Dear Professor- our morning without you

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...

my sweet silly girl

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

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.

letters and lists

The American Visionary Art Museum with a holga

Dear Toes,

You have been neglected far too long, I believe a pedicure is in on the schedule for this weekend.

sincerely,

Feet

Dear Brooke,

For the first year of your life you were a quiet observer, you have made it very clear that is no longer the case. It is with you now that I wonder the halls at church, and who needs the leash when we go around town. When did this happen sweet baby? Every time I look at you, you look older and more beautiful. You are so much fun and so snuggly, but fiercely independent with your own personality and opinions. But please go down the stairs on your tummy, walking side-wise holding to the rail is giving me a heart attack.

Love, Mom

Dear Professor,

You don't want to know that the maintenance guy took less then 10 minutes to install the new screen door.

Dear Maryland,

I would still like to do the following:

Pick blueberries until I'm stuffed and blue

Go to the Smithsonian without children

Visit the American Visionary Art Museum

Go to Annapolis and watch the boats sail

BEACH!

Take Pictures of Jeri's Family

See monuments, Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, Iwo Jima and the Arlington Cemetery

Find Georgetown cupcakes and eat the one with all the coconut

Family pictures in DC

Give a Jocelyn a real party 2 days before we move

If you could turn down the humidity and off the thundershowers my chances of completing these tasks go up considerably.

Thanks,

Rileigh

Dear Jocelyn,

I LOVE your swinging voice, please sing to me and the baby all day long forever.

Love, Mom

Dear Anastasia the animated film starring Meg Ryan,

Your songs are hauntingly beautiful, but please get them out of my head. Your worse then Lady Gaga. PS animated Demetri is hot and your clothes in Paris are stunning.

Dear One of the many people who have viewed our house,

Please rent or buy it soon and move in the first week of August so that we can get back some rent and start focusing on moving.

Sincerely,

Renter

Dear Bacholorette Ali,

Pick Roberto, because we all know you will just break Chris's heart. Frank you would be perfect if you weren't a douche and what is with the low V-shirt? No one wants to see that much chest combined with a sweater vest.

Dear Ben,

I love you so freaking much I feel like I am going to explode! I just read your sweet email and it made me want to run away with you some place amazing and not share you with anyone. The kids can stay with Jeri until your parents move.

love, Rileigh

While you were away

Dear Professor,

I love you.

Today you were missed. Terribly.

All airplanes in sight carried you across the sky... their were several.

It was a good day.

The house is still immaculate,

(you will come home to loads of clean clothes)

The girls played like loving sisters

(and let me sleep in to 7:30)

and then we went to the pool.

Do you see your baby showing no fear of the water whatsoever????

Because she has no fear... none

Remember when we went with Jocelyn to Hawaii, and she charged the ocean like a bull?

Picture Brooke in the pool now

(sans the giant Simone)

Joce and Simone were best buds at the pool today

See the lifeguard moving away from the tower?

(he is coming to tell me to get rid of my camera)

Then we had snacks.

and went to Costco for pizza and lightbulbs.

the girls ate a ton.

I changed the lights in the orange room downstairs.

...while standing on a table.

I may have broken one of the light covers...

okay it's totally smashed.

But I am fine and the girls were sleeping.

I already called the landlord and she added to the list.

Man we really know how to break in a house.

BUT the point is...

I love you.

And you are the very best Husband, Father, Friend, Storyteller, Tennis Enthusiast, Economic Superhero in the World.

You are my star.

Be safe and come home soon.

Love,

Wife

Dear Miss Brooks

Last week you turned one.

We had a little party in your honor

with some friends

and cupcakes of course

You didn't need any instruction on how to eat them

You were a Pro

then we opened some presents

you had some help, LOTs of help

You are our big little girl now and we love you!

Mad Skills at the age of One

Walking/Running

You say "Hi" (sort of)

Lots of grunting (like a cave baby)

Eat everything we put in front of you (thanks for that by the way)

You love babies, your pink kitty and your new stroller

Splashing in the Bath (but you don't like any other bodies of water)

PS you scream every time you turn the shower on yourself

Your light up for Dad, Jocelyn and Me

Last night your sister crawled into bed with you and you both slept like angels

You liked to be chased in circles around the kitchen

"No" means "go faster"

You are endlessly fascinated by all toilets (we wash your hands a lot)

you can go backwards downstairs (with minor assistance and complete supervision)

You giggle with a deep alto voice

your hair sort of looks like David Bowie in Labyrinth but were so excited you have any at all!

