Movin' on up

Jackson moved up a level during his last day of swim classes last week. He has been working hard for months to achieve this and I am proud of him. Here are a few pictures of him after he rung the bell (what they do when the kids move up a level). Summer swim team at our swim/tennis club begins next week and Jackson is very much looking forward to it. It is more fun and less stress is placed on swim stroke technique. We are hopeful that we'll all get to hang out at the pool quite a bit and enjoy this beautiful Atlanta weather. Summer is my favorite time of year!

Kate's New Blog

In an effort to keep family and friends up to date with Kate's progress and treatments, I have created a blog dedicated to her and her journey to a cure from leukemia. There is a link titled "Kate's Journey" on the margin and the web address is katesleukemiajournal.blogspot.com. Thank you all for your kind words of support, your love and encouragement. They are most appreciated and needed. Please continue to keep her in your prayers!

Diagnosis

Kate's bone marrow results came back this afternoon and she has been diagnosed with pre-B ALL. This is a subtype of leukemia. It is hard to believe that our sweet little girl that was running around giggling last week has luekemia this week!
Our med flight was approved by insurance and we are heading back to Atlanta tomorrow at noon. We will be transported directly to Egelston, the children's hospital in Atlanta. Kate's chemotherapy will begin on Wednesday we will take it day by day after that. Right now we are just trying to breathe...

Waiting and more waiting

Gratefully, Jason flew up on Saturday and is now with us in New Hampshire. He felt so much better once he saw his Kate and was able to hold her. I feel so much better to see him, to hug him and for us to be able to lighten the other's burden.
We were originally anticipating being discharged this morning but ran into a complication. Kate did perk up after the blood transfusions but she also developed a distended abdomen and fevers continued to spike to 104. For this reason our physicians felt that she would not be stable for commerical transport and wouldn't discharge us to go. Because Kate's white blood cell count is so low and she is exhibiting some signs of abdominal infection they were concerned about her being away from medical attention for 8 hours. So then a new plan was formed...
Here we are in the middle of the new plan. Kate is currently undergoing a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. After which she will immediately have a central IV line placed so that she won't get any more "pokes". That poor girl has already had to have 3 IV's placed and have 2 additional blood draws. Late last night her new 5 hour old IV infiltrated and swelled her little arm so much. It was heartbreaking to hear her beg me (again) not to let them give her "any more pokes". After we receive the bone marrow results this afternoon we will know what the diagnosis is and will be able to have a better idea of where to go from here.
Meanwhile, the transport team in Atlanta is fighting with our insurance company to try and approve a medical flight back to Atlanta tomorrow. We are praying that this will be approved and that we will be able to get back there quickly and safely. We are hopeful that this will happen. We are also praying that Kate's procedures will go well and that she will not experience much pain as a result.
We are touched and quite in awe at the outpouring of love and kindness that we have been shown by our families, friends, community and complete strangers. Now we can only pray that all of the prayers offered on Kate's behalf will be answered.

