We did it, we paid the deposit today for our apartment in San Diego. It feels so good to have this taken care of. It has been quite the ordeal trying to do this long distance. Calling what felt like hundreds of landlords and leasing agencies, checking Craigslist for new listings every few hours, making charts, mapping everything, etc, etc... And of course, I got the fun job of doing it all since Eric was gone during the days. Wore me out. But we got it! And its the one I loved from the second I saw the picture. Cute Victorian-style blue house. It reminds me of this yellow house I always wanted to live in in Provo. Do you remember that one Heidi, did I ever show it to you? I would go home the long way just so I could drive by it. And though it is not yellow, I am finally getting my cute house! Well, almost. After getting all excited about it, my mother (who was so amazing to drive 2 hours to go look at some places for me!) informed me that I will not actually live in the 'cute house' but in the little building attached to the back. Talk about a let down. But, as Eric says, at least we will see the 'cute house' from outside our window. That's something, I suppose.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Apartment? Check!
We did it, we paid the deposit today for our apartment in San Diego. It feels so good to have this taken care of. It has been quite the ordeal trying to do this long distance. Calling what felt like hundreds of landlords and leasing agencies, checking Craigslist for new listings every few hours, making charts, mapping everything, etc, etc... And of course, I got the fun job of doing it all since Eric was gone during the days. Wore me out. But we got it! And its the one I loved from the second I saw the picture. Cute Victorian-style blue house. It reminds me of this yellow house I always wanted to live in in Provo. Do you remember that one Heidi, did I ever show it to you? I would go home the long way just so I could drive by it. And though it is not yellow, I am finally getting my cute house! Well, almost. After getting all excited about it, my mother (who was so amazing to drive 2 hours to go look at some places for me!) informed me that I will not actually live in the 'cute house' but in the little building attached to the back. Talk about a let down. But, as Eric says, at least we will see the 'cute house' from outside our window. That's something, I suppose.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Our newest treasure
I thought I'd share my favorite yard sale treasure with you all. As nice as beds and dressers and tables and all those 'useful' things are, they are not what get me most excited. My favorite find so far (along with an awesome digital meat thermometer I got for 50 cents!) is this cute picnic basket:
I have been wanting a picnic basket for a while. It just seems that a picnic would be that much more fun if you took it all in a pretty basket. So I jumped at the chance to get this one. It even came with a tablecloth, napkins, plates, and glasses.
Eric and I already had a chance to use it. We went to a concert last Saturday that was part of the Cactus Pear Music Festival and went to a nearby park beforehand to have a picnic. So much fun! We had some deer, squirrels, and birds for company. Gotta love picnics!
I have been wanting a picnic basket for a while. It just seems that a picnic would be that much more fun if you took it all in a pretty basket. So I jumped at the chance to get this one. It even came with a tablecloth, napkins, plates, and glasses.
Eric and I already had a chance to use it. We went to a concert last Saturday that was part of the Cactus Pear Music Festival and went to a nearby park beforehand to have a picnic. So much fun! We had some deer, squirrels, and birds for company. Gotta love picnics!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Hitting the Sales with Dad
Need a dresser, a baby crib, an antique iron? Is there a certain book you are looking for? Or anything, for that matter? Eric's dad is the one to call. He is a master. Of yard sales and estate sales, that is. The last few weeks, after mentioning to him that we are hoping to find furniture and things to set up our apartment when we get to San Diego, he has been bringing us along with him on some of his trips.
He seems to know where all the sales are. We'll be driving down a street and suddenly he'll pull a sharp turn. "Didn't you see that sign? There's a yard sale over here!", he'd say. We look back, straining to see. And sure enough, a tiny piece of paper, in tiny writing will say: 'yard sale'. He also knows all the tricks-- when to get there, what to look for, and how to bargain (he'd probably get along just fine in China).
When he goes, it is a serious thing. Out the door before 7am, not home until after 12pm. And he just goes and goes. But, thanks to him, we have found some great stuff. We sure won't be sleeping on the floor like we were afraid we might be, thinking we wouldn't be able to afford a bed. Or eating dinner sitting on boxes. And its great, because he knows how to find nice things.
