.

2011-01-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

To our surprise we woke up with about 3 inches of *SNOW. Lucy had been waiting for this day all winter, and Corbin...well he was excited too.

It’s all fun and games until somebody gets wet!

Mom and Corbin were NOT equipped with the right snow gear, but those that were continued to throw

SNOWBALLS!

lucy taught Corbin “once there was a Snowman” he loves to dance {bounce}when she sings it.

Corbin was done and headed inside to get warm as Lucy and Dad finished our fireman snowman.

How could this sweet girl tease her baby brother

maybe because her Dad puts her up to it!

2011-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas came and went so fast and we found ourselves a week later celebrating the

NEW YEAR! Can’t even believe it.

Daniel and Jami invited us over for dinner and treats. We felt bad we had to leave early so we could make it over to Brian and Marcie’s house for more yummy food, playing, talking and bringing in the New Year. We don’t see our friends enough and enjoyed the night.

Here is the countdown!

{you must read text & pictures}

Here you will see

Lia & Preslee Decker, Sofia Draper, Lucy, Natalie & Makenna Green, Grant &Troy Jones

well…

I promise I dress my child darling,but as you can see he was the clean up crew!

Finally outside for the traditional banging of pots and pans.

You know those cool lanterns on Disney’s “Tangled”? Oh yes, Marcie thinks of everything. They were so cool and {we hope} they burned up before making their final resting place!

we have no complaints for 2010, but we are hoping 2011 is great!

2010-12-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

The after Christmas crew all made it down from up north. It has been non-stop eating, playing, laughing since before Christmas. Why stop now…so we headed over to the Dixie Igloo.

Eric didn’t realize what he was going to be in for!

Lucy was a great sport as long as she was in the middle of her Dad’s legs. Eric was bent over the entire time. He is the best Dad and will do anything to make sure Lucy has a fun time.

Uncle Jen {as Lucy calls her} showed all the girls how to really ice skate.

Twists and turns, double axels and all!

Me and the other hand pushed Mr Corbin around and around to keep him happy. I was not complaining…I am no good on those things. My skates were too big

and didn’t realize the problem until it was too late.

Oh well, it was so much fun.

2010-12-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

2010-10-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

We had a

SPOOKtacular

HALLOWEEN

this year.

It was full of...

Trunk or Treating with Grandpa

{Grandma was already up North}

Carving Pumpkins,

dressing up like Princess Leha

and

Obi Wan Kanobi

along with a

Jeddi {played by Lane}

and a Movie Star {played by Rylee},

a Witch {Played by Tess},

a Flower {Played by Libby}

and a

Mad Scientist {Played by Mitchell}.

We had to bundle up to go

TRICK or

TREATING

because it was wet and so cold.

Reggie and Wendy’s neighbors handed out some huge candy bars...I think Lucy {and Dad} were very excited!

Until next Fright Night..

2010-10-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

We were up in Lehi for Halloween so I thought I would get hair appointments for the kiddos at Cookie Cutters.

Especially because it was

Corbin’s 1st Hair Cut.

So fun right!?!

Ready, steady…GO

I was so relieved that Corbin wasn’t going to freak out.

Well lets just say that lasted all of one pass with the clippers.

And Corbin’s first hair cut turned into an official wrestling match!

The American Idol hair cutter dude didn’t have to spray corbin’s hair with water to finish it off with the scissors…

oh yeah that is sweat!

Besides the huge gouge off of his natural hairline on his neck, it turned out pretty cute.

And then there is Lucy.

What a babe! She of course picked the PINK car and a Barbie Princess movie to watch.

Actually this is only Lucy’s 2nd hair cut! {I trim her bangs}

I am so sad I didn’t get a finished picture of her hair. She got a special twist and Fairy Glitter on the top.

So glad that is

over!

2010-10-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

I’m Free!

So excited to be turned around. Every time someone would tell Corbin that his Birthday was coming up, Lucy would always add…

”and he gets to turn around!”

Well this lasted about a week and then I turned him facing backwards because he slept better that way. Mean mom, I know.

Cutest boy ever!

2010-10-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Staheli Farm fieldtrip

Lucy’s preschool had an “adventure”

{as Lucy calls it} to the Farm.

Kelly was in town for clinicals so I took Zoe and Makenzie along with us.

We saw lots of fun animals like goats, sheep, cows, llamas, a loud donkey, turkeys, chickens and of course…a horse!

This donkey loved Lucy. She even gave Lucy a surprise kiss when she wasn’t looking!

Next was the hayride out to the Pumpkin Patch!

Zoe, Kenzie, Lucy, Makenna, Grace & Natalie

The rain came so we were out of there.

Here is the whole Crazy gang of

Little Explores Preschool

Another fun day in the

life of a 4 year old!

2010-05-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Each year Mom and Dad invite us over for the Kentucky Derby.

That's right, the Derby! We love it. The women wear their fanciest hats and chat, the men read up on the odds of each horse all while Dad passes out his famous Mint Juleps {virgin of course}. We all write our pick on the whiteboard {as seen in the photo} so there is no confusion when the winner crosses that finish line. As for me, I just read the names of the horses and pick the best named horse.

Lucy really got into the race this year. I let her wear my one and only derby hat…dollar store derby hat! And the winner is…

not really, but Grandma made sure Lucy got a trophy too!

So…

2010-04-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

all by myself.

I feel like everyday Corbin learns a new trick. Oh how time flies when you are having fun. This little boy is so fun and growing up so fast.

If you know Eric...you know he has a hidden talent of interlocking his toes with each other. From the day Corbin was born we knew he had Eric's feet, along with his talents. What a lucky boy.

2010-04-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

They are cousins.

Born 9.1.2009

Born 10.22.2009

…………..

Therefore…they are 7

weeks apart

and they LOVE

posing for whoever

wants to take their

picture!

……………….

The only thing I can think

is…

If they are anything like

their Daddies!

{because their Mommies were Angels}

2010-03-28T21:21:00.001-07:00

I was so on top of things this Easter. Shenise was in town and we found some really cute Easter outfits for the kids to wear. After buying them and getting them home I soon realized...Easter was on Conference weekend. I debated on taking them back but they looked too cute so we kept them! Therefore we dressed up the week before Easter in our “Easter Outfits” and we were…

All dressed up with nowhere to go!

Corbin looked so handsome with his shirt and tie. He was being so silly and loving the camera.

I think I should send this photo into The Children’s Place. It looks like he is modeling his tie!

And my favorite picture…Lucy is so good to her baby brother. These are some of Heavenly Fathers greatest gifts, ever! With one child I have to make myself scream, clap, dance & tickle to get him to look and smile at the camera…and then there is Lucy, she tells me when and where to take her picture. She is so beautiful and growing up too fast.

{but what do I know, I am just her mom}

2010-03-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

5 Months

rolls from back to front
eats solids twice daily
not too hot on fruits, but loves his veggies
Mama’s boy
loves his big sister, Lucy
sleeps about 9 hours
still drools like crazy

2010-03-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today I ate Peas!

and loved them.

I was so over Rice Cereal and Oatmeal is okay but doesn’t have much taste. so Mom thought maybe solid foods would be a great idea. Yum!

2010-03-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

COME ONE, COME ALL

ENJOY THE FUN

LUCY’S BIRTHDAY

CIRCUS HAS COME!

STEP RIGHT UP TO THE

HANSEN’S

BIG TOP

the set up

{bad picture, doesn't do it justice!}

…………………………….

Ringmaster

LUCY

Lucy invited 14 kids and their parents to join in the fun! The kids had to go to the TICKET booth to get their CIRCUS box which held their tickets and prizes for all the booths.

……………………..

PHOTO BOOTH

BULLSEYE

GO FISH

{yes, those are real fishes}

RING TOSS

POPCORN

COTTON CANDY

FACE

PAINTING

…………

LET THE

CIRCUS

BEGIN!

Aunt Sara was our face painter, and a good one at that!

Lucy won her very own fish. She named her Princess Leah. I think she might be the longest living goldfish of the party!

Waiting patiently for the next booth!

The photo booth was so funny. I was worried that they wouldn’t get what they were supposed to do, but as you can see…they got it!

Eric barbequed HOT DOGS and the Grandmas helped out with the potato salad, fruit and veggies.

Complete indulgence!

Here are just a few of the party goers…

Grandma & Grandpa

Grandma Shirley

The Hansen Clan

and all the way from Arizona….

Aunt Shenise & Lane

…………………………

I got this sparkler that was

a “4” to go in Lucy’s Birthday

cupcake.Well due to a prior event with Grandma Sherrie on New Years Eve…

Lucy was terrified of it. She was shaking and would not even get close to it.

So much for the cute candle!

Lucy got the cutest presents with lots of little pieces! I told her she could only open one toy per day. It is a danger zone for Corbin!

A short potato sack race …..

a few pictures…

and Lucy was…

going…

going…GONE!

along with her balloons

We had a blast. Lucy loved it and had so much fun with her friends and family.

When we got her in the car she said…

“Mom, you’re the best Mom”

That made everything worth it. Eric was such a trooper too. I love going over board to make a party great and he had not one complaint. He painted, cut PVC & rebar to only mention a few. Got to love my man!

Poor Lucy woke up that night with a 103 fever and was one sick girl the rest of the week. We just made it!

2010-03-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Look who turned

Since Lucy’s Circus party was going to get rained out we had to move it to Monday. So on her Birthday we took her to In-N-Out for lunch and she wanted to go to IFA to see the baby chicks and bunnies. I was so sick and didn’t feel good so I was glad the big party was postponed.

Shenise and Lane were in town but Lane was sick the night before so they stayed home so he wouldn’t spread the germs.

Lucy wanted to go to Pizza Factory to get her special pizza. Blowing out all

{4} candles Ma & Pa came through with a wiggle car. As soon as Pa brought it in from the car she ran to it and knew exactly what to do. Not sure how, but kids just know. Taking Corbin for a ride...whoa?

Lucy always comes up with the greatest birthday wishes for presents. This year she asked for

a baby elephant
whoopee cushion
yo yo

We were able to pull everything off except the baby elephant. We dont have the room for a giant in our house. Maybe next year.

I really cannot believe our little girl is four. She is so special and makes us laugh and cry everyday. Lucy is like a sponge. She soaks up everything that is being said around her. Her vocabulary is wide and doesnt miss a beat. Lucy is a great big sister to Corbin and helps out a lot. She recently just found out she can wipe her big bummy all by herself...pretty exciting. She loves to help Dad in the yard or on the truck. Eric constantly has a shadow from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed. I wish I could slow time…its going too fast.

Out of the mouth of Lucy:

“mom, lets head out

lance and dance rhyme

I know everything that is why Jesus loves me

cousin tess was sick at grandmas so the next time we walked in grandmas she peeked around the door and said

hey grandma, we are Tess’s germs?

2010-03-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

BUMBO bOy!

2010-02-18T19:11:00.001-08:00

Corbin just wants to sit up all day long. So Eric and I broke down and bought the BUMBO! He needs to gains some lbs so that he can get wedged in it without sliding. Can't believe he is already this big. Where has the time gone?

2010-02-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

{HEART DAY} sure did come fast this year! Lucy was lucky to get invited to Makenna's Valentine's Day Party. Marcie always goes all out and the kids absolutely LOVE it!

They ate, danced and crafted their little "hearts" out!

We were sugared up for days.

I was kind of sad that V-Day was on Sunday this year. We have 9 o'clock church and stayed out way too late the night before. I had great intentions on making my LOVES breakfast in bed and doing cute things all day...well this is as far as I got!

Oh well, there is always next year!

2010-01-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today we invited Makenna over to try our hand out with

SHRINKY DINKS!

Where have I been...these were so much fun. I am sure I enjoyed the thrill a lot more then the girls, but they were surprised to see their charms shrink down to the perfect size.

I have to admit they turned out pretty cute!

These girls are too cute.

2010-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

2009-12-31T20:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! 2010

All of the Pendleton side of the family came to town today for the New Year and for Grandma Shirley’s 80th Birthday Bash. We ate a great dinner as always and then went to First Night downtown St. George. We froze! Lucy got to ride some slides & swings and then dance a little to the music before heading home. It is tradition to have fondue just before the New Year strikes along with a little bubbly.

We are known for having bad things happen to us on this great holiday in years past. The first year we got married the boys in the family were in a car accident that totaled my car and broke some of Dad’s ribs. Then a few years later we spent the night again in the hospital for a blood clot in my arm. We really try to stay close to home on December 31st! Not without fail we almost had another tragedy.

Well Mom bought these new kind of sparklers from the store. She showed them to me earlier in the night but I didn’t take notice to them or the warning sign. They were labeled “Sparkler Whips.” Just before midnight she took the grandkids out in the courtyard to do fire crackers. Lucy was first. Mom grabbed her sparkler and lit it…only to be followed by the loudest noise you have ever heard. In come all of the kids running for their lives. I think Cade even was high stepping! Mom ran in after them laughing her head off. Come to find out these fire crackers were more like fire works! On the front of the package it read “do not hold.” It burnt the concrete good and I can’t imagine what it could have done to Mom or Lucy if they wouldn’t have let it go. We all laughed about it for hours…there is never a dull moment in the Pendleton house.

Eric on the other hand was so mad. You can see it in this picture. Lucy didn’t want me to let her down for a while. A little while later Lane grabbed my Mom by her cheeks and said …

“Grandma, don’t you ever, ever do that again!”

This year we just might not even open our front door!

2009-12-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

2009-12-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

And writing it twice.

Eric and Lucy sat down and got her list put all together on paper. I tried to re-write it on green paper and red marker so it would stick out when Santa was going through all his letters…well Lucy picked up on it and wanted the original letter. After a little bribing, she gave into her Mom’s stubborn personality!

And no we did not put ideas into her head. What 3 year old asks for socks and undies? After this was sent Lucy decided that she needed a surprise too. Not a surprise for her to find out on Christmas morning; she said that her and Santa were going to surprise Mom and Dad with her presents. Eric and I are not too sure how that “Surprise” is going to work out. Until next time…

2009-12-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Santa's Lap

Although Lucy was still a little under the weather, we could not pass up the yearly tradition of finding Santa to let him know what Lucy is hoping for this year. It’s a good list. Stay tuned!

Just take a close look on her face. She practiced for days. I think she is still skeptical, but so excited she wasn’t going to give up her opportunity to sit on his lap.
Daniel and Jami had to sneak us into the private Christmas Dinner for the faculty at the college. We acted like we were supposed to be there and all was good until we headed out to our car to leave. Daniel took us down the private utility elevator and as I opened the door I saw Jami’s Dad talking to the campus cop. Not thinking I said, “you caught us.” I was talking about using the elevator. This look came over Randy’s face and he said, “are you guys the Hansen that is parked in Faculty parking?” Yep that was us. It was so cold, and there were no parking spots so we took what came available. Well our “free” picture with Santa quickly turned into an expensive night. Don’t fear, Randy took care of our ticket the next day. I doubt we will be invited to the secret party next year!
Lucy and Cutler are best buddies. Sometimes Cutler tries to hide it, but they truly are best buds!

2009-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Corbin’s Blessing

Since all our family was in town we thought we would take advantage and have Corbin’s Blessing. Sunday we woke up to a very sick Lucy. Poor girl was fevered and throwing up. She was heart broken to think that she was not going to be able to make it to her baby brother’s blessing. We debated and decided to take her to church just long enough to hear the blessing and I rushed her back to Ma and Pa’s to get ready for the after party. It never can be easy on these special days. I was emotionally & physically spent. I felt so bad for Lucy. She was locked in a bedroom and would have given anything to be downstairs with the whole family.

All in all Eric did a wonderful job and Corbin was blessed with some really great things. That is the most important part, right?!
Our family pictures turned out pretty dysfunctional with Moms breastfeeding babies, and impatient husbands, this is as good as it gets.

The “Circle” of Priesthood

All worn out after a long holiday weekend!

This baby boy is so special to us. We are enjoying him and are so grateful he is in our family. We are truly blessed.

2009-11-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was spent with the Pendleton side of the family this year. We were lucky to have everyone there…but just for the “Grateful” day! Mom and I had spent many hours looking into photographers and trying to find a time that we all would be together to snap a family photo for Grandma Shirley’s 80th Birthday. Given that not too many photographers don’t want to work on Thanksgiving we were running into a dead end. Dad was talking to a friend and he just happened to be looking for a family that was willing to do a “shoot” for a commercial he was putting together. We agreed not really understanding the whole intent.