You go to sleep easily by yourself almost every night

You are calm and sweet and such an angel baby.

You make us so happy.

Love, mom

letter to the professor

Dear Husband,

I miss you... a lot.

You are working like a madman, and I know that you hate it.

But!

You are almost there, and your paper is going to rock!

And then we can breath, go to the beach, plan our move to Oregon, watch all the shows we have recorded on DVR, and go to sleep before 1 in the morning.

I am tired, I know you are more so. You work so hard for us, I don't thank you enough.

I promise to do more to help you, support you, love you.

I want to be more like the pioneer women that rose above the challenges in their lives instead of whining that life is hard. I am afraid I have been more of the later recently. But you have been a Superhero. You are always the Superhero. Thank you for being a rock, so strong and unwavering, since the day I met you knew that if I married you my life would be amazing. And it is. I just wanted to say thank you.

love, your wife

thoughts for the weekend

flying happy baby and a professor by the lake

Dear Lost,

What's up? What do you say you let Hurley run the island and let Jack and Kate live happily ever after?

Sincerely,

excited to finally know the end

PS if it all ends up being Hurley's dream I'm gonna be pissed Plus Sawyer is a tool

Dear Miss Brooke,

I just watched the Babies movie and I missed you every second of it. It was like watching you in four different countries only you are cuter. and we don't have a goat.

love, mom

Dear Professor,

Way to tell your job we are moving to Oregon today! I know it will be hard for them because you are their star, but you know what... You were MY star first!

I love you forever and follow you anywhere!

- crazy in love with you wife

PS I am really excited to move away from the humidity

Dear Jocelyn

You changed your clothes 7 times today and looked super cute every time. I just adore you, and you remind my of your Aunt Kiki.

-love mama

Dear Warmer weather sans humidity,

Would you care to make an extended appearance this weekend? I think we could all you use a good time.

-love, my new floppy hat

Dear Mom,

Welcome to the 24 club, now you know why the name Jack has been on the top ten baby name list the last few years. He is awesome and more than a little crazy.

PS I really think you should think about Sugarland, there city is motto is "Life is sweet" which is just awesome

PPS You should ask Katie Erb about her Disneyland "Jack Bauer" story.

love, daughter

Dear Broccoli smell I cooked 3 days ago,

Please leave, you're making it difficult to remember why I bought you in the first place

the maid

Dear #5

Thank you for inspiring Wall-E, however if I could only save one, you wouldn't have a prayer.

PS Your mother was a snow blower!

sincerely, Indian Fischer Stevens

That is all I have to say for now.

Enjoy your weekend, play with bubbles, fly kites and make mini muffins. Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.

hello

Dear Husband,

I love you and I thought you were hilarious with the missionaries tonight. Thank you for liking my cooking it makes me want to do it more.

Love Wife

Dear Life Time Fitness,

I am not sure what to do about you, I don't go enough to warrant how much you cost but pool season is coming....

PS I found two of your towels in the laundry today. I blame the professor

Sincerely,

Recent Shred convert

Dear Brooke,

You took your first steps on Easter morning and I love you for it. First step was towards Dad, the second was towards your sister. Keep it up little one so you can start enjoying summer dresses without sore knees.

Love, Mom

Dear Bones,

How did I just now discover you? As someone who spent her high school years with a poster of David Boreanaz on her wall... Anyway I enjoy your witty banter and sleek forensic anthropologist crime fighting skills.

Sincerely, Please give into your feelings and admit your love for Booth

Dear Jocelyn,

I love how you love your sister but try not to love her to the ground so much, she's getting bruised.

Mom

Dear Cherry Blossoms and Flowering Trees,

Please stay, Your visit is much too short.

Rileigh

Dear Carrot Cake,

I don't think anyone has stopped thinking about you since last week. We miss you.

i love...