I had actually never been to a yard sale or estate sale before just a couple of weeks ago. And I thought you can only find junk at them. (and at some, that is still true) But why would you ever buy the cheap $20 bookcase at Wal-Mart when, for the same price, you can get a really nice, heavy wooden one for the same price at one of these yard sales? Needless to say, we are fans.
But after 5 hours in one day, Eric and I are both about yard-saled out for now. Anyone else want to take a turn?
He seems to know where all the sales are. We'll be driving down a street and suddenly he'll pull a sharp turn. "Didn't you see that sign? There's a yard sale over here!", he'd say. We look back, straining to see. And sure enough, a tiny piece of paper, in tiny writing will say: 'yard sale'. He also knows all the tricks-- when to get there, what to look for, and how to bargain (he'd probably get along just fine in China).
When he goes, it is a serious thing. Out the door before 7am, not home until after 12pm. And he just goes and goes. But, thanks to him, we have found some great stuff. We sure won't be sleeping on the floor like we were afraid we might be, thinking we wouldn't be able to afford a bed. Or eating dinner sitting on boxes. And its great, because he knows how to find nice things.
I had actually never been to a yard sale or estate sale before just a couple of weeks ago. And I thought you can only find junk at them. (and at some, that is still true) But why would you ever buy the cheap $20 bookcase at Wal-Mart when, for the same price, you can get a really nice, heavy wooden one for the same price at one of these yard sales? Needless to say, we are fans.
But after 5 hours in one day, Eric and I are both about yard-saled out for now. Anyone else want to take a turn?
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Called to Serve
Eric's sister Brittany received her mission call today! She will be serving an 18 months mission for the LDS Church. Everyone got together today, some people via Skype and telephone, to watch her open the letter.
And she will be going to...
Berlin Germany!!
We are so excited for her! She will be an amazing missionary. This brings back so many wonderful memories from my own mission. Oh, I felt almost jealous watching her. Those were some of the best months of my life. Everyday teaching people about Christ and his restored gospel. Can it get any better than that? I wish I was going with her.
But for now, I will just have to settle for dinner of brats and sauerkraut.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Baking cookies with Neil
Neil been my buddy the last week while his parents were gone. I think he is finally warmed up to me! Before his mom left he wouldn't even go for a walk with me. He sat on the grass and refused to go. Well, that is until we bribed him with fruit snacks... Food is definitely the way to Neil's heart. There is not a day that passes that he will not ask for ice cream before going to bed. Not that he will always get it, but you can bet that if you say it is time for bed he will look at you reproachfully and say, "Da da." (his word for ice cream). Well, Neil and I had a blast yesterday baking up a storm. We ground some wheat, and then made homemade bread and rolls and chocolate chip cookies with our fresh whole wheat flour.
I thought Neil looked adorable in his apron so I had to take some pictures!
I also wanted to share this amazing chocolate chip recipe. I got it from my sister Ruth, who got it from someone at her husband's work. Where ever it came from, these cookies are super good.
Behr Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 lb (4 sticks) butter -(not margarine- it makes a big difference!)
3 eggs
2 T vanilla
6 cups flour**
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 bags chocolate chips (I use less here too- about 1/2 a bag for a third of the recipe) but put in what you like!
Directions:
In large bowl mix together sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. In separate bowl mix together flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly combine flour mixture and into large bowl and mix until smooth. Add in chocolate chips. Set oven to 325 degrees and put cookie mixture in fridge for at least 1/2 hour.
Take mixture out of fridge and spoon in balls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 9-11 minutes until barely starting to brown on top. We like a soft cookie but if you like them crunchier cook longer.
**For the flour I substituted 1/3 whole wheat, 1/3 regular flour, and 1/3 oats. And I threw some PB in just because!
I thought Neil looked adorable in his apron so I had to take some pictures!
I also wanted to share this amazing chocolate chip recipe. I got it from my sister Ruth, who got it from someone at her husband's work. Where ever it came from, these cookies are super good.
Behr Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 lb (4 sticks) butter -(not margarine- it makes a big difference!)
3 eggs
2 T vanilla
6 cups flour**
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 bags chocolate chips (I use less here too- about 1/2 a bag for a third of the recipe) but put in what you like!
Directions:
In large bowl mix together sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. In separate bowl mix together flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly combine flour mixture and into large bowl and mix until smooth. Add in chocolate chips. Set oven to 325 degrees and put cookie mixture in fridge for at least 1/2 hour.
