Blue Satin Sashes

Kiki's Wedding

2012-01-30T23:14:00.003-08:00

If you want to see a few pictures from my sisters beautiful wedding this summer you can check out this link here. My camera had been confiscated, so sadly I have none of my own that day.

Which is a bummer because it was beautiful.

This week

2012-01-20T17:41:00.003-08:00

Has been a very very very very long week.

In fact I will just say it,

This week sucked!

I have dealt with the following:

vomit

poop in the car

Jocelyn trapping herself in said car... twice.

A car accident

Back pain from said accent.

Bath tub over flowing

Water leaking from the ceiling

Insurance companies, insurance companies, insurance companies,

doctors appointments,

laundry? whats laundry? oh it's that stuff taking over my house.

Stuffy noses, runny noses, coughs

Jello

Yes, Jello.

Dogs waking up children,

Children refusing to back to sleep after waking up.

Leap Frog, lots of Leap Frog.

I will say this.

I love my husband, I love my children, I love my house, I am grateful for so much,

But I am ready to be done with this week.

Remember when I blogged?

2012-01-19T14:50:00.001-08:00

No?

Me neither...

Maybe I should do something about it?

It's worth taking into consideration.

Today she said this...

2012-01-03T19:08:00.003-08:00

Tonight Jocelyn and I had the following conversation

J: I want you to draw a picture of Phineas, his head is a triangle"

R: "Okay"

(drawing a picture of Phineas)

J: "No just his head... now draw me. My head is like an oval... Yes Yes!...(blushing)Now draw me kissing Phineas"

(I look at her confused)

R: "What?"

J:(bolder with slight annoyance at having to repeat herself)

"I want you to draw me kissing Phineas".

R: (still shocked) "Why do you want me to draw you kissing Phineas?"

J: "Because I love him soooooo much".

Should I be worried?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:18:00.003-08:00

So I feel like I should tell you that I have been sitting on this post for almost three weeks but I haven't posted because I was waiting for other pictures. Now I am just going to show you how awesome or New Years Eve was.

New Years Eve was Rockin!

We decided to have a little party with two of our closest family friends.

With all the kids, and no sitters.

Ben and I took down all the Christmas decorations and decorated the room in black, white, gold and silver.

My stylish and beautiful ladies.

Aren't they beautiful?

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T00:06:00.004-08:00

I'm on a roll :)

This was the most

Chill,

easy,

relaxing

Christmas of my adult life.

It was lovely.

Mama and Papa Hansen came out.

We love them.

Unfortunately they BOTH got sick on different days with different things.

But that didn't stop us from

Seeing 3 movies. (Footloose is awesome by the way)

Going out for Pizza.

Playing at the park.

Having a lovely and musical Church service.

Eating feast after feast.

Watching, Christmas Vacation, Just Friends and a Christmas Story.

Did I mention Korean food?

Wearing our new matching Griswold Family Christmas shirts.

Reading LOTS of books,

and having a wonderful Christmas morning full of love and laughter, and Jocelyn screaming "This is what I always wanted!" after every present.

Except when she got a sweatshirt. "Ahhh, I didn't want clothes."

Launching a rocket,

Caroling around the neighborhood and bringing fudge to the neighbors.

(Jocelyn refused to sing the same song over and over again and would sit on the step with her arms folded, Brooke however LOVED it and handed everyone the treat)

Playing with toy helecopters,

and just having a really lovely time together.

Thanks Mom and Dad Hansen.

We love you!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-28T23:46:00.002-08:00

was last month.

But if I don't post about it now it will be last year.

It was wonderful.

My dad came out. We had way big fun.

The girls love him.

We played in the snow

ate yummy waffles

watched of Phinneas and Ferb.

Dinner was awesome.

Our favorite Oregon families came over.

We had 7 adults and 6 kids.

Everything was AMAZING!

(However the turkey was slightly undercooked my bad)

But it was still good and no one got sick. :)

We hung out and talked and ate pie... lots of pie.

Today she said this...

2011-12-28T23:29:00.006-08:00

Today I asked Jocelyn what she wants to be when she grow up?

"Uh... a farmer and a mother."

"Those sound like wonderful things! Why do you want to be a farmer?"

"Because you get to feed the animals and grow the garden"

"Why do you want to be a mother?"

" Uh...uh... Because you get to go to the park by yourself."

*laugh*

"Anything else?"

"You get to decorate your own Christmas tree with no glass ornaments, and you get to go to the movies by yourself."

"Yup, that about sums it up."

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-23T16:40:00.003-08:00

This year has been amazing and we have loved so many minutes of it. New wonderful house, new wonderful preschool, new wonderful friends and a wonderful new dog. There have been a lot of changes but I feel like we are really beginning to come into our own here in Eugene. I think we are all doing amazing and I am gratefully daily for my Heavenly Father and the blessing we have been given. These last few weeks have been crazy! So I apologize if you weren't one of the 12 people that got our fancy Christmas card ornaments. Apparently there is a bigger learning curb on my Silhouette Machine then I thought :) and in the middle of the night after ruining yet another page, I broke down and ordered this one from Costco.

Which is a picture I love!.. you just can't see our faces:)

If you got this picture we love you and we just thought you were super cool and would get our edgy artistic style.

Merry Christmas!

Ben, Rileigh, Jocelyn, Brooke and Strider

Above the Fog

2011-12-13T23:29:00.003-08:00

This morning I threw the ball for Strider on a very cold but sunny morning.

Sunny for us that is.

We don't avoid the rain, but I really feel like get more bright sunny days up on our little hill and it makes my heart happy.

So does this guy.

I would gladly trade two months of rain for a month of snow. The frost looked so beautiful this morning.

In other news, when given the choice between a nap and working in her little book, she chose the latter, the nap had other ideas.

Picking out the tree with Grandpa

2011-12-04T22:12:00.004-08:00

Hello friends, Here are some pictures from us picking out or tree before we chopped it down with a saw and made it all pretty like. I know this reads weird. I ate a lot of brownies tonight.

Happy December! PS My dad was here and it was awesome sauce.

Trimming the Tree

2011-11-27T22:04:00.002-08:00

By the numbers

2011-11-19T14:24:00.006-08:00

Number of Days Ben has been gone: 3

Number of Days Ben will still be gone: 2

Number of minutes Brooke has been locked in the bathroom, refusing to open the door while playing in the sink: 30

Number of felt leaves I cut out and stung into a garland with Jocelyn: 100

Number of Episodes of Project Runway season 4 watched: 4

Number of Phone calls I have made regarding the ward activity: 25

Number of minutes I laughed inappropriately at the Werewolves in Breaking Dawn:5

Number of times I held my breath or swooned during Breaking Dawn: A million

Number of Candy Cane Joe-Joe's consumed by me and the girls: 32

Number of runners, dog walkers and cars, Strider has "warned" us about today: 7

Number of Poopy Diapers: 3 and counting

Number of Pictures I still need to edit: 75

Number of Dishes I have done: 0

Number of hours it took me to figure out how to use my silhouette machine: 3

Number of FANTASTIC Breaking Dawn inspired shirts I made: 2

Number of Feathers Jaime wore in her hair last night: 4

Number of hours before bedtime: 2.5

Time I have to leave for church tomorrow: 7:30 with BOTH kids for Ward Council.

