Christmas Village

David has been adding to his Christmas village and it has doubled in size. I don't think anyone has a cuter village than he. He does such a great job and is so funny some of the things he adds, which are decorations for the tree. For example, Goofy on top of one of the houses tangled in lights. And it fits perfectly. No idea how he comes up with all of this. But isn't it cute!!!! We are having Disney withdrawals and keep wishing we were going again for Christmas.

Griess Soupe

I have become good friends with an Austrian family and they invited my mom and me over on Friday to learn how to make Apfelstrudel. It was a lot of fun. We always have a German Christmas Eve with German food and are going to make it for that. I made it yesterday with Phyllo dough instead of making my own because we think we like that better. It turned out really good but still not where I want it. I need to turn the temperature up on the oven. Still delicious though. While we were there they invited us for Abendessen and made Griess soup. She told me that she purchases the flour from Winco. It looks different than it does in Germany so we had no idea you could get it here. So easy to make and so yummy! I'm going to be eating a lot of this now.

Kate's Tree

Michael and I went over yesterday to put up Kate's Christmas Tree. We added solar lights again this year but wired them on as they were stolen last year after one day. What kind of sick person steals from a grave and especially from a child's grave? We are putting on ornaments with her picture in them but need to make copies of the pictures. It turned out really cute and she is all ready for Christmas. We also put Oma's wreath on hers.

10-17-11

Hey,

Nothing to really say about this last week either. Nothing has been going on here. Still going fishing on P-days but other then that nothing. We did do service at the mission office today and that took most of our p-day. WE are having an open house at church on sunday so we hope that goes well and that helps us out. well take care and see you in 9 1/2 months.

Elder Sanders

Harry Potter

Sister Rucka loves to go to the movies so on Monday we decided to take her to see the final Harry Potter before it leaves the theatre as she had not seen it yet. Unfortunately, the 12:30 p.m. time was only on the weekends so we went over to the Olive Garden for lunch and had a great time visiting and laughing. We then decided to go hom and grab David as the next show didn't start until 4:30. Sad that it is the final episode but we had a great time.

Park City

I went up to Park City with my mom and Michael. We managed to get some Christmas shopping in as well as purchase some basics. My mom found Tyler a great hat for winter at Aldo, which Tyler loves as it is already getting cold in New Jersey. The way up we stopped off at Kristina's and Fashion Place. Michael managed to miss to entrance to 215 so we had to circle around again. By that time I really had to use the restroom, after drinking a large drink on the way up. Michael just about killed me driving up: He was so slow! I finally had to make him pull over. I keep telling him it was all his fault! Afterall, it was his drink, he missed the entrance, had to circle back around and then went the long way, and then drove slowly up to Park City - okay, maybe the speed limit but who drives that in Utah?

BBQ

I met a family from Austria through Kiwanis. He is visiting as a mathematics professor at BYU and is a member of Kiwanis in Austria. I was talking to him one night in German after a banquet we had and offered him a ride home (was taking the bus) and met his wife and kids. A really cute family. I told them I would have to have them over at my parents have make smores. The kids were really excited about it. I had to plan it a couple of weeks ago because it was going to be one of the last nice evenings. We settled on a Friday so the kids would not have to be home early to go to bed for school. To be honest I almost didn't want to do it because I had a huge school project and a lunch appointment that day and so worried about getting everything done. But I'm so glad I did. I also invited Kia and her husband and daughter. Kia is a friend from Germany and her husband served in Austria and is from Norway. We also invited Sister Rucka, who is a family friend. It was the best evening and everybody had a great time. Every time I see someone they still comment about that night. The kids were not so fond of smores but love the marshmallows. Peter, the younger one (@ 4 yrs. old) didn't talk much but stood by my mom and made her marshmallows all night long. She was so sick of eating them but didn't want to disappoint them. They also love cooking hot dogs over the fire and ate them right off the stick. Sad that fall is over and we cannot do more evenings outside.

