Anderson Country Living

Anderson year of Twenty Eleven in Review

2012-01-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, It has been forever! I can blame my lack of posting on lots of things including our really slow internet out here in the country, but lets just get down to business.

Look back into some of the highlights of the fabulous year of 2011

January.
Lots of cold and snow. We had wonderful egg laying chickens that the kids just love to play with. We were getting ready to and were excited to have a baby. Lots of hiking as you can read from our last post of over almost a year ago.

February.
Still were getting ready to have a baby. Then we decided to move two weeks before my due date. Lots of fun. Got settled in. Had to leave our chickens. Very sad about that.
We love our new home and most especially the wood burning stove. We keep the house at about 80 degrees and love it.
Most importantly, we welcomed Emeline Sarah into our family! Born February 18, all natural by accident and I Love it. Not really, but it was fun after she was born. We love her, she is beautiful, healthy and is a very easy, happy girl. Also, we paid cash for a new (to our family) 2010 Toyota Sienna. We love it.

March.
We celebrated Aeden's 3rd birthday. He had been potty trained for about 4 months and is a master at the toilet.

April.
We made a family road trip to Utah and were able to witness our wonderful friends, the Claunches, seal there family in the Salt Lake City temple. It was beautiful. Loved seeing my brother Jed and lots of Bens family, and life long friends. It was wonderful. Loved showing Ben around Moab and traveling in our new van. Ben thinks it is a time warping machine because it makes trips that used to seem like 8 hours in the car feel like 4. Love it.

May.
Celebrated Ben's 31st birthday. Danced around, had fun and had a surprise date.

June.
Celebrated Telia's 30th birthday. Went on a surprise date as well and loved it. It is great to have some time with my love. Enjoyed the summer. We took lots of trips to ABQ to visit Telia's parents as well as her sister Sierra and her whole family. We feel so grateful to have them close. We spent lots of time in the pool. Our kids would swim like little fish and dive in as soon as they saw the water. Oh, and we moved again, into a bigger home right next door. Really, next door!

July.
Went to Silverton and Ouray, Co. with our dear friends the Johns and my wonderful sister Sierra's family. We camped out and saw a real steam locomotive and survived the 'Million Dollar Highway'! Celebrated Eliza's 2nd birthday, who is such a sweet, fun girl who just loves life. As well, we took a wonderful trip to San Diego, where we were able to spend some wonderful time with family. As a bonus, we were able to see our dear friends, Mike and Amie White.

August.
Lots of rain. Lots of yard work. Finished our new back deck and a huge flagstone patio. My dad got us a new family member from the local farmers market. A new beautiful little Bunnie, Captain. He only lasted a few weeks. We also have lost MANY pairs of shoes due to the high number of res dogs that come by and take them. Chew them up then leave them in the street. Really annoying. We have really lost about 13 pairs so far!

September.
Made a family trip up to St. George, Utah, where Telia ran in the Red Rock Relay with lots of her girl friends, life long friends from college. Loved St. George and the drive up there.

October.
Telia took a trip to California to see family, her brother Zach and his wonderful family who has since moved back to the bay area. While she was there, she ran in the Nike Women's Marathon were she completed her 3rd marathon with her wonderful friend, Naomi. And love it.? Ben wants to do one with her next year. We are looking forward to that.

November.
We were able to see Ben's mom and dad was we met up with them in Sedona, Arizona. Loved seeing them and it was knock out gorgeous. Great to see family! We hope we can see them again soon. Took a trip up to Taos, New Mexico, where we fell in love again with all of the beauty around us. Enjoyed having Telia's parents with us as well as some of the most amazing food.
Spend a wonderful Thanksgiving with Telia's family as well as some wonderful friends. Loved the food, loved the company. We worked off the calories by immediately going to cut down a Christmas tree on the rez. It was a beautiful Pinon. We had 7 pies for dessert.

December.
Finally got a new family camera after 8 months of the year, sans camera. We loved the colder weather. Loved starting fires in our wood stove. Loved the time with family in ABQ. Loved the time to study about the birth of Christ. Loved receiving Christmas cards from family and friends. Loved the decorations. Loved the season of giving. Loved giving presents to our children. Love who excited they were about Christmas. Loved the season of Christ.

We love you all and hope that we can see lots of our friends and family in this new year of 2012.

Hiking around Zuni

2011-01-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts of living in Zuni is quick access to great hiking. Here a few of my favorites so far.

MOUNT TAYLOR

At the top

Me and my father-in-law at the "Edge of the World"

Mount Taylor is the tallest mountain in Northwestern New Mexico at 11, 301 feet. It is located just outside of Grants. It provides over 100 mile views to Albuquerque eastward and the Chain of craters to the South-West. It is sacred to the Laguna, Zuni and Navajo. I hiked it on MLK day with my father-in-law Tracy Stout. It took 4WD to access the trail head due to snowy road conditions. It is a moderate 2.5 mile hike to the summit with great pay off. It wanders up through Ponderosa Pines then transitions to Spruce. It never exceeds tree line, though it opens up on the final push to the summit for a 200 yard stretch called "The Edge of the World." We used snowshoes and trekking poles. This is a must do for any local outdoors enthusiast. This is my favorite hike in the area to date.

CORONADO'S CURSE

My dad at the top of Coronado's curse on DY

My dad poses for a picture on the way up to DY

Coronado's Curse. This hike is literally out my front door. It is the on the Northern approach to the sacred Zuni Mountain (bluff), Dowa Yallanne. Dowa Yallanne translates to "Corn Mountain" but most people just call it "D-Y." Back in the 1500's when the Spaniards were exploring for the El Dorado and Seven Cities of Gold, Cororado swept through this area, threatening to wipe out all the Natives (A:Shiwi). The A:Shiwi took refuge on top of DY and lived there for a long time. According to local legend Coronado tried to attack the Zuni via the most obvious trail, which dead ends into a sheer rock face just 75 feet short of the top. Hence the name, Coronado's Curse. I have been up this route a couple of times, but most recently with my dad in December. At first the trail winds through Pinyon (locals call it "PIN-Yawn"), then climbs into predominately Juniper. It was super muddy, but rewarded us with good views of the Zuni Valley, fascinating rock formations that look like Russian turrets, and at least six abandoned ruins, some still largely intact.

ZUNI-ACOMA TRAIL

Somewhere in the lava fields

This type of lava was slow moving. It has a Hawaiian name.

Zuni-Acoma Trail. Located in Malpais National Monument, the Zuni-Acoma trail is a 7.5 mile hike over old lava floes as young as a few thousand years. It is an official part of the Continental Divide Trail. I hiked it back in October with my friend Jeremy John. We had our wives intercept our car from the trail head on Highway 53 and drop it off for us where the trail ends on highway 117. Walking on lava was strenuous not only on our ankles and calves, but the soles of our shoes as well. We had to jump over deep crags in the lava. Some were over 30 feet deep. Most crevices would have ancient rock bridges built for brave travelers. I enjoyed it. The Zuni Acoma provides a variety of lava and hearty flora, but lacks a lot of animal life. A few reptiles, birds and insects. There is a reason it is called the bad lands. The Navajo believe the black lava floes to be the blood of the Twin War gods. Pretty cool.

EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT

My nephew poses for a picture in front of El Morro

Beautiful cloud formation from the top of El Morro

El Morro. This was our first and easiest hike in the area. We have since done it many times with visiting family and friends. It is a National Monument that commemorates the many travelers who scratched their names into its famous Inscription Rock. You can hike up and over the bluff which passes by a few ruins including what is believed to be a kiva of an ancient Puebloan society. Round trip this is only 2.5 miles. It is the sort of thing that retirees do when they need to get out of their RV's and stretch their legs.

ZUNI ARCH

Taking a look back at the arch after our hike

Me, Aeden and Eliza perched on a ledge in the Arch. She is crying. So is Aeden.

Tracy's Dirty Truck after we cleaned the windshield.

Zuni Arch. Actually, I do not know if this is the real name of this destination, but it seemed fitting since it is the only arch formation in Zuni (of which I am aware). Last Friday, my father and I were watching the kids and we got this ill-conceived notion that we should hike with the kids up to the arch. Well, we did it, but I will not do it with kids again. At least not in the winter. It was a short hike. Actually, about a 200 yard scramble up loose shale scree covered in a thin layer of snow and ice. We took the back approach to the arch, which leaves it in perpetual shadow, so the snow doesn't melt quickly and was left over from our cold snap last month. It made the hike dicey at best. To make matters worse I simply had Aeden on my shoulders. By the time we reached our little perch in the arch Aeden was panicked and cold. I warmed him up by opening up my down coat and feeding him cookies. The descent, while tearful on Aeden's part, was pretty easy since I could just slide down here and there on my backside. Afterward, we rallied Tracy's F150 on some dirt reservation roads until we couldn't slide any farther. Our apologies to the BIA for tearing up the road in a recreational manner.

Abundance

2010-10-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

Aeden circles the true meaning of Halloween

Our October Zuni social life overfloweth. So many parties, so many treats. How is that not a good time?

Aeden and Ellie dressed up as a pirate and shark, respectively.

Last night was the branch trunk-or-treat. The young men were en-charged with pumpkin carving and the pinata---the biggest hits of the night. Telia and I also entered the chili cook off and cake auction. It was a lot of fun. My greatest surprise was the pinata itself. I have been constructing it since last week, hoping every moment that it didn't break before the kids actually hit it. It was made of some flimsy scrap cardboard, four twisted coat hangers, one layer of paper mache, 200 feet of hand cut crepe paper and a small amount of duct tape. It was under engineered and liable to spontaneously spill its contents.

It literally took a beating from twenty kids before it shewed forth its candy. Exclamation point for me!

I heard that Zunis will trick or treat all night. I also heard that the adults trick or treat. We shall see.

Anyway, things are starting to cool off. We have two electric radiators we move through the house to keep it warm. We are doing everything to not use propane to heat the house. Some of my colleagues report paying up to $600.00 a month in propane to heat their homes during the winter. That is madness. These homes are poorly insulated, built on a slab overlied with thin linoleum tiles without a wood burning stove or a fire place. It makes me wonder if the gas companies paid off the contractor.

