BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO REALITY!!

Ian finished the bar on Wednesday!!! He came back to the hotel room and said, "My brain hurts! I think I need a band-aid!" I'm not sure where he would put it but, like a good wife, I pretended to look for one any way.

Now that we are "back to life" I have reintroduced myself to him and filled him in on the fact that we are pregnant. (I think he had a hunch). But I think he was surprised to know we only have 5 weeks left until SHE arrives! "Back to reality!"
If any of you have seen Ian's baby pictures you will agree that our little girl is going to look JUST LIKE HER DADDY!! Look at those heavy, chubby cheeks!! Yup! That's Ian Jr. in there!

A Monday you don't look forward to!

What's wrong with Monday? Tuesday and Wednesday?

IAN TAKES THE IDAHO STATE BAR!!!!

Just a simple three day test that his life depends on.

That's all!

POOOOOOR IAN!!

We are not afraid to ask for all the well wishes, slaps on the rear, prayers, and cheers, you can offer this way. We will take anything we can get from anyone! Jasmine can even bark for Ian and I won't even try to kick her!

Ian's typical schedule:

5:55am - wake up cuz his bladder is full (that's what he told me)

7:00am - go to work to study.

9:00am - attend court to put the criminals back on the street (he's a public defender).

3:00pm - client meetings.

5:00 - 10:00pm - study for the bar.

Natalie's perspective: Studying for the BAR is easy!

Truthfully, I haven't been around much to really know.

Ian's perspective: Pregnancy is easy!

Truthfully, he hasn't been around much to really know. It's not his fault lest you point the finger and feel inclined to call him a dead beat gestational dad.

I think we figured out that Ian was definitely there for the beginning of our pregnancy...the very beginning. And after that, we've been together a total of about 9 weeks. And now he only has two more days before he takes the bar. See! EASY! And I only have 6 more weeks of being prego! SEE! EASY!!! Perspectives are a funny thing!

After Wednesday, our life together will start anew. I will reintroduce myself to him...I may even start brushing my teeth again for him.

WISH HIM WELL!!!!

SURPRISE BABY SHOWER and GRADUATION PARTY!!!

My AMAZING family put together a surprise 

BABY SHOWER and GRADUATION PARTY 

for us while we were in Arizona for the weekend! 

We were able to celebrate IAN and all of his hard work for the past seven years of school. Three of which are classified as "satisfyingly painful"!!! Now he just has the simple task of studing for the bar!!! Believe me, it's never too soon to start praying for success on the bar!

THANKS FOR THE PARTY!!!! 

We had a great time and appreciate (more than you'll know) all we recieved!!!

Only 10 more weeks to go!

She's a kicker...and I love it!

It makes me happy to think...

...of the reunion President Hinckley is having with his sweet Marjorie.
...of the people he gets to shake hands with, throw his arms around, and meet face to face.
...of the legacy he left for all of us to remember - and act upon.

I have always had a special place in my heart for President Hinckley. 

He is the one who performed the marriage sealing of my Mom and Dad 

in the Salt Lake Temple in 1968.

He is the one who signed my missionary card in 1995.

He personally called my Grandmother after my Grandfather McAllister died in 1997.

And when he publicly announced his love for his wife Marjorie in conference in 2004 just days before her death, my husband grabbed my hand and looked at me with tears in his eyes. And at that moment I FELT the love my husband has for me. 

I will never forget!

Feeling Thankful!

I set one New Years Resolution this year.   It went something like this: Become a better friend by nourishing the friendships I already have.

It's still January and I feel I've been taught a great lesson from those of you I gratefully and gladly call my friends.  Your examples have taught me how to be a better friend, a real friend.  It was me who wanted to do the nourishing, but in turn, it was you who nourished me.

Brittni S. has a quote on her blog that says, "Tell me your friends and I'll tell you who you are".  I have to say THANK YOU to my friends who have helped me become a better person, to my friends who have shown expressions of kindness not only to me but my family members.   Your words, your actions, your spirits have helped lift mine and my families, and for that I feel so blessed.  

My NEW New Years Resolution now goes something like this: Become the friend that my friends are to me.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXAMPLES!

HANG'N with HANNAH

UNCLE IAN AND HANNAH just haning out, watching the game. Hannah is a way better sport than I am. She will actually watch Sports Center with her Dad and Ian.

AUNT NAT AND HANNAH getting ready for her "big day" in front of the adoption judge. Hannah loves to find my fingers to help her stand up. But even more that that, she loves to use my fingers to WALK. She loves to walk and knows exactly where she wants to go - anywhere the Mattie and Monty, the dogs, run to.

