky gave a romantic feel to the massive packed stadium and lights and colors. Well, I thought it was romantic. It would have been awesome if they would have had fireworks. oh well. They did have a marriage proposal on the board at one point, so it must have been romantic to others as well. :) After the game, we walked back to the cars at Troy's office (about a mile down the road) while the traffic stayed constantly packed for a half hour. We waited for the busy roads to clear by the pond at the office. What a great day in Texas. It was almost like a movie!

Emma's '5 cat art' (name to be selected sometime soon)

Emma is at it again.
I don't know if you can see the different paint invovled, but it is fabulous. Unfortunately, I don't have a big enough scanner to get it all in one scan, but you can appreciate it, and maybe if I get time to play with it, I can put them together. . . I do plan on learning all the neat things that can be done on computers-someday.

Daniel sees all

The other day, Daniel asked his dad something like, "Dad do you make this much money (holding his arms out wide)? And his dad said, "Yeah, I make this much money (holding his arms out). Then Daniel said, "Good, then you can give mom some, she only has this much money (then he holds up his finger and thumb just apart).

I am presently looking for a frame for Emma's art work. I love this and wanted to share. It looks good every way you turn it.

Daniel's favorite thing

We asked Daniel what his favorite thing in the world was.
He answered: Idaho. We asked why and he said "Because I love SNOW!!!" Good thing it was such a great snowfall this year.
Just so you know, he is still cuddly at 4. He plays with my hair and tells me he loves me more than my ______(He says many body parts here, mostly whatever he is looking at, but he tries to say a new one each time as if each one is better than the last), yet still doesn't like kisses (unless it is a contest with the brothers)

Found another one to explain myself

You Are Pumpkin Pie

You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality. You're able to relate to many types of people with many different tastes. But you're by no means generic or ordinary. In fact, you're one of the most original people around. Those who like you are looking for something (someone!) special. You tend confuse people when they first meet you. You're not as complicated as you seem. Even though you have a lot of spice and flavor to you, you're never overpowering. You are a calm and comforting force in people's lives.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.
Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.
Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.
You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

In love, you are very protective and supporting.
However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous.

At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential.
You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud