Adventures in Wyoming and then some!

We finally got a chance to load our pictures onto our computer, so I thought I'd load a couple to illustrate our time in Wyoming and what we did with our lives around the holidays. First off, here are a couple pics from Craig and Jessica's blizzard wedding. It was so cold, it started snowing the minute they walked out of the temple - see if you can spot the snow.

Next up comes our time in Wyoming. Matt and I got snowed in for Christmas and were able to spend extra time with the Anderson fam. Here are a few from our adventures.Matt's brother Scott in his new truck.On the frozen creek near the ranch.Last, but not least, our family fun at my parent's house for New Year's eve. Jill, Diane and our friends the Christensens came over for games and food. We also went to see Jim Carey in "Yes Man," which was so funny - we loved seeing Jim Carey return to what he does best!ROCK BAND!Oh, and congrats to Colleen who pulled off a first in our family game of Russian Rummy. She was dealt this hand and stuck us all with big points! Good going!

Snowed in on Christmas!

I can't believe another Christmas is over, but we're so looking forward to the new year. Matt and I drove up to Wyoming on the 23rd and spent the day visiting with his mom and grandma before heading to his dad's to spend the night. On Christmas Eve we drove back to his mom's (they're only about half an hour apart) and spent the night at her house. We ate yummy finger foods and played "A Christmas Story" Monopoly which Matt's brother Scott gave us - Matt loves the movie, and the game is so fun, although Scott killed us.
We had a wonderful time opening presents on Christmas morning, Matt got a shirt and tie from his mom and step-dad while I got a police-man cookie jar that yells for you to stay out of the cookies. (Photo: Us on Christmas morning!)
We then made our way down to Matt's dads for a family party and a delicious dinner. Matt's cousin's five boys had a great time with balloons gram had purchased for them to play with, and Scott (who is 17) also had a blast making things that some-what resembled animals with the balloons.
After the party we were going to drive down to my house near Salt Lake but the snow in Utah was too heavy and we decided to stay the night. It was hard not to see my family on Christmas, Matt's family was so warm and caring about it, they wanted to know what traditions they could do to make me feel more at home. So, all-in-all we had a fabulous Christmas.
The day after we were able to get to my house to have a feast with my fam. My aunts and uncle came over with my cousins and we had fun playing games and chatting. Our holiday was awesome! We hope yours was as well!Allie and her friend Casey on the 26th.

Potpourri for your Christmas time!

We just wanted to wish a merry Christmas to all those reading! So, here are a couple qoutes to remember to spirit that surrounds us at this wonderful time!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. ~Carrie Latet

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts. ~Lenora Mattingly Weber

Fail not to call to mind, in the course of the twenty-fifth of this month, that the Divinest Heart that ever walked the earth was born on that day; and then smile and enjoy yourselves for the rest of it; for mirth is also of Heaven's making. ~Leigh Hunt
We love you! Enjoy the day!
Matt & Erin

Another adorable addition to the Wadsworth fam!

Jen gave birth to our first nephew today! Talin is my older brother who married Jen this year and Ezra Talin Wadsworth was born this afternoon! 9 pounds 7 ounces and 22 inches long! Jen has been such a trooper, with a couple days of petocin and lots of waiting the baby we've all been longing to meet is finally here! Ezra is also the first grandchild for my parents! Check Tal and Jen's blog to see more pics of this cutie! We love him so much!

Emily in Pictures!

Go to the Sweet Pea photo blog to see cute pics of our niece Emily! This one is my favorite!

The Goose is Fat!

Christmas is here - well, in three days, and Matt and I have had such a great time preparing for our first Christmas together. I made my way down to snowy Salt Lake on Friday to attend my friend Craig's sealing in the temple - it was so beautiful and reminded me of how Matt and I felt on our wedding day, Craig and Jessica were grinning from ear to ear, you could tell by the way they sparkled that they are truly in love. Also, it started to snow the minute they walked out of the temple and didn't stop all day.(Photo: Craig and Jessica Hovorka)
I then made my way home with my friend Brandon, we caught up and had great conversation on the way to mom and dad's house. We ate a snack, and mom was so excited to see Brandon. (Photo: Brandon and his cute girlfriend Amber). We then left at 1:30 to make our way up to Bountiful for the luncheon at Robintino's. It took us a hour to get up there, but we arrived at the same time as the bride and groom, so we figured we weren't late at all.
After eating my chicken Parmesan, I went home - took me almost an hour and a half - and drove my sister to her last choir performance of the Christmas season. It was a total high school flash back for me, choir is the activity that I miss the most. After the concert we went home to prepare for her friends to come over to party - for those of you who haven't attended a party at our house, mom can throw one amazing party. Mom and I went back up to Bountiful where we caught the last two minutes of Craig and Jessica's reception, in fact they were heading upstairs to change when we walked through the door. So, I cut into their wedding cake and stuffed my face with fondant goodness while mom chatted it up with Craig's fam.
We picked up McDonald's on the way home and partied with the high school kids until about 1 a.m. We watched "Mama Mia," a movie I highly recommend!
Well, that was my busy Friday, we followed it up with some Saturday shopping and then I had to drive home to work - I was so happy to get home to my husband who had gotten all of his shopping done for me - everything was wrapped and put under the tree. I love him!
Merry Christmas everyone, we hope you get everything you wished for!