Take mixture out of fridge and spoon in balls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 9-11 minutes until barely starting to brown on top. We like a soft cookie but if you like them crunchier cook longer.
**For the flour I substituted 1/3 whole wheat, 1/3 regular flour, and 1/3 oats. And I threw some PB in just because!
Fourth of July
I know, it's been almost a week. What can I say, I've been busy.
But I wanted to write a little something because we really did have a great Fourth of July. I think a lot of it had to do with being back in America. Eric and I both absolutely loved living in China and we would do it again. But there is just something about America. It is home. And I am so grateful it is. This is an amazing country we live it. I know it's not perfect but we have so many freedoms and opportunities available to us that millions of people around the world just don't have.
I love America. It's good to be home.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Anderson Family Reunion 2010
It's been a busy week! What with trying to study and complete all my summer homework for my internship this Fall, helping to take care of Eric's little brother Neil while both his parents are away in Washington, and having an awesome Fourth of July, I haven't had much time to think about blogging. But I've had a few things that I wanted to get posted. Like our super fun family reunion a little while ago!
About couple weeks ago, the whole Anderson family came together for a reunion. With Brittany leaving on a mission pretty soon (her call should come any day now!) we were all wanting to get together one more time. So Blake and Lindsay came down from New York, Kimberly and David came up from Galveston, and Eric and I didn't have to go anywhere. Worked out great. :)
We had tons of fun together, went lots of fun places, played lots of games, took family pictures, had lots of yummy food, and even had a birthday to celebrate! Here are some pictures from our adventures!
We went to Morgan's Wonderland, a theme park for special needs kids. Though, I think 3 year old Garrett had more fun than Neil did!
Or maybe it was Eric who had the most fun...
SAS shoestore. "A shoestore?", you might ask. Yes, a shoestore, complete with tons of old cars, 15 cent popcorn and 10 cent sodas, yummy ice cream, and lots of fun stuff.
Enchanted Rock. A really fun, gigantic rock that you can climb. Which Eric and I did, twice. We also even got to fly our kite on top. (the one we bought in China with every intention of flying it every day but have only flown it twice. Enchanted Rock being the second time)
We made it to the top!
Flying the kite with Garrett
Garrett's birthday. He was going to be turning three a few days after the reunion so we had a little party for him. The cake had some trick candles which he absolutely loved. He could probably have sat there for hours blowing out those candles!
Family Pictures. A must if the family gets together, right? So we woke up early Saturday morning had took some fun pictures.
It was so great being able to see everyone, especially getting to meet our new neice and nephew, Lydia and Caleb. They were so adorable! Hopefully we get to see you all again soon!
About couple weeks ago, the whole Anderson family came together for a reunion. With Brittany leaving on a mission pretty soon (her call should come any day now!) we were all wanting to get together one more time. So Blake and Lindsay came down from New York, Kimberly and David came up from Galveston, and Eric and I didn't have to go anywhere. Worked out great. :)
We had tons of fun together, went lots of fun places, played lots of games, took family pictures, had lots of yummy food, and even had a birthday to celebrate! Here are some pictures from our adventures!
We went to Morgan's Wonderland, a theme park for special needs kids. Though, I think 3 year old Garrett had more fun than Neil did!
Or maybe it was Eric who had the most fun...
SAS shoestore. "A shoestore?", you might ask. Yes, a shoestore, complete with tons of old cars, 15 cent popcorn and 10 cent sodas, yummy ice cream, and lots of fun stuff.
Enchanted Rock. A really fun, gigantic rock that you can climb. Which Eric and I did, twice. We also even got to fly our kite on top. (the one we bought in China with every intention of flying it every day but have only flown it twice. Enchanted Rock being the second time)
We made it to the top!
Flying the kite with Garrett
Garrett's birthday. He was going to be turning three a few days after the reunion so we had a little party for him. The cake had some trick candles which he absolutely loved. He could probably have sat there for hours blowing out those candles!
Family Pictures. A must if the family gets together, right? So we woke up early Saturday morning had took some fun pictures.
It was so great being able to see everyone, especially getting to meet our new neice and nephew, Lydia and Caleb. They were so adorable! Hopefully we get to see you all again soon!
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