Launch Party!!

SCENTSY LAUNCH PARTY!I am excited to introduce everyone to my new business Scentsy wickless candles. Please join me in celebrating this adventure by attending my "Launch Party". It is a open house from

6:30 - 8:30 pm Tuesday, December 2, 2008

2622 Windwood Cir (6240 S)

West Jordan

These are perfect gifts for the holidays and your order will be delivered just in time!

If you can't make it feel free to check out my website at www.scentsy.com/MandyA

If you have any questions please call!

I can't wait to see you all there. Bring a friend or two!

Scentsy Wickless Candles!

I have decided to sell scentsy for a little extra money. I am really excited because it is a product I really enjoy. Book a party and get a free hostess gift along with free and discounted product. I had a party a month ago and got $100 in free scentsy. They are perfect gifts for the holidays at an affordable price. I really want to sahre my excitement with my friends and family by having a launch party soon. Check out my website at www.scentsy.com/MandyA. You can check out our products and make a purchase online.

Photography by Alyssah

Wow it has been awhile. Here are a few pics that Alyssah took. She is sooo funny!

Loving Fall!

I love fall. It is by far my favorite season with all the beautiful colors and smells. I also enjoy Halloween and all the fun decorating and costumes. Josh and I drove up above Bountiful on Sunday. It was absolutely beautiful. The fall colors were popping and the smells and sounds were so relaxing. We went for a short hike with Leila and she loved it. I wish we could have just let her run but I was afraid if she saw a animal she would be gone. It was a rocky and bumpy ride up but it was well worth it. I felt like we were four wheeling. I think I will wear a sports bra next time if you know what I mean. I have a wonderful sister-in-law who is a great photographer. Maybe I can get her to take some nice family pics while the trees are still changing ;)

State Fair!!

On Sunday, we went to the state fair. Alyssah and I were so excited. I use to go to the state fair every year with my grandpa and hadn't been in years.

Alyssah really enjoyed the horses but all she wanted to do is ride the rides. Because they were so expensive she could only choose one. We were shocked at the ride she chose. She use to be scared to death of anything that left the ground but she was not scared at all. My sister went with her since Josh and I have weak stomachs when it comes to rides that go in circles. She had a blast. She couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day.
This is Big Red. He stands 6 feet tall and weighs almost 3000 lbs. He looks scary but all he did is eat while people stood around him and pet him.

This weekend!

Grandkids playing guitar with grandpa

Drew and Josh playing guitar

Leila and Alyssah

Friday Night!

Friday night Josh and I went with a friend of ours to the Tavernacle. The Tavernacle is a piano bar where they have piano players play your requested songs for tips. If you don't like the song then you can tip more then the original tip so they will stop. It is a ton of fun because they really get the crowd into it. Anyway, someone requested "I am to sexy for my shirt" and they had the person requesting the song get up and dance on the piano. The sexiest man (other than my husband) I have ever seen gets up. Of course, he didn't actually request the song because his friends were joking around knowing that they were going to make him get on the piano. Anyway, he was really embarrassed and didn't want to get up. He finally got up and made a couple moves. I had recognized the guy from somewhere but couldn't figure out who it was. After looking at him for about a half hour I then realized it was Kyle Korver of the Utah Jazz. Anyone who is a Jazz fan will appreciate this story and knows how good looking Kyle is.

Later that night someone requested "God bless the USA" and there was a Marine that had just returned from Iraq on Monday. They had him sit on the piano and everyone stood up and clapped while singing. I got goose bumps all over. So it was a great night!!

Labor Day weekend!

We had such a great weekend! We went to Bear Lake with Josh's uncle James and his family. The lake was beautiful, clear blue and really warm. We had fun tubing and some of James friends brought jet ski's which were a blast. Alyssah had fun playing with Carson and Payton and ignored us most of the weekend. She said we were boring so she spent most of her time over at the Farnsworth's RV. We went into town on Sunday for shakes and food. It is a cute little town. We were able to spend about an hour on the lake before the storm hit. We knew the storm was coming so we made sure that everything was packed up. It was amazing to watch the storm move across the lake. We had put our tents away and stayed in the RV with the rest of the family. It was nice to relax and listen to the rain. It was a beautiful view. There was snow on the mountains and the lake was steaming. I am the worst at remembering our camera so of course we don't have any pics. I am really lucky to have such great in-laws. We always have so much fun hanging out with James, Heidi and their friends.