Wish me luck!

Dear Professor- our morning without you

2011-11-18T07:46:00.004-08:00

Dear Professor Hansen,

This is how our friday has gone without you.

6:24 Girls wake up and come and get in bed with me.

6:29 I put them both back in their room and say, "See you at 7".

7:08 I hear a minor crash and go running in. Jocelyn hit her hip jumping from bed to bed.

7:15 Making chocolate french toast for breakfast. Jocelyn sets the table. Brooke plays with toys on the counter.

7:21 It starts snowing... sort of, it's slushy and won't stick. We let Strider in the backyard for #1. He comes back covered in ice. The girls laugh as he shakes it off.

7:28 Dressed in a fuzzy pink bathrobe, brown moccasins, and a blue apron I throw the ball for Strider in the front yard. It's freezing and still a little rainy (sleeting has stopped) So it on the rocking bench on the porch and throw from there.

7:31 Two little girls follow me outside and sit next to me on the bench.

7:32 They both go back inside.

7:34 Brooke comes back with her plate of food, fork and cup of Emergency water. Takes her seat on the bench. Jocelyn comes back dragging the blanket off the couch and two puppy toys.

7:35-7:42 We sit more comfortably on the rocking on the bench while Strider chases the ball and finishes his business.

7:44 Strider shakes off in the hallway, I wipe him down with a towel, and all the walls as well.

7:50 Girls start a bath for them selves. Strider eats, I blog about our morning.

8:03 Brooke runs out of the bath naked waving her arms in the air.

8:04 Brooke returns to the bathroom with this.

To be continued...

Angels in a field... take 1

2011-11-15T22:01:00.002-08:00

I have this idea in my head for an amazing photo shoot with the girls.

Potentially for our Christmas card.

The rain is coming.

So I thought I might make a go for it tonight.

Brooke must have sensed it was coming.

She refused to nap.

Would only eat crackers.

Fell asleep on our way to the site.

and did a lot of this.

I didn't get the shot I was looking for.

But I did get these.

Once the rain stops we are going to try again.

Sneak Peek Hess Family

2011-11-14T19:22:00.003-08:00

Today I got to shoot one of my very favorite families!

I seriously don't know what I would do with out this amazing women and her little crew.

Being Brave

2011-11-11T23:25:00.007-08:00

I have decided to be bold.

I am a little nervous and very excited.

I really love taking pictures of my family.

So I thought YOU might love ME taking pictures of yours.

What do ya think?

To get the ball rolling I thought I would offer a special discount to the hard working Grad-Students and their families.

Private sessions are available as well. Contact me for further details!

My Girls

2011-11-02T20:57:00.003-07:00

Brooke

Loves Strider and snuggles him all day AKA likes to pull his tale.

Loves making train tracks

Will whack you in the head with a toy if you are not careful

But will be quick to kiss you on the cheek to say she is sorry.

Refuses to eat anything that isn't in matching bowls, spoons and cup set.

And even then, she has become…. Selective.

But she loves, fruit and tuna and crackers and sometimes a carrot.

She is saying more words and sounds.

Shoe, "ShOOOUe" is my favorite.

Calls Jocelyn "Ya Ya"

Will run towards you with both arms wide open laughing and smiling to give you a hug.

Loves ALL puppies. Everywhere.

She will fall asleep anywhere if she has a blanket and a stuffed animal with a tag

Is a future Gymnastic Star! So strong! So flexible. She LOVES IT!

Jocelyn

Loves preschool

Knows every verse to "Down by the Bay"

Sings "Somewhere out there" while looking out the window to the moon, nightly.

Has recently discovered "potty words". Poopy makes it's way into the conversation more then I would like.

Can be coerced into eating her dinner for the first time in her life.

My little Ponies are her favorite. And Hello Kitty, and Barbies and dress up and coloring. Lots and lots of coloring.

Is completely in love with a boy named Sammy at school

She was three different things for Halloween this year.

She cheers for me when I drive fast down the hill by our house. "Go Mommy Go!"

Right now we talk a lot about the Earth and how it spins around the Sun and why we have night and day.

Says that Jesus is one of her best friends.

Will do anything for Chocolate Milk… really just about anything.

Will smile for pictures but only if you tease her not too.

Rides Strider like a horse.

More Sun and some Leaves

2011-11-02T20:06:00.002-07:00

It warm and sunny and Fall.

So we made the most of it.

And then drew some rainbow hearts and just chilled out.

It was awesome.

Playing in the sun

2011-11-02T15:21:00.001-07:00

The Sun is shinning and the weather is warm. It is fabulous.

Halloween Night

2011-11-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh it was awesome. but I am now SOOOO over Halloween. And someone keeps eating all the kids Snickers bar. I really don't know that keeps happening.

Little Red and Snow

2011-10-31T09:37:00.001-07:00

A hard Day

2011-10-23T23:08:00.003-07:00

A horrible thing happened this weekend.

My friend died. It's hard to even type the words now.

She was young, she was beautiful and she was pregnant.

She didn't wake up one morning.

It's been a hard weekend. Lots of tears.

They just sort of burst out of you for a moment and then they are gone.

We are all reeling. Ann was loved. And we miss her already.

My head has stopped spinning for a moment and I remember,

I remember the love that I have for my Savior.

I remember the sacrifice he made.

I remember that this is not the last of my good time with my friend.

That we will meet again and laugh and craft and make Chocolate Easter Eggs in Heaven.

Because lets be honest, there IS chocolate in Heaven.

When I think about Ann now, where she is, where she is going, I am calm.

At peace. I know she is safe, I know she is loved.

I think about her family and her friends here on Earth and I am sad.

Of all that they will miss without her.

I will be strong. I will show love. I will not forget.

I will have a little girl play with my little girl often.

I will have a sweet man over for dinner with us.

Just as I would if Ann were here.

my favorite picture of Christ.

Bed Time Stories

2011-10-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

I love him.

This week in phone pictures

2011-10-09T20:43:00.003-07:00

Pictures from the week via my phone.

Little surprises by my bed Baking chocolate pumpkin cupcakes

Sheriff Strider First attempt at Mug Cakes

Planking

Enjoying Hot Chocolate presents from Grandpa

It was a good week.

Tights Weather

2011-09-26T21:19:00.003-07:00

Today was the first day of tights weather.

and I have to say that I am excited.