I spoke with an alternative rental agency on Friday about getting into a smaller place on a raised foundation with a wood burning stove, for less money. The hospital uses its political flex to restrict these better insulated homes to physicians, but I plead my case. I pulled out all the stops and perhaps, by grace itself the rental agent finally relented and conceded to reserving a home for our family. She said it would take about 6 months to renovate, which in Zuni time I translate as about 8-10 months. Either way, this is a huge answer to our prayers.

The trade off is giving up our spacious rez mansion and, regrettably our chickens. I have already identified a lucky family in the branch who will be the recipients of a lovingly built coop, two roosters and four hens.

As for the other renovations provided by my father-in-law Tracy, I will take them with us. All of them --- the gravel, the fencing, the playhouse, everything. I will figure out a way. In the mean time however, we will continue to live in the abundance of our cold and spacious luxury home.

Aeden summons a disinterested hipster pirate face.


"I can see you!" Our harvest display

Aeden paints the pumpkin pinata with a satisfied artsy smirk.

Ellie musters the spirit of a Great White Shark

Ellie looks like a shark cherub on a swing

Showing off the finished pinata. Notice the crepe paper. Please.

Aeden & Ellie at the Bandera Ice Caves

Tarantulas

2010-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tarantula on our sidewalk

Tarantulas migrate. Did you know that? Nobody really knows where to or from, but they pass through Zuni every year. I saw two. Telia saw five. Normally, I loathe, hate and despise arachnids of all kinds. They give me the creeps and I have taught Aeden to smash them, but I like tarantulas. First off, they are way too big to squash. They also have a mammal-like gentleness that, ironically, places these gigantic spiders in the category of unorthodox "warm, fuzzies."

Hiking

Chaco outlier ruins circa 1200 AD

This last week Telia and I made it out to El Malpais National Monument twice, separately, exploring different areas. I hiked 7.5 miles of craggy black lava along the Zuni-Acoma trail with my friend Jeremy. Yesterday, Telia hiked 5 miles to a few old Chacoan ruins called the Dittert site with her friend Jennifer. As it turns out, "Malpais" is a Spanish term that literally means "bad country" but was commonly used to describe volcanic landscapes. Gnarled Junipers and Pinion Pines pop up along the trails of El Malpais. Supposedly, the curvier the trunk, the curvier the root system.

Tracy Strikes Again

Play structure of anglo-saxon origin in the Americas circa October 2010

Does it surprise you? Not me. He's generous, handy and loves his grand-kids. Check out the play structure he built for Aeden and Eliza!

Composting

I have wanted a great compost for a long time. Now that HOA's are a thing of the past, that time has come. The straw bale method involves digging down about 6-12", surrounding it with straw bales and using red worms at the bottom to accelerate the composting process. I built it yesterday and am really excited about getting started.

Baby Shower

Telia threw the most rocking baby shower ever for our friend Lori. I smuggled myself in can witness that it was fun in its informality. We tie-died onesies and listened to Bob Marley as Zunis, Navajos, Anglos (as we are called) and one woman from St. Thomas milled around enjoying the ambiance. There was SO much good food.

Music

I have subscribed to a "song of the day" podcast from KEXP.
It is available for free on iTunes. Yesterday, after downloading over 300 free songs, I have finally waded through the so-so and distilled my favorites to about 50 new songs and artists. If you're into music you should check it out. I can't believe it is legal, since I got titles like Peter Bjorn and John, Matt and Kim, She and Him, Rodrigo and Gabriela, Plants and Animals, Blitzen Trapper and Sufjan Stevens. And those are just a few of the names I knew already...

Anyway, now you are more or less caught up. Love you all. Enjoy the pictures.

Appreciating our fuzzy friend from a distance

A tarantula and daddy long legs on my garage wall

Aeden on the watch tower

This BLM ranger led Telia's hike. He possesses more knowlege than anyone person should have or share.

Our friend and colleage Jennifer Kim in front of an old abandoned homestead

Pure joy.


So cute. She was highlighting the keyboard

Hippies and Saints

2010-10-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

The pies. Made from real farmers market pumpkins. Mmm-mmm.

This weekend has been wonderful. The kids are almost better.

Friday we went hiking over 3000 year old lava beds and explored Pie Town, NM.

Saturday, we went to the Ramah Harvest Festival, where Telia entered a pie contest and won first prize for her pumpkin pie. It was a lot of fun. Some hippies were selling this incredible Apple Green Chile Jam. I am wondering what life was like before. We bought a jar.

Refrigerators are the best place for 1st place

After inspecting the hens and roosters there, we once again are wondering at the gender of our largest chicken: Olga or Dick? We still don't know, but now we are leaning toward Olga.

Today we have been listening to podcasts of General Conference due to our dial-up-esque bandwith. It is so slow. We will probably finish General Conference some time this week. So far, it is amazing and basic.

Also, I found a really cool spider that made a very intricate web with extremely strong silk. I think she is some sort of Orb weaver. Olga ate her up in two bites. Sorry, no picture.

Tonight for dinner we are having pumpkin pudding and butter biscuits with the apple green chile jam. Yum.

Literally 5 people walked by, looked at the kids, looked at me and said, "Well, now I guess you've got to get a bunny."

Our General Conference set up.

Pie Town, NM, population 35

2010-10-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks we have heard talk about a magical place called "Pie Town." From talking with neighbors, one would get the impression that if given the choice between heaven and Pie Town, you might be strongly tempted to kick it in Pie Town. So we went. It was a long drive down rural dirt roads, past several ranches, a mountain range and over ancient lava flows. Finally, we arrived. I don't know what we were expecting exactly. Telia thought maybe it would be really touristy and have the best pie ever. Even as I write this, I am not sure if I was disappointed or charmed, but it was interesting enough to capture our imaginations.

The story of how Pie Town got its name has a few versions, but my gut tells me the most accurate is in New Mexico's Continental Divide Trail Official Guide by Bob Julyan.

"The generally accepted story tells that in 1922, Clyde Norman opened a gas station here, calling it 'Norman's Place.' He liked to bake, so when he began selling homemade apple pies he changed his sign to read 'Pie Town.' Two years later, Norman Craig acquired the station and the pie-making business (Craig' wife now made the pies) and kept the sign. The pies were very popular, not only with road travelers but also with local ranchers and cowboys. In 1927, the citizens of 'Pie Town' asked for a post office; local lore tells that when a postal inspector suggested a more conventional name, Craig told him, "It'll either be named Pie Town, or you can take your post office and go to hell." Craig knew best: Pie Town remains among New Mexico's most intriguing place names."

For all of its notoriety, Pie Town actually has only two restaurants where one can get pie. Pie-O-Neer and The Daily Pie Cafe. Of those, one was open. So we went to Pie-O-Neer, a quaint blend of rough and tumble rancher with New Mexican New Age. The decor was historical, eclectic, rustic and somehow hip. We were the only ones there.

When we asked the hostess if we could purchase an entire pie, she blushed and confessed they didn't have one, but offered us a "Pie-pourri," which amounts to putting left over pie slices into one pan. They only make 12 pies a day.

Telia and I shared a slice of peach pie. It was good. The crust alone evidenced lots of pie practice, but we should have had it heated up and sprung for the vanilla ice cream. The owner came out and let us sign the guest book. He used to be a medical illustrator at a teaching hospital in Virginia, but moved to Pie Town where he could better pursue his love for astronomy. He was a tall, lean, tan, soft spoken buddhist and I liked him.

For more information on what makes Pie Town tick check out www.pie-o-neer.com

Rte 603 to Pie Town, NM

Welcome to Pie Town


A gaggle of windmills on the way into downtown Pie Town


Sign for the Daily Pie Cafe. It was closed.


Pie-O-Neer. You know its fancy because the plastic flamingoes

The other pie place. Also a notary public.


Is this the original "Norman's Place"?

Herpes Zoster

2010-09-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Chickenpox is caused by a kind of herpes virus? Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), actually. It belongs to the same family of viruses that cause cold sores (HSV1), mono (EBV) and, of course genital herpes (HSV2). Recurrent outbreaks of Varicella Zoster cause shingles. It is extremely contagious and more or less the worst thing ever. And...for the record it does not come from chickens.

My kids have it. Aeden got it first. Last week he came down with a violent fever and began to develop a series of blisters all over his little body. More like shingles. Ellie's case is manifesting itself as plain old, red, itchy Chickenpox.

Telia is going stir crazy taking care of two little clingy, feverish fussy babies. When I get home from work she looks really wiped out. If you're not a parent you can read this as: Less pay off for WAY more work.

Telia is pregnant. At the moment, this is a inconvenient for two reasons. First, taking care of two whiny sick kids is less pleasant when you are large with child. Secondly, and far more serious are the potential risks of contracting Chickenpox during the first and early second trimesters of pregnancy (weeks 8 - 20). According to the CDC and Mayo Clinic, in about 0.4 - 2.0% of pregnant women who get Chickenpox may have a child with one or more of the following: 1.) mental retardation, 2.) malformed limbs, 3.) vision problems, 4.) scars on the skin and/or 5.) muscle/bone defects. Telia is is about 20 weeks along right now, which places us (hopefully) at lower risk. Also, Telia had Chickenpox when she was little so she is inoculated against an acute outbreak. So, hold the phone, we are probably fine.

Anyway, once you've had Chickenpox, it sticks with you for life. The virus actually lives, dormant, in your nerve cell bodies. If the virus wakes back up, it will affect the skin wired by that nerve. As a result, people with Shingles, or a recurrent VZV infection, will often form blisters in stripes horizontally across their body. Varicella actually means "belt" in Greek.

When I was a kid Chickenpox was a rite of passage. Everybody got it. Like falling off a bicycle or getting a black eye, it tied us to generations gone before. When the Chickenpox vaccine came out I was under the impression Chickenpox was going extinct like Smallpox and my kids would never understand the misery I once suffered. Someday I would tell them all about the itchy scabs that would leave scars. Unfortunately, they are learning all too well. On the upside, tonight Aeden was so tired he just walked into his bed and went to sleep.

Through his eyes

2010-09-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

For some reason Aeden has been especially kind this week. I have witnessed him share crayons, crackers and trains with his sister Eliza. He has also been spreading his affection liberally with morning hugs and kisses on the cheek. He even held his sister's hand yesterday to steady her while she walked. Not to say he is perfect; tantrums and pushing still are not distant history, nor do I expect them to stop in the foreseeable future. All the same, I see an attenuation of poor behavior and a crescendo of kind, brotherly affection.