Christmas Tag (via Shantel)

1- What is your favorite Christmas song?
"Holly, Jolly Christmas" and it has to be the Berl Ives version. I remember when we had our old Subaru that tape got stuck in the tape deck and we had to listen to it far into the summer. It was so funny - but that song reminds me of mom and Christmas at home!
2- When was your most memorable Christmas?
I think this year will be my most memorable because it will be the first one with my husband. I also have fond memories of being at my grandparent's houses (grandma Wadsworth and Grandma & Grandpa Wilson) I always feel the happiest at Christmas when with my family. This year I get to create all new memories.
5- What do you like best about the Christmas season?
The smells, to be honest. Peppermint, gingerbread, cinnamon and chocolate. Every one is baking and bringing treats over, it's just great! I also love baking, so getting the kitchen messy with love is always awesome!
6- Who is the hardest person to shop for on your Christmas list?
My brother, it's nicer now that he's married and I can get them family gifts, I had gotten to the point where gift certificates work, but I don't have to do that anymore. Matt's brother has been particularly troublesome to buy for this year.
7- If you could receive one gift without money being an issue, what would it be?
Pay-off on my student loans!
8- What is your idea of a perfect Christmas Eve?
Being with family - this year Matt and I will spend Christmas Eve with his mom Lisa and step-dad Gene. Mom always gives us pajamas on Christmas Eve, so Matt and I will take ours and open them at Lisa's this year.
9- Which do you like best, eggnog, or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate - I've never been a huge fan of eggnog.
10- Do you prefer a fancy Christmas tree, or one decorated by the kids?
Definitely child decorated, mom still has ornaments on the tree that we all made in elementary and pre-school. It's so fun to look through them and remember when we made them. It's the cute kid stuff that's fun at Christmas time!
11- What is your favorite family Christmas tradition?
We always watch a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve (all bundled in our new pjs). My favorite is "White Christmas," but we really love "The Santa Clause," also.
12- Do you like fruitcake?
Nope!
13- Do you prefer skiing or snowboarding?
Snowboarding - it's easier for me to control one board than two skis.
14- Are you dreaming of a White Christmas, or do you say “Bah Humbug” to snow?
I'm so glad we finally got some snow! It's beautiful - but come January it better be gone!
15- What was your favorite gift from Santa when you were a child?
I got a miniature kitchen one year and I loved it! We kept that thing until my sister was about six - it was incredibly durable. I enjoyed taking people's orders and bringing them fake food.
16- What is your favorite Christmas movie?
"White Christmas," but I also have to say "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the 60s animated, Boris Karloff one.
17- Have you ever eaten snow?
Yes - who hasn't?
18- Who do you wish could be with you this Christmas?
Every one in my fam.
19- When do you put up your Christmas lights and decorations?
The day after Thanksgiving, although Matt and I didn't get our tree up until Dec. 8th - it was needed at another party and we volunteered it.
20- Real or artificial Christmas tree?
Artificial - easier clean-up, set up, pre-lit, who could ask for more?
This is a fun way to get in touch with your Christmas-y self! Have fun and merry Christmas. Thanks Shantel!

College is over for Erin (well, if I passed my math test)!

We've had a pretty busy week. I only had one final, but Matt had four. So, while running around dizzy, we started to realize that we're almost done with the semester - I'm almost done with my college life. I have to say that I started to cry at the end of my test, it's not that I'm going to miss the tests (yuck), or the insanely high cost of this institution, but I am going to miss the experience of being a student - also my test was hard and I shed some tears of difficulty. But, it has ended, I'm still waiting for my final grade in the class, the last step to getting my name on my Bachelor of Science degree.
Matt has done so well this semester - a 4.0 for my handsome man! I can't believe all the things he does, and does well. I'm so in awe of what he gets done on a day by day basis - he works so very hard!
We've also discovered Netflix and we love it! We started our free trial and opened the envelope to a whole new world. On one of our Netflix envelopes there was an ad for Gamefly.com, a site that rents video games (just like Netflix). Matt is so excited that he now has something to do during his break from school, unfortunately I have to work still - it's really hitting me hard that I don't get to vacation with him.
We wish everyone a very merry Christmas - be safe and have fun!