Everyone arrived in town Wednesday night. We all laid our clothes out for colors coordinating and set our alarms for early morning. “8:30am” we were told, “in the driveway.”

Well this is what we found!

Dad had borrowed a 30 passenger bus to drive us to our destination. The kids were so excited…and the truth be known, so were the adults.

We show up at the “shoot” and to our surprise they have called in professional videographers on top of the photographer. We had no idea. Dad probably was told this but he has selective hearing these days. Mom, Dad and Shenise were hooked up with microphones and we were given a little direction. Come to find out this commercial is for a book that is called “Upon my Passing.” This is a product you purchase and fill out all your wants and wishes if you were to die. Dad didn’t understand why we were taking pictures without him in them…well this is the end result.

MOVIE CLIP

All 23 of us. Whoa, can’t believe we all made it through the ordeal. We even were able to snap a few others too. Lucy is so lucky to have her great grandmothers still alive. Four maternal generations…pretty neat!

I do have to admit that it was great being up and all ready for Thanksgiving Day by 9am. We snacked, ate, ate and ate. Family tradition is to go to the movie, but we passed due to our nights being a little short with a new baby. Did I just say “our”….excuse me…”my” !!!!

The next day Mom and Dad had a hike planned in Snow Canyon. We just don’t take advantage of the awesome surroundings we have here in Southern Utah. I was not too excited, but Corbin was a trooper.
5 Weeks old, all wrapped up and happy as can be. It felt so good to be out in the cool air taking it all in. Lucy also was a trooper. She walked, well ran the whole time. She has the shortest legs, but sure did a great job keeping up with her cousins.

Friday night we spent some time with the Hansen side. It is so hard having both families in the same town. We are always running back and forth, being pulled both ways. But when all is said and done, we enjoy the family time.

Saturday was the BIG game day.
BYU vs. Utah
Lucky for Corbin, he was rooting for the right team! By the looks of this picture he just might end up being a Ute fan.

2009-11-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

2009-11-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Corbin's belly button finally fell off this week. We waited a couple days to bath him so that it could dry out. He has always loved his sponge baths, but from the look of this...

he wasn't so sure this was a fun activity. But Dad and Lucy carried on and washed all the cracks and crevasses(as Lucy would say)!

Lucy's snapshot of us. She has become quit the photographer.

Snuggle time with Dad! I can't decide who likes it better, Dad, Corbin or Mom. It melts my heart!

And on an ending note. Meet "soothie" the big ugly green/blue Binky.

This was given to Corbin during his circumcision. There was a little mishap and we needed something to "sooth" him(that story is for another time!). Then came the BiliBed. We once again needed something to "sooth" Corbin...so out came the Binky. Oh my, what have we started. I have tried to change over to a Nuk, but he doesn't like it as much. Life goes on I guess!

DING, DING, DING!

2009-11-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

Round 2

Corbin had his 2 Week visit this week. All was well and I was about ready to leave when I happened to ask Dr Marsden about the whole Jaundice thing. So glad I did!...I think.

We decided that we better check his bili levels one more time. Well sure enough, they were back up to a 16. His 48 hour levels were at an 18.5, and they hospitalize at a 20. Last week we were able to get it down to a 14.3 and were feeling good about that. So when I got the call and was told to stop Breast Feeding AGAIN for 4 days and repeat the test, this is how we felt...

"Ohhhh man."

Poor boy! I wish we could just get past this and move on. What a pain. I sure hope Corbin still is wanting yummy breast milk after this is all done.

His stats @ 2 Weeks

...7 lbs 14 ounces...

26%

...21 inches...

66%

...he giggles in his sleep so loud...

...trying so hard to lift his head...

...stares at faces and lights...

And lookin' cute as can be!

2009-11-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

...HaLLOwEEn...

We had a great Spooky Day this year. Lucy really understood, and could not wait.

We started the day by delivering treat bags to Lucy's friends. Lucy got all dressed up in as "SUPERGIRL"&

Corbin as a "SkeLEtoN"

and they were ready for the festivities to begin.

I told the Grandparents... that if they wanted to see Lucy and Corbin that they were to come to our house. We usually spend all night making the rounds and are exhausted when the night is over. This year was perfect. Great chili, cornbread and cupcakes for dessert.

Tayden, Cutler & Ryker stopped by and we are so glad they did.

Eric and Daniel took the kids around the neighborhood Trick-or-Treating while we relaxed on the couch. Lucy had a blast with her cousins. They ran the whole time and Lucy thought she was so grown up.

We ended the night with a quick family snap shot. As you can see...I was so tired and ready for my bed!

Until next year...

2009-11-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

The Proud Grandparents...

2009-11-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

The story begins here...

Saturday, October 17th started with lots of cramping and contractions. With my Mom and Doctor out of town until Monday I was beginning to worry. I showered, packed my bags and waited to see what might happen. NOTHING. So we carried on with our weekend and started the new week. Tuesday I went to the Doctor...

Labor and delivery was packed so he decided to put me on the schedule for Wednesday. I was #4 on the list and was told to be ready by early morning. I promptly called the family and set up the "last supper" lunch at Cafe Rio. The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the big event.

Around 9:15pm the Charge Nurse called from Labor and Delivery. She said that they were going to start calling in the inductions at Midnight. In anticipation of a middle of the night call we called my Mom and Dad to see if they would like a visitor for the night.

What we thought was going to be a great night sleep turned into a restless night. 7:00am rolled around and no call. I called L&D and the Nurse said that my Doctor had called and said not to call me until 12:00pm. That would have been great to know!

So the wait started all over. 12:00 came and went. Eric and I decided to get a sandwich. In walked a Doctor on the phone. He was telling the Nurse to check his patient and see if she was really in labor. Sure enough...she was... and sure enough she took my room! What are the chances? We headed back home for a nap.

I had given up on not eating and I was thinking we might be pushed to the following day. We all went to Pasta Factory for dinner. Once we ordered my phone rang. Of course...they wanted me in right away before someone else took my bed.

A CNA hooked me up to the monitors and said I will be right back with your Nurse. She was never seen again.

6:45pm Finally, Nurse #1 arrived.

7:30pm the pitocin was started and I was on my way.

9:30pm Doctor Ott broke my water. Not much change. Dilated to a 3 plus, 75% effaced.

11:00pm Epidural!

12:00am Nurse #2 arrives. Loved her. Started getting hot sweats and my blood pressure keep dropping due to the epidural. Trying to cool off with a washcloth and hide the double chin from all of the fluid they were pumping in me.

1:30am Doctor Ott was sleeping in the on call room, but decided to go home because of no progress.

2:30am Starting to dilate more...but this kid was not dropping.

2:31am-4:00am Finally at 7cm.

4:30am Nurse #2 tells me to hurry and have this baby before she goes home. I sit up and re-apply my make up for the big delivery only to wait longer!

6:00am Nurse #3 arrives. Loved her too! She was just in time for me to start getting sick. She walked in the room to me throwing up. Nice welcome.

7:00am Still at 7cm. 100% effaced. Baby dropped.

7:10am Started telling Eric and Mom to get the Nurse I was going to have this baby. They didn't move very fast because Dr. Ott was going to be doing rounds any minute. Eric finally went out to find someone.

7:14 am In came Dr. Ott and he set up the room himself, sat at the end of my bed (yes, he didn't even drop the bed) and coached me through 4 or 5 contractions.

What a long night it was, but it was a really easy delivery. We were so relieved that he got here safe and sound. He was covered in the white stuff(don't know the medical term) but healthy as can be.

Corbin was born with his...

AND

Due to the Swine Flu, I had to pick 2 visitors for my whole hospital stay. They were banded and could not switch. This was so hard. Lucy and all the Grandparents could come up and look in the Nursery window at Corbin, but that is all. In the end it turned out pretty good because I was able to sleep that first day. Eric would roll Corbin into the Nursery when visitors were there to see him, and I just slept in my bed.

We were all feeling pretty good by Friday morning so after Corbin's long circumcision(no pun intended) we were discharged.

It was good to be home. Lucy did pretty good with the new addition, with only a few melt downs. She was recovering from a cold and being away from Mom and Dad for 3 long days.