Beneath his limited ability to express himself, Aeden has a rich and colorful personality. Getting dressed for the day has changed in the last few weeks as he is more aware of his place in the world. Often he will point to the shirt Telia or I got out and say, "No, car shirt," or "No, Choo-choo shirt." This means whatever we picked out somehow displeases him and he would rather wear the pajama top with Lightning McQueen or Thomas the Train on it, respectively. Which is fine, but why does he even care? Is he some sort of male fashionisto? Is it a power thing? Is he THAT influenced by media already? Or does he just want to wear that shirt? I don't know.

One of Aeden's favorite past times is wandering around the house snapping what seem like random photographs ... but what if they aren't random? Afterall, the photos capture his perspective and communicate his world. Looking through the pictures reminds me of why I someday wanted to be a grown up---if for nothing else, the view. Not to mention being able to stay up late, watch movies and eat lots of icecream when everyone else is in bed. So unfair.

Here is some of Aeden's most recent work behind the lens.

Home Improvements

2010-09-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

We live in United States Government quarters. Think of it as living in a rental house with really a really particular landlord. Officially, absolutely no home improvements should ever be made without an authorized work order. We even need a work order to change out light bulbs. Except things are a little relaxed on the reservation.The basic rule here is change everything back to the bleak condition you found it in. Consequently, anytime a resident moves there is a free for all to collect all the plants, planter boxes, etc. When it is our time to go I foresee physicians running around like kids after a busted pinata. You see, we have been very busy bees. At least Tracy, my father in law has. He came a few weeks ago to visit under the auspices of needing a break. Instead, he worked, worked and worked until our whole place was whipped into shape. Just to give you an idea of what he did we've included the photographic evidence, but even they don't tell the whole story. Highlights include a small fence, re-engineered our drainage with gravel, a gravel pathway (in our drip line), a chicken run, a shelf in our garage, and a planter box.

By the time he was getting ready to leave I was feeling pretty outmatched. Like, "Does Telia expect me to be THIS industrious?" I don't know. I have made some small improvements too, but it is well understood that Tracy is the Man. Thanks Tracy. No, really. Thanks. I just wish we had "before" photos.

Telia and I built the coop and wired the run. We're really proud of it

Tracy built the planter box and ran drainage pipe under the gravel

The fence hides our garbage can and miscellaneous items

This is a walkway and a rain run off solution by Tracy

Notice the absence of weeds under the clothesline. Telia and I did that.

Inner and outer courtyards of the Chicken Sanctuary

Rooster? preparing to antagonize our chicks

This chicken previously known as "Olga" is being renamed "Richard"

Telia slips a smile while I write this post. Notice 2 pans of cinnamon rolls

Abbreviated Labor Day Report....(so far)

2010-09-05T14:12:00.001-07:00

This week has been a whirl-wind. We will start with Tuesday.

Tuesday. Started season 3 of Arrested Development. So funny. Michael meets the mysterious MR F.

Wednesday. Cleaned the house. Went to an open house for Ben's new Dental Clinic. Went to the park with friends. Went to clean the chapel and talked the whole time.

Thursday. Cleaned the house. Ellie got sunglasses from our neighbor Sossity. Ran 2.5 miles in a race where I, a 20 weeks prego, pushed both kids in our stroller and got first place. Not to mention I started 10 minutes late. Did not receive a medal, thought I would, but that is OK. Ben ran a 5k, and is still really sore. Went home, made tons of popcorn, went to a night parade, saw Ben in on the Dental float throwing out Tooth brushes, trying hard to NOT hit the grandmas in the head. We then went to bed.

Friday. Cleaned the house. Went to the carnival, saw a local Indian Heavy Metal rock band, saw Indian Dancers, Saw friends there, rode rides, watched our big boy Aeden go down a huge slide all by himself. Had a Bonfire, tried to keep the kids from jumping into the fire, or getting burned, tried not to burn the house, had lots of s'mores. I love them. Went to bed.

Saturday. Left the house at 6 am. Almost ran out of Gas, waited at a podunk gas station until it opened at 7 am. Used the dirtiest bathroom ever, got gas, went to the ABQ temple, did baptisms with the youth, went to Costco, went to pick my mom up at her hotel, played with Grammy, Went to REI, spent way to much at REI, got some Chaco sandals, love them, got smoothies, played at an amazing city park, went to
the hotel, took baths, said goodbye, cried, drove home, got pulled over, got a warning, got passed by a high speed car chase (fast, fast, Red Mustang) with three cops on a two lane hwy at night, then got passed again while the car that was getting chased turned around and drove passed up going the other way with the cops following. Went to El Morro to watch the stars (SO beautiful), thought that predatory night animals would get us, went home. Delivered groceries to neighbor, went to bed.

Today (Sunday). Relax, go to church and just be together as a family. Drove around the sacred mountain. Saw a coyote. Ate ice cream. Fed the chickens....cleaned the house.

Chickens: Good news, Bad news

2010-09-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Yikes! So much has happened since the rattlesnake incident. I will start with the bad news. 4 of our original chickens got out of the fence. They flew OVER and the rez dogs (read as American dingos) formed an ad hoc welcome party. I found Scout on the neighbors patio, put her back in the fence. Found the remains of Leia. Cried. Found the remains of Darthy (Darth Maud-er-- a feminine derivation of Darth Vader). She was the friendliest. Cried again. We still have not found Nellie. I like to imagine that she is frolicking in the desert sand, happy as can be. We are very sad for our loss.

On to the good news. We still have 2 bigger chickies (that is what I call them). Olga and Scout. Olga, as time has passed seems to has experienced some gender confusion. Consequently, Olga has been renamed Olgo. Olgo's fate has not yet been decided. While I do not want a rooster fertilizing my breakfast, I equally do not wish to kill, pluck, eat him. And it's not that we've grown attached or anything, although a name like Original Recipe or Crispy Fried might help. I think I'm just too lazy to pluck a chicken. Anyway, we bought 4 new chicks to replace the ones that have passed (may they rest in peace--somewhere in the desert): 2 white langhorns and 2 Rhode Island Reds. Their names are Blondie, Spots, Coco and Chanel. All I can say is better luck next time. And let that be a Sunday school lesson to chickens and children everywhere.

The coop is nearly finished now. So is the run. When it is done we will post a bevy of pictures and have a virtual grand opening. You are all invited.

This post has been produced by Ben & Telia

Pioneers, Chicks and a Rattlesnake

2010-07-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Lots is going on in the country. Long story short, we went to pioneer days, El Morro, got some chicks and killed a rattlesnake. We went to a restaurant in Gallup and had the best chile relleno of my life. Ever. Also, Telia finally converted to Family Dollarism.

The top of El Morro

Our back yard after the rain

Western (Prairie) Rattlesnake (DEAD)

Rattles = six

The strangest looking spider I've ever seen. In my house. Ew.

Nephew Eli at El Morro

Late night Settlers with Art and Sierra. Where's Jed?

Our new chick(en)s: We don't know what kind they are.

This sister is with the band at pioneer days.

Hot prairie mama

Too cute.

Aeden hanging out with some chicks

Branch Life

2010-07-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Life in a rural branch is demanding, uncomfortable and rewarding. We were given callings our first Sunday. I am the Young Men's President and Telia is in charge of nursery. We are giving talks this week, I gave a lesson last week, we are feeding the missionaries tonight right after I finish cutting wood for the widows this afternoon. All of this is a spiritual 'shot in the arm', but when I consider the twelve young men I have been called to steward, it is a little overwhelming. Presently, four are somewhat active, coming a few times a month. From what I know they like to hike, camp and do service for others. No young men's program has existed here until now and I am eager to give the boys something constructive and purposeful to do in the church. I have met a few of them already and look forward to connecting with them and helping them strengthen their relationships with Christ.

The greatest strength of the branch lies in the individual members. Each one is like an old Juniper growing straight out of a rock.

One challenge we face as a branch is that the native traditions here are not just ceremonial, but a living religion. This is really cool from an anthropological point of view, but a significant impediment to church membership and attendance. The last few weeks have been a sort of summer solstice celebration and has demanded a lot of time of members away from church. Peer pressure to not be seen as a member of a "white man" religion is strong and sometimes pulls members away who are also prominent members of the tribe. I understand the social conflict that church membership can bring and I hope that members can see above such pressure to a broader view of Zion.

A pew is a luxury I never considered to be such until now. Our tiny branch chapel has folding chairs, which are comfortably padded, but they provide no where to hid misbehaving children. Everyone sees my (beautiful and generally good) wiggly and sometimes irreverent children. Everyone can see the cheerios and kix falling to the floor and you can believe I will pick it all up myself quickly since the members are in charge of cleaning the chapel.

Quite a few of the stalwart members are facing unemployment. This is a proportional reflection of our pueblo on the whole, but a concern for the branch nonetheless. The upside is that it allows more time for church service by those temporarily unemployed, but I would REALLY like to help my brothers and sisters without jobs right now. That would be the best service, but, I don't know how to help. Maybe I can let them know about remote jobs like scheduling JetBlue flights from home...except the pueblo internet is slower than dial up. If anyone has some ideas for employment for the branch members let me know. They have a lot of experience in construction and custodial services.

In short, I couldn't hide comfortably in a pew here if I wanted to. We will be stretched and grown spiritually as we work to do the best and most service we can.

California

2010-07-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from a shotgun trip to California. Telia's Grandfather, Ralph Waldo Perry passed away right as my younger brother Erik returned home from an LDS mission in Russia and my Grandma Anderson planned a massive Larsen family reunion. Compelled by this intense alignment of significant events we made the decision to drive our little family across the desert to be with our loved ones. We made the drive there in a single push, traveling at night since our A/C was broken. Even so, Barstow, California managed an uncomfortable 102 degrees at 2 AM!

The trip was great. Meeting previously unknown family on both sides was a real treat. We also enjoyed catching up with some of our old favorites. Regrettably, we were unable to visit many of our friends since the trip was mainly a family deal.

We tried to execute the annual Anderson family camping trip, but like past years its true identity emerged as the annual Anderson family snafu. We intended to camp a few nights at Fallen Leaf Lake near Tahoe, but after one night we called an early retreat back down the mountain. Not that we are fair weather campers or anything. It is just that camping in the rain with three children two and under isn't very fun.

One thing that this trip proved is that my dad's generosity knows no bounds. He actually helped us get our A/C fixed. Fortunately, it was just a fuse, but we also got a tune up while we were there.

