Christmas Tree Hunt 2008

Okay, so I understand this isn't an exciting event for most people, but I've been waiting for November 30th for 3 months! I've had it on the calendar since September and reminded Jon every week since then. We were pretty disappointed when we listened to the weather report the night before - pouring rain. all. day. long. BOO. Fortunately, the weather did NOT stop us.

We were determined to get our tree and enjoy it for the WHOLE month of December. Last year, because we moved into our house, we bought a Charlie Brown tree at Home Depot and had it up for...maybe 2 weeks. Disappointing. We've decided to make this a tradition! We'll post a final pic of the tree when we finish decorating it.

Sunday also marked 1 year since we closed on the house! We cannot believe that we've been here for a whole year, it seems like only a few months!

Just in time for Jon's Birthday...

I just received my first check from Shaklee! It is so exciting to see the last two months of hard work starting to pay off! Jon and I are both anxious to see what the future holds....

best commercial of the week

Holiday Inn Express Commercial

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4 MONTHS 4 MONTHS 4 MONTHS!!!

TODAY marks 4 MONTHS until we hop on a plane and fly to HAWAII!!!

FINISHING THE BASEMENT: STEP 1

DEMOLITION!!!

Here are a few pics of the boys tearing up the asbestos tile:

Welcome to the world Jennie Lucile Andersen!

Born Monday, August 25th 6:12PM
20'' long 8 lbs 9 oz.











Kudos to Jess for a 4 hour labor and drug-free delivery!!! She looks AMAZING!

Conquering fear...

We had lunch at Mom and Dad O's on Sunday afternoon and had the delight of watching Jake and Luke swim IN THE POOL! People - this NEVER happens! They LOVE the lake and the ocean down in Bay Head...they can never seem to get enough of it! It seems that the dogs are terrified of the steps leading into the pool. Andrew had to push Luke in from the steps and then he LOVED it! Jake, on the other hand, had to be carried in and was still terrified!

Here are some fun shots of Luke's graceful doggy paddle/fetching skills and Jake's sloppy doggy paddle...










Ahhh, the lovely scent of wet dog...

Yummy...

Jon and I tried a new recipe for dinner tonight and it was a SUCCESS!

Greek Grilled Cheese


We even used our handy-dandy panini maker!

Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it:


1 1/2 teaspoons butter, softened

2 slices whole wheat bread, or your favorite bread
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

2 slices Cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon chopped red onion

1/4 tomato, thinly sliced

Butter your bread, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay buttered side down in skillet, then layer the feta cheese, Cheddar cheese, red onion and tomato. Top with the other slice of bread with the butter side out. Fry the sandwich until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side.

It's August?! Already???

I simply can't believe it, peeps! The summer is coming to a close. It's August. Let's recap the last few weeks...

We had the privilege of having dinner at Bonnie and Chris' new house in Long Valley. They own a beautiful home on 4.5 acres right on the Raritan River.


Ella showing us her "be-bo"


The guys debating who's taller...again.


Ella being her cute self.



Jon finished installing Sirius in my car.



We also had a chance to have dinner at Mom and Dad A's when Jenn, Paul, and Chloe were around before their Maine vaca. We had an AWESOME dinner (Thanks, Mom!) and had a fun time watching Ella wig-out after overloading on M&Ms. Dad A. decided to pull the "Give me a kiss and I'll give you an M&M" trick. He couldn't resist her kisses!

WHO'S THE MAN?!?!

...KIM'S THE MAN!!!

I just installed AND activated Sirius radio in our house. If anyone knows how I am with electronics and wires you know that it is no easy feat! I understand electronics, but when you add in A TON of wiring...I get very confused. Add in the fact that the Sirius website was having technical difficulties with activating online and you have a big mess! Oh yes, the rep that I spoke with also had a THICK hispanic accent. LOTS OF FUN!!! "Escuse me, can you repeat that?" Again and again and again...

Oh, and temporary antenna has a somewhat choppy signal. boo!

HOORAY FOR MARGARITAVILLE!!!! AND NEW COUNTRY!!! AND COFFEE HOUSE!!!



Yes, the plastic is still on. I'm a little OCD. Give me a brake - it's BRAND NEW!!!


The 'organized mess' of wires.


The temporary antenna hangin' out in the window.


A very proud installer/activator.


It's not as easy as it seems. There are a ton of codes and passwords along with it and fiddling with the stupid antenna to aquire a signal...


BUT, I DID IT! ALL. BY. MYSELF. :)

We decided to make this our anniversay gift. A very expensive, but very worth it gift!!!


Now, it's Jon's turn to do the car installations!!! Stay tuned...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JORDAN!!!

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY :) WE LOVE YOU!!!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

After 11 months of marriage we have a lot of catching up to do. Today Mom and Dad celebrate their 43rd! We could definitely learn a lot from watching the two of them. Thank you for your example of a Christ-centered marriage.


WE LOVE YOU!!!

Gettin' Older...

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY CHLOE!!!

Awwwww...

Jon holding Baby Hunter




He likes babies!!!!!

P.S. - He is now available for babysitting...

Presenting...(drum roll please)

OUR PATIO!!!!!!!!












We'll post more pics when the grass grows in and we get some plants...

excitement...and empty wallets

This evening we purchased one of these:



Weber Genesis with a SIDE BURNER. YAY!!!

and one of these:




to go with this:




...which is being currently being installed in our backyard (!!!)