I loaded up for the girls this fall and there are some good ones!

Though it did take a little convincing this morning.

But what can I say, my albino legs are looking forward to the explosion of color and fun prints this winter.

And really, really it's just one of the best perks of dressing little girls.

Picture Day

2011-09-26T21:12:00.002-07:00

Today was Preschool Picture Day.

I just thought you might like to see how cute she looked.

Embracing Fall

2011-09-21T16:18:00.003-07:00

I woke up one morning and decided to embrace fall before the rain comes. Right now the sun is shinning, the air has just a hint of crispness to it and they are selling pumpkin ice cream at Prince Pucklers.

Life is Good.

Today was the first day of...

2011-09-12T15:18:00.002-07:00

It rocked!

She loved it.

I cried, twice.

She stamped

painted

looked at a pink rock

and played outside.

I love her teachers.

This is going to be a good year.

Picking flowers and making wishes

2011-09-05T22:49:00.002-07:00

Peek-A-Boo!

I wish, I wish, to fly with dragons...

Hair Cuts!

2011-09-02T01:08:00.001-07:00

A little clean up and some simple layers to let her curls bounce.

Hello Bob!

My girls are styling!

New Photographer

2011-09-02T00:51:00.001-07:00

My favorite subject taking pictures of her favorite subject.

smiley face.

Let me sum up

2011-08-25T13:50:00.005-07:00

Blogging time has been replaced by Pintresting. (Is that a word? I think not.)
It's awesome, you should check it out.

My dog likes to hunt flies and it is hilarious.

Brooke has decided it is time to potty train, so now, I use the carpet cleaner a lot and my laundry load has doubled.

Decorating the house comes in monsoons and droughts.

Target is stealing all of my money.

I took Jocelyn back to school shopping. It's so stinking cute.

I cleaned out my office space. Now I need to get some amazing china cabinet to house my cake plates and fabric pieces in.

The craigslist app is sucking all of my phones power.

I think Anthroplogie linens should all go on sale for at least 75% off. My windows and bathrooms would be so happy.

I have finished Jane Eyre, Re-read all the good parts multiple times and watched four different versions of it on Netflix and Youtube. It is tied between the 2006 BBC one, and the new one staring Alice in Wonderland and Magneto.

Seriously tied. Well done you. The one with William Hurt sucks.

I was too impatient to read Wuthering Heights so I watched the movie. I don't know if I will read it or not. Heathcliff hurts my head.

Jeri and I have started a Cross-Continental Book Club! I am so stoked. Right now we are catching up on books we had each read individually to discuss. She is reading, Matched and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I am reading the Hunger Games. Which I have yet to start. When we are done I think we should read Little Women.

I really like my house.

I am very seriously thinking of going back to school in a month. Starting with math. I am nervous and excited. is there a word for both?

Finally I have been sitting here to long avoiding the mountain of laundry I need to do before Princess Ladybug and Mr. Diet Coke come over for dinner.

No I did not make them up.

Happy Thursday!

Bed Time Stories

2011-08-23T21:31:00.009-07:00

*Jocelyn pretending to be stepped on by a big fake elephant at the San Diego Zoo.

While putting Jocelyn to bed tonight, she shared with me her version of a bed time story.

"Once upon a time there was a girl named Rileigh.

And she went to go pick some strawberries, but everyone had already ate them all gone.

But then Rileigh found one strawberry left."

"Did she eat the strawberry?", I asked.

"No, no no. A dinosaur came out and ate her all up.

But she made the dinosaur sick, so he spit her out."

"The End."

I wonder if I should be concerned about this?

Miss Jocelyn

2011-08-14T22:10:00.004-07:00

*Birthday girl drinking out of the special "Birthday Cup"

Dear Jocelyn,

Today you are four. You awoke to your room covered in balloons with a few streamers gliding across your walls. You were delighted, but I don’t think you fully understood that today was your birthday. For breakfast you had Lucky Charms, which you have been begging for ever sense we went camping last month. You ate all the marshmallows but then you actually at the “whole grain” part as well. I was really impressed. But I don’t think you got that it was your birthday.

We would tell you that, today you are four. and you would reply, “No, I not four yet, I still three.

On our way to church we sang the Hansen Family Birthday song. Which you happily sang along with, and then reminded us that Grandpa Robbie’s birthday was over.

At Church you gave your very first talk in Primary. How proud you were to sit in the special chair at the front marked, “TALK”. Today was your day. All smiles and courage as you waited for your turn to talk. Your topic was, “Our body is a Temple.” I held up a picture of the temple and whispered to you what to say. Like a little mouse you, in your most quiet voice repeated my lines. Holding up different things, like play fruit and vegetables, Sharing cards, and a little dog, telling the primary different ways we can keep our bodies healthy and clean. I was so proud. You were not nervous but maybe a little shy. You did so good. If only the primary presidency had turned on the microphone.

You and your sister slept in the car and at home for an hour or so while I wrapped presents and watched Jane Eyre for the third time. You awoke and saw them and immediately wanted to open them. We explained not until Brooke was awake. Being the logical child that you are, you disappeared and five minutes later I heard the tears of a sleepy sister that was now awake and ready for presents.

Lets just say, “Kid, you scored.”

A brownie cake with purple frosting and My Little Pony sitting on top, is frankly what you ate for dinner. I tried to throw some fruit into your belly and I think you at half an orange and small cup of juice. It’s your birthday, I am not worried today.

You spoke to so many family members today. All singing Happy Birthday. You laughed and smiled. While on the phone with your aunt you finally understood that it was your birthday. We told you were four again, and you stopped looked up at me and said,

"I am?"

(Mm-hmm)

"I am four, I not three anymore?"

...I got bigger?"

(big smile)

"It's my birthday! I am turning four!"

(You ran around the room shouting)

"IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, I AM FOUR, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!"

You are sleeping at last. My darling sweet girl, who every night sings to me;

“I love you forever

I like you for always

As long as I am living

My mommy you’ll be”

Little Wonders

2011-08-10T19:54:00.003-07:00

So we are still undecided on a Family Motto.

This however is my Personal Anthem for 2011.

In my search for peace and balance I heard this song playing over and over again in my head.

(Watching it 30 times on vacation at the end of Meet the Robinsons probably had something to do with it.)

The lyrics are fantastic, the melody is haunting, and Rob Thomas lives in Santa Ynez.

The lyrics are defiantly going up on my inspiration bored.

All things that are good and bring me peace.

Even if his earrings are ridiculous.

Let it go, let it roll right off your shoulder
Don?t you know the hardest part is over?
Let it in, let your clarity define you
In the end we will only just remember how it feels

Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours still remain

Let it slide, let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine until you feel it all around you
And I don?t mind if it?s me you need to turn to
We?ll get by, it?s the heart that really matters in the end

Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours still remain

All of my regret will wash away somehow
But I cannot forget the way I feel right now
In these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Yeah, these twists and turns of fate!