I love Ben

I love that when Jocelyn fell out of the bed last night she smiled and said, "whoopsies"

I love fresh no bake cookies with coconut

I love the way my house smells with my new candle

I love that Brooke thinks I am the funniest person on earth

I love my new Holga

I love that Jocelyn tells random strangers that she is a princess

I love Jeri

I love that Ben is going to get to live his dream

I love my grandparents

I love roses in every color

I love that every Sunday I feel like the lesson was written for me

I love that I can stretch farther and farther every time I go to the gym

I love Jason, Kiki, Skylar, Tristan and Maranda

I love this wedding

I love seeing snowflakes on my window

I love seeing the sun melt the snow away

I love Buffy and Angel

I love reading everyones blogs, so inspiring

I love that when Ben gets spooked he sounds like a girl

I love being an eternal family

I love child's pose

I love that in 24 days it will be 5 years

little letters

*Ben jumping down a giant mountain of snow on Saturday- he's fine.

Dear Blog,

I am sorry I forgot your Birthday earlier this month. You turned two, congratulations! Next year I will make you cupcakes.

Yours Truly,

Rileigh

Dear Brooke,

Stop growing so fast. I can barely keep up with you, but it is so much fun to watch.

Love,

Mmmmm

Dear Sun,

It is nice to see you today, are you planning on staying long? Would you care to bring some of your friends? I would love it.

your friend,

missing the beach

Dear Mom,

It is all going to be OK.

I Love you,

Heed

Dear U of O,

Hello.

sincerely,

Professor Hansen and family

Dear G & G Tidwell,

I am honored to be your granddaughter.

Love,

me

Dear Husband,

Where is that cheesecake we were talking about?

love you,

wife

Dear Gym,

Pay no attention to the comment above.

-sore everywhere

Dear Jocelyn,

I LOVE your red toes.

kisses,

Mom

two week check up

I just re-read my goals for this month. Some are going pretty well, some I have failed miserably at (I blame 4 feet of snow and the bachelor) BUT I am not going to give up! I will pick up where I left off... or never started and keep moving forward. The two I am going to focus on the most are

reading my scriptures daily

living in the moment

I didn't share my testimony on Sunday so I would like to share it now with you.

I love my heavenly father and really feel like I am his daughter. I feel it strongest when I am living the commandments and reading my scriptures, right now I feel like I have been so lost and alone but it is not from his end, but from mine. I am grateful to know that. To know that I am not alone and that everyday I can try again, that he loves me and forgives me. I am grateful for Ben and the wide array of crap I put him through. I know that he loves me supports me and thinks I am beautiful even when I don't. And for my girls that forgive me in an instant my short comings and craziness. I am so honored to be their mother and to be the reason their faces light up with smiles. I know the Church of Jesus Christ to be God's completed church on the earth and I thank my parents for raising me in it. I love this gospel and all that it teaches me.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

*please forgive the horrible punctuation and lack of commas. Sentence structure is not my forte and if this really bothered you, you probably wouldn't be reading my blog in the first place :).

what I want

I want my husband to come home (he is in Texas till Monday)

I want cupcakes to have zero calories

I want to repaint my persimmon orange living room a dusty dark blue

I want Brook's teeth to stop hurting

I want Jocelyn to keep counting to five sans four because it is cute

I want my family to know that I miss them everyday

I want to watch Eclipse... now

I want a new lens for my camera and and a vintage locket for Christmas

I want to make multiple types of fudge this year and I am nervous

I want to love my new ward as much as the last one

and I want to take a long nap tomorrow

one more letter

Dear Andy Roddick,

Kick butt at the US Open this year. We really really want you to win. You deserve it.

Sincerely,

Rileigh and Ben

PS Roger Federer can go jump in a lake. :)

random letters

Dear Dinner,

What is your plan for tonight? I got nothing.

sincerely,

Rileigh

Dear Dr. Hansen,

Thank you for making french toast for breakfast yesterday. I am not sure I thanked you properly. It was delicious.

love,

your wife

Darling Brooke,

I love that you slept through the night last night. Please keep up the good work.

love,

mama

Dear Jocelyn,

I am watching you drink your yogurt through a straw right now. Kid you crack me up. Well done.

love,

mama

Dear Dad,

Thanks for the new shoes, Jocelyn put them on yesterday and refused to take them off again. Good call.

love,

Rileigh

Dear Maryland,

Thank you for being so lovely. It makes everything so much eaiser.

love,

me

a little letter

Dear Mosquitos, (specifically Asian Tiger Mosquitoes)

Please leave me and my family alone. I am the only one aloud to nibble on them.

Sincerely

Rileigh