On the way home we got a blow out (tire, not diaper) in Boron, CA. The temperature was 107 degrees. I threw on the donut and hobbled along at 55 MPH to Barstow. My dad helped out again with purchasing a new tire.

Finally, we made it home. We were glad to be there, but now we are glad to be here. There is no place like home. Thanks Dad.

Nuestra Casa

2010-06-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the virtual tour of our home. Aeden and Telia will be your guides. We love it here.

Why the change?

2010-06-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

We have been in Zuni, New Mexico for only a week, but it is obvious that there is a lot to write about: culture, landscape, bugs, lifestyle and new resolutions. We are here to live simply. To strip away anything that distracts us from our goals physically, spiritually, financially and intellectually. It is our hope that at the end of our projected four to five years here that we will be physically stronger, financially more stable, mentally more awake and spiritually more attuned. I think it is possible. This clear, dry desert air makes anything seem possible. It is big, clean and limitless.

From now on, this blog is intended to record daily sort of experiences that make this time and place what it is. Maybe on a day when the adventure has lost some of its luster, we can pick up the story, read it again and laugh at how peculiar it will be to tell it to someone who has never been here.

But for now, there is no lack for luster.

Ann Arbor Bird Stories

2010-05-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

This morning I watched two doves glean seeds from our rock bed, then preen themselves for an hour. Their tail feathers fold up like Chinese paper fans when they are on the ground (except one has shorter tail feathers...). So I waited for the birds to take flight, wondering if their unfolded feathers really look like the "dovetail" shape used in woodworking and dentistry. They do.

A few weeks ago Telia and I witnessed a heart rending saga of two ducks. As many of you may know, ducks are faithful mates. Sadly, this story begins with a female duck just hit and killed by a car. Traffic dodges her body because her mallard companion will not leave her side. Finally, a good Ann Arbor citizen moves the body to a hedgerow just off the road. Still, the mallard sits by his companion's side. Weeks pass. Neighbors began to talk about "the duck." Walking home from the bus stop, I occasioned to see the mallard flying back to his companion. As the days went on we saw the mallard less frequently. He had flown on and I was glad.

Of all the feathered host, cardinals are our favorite. This is a little embarrassing to post publicly, but Cardinals are a symbol of our love. [Long story omitted] To us, they are beautiful and rare compared to other dime-a-dozen birds. It also warms our hearts to frequently see the bright red male cardinal with his female counterpart. We heart cardinals.

While making this post, I have listened to songs about birds and by bands named after birds.

Department of Eagles, In Ear Park
Kate Wolf, Unfinished Life
The Dirty Projectors, Two Doves

We hope you are enjoying the new life of Spring where ever you are. Here are some pics from our recent life:

Updated pictures of the Kids

2010-04-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Wow, I can't believe that it is April!! Ben graduates in less than a month! Crazy. All is well. No updates on where we will be moving, we are really hoping to go to Zuni, New Mexico. We will keep you updated, until then, here are some fun pictures.

Unsalted Peanut Butter

2010-03-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Why is there unsalted peanut butter? What is the point? Today I went to fridge to fix a little apple and peanut butter treat for me and the boy. However, instead of the salt and sugar duet, I got an apple and peanut mismatch. Ugh. Aeden liked it though.

He kept sucking the peanut butter off the apple slice and handing it back to me for more low sodium peanut paste.

Here's to a less hypertensive future.

HELP, I'm stuck at a baby shower!

2010-03-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

At this very moment I am hiding out in the office while a pack of fifteen women sit just beyond the door. It is hard to be certain, but I believe they are guarding the cheesecake and chocolate fondue. They are also making gregarious, giggly and otherwise indiscernible, confusing noises. Relegated to my corner of the condo, I feel safe. At intervals I am commanded to put children to bed, re-park cars and then instructed to return to my corner.

Now, if you are reading this, the odds that you are female are very good. If you're not, please back me up here (if you are in a position to do so). Can you remember the first time you heard of a "baby shower"? I can. I was a bright kid and I knew two things for sure: there was going to be cake and I was not invited.

Some new-agey yippee types try to integrate the men and women into baby showers. However, this too is inherently flawed. The problem is instinctual. If you're a girl, think about the feeling you get inside when you see a brand new little baby. You probably want to hold it, but feel like maybe you should hold back so as to not freak out the mother with your strong feelings. I just see a baby that isn't mine. And, I will admit that guys who get overly excited about babies (not of their own making) sort of weird me out. So, if you find yourself at a yippee co-ed baby shower take a good look around to see if you can't find at least one guy squirming at the unnaturalness of it.

Not that I've had to withstand that misfortune. But, let's consider for a second, what might be the male equivalent of a baby shower? Superbowl? UFC? Playoffs? These are the easy answers, but they don't really stack up. These male dominated activities lack the exclusivity of a baby shower. I want an activity where no girls are allowed, and if they are, they feel like they shouldn't be there...

Something like Boyscouts, Freemasonry or the men's hair club. But my question is do they have cheesecake and chocolate fondue?

Zuni and the Muskrat

2010-02-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Telia and I recently returned from our much anticipated trip to Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Apologies for the platitude, but it really is a land of enchantment. On Tuesday morning we made a sunrise drive west from Albuquerque over the Continental Divide, through El Malpais and past El Morro to Zuni. There was a moment when the sun hit the Ponderosa Pines over the sagey divide that impressed itself so deeply into my memory that it has become my inescapable image of the New Mexican landscape. So living and haunting like an unknown former love.

The clinic itself is temporary while the new ten chair office is completed. Even so, all the trappings of dental technophilia are present including implants, digital radiography, Cerec, IV sedation cart, rotary endo, etc... The clinic is occupied by pleasant and industrious dentists who work well together with a staff of no contention.

Zuni Pueblo is home to the most ancient extant pueblo tribe, the A:shiwi, better known as the Zuni. Unlike many other tribe whose religious rites have become more ceremony than sacred devotion, the ancient traditions are still an integral part of their culture. Consequently, many aspects of their culture are kept private out of reverence and visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos of locals, town and ceremonies.

Will we get the job? I hope so. If it is offered to me upon graduation/licensure I will take it without a second thought.

About the Muskrat. Today, in the backyard there was a rodent-like mammal scurrying across our snowy lawn. At first I didn't even know what manner of creature I beheld. It looked like a beaver and rat had tied the knot and made babies. But after some google image research I have concluded we have a muskrat burrow in our backyard. Dry, it has a thick brown coat with long, leathery tail like a beaver, but less like a pancake and more like a rat. Good times. If it pops its pretty little head up tomorrow I will take a picture.

17 Again

2010-01-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

I was just lounging on the couch tonight waiting for Telia to look at me. She was doing laundry. I had pulled my t-shirt up just above my belly button to expose a vulgar post-holiday abdomen.

She never looked.

Oh well, life is good. Today I finished part II of the National Dental Board Exam (NDBE II). That last sentence makes it sound easy, but the truth is I have spent the better part of the last month studying for it and am praying retro-active prayers that I pass. If you don't believe in retro-active prayers you can send up a few pro-active petitions for my North Eastern Regional Board on Tuesday.

We have been talking a lot about New Mexico lately. And Redbox. As fate would have it there are actually 2 RedBox locations in Gallup, New Mexico. We believe it is a sign.

Yesterday, my friend and missionary trainer Resh Jeffries sent me a message on Facebook saying we need to catch up. It has been years. I enjoyed looking at pictures of him and how his family has grown since last time I saw him. Which reminds me of how rich I have been to meet so many interesting and remarkable people over the years. Some exude cool, others unbelievably capable. Some totally loyal. I have been really blessed.

Lastly, I watched the movie "17 Again" last night. It might have changed my life. Not because Zack whatever his name is looks just like my friend Kyle Poulter in sunglasses, but because it reminds me to live in the present.

So, while I will be turning 30 shortly after graduation, I still feel young and am so grateful for my blessings right now. Especially my family. With that, I think I will get up off the couch and try to chase down my 17 year old phsique.

LIFE (Out of Control)

2009-12-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've long been annoyed by individuals who give unsolicited and unabridged accounts of their lives, so I'll keep this brief: Life is good overall albeit very hectic and seldom dictated by my will. Aeden and Eliza animate our home with purpose, laughter, spit up, and diarrhea. Our days at University of Michigan are winding down as I grit my teeth and narrow my eyes at the last flaming hoops between here and graduation. My hairline continues to charge rearward. We are penciling a 4 year career with the Indian Health Service in New Mexico into our life planners. Cross your fingers for us. Merry Christmas.

Ben

Welcome Fall

2009-10-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is our 4th winter in Michigan and I am still nervous of what is coming. I guess that I'm just not ready to say goodbye to the summer.
Lots of things have happened since my last post. Eliza is now 3 months, but wearing 6 months clothes, Aeden started nursery, I have lost 15 pounds, Ben has lost 10 pounds, We (as in Me and the kids) went to Florida to visit my sister and her family, saw AJ and Angie, celebrated my mom's 60th Birthday, celebrated my brother Jed's birthday, met Eliza and Aeden's new cousin Eva, saw an Alligator and lots of dolphins and yes, they were in the wild. We miss all of our family and friends. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment. We love you.

Biggest Looser Competition!

2009-08-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

My sister and I are starting a Biggest Looser Competition!! If you are wanting to join our group, let me know. We start on Monday, August 24!! There will be a $10 donation for every contestant and the winner will take all!!

July Fun

2009-07-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

We LOVE Great Harvest

Eliza sleeping

Our Car-less kids

Sweet Aeden

Handsome Ben admiring A2 art fair

Sleeping through the A2 art fair

Our walk to Down town A2

Aeden loves Broccoli

Janie and Estee loving Eliza

He is such a joy!!

Eliza Jeanne

2009-07-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

We would like to announce the birth of our new little girl!!