Corbin's color looked so good. He has a very red complexion so I never would have thought that his repeat Bilirubin(spelling?) test would come back high. Sure enough it did. So Sunday evening...

was delivered. I was so sad, but glad he didn't have to be hospitalized.

What a nightmare this bed turned out to be. We didn't sleep for 4 nights straight. He had to be in it 24 hours a day unless he was eating or getting a diaper change.

Day after day we took Corbin in to get tested and we kept getting told to repeat the test in 24 hours and continue the lights.

All dressed up...only to go to the hospital to get his heel pricked and then back under the lights.

At Corbin's Dr's appointment on Wednesday I was hoping to hear that we could get rid of the bed. Dr. Marsden looked up the results of Wednesday's blood test and it was not what he wanted to see. Corbin's #'s actually went up. How could this happen? Long story short...I had to quit breast feeding for a couple days. My breast milk was causing his Jaundice to get worse.

Friday night we finally got the great news that there was no need to retest Corbin and that the Bili Bed could go back to the medical supply.

I finally have my perfect baby boy back. He sleeps great, eats great and is so much fun. Lucy cannot get enough of him. She is awesome to hold him, change him and try to comfort him. We are so happy to have him in our family.

THE END

Corbin Todd

2009-10-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

CORBIN TODD HANSEN

October 22, 2009

7:23pm

7 lbs 5 oz
19 Inches

We are enjoying him so much there is no time to update! Hopefully I will get around to it soon.

2009-10-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

2009-10-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

I started thinking that this weekend could be the last weekend that Lucy is an only child.

I got sad.

So we wanted to do something fun with her.

Miniature Golf it was.

With a little patience, and a lot of laughs we made it through 15 of 18 holes.

Lucy did great for her and her Dad. Eric didn't get much putting practice in due to Lucy taking over his ball too! We are so excited to get this baby boy her, but so sad that things will never be the same. We love our Lucy, she is the joy in our lives. "BOY" is she in for it or what?

Matching wounds!

2009-10-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

Due to my medical history of blood clots I have to administer a shot of blood thinner in my belly each night. Since my belly is getting so stretched I have moved the injection sight to the side(I have a little extra love there!)., rather then around my belly button. After 9 months of this routine I seemed to have hit a blood vessel, muscle or tendon...maybe all 3! By the next night I had a hard goose egg sticking out of the side of my belly. This was taken 4 days after I found it.

So a couple nights later Eric returned from his soccer with this!

Ouch. He got kicked, and it ended in the same kind of goose egg as mine. Mine looked just as purple a couple days earlier, but he seems to think his was worse. I'll give it to him!

Daniel thought Eric's love handles were getting a little big, but it was just that it was so swollen it hung over his belt.

2009-10-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, after an ultrasound we are pleased that this little boy has turned. Dr is still a little concerned that he might move again. He has been so active that one day he could be breech and the next have his head down. I am not sure what it is but after being checked I cramp and baby is crazy all day. It feels as though he has flipped once again. This may not be that big of deal for most pregnant people but here is the problem.

I am on blood thinners. Therefore I am being induced a week early to make sure that I stop my medicine in enough time before delivering this baby. If I happen to go into labor on my own, then there is a much higher risk with delivery. Not to mention that I can't get an epidural if my blood is not perfect.

So, when I go to see the Dr on Wednesday and this baby is breech then he will try to flip him and induce me right after. We don't want this baby too soon, but we have to work around my Dr's vacation schedule! We will keep you posted.

2009-10-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

2009-10-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

2009-09-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of the year again. Eric invited Lucy and I for a night of good ole hunting. He suited Lucy up with the proper equiptment, and off we went...on the bumpiest road. I know he is excited to get his baby boy here, but not this soon!

It didn't take Lucy long to know exactly what she was supposed to do!

After 15 minutes or so Lucy was loosing interest...

And soon all interest in finding the perfect Buck for Dad was lost!

One day left of the hunt, we are hoping Dad brings home a big one. Good Luck, Babe!

2009-09-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

2009-09-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

2009-08-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

After the LONG stressful wait....

2009-08-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lucy waited all week for "the phone call!"

And we are so glad she is here safe and sound.

Libby is such a doll. Congrats Reggie and Wendy!

2009-08-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

2009-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

The poor boy doesn't have anything to wear, but he will have a stylish place to rest his head! I was dreading having to make new bedding, but it went really fast and turned out pretty good.

Stay tuned for the finished room.

2009-07-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Jared and Kelly invited all of us to Lake Powell for a weekend camping trip.

We had a great time...
Hangin' out in the shade...

Coolin' off in the water...

Tubing behind the boat...

Posing...

And playin' with Grandma and the cousins!

Lucy turned into a Lake Rat! She loved the boat and had to go on it every time it left the shoreline. The weather was HOT but good for the most part. We didn't get any sleep either night and were so glad to be in our own beds. Thanks for the fun filled weekend.

2009-07-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

As we watched a few of our favorite shows tonight Lucy was dancing around like usual. The next thing I know she is pulling on some...

What a girl, don't know what we would do without her!

2009-07-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

{fourth of july}

2009-07-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

I look forward to the 4th of July every year. This year we stayed close to home. Grandma Hansen invited us to the park for breakfast. Then we went home to prepare for the nightly activities. Eric and Lucy ran to Wal Mart for a few things and came home with the

MEGA pack of firecrackers.

Lucy was thrilled. She made sure everyone that came to the door saw them.

We invited the family over for a yummy BBQ. We were all full before dinner was ready. After dinner we were invited over to Daniel and Jami's for Root Beer Floats and FiReWOrKs!

Not only did Eric and Daniel each have a huge box of fun...Daniel and Jami's neighborhood got together to let all of theirs off too! Next year we will just show up and let them buy the entertainment!

Lucy wasn't interested in getting too close to the street. She enjoyed them. I don't think her expression changed all night.

Then on to the big ones!

Yes, our ears were ringing by the end of the night. It was a great day and I am sad it has come and gone! Until next year....

2009-06-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

What else do you expect a 3 year old to know how to cook? As you can see she is so excited! We picked up Grandpa Hansen's favorite pizza the night before in anticipation of visiting him.

Home for naps and then we went to Grandma & Grandpa's for dinner. Father's Day gifts were not that exciting this year but I think Dad loved his gift.

Eric requested an Apple Pie from Grandma Shirley. We played a few rounds of Chicken Foot...we think anyway...I guess we were playing Dad's rules!

I love and appreciate Eric. He is wonderful, patient, funny, sexy, kind and the best Father. Lucy loves her Dad to pieces. When he gets home from work she talks and talks to him until bedtime. I love watching them play and especially listen to their conversations when they don't know! I am not sure how well Lucy will want to share him with baby brother.

Here is our self portrait of the three of us...

2009-05-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

...was so creative and fun. Lucy was lucky enough to be invited to

Tess' Old-Fashioned Party.

Wendy did a fabulous job and went all out like always.

The party started with what else then

{Pin the tail on the donkey}.

Then the kids were off to hear the story of Little Red Ridding Hood. I will be honest, I am horrible when it come to remembering these stories and nursery rymes that I was taught twenty something years ago. So Lucy has not heard most of them , especially Little Red. Wendy read the book as I snapped some pictures of the kids listening. From the looks of this picture...

Cade hadn't heard the story either!

After the story, the kids were given one of these

for a picnic outside. I over heard one of the little girls say..."when are we going wolf hunting?!"

On to some games, presents and cupcakes.

As the kids left they each received cute gift bags. The girls got a handmade hair bow, Childrens book and old-fashioned candy.

What a party! I hopeLucy doesn't expect that kind of party out of me when she is 5!

Happy Birthday Tessa! We love our little monkey.

2009-05-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Lucy has taken the {plunge}...

I have really wanted Lucy to take swim lessons the last couple of summers, but I didn't exactly want to have to get in the pool with her every day for her not to listen to me. So when we found out Brad was doing swim lessons...we jumped all over it.

Lucy has made great improvement just in the past 3 days. I think it totally helps that I am not there for her to hide behind or hang on to. She will actually jump off the side of the pool, attempt to dunk her head under water and when it comes to the monkey walk...well we are still working on that. I am so proud of her. We might have to do a few rounds of lessons this summer!

My favorite part...Lucy's squishy bum!

