Most...Extreme...Challenge!!!

Let's take a trip back in time...

Bring back old memories??!! Anyone? Meet my old friend - Guy LeDouche!

ABC has decided to recreate it's own version of an oldey-but-goody. Will it live up to the MXC legend? It's hard to say. When I think back to my college days...back to when Seth and I first started dating...two things seems to stick out.

-Watching endless hours of MXC

-Watching endless hours of crazy videos on YouTube

I know. He really spoiled me. Why go out to eat? We don't have time! Get some pizza rolls delivered and crank up that PC! Let's watch funny Asian men look like idiots as they're pummeled by boulders and knocked off swinging mushrooms!

Ah, good times folks. It's like a breath of fresh air compared to the mundane daily grind we now take part in...

Anyway, here's the ABC promo. The Anderles plan on tuning in. I hope you decide to do the same. At least try and re-live those glorious years of freedom and fun (a.k.a. "college") while you can. You know...back to when we had a summer to enjoy?

"Human cannonballs! Human pinballs! Crashes, smashes and mud splashes! Twenty-four thrill-seekers will compete in the world's largest extreme obstacle course designed to provide the most spills, face plants and wipeouts ever seen on television, in Wipeout, a painfully funny new reality series premiering Tuesday, June 24 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.

Each week 24 daring new contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes will go head to head through four rounds of grueling and physically demanding but wildly hilarious obstacle courses to win the title of "Wipeout Champion" and the grand prize of $50,000. The contestants and the courses change every week, with over-the-top obstacles including "Dizzy Dummy" the "Dirty Balls" and "The Dreadmill" -- which will have contestants jumping hurdles on a 40-foot long treadmill at warp speed. In the end, only one contestant will win, while everyone else will Wipeout!"

Wahoo!

(And yes...of course my dear husband already looked into participating. Unfortunately contestants are limited to CA residents right now (Susan???!). I don't want to be reminded of it though. It was a sad, sad night for Seth)

Open Arms

(by Max Lucado)

If you ever wonder how in the world God could use you to change the world, look at the people God used to change history. A ragbag of ne’er-do-wells and has-beens who found hope, not in their performance, but in God’s proverbially open arms.

Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad and used “old forked tongue” to start a nation. Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did. David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale’s belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn’t stomach this missionary for too long.

On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man’s best and overcoming man’s worst.

The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars—he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.

Jesus later summarized God’s stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig’s life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.

He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who’d been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy’s words of apology were quickly muffled by the father’s words of forgiveness. And the boy’s weary body fell into his father’s opened arms.

The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No “I told you so!” slaps or “Where have you been?” interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.

And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.

No wonder they call him the Savior.

Crazy Lazy

So...I wish I could say we were super productive this weekend. (i.e. deep cleaned the house, washed the cars, got quality time at the pool, etc etc) More like super lazy.

And...it...was...great!!!

It's almost embarassing to say how much we slept. But I desperately needed every minute of it. Proof that Tucker = handful. But a cute handful. And our little boy is on his way to being potty trained! Not that any of you really care much about his progress, but we've gone from like 10 accidents a day to maybe one. Hallelujah. AND...best part...NO WHINING or crying last night when we went to bed. Slept the entire night. No waking up at 12, 3, and 5. The entire night. Ahhh...bliss.

I can't say we were completely UN-productive I guess. We finally redid our flower beds on Saturday and my gosh it was hot. I take back everything I ever said about loving summer. How about I love spring. Or fall. Or semi-warm winters? I could hardly move on Sunday. Somehow Mary always ends up buying everything and mulching the entire flowerbeds by herself. And 5 bags of mulch really are a pain in the you know what. I have 2 nasty blisters and a sore tush to prove it. Oh ok and Seth didn't just lay around and laugh...he did mow. So...clearly I did all the grunt work.

We did see Ironman and rented Lions for Lambs. Both great movies, however I was not as much on the Ironman bandwagon as everyone else. We're a bit disappointed to hear that Indiana Jones got less-than-stellar reviews. Guess it's a good thing we decided to put that off a few weeks instead of waiting in the crazy lines.

I realize this qualifies as 1) most boring post ever and 2) longest time without posting (nearly a week people). You'd think I have some pictures to show for it. Hmmm...no such luck.