Time falls away, yeah but these small hours
And these small hours still remain, yeah
Ooh they still remain
These little wonders, oh these twists and turns of fate

Time falls away but these small hours
These little wonders still remain

Family Moto

2011-08-08T22:53:00.004-07:00

I am in the market for a family moto.

"Happy I'm a Hansen" is a important family moto and will be properly show cased in the house.

But I am looking for something that will inspire my children to be better, for me to be calm and loving and for my husband not to be embarrassed to have hanging in the kitchen.

Any thoughts?

FYI I was never really feeling the "keep calm and carry on" wave that exploded throughout the blogsphere.

Even when a Weasly sports it.

Though it helps.

Little Girls in Vintage Dresses

2011-08-08T14:55:00.003-07:00

On our way back through Santa Barbara (and when I got my camera back) We took the girls to the beach dressed in Vintage that we had just picked up from the thrift store.

There and back again

2011-08-05T15:24:00.002-07:00

A Hansen's tale.

Okay so maybe not that much.

We were gone for twenty days.

That is a lot of days.

It was good.

Lots of good.

Now we are tired.

Ready to finish moving into our house.

Ready to sleep in our own beds.

We slept in SIX different ones on our trip.

It's good to be home

So you want to see the house?

2011-07-09T23:35:00.004-07:00

Bought a new batter charger Huzzah!

These pictures were taken during our final walk through. Don't ask me why I didn't a picture of the master bedroom, closet, retreat, playroom or office.

I think I was exhausted and brain dead from packing.

As you can see.

Let me re-phrase, Here are SOME pictures of the house sans furniture and things.

Enjoy.

Hello House

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

(Carla our Realtor she was Fantastic!)

View from dining room so you can see how they all fit together

(Ben and Mike the contractor Looking over paperwork)

Mike was also Fantastic

Back Yard

Back Side Yard

(The tree in the background is the one you can see in the foreground in the picture above)

The Upstairs

(there is a beautiful window going up the stairs It's just hard to photograph)

Enjoy the picture of the playroom (the yellow room) because it is the only one.

Upstairs Bath

Upstairs Landing

Hall Bath

(It's not this yellow in person)

Guest Room

Laundry Room

Girls Room

Master Bedroom

Not pictured

Master Bath

The Tub

Master Bath

Shower

Master Bath

Counters

The End.

Hello Friends

2011-07-05T17:16:00.003-07:00

Hello People of the West!

How are you?

I'm swell.

So much has happened in the last month.

Brooke's Birthday

We moved

Grandma came to Town

Tristan's Birthday

Allergies

Unpacking

Fathers Day

Swim Lessons

Painting Furniture

Ben's Birthday

Did I mention Unpacking?

4th of July

More Allergies.

It's been amazing, with slightly itchy eyes and a sore throat.

The thing is I can't find my camera battery charger.

... It's in a box somewhere.

The thing is, we are running out of boxes.

And I am forced to capture events via phone

or friends

or not at all.

(Which has been oddly therapeutic.)

Simply enjoying the party instead of trying to capture moments proving we enjoy it.

But then at the end of the day, I miss the pictures.

I think a back up battery and charger are in order.

Until then I will share the bits and pieces others have provided for me.

If you come visit, I will take you here and it will be good.

Sooooo good.

This kid

2011-06-24T23:40:00.002-07:00

Sometimes she drives me bonkers.

Like when she pours a cup of yogurt on the floor for no reason.

Terrifies the dog by chasing him around the living room on her bike.

And every bug she sees is grounds for hysteria, meltdowns and tears.

But then she will tell you things in a very serious yet quizzical tone,

"I don't like that Jesus made bugs."

Snuggle up with the dog while he is sleeping and find Waldo.

Make beds for all the dolls out of wash rags and tissues.

Put all of the flatware neatly away in the drawer.

and maybe just maybe,

She will hold your face with two hands.

Look into your soul with her sea green eyes,

and sing you this song.

"I love you forever,

I'll like you for always

As long as I am living

my mommy you'll be"

Yup.

Worth it.

The men in my life

2011-06-19T15:36:00.005-07:00

Happy Father's Day

and Future Father's Day, to the wonderful men in my life.

(they are so handsome, don't you think?)

And especially to you my love.

I love you all.

Hello

2011-06-18T23:44:00.002-07:00

I have nothing to show you yet and I am utterly overwhelmed, but in a good way.

So happy to done with apartment living.

So happy to be in my new house.

So wanting to go to Paris to celebrate!

I know right?!?!?!

Oh Happy Day is having a give-a-way.

And you can bet your sweet bibby that I have entered everyway possible.

Go check it out here.

POW

2011-06-07T07:15:00.001-07:00

I have no idea what POW this is.

But I like it.

This picture was taken while I watched on from the tub.

Almost there

2011-06-07T07:06:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was our final walk-through.

If everyone does what they are supposed to do as quickly as possible we will be able to move in on Friday.

If not...

Lets just say there is a hotel down the road.

But everyone think happy thoughts for Friday.

You have no idea how many times I have very seriously considered, sneaking over and taking a bath in the middle of the night.

Master Suite Ideaboard

2011-06-05T21:58:00.003-07:00

So I know I said I wasn't even going to think about my room until I had the girls rooms figured out, but I couldn't help it.

So instead of spending the day packing...

I made this!

I am going for an updated New York Hotel vibe.

What do you think?

And what type of curtains would you pick?

Miss Brooks, Your Story

2011-06-01T21:36:00.005-07:00

*Just a little warning to those reading, I am writing down everything I remember before it is gone, so if knowing about enemas or afterbirth is going to be an issue I advise you to check back tomorrow. *

Today you are two and I have yet to write down the story of your birth. So here it goes.

You were scheduled five days before your due date because I knew we were moving across the country in two months and I wanted to make sure you were healthy and I was "healed" before we got on a long airplane ride.

My induction was scheduled for midnight. Which now that I think about is totally ridiculous, why I didn't schedule for early that night or later that morning is beyond me.

I felt great. I was so excited to meet you, know what you were going to look like, hear your voice, see if you fit the name I had picked out in my head. Before we went to the hospital I remember hanging with Katie DeMartini in her apartment knowing that I was going to have you "hopefully" in the next twenty four hours. I was calm but excited and nervous all together. Knowing that you scheduled for delivery is so less stressful, then wondering if any minute you are going to burst into labor. I have I have the option, I would do it again.

Your father and I arrived a little late and were admitted through the ER doors at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. They put me in a wheel chair and sent me on back to our delivery room. We were laughing and joking around, it was a really relaxed and wonderful atmosphere.