A little "Pizazz"!

2009-05-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tayden invited us to her dance recital on Saturday night. Lucy was looking forward to it all week. She kept telling me that Tayden had lots of "dance moves" to show her on Saturday night.

And that she did!

Look at that face. Tayden did a great job and remembered all of her "dance moves!"

The proud brother and cousin.

I have got to get Lucy back into dance class. Great job Tayden...until next year!

2009-05-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Grandma Hansen!

We took Grandma Hansen out to Olive Garden and then back to her house for Ice Cream Cake. I had really great intentions of making her a wonderful cake and visiting her at school, but I was so sick all day. We had a fun night and enjoyed each others company on her beautiful back patio. Happy Birthday Grandma, we love you.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Lucy and Eric woke me up to the smell of a great breakfast. It is always wonderful seeing your child get so excited over a day dedicated to you.

Eric started a tradition 3 years ago on my first Mother's Day. Instead of getting flowers that die after a couple of days, he gets me flowers for the yard. So the week of Mother's Day, I usually have beautiful blooming flowers that remind me of the past years. The first year he got me bright orange lillies (which this year the squirrel enjoyed every bloom before they opened), the second year I picked out 3 rose topiaries...

and this year he filled my flower box full of potato vine and rapid wave petunias.

This picture was taken in the 108 degree heat, but they have been so beautiful for the past 2 months.

After doing our usual holiday visits to the Grandma's we attended church. Eric and I decided we would host Mother's Day dinner for our Mothers and Grandmother. Eric thought since the Mom's enjoy crab so much...that is what was going to be on the menu. Everyone brought something and made it easy on me. I am pretty sure he thought of his own enjoyment as well! The table did look elegant and pretty, but I didn't get a picture of it.

Well, here it is...the one and only picture taken!

It was a very enjoyable day, and I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a Mother and to have such great Mothers in my life.

2009-04-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Laundry,

I hate your stinkin' guts.
You make me vomit.
You are the scum between my toes.

Love... Shanel

Let's go fly a {KiTe}

2009-04-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

With most of the family in town for Spring Break we thought we would try out the Kite Festival. We were surprised to see how many people were there.

One of Lucy's dreams came true...

She got to ride a school bus!

It was a great day, but we wish there was just a little more wind. I sent Eric to Wal Mart to pick out a kite for Lucy. He came home with Barbie! Lucy loved it.

For whatever reason...there were people running up and down, throwing their kites in the air only for them to crash to the ground. Lucy was so oblivious to all of it. She stood there and watched her Barbie soar. Eric defiantly picked a winner!

This will be a yearly event for our little family. We had a lot of fun.

{EaSTeR}

2009-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure Eric was more excited for {Easter} morning then a young child. He was up at 7:00am just waiting for Lucy to wake up. He woke me up in the rustle of things. Finally around 7:30 we decided to wake Lucy up. She was so excited and could not believe the {Easter Bunny} could jump so high to put {Jelly Beans} and {eggs} on top of the TV. Lucy got the biggest kick out of it.

Lucy was very particulair in collecting all the candy and eggs. The plastic eggs were cracked and dumped into a ZipLoc bag, jelly beans and other candy also got added to the bag and the Dyed Eggs were to go back into the egg carton.

We then got ready, with rollers and all...

and headed to Grandma Hansen's...

for an Easter breakfast with the family.

Back home to get ready for church. Lucy was so excited to wear her

"Easter Polka Dot Dress"...but......

she would not let me take a decent picture of her. I had to beg her with her own candy and still didn't get a good one.

After Sacrament Eric and Lucy headed up to Grandpa & Nana Hansen's house. We haven't sent Lucy to Nursery for a couple months because she comes home sick every week. I had to stay for Young Women's. She loves to go to their house. Eric forgot to snap some photos...typical guy!

Finally, we meet up at Grandma Shirley's for Easter Dinner. With Lucy hanging on for dear life... we got somewhat of a smile out of her for a family picture.

And with a couple more jelly beans in hand we were able to snap the final photo of the day. Lucy is not dumb...she knows how to get things!

We had a beautiful day and it was good to be with our families. We were soooo tired and glad to be back home after another long holiday.

This was the scene the day before Easter!

2009-04-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last minute I called my Mom and Dad to see if they wanted to join Lucy and I for Breakfast and an Egg Hunt at Bloomington Park. Eric had to work and was sad he missed the event. Once we arrived at the park it started to rain. We had no umbrellas, and we really weren't dressed for the weather. I headed through the food line with two plates in my hands...one for me and one for Lucy! As I opened my mouth to tell my Mom to be careful the sidewalk was extremely slippery...eggs went flying, legs went separate ways and the eggs landed on my head. I managed not to hit the ground. It was just a slip...not a fall! A few good laughs later the hunt began.

Success!

I was a bit worried that Lucy would end up with nothing in her basket like the night before at the DSC Egg Hunt. She ran soooo fast, and stopped at every egg, but forgot to pick them up. I think she learned her lesson. Lucy made out like a bandit...her basket was full!

That evening we were invited over to Mom & Dad's for dinner & Egg Dying! We walked in the door and found their house covered in a string maze. Lucy was to follow each string to find the egg at the end of it. She had so much fun and walked away with more candy, some coins and even some dollar bills!

There was no stopping Lucy once she started dying eggs. We had 3 dozen eggs and she probably did 2 dozen.

Most of her eggs turned brown due to over coloring, but Lucy did an awesome job.

We sure hope the Easter Bunny still comes tomorrow...he might not once he finds out how much candy Lucy already has!

LUCYisms

2009-03-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Each day Lucy comes up with something new that makes us laugh. I thought I better start writing these things down before I forget all of them.

Saturday March 28th

Poor Lucy started the week off with the Flu and woke up Friday with a Cold. So as she was saying her nightly prayers she included this...

"Please bless my nose to run away!"

Eric keep a straight face and continued through the prayer...as for me I could not stop laughing.

Monday March 30th

As always, Lucy made it out of bed before me. She got into some books and was singing like they were the hymn books. All of a sudden I hear her say,

"Look at those scary sharks!"

I was trying to think of what she was talking about. She brought the book to me and showed me the picture she was talking about. Low and behold she found a picture of the male anatomy {from the hips down, with all organs and outlines included}. Once again I could not stop laughing. Oh to be innocent again!

2009-03-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

This year we thought we would try our skills out on a vegetable garden. Lucy is all about it! She even has a "perfect" size shovel and rake.

I was feeling very pregnant the day Eric brought home compost, so I sent my Lucy and Eric out to work. I got a knock on the door to find...

I am not sure how Eric told her to plant the seeds, but from the look of it...her nose did most of the work! She was in complete denial about having a dirty face. I chased her around the house trying to get a picture. She kept asking..."Where, Mom?"

Funny girl. Well the garden is doing okay. The radishes did great, a little spicy for me. The lettuce was looking wonderful, until that blasted squirrel ate it down to the dirt. Our cucumbers...were perfect...but we waited one day too long to pick them. Stupid squirrel. Tomatoes, so far so good. And the pumpkins, well we will see if the huge vine produces anything worth while. Next year we will be hunting and trapping all varmints before the seeds are planted!

2009-03-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Lucy's 3rd Birthday

2009-03-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Lucy has been waiting for her {Birthday} to come for a long time. I let her plan her day, and this is how it all turned out...

First we invited a few friends to the park for a {Cupcake} Party.

The night before, Lucy helped me make the "Perfect" colors of frosting. Then she wanted to bring {sprinklers} to decorate the cupcakes. The results...

It was a great day at the park and the kids had fun. Lucy loved all of her gifts. As soon as we got home the boxes were ripped open, dresses & feathers flying and new bows in her hair{I am still trying to talk her into sharing her bows with her Mom}!

Lucy and I went home to start on her "Pirate Cupcakes" for the evening event.

She requested {Pirate Island Pizza} for her Birthday dinner.

We were able to get "The Cave" all to ourselves. It was a bit squishy, but worked out great. Lucy, as always was showered with great presents. She received: a table and 2 chairs{for outside, but she won't let us take it out}...a doll house...3 Barbies...a Barbie Jeep...Barbie clothes{because for some reason they don't wear much theses days}

...a shovel, rake and gloves for the garden...an apron

...and coloring books. Thanks Grandma Hansen, Grandpa Hansen & Nana, Grandma & Grandpa Pendleton, Grandma Shirley, Daniel, Jami & the kids.