Strawberry Fields No-Bake Cheesecake

Yum-o! Such a simple recipe...such a delicious dessert! And you can easily mix up some of the ingredients for a healthier twist if you'd like. Courtesy of Kraftfoods.com...I mean, I made this up in my head last night...


12 HONEY MAID Honey Grahams, finely crushed (about 2 cups crumbs)
6 Tbsp. margarine, melted
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping, thawed

MIX graham crumbs, margarine and 1/4 cup of the sugar; press onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

BEAT cream cheese and 3/4 cup of the sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until well blended. Add preserves; mix well. Place strawberries and remaining 2 Tbsp. sugar in small bowl; mash with fork. Stir strawberry mixture and whipped topping into cheese mixture. Spoon over crust; cover.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Store in refrigerator.

Top Ten Tuesday Thoughts

1) Just watched The Bachelorette...was skeptical as always...and will definitely watch this season. (Helps that May sweeps are upon us and nothing much will be on the tube anyway) This is the reason I will watch:

Kids...I think Graham will make it far. I know his self-portrait is a tad questionable, but I'm just saying. Also a fan of Brian from Texas and Single Dad.

2) Why is it only Tuesday? This week has seemed so long already.

3) I just slipped on the kitchen floor. Wanna know why? Oh yeah, because my dog peed TWICE (hm...at least on the tile) and I stepped in it...with both feet.

4) So grateful that Maggie is potty trained...and hasn't reverted to peeing 18,000 times a day like her younger brother

5) Still in confusion and shock from Desperate Housewives finale. I have so many questions! Cannot WAIT for the fall.

6) Also cannot wait to try strawberry cheesecake I made for bible study tomorrow night! Don't worry girls, I won't touch it...for now.

7) I highly recommend reading this book:

It's great! There's also a "Bad Girls" and "Really Bad Girls" version out there. It's a fun read and educational at the same time. You get to see the 'famous' women of the Bible in a totally new light.

8) Wait, why did I come back from Hawaii?

9) Time is running out to find dream job. I missed SYTYCD try-outs this year. Gonna prepare and be ready for next time...

10) GO SPURS GO!

Crazy Weekend

Maggie & Tucker had tons of visitors this weekend. It was almost like we had a newborn! (well...I guess we did. just not technically a HUMAN newborn) Unfortunately nobody really volunteered to bring the proud parents dinner...help pick up poop...watch the pups while we caught up on our sleep...I mean COME ON guys! It's tough stuff raising a puppy! :)

I also participated in the Junior Achievement bowl-a-thon with Anadarko on Saturday afternoon. Our team raised nearly $900 and we were bowling pros. My best score was 144. I KNOW! I forgot how awesome I was. Matt, Trisha, and little Amy stopped by beforehand to meet our new addition...the dogs had tons of fun with Amy and the smell of her sweet baby skin!

Kim and Tucker got some quality shut eye while Maggie played with Buster & Berkley

Getting to know each other...on a new level

Perhaps a bit too early to try and take him on a walk! Just a short 10 minute walk but I had to carry him after about 5 minutes :) And then he fell asleep with his head on the leash. Oh well.

Sibling Love

Aunt Paula came to see little Tuck and rocked him to sleep...

...just like she did last year with Maggie! I think someone has baby fever...

And clearly, Cathy had to join in the fun too!

Tuck and Mags also had fun with the Merediths and Babcocks...phew, we are wiped! :)

Today has been full of catching up on TV shows and my reading! This is a BIG TV WEEK as most of you know, with season premieres of both The Bachelorette and......SYTYCD! (and if you don't know what that stands for I'm not talking to you...)

I'll try to keep the dog posts/pics to a minimum...for now.

And puppy makes 4...

Oh I know. You're either thinking I'm absolutely nuts...or the LUCKIEST GIRL in the world!!! I personally feel like the latter.

Today we brought home Tuck! (I know many of you are slightly confused, as you have now heard Hank, Huck, Duke, Jack, Sport, Red, and more) Seth put his foot down and demanded he name this dog. No matter how hard I tried, I could not win. So I apologize to all those rooting for other ones.

Tears literally came to my eyes when we saw Tuck with his siblings. Eight of them. I wanted them ALL. Someone whose name rhymes with "Beth" wouldn't let us have all of them. So mean and heartless, I know. And I almost cringe to type this, because I am not technically a fan of abbreviating every single word, but...