By 1:00am they started me on a low dose of pitocin, and I when the nurse check me, I was already dilated to a four and I was almost fully effaced. I believe you would have been born in the next day or two anyway. I asked for an enema because I really really didn't want to poop on you during delivery, and honestly it makes the next few days so much easier.

By 1:30am we were sleeping, me in my big fancy bed dressed in a hospital gown, monitors, and arms full of ivy fluids. The nurse would come in every hour or so to check wake me up and check on how you were doing. I loved listening to the sound of your strong heart, but I did not love being woken up. Seriously why didn't I start this at 8 in the morning?

Around 7:30 we woke up, and the contractions were strong but manageable. We were tired but still, I remember thinking, "This isn't as bad as I remember."

Around 8am the nurse scheduled changed and with great luck we were given Jenny. Our birth coach when we had Jocelyn. She is without a doubt the most wonderful nurse in the world. Everything I did was "beautiful" and "wonderful". She made me feel like a rockstar, and even babysat me for a few minutes so that Ben could go grab something to eat from the cafeteria.

We were better prepared this time for labor, so we brought a DVD player for me. I think I got about half way through Pirates of the Caribbean. As the morning went on we were progressing a little slowly, I bounced on the yoga ball and walked around the room a little bit. I was feeling brave and ready for action so I asked the nurse to turn up the pitocin because I could handle it. It worked. By noon my doctor had arrived and we he was checking up on my progress. Ben was watching the French Open, and I was really feeling the contractions now. When one hit, It felt like my lower back was being slammed with a gladiator-style mace that was then kneaded into my muscles a burly man stirring bread dough on Cake boss.

At 1pm my doctor asked if I wanted an epidural. I was dilated to a 7, and I was running out of time if I wanted one before I reached the point of no return. My epidural with Jocelyn had been such a relief, and even though this labor was easier then I remember the first one being I knew it was going to be worse, and so I chickened out and one was ordered. But I asked for a "lite" one. Just something to take the edge off. I wanted to be able to feel more then just pressure this time so that I could push harder. I was determined not to push you out for hours. Jenny eased my worry by saying that I had ordered one at the just the perfect time. Seriously she was fantastic. I wonder if she makes house calls to Oregon? The needle was bigger and hurt more then last time, but soon I was juicin' and I continued on through active labor for about another hour and a half.

At 3pm I was fully dilated and Dr. Zaki broke my water, and I was frankly shocked about how much there was. I felt like a runaway hose. Okay that was gross but it is how I felt. It was time to start pushing. I asked them to bring in a mirror so that I could see. I was so nervous, I pushed Jocelyn for almost 4 hours and I was terrified to do it again. But luckily you were out in twenty minutes. This time I sat up a little higher in the bed and held on to the sheets they gave me for support. I was in better shape when I had you and I felt the difference. Now this was definitely a "lite" epidural because honeslty I am not sure how much I DIDN'T feel. I can not express to you the pain and discomfort of pushing a child out our V-Jay-Jay, even when "the edge" has been taken off. The mirror had been bumped so I couldn't see you, but I asked your father, well, I sort of hollered at your father if you had hair. He said yes. I was ready for my last push, your head was out but your body was in and that was the craziest feeling the moment between those last two contractions I don't think I could ever forget. I believe I screamed, "Get her out! Get her out!" And I think everyone laughed at me. One hard push with some ladies tennis like grunting and you were free. You felt like and pooping out a squid through my V-Jay-Jay.

At 3:23pm, you made your entrance to this world, 7lbs 14oz 19 inches long. You were silent, with a quisitive brow, looking around the room they way you do with your big blue eyes like "Really, this is what it is all about"? Taking it all in before you made your opinion on the matter. I thought it was sort of hilarious but the doctor wanted to make sure you were okay so he had us tickle your feet until you cried, which you did and it was the most beautiful little sound in the world. I looked at you and you were a Brooklyn Violet, your own person with thoughts and feelings and dreams. I loved you so much then, but I can promise you that I love you more each and everyday.

I am overjoyed to have you in my life and every second I spend with you I love you more.

Then

and

Now

What a beautiful, intelligent, sweet girl you are, you are.

What a beautiful girl you are.

Miss Brooks

2011-06-01T12:48:00.001-07:00

Morning started with Waffles covered in pears, ice cream, raspberry sauce, whipped cream and sliced almonds.

Not bad.

the professor the expert

2011-05-31T15:49:00.003-07:00

The Professor has done it again. This time he has been featured in the New York Post for a very serious paper that we co-wrote with our friend Matt Lang. I am so proud of them!

How high school fosters suicide

By MAGGIE GALLAGHER

Last Updated: 3:29 AM, May 21, 2011

Posted: 11:17 PM, May 20, 2011

Every two hours, a teenager in America takes his or her own life. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth, and the rate of teen suicide has roughly tripled since 1960, the year I was born.

The heightened risk of suicide among gay teens has recently pulled the issue into the national spotlight, especially the "It Gets Better" campaign initiated by Dan Savage, but the rates for all teens are astonishingly high.

What is behind our high rates of youngsters taking their own lives?

Scientists have identified many contributing factors: Discrimination, the number of sexual partners, substance abuse, being dumped by a romantic partner, parental divorce, child physical and sexual abuse, bullying and even excessive video-gaming play a role.
Scholars at the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center have offered a novel contributing factor to teen suicide: high school.

In a careful and persuasive paper released last fall called "Back to School Blues: Seasonality of Youth Suicide and the Academic Calendar," Benjamin Hansen and Matthew Lang point out that suicides for 14- to 18-year-olds drop abruptly during June, July and August.

"The decrease in suicides for 14- to 18-year-olds during the summer months is stark, while the 19- to 25-year-olds see a slight rise in suicide rates during the summer," the authors point out.

"The fact that 15- to 18-year-old suicide rates decrease in the summer, but the 19-year-old suicide does not, suggests that the high-school calendar is playing a prominent role in youth suicide," they conclude.

Suicide isn't the only violent act teens are more likely to commit while school is in session. A 2003 National Bureau of Economic Research paper, "Are Idle Hands the Devil's Workshop? Incapacitation, Concentration and Juvenile Crime," by Brian Jacob and Lars Lefgren, used the natural variation produced by teacher in-service days to estimate whether school increased or decreased juvenile crime.

The answer? School attendance appeared to increase violent juvenile crime by almost 30 percent.

How could more time in school lead to more violence and suicide?

Hansen and Lang point to the "stress" created by the high school environment, but they also point out: "Although research has shown that alcohol consumption, poor self-esteem and sexual activity [are] related to youth suicide, there is little discussion about the fact that these risky behaviors tend to originate at school."

Jacob and Lefgren call it a "concentration" effect. Schools are places where the teens much outnumber the adults, and the peer-driven social interactions raise the risk of violence.

"Lord of the Flies," in other words.