And... I got a hair cut. I really hate to brag about myself but let's be honest, I am one hot sexy momma!
(come one, every pregnant woman needs a pick-me-up every once in a while - even if the complement comes from herself)

Baby Bellys

I am due the first part in April with a little baby girl.

My sister, Lindsay, is due the end of April with a little baby boy!

Christmas in Arizona with Keith and Lindsay

I'll be honest, I love a 60 degree Christmas!!!

So....

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

6 months preggy

I'm spending the Holidays in Arizona with my sister's famliy, Lindsay, Keith, and Hannah. 

Hannah can't stop staring at my growing belly in hopes for a little GIRL cousin...

or a little BOY cousin.

Who knows!

That appointment is on Thursday. 

STAY TUNED!

As of 5:00 today

IAN N. SERVICE

will be a

LAW SCHOOL GRADUATE!

Ring out wild bells!

Let us sing praises!

God Bless America!

Yippie-Ki-A!

Sweet Sassy Molassy!

Holy Crap!

HE DID IT!!

Same story. Different family.

http://nataliekidd.blogspot.com/

I have been completely entertained by the recent stories of this new generation of defunct Tooth Fairies. While blogstocking, I came across this one. I thought all you other "forgetful fairies" would appreciate it.

You deserve a raise!!

I love having a Personal Assistant!

All I have to do is tell her my likes and dislikes, and she finds exactly what I want! Seriously, I think I'm the new KIMORA, the new KARDASHIAN, the new KATHY GRIFFIN. Oh wait, she's not all that cool. Well, anyway - my P.A. set me up with this cool blog template because I'm totally retarded and can't do it myself!

THANKS P.A. B.J.!

Now, if she could just find me a job!

Summer Lovin'

It looks like there were more than just fireworks going off on the 4th of July!!

I wish someone would have warned me about

the dangerous side effect of a

FIBER ONE granola bar as a mid morning snack,

and TACO BELL for lunch!!

Consider yourselves warned!

Seriously, what's wrong with me?

Every time I brush my teeth,

I almost throw up!!!

Seriously, what's wrong with me?

Every time I brush my teeth,

I almost throw up!!!

So, before reaching our final destination of Boise, we stopped in Chubbuck to stay with my brother ADAM and his family. Adam and Jenny have three cute kids and a new cute house. We went to church with them on Sunday even though it's our family tradition to try to avoid such things while on vacation.

I ate a nice healthy breakfast that morning, put on my Sunday best, and made it through the first meeting. I volunteered to take care of Kimball, Adams newest, during Sunday School hour, and of course, it would be best to take care of him in the hallway. So, while sitting on the floral foyer couch with Kimball I suddenly became very hungry. I looked through Kimball's diaper bag hoping to happen upon some crackers or cheerios or something of the like. I found an empty ziplock bag just as my sudden hunger turned into ravaging hunger!!!! With wide eyes I looked up at Ian and said, "You gotta find me some snacks, NOW! I'm starving!"

Ian chuckled, thinking I was just being my normal bossy self.

With daggers in my eyes, I reiterated to Ian the urgency of my starvation! I strongly demanded he had better go rob the nursery of it's Nilla Waffers RIGHT NOW!! "Did you not hear me?!?!, NOW!!!"

Fearing for his life, Ian returned with 2 fruit snack bags, a box of raisins, and a cup full of animal crackers. And, in typical Ian style, he also grabbed equal portions for himself as well. MY HERO!!!

Before I could even get a THANK YOU out, I polished off the first bag of fruit snacks. I handed Kimball off to Ian to insure I didn't have to share one morsel with him. Moments later the entire meal provided by the nursery was devoured!

After feeling the relief of my nagging hunger, I layed my head on the arm of the floral foyer sofa. I cannot confirm or deny what happened for the next 30 minutes...BECAUSE I WAS ASLEEP!!!

Yes, I fell asleep on the couch at the church while the next ward was filing in to start their meeting. I'm not sure how many people saw me...sleeping...with my mouth gapping open...drooling...in a skirt...sitting like a Trucker...but I'm sure both Ian and Adam were so proud!

Let sleeping dogs...alone

PICTURES TO COME LATER.

(OR MAYBE NEVER)

At least one of the two will happen!

We successfully made it to Utah for Grandpa Services funeral after some wonderful friends helped us pack up our house that wasn't ready. YES, we ended up being "one of those people". We owe a HUGE THANK YOU to those who helped us...all day long...all sweaty day long...all gross and humiditily sweaty day long! That's right - THANK YOU!