8 Things About Erin

8 FAVORITE TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH:
1. The Office
2. 30 Rock
3. Project Runway
4. Top Chef
5. The Real Housewives of Atlanta (laugh if you must)
6. The Rachel Zoe Project
7. The Big Bang Theory
8. Grey's Anatomy

8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
1. Firehouse Pizza
2. Happy Sushi
3. IHOP
4. Cafe Rio
5. The California Pizza Kitchen
6. Ab's Drive In
7. Arby's
8. Little America Coffee Shop

8 THINGS THAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY
1. We watched "A Christmas Story"
2. It was MASA (Married and Single Area) movie night
3. Matt had a final
4. I watched "It Could Happen to You)
5. " cleaned my kitchen
6. " did some laundry
7. " decorated our Christmas tree for movie night (we then had to take it down and put it up at home!)
8. Slept in a bit

8 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO
1. Christmas
2. Graduating (getting my actual diploma)
3. visiting family on Christmas
4. Finishing up our tree decorating
5. Watching more 30 Rock
6. Having a clean apartment, at least for a day
7. Giving Matt his Christmas presents (they're so good)
8. High school swimming season to be over

8 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST (these are in no particular order)
1. Shoes
2. Boots
3. More shoes
4. Faster internet connection
5. Relaxation, less stress
6. Hoping everyone has a great and safe holiday
7. Healthy baby for Jen and Tal
8. More time to spend with my husband

8 PEOPLE I'M TAGGING (although I think everyone has already done this)
1. Lauren
2. Rhonda
3. Leah
4. Sarah
5. Nicci
6. Jim
7. Jeff
8. Allie

Our baby, Routan style.

Our friends the Sperrys, I went to junior high and high school with Lauren, made their Routan baby and put it on their blog. I decided it would be fun to make one for me and Matt. So here's what our baby will look like sitting in our Volkswagen. This was fun, I recommend you try it!

No snow in Logan?

We're kind of confused, but not sad, about the fact that we don't have any snow in Logan. We're loving the nice weather, although it's pretty nippy. The end of the semester is coming in a hurry, we both are feeling good about how we're doing in our classes, Matt works so hard there's no way he can not do well.
Also, in other good news, we got an invitation to Jessica and Craig's wedding. I've known Craig since high school and was asked to take their engagement pictures, here are a couple:Getting this invite made me think about the fact that by the time their wedding comes around Matt and I will be celebrating our sixth month anniversary. How fun! Our wedding was so incredible, we always want to go back and relive the day.
We're headed home for Thanksgiving this week and couldn't be more excited, it's always fun to spend time with the fam. Christmas is almost here, Matt and I are still puzzled about what to get everbody. We'll figure it out soon enough! Happy cold weather.

For your baby!

Mom and I were at the mall with my aunts a few weeks ago and we saw this woman who had an adorable bag hanging from her baby's stroller. We asked her where she got it and she told us Petunia Pickle Bottom. They are online, but you have to find a local store to purchase their collections of amazingly chic bags, slings and baby bedding. Here are some samples:
They also make bags that are a little more daddy friendly:I think their products are so wonderful, I just wanted to share them with you. So visit their website and hop into a store that sells their stuff!
And remember that if there is a bag that you like I can always make a baby book to match!!

Monopoly for winers.

So, for those of you wondering about the title, well, Matt killed me at Monopoly last night. I really am questioning why I even like to play the game, I never win, especially against Matt or my dad. To add insult to injury I also lost at a riveting game of Jenga, I made the tower topple. On a different note the weather has gotten to the point where I get all layered and then start sweating every time I walk into a building, so I then de-layer and get cold when I go outside again. The moral of the story is that we should go back to just jacket weather, I'm realizing that I'm not ready for the freezing cold. It's amazing that we're already this far into November, Matt and I are coming up on five months of marriage!
While we were home for the weekend we saw these cute pics of my sister, dad and caran terrier Emmie at puppy training school graduation! So cute. Happy November everyone!

Our first niece!

Matt became an uncle and I became an aunt for the first time on Thursday Oct. 30. Emily was born to Matt's brother Brett and his wife Jessica - she came out weighing 9 pounds 5 ounces and is 22.5 inches long (Jess is such a rock star!). Emily baby is also the first grandchild for Matt's parents, and only the third girl in three generations of Andersons - and we are all so thrilled for Brett and Jess!
On a side note, we've started listening to Christmas music!

Halloween Carnival!