It make me so sad that last year I had to go over the whole "blowing out the candle" deal...this year, she was a natural!

Lucy was a crack up in the arcade. She would put the token in and just start pushing buttons. She won soooo many tickets. We had a few tokens left so I was trying to get rid of them fast. Lucy walks by and pushes my button and won the Jackpot!

I think the kids had a blast and it was good to be with family for the {celebration}. As you can see from this picture...I was so tired and ready for bed.

Happy Birthday, Lucy. We love you so much. You are so funny and the sweetest little girl we could ever ask for. Hope you had fun! Until next year.....

{Nightly Prayers}

2009-03-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this day,

PLEASE BLESS MY PARK TO GET DONE,

Thank you for Mommy & Daddy,

Please bless we have good dreams and be healthy,

We say these things,

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Lucy does such a great job on her prayers. But tonight was perfect! We have been checking on the new park in our neighborhood for the past couple weeks. We are hoping it will be done in time for Lucy's Birthday. We drove by tonight on our way home to see the progress. As you can tell, Lucy is so excited for the "New Park."

All "Crouped" up!

2009-03-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

We have officially been "crouped" up for 7 days now. Lucy woke up last Thurday night with a bad cough. I knew she had croup the second I heard her bark. I took her to the Doctor on Friday only to bring home another virus with her. By Saturday night she was feverish and continued to get a new symptom everyday until Tuesday.

I am so ready to go where I want to go, when I want to go and do what I want to do. Sick baby's are no fun. Eric worked late last night so I put sick Lucy in the car and we were off to Wal Mart. Sorry people...if you are planning on heading to Bloomington Wal Mart you might want to rethink your plans...Lucy spread her germs! I had to get out of the house and play for awhile. Pretty sad when Wally World is your place for fun! Lucy is on the mend and feeling much better. I think the cough might last a couple more days.

Be Mine...and I'll be Yours!

2009-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

My Mom and Dad invited us over for Mom's Annual Valentine's feast.

We had {PINK /RED} everything...heart shaped french toast, eggs, hash browns, bacon, hot chocolate, juice...anything and everything you could imagine.

It was delicious. Thanks Mom & Dad!

We had some left over french toast and bread crumbs so we made a quick visit to the park to feed the ducks. They were extra hungry today...

...they even got a nibble of Lucy's knee.

I am not so sure she will be up to feeding them anytime soon!

We went home for an afternoon nap. I awoke to these...

Dad always has something up his sleeve. {Remember the roses Eric got me for our Anniversary...well they made it...but were on their way to dried roses!}

Anyway, it was perfect timing and they were fabulous.

To my surprise, Eric asked me what time I wanted to go see "He's just not that into you." I have been teasing him for the last month that we are going to see that on Valentine's Day, but I never thought he would take me seriously. Mom and Dad babysat Lucy for us while we grabbed a quick bite at Jimmy John's and hit the movie. Eric is such a great sport. He sat through the movie dying to get up and walk out, but he didn't say a word. As for me...I didn't love the movie either.
All in all it was a fun day with the people I {LOVE} the most.

The 14 days of Valentine's

2009-02-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

This year Lucy was lucky enough to have {"Cupid"} visit her little red mailbox everyday until {Valentine's Day!}

She was so excited to see what {"Cupid"} had dropped off. I think she totally understood what Valentine's Day is all about....{Candy!}

Oh well she'll pick up on the {LOVE} thing someday.

{BE MINE}

2009-02-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

Lucy and I have had such a fun week of {LOVE!}

We stopped by Cari's house on Thursday to exchange {Valentine's} with some of Lucy's buddies.

This is a picture prior to the sugar rush...

and the result of {candy}, donuts & cookies!

On Friday, Marcie and MaKenna invited us over for a {cupcake} party.

Well, her low key party was anything but. Marcie had a craft for the kids to do for their Daddy,

she read them a book, made {yummy} cupcakes and all shorts of treats for them.

Lucy had a blast playing, eating & exchanging {Valentine's.}

As for me, I {LOVE} having great friends so close. We always plan activities for our children...but in all reality it is for us!

Thanks again Marcie, Lucy talked about it all afternoon. We had a fun time.

The newest member of the Church....

2009-02-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

Rylee Mae Pendleton

Last weekend we made the trek up north to attend Rylee's important day. Lucy was so excited to go to her Baptism...I am not sure she even understood or remembered what it was, but she was still excited. Rylee had called me and asked if I could speak, and I was honored!

Rylee invited all our family and her friends over for a wonderful brunch before her Baptism. Wendy and Mom put together a yummy spread. It was such a great day. She looked so beautiful and there is nothing better then seeing a child in the waters of baptism with her father. Reggie gave Rylee an amazing blessing and confirmation. Another weekend full of memories. Congratulations, Ry Ry...we love you.

After 3 hours and some odd minutes driving in the car she finally gave it up. Ahhhhhh the sight of a sleeping baby!

What a Legacy…

2009-02-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

Lucy is so lucky to have both of her

Great Grandmas still alive and looking

younger everyday. I remember my Great

Grandma Steiner, but we lived in

California and didn't see her much.

Lucy knows her Greats just as much as her

Grandmas.

What a legacy these women have left!

Grandma Shirley in her 80th year

Grandma Bev in her 82nd year

2009-02-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a beautiful morning...

Oh, what a beautiful day.

At that it was. We couldn't pass up the wonderful weather today. Friends called and we were off to the park for...

{Red Light!}

{Green Light!}

...riding bikes, pushing scooters, throwing sand and swinging. It wouldn't be a complete day at the park without a tantrum!

We can't wait for it to be Spring!

Six years...and Eternity to go!

2009-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

"Eric, does it feel like we have been married for {six} years?"

"Nooooo...well yes."

I ask him this every year and he never knows how to answer it. He thinks it is a trick question. I can't believe it has been six years, but then again it feels like we have been together forever. These first {six} years have been great and I can't wait for the rest of our lives.

On Friday night we got a knock at the door only to find a gift bag. We were so excited to find we had a day at the Spa planned for our Anniversary.

The Spa package included lunch...

and of course...a Swedish Message.

Red Mountain Spa does such a good job. I think it is now my favorite Spa. They do all of the extras like: use HOT lotion, wrap your feet in HOT wash clothes, put a HOT eye mask on and place a HOT rolled towel under your neck. Eric enjoyed his too. We came to the conclusion that it is so healthy to have a message at least once a month. I suggested that it get worked into the monthly budget...right!

After our fun day at the spa, Eric surprised me with these...

We switch off years being in charge of our Anniversary and the gift giving. I was in charge this year, but he still got me flowers. This is huge for Eric. He is so good to get me plants, or potted flowers but when it comes to cut flowers it is a rare occasion. The first thing he said as he was arranging them..."These better last for Valentine's Day!" I just had to laugh.

I {love} my husband.

We ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse...

and followed it up with a movie. It was so fun to be with Eric all day. I love him more and more each passing year. He is so great to me and Lucy. Eric makes me laugh everyday. I am so glad I have him for Eternity.

Happy Anniversary Babe!

{MIA}

2009-01-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

I feel so {disconnected} from the world. Our computer crashed a couple weeks ago and we just got around to buying a new one. Not much has happened in the meantime...so no need to back-blog.

Either something is wrong with my new computer or you guys are way behind on the {post} thing. Not to mention any ones name...Shenise, Wendy, Kristin, Brynn, Cari, Marcie, Jami, Hannah and everyone else who hasn't even posted in January!

Until next time...

Back to the Basics!

2009-01-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

For FHE this week we decided to go {Back to the Basics} on bread making. Mom & Dad invited us up to their house to {GRIND} wheat and make some homemade bread.

Dad, Eric and Lucy wanted to make it all on their own in case someday us girls were not able to.

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

All of the loaves turned out great, but I think Eric's had the best shape. That's right, babe!

Ummmmm, delicious.

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

2009-01-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

For Christmas my parents gave us an awesome 72 hour kit. We each got backpacks filled with food, supplies and soon to be clothes. They also gave us wheat, a wheat grinder, radio, stove and other things that we will need in an emergency. Food storage has been on my mind the past couple of months. Before this we have not "prepared" much.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the motivation!