It took three days to get to Utah - pulling our trailer. It felt like 30 days. In fact, on the third day of driving, Ian FIRED me as his co-pilot! I'll admit, I was complaining. I woke up from my 4th nap of the day in the passenger seat and said, in my famously whinny voice, "Why? Why is this taking so long?? How come we're not there yet?!?!?" He told me I was welcome to get out and walk but that he was going to keep on driving.



Luckly, we had a great break in Colorado! We were able to spend the night in Longmont Colorado with our favorite family in the world - The Robinsons! It was awesome to visit with them even though it was for just one night! I can't believe Luke, Isaac and Audry are growing up without us! I've gotta find a way to move to Colorado!



Utah was fun. Lot's of family. Lot's of soda. Those Services are never without their fix of soda. Someone caught me drinking water and I swear I almost got kicked out of the family. We had a GREAT visited with Coby, Tiffany, Corbin and new baby Jackson. I'm sure more was happening in Utah for the two weeks we spent there, but once again...I was napping most of the time.

Finally on our way to Boise, we stopped in Pocatello so Ian and I could run a 1/2 marathon. Well, we both signed up for it, but only Ian ran it. I was busy napping! In fact, my nap was so long, I actually didn't show up to see him cross the finish line. Oops! However, Lance, Bettie, and Calista were there to cheer for him as he crossed the line! I think that kicks me out of the running for Supportive Wife of the Year for 2007. Oh well.

HOWDY

HOWDY

HOWDY

A Blessed Life!

We are so lucky! Ian and I have the best friends in the world! Before Ian and I even met, we both surrounded ourselves with AMAZING PEOPLE. Friends for life. And now our seven years together has brought another round of GREAT FRIENDS! Seriously, we are so lucky!

Good thing too...because we need help loading our moving truck!!!

By noon on Wednesday, we would be driving away from our little home in Lansing, Michigan.
Destination: Idaho, the Gem State.
State flower: the saringa. FYI

I've been preparing and packing for months now, only to find out it was all in my head. I was only "mentally" preparing and packing. As I look around, I wonder why all the things I've "packed up" are not all taped up in their "boxes" I put them in months ago? Seriously, where is the Fairy Godmother, or Samantha Stephens when I need them? I'll even take a Rumpelstiltskin of sorts at this point!

To be honest, we've had a rough go of it this past week. And that's one big reason we are so thankful for our friendships...and for our FAMILIES! Just as Ian was preparing for finals, his last final of his law school career, I decided I needed some attention and scheduled myself for some emergency surgery. My recovery time has lasted a bit longer than expected which has left Ian to take over my job of cleaning and packing up the entire house...and we all know how far I got on that!

In the last week, Ian has studied as much as he could for his final, sold a bunch of our belongs at an all-day yard sale, waited for me while I had surgery, took his 3 hour final, nursed his loving wife back to health, passed up a (few) game(s) of golf with his buddies, packed up the house, cleaned the house, found renters for the house, and by 4 o'clock today...found out his Grandpa Service passed away.

We cried. We are both so mentally and emotionally exhausted!

We were originally going to leave Lansing on Thursday, and take about 10 days to cross the country. However, we need to get to Utah by Friday night so we can attend a funeral service for Grandpa Service on Saturday. So let me tell you, our friends have already really come in handy!!! Kim, Craig, and Addy helped us pack up today, and tomorrow the gang will be here to load up our moving truck!! We are so lucky to have the friends and family we do. Honestly, there is no way we could accomplish this move without them. Lansing has provided us with some incredible friendships! All three years worth!!

But most especially, my life is so blessed because my sweet husband is both my family and my friend!

I had a proud wife moment

I would like to start out by saying that if ever there is a "discussion" amongst the both of us, I always have the better argument (mostly because I never allow him to present his side) but I want to make it clear that I always win. It's my roll as Wife in this family. With that being said...

I am proud to announce my sweet husband IAN is
one of the TOP 10 ADVOCATES in his Trail Skills class of 100 students and 3 different campuses! That means he's got some mad arguing skills! I was able to attend the semi-finals and watch him in action! He is good I tell ya. Real good! Still not good enough to win at home...
but good enough to be one of the TOP 10 !!
Congratulations Sweetie! I'm so proud of you!

Happy Birthday Stella

Diva! Princess! Comedian!
Stella is 3!

Moving Sale!!!

We sold our couch. I dont' even think we've had it for a full year. It's real cute and all...but...uncomfortable as heck! Seriously, I don't think anyone was ever caught Jana Pecking it! That's how bad it was! I'm happy to see it go. So...ADIODS COUCH!