Adolescents torture each other, they fear for their place in social heirarchies of their own making, tempt one another to abuse drugs and alcohol and to engage in short-term sexual activity that results in anger, jealousy and (when dumped) depression.

We group children into large schools primarily for bureaucratic convenience. But teens do better when they spend more time with adults, who are civilized -- and less time interacting in cultures created by peers, who aren't yet.

It makes you wonder why anyone ever objects to home-schooling.

Patio Furniture* new one added

2011-05-28T20:48:00.003-07:00

Today we found six patio chairs and a table for $100 bucks at a garage sale today.

I am going to spray paint them black and then make some cushions and pillows.

What color combinations of outdoor fabric do you like the most?

I think this one is the most us.

Happy Friday

2011-05-27T18:09:00.002-07:00

I am so ready to be living here.

And I think I just my "relocate" some of the wild flowers that grow across the way.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hawthorne House Update!

2011-05-24T20:57:00.002-07:00

May 24, 2011

It's getting there.

Still needs door knobs, carpet, grass, screens, touch ups and a few other little things.

We are now currently accepting reservations for dinner.

I am so so excited!

Enjoying the Sun

2011-05-24T20:03:00.002-07:00

Girls hanging in the sun... splashing in the pool.

And one boy...being a boy.

A rather adorable boy I might add.

All of Us

2011-05-23T22:16:00.002-07:00

Here is the only picture of our Vegas group

at the Mall in Caesars Palace.

Everyday Jocelyn asks to back to Las Vegas with Taylor and Ester and Jessie.

Turning Two Dilemma

2011-05-23T21:15:00.005-07:00

Brooke will turn two in exactly nine days.

I have no idea what to do.

Our move in date is up in the air.

But I am pretty sure our house will be filled with boxes by then.

I really want to do something special, but if I wait, the end of June it gets crazy.

Father's day, Ben's Birthday, moving into our house.

I have all of these ideas to celebrate my little chicken.

Because, I really really like her.

She fills my heart with so much love and joy every time I look at her.

I feel like I need to fight to keep her from suffering from middle child syndrome.

And every year Jocelyn's parties, well, have been ridiculous.

But then I remember that she is turning two, and it doesn't take a lot to make her feel special.

Leah's party hosted by my hilarious long lost cousin Katie has set the bar for "birthdays while moving" pretty high. You should check it out.

POW 15

2011-05-22T22:27:00.002-07:00

This is from the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

I took a few pictures of it with my Nikon.

I have plans for them in the new house.

It was just so beautiful.

Bits of Vegas

2011-05-18T22:28:00.002-07:00

from Ben's phone

little buddies

old school

The bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

"Time to Say GoodBye"

New York, New York

(we rode the roller-coaster, it was awesome)

Running around late at night without kids.

Good Stuff.

Chris and Kiki's website

2011-05-10T12:34:00.004-07:00

check out there adorable wedding website here.

POW 14

2011-05-08T23:16:00.002-07:00

Flying

This was called the Tarzan Swing.

The first part was absolutely terrifying I was hoisted 50 feet into the air by a golf part and then told to simply: Let go.

At first I held to the rope with dear life, sure that I was to die, feeling the sharp drop of free fall as a swung like a pendulum back and forth through a clearing in the woods.

As the swing began to slow a calm moved through the air.

I let go of the rope I was strapped to, and let my arms fly.

The sound of the wind in the trees, the bright sun flares glimmering through the leaves.

A peace came.

It was beautiful.

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-08T22:28:00.003-07:00

I am so grateful for Mother's Day.

I heard a quote in church today that made me so happy,

"If you don't have a sense of humor you have no buisness having children".

I have to tell you that this has just changed my life.

I have felt so overwhelmed the last few months and I am sorry to admit that I have been harder on my children then I should have.

Boy do I love them. Even though seven times a day I stop Brooke from turning on the Dishwasher regardless of the dishes in there. Or need three towels to clean up the bathroom after Jocelyn takes bath.

I choose now to laugh.

Laugh at the persistence of my two independent spirits.

My sneaky ninjas that eat brown sugar with a spoon under the table when I am folding laundry. or are constantly looking for an escape route from where ever we are playing and heading into the street.

But they light up when they see me after a nap, or when I pick them up from their classes at church.

When they throw their arms around me and crash their little bodies into my chest I am so overwhelmed with love for them that I cannot imagine anyone loving anything more then I love them.

I am grateful to be their mother here on earth.

That I have been given the gift of watching them grow and develop, laugh play and love.

I am grateful for Mother and Grandmother, the hilarious wonderful woman who set an example for me and who constantly support and inspire me with their strength, creativity and love.

And to Mama Hansen, who has loved me as a daughter from day one.

And finally to my wonderful Husband. Who made me a mother.

I love him more every day... especially when he makes rollie-ups for breakfast.

POW 13 Easter Joy

2011-04-26T18:04:00.003-07:00

Girl was pretty jazzed about hunting eggs.

I can't say that I blame her.

Good Stuff

2011-04-23T15:51:00.002-07:00

Had a fantastic morning Easter Egg Hunt with good friends.

And LOTS of doughnuts.

It was so good.

Baby Sly

2011-04-23T08:06:00.002-07:00

It was such a joy to photograph this beautiful little girl her wonderful mother and grandmother.

The pink hat is my favorite.

Good Stuff

2011-04-20T19:11:00.004-07:00

The last few days have been super fun!

Lots of park time in SUN!!!

Warm beautiful sun (cold wind) but delicious life giving sun.

Taking pictures, it feels good.

Making Easter Cookies.

Finding a Preschool.

Play dates... for Moms!

Walks with the dog.

Now I just need a hot date with the Professor and we are good to go!

Portland Temple

2011-04-19T17:06:00.003-07:00

Isn't it beautiful?

*source

We really need to go.

One More

2011-04-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

She was just delicious.

Sneak Peek

2011-04-18T21:57:00.002-07:00

Today I had a photo session with sweet baby Audrey.

What joy she brings to the world.

Little Toes

POW 12

2011-04-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
~Robert Frost

Tie-Dying Easter Eggs *Repost**Update*

2011-04-16T20:28:00.004-07:00

Just found a fantastic tutorial about how to Silk Dye, blown eggs, from Our Best Bites, totally fantastic.

Check it out here.

Jeri and I did this last year and it was fantastic.

Can't wait to do this again this week.

Oh my goodness this was my favorite

Start by going to the thrift store and buy all the cheap silk ties you can find. Cheaper the silk the better. Bold colors and patterns look amazing.

After gutting the ties cut a square of the tie just big enough to wrap around the whole egg, We were able to get about 4 eggs per tie. Wrap the square right side around the egg and tie with a rubber band. You want it to be touching as much of the egg as possible.