Lucy loved her backpack...I finally put it away so she couldn't see it.

My SIL Kristin told me about http://www.myfoodstoragedeals.com/ and I love it. I login weekly to print the best of the best deals and I am off to the store. Here is what Eric and I found last night.

40 lbs sugar

50 lbs flour

24 lbs pasta

6 lbs BS Chicken

5 lbs Rump Roast

5 Cake mixes

3 frostings

4 bags cereal

30 boxes Apple Juice

4 boxes dried potatoes

4 lbs butter

Our total was $83 give or take a few cents and we saved $85 plus. Our groceries were 50% off! We were so excited. Now that we have a great start on getting "prepared" I can stop "fearing!"

27 Down...

2009-01-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

...years that is. I can't believe it, but then again I feel like I have been twenty-something for a long time. I am not complaining, trust me. I had a very fun Birthday this year. Lucy and I hung out and did a few things around the house. Then Mom called and invited us to lunch and a little pampering. It was so much fun that Lucy told Mom and I that

"we should do this next week too."

Eric then took ALL of us out for a fabulous dinner at Scaldoni's.

{Dad was there too, he was the photographer.}

We had great food and it is so fun to have a fancy dinner once in a while.

Back to Mom and Dad's for presents & cake. I received wonderful presents

and a yummy ice cream cake, made just the way I like them.

Another year gone by and how exciting to see what is in store for us this year. 2008 wasn't all that bad but I hope this is a brighter year. As I countdown to 30 I start to panic that I have not checked off some of the things I have on my "To Do Before 30" list. The biggest one is to be done having children by 30. When I got pregnant with Lucy "the plan" was to have a child every 2 years and be done. Well LIFE happens, and obviously that is not Heavenly Father's plan for us. Or maybe we will just have a couple of kids, instead 4 or 5. Yeah right, Eric is pretty set on a big family. I am so grateful everyday to have this little girl in my life...

she is so fun and keeps me laughing. I am so glad I have had this time to spend with her and not have a new baby to take some of my attention away. Lucy told me that "maybe Santa can bring a baby sister or brother to us next week!" If it was only that easy.

Thanks Eric for being such a great husband. And thanks for the great Birthday.

i LOVE you.

{...and a Happy New Year}

2009-01-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

We celebrated New Year's with Eric's family.

We ate,

played with cousins...

{Lucy & Ryker}

played games....

{Eric pretending that I still take his breath away!}

got tickled by Grandma Hansen

watched a movie, and barely made the countdown.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Happy New Year!

...the fireworks are still flying after 6 years!

{FiRSt hAIRcuT}

2008-12-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today was another fun day with the family. Reggie & Wendy got up early to go home and Shenise & John took off to Vegas for a couple days.

In-N-Out was the destination for lunch.

The "before" picture of Lane...

Let me stop there for a minute. I have been asking Lucy to trim her hair for months now. She always throws a fit and say "NOOOOOA." As you can see from the picture above, Lane was in need of a good hair cut too. When we showed up at Grandma & Grandpa's this morning and there was talk of haircuts, Lucy was all over it.

Lane on the other hand has received many haircuts, professionally and from Shenise but not without a fight. When John & Shenise left for Vegas, Lane turned into a different child. He did awesome, so Ma & Pa were going to take advantage of the situation. So we were all off to Great Clips!

Lucy's "before" picture

Lucy is such a good girl. She hopped up in the chair, crossed her legs and she was so ready for the big event.

Brittney styled Lane's hair before leaving for the day. He had all kinds of product in it so they gave him a quick shampoo. This is so not like Lane...to lay back and relax.Grandma thought is would be a great idea to give the kids suckers to keep them occupied. Well after the first snip hair fell all over his sucker. Without him realizing what just happened he took a great big lick, and this was the result...

2 years 10 months without ever getting a haircut...
this was a BIG deal.

The finished products!

These kids did so good. Maybe if Lane lived closer I could get Lucy to do things that she normally wouldn't. Lucy is still telling people to look at her hair...

"I got a haircut!"

Dad & Grandma's Happy Birthday!

2008-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

My poor Dad and Grandma share the same Birthday two days after Christmas. Every year we say we are going to celebrate in July instead. Dad took us all to Pirate Island Pizza for lunch. The kids had a blast...along with Jen and Lance. They were the last ones to leave the arcade. That night Mom cooked her wonderful Mexican food. We opened gifts, eat cake and the boys watched Ultimate Fighting. Another day with the Pendleton's...and the fun continues! Happy Birthday Dad and Grannie...we love you.

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

"He made it!" Was the first thing that Lucy said when she saw that Santa left her toys. She made out once again. Santa must have received her letter...this is his version of a {skateboard}...great idea Santa!And a {train set}...WOW!
Since ALL of my brothers and my sister were here for Christmas we had to set the alarm so we could have our little Christmas at our house and then off to the {rat race} at my parents!

Jason & Kristin's Family.

Shenise & John's Family.

Reggie & Wendy's Family.

Lance got Jen a new car! And yes I spelled Christmas wrong on the sign...it was late.

Grandma Shirley came through with the {Baby}

We dashed home after a great brunch at Mom and Dad's for a nap. Then we went up to Grandpa and Nana's for dinner.

It was a small crowd this year, but we had good food and it was fun to be with family.

Back to St. George in the worst snow storm. After a few rounds of ROCK BAND we called it a day!

Another Christmas has come and gone. I can't believe it. We had a blast this year...not much rest, but it was so great to have all the bros and sis here with their families.

The Eve before Christmas!

2008-12-24T21:41:00.000-08:00

This year my sister and brothers came for Christmas. Here is what happened on Christmas Eve...

Hanging out with the cousins...

Cade, Lucy's personal bouncer!

Family Photo

Dinner is Served...

Mom and Dad made an amazing dinner.
{My Mom didn't leave the kitchen for 9 days.}

Eric only gets crab once a year...
and he enjoys every last bite!
{I am not a seafood fan}

The Nativity, played by all the Grandchildren.
New jammies for Christmas Eve.

Santa's Cookies & milk.
And we can't forget the Reindeer food.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

2008-12-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

Lucy had Makenna over to play "Dress Up." These girls are surrounded by BOYS so any chance they get they dress up in these...

and act like this...

and giggle like this...

and when they are all done...they crash like this...

Don't let them fool you...they are just playing "Sleeping Beauty."

A blast from the past!

2008-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Friday night Eric and I hosted an "Ugly Sweater Party." We had so much fun catching up with everyone. Now that we all have kids, it is a rare occasion to get together. Our camera is out of order so I didn't get to take picture of all the couples. We laughed and shared some good stories, both old and new. When Adam is at the party...there is never a dull moment.

{Thanks Lacey and Emily for the pics!}

While I was preparing the food and house for the big party, my Mom and Dad took Lucy for the day and a sleepover. I had been so sad because we missed Father Christmas at the Dicken's Festival this year. I got word from Cari that he was going to be at the bank that night and I was so excited. As soon as I told Lucy she said..."I don' t want to sit on Santa's Lap."

Mom and Dad said she wasn't so sure she wanted it to be her turn. Lucy turned and walked toward Santa, jumped up on his lap and although it looks like she is smiling....under that smile is crying. Lucy got everyone laughing...including Santa!

Good news...Santa got her letter...we hope he makes it to our house.

Frosty the Snowman...

2008-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a {FOUR} layer Snowman? Well after seeing Andy and Emily's "Frosty" Eric had to out do Andy's efforts! As I was baking 6 dozen cookies for my Mom's Cookie Exchange, Eric was doing what he does best...playing with Lucy. They had a blast...although Lucy was too busy eating the {white} snow to help much.

We have loved the snow this year. I wish it would have stayed through Christmas. Eric and Lucy would throw snowballs at me every time I opened the front door for the past week.

Poor Frosty is now laying on his belly, "taking a nap."

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2008-12-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

"Your Majesty"

2008-12-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

"Please, Your Majesty." or "Thank you, Your Majesty."

{maj·es·ty}
1. a. The greatness and dignity of a sovereign.
b. The sovereignty and power of God.
2. Supreme authority or power: the majesty of the law.
3. a. A royal personage.
b. Majesty Used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for a sovereign.
4. a. Royal dignity of bearing or aspect; grandeur.
b. Stately splendor; magnificence, as of style or character: the Parthenon in all its majesty.