MARCUS! HILARIOUS!

So if any of you watched the last session of Last Comic Standing then you will know that Marcus is the funniest guy I have ever seen in stand up comedy. I am not usually a big fan of stand up because not there are many of them that I think our funny enough to really make me laugh. For those of you that don't know, Marcus is a comedian from Josh hometown of West Jordan (Taylorsville, close enough right?) He was on this last session of Last Comic Standing. He was in the final two and lost to the only girl in the competition (which is why I think she won or maybe I am just playing favorites). We had the chance to see him at Wiseguys this weekend and I have never laughed so hard in my life. Josh was so excited and is Marcus's biggest fan :) If any of you haven't had the chance to see him, even on TV, you need too. He will be taping a new DVD here in Salt Lake Sept 9. We are trying to get a group together. Unfortunately, there wasn't alot of news coverage (like David Archuletta got) here in Salt Lake. Probably, because he is a comedian and has tattoos (that is Utah for you). But any way he is hilarious. So check him out! You can check some of his comedy at myspace
http://www.myspace.com/marcuscomedy

Why???

So I mention before that we are selling out duplex. We love Bountiful but we don't love being landlords or old homes. The day before we were suppose to put the place on the market disaster srikes. The water heater in the lower unit busted so we had a bit of a flood which has taken about a week to get cleaned up and still isn't done. At the same time the sprinkler pipe on the side of the house and front broke causing little lakes at our house. Of course the dogs love it. And to top it all off out swamp cooler went out. So needless to say we won't be putting the place on the market until next week. Keep your fingers crossed that nothing else will happen.

That is what is happening in out life. I will try to post more often were just crazy busy. Keep your fingures crossed that we will sell this place fast and without any more disasters. Also, our prayers go out to my cousin Leah, Ryan and Gabe asn Ryan goes into surgery. We hope everything goes well and Ryan has a quick and easy recovery.

Wow!

Wow! It has been awhile since I wrote a post. So much has been going on. Most exciting is the new addition to the Russell Michael Jarvis. Josh's sister gave birth the this adorable little boy on July 21st. The Anderson clan met in Grand Junction and spent the weekend hanging with family and passing around Russell.

Derek will graduate from boot camp in Aug 16. We just found out he will be stationed in Lake Tahoe which lucky for us is only 6 hours away.

We have decided to sell our duplex so mom came down for a week to help us get everything ready. Thanks mom!!!! We were busting butt and the day before we were suppose to put it on the market the water heater in our lower unit broke causing a bit of a flood. After all that hard work we are now going to have to wait another week before we can put it up for sale. Our place looks pretty good but man it was hard work. Jack (our little jack russell) is staying with grandma for a couple weeks so we can show the house. Funny story about Jack. He is only about 12 lbs. and this weekend he thought that he could take on a 200 lb. saint bernard. Of course the bernard just sat there staring at him. Guess you had to be there!

Well I think that is about it. Alyssah is getting taller everyday. I swear she went from 6 to 16 overnight but she is still fun. Megan will be moving her on Aug 22. I am so excited. She is going to school at Weber State. It will be so nice to have her around.

The United States Coast Guard

Our ward scouts lined our streets with flags for Flag Day on Saturday. As I sat outside watching the dogs and all the flags blowing in the wind I thought of all the brave soldiers over sees and what they are doing for our country. My youngest brother Derek left for coast guard boot camp last week. I am so proud of him. My other brother Dan is already in the Coast Guard and is loving it. He is stationed in Astoria, Oregan. He is specializing in many areas of the coast guard. Most recently he passed his swim and written test for dive rescue. I am sure most of you have seen the movie The Guardian with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner. If not it is a must see good movie. He has also been trained as a police officer and sharp shooter. He spends his off time surfing and fishing so life must not be to rough for him. Hopefully Derek is able to be stationed near Dan. I think it would be a great experience for both of them.