Stick all your eggs in a old pair of tights and put it in a big bowl of boiling water (medium heat) with 3 tbls of vinegar. Bring back to a boil and simmer for 20minutes.

Run cold water over the eggs when cooled...

Unwrap the magic

Next year I am going to hallow out the eggs so that I can keep them

For more instructions you can watch this.

Inside the Pleasantree

2011-04-16T17:24:00.007-07:00

I can't believe it has already been a whole week since we were at the Treesort.

The morning light inside the tree was divine.

Our bed was a mattress up in the loft. The view out our window.

looking down at the cabin below.

Need to use the restroom?

Hang up your clothes?

Wash your hands?

Behind the curtain was toilet and shower.

No need to go across the suspension bridges in the morning.

The tree ran right through the middle of the cabin.

You can see the sink bumped up next to it above.

There was a heater inside the cabin so we were plenty warm at all times.

The whole thing was really quite spectacular.

The wood was so beautiful.

Warm and cozy.

Future family reunion spot?

I think so.

Happy Friday

2011-04-14T23:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we took dinner to friends who just had their very first baby.

I thought a little birthday cake was in order.

Isn't she just precious?

I want one...

Someday.

Good Idea, Bad Idea? Dumb Idea

2011-04-13T22:14:00.006-07:00

Have you ever made a decision and then ten minutes later thought,

"This was a dumb idea."

Okay, I do that all the time.

But this is...

This is special.

Brooke has ALWAYS been a fantastic sleeper.

I lay her in her bed, give her a kiss and walk out of the room.

She looks at books, snuggles with Baby Lamb and falls asleep on her own.

Naps are the same way.

She reaches for her bed.

This has been going strong since she was six months old.

I blew it.

She doesn't get out of her crib.

She plays happily or cries until someone comes get her.

This is why I blew it.

Two reasons.

1. She is getting a big girl bed when we move and I wanted to ease the transition.

(stupidest thing ever)

2. I wanted her to get out of bed after her naps because our baby monitor is... well crap.

(buy a new monitor? hello!)

I taught Brooke how to get out of her crib... why?

I actually showed her where to put her feet to help her get down.

She can't get back in!

But she can get out.

She got out of her bed seven times tonight. seven.

Now Jocelyn thinks its fun to get out of bed too.

tear.

We eventually just locked their door and said good night.

An hour later this is what we found.

Okay... maybe its not quite so bad.

Zip-lining

2011-04-12T22:01:00.002-07:00

This may be our new favorite thing to do.

Ever.

You can do it here.

Roaming the grounds of the Pleasentree

2011-04-12T14:14:00.005-07:00

There were many animals wandering the grounds.

Some jumping for food.

Greeting us at the door.

(this counts right?)

Sleeping on the deck.

Waiting to be ridden.

I can't wait to come back with the girls.

They would love it.

The Pleasan-tree Part 1*

2011-04-11T23:28:00.005-07:00

In order to get to our darling little Treehouse, the Pleasantree , we had to do a bit of... exploring.

Honestly, we felt like Han and Leia and the planet of Endor.

(I know my nerd is showing)

Or like Lost boys in Neverland.

Like Galadriel and Celeborn in Lothlorien.

And finally, like Us.

Totally stoked to be sleeping in a Treehouse.

The place is called Out'n'about Treesort.

We will be going back many many more times.

Hawthorne House Update!

2011-04-11T19:30:00.002-07:00

This was taken April 3rd.

Siding up (unpainted), driveway poured.

Good Stuff.

POW 11

2011-04-10T21:26:00.002-07:00

Oh and we did some of this.

It was terrifying.

and

Fantastic.

Getting Away

2011-04-10T21:05:00.002-07:00

Last month was our anniversary.

6 years.

It was all planned.

A secret getaway, just me and the professor.

The girls were going to stay at a friends house over night. (were doing a kid swap)

It was going to be perfect.

and then I got sick... really sick.

But then I got better and yesterday we went.

It was AMAZING!

I have 400 pictures to go through.

So I thought I would share just one.

Oh, did I mention that we stayed in tree-house.

35feet off the ground.

Yes it was AMAZING!

lovely ranuculus

2011-04-06T21:07:00.003-07:00

On a day that was in desperate need of them

breathe

I may or may not carry them around the house with me.

Ahh, much better.

POW 10

2011-04-04T21:47:00.003-07:00

Muddy, muddy girls after the dog park.

(those socks were white!)

...and loving every minute.

the Make-up Artist and the Gaffer

2011-04-04T20:43:00.003-07:00

My little sister is marrying this adorable man this summer.

We are so excited for them and the choices they are making!

Yahoo! Congratulations Kiki and Chris!

We love you both!

Let the official wedding planning commence!

Happy Friday

2011-04-01T23:51:00.003-07:00

It was just that. A very Happy Friday.

Sunshine... Warm Sunshine.

Gymnastics for Brooke. (She was in Heaven)

Pilates at the Gym.

Did I mention the Sunshine?

The Park (with the little swing)

New pillows.

Mango Lemonade Popsicles.

Totally April-Fooled Kiki.

Lisa Bread.

Musical Grey's Anatomy on Hulu.

The Queen.

Homemade facial Scrub. (Oatmeal and Baking Soda worked fantastic)

the Professor brought home Key Lime Pie.

Like I said, It was a Happy Friday.

There is always money in the Banana Stand

2011-03-30T21:02:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately for us, no Bananas.

Next time.

cast of characters

2011-03-28T16:24:00.003-07:00

Today we met with the tile and floor guy... again.

Did a little tweaking.

Laid it all out to see how it would look.

It looks good.

The Slide

2011-03-27T23:27:00.003-07:00

She is fearless.

POW 9

2011-03-27T23:06:00.003-07:00

We went to the Tulip Festival this weekend. It was a little early in the season so the tulips were not actually in bloom. So we will have to just come back again.

The website said there would be ponies to ride.

sort of.

The girls loved them just the same.

We will ride the horses next time, when the flowers are in bloom.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-03-27T22:52:00.002-07:00

We had such a fun weekend and a wonderful wonderful Sunday.

Happy Birthday Maranda!

2011-03-25T10:15:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Darling Littlest Sister Maranda!

(her birthday was last Saturday but I was in a sick fog)

She is precious and I can't wait to play with her this summer!

Happy Belated Birthday Princess!

Oh-Lo

2011-03-25T08:56:00.005-07:00

That's how we answer the phone around here, "Oh-Lo".

We like our Megamind.

I am feeling better.

This week was spent cleaning, organizing, re-arranging.

Coming out of the sick fog and taking my house back.

Until yesterday, when I didn't do any of that and now I have a sink full of dishes to do this morning.

That I will do happily, because it is not a chore, it is something I do because I like way the kitchen sink looks *spic and span*.

Last night was a much needed date night.