David's Biday

We went up to Midway to this great pizza place for David's birthday. The pizza is fantastic and it is a cute little place. If you are ever up there you have to stop by. It is across from the city building. We had a pleasant drive up the canyon, a great meal followed by ice cream at the grocery store across the street. They have a nice ice cream shop inside the store and a soft serve yogurt bar. I got a small serving and it was too much for me.

Shopping for Shoes

We were down at Penney's and David really lucked out. They had Call it Spring, their new line by Aldo, men's shoes on clearance and they were mostly in David's size so he had his pick. My mom couldn't believe David purchased that many new shoes. Michael didn't have a lot of luck as his size was mostly gone. David is becoming very fashionable.

Michael's Bday

We celebrated Michael and David's birthdays. Of course, typically we are in Disneyland at this time of the year. We got David Donald's Firehouse to go with his Christmas village. We were in Sears and he almost went ahead and purchased it so was thrilled when he got it. We went out to Red Lobster for all you can eat shrimp but I didn't have my camera with me. Happy Birthday Michael and David!

My Mom

I was looking through some old photos and came across these of my mom and her brother when she was young. Even though it is not Mother's Day, my mother deserves to be honored every day. I would not be where I am today, pursuing the things I am if it were not for my mother.
As many of you know my mother is from Germany and grew up during the war. She later immigrated to America on her own.

We Were Young Once

Sanders Children - As I didn't mention the names and point out myself in the last photo (I just assumed everyone would spot the cutest and brighest with blue eyes and blonde hair). But for those of you who are challenged, here are the names:
Back row: Kristina, Barbara, Heidi
Front row: Michael, Kirsten, David

Creative

I am usually not the type of cook to be creative in the kithen. I more the kind of cook who follows a recipe. But we had a ton of tomatoes from the garden that needed to be eaten. So I roasted them with an onion and decided to make a salad with them. While they were cooking I had the idea to cook some spaghetti noodles and make a teriyaki noodle salad. The real experimentation came with the dressing as I used rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown mustard, sugar, garlic, and ginger. I tossed the salad with some the dressing and some fresh basil from the garden. Surprisingly it turned out to be really delicious. We all enjoyed it. Maybe after tasting success I will be more creative in my cooking. Sorry, I didn't have my camera on me so no picture.

School

I had to be in Phoenix for three days for school. My mom went with me to just relax. We flew back to SLC with Michael and David and walked with them towards baggage claim and headed towards our gate to Phoenix. This was my first time in Phoenix and we were pleasantly surprised how clean and quiet everything was. We stayed a short distance from the airport in Tempe. It was a business park and the only restaurant was a Denney's right in front of our hotel. Although only about a mile to the school it was too hot to walk and I was thankful for the hotel shuttle that drove me in the morning and picked me up at 5:00 p.m.
School went really well as we spent the three days talking and writing our concept papers in prepartion to begin the dissertation. We also have to pick a dissertation chair (mentor) and I was fortunate to already have someone in mind and connet with her during the three days. Luckily she had an opening and was holding it for me. I was able to work ahead of everyone else and submit my concept paper to her for feedback.
Mutti and I of course ate every night at Denney's. It wasn't really busy and at least they have a lot of variety. During the day she would hang out and read in the hotels courtyard, which she really enjoyed. I suffered in class from 8-5 waiting for my head to explode. Each day I would reach cognitive overload earlier and by the last day couldn't think any more. In the evenings, after dinner, we would walk up the street and back but there was not much to see. We stayed on University Drive and I believe the temple is further down. Each day during lunch and my breaks I would walk a little outside. Students kept asking me what I was doing, especially the smokers who I think felt a little guilty sitting and feeding their addiction. I just couldn't sit that long without getting a little exercise.

Disneyland was Awesome

Just got back from our trip to Disneyland and school in Phoenix. Disneyland was so much fun. We always travel well together (Michael, David, and mom) although we missed the fifth person of our group, My Sweet Boy on his mission. Plus, we like him to sit up front on Splash Mountain (ha, ha...). Although he thinks I am loving him being on a mission so I can spend on the money on myself and isn't too happy with us that we have gone a third time without him.