I am very proud of my brothers and also of my cousins. Right now both of my brothers and 2 of my cousins are in the military. My cousin Logan was in the Army, Mike is in the Marines and I hear that my youngest cousin Tim might also be joining the marines. How brave. I think it is great that they are following in my grandpas foot steps and joining the military.

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy father's day to our wonderful fathers Brett, Bruce, and Corey! Also, to the rest of the wonderful fathers in our family, brothers, uncles, grandpas, and cousins. We hope everyone has a great day and we love you! And to my wonderful husband we love you very much and are so thankful for everything you do for us.

Josh has found a new job in the Union. He now works for Positive Power and he loves it. It is a smaller company so he feels a little more valuable. They specialize in UPS and back up power systems. He is a foreman now which means better pay and a truck. Thank goodness! He is much happier now because he gets to work indoors most of the time and doesn't have to drive to Park City anymore. Since he has a company truck we don't have to worry about gas prices which is a great relief. I have been taking the bus and trax to work so we have been saving a couple hundred bucks a month on gas. I am sure that it is hard for Justin and Tiff not to have a car in Italy but it is great compared to the alternative right now. We just happened to buy Bretts truck at the perfect time. Unfortunately it doesn't get to leave the driveway very often :)

Things are looking up and getting better. Josh is happy with his job which makes him much happier at home also. I just got a raise and am a coordinator at the lab now. Thanks Justin for helping me get a geatnjob at IHC. We are looking at buying a house further North. We love Bountiful but it is way to expensive here. The duplex is just to much for us. It was a great thought at the time but we just don't have the time or money to keep it up. I look forward to living in a house again with our own yard and room for us and our crazy dogs. Thanks mom for all your hard work this past week. It helped out a lot and I really enjoyed spending so much time with you.

Happy Fathers day again and we love you all!

Another Dog Show!

We had another dog show this weekend and again our dogs did great! Leila got second in her age group in confirmation and Trajen got 3rd in his weight group and pulled 10 times his weight. I showed Leila for best black nose. She was so hyper and excited that I couldn't get her to stay still. The whole time she was pulling away from me and trying to get to Trajen. All she wanted to do was play. So of course the judge wouldn't even look at her. At least she was having fun right! Trajen did great in weight pull. I had to pull him once because Josh was showing Leila in confirmation. I was really worried that he wouldn't listen to me because he usually pulls with Josh. Just when I was starting to get him to pull his time was up. I was so excited because I really tought he wouldn't even move for me, then he gets going and his time was up. Oh well, I know that he was really tired. He tried his best. He isn't into it as much as Leigh is. By the end of the day we were all sooo tired. When we got home Leila, Josh and I passed out on the couch watching the movie Juno ( good movie)and Trajen passed out on the floor. He is so funny! We still haven't got our air fixed so the dogs get really hot. So to cool himself down Trajen will sprawl out on the hardwood floor.

The dogs shows are always so much fun and it keeps Josh and I busy. I really do enjoy the dog shows. There are so many great people and everyone is willing to help and love their dogs and others for what they are. It doesn't matter to me if my dogs win first as long as they are having fun because I know they are great dogs.

I know my life is crazy right now having three dogs but I wouldn't give them up for anything. Right now they are my children. I always laugh because all my friends and family blog about their children. My children our my dogs. My dogs, my husband and of course Alyssah are my life and they are what keep me going everyday. Life can be rough but without everyone in my life I am not sure how I could do it. Hopefully someday I will be blessed with children but if not I will still be happy with all the wonderful blessings I have been given!

Long, Fun Weekend!!

Wow! What a weekend. We started off our weekend with my dad who flew in from Nebraska on Wednesday night. I am so glad that he was able to visit Salt Lake. My little brother had a little going away party at a restaurant he has been working at. He has some really cool friends. We then left for Montrose on Friday for my little sisters high school graduation. On the way down we stopped to see Tyler at the hospital. He is doing much better. He has opened his eyes and is looking around. They still don't consider him awake because he is not recognizing things. They described it as the lights being on but no one home. They have started a little therapy with him, taking him outside, trying to get him to eat, and move his arms and legs. It will take some time but he is improving. It felt really good to see his eyes open. Every little movement he made made me smile. I can see a little relief in my step dad. He just wants to hear him say something.