We went to "Spring Break Carnival" in the mall parking lot.

It was exactly like it sounds

We went on the Ferris Wheel, which was lovely, the Mini Roller Coaster which was terrifying for safety reasons alone. And finally, "The Tornado", which may have been the worst mistake of my adult life. I was so nauseated.... lets just say I was not in "top shape" for the remainder of the evening. I do NOT like the "spinning ones".

I digress, we snuck mall food into the movie (via empty Victoria's Secret bag... it makes them to nervous to check), to see "Battle for Los Angeles". Which is mostly hand-held camera work. I spent the first forty-five minutes with my head between my knees.

A whole container of Dryer's Ice Cream bites later and I finally start to enjoy myself. Then my sweet husband leans over to tell me something just as I turn to him and I get slammed in the eye by the brim of his hat.

The rest of the movie I spent holding my eye. Poor Professor, felt so bad. I just laughed and cried a little... It still hurts.

We ran into new friends and decided that we would be movie buddies from here on out. Very exciting.

Not ready to be parents yet, we went to Voodoo, for doughnuts and a photobooth, and then took a flash light to our new house and tried to figure out where the art would go on the walls; and what way the sectional would face.

It was really fun.

And slightly warmer now that the instillation is in.

~~All in all, I love dating my husband.~~

Happy Birthday Tracy

2011-03-17T23:08:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday to my fabulous Sister in Law Tracy.

She is fantastic!

Captain's Log Stardate 3172011

2011-03-17T17:51:00.006-07:00

Captain R. A. Hansen USS Hawthorne

This is our third day trapped in doors on planet "Momsinfluenza".

Commander B. Hansen has done an fine job maintaining the crew with the Captain up in sick bay.

The skies are looking brighter for the Captain, but the crew is getting restless.

Shields are down, and we are on the lookout for to coughing, sneezing and runny nose torpedoes.

The ship's canine is under utilized and is destroying our ships circuit board to compensate.

We may have to postpone our annual celebratory retreat this weekend to planet "no kids".

Captain Hansen out.

Hawthorne House Update!

2011-03-09T18:56:00.002-08:00

Here she is Today.

I had a plumbing walk through this week.

It was very exciting.

You can see why.

We almost walked away because of this tub. Which seems silly now.

I am just glad it worked out.

So glad, I brought the plumbers cookies.

Also I changed all of my paint colors but one.

I'm bringing the contractor pizza.

Happy Friday * Update*

2011-03-04T23:30:00.003-08:00

All I have to say is, "You should have seen the other guy!"

* Correction!!!*

After observing the girls water color today I,

Brooke did this to herself!

She was putting on "make-up".

Sorry Miss Jocelyn for assuming it was you, for the face. I saw you paint her belly.

I guess they are still a little young for "semi-supervised painting time"

(I was trying to clean the kitchen)

They were giggling and laughing and went through the entire set of paint. (it was crap paint that I won't be buying again)

Jocelyn was already in the tub when I took this picture.

I thought the rainbow she had painted on Brooke's face on her face was so pretty, and to be fair, Brooke started it.

My girls, my girls.

Enjoy your weekend folks.

my sweet silly girl

2011-03-04T19:26:00.003-08:00

Miss Jocelyn,

I just put you to bed. There was a moment that was so cute, so beautiful so perfect I had to write it down before it disappeared. I was laying on your bed and we were snuggling, You were wearing your pink pony nightgown that you got for Christmas two years ago and that will fit you for another two. I was singing "My Heavenly Father Loves me," I would sing part of the verse and then you would sing the last word.

I got to the verse,

" ... the color of butterfly wings,

he gave me my ... (ears)",

You sang "heart" perfectly and then looked at me because we both knew that part was coming up next, and then we both burst into laughter. It was so cute and so perfect.

"Heart" was now the only word you would say at the end of each verse, followed by a little giggle.

You silly sweet girl.

I love putting you to bed.

Love,

Mom

Confessions

2011-03-02T08:04:00.005-08:00

I think I have the most beautiful children in the world.

I loved February's border and hated to take it down.

But I like this one too. It's is from my wedding six years ago. Taken by the talented Jamie Christensen.

When I was 15 I had a major crush on Charlie Sheen and Keifer Sutherland.

I am terrified of failure.

I love hummus.

I've lost 5 pounds in the last six weeks.

I think "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is quote un-quote Fantastic. I love the soundtrack.

I don't like asparagus. But I try it every time.

I think my dog thinks he is in-charge. It's not my favorite thing. But he is the sweetest.

I want my house to look like the houses on Modern Family and Parenthood.

My blow dryer broke last week and I didn't realize how hopeless my hair would be without it. Any suggestions on a new one?

I think there is a direct link from God to Jeri. She always calls me at the exact moment I need a friend.

I took Jocelyn with me to get my hair done, she fell asleep in the car and slept on the couch the whole time. It was a gift.

I am grateful daily for my spot-shot carpet cleaner.

I don't understand why people make anti-Semitic remarks?

My husband is hot.

I am exploring balance.

When you type in "Last of the Mohicans" in Pandora, be prepared for bag pipes... lots of them.

This is the best fondue of my life.

I would gladly trade slightly more snow for less rain.

I had never heard a Justin Bieber song until that episode of Glee, Brooke is now obsessed.

I am learning that other peoples success do not add to my failure. There is comfort in that.

I am a daughter of God.

I like making cakes.

I have changed my eating habits. Last week was a bad week, but it two months ago I would have consider it a pretty good week.

I am grateful for the amazing women in my life that inspire and support me. Even when they don't know they are doing it.

I want more than anything to be happy with who I am in this moment and this day and this life.

thinking outside the box

2011-03-02T08:01:00.001-08:00

No need to cry over spilled milk if it never leaves the container.

My daughter the genius.

POW 8

2011-03-02T00:06:00.004-08:00

This was at the best little big hamburger place of my life.

House Update

2011-03-01T23:55:00.003-08:00

It feels like a real house now!

Talking to my friend tonight I realized that building a house is like being pregnant and putting the roof on is like finding out the sex!

We are having HOME!

A real one. With rooms and floors. Next week plumbing, in two weeks lights.

I am so ready for this house.

To throw parties, play games, have friends over.

Play Wii Zumba without bothering the neighbors below.

Have a yard.

WOOD FLOORS!

(Brooke was having some naked time....)

Eternally grateful for the carpet cleaner from Judy and Rob.

Beds off the floor,

My own craft space.

Ben's own office!

Storage!

A whole real grown up life.

I am ready.

PS This chick is my design guru. Check her out here.

House Update! 2-22

2011-02-22T15:32:00.002-08:00

My darling Husband just sent me the one from this afternoon!

When I showed up and saw my bathtub in and the ceiling joists being put up, I hugged our contractor Mike.

I am so glad we are still doing this.