Eliza Jeanne
Born July 9, 2009
8 pounds 3 ounces
22 1/2 inches long

I had hit my week over due mark and had an induction scheduled. They were a little bit more reserved to have an induction for me since I was going to try and have a VBAC( Vaginal Birth after C-section). I was then sceduled to go into the hospital wednesday, July 8 around 7:30 p.m. I loved it!! It is so fun showing up at the hospital, receiving your wrist band and knowing that you are going to leave with a new baby. Everything was wonderful, I love the University of Michigan Hospital. I labored all night and into the day. As I dilated more and more I kept thinking to my self, "hey, I am really going to have a vaginal delivery. They aren't going to stop me. Yes!" I was very excited to make it to the pushing stage, a stage I never made it to for Aeden since he was a c-section. So I was happily entering new territory with this experience. I pushed for an hour, which was really hard. I had no idea that it was going to be that hard and painful!! But with Ben's help, I made it though and our little Eliza was born at 3:11 in the afternoon. It was a beautiful experience to hold her immediately, especially since it took them 45 minutes to stitch up my 3rd degree tear. The doctor said that he had never seen a child come out with BOTH SHOULDERS at the SAME TIME!!! Yes, it was pretty painful but Eliza was worth every stitch. Thank you so much to my mom who was able to watch and spoil Aeden while we were in the hospital.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!! This is one of my favorite holidays. Today, Ben wasn't feeling well so Aeden and I had an all day date!! It was so wonderful. I love hanging out with my boy! Thanks for the fun day!

Ben's first Sparkler experience. We made a mega Sparkler, 6 at once. Very dangerous(it was awesome), don't try it at home!

A good day to have a baby!

2009-07-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

I am 2 days overdue and am hoping to have the baby soon. Ben leaves to do a externship in Northern Michigan on Monday, so it would be nice to have the baby before then. I don't want to put pressure on her to come, but I do hope she comes soon. While we are waiting, here are some more pictures. Ben has this week off (No school or patients!!) so we are just enjoying our time.

3 More Days, No baby yet.

2009-06-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor on Thursday where I found out that I was dilated to 3 cm and my cervix was "ripe." She striped my membranes and said that I could go any minute! So, we are on Saturday, no pain or discomfort and I am feeling great! I keep thinking that it could happen any time but we will see. I have been drinking raspberry herbal tea, spicy Chinese food and walking lots. I am putting off the caster oil and cohosh sisters for now. Hopefully we will have a baby soon. Right now, I will be patient and post some cute pictures.

Ben's fathers day present. We fixed all of his watches so that they actually tick!

Ben's Birthday

2009-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

This year, Ben was actually in Alaska for his birthday. But of course, as soon as he came back, we celebrated his birthday. Happy Birthday love, I love you and your beard.

March Fun

2009-06-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Trip to the Canada, Palmyra, New York and the Sacred Grove. I still shiver looking at the pictures.

Daddy is so fun

2009-06-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

This is what happends when daddy does bath time. Aeden just loves his daddy! (sorry it is sideways)

Crafty May Days

2009-05-24T07:45:00.001-07:00

Rearranging objects in our home is one of my favorite past-times. In the last 3 days Telia and I have given our home decor a proverbial swirlie:

Mix Up #1 - We needed a picture frame stand to display a framed photograph of Aeden on our shelf... ...so we fashioned this sweet stand from 2 coat hangers from our front closet. A pair of wire cutting needle nose pliers coupled with a little wire and determination and "wahLLAH!": A PICTURE FRAME STAND.

Mix Up #2 - We recently purchased a pathos (read as unkillable houseplant) for a $1.75, but needed a sweet pot to display it. I searched high and low only to find out our most suitable small white pot was being used by Telia to house our pens, pencils, scissors, phone rechargers, keys, pacifiers, receipts, etc. on our kitchen counter. Like a black hole transporting our clutter to another dimension. Not wanting to disrupt her precarious physics experiment I settled for a small clear glass vase Telia had found by our dumpster a few months ago. Problem: vase is clear and doesn't match our shelf. Solution: find left over spray paint and coat inside of the vase. It makes it look like a ceramic with a really thick clear glaze, sort of like a reverse glass painting. I am proud of the finished product.

Mix Up #3 - I'm going to be honest. I really, really wanted to buy white frames with mats to display Telia's photography and Aeden's portraits, but funds are tight. Sometimes that is what drives me to DIY. So, after digging around in boxes I wrangled up the picture frames you see below. Originally, they were all black or brown. So I painted them with some old high gloss white the previous home owner left in the garage. Then I arranged them into a montage as pleasing to my eyes as I could make. Now we just need to take out some of those old wedding pics...

Mix Up #4 - While in Bethel I picked up this sweet poster (International Migratory Bird Day 2009), but came home to find that I didn't have a frame to house it. Some of you who have been to our house may have already seen this, but I love to use brown paper grocery bags to make poor man picture mats. Since the poster is dark brown, and the wall is blue I figured it would work especially well in this case.

Mix Up #5 - Telia's annual bucket garden!!! The farmers market is bustling again where we love to buy new plant starts for a dollar. Yesterday we bought a few beefsteak tomatoes, grape tomatoes, green peppers, basil, oregano and chives. Potting soil is $2 for each 40lb bag. Pickle buckets were free from Zingerman's Deli. I used a 1/4" drill bit to make about 30 holes in the bottom of each bucket for proper drainage. If you choose to make a bucket garden from pickle buckets, be sure to wash them out thoroughly. The smell CAN linger.

In addition to these mash ups we've made an awesome strawberry-rhubarb basket weave pie, returned our old expensive rug with a stylish jute rug for half the price and hung the mirror by the back door.

Three Years and still in Love

2009-05-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today marks the three year anniversary of knowing Ben Anderson. I thought that I would like to share how we met. Well, three years ago to date, it was a Saturday. I had worked all day at my Dad's Great Harvest ( I love Great Harvest Bread) and that night, at the last minute, decided to go to the Saturday session of our Stake Conference. I was excited to go because I had been living in Utah and had just come home for the summer and wanted to see long lost friends that I hadn't seen for a while. So my mom and I went, showing up a little late but at least we went. As I listened to Sister Stacy (my friends mother), I noticed a handsome man walked in with another girl. And I knew it was him. A week earlier I had met a really nice woman, Darlene Anderson in my Dad's store and she said that she had a son that she wanted to set us up or have us get together and talk about Hiking, Camping and fun stuff we both enjoyed. She has known our family for years. Both of our fathers have served in Stake Callings together, my father taught Ben's younger sister in Seminary and his father taught my older brother in Seminary. Small World! So, when Ben walked in, I asked my mom and she said that that was The Ben Anderson. Oh, wow, but he was with another girl so I tried not to think about him. After the conference, there were so many people I wanted to talk to so I made my rounds getting reacquainted with friends. However, I began to notice that "Ben" was trying to come and talk to me. So I proceeded to move along talking to everyone else but "Ben." Finally I could tell he was getting discouraged and might be giving up. So I walked past him and his friend who I knew. Course being the lady that I am, I said hi to his friend Kyle, but not to "Ben" ( I was so mean!). Then I walked into the foyer to start up another conversation with another friend. When out of the door he came and walked right up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Ben Anderson. I think we are supposed to know each other." Wow, alright. Then he said, "I would like to take you out. It is a PLANNED date that is PAYED for and we will be PAIRED off." OK, I thought. I was really tired but He is so dreamy so I said, "Yes." That night he took me on our first date to see the new movie at the time, "The Da Vinci Code" and we shared a soda. Then later we went to the Meinzer's home to play some Pool. I beat him in a game of pool, not that that is really important information, but the important thing is that I knew I could really like this guy. Well the rest is pretty much history. I saw him on Monday where we went out again and then talked forever. That night is when I knew that I could spend eternity with him. So we went on dating every night that week. That weekend I took him to my brother Zach's home who lived in the bay area at the time with his 4 beautiful children and that was when I knew I would marry him. There is our little story. I love you Ben and am so glad you were persistant that first day we met, three years ago today!!

California and Virginia City

2009-05-03T17:10:00.001-07:00

April Fun!

2009-04-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

April has been such a wonderful month that has just flown by! Ben is now on his way to Alaska, where he will be practicing Dentistry for 3 weeks! He is going to a beautiful place called Bethel, Alaska. Im grateful he gets to go but I have been really emotional having him gone! I think it will be nice to go home to California while he is gone. We love and miss you tons Daddy. California here we come!!!

Aeden's First Haircut

2009-04-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

It was about time to get a haircut for this little boy. I believe that I have even been a little resistant to get it cut just because I still feel like he is still to young. Anyway, Ben and I decided it was time and took him to a local Ann Arbor Barber. Barber Bill was very kind and had toys, cartoons and a treat for him. It was a great first haircut. Now my boy looks like a young Man!

Happy First Birthday Pictures

2009-03-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to a wonderful friend with an extremely talented gift, we were able to capture some of the tender moments of Aeden's life. To see more of these pictures, go to http://annmariephotography.blogspot.com/
Enjoy. Thank you again Ann-Marie!

Happy First Birthday!

2009-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our wonderful boy. Aeden has brought so much joy into our lives. He is such a sweet, handsome, thoughtful, caring, kind young man. Our lives have been greatly blessed because of him and his amazing spirit. We love you Aeden. Happy Birthday!

Dinner for Art and Sierra

2009-03-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

http://arborwiki.org/city/Birthday_Deals

We are having a.................

2009-02-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

GIRL!!

Yesterday, Ben and I went to the doctors office just to hear them say that we were having a "boy" and to check the baby. I was sure it was going to be a boy. I did not have any sickness, I felt the same as I did with Aeden and I just thought I would have two boys. A majority of my friends have two boys so I thought that I would just join in their little groupie. As we were looking at the baby, and yes, there is only one baby, we were just waiting to hear the "boy" word. About 20 minutes into the visit, the lady asked if we wanted to know the gender of our child. Of course, the whole time I was making comments about our "he" child. So the lady casually asked us and we said yes. Well, you are having a "GIRL." I thought she was joking even though they don't really joke around. She then proceded to tell us that she could tell it was a girl almost the second she started the ultra sound. She said the baby had her legs open and it was very obvious it was a girl. Anyway, we are both very happy. A little surprised but we could not be any more content. We look forward to getting ready for this girl and meeting her sometime in June!

More snow!

2009-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, I woke up this morning to another 4-6 inches and it is still snowing. I drove Ben to school and it took us 40 minutes. A drive that normally is about a 7 minute drive. The roads are just crazy and it is freezing outside. I can't believe that it could ever snow so much.
Now, some things I love about Michigan:
1) The snow makes it really beautiful
2) People speak with accents
3) We have a warm, cozy home that I love
4) We have a great car that gets us here and there
5) The just love the buildings here and Ann Arbor
6) Cardinals are here
7) My sister and her family
8) We have the Big House and we get to watch the box seats go up everyday
9) The food is cheaper than California
10) Ben gets to go to school and learn a great career

OK, I do love it here. Im just longing for the warmer weather and the sun.