Part-time Job on the Side

My Husband, Ian!
The Neighborhood Hero!While doing yard work last night, we noticed some kids trying to carry their broken scooter home. Ian went over to have a look and invited them over to our driveway for a quick fix. Soon, Ian had a line-up of neighborhood toys to repair!

Who wants to buy my house??

http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1141447

Good! I'm not the only one!

http://thebindrups.blogspot.com

"Hey Jeanetty, what are you going to do with that gas can and box of matches?" - - Marc

This might not be the same way Extreme Makeover: Home Edition demolishes an old house, but this is the way a few rednecks from Weiser do it! Dump the gas, throw the match, raw hide! Light'em up, burn'em down, raw hide!

Now, lets see what Extreme Makeover: Anderson Edition can do with this plot of land!!!

STAY TUNED!

This episode brought to you by Kings! (Not Sears. Kings!)

RIVERDOCK ROAD, WEISER IDAHO

LITTLE YELLOW HOUSE

THE PLACE WHERE MY PARENTS:
brought me home from the hospital. Where my parents planted a garden and raised their kids. Seven kids. The place where my parents disciplined me, taught me, and loved me.

THE PLACE WHERE I LEARNED TO:
say my prayers, say please and thank you, and how to fart with my armpit. Where I learned to do back flips on the tramp and kart wheels on the lawn. Where I learned to work hard...when Dad was looking. Where I learned you cant stand still for a long time around an ant pile. The place where I was supposed to learn to play the piano but was way too stubborn to practice.

THE PLACE I PLAYED:
kick the can, Wonder Twins, Freeze Tag. Where I played multiple ZQXF Update News Anchors. Where I played in cardboard boxes for hours! Where I played with blocks and barbies, and rode bikes on the boards in the onion shed.

THE PLACE IT TRIED TO:
dig to China, to get away with rolling my eyes at my mother, and tried to make mud pies out of real cow pies. The place where I tried to become an entrepreneur by inventing my own chocolate drink named "fordamill". Where I tried to tell my mom, "please, no! Not another perm!" and she gave me another one anyway.

Lindsay, Adam, Jeff, Miles, Me

My last visit to the Little Yellow House with my siblings.
August 2005

It's gone. The LITTLE YELLOW HOUSE is gone.

But that little house has given me many memories.
Memories I'll hold forever.

Actually, those memories will be gone with my encroaching old age and for the fact I'm going senile. It's inherited...but I'm not sure from which side!

Gone. Gone. Gone.

Lil' baby Maya Pousson

Me & Maya

Ian & Maya

Our good friends, Dan and Janee Pousson are the proud parents of little baby Maya. Back in May, we had a siese de mayo party in the park with our friends. Dan and Janee walked to the park from their house, which was just over 2 miles round trip. The next day Janee went to the hospital, and in the early early morning of May 8th, little MAYA was born. And two days later...Janee was right back to her little tiny hottie body! Seriously, I think she weights as much as my left leg...from the knee down. It's fun to watch Dan and Janee enjoy parenthood! They are both awesome parents! Maya is very lucky!

Under a bushel

Schroeder & Service
Custom Window Treatment Specialists

Who knew Brittni and I had such great
creativity, style, and talent?!?!
Ok, well, we all know Brittni already had it!
(Obviously, I am very proud of our final product)

GREAT NEWS!

I'm an AUNT...again!

(click on Steve and Sage on the right)

First Kimball

Then Hannah

and now MAYA!

Well, it's about time!!!

MILES and TOM updated!
Let us all rejoice!!!

Birthday Boy

Ian and his buddy Talon

...and since we're still on the subject of BIRTHDAYS...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO MY

SWEET HUSBAND

IAN

SPEAKING OF JUNE BIRTHDAYS...

Happy happy birthday Brittni dear.
Happy days will come to you all year.
If I had one wish than it would be...
a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO YOU FROM ME!

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

There are lots of JUNE BIRTHDAYS in our family. Four of us Juners just happened to be together in JUNE in Columbus Ohio.
TOM, NATALIE, IAN, KEITHLindsay and Miles surprised us all with a very delectable icecream roll cake. Because they were the only two of the group left out, they decided it was appropriate to have the cake say,
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILES AND LINDSAY"

And obviously,
THEY THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY FUNNY!
We did too!

For the few of you out there who have had the rare chance of experiencing this phenomenon, I'm sure you'd agree - really, there is nothing better than getting a few Andersons together and hearing them laugh...at themselves! Every Anderson is a comedian!

Thanks for the party, Miles and Lindsay!

ANDERSON OLYMPICS

for more information
please go to www.whitneydibble.blogspot.com
and look for the Happy Birthday post to TOM!