.
I will take a number of those definitions...and I will take the comment from my dear Lucy any day! As of late, Lucy will say "Your Majesty" if she is asking for something or to say "thank you, Your Majesty." Eric was not aware of this until tonight. I was at the kitchen table wrapping presents and every time I reached for the tape...it was gone.

Me:"Lucy can I have the tape please?"

Lucy:"Here you go , Your Majesty."

Me:"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Eric:{action} rolling his eyes in the background as he listens.

I am pretty sure Lucy learned this from an episode of

"The Backyardigans." Most of you probably know exactly what I am talking about.

Oh, it is so fun having {royalty} in the house!

"...she's makin' a list..."

2008-12-09T21:28:00.001-08:00

Did you see #2 on the {list}? Where did that come from? We were in the car and she was going over what she was going to ask for Christmas...

out pops "and a skateboard"..

Eric and I look at each other and asked "what did you just say?"

Yes, I wrote the letter...but she told me everything she wanted it to say and what color to write it in.

(thanks Big Reg for the awesome picture!)

Lucy was so excited to go to the {Post Office} to send the letter off to Santa. In the meanwhile she was not so happy about taking pictures of this event...she'll thank me someday!

We hope {Santa} gets Lucy's letter...we didn't quite know his exact address!

The spirit of Christmas would not be the same without children.

Sneak Peak!

2008-12-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

2008-11-21T18:17:00.000-08:00

It's

beg-

inning to

look a lot like

CHRISTMAS!The

decorations are up,

the glitter is settling&

the TREE is awaiting it's

bling!!

Shanel

Look who's turning 30!

2008-11-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

Yikes...30? Happy Birthday love.

You are an amazing husband, very sexy{grrrr}, funny, patient and of course the best Dad in the world. I am so grateful for you and all that you do for our little family. Each day I fall more in love with you. We are so sad you are not home to celebrate...

don't worry we will when you return!

As for Lucy, she adores you. {You can tell by the look she is giving you in the picture.} Her life would not be complete without you.

Happy Birthday & we LOVE you!

On this Veteran's Day...

2008-11-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

I hold a veteran very close to my heart...My DAD. Upon returning home from their honeymoon, was a letter that would change his life forever. My Dad was drafted to Vietnam. There he left my Mom, his newly wed wife, home while he served our country. He stayed strong and positive as he served and returned home without many of his fellow soldiers. My Dad is a Hero.

We love you Dad.

2008-11-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Emily invited us over for lunch and a costume parade. Of course she had a little something up her Witch's sleeve....

and the kids loved it. Just look at their eyes!

Lucy runs in Grandma & Grandpa's garage door, into the kitchen and hops up on the stool Grandma put out for her. There is a quick pause only to be broken by..."Grandma, you made a mess!" But that did stop her form climbing up on the counter and sitting in the middle of the floured surface.
I can usually find these two snuggled up on the couch with some sort of TREAT in their hands. Lucy {hearts} her Grandpa.

Grandma Hansen invited us to her Ward's Trunk or Treat. Lucy was all ready {a little sweaty} for the big debut of trick or treating. She was shy, really timid but made out in the candy department. When we dropped Grandma back at home, Lucy dumped her bag out and organized her candy. Where does she get it from?

To-Do #1...work on colors with Lucy!

Look at that cute little STINKER.

And slowly the night comes to an end! Holidays are always crazy. We are now putting a new tradition into effect as of 10/31/2008...ALL Grandparents are to come to our house if they want to see us on the Holidays! Hope to see you there.

2008-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

We Voted!

and so did Lucy!
Wednesday at storytime Lucy learned about voting. They voted on if they liked a ruler or a clip. Ms Mann then displayed pictures of our Presidental Canidates. All the mothers in the room sighed and under their breath said, "this should be interesting." The children were given ballots, and told to check which man they wanted. This was very hard for me to let her FAIL and pick the wrong guy! But I did it...she checked the one I didn't want her to and handed in her vote. She got a sticker and we were off.

As the days get closer to Tuesday my stomache continues to knott up. I am so excited to see who is going to win. But at the same time so affraid of who will win. In talking to my visiting teachers today, we all expressed our gratitude for Heavenly Father and His plan. If we stay strong and do the things which we have promised then his promise will stay strong in our hearts and we will not forget the big picture.

Remember to VOTE...it is our duty as citizen's of the USA.

2008-10-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Monday we invited Grandma Shirley over for dinner and our annual Pumpkin Carving night. Grandma Shirley doesn't have the strongest hands so Eric is so kind to carve her pumpkin! Guess what Lucy & Grandma wanted this year...

CATS{not Eric's fav. animal}!

Eric put Grandma in charge of picking all the seeds out of the goo. She did not want to do this whatsoever, but we ignored the loads of hints and continued carving away.

Lucy was so excited all night and couldn't wait to light up her pumpkin. Eric went with the traditional Jack-O-Lantern as Lucy and I did something a little more challenging! hehe

{just teasing...he had to do 2}

As I was getting ready for the weekly Tuesday night YW activity, Eric decides to "roast" the seeds from the night before. I got a phone call and walked back to Lucy's room to get her dance stuff ready. In the mean while, Eric heads outside to clean his truck. Suddenly I smell smoke. Lucy and I run into the kitchen to see smoke flowing heavily out of my oven. I opened the oven{not smart...I didn't look first} to find flames that were as high as the microwave. I quickly shut the door and ran for Eric. He came in and did the same thing that I did. Lucy is now crying and saying "I hate smoke...I hate fire." Eric sent Lucy and I outside to settle down. He decided the only thing we could do is let the fire smother itself. After a few minutes it was out and we had a house full of stinky smoke. We set up fans, opened all windows and

I was over whelmed by it all and almost didn't take Lucy to dance to show off her costume. Eric{the level headed one} talked me into it, and I am so glad he did. Lucy is doing so good in dance and all the girls looked so cute in their costumes. I can honestly say that Lucy, along with Eric and I, "smelled" her part!

Still being over whelmed, Eric jumped right in and started to clean. He cleaned everything in the kitchen{stove, oven, microwave, took cabinet doors off, washed all the dishes, vacuumed walls, floors, couches, pillows & used LOTS of Febreeze}.

...if we had them on our doors. Lucy almost asleep, and Eric and I resting on the couch, spot the BAT. In through the back door it came, and around and around it went. Lucy was quick to her feet yelling..."that silly bat is in my house." No, she wasn't excited about it. I took her in my room as Eric cornered the bat and whipped it with a towel. He thinks it was just knocked out...not dead.

Our cute friend Atia, that I serve in YW with, brought us a goodie bag that we were so grateful for. In the mix of it all, I called her and told her I wasn't going to be able to make it to our YW Halloween Party. Atia always picks up where she is needed and runs with it...thanks again.

{I am going to get side tracked with the next picture...

I Love Lucy. She makes my heart full}

We had a very eventful couple of days and we are so glad they are over. Oh ya, almost forgot one thing...the oven was on BROIL! I guess that is Eric's way of "roasting" inside.

I love & appreciate you Eric...you have been so good to clean and help/do everything.

Girls...I have a winner!

2008-10-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

...with the the Green's. We almost didn't make it this year due to busy schedules, but we couldn't break our tradition.

The girls were so excited for all the animals and the...

Exciting right? Not really...the tractor pulls around to the pumpkin patch and we see a pile of pumpkins that probably came right from Wal Mart. We, as the parents, made a quick decision to stay on the tractor and head back. I was so sad. Last year was so fun...Lucy got to PICK her pumpkin right off the vine. Makenna and Lucy didn't know the difference, we hope! Next year we will be going earlier in the season!

Happy Birthday to...

2008-10-10T11:28:00.001-07:00

...you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear {MOM}...Happy Birthday to you! She was beautiful then and even more beautiful today.
My Mom is the most amazing person I know. I look to her for friendship, strength, love & lots of laughs. She is the ultimate example to me...if it is mothering, being a good friend/neighbor or just being a good person. I can count on her anytime. She is an amazing Grandma to my Lucy. If I could only amount to be half of what she is I will be happy. I am so blessed to have her in my life...and to have her so close. I hope you have a wonderful {58th} Birthday!