Aeden meets Santa

2009-01-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

So Serious.
Happy.
Again, so happy.
so serious again.
Happy, so happy. We will see what happens next year.

Jedie and Aeden

2009-01-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Visiting Colorado family was the best. However, there are 6 Boys 5 years of age and younger, with 2 more to be added this year. Aeden, currently the youngest, was loved by his cousins, especially Baby Jed. He loved Aeden, and spent almost every second by his side, touching him, petting him and calling him "baby." It was so cute. Jed was just the sweetest to Aeden; although, Aeden did not enjoy someone always in his face. It was pretty funny to watch. On our way home, Aeden was finally able to rest, sans Jed. Every part of me wishes we were back in Colorado and I think deep down, Aeden does too.

Christmas Vacation in Colorado

2009-01-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

More pictures to come. All I can say is that I love my family and feel so grateful for the time we were able to stay with them. I am always sad to go but feel grateful for the memories which we were able to make.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2008-12-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, I cannot believe it is that season. The wonderful season of Family, Reflection, Snow, Christ and Love. It has been such a wonderful year; a year of growth, trials of our Country, and personal triumph. We would like to wish you all the JOYS of the season. May Jesus Christ be the center of our homes and may we have peace in our lives. We love and miss all of our family and friends far way.
Lots of Love,

Ben, Telia, Aeden and Baby

Happy November!

2008-11-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

We would like to extend to all a happy November. This year has flown by so fast that I can not believe that it is here. I am so excited for Thanksgiving. I want to even start making pies and a turkey, but I will wait.

Getting our home ready for Thanksgiving, we naturally put away all of the Halloween decorations. Within those decorations, there was a spider web and 2 spiders that were big and were place in our window. Every time my nephew, Eli, would come over, he would cautiously walk around making sure he never got anywhere remotely close to the spider. Well today, when he came over, he immediately noticed that the spider was gone. His instant relief relaxed his whole body, then said, "telia's home is safe now." My sister then explained that the spider went away because halloween was over and that maybe telia might have to have a Snowman or Turkey. Eli looked at me and said, "ya, i don't want a snowman." Poor kids. The things they deal with. So here are some pictures from Halloween. Aeden was a shark this year. We did dress him up in as Piglet for a little while, which he did not enjoy. He did enjoyed his Shark costume and was a really good shark because he now has 6 teeth, which are razor sharp and he used them to bit me. So I thought it would be good for him to be a shark and I would be a diver. We love this holiday.

NYC was wonderful!

2008-10-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Aeden, the boy, the legend

2008-09-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

YEAH BABY!!! I'm on solid foods!

People keep saying that Aeden looks a lot like Tracy. I'll let you be the judge.

NYC and the TODAY show!

2008-09-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

We are going to NYC!! Me, Sierra, Ann-Marie (Dental School friend/Photographer), and Aeden, Sierra's two boys, Eli and Wesley, and Ann-Marie's boys, Levi and Isaac. So that is 3 moms and 5 kids! Crazy, but we are going to have fun. Look for us on the Today Show this FRIDAY!! By the way, below is the t-shirt design we are going to wear. Thank you Ben for your creative mind!

Beach Fun!!

2008-09-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello to all. We have had a fun summer. Lots of fun adventures. Swimming in Lake Michigan, Camping, Running, Farmers Market, Zoo, playing with Ben, Ben PASSING the boards!! Lots of fun. And finally, my sister Sierra and her family to Ann Arbor for Law School, moving in just 1.9 miles away!! We love having them here.

Baby Sitting & Photoshop, etc.

2008-08-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hello all, this is Ben...hey wait! Don't stop reading...I just want to balance the blog equation here. Four days ago I completed the National Dental Board Exam part 1 (like USMLE step 1, but for dentists). I say that because I have been sort of ANTI-social to pretty much all my friends who weren't close enough to throw rocks at since about April. I am, of course hugely relieved that it is over (unless I don't pass), but I want to apologize to everyone. Especially to my friend Jesse Horrocks who called me on my birthday (May 14th) and has still not received the return call.

Anyway...since the test I have been in sort of a daze trying to get around to everything I've been wanting to do, but haven't been. Among those includes creating logos for my dental fraternity (Xi Psi Phi, aka "Zips") and a friend who is starting up a business. While none of them are "done" I am proud of them and am ready to share them with everybody. The zipper is my favorite.

Telia and I have been baby sitting three of my cousins while my Aunt Mindy and Uncle Thad go to my other cousin's wedding in San Diego, who's dad (my uncle Kevin) is receiving a heart transplant tonight due to amyloidosis. But with so much going on, especially the babysitting part, of which Telia has done the lionshare, I think it is time for me to walk away from the computer/photoshop/logos for a while and go be decent helping husband...

This was adapted from the original below:

2 Years and Strong

2008-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Ben!! And Brooke and Joe! Yes, that is right. We have our Anniversary on the same day as Ben's Sister!! And we actually got married the same day, same temple. We even have a picture of all of us together in our wedding dresses and tuxes. It was a wonderful day.

Ben, Thank you for the wonderful 2 years. You are such a wonderfun husband and father. I love you.

I think that it would be appropriate to tell our story. Well, it all started back on May 22, 2006. That is when I first set eyes on him. On Ben Anderson.

We both attended the saturday session of Stake Conference. I was there because my mom went and said that maybe Ben would be there. I knew of him, but had never seen or met him. About a week before, his mom had come into my dad's bakery (Great Harvest! I love it!) where I worked. She and his little brother who I thought was cute, came in and grabbed my hand at asked, "Are you the one that is not married?" I hesitated and said "Yes." She then proceeded to tell me that she had a son who she thought I should meet. I said "OK," whatever. So when I saw him at the church, I knew it was him.

Anyway, long story short, We met. He asked me out. He said that he wanted to take me out and that it would be PLANED for, PAID for, and PAIRED off ( the three P's). I was flattered. So we stared Dating. A week later we were serious, I had my wedding dress by June 15, and we were married August 4, 2006!! It was a wonderful day, and continues to be a dream come true. To eternity and beyond!!

4 Month Check up

2008-07-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

I think that I worry to much. Always before Aeden goes in to the doctor, I always worry that he is not getting enough, that he is starving to death, and has croup and is going to die from his shots. Course, none of this is ever true, just the paranoid mother, the new mother worries. So we went to the doctor to find out that everything is fine. Well better than fine.

I was curious to know his weight, thinking he wasn't getting enough, that he might still be hungry and if I should start supplementing with formula, rice cereal...etc. We put him on the scale to read 19.5 pounds!! Wow, I thought that he was getting heavier! Now he is entering into the 95% for height and weight. The nurse was very impressed and that mothers milk was cream. Relieved and ecstatic about his weight, I began to worry about the shots. Having such huge thighs, the nurse was not really concerned for Aeden. After his first one, he wined a little but then was distracted by the twirling dolphin hanging from the ceiling. The last shot seemed to hurt him the worst, but I quickly took him to the nursing room where he calmed down almost immediately. I could not believe it. The doctors appointment that I had been so worried about, so anxious, was over! It was a wonderful visit. Thank you Aeden for being such a good big healthy boy, and Liberty Pediatrics. We love them.

Sparklers and Slugglers

2008-07-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sparklers and Slugglers? Can any one guess. These are the names that we can up with for the different types of fireflies. Here in Michigan, we have the slugglers. The flies have a long slow light that normally gradually fades off and last a little over a second. Beautiful and love them. However, when we were down in Indiana, visiting a friend, Taryn, we noticed that she had both types of fireflies. The sparklers and Slugglers. Some flies would have a longer light, and some would be very sort, very fast. Enjoying these little bugs, I love watching them come out as they light up the darkness wherever they go.

Aeden

2008-07-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Aeden. He is getting very big, which we as parents are very proud.

2008-07-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Aeden has been a very good boy. Here are some pictures from about a month ago. Man alive, time flies by. These pictures were taken from one of my friends. She is so talented. If you would like to see more of her work visit http://annmariephotography.blogspot.com/. Thank you Ann-Marie!!

My Garden

2008-06-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

We planted a potted garden this year. Right now I have, 2 green peppers, 2 Red peppers, 2 zucchini, 2 tomato, 2 cucumber, rosemary, basil, thyme, chives, oregano, cilantro, 2 lavender, and a Shasta Daisy plant. It has made me feel a little more independent from the grocery store and more like a pioneer. Although, I am really glad that I can just buy meat from the store!

Father's Day

2008-06-20T05:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers/Future Fathers out there. Aeden and I were able to make a trip out to Colorado to visit my brother Zach and Kristy and there 5 children, Kaylee, Tia, Ethan, Owen and Jed. We had a blast, all of them wanted to see and hold Aeden. Aeden felt like he was in Heaven. We were able to have my sister Sierra and her two boys, Eli and Wes, along with my mom and my little brother, Jed. Then my Dad flew in for the weekend, so almost all of my family together again. We missed Ben and Art immensely. It was a great trip.
I wanted to write a little about my dad. He has been such a wonderful father and has always worked so hard. He has a Great Harvest in Folsom, California where he spends night and day working, while so many people just love him and his bread. Growing up, he was the nicest ever, always taking us to do fun things, hiking, hawaii, Disneyland. He has always been really buff and I have always felt super safe with him. Dad, you have been so wonderful. Thank you for your example, your love for mother, your love for the scriptures, your testimony, always serving others and your love for us children and grandchildren. I hope you had a wonderful day. I love you.

Swim Lessons

2008-06-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

June is finally here. Warm weather, Sun shine, happy people, it's time to come out of our winter cave and start partying. And to do that, we started with a great week of SWIMMING lessons. Yes, finally, last week I started back up with teaching swim lessons. It has been wonderful to have a pool this year. My wonderful friend has an out-door, heated pool that she doesn't mind me using, with a small fee, so I have a pool to teach my students.
My new little company is called "STRONGSWIM." Any other suggestions, I will take them. I had eighteen students!, and It was a blast. Since I have 6 more sessions, I look forward to being in the water. There will be lots and teaching. No stopping until every child in Michigan can swim and enjoy the fun activities the summer has to offer.

Aeden's Blessing

2008-06-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

May is for Mother

2008-05-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is in the month of may and I wanted to just highlight my mom. I was going through pictures the other day and realized again, that I love my mom. As you can see by the pictures she always looking to have a good time.