Matt and I helped pull off pumpkin bowling at the kid's carnival on Thursday. There was a huge turn-out and our event seemed to be very well-liked. Kids came dressed as princesses and super heroes - it was so fun to see their creativity when it came to their costumes. We frosted cookies, limboed, ate caramel apples and chomped donuts on a string. The event was a fantastic success for the married student area government - congrats to all those who participated in the planning and executing, it was so fun!! Matt dressed up as Alfalfa (I was so impressed with his hairdo which he did himself), and I put my hair in French braid pig-tails to somewhat resemble Darla.


Friday came and we were so excited to head to mom and dad's house for Halloween, Talin and Jen (and the baby in the belly!) came in from Cali and we celebrated in Guitar Hero style! Allie and my aunt Jill were the only ones to dress up, the rest of us were kind-of party poopers. Mom cooked up a feast of chili and corn chowder, we're still full the day after, yummy!
The first day of November brought shopping!! Mom, Al and I headed to the mall to meet Jill and Di for some much needed girl time. We drolled over beautiful shoes and tried on adorable coats before heading to See's Candy for some amazing sweets! We've had such a great weekend! We're now watching some football in true Fall form! Happy daylight savings everyone!

What we are thinking!

Matt and I had a great little family home evening tonight with our friends Tien and Tyler. We went over to their adorable apartment and ate an awesome meal. Tien fixed ginger pork chops (yummy) and stir fry veggies, and we brought the salad. It was so much fun. After dinner Tien and Tyler gave us a wonderful message about the Savior, they played a beautiful video of the crucifixion.
We then went out shopping for candy, and prizes for the Halloween Fair. Which leads me to the thought I'm having about Walmart on Monday nights. Maybe it's because Halloween is coming, but there seemed to be a million people there tonight. I usually try to go during the day, or go to Macy's, but tonight was chaos. Although we did buy some cutely shaped pumpkins and a lot of fun prizes for the kids to win on Thursday at the fair.
We're heading home for Halloween and we're so excited to hang out with the fam. Mom is planning her usual ghostly feast, we can't wait! I think we'll be donning our 50s garb once again for the occasion - it gets harder the older you get to find a costume (at least I think so). Anyway, things are great at the Anderson home, other than the messiness of our abode, but that will soon be remedied. In the mean time, go see High School Musical 3, let me know how it is, I want to see it (yeah I know what you're thinking, but I don't care!).

Recipe Books

I dropped off the new baby book today, it seemed to be well received, too. I was also asked about the recipe books I make in the same style as the baby books. Here are a few examples: a cover and some inside pages.
Recipe books cost $60. They don't take as long as baby books which are $80. It also costs a little more to add your own recipes, but if you just want to stick with the recipes I've compiled then the price stays the same.
I can also scrapbook anything you want, from weddings to Christmas parties. I can put any topic on any size of paper. Just let me know what you need and I'll put it together for you, the price will depend on the project.

The Rachel Zoe Project

I have to say that I am loving the Rachel Zoe Project on Tuesday nights on Bravo. I have missed the season finale tonight, but plan to stay tuned to Bravo to see it, they usually play many marathons of the show. I love the fact that she's so into fashion, she's amazing when it comes to selecting and locating accessories for a look. It's awesome to live vicariously through her spending habits - she buys the furs, Birkin bags, amazing vintage dresses and all the shoes you could imagine - oh my gosh! She's also so fun to watch, she's always running around getting things done. The show is so addicting.
Along with Rachel there is Project Runway, which finishes tomorrow. I'm so voting for Korto, I would love to wear anything she's designed. Bravo is the network I love!! So, if you find yourself bored and wanting to watch good (albeit not mind-bending) tv, pick up the remote!

Getting Started

Getting started on a scrapbooking project can be so hard. I usually find the paper I like, cut stuff out and then start placing, it usually comes together in the end. Here is page one of the new book (the picture is backwards because I took it with the photobooth application on my mac). Anyway, I like this one, now I have to finish it! Wish me luck!
It's so cool to be working and get something you just love! This one is my new fav! More to come!This one goes next to that one..

Fall weather means scrapbooking!

Don't you just love the cool breeze! I have just sat down to get started on a baby book for a friend of a friend. She called me this morning and after class I went right out to grab paper for the project - I always forget how much I love shopping for scrapbook paper. Here in Logan there's a great place to go if your looking for awesome paper and supplies - The Book Table. I had so much fun there today - when you go in you have to go to the left and up the stairs, to the right through the toys and there you are! Be sure to go to the back part also, they have a ton of paper over by the front windows. Anyway, for those of you who didn't know that I make baby books, here is a sample.

This one was made about and year ago, for a little girl (obviously), but I have also done books for baby boys. I'm a recipe book maker as well - but I'll scrapbook anything, so if you're in need of that service and you don't want to do it yourself, just let me know.