On Saturday we drove up to Black Canyon National Park. It was the first time my dad had been up there. It is so beautiful! I have been up there many times and it is always an amazing sight. Josh did everything he could to scare the crap out of me. Climbing on cliffs, one slip and he would be a goner.

Then we moved on to my sisters graduation. She is 9 years younger than me so it sure made me feel old. The ceremony was nice. It was outside so it was hard to hear but it was a beautiful day. She is going to be attending Weber State so I am really excited to have her so close. She already has plans for us to work out and get buff. She is definitely motivating. She is a soccer player so she will be sure to keep me motivated. I love my husband but it will be nice to have someone to do adult girl things together. Being that we are so far apart in age we haven't gotten to spend a lot of time together. Alyssah is really excited too. She keeps asking when Megan is going to be moving down here.

Well, it was a busy and fun weekend but all good things must come to an end. I think this is the first time I was a little anxious to get home. Of course I changed my mind as soon as I got home to my crazy dogs and real life. It was hard for me and Josh to get up on Tuesday but tried to remember that we only had to work 4 days this week. My dad will be here until Wednesday so we are going to try and take him up to Weber State so he can see where Meg will be going to school. I am sure he is going a little crazy with all the action at my house with the dogs. He isn't use to all the hussle and bussel and I know he is missing his wonderful wife. I love you dad and am really glad that I was able to spend so much time with you. Love you!!

Alyssah

Alyssah got a digital camera for her birthday and it is fun to see life through a 7 year olds eyes. She changed when she turned seven. She grown up so much. She is still sarcastic and tests the waters at times but she is a really good girl. She completes her sentences and speaks like an adult. Shes completely independent. She use to get up at 7 on the weekends and just stare at us till we got up. Now she gets up, gets dressed (doesn't always match), plays in her room or watchs tv and waits for us to get up. Gifts get alot more expensive when kids get older and they are asking for more expensive things. Of course she is still into Barbies and dresses but she has moved on to Hannah Montana instead of princess. She really makes me laugh. Being a step mom I really worry that she might hate me when shes get older but I sure do enjoy spending time with her now. She makes life interesting and fun. When else would you be able to play games and dress up for hours!

Thank You!

I wanted to say Thank You for everyones prayers and support for my step brother. Tyler is getting better each day. He had a bit of a rough weekend! He has been on a respiratory and got pneumonia. They tried taking him out of sedation but his blood pressure and heart rate went up and he was having a hard time breathing. But this week has gone much better. He has started to open his eyes a bit and follow people around the room. He has also been moving a bit more. He is not talking yet so they are not sure how neurologically he is doing. He isn't coughing as much so they think his pneumonia is is getting better. It is a long process and they are not sure of the exact results but at least he is opening his eyes. For all of my family and friends that ride ATV, dirt bikes, etc. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE wear your helmets. Tyler is only 18 yrs old and I know that he was thinking that a short fun ride would never end like this. He may not be the same person he once was but he is very luck he survived since most of his injuries were to his head. Again, thanks for all the support.

Love you all!

Go Jazz!!

Way to go Jazz! Man, that was a nerve racking game!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy mother's day to all the wonderful mothers out there! Our love goes out to our mother's Cheryl, Erin and Jackie and to all the beautiful mother's in our family! I hope to one day to be a supportive and great mother and am taking notes from all of you along the way! Congrats to our soon to be mother Holly! Love you all!

Race for the Cure

A couple friends from IHC and I got together for the Race for the Cure. It was such a wonderful experience. It was amazing the number of people that were there. When you looked down the road all your could see was a wave of people that was never ending. The support and love that everyone shows for women and men with breast cancer is amazing. Everyone wears a tag that list the names of those you are walking in regognition or memory of. Fortunately, my Aunt Dee is the only family member I have that has been effected by breast cancer. It was so much fun to be apart of a group that wanted to work together to support such a wonderful cause. We hope next year to be able to get a huge group of people together and raise a ton of money. Hopefully we cane start a tradition.

New to blogging!

Well, I guess it is time to join the rest of the world and create a blog. My sister-in-law started a blog when they moved to Italy and it has been great to be able to see what is going on in their lives and watch the kids grow up no matter how far away they may be. I have family spread out the midwest and would love for them to be a part of my everyday life!