She was always eating ice cream (JK) and stayed beautiful and tan.

She always likes to get dressed up in her best clothes and greet people. Very friendly.

She like to take glamour shots. Who knew. Well, to be honest, I think she did that just one time. But it have been remembered!

She was always hip and the styles always followed her. As you can say, "She is a trend setter."

She loves my father and they have been the best parents for me. I love you mom.

2 Month Check-Up

2008-05-16T15:20:00.001-07:00

Aeden had his check up yesterday. We are happy to report that Aeden weighed in at 13 pounds 3 ounces!! And he measured 24 inches!! That put his height and weight into the 90th percentile and his head into the 75th percentile. It was a great check-up until he had to get his shots which was very sad for Aden and especially Mommy. Today, we think he is feeling better and has forgiven us because of all his smiles. That makes us feel better, especially since we will be traveling tomorrow!! California, here we come.

Germy Germ Heads

2008-05-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

We are all sick with runny noses and sore throats. Even Aeden has been working through some upper respiratory tract congestion.

While Telia's bouncing step is temporarily stymied (except if she's running for the Kleenex box), let it be known that we are NOT beaten by this cold! In fact, the Anderson household has set the terms of its offensive strike on the insidious germs that have dared to desecrate its holy walls.

Anderson 6 Point Strategy (to annihilate the microscopic badguys that have us sniffling)

1.) Strict bedrest for the duration of 0800 of 5.16.2008 to 0800 of 5.17.2008

2.) Vitamin C and insane amounts of water. Since its a water soluble vitamin that is easily metabolized, we are going WAY overboard on the RDA. Can you say 10,000% of the recommended daily value? We are bolstering our immune response with the likes of "Emergen-C" "500 mg tabs" and "copious amounts of orange juice" (don't worry, we don't have a history of gastric/peptic ulcers)

3.) Echinacea. Let it be the tea we drink and the capsule we take 6x daily!

4.) Frequent handwashing. Don't worry we have plenty of hand lotion to protect against dryness and cracking.

5.) Soup on the 2 hr interval. Chicken noodle, Beef n' Veggie, Veggie, Lentils and Organic chicken noodle.

6.) Puffs tissues with Vicks scent. Simply the best. They are so good they will make you wish you were sick.

We are confident that our 6 point offensive will adequately prepare us to meet the upcoming challenges of cross-country travel that imminently await us ... please keep us in your prayers as our immune systems catch up with our aspirations.

For a more personal account of this battle, please check out my site by either clicking on "Ben" in the left hand column of friends or following this link: http://web.mac.com/benanderson3/iWeb/Site/Home/Home.html

Cardinals

2008-05-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today Aeden and I saw a Cardinal. We were coming back from a friends home where we had a delicious breakfast. As we were making our way back home, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warm weather, my eye quickly caught a glimpse of a bird flying across the road. It caught my eye because of the amazing color, Tomato Red. As I looked more closely, it was a Cardinal, just beautiful! The Cardinal played in the near by branches and sang as he flew from branch to branch. Unaware that his audience was in awe of his presence. It was a wonderful day.
I have now only seen 4 Cardinals in Michigan and can remember every spotting, perfectly. These birds are our favorite.

Talking, talking, talking

2008-05-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

All day yesterday, Aeden was just talking and talking and smiling!! It is so fun to see him change and just be so aware of what is going on. He just likes to be with everyone and be included in what we are doing. It is so much fun to watch him grow.

Happy Aeden, Happy Daddy

2008-05-05T13:32:00.001-07:00

Aeden is alive and well. He is really the best baby ever. He eats lots, sleeps lots, and smiles a ton. Eating: During the day he eats and eats. Sometimes he will want to nurse ever 2-3 hours. Which is wonderful. I let him. If he wants it, he will get it. Sleeping: Sometimes during the day, he will be up most of the hours. However, at night, he has been sleeping more into the 7 to 9 hours of sleep. It has been wonderful. I have been able to wake up in the morning and get a lot done, before he even wakes up. Sweet Ben has also even watched him in the mornings so that I could start working out. I ran three times last week, amazing. It felt wonderful. Loved it. Now about smiling. He is starting to smile a lot now. More so in the mornings. He will smile at his daddy and mommy. We just will watch him all day. Aeden is a blessing in our lives.

CHI irons and Make-over

2008-05-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kara Barber, we had a little make over at my home. She worked her magic and helped me with my hair and makeup.
I feel that I have many different talents, but make-up/hair is not one of them. So I am always amazed by people who know how. In fact, growing up, my sister, Sierra, would always help me and do my hair and make-up. She now lives in Utah, so I need help. Thanks to kara, I am hopefully on my way to have a little more style. Plus, the CHI things are amazing. In fact, I am looking to buy one, so if anyone knows a good place, let me know. These are some pictures of the results. Enjoy.

Aeden's Photo Shoot

2008-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

More fun pictures of Aeden. Enjoy

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone. Aeden had his week birthday on Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny knew that he had been a good boy and brought him lots of wonderful things.

Aeden has been able to meet lots of his friends and family that have been waiting so long for his arrival. It has been a dream come true to have his presents in our home. Grandma Stout was won of the wonderful visitors that helped Aeden and me out. Grandma Stout had to leave today, we will miss her so much and thank you for all your help. We could not have done it without you.

Aeden is happy and healthy. Right now, our main focus is to put some weight onto him. He hasn't been gaining as much as the doctor would have expected so we are trying to feed him more often. However, it is extremely hard to wake this boy up. We will have to change him in order to make him upset, which helps him eat. Also, yesterday, Aeden lost his umbilical cord, so today was the first day for his bath, and surprisingly, he enjoyed it.

Aeden Rock Anderson

2008-03-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Aeden Rock Anderson
March 16, 2008, 9:02 AM
8 pounds, 1 ounce
20 1/2 Inches

Aeden Rock Anderson has made his way into this wonderful world that has been awaiting for him. He is perfect. The labor and delivery was great. Lots of hard work, fun contractions, but come to a wonderful end with an emergency c-section. You do whatever it takes to get your little guy here safely. We are very proud parents and just think the world of him. He are some nice pictures. Even though we look tired, we are as happy as ever. And by the way, Aeden is a happy baby.

broken water

2008-03-15T10:50:00.001-07:00

Telia's water has broken. Stay tuned here for updates...

Preparing for our little guy

2008-03-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

So...we are having a baby boy in about 2 days. We are making all sorts of preparations. Telia has been feathering the nest with the vigorous instinct of hardwired anticipation...as for me, it is more of a cognitive thing. I KNOW we are having him, but I think I’m going have SEE, hold and smell this little guy before the realization sets in. For the moment, I am content to help Telia and try to stretch my mind like taffy around this life altering change in my own way.

We’re trying to close in on a name. I know I’ve said it a lot lately, but the hard part isn’t coming up with a great name... it’s coming up with a great name that we both agree on. We both like the name Peter. He is my favorite figure in the New Testament save Jesus Himself, but I thought that name was sort off limits. It is my opinion that Peter had more faith and joi d’vivre than any other contemporary of the Savior. I mean, come on... I didn’t see any of the other Apostles getting out of the boat to walk on water ... and, just for the record, the names Peter and Benjamin in the same family is in no way an allusion to Beatrix Potter’s Peter rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. I am pretty sure she was one egg shy of a dozen. I know. I saw the movie (Miss Potter) ... well, half of it.

As part of my preparation, I have begun 2 paintings. Neither is finished. One is found in our “painting” section of this site entitled “unfinished” meant that we are never finished becoming fathers. The second one is WAY more ambitious and symbolic (pictured above). In fact it includes a lot of symbolic imagery that is significant to me at 3 levels. For now, I think it will suffice to say only I hope it is esthetically pleasing and that I finish it within the next 6 months.

Preparing for a child is a spiritual process. It is forcing me to examine who I am and contrasting that person to the father I want to be for my son. Although I cannot clearly see the future or know precisely what the next few years will bring, I am teeming with hope. I don’t know if my body has enough room to hold it all...I have hope coming out of my finger tips, eyes and lips.

If anyone has a suggestion for the painting, names or fatherly advice in general, give me a shout out in the comments section por favor.

Before and After

2008-02-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

We recently decided to put in wood floors. January, we were given the oppourtunity to do so, and since the baby will be here soon, we wanted to get them put in as soon as possible. Now they're done! I think it was the fastest home improvement ever.
Before

Wednesday, February 13, carpet was riped out.

Floors were put in on February 14 and 15. This was our Valentines Day. We will have a date another night.

Saturday they put in the quarter rounds and called it a day. Sunday, we were happily back into our home.

Ben's Haircut

2008-02-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, Ben asked me a question that I had not been asked for a long time. "Would you like to cut my hair?" Wow. I have not been asked that since I lived at home. In fact, I remember the last time exactly. I was a junior in High School(1998), and my brother Jed asked me for a haircut. Well, I think that I may have asked him if I could cut his hair since it was getting really long and curly. I told him that if I just cut the ends a little bit, that his hair would be more curly and look healthier. After agreeing that I would only cut a little, I began to snip. After a while, about an hour, I couldn't seem to get the ends even. I was just going about it my own way. Faithfully I continued, pretending to know what I was doing. After another hour, Jed heard me say the word that no one should ever say when you are cutting hair!!
"OOPS!" Jed, having been patient enough, just sat there waiting for me to say something else besides "OOPS." After the couple of hours of me trying to cut his hair and Jed just waiting patiently for this torture to finish, I ended up just using the buzzer and buzzed his head. And after all of that, Jed said, "THANK YOU!!!" Can you believe that, "THANK YOU!" Jed, you are so kind and wonderful. Thank you for being so patient and loving with me. Now, back to cutting Ben's hair. I think that he may have forgotten that whole episode or I just conveniently for got to tell him. Whatever the case was, it was a successful cutting. Ben's hair looks amazing and as always, so does he.

Family Fun

2008-02-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Anderson Family in front of our very own Sacramento Temple

Grammy Stout and Wesley

Here are some fun pictures of Christmas and family. We enjoyed being home and in the company of our family and friends.

Uncle Jedediah and the Baby Anderson Cake that we made!!