We had to go during September because of my school schedule so we missed the Haunted Mansion by two days and Pirates closure due to refurbishment. We still had a blast as it was the off season and almost no lines. We basically walked on to everything.

Favorites - where do I begin: Just walking under the bridge into the park creates a different change in behavior. Love it - all your cares just melt away. We started on the 11th with Memories of President Lincoln, which if you have never seen is really a great and patriotic show. We thought it was a nice start as we remembered Sept. 11th. Splash Mountain although David made me sit up front and despite having a poncho I got soaked. Michael's comments on all the rides, especially Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Hilarious!!! I'm still laughing. Storybook Land (always a favorite). The Tea Cups (I love the lights at night). A Small World, Soarin Over California, Ariels Under Sea Adventure (really cute), lunch at Ariel's Grotte (YUMMY!!), the Monte Cristo sandwich (although better at the Blue Bayou), all the Halloween decoration, which they started putting up while we were there, the music, shopping on Main Street and the District, eating at the Rain Forest Cafe.

Disneyland would be nothing without the memories created with my family. Thanks guys for being so awesome and going every year. It wouldn't be the same without you.

Day 1: Arrived in the afternoon and grabbed some lunch at McD's, shopping on the district, and dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe. We stopped to listen to a guy performing and loved his music so purchased to CDs that he autographed for Tyler. Violinist Drew Tretick.

Day 2: The Orleans Cafe where the french fries were tasty, sprinkled with parmesian cheese and herbs and the Monte Cristo could be checked off our list plus pineapple soft serve. Fantasmic and Fireworks shows - both great. Tinker Bell flew across the sky multiple times. Really awesome.

Day 3: Lunch at Ariel's Grotto. We had the princesses sign a card for Tyler and as many characters as we could find. Ariel's is a little pricey but worth it. If you haven't been before you should give it a try. My mom loved Grizzly Mountain and kept wanting everyone else to get soaked. She thought it was funny and would stand and watch the geyser catch people. She was disappointed when it missed them.

Day 4 & 5: park hopping, the parade, break down on Big Thunder Mountain where it took them 10 minutes to decide what to do, only to exit us and walk us back. They were concerned about us getting out of the train but everybody just hopped out. Then right after got stuck on Snow White. Loved Peter Pan (as always). The park closed at 8:00 so we went back to the Rain Forest cafe and ordered a pizza - a great night time snack.

Off to Disneyland

We (Michael, David, my mom, and myself) are off to Disneyland in the morning. We are not going into the park tomorrow but just heading down on the district to shop and eat at the RainForest Cafe, as usual activity the first day. So excited to see what cute things can be found in the shops. Of course, we wish Tyler were going with us and although he is not pleased that we have gone three times while he is out on his mission, we have promised him Disney World next Christmas when he gets home....and a lot more. Oh, the promises I have had to make to make up for three trips to Disneyland without him.

Day of Caring cont.

I helped out mostly with the map of the U.S. and the State of Utah but late in the painting as I was too busy directing. But someone came up with the idea of painting a "Y" in the state of Utah for Brigham Young University. If you do not live in Utah there is a huge rivalry between BYU and the University of Utah. I thought it was funny but while I was talking to the group painting the snail a guy approached asking who was in charge. I informed him I was and he let me have it about the "Y" because he is a Utah fan. It took me a while to figure out he was kidding, at least I think he was. After he stopped yelling at me I discovered that he was the 5th/6th grade teacher. For a minute there I was stumped regarding what to say to him. But all the kids loved it - of course, it is Utah County not SLC.
Four square was another one we painted a lot, which I have never heard of but is apparently a big deal and battles are fought over it. Plus a couple of kick-ball fields, which I thought were a little small. I rocked at kick-ball as a child and would have kicked it way out of that little square.