HE IS PRESH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I die. I can't even imagine how much you mothers love your children. Because if I love my children even HALF as much as I love my dogs...that's gonna be a lot. I know my mother's dream of grandchildren is probably swirling down the toilet as I type. (Just kidding)

So here we go. Tuck's first photo album. 6 weeks. Weighing in at a whopping 7 lbs. Half Australian Shepherd, half Husky. Blue eyes. I know you're already looking forward to the "Have a blessed holiday season...Love, Seth, Mary, Maggie, & Tuck Anderle" cards!!!!

Agh! I can't wait!

Already having their boy time
Oh yeah, in love. (Still in love with Maggie too...don't worry)
Greg & Jacky came to meet the new guy! Greg SO wants to get one of Tuck's sisters ;)
How sweet...

"Tuck"ered out!!

Very frustrating to Maggie that he fits under the couch
Marking territory. Maggie has pretty much followed him around all night!
Hugging already! They are SO BFFFFFFFFFF!!

As you can tell, I am SUPER pumped. Seth is too. Don't EVEN let him lie to you. He named the kid after all.

(I just fear for my children and their names. I'm going to have to be quick on my feet. His number 2 dog name was Amigo. Yikes)

I really truly think they will get along. They are already having fun and Tuck is so clumsy...it's hilarious to watch them run around the house. He had one mini-accident, but otherwise has "done his business" outside (uh...and on the Meredith's front lawn...sorry guys)

Guys. Just think. How many dog/puppy posts have I had since the creation of this blog?

I promise I will not get any more puppies. But that's just one more thing to cross off our "pre-little squirts" list.

Next up...new car anyone?

(and please...Seth will make me drive the Civic until pigs fly so don't get your hopes up quite yet...)

(oh, and let me know if you know how to make pigs fly...)

Is there any harm in going to "look" at some puppies?

We shall see...

Hawaii Happenings - Part Dos

I take it back. THIS just might be the longest post ever. Prepare to be pictured out. And if you want any of these to blow up and frame in your house, feel free to ask. Don't be embarassed. It's happened before.

And I apologize if my thoughts don't flow well in this. I am currently catching up on the TV I missed last week. And I admit, I cheated and found out who the Bachelor picked. (Or who the "champion" was, as my dear husband put it) I still need to watch to catch all the drama though. And I cringe to take this back...I scoffed when my mother declared Shayne would be the winner at the beginning. And I hate to say it, but she was right. Even though I don't think Matt picked the right girl..........ahem...NOELLE.

Back to Hawaii. On to Maui.

We went to the Old Lahaina Luau on our first evening there. It was so much fun and really neat to see a real luau firsthand. Made Paula and I realize we weren't as good at hula dancing as we'd once hoped.

Me and Seth watching the sunset at the luau

Yuck. The roasted pig.
We finally got our leis! They smelled so good. They should sell them in Houston.
Ben & Paula enjoying the luau

Don't worry, ladies. I kept him away from the hula dancers.

Look at Seth! A surfing pro! He took a surfing lesson while I soaked in the sunUm yeah. That longboard was HUGE!

Ahh. The beach.

Things got a little out of hand in front of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. We saw a fantastic photo op and couldn't resist. And I will post all 4 of our pictures just because I think it's funny. So sorry to be redundant :)

Run Seth Run!
I didn't pull it off quite as well. But look, there is the box of chocolates.
Silly Ben

And then the boys got ahold of the camera for some photo fun...

World-class Hawaiian beach babes (and dudes)


The morning of our bike ride down the Haleakala crater. We were picked up from our hotel at 2:15 AM and made it to the top of the crater around 4:45 AM to prepare for the sunrise. Although it was gorgeous, it was FREEZING. 34 degrees. 50 mph winds. No joke, kids. Thank goodness we listened to advice and brought our winter wear. Then the tour company even provided us with these snazzy jumpsuits to help protect us from the wind. Perhaps next time we'll just see the sunset...

As Paula said, I looked like a marshmellow

We were at 10,000 feet...even above the clouds!

Photo op!! Don't ya think I should be a stunt woman?

The only time I'll ever get Seth on a bike

Do we resemble each other?

Our last day in Maui! We were crying behind our sunglasses.
Dinner at Longhi's

And there you have it. A wonderful super fun week that we were so blessed to be able to enjoy!!! In the meantime, we will be continuing to cross things off on the "Anderle to-do's pre-children" list. Next up...puppy!