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2008-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley died yesterday. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for his service and how happy I am that he is able to be back with his wife. I will miss him but I know that he finished his work here and deserves a rest.
In the Salt Lake Tribune, an article stated that, "He dazzled people - members and outsiders alike - with his encyclopedic memory and almost superhuman work ethic. During his nearly 13 years as president, Hinckley gave more than 2,000 speeches, visited more than 150 countries, and greeted hundreds of diplomats and ambassadors. He was interviewed by journalists from nearly every major American newspaper, charming many with his folksy wisdom and self-deprecating humor.
"Treat me well," he would say with a sly grin. "I'm just an old man."
Yet even in his 90s, the figure Mormons consider a "prophet, seer and revelator" rarely thought like an old man.
"His keen intellect and thirst to understand how everything works resulted in a storehouse of knowledge that will be nearly irreplaceable," said Elder Marlin Jensen, the church's official historian. "I believe he was a true prophet but it didn't hurt that he was a genius, too."
I too know that he was a prophet, a seer and revelator and feel grateful to have him in my life.

Happy Holidays

2008-01-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Time has just flown bye. I cant even believe that it has been over a month since our last blog entry. This reminds me of keeping a journal. I wasn't the perfect journal keeper, however I tried. When ever time passed with the absence of writing, my whole entry would be a catch-up. At least there would be some type of record. Anyway, the holidays were amazing.
We were able to go home to California for a couple of weeks. We spent time with friends and family and saw those faces we love, even visit the places we love and eat all the Great Harvest we wanted(thanks to Dad Stout). It was wonderful to have the warm weather, the Sees candy and watch movies in a real theater!! We LOVE home. Thank you to all who made it so special.

chocolate milk and cheez-its

2007-12-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

Ben and I have been very busy lately and our nutritional standards have been compromised. here is is the evidence.

Telia and the cake

2007-11-19T16:37:00.000-08:00

MMMM. CAKE!!!!!! Telia made this scrum-diddly-umptious Devil's Food cake for halloween. Very, very chocolatey. We tried to resist it, but after a while just sort of lost our minds...

Wreaths!!

2007-11-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show off a wreath Ben made. We snuck into the Arboretum, clipped some branches and stole off into the night like squirrels with our contraband. Here are a couple of incriminating photos.

Game Day

2007-11-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

Mike and Kate.

Today's cold, losing battle between UM and the OSU Buckeyes served to deepen the rivalry. But game day isn't just about what happens on the field, it's about what happens with friends before and after the game. Our house was the hot place to be this morning as breakfast burritos and cinnamon rolls met their happy gastric demise. Thanks to all of you who came and we hope to see everyone else next time.

James and Bill, his father in law chowing down on some tasty breakfast burritos.

Andrea and her mom

Daws and some White kids

Telia making cinnamon rolls for an army.

Mike White saving my bacon.

Logan and Brett being crazy Michigan fans...because they ARE crazy Michigan fans.

2007-11-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

So, I was talking to my brother Daniel tonight. After reading our recreation log, ie. our blog, he was mistakenly led to believe that I have this semester off. For the record, this blog represents exactly 2.25 % of my time (time spent having fun + vacations - see figure 1). In fact, last night I logged precisely 2.5 hours of sleep in preparation for a practical exam today. My question is, what happens when a candle burning at both ends, meets in the middle?

2007-11-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a pumpkin over our little pumpkin.

fertile snowflakes

2007-11-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a little paper snowflake shout out to all of our pregnant friends.

Kickin' it...colonial style!

2007-10-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

We recently had a chance to visit colonial Virginia during Ben's Fall break. Our adventures included Jamestown, Williamsburg, Virgina Beach, The College of William & Mary, as well as Thomas Jefferson's "architechtural autobiography," Monticello.

It was fun to discover the origins of our nation as well as explore the mid-atlantic states a little bit.

Jamestown: We saw three real wooden ships with their crews preparing for another voyage, a woman making a burn-out canoe from a log, a fortress, glass blowing and blackpowder musket shooting.

Williamsburg: We spent two days walking through Williamsburg trying to soak it all in. Between the re-enactments, the architecture and the tours we were able to gain a sense of what it might have been like to live over 200 years ago.

Monticello: We found some inspiration for our future home. Thomas Jefferson integrated neo-classical architecture with some contemporary French ideas. His entry way was meant to impress and educate, if not altogether intimidate his house guests. His parlor was large by even today's standards with high ceilings. Also, impressive was his collection of portraits of persons he found inspirational. Mostly philosophers like Locke and Bacon. The predominately open floor plan connected his room to his study to his famous library to his contiguous greenhouse. All very cool. Maybe we could just buy it from the state of Virinia, but where's the fun in that?

After we came back, we found a small apple orchard, similar, but not as cool as Apple Hill, where we went pumpkin hunting after we threw back a few doughnuts with cider. Being a fun, farmy little place meant for young families, they had these silly painted plywood photo ops. We couldn't resist. Especially in light of Telia's pregnancy, thinking that someday we might explain the birds and the bees to our children using this picture.

IT'S A BOY!!!

2007-10-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Say hello to baby-man anderson! We are beside ourselves to have a visual image of our child, even if it is only a sonic reflection. So, for all those of you holding your breath as you wait to discover the gender of our baby, please breathe. It is a boy. I guess that means I don't have to buy a shot-gun just yet. If you'd like verify the sex of the baby for yourself, you can reference the bottom-left ultrasound image that we have posted...No questions remain in our minds that he is a man-child. So, if you're looking for a reason to celebrate something tonight or for the upcoming week, or month...you can party with us.

2007-10-21T05:22:00.001-07:00

What a weekend! Erik (Ben's youngest brother) received his mission call to Yekaterinburg, Russia, UM pulled off another win against Illinois, we found two perfect pumpkins, and had some Indian food with our friends Kyle and Amber Walkington. We also had some cider and donuts at an apple orchard to celebrate Autumn.

It's funny Erik should get his call to Russia, because I think there is a movie with him in Russia on a mission...Here is the poster. We found it on the internet. We thought it was quite a coincidence!

Baby Anderson

2007-10-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby Anderson and heartbeat

2007-10-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

U of M vs. Notre Dame

2007-09-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday was an amazing day of football. University of Michigan played Notre Dame. And we destroyed them (sorry Zach). I do have love towards ND (my brother went there) and would normally cheer for them if they were playing any other team besides Uof M. But, It was so nice to see Michigan win. I think that it was good for the team, the die-hard fans, and just the city. Football is like a Saturday religion. If things aren’t going the way they should be, people loose faith, they doubt and become unsure of who they are. I think these feelings are temporary because people will still know that they “Bleed Blue.” It was an exciting day and I felt grateful we could share it with my parent. Good luck U of M.

The Heartbeat

2007-09-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sounds now in the whole entire world is the sound of our little baby’s heartbeat. Yes, we are pregnant!!!!!!! It was hard to believe in the beginning, especially since you cant really feel the baby, although you begin to have all of the symptoms of being pregnant. Tiered, hungry and of course emotional, these are all great things to have. I have been reading every book they have on pregnancy and have come to this conclusion. Whatever happens, bring it on and I am grateful. You only are pregnant for 9 months (per child), and how I want to enjoy every minute. It is a surreal experience knowing that you have a little spirit from god that is sharing your body. And the motherly instinct comes to protect and do anything for that baby.
So I wanted to share that I love being pregnant and am grateful for this opportunity to bring a little spirit into this world. The doctor said that everything looked great. We are healthy and happy. Hopefully next time we cant record the heartbeat and let you all hear. We love you all.

Waxing Teeth

2007-09-09T19:29:00.003-07:00

This week has been fun and exciting. Telia is still working lots and lots while Ben is in school 24-7. He started about 4 weeks ago and has been in full throttle ever since. He took his first huge test last week and scored a 93%!! Amazing!! He is continuing to wax different teeth, which consists of making an exact replica of a tooth using only wax. I have tried this and it’s a lot of fun but takes talent learning to use the different temperatures to properly manage the wax. He is also continuing to lead and manage SPDL (Scholars Program in Dental Leadership). He thrives on using his creative mind and thinking up different ideas about how to make this program successful and enjoyable for his fellow classmates.

My parents are coming into town this week and we are thrilled to have them here. If anyone wants to come visit, you are always welcome to stay at our home.

2007-08-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Eli Brown in Deep Thought

Unhappy Face by Baby Wes

Back to School

2007-08-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

We have now been back in Ann Arbor for a couple of weeks and are just now starting to settle down. I have been working lots and lots. I am enjoying the work but miss the quality time that I was able to spend with Ben. It is great to see each other and feel fortunate to spend time together when we can (which is still lots). However, Ben starts his second year of Dental School tomorrow. It will be another busy semester, but as all things go, it to has an end so we are trying to be thankful for every opportunity that comes our way.

We love and enjoy Ann Arbor. We think that this is a perfect place for us at this time and are grateful for the wonderful friends and family in which we have been able to meet. We have met such great people at church, school, and work and feel fortunate to live here. If anyone needs a place to stay, just let us know and you are welcome here anytime.

Today has been an amazing day of rain. The grass is green and everything is so clean. We are so happy for the rain.

We love you all and hope to hear from each of you as your beautiful lives progress.

The Andersons

Telia

2007-08-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sometime after midnight, the bedroom light still burns down. She fades by degrees, occasionally pausing to fold her body in a position more conducive to what we should both be doing. She's not quite there, and I know because she keeps flinging prolonged, sultry, eyes-mostly-closed looks as if to say, "You're missing the best thing here..."

I continue to crick my neck and flex my wrists and strain my eyes, bent over the pulsing life of our lap top. You can't force good art, right? But she's not alone. My vitality also wanes until I am a new moon. Not fresh, not full, but empty and dark. Not even new.

Incandescent orange filters the room in strange colors like an old photograph. Like I'm not me and she's not her. Like maybe we're people from a long time ago living in this room doing what we're doing. Steadily the rhythm of her body slows to long ins and outs casting a small circus of shadows in the bedsheets. And its crazy because I realize that in spite of her complete unconsciousness, she is still more alive than I am straining, awake and red eyed over this humming computer trying to eek out my last semblance of cohesive thought. It would be better to cast off the moorings of wake, drifting into dream where i can cast living shadows with my wife and renew.

The Garden where it all started

2007-08-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

One of the exciting things we were able to do was take pictures of the garden that Ben and I build while we were dating. Ben says that that was one of the reasons he knew that I was a keeper. Good thing I helped build the fence and sported the tool belt!!

We had an excellent time on our trip to California.