United Way Day of Caring

Yesterday was the Day of Caring. I had emailed my contacts at United Way to inform them that I had been layed off but was still planning on attending, just not leading a project. They sent me an email at home requesting that I still lead the project as they did not have anyone else. To be honest, I probably would not have gone if they hadn't asked me to lead. An early morning, during a busy week was not my idea of fun. But then again, that's not why I do service. Plus, I enjoy leading and telling others what to do.
It turned out to be a great project. We were at Westridge Elementary and I had no idea before I arrived the scope or number of volunteers. I thought it would be some simple weeding with only the Wells Fargo volunteers. I had 30-40 volunteers from different companies and yes, some weeding involved but mostly painting the black-top and also in the kindergarten area. I though it turned out great. I had to send someone to get some additional supplies so some of us got a late start and it was a bit hectic in the morning but we managed to get everything painted.
The kids were so excited when they came out for recess. Although not allowed on the black-top they kept commenting on everything and even asked us to paint some lines I had not planned on painting. One kid asked a co-worker who was paying him to paint. He told him no one but that the kid could pay him. So the kid pulled out a dollar. We laughed about it and of course didn't take his money.
The snail was a bit of a confusion because all we had was a big circle so I asked if anyone was an artist and could do it freehand. We did have a drawing and I thought it turned out really well. I realised after going to the kindergarten area that it is where the snail had been drawn.
Afterwards we went to Red Lobster for all you can shrimp, which I of course added on a 1/2 pound of crab legs, a pineapple freeze, and chocolate cake for dessert. I was so stuffed that there was no need to eat any dinner that night but it was worth it!

Orem Owlz

David went with me to the annual Kiwanis Orem Owlz event. I probably would not bother going as I am not a huge fan of baseball but David enjoys it and is anxiously waiting for Tyler to come home and go to the sports events with him. We were unable to stay long - only about three innings as I was meeting a friend to go walking. But the Owlz were already down and not playing particularly well. David checked the paper and they lost 6-9 so something must have happened after we left.

Blast from the Past

My father sent me this picture this morning from when we were children. It is at Easter. Things have changed a lot since then and not just physically.

Not much happening lately. I am busy getting through school and hanging out with my mom, Michael, and David. Went shopping again Friday and Saturday and got David some more clothes. Yesterday we sat downstairs and watched the videos from our Disneyland trip in 2009 and at Christmas 2010. Lots of fun memories. We are excited to be leaving next month despite many rides being shut down.

The Duck is competing with the Mouse

We were out shopping yesterday (and miracle, I didn't buy anything) we stopped in the Gap because they were having a great sale. There was nothing in the womens department but Michael found some great deals in the men's department. After making his purchases we were walking out and mentioned to David that he might like to get some shorts for Disneyland. And then with Michael and I helping him he got new shirts and a pair of jeans. He is going to look really good. We are now going to focus on updating his wardrobe. He is now competing with Michael.

Getting Ready for Disneyland

We were at University Mall last night and of course broused around the Disney Store. David saw this pirate hat and fell in love with it. We may have to get him one in September.

$100 Cucumber

I went out to the garden last night and had three zucchini that were ready to be picked, 1 squash, and 1 cucumber (although 4-5 more growing). I was so excited. I didn't have my camera so Michael took pictures for me. I will have to upload them later. My mom keeps kidding that we are growing $100 cucumbers because we never get back in produce the cost of what we plant. We are just glad something grows. I couldn't get the radishes or carrots to grow this year. But my basil, mint, rosemary, chives, squash, zucchini, cucumber, and tomatoes are growing really well. The tomatoes a little too well - the plants are huge.

Harry Potter

Michael, David, and I were at Provo Towne Saturday shopping - of course- and were wandering and Michael walked by the theatre and we noticed that Harry Potter was not sold out for the 6:30 p.m. show so we got tickets and then got in the long ling inside the theatre. But the line was not as bad as we thought because we were able to get seats on the back row (my favorite). We loved it! They did such a great job on the entire series (except for book 3 - it was a little disappointing).