Kate

I am hoping that this will be a cathartic entry and that I'll be able to sleep afterward. Here I sit in Dartmouth hospital in New Hampshire at 4:30 in the morning with my dear sweet Kate. This was to be a long since overdue, "girls weekend" with my best friends Susan and Sarah but the day we arrived Kate became markedly more ill. Her pallor, fatigue and pain brought us to the ER where she was then transfered up to the pediatric clinic. They started an IV, began hydrating her and sent quite a few labs off. The CBC showed several very concerning abnormalities. Her white blood cell count was dangerously low rendering her incapable of fighting any illness and her red blood cell was so low that we were told she'd need several blood transfusions. The differential diagnosis for these gross abnormalities, we were told, was 1. Viral suppression of the bone marrow 2. Aplastic anemia (meaning the bone marrow is not producing any blood lines) 3. Leukemia (which means that cancer cell have taken up the space in the bone marrow where the developing blood cells need to be. After more bloodwork the hematologist/oncologist told us that she thought that ALL (leukemia) was most likely but we'd need a bone marrow biopsy to give a definitive diagnosis. Because we don't live here though, we need to get Kate stable enough to transport back to Atlanta so that we can be admitted to our children's hospital for the biopsy and treatment. Since our arrival Kate has had 2 transfusions, 3 rounds of antibiotics and fluids. After she received the transfusions she began perking up considerably and is not scaring me to death with her unresponsiveness.
We have been so grateful for the kindess that we have received thus far. Two church members that are residents came over and gave Kate a blessing. It was a wonderful blessing and did help to ease the pain of it all. Susan's husband, Chris, who is also a resident here was amazing in helping us navigate the system and getting us set up comfortably. Our sweet bishop called the heme/onc physician at Egleston hospital and had a transfer already arranged before we were even seen by our heme/onc specialist in Dartmouth. That took hours of negotiating and worry away. After I spoke with the specialist in Atlanta I knew what the plan would be and she worked with our specialist here to help make it happen. My best friends are meanwhile caring for Ava and checking in on me which was most desperately needed tonight. I seem to mostly be ok but have mini breakdowns when the reality and hurt suddenly wash over me.
Kate is really doing much better now. Her fevers are controlled, after a difficult attempt she has a 2nd IV in that is working and she is sleeping soundly. We just want her to get better quickly so that we can get home to Jason and Jackson. Please keep us in your prayers as we go through the next few days and try to get a definitive diagnosis.

Snuggle Bunnies

Ava has recently decided that she is too old to be left out of anything! We tried to put her to bed the other night while we read scriptures with the kids and had bedtime stories. Well, she continued to squawk from her crib until we finally gave up and brought her in to join the party. When we brought her into Kate's room with her big toothy grin she lept out of my arms, ran up to Kate's bed, climbed in and wiggled her way to the middle between Kate and Jackson. Then she pulled the covers up to her neck and giggled. Jason said it was so cute he had to grab the camera and take a few pictures. Ava definitely has us wrapped around her little finger!

My Challenge

"Go confidently in the direction or your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." -Henry David Thoreau

Although I have everything that I want in life, a wonderful family, fulfilling and challenging career and fantastic group of friends I have recently felt some emptiness and couldn't quite explain why. I think that it is because inside I still believe that I am a fit 16 year old gymnast. Externally, however, I am a 32 year old mother of 3 who still has 10 pounds of pregnancy weight about her middle. Don't get me wrong, I love the part where I am a mother of 3. It is the getting older and more out of shape part that is not in sync with living the life that I imagine for myself.
So a few weeks ago I started toying with the idea of doing a triathalon. First step for me was to read a book about triathalons and see what they had to say. One night of reading and I was on board. I think that this was the kind of positive and exciting goal that I needed to help me feel motivated and break my routine. There is no reason that I can't become that fit, energetic woman who I imagine myself to be.
Just wanted you to know that I am so looking forward to this physical and mental challenge I have given myself. On May 5th I'll be competing with Jason in both of our first triathalons. I don't know if I am more excited for the event or the process in getting there. Thus far it has been just what I needed. Did I mention that I am pumped!!!

How to Post a Comment Tutorial

Although I do not expect comments in response to any of my blogs, it is fun to hear your responses. That being said, my friend posted a blog on her site in response to several inquiries regarding how to leave a comment about a blog. I too have had those questions and thought it might be a good idea to let you know how to post a comment on blogger.
1. You can leave a comment on each post. At the end of each post there is a number (0,1,2,3 etc) in front of the word 'comment' at the bottom of the text.
2. Scroll over the word 'comment' and it will highlight.
3. Then click the on the word 'comment'.
4. In the box labeled 'Leave Your Comment', type your message.
5. Below that box are three choices Google/Blogger, Anonymous and Other. If you do not have a blogger account click on 'Other'.
6. When you click on 'Other' a box titled 'name' will pop up below. Type your name in this box.
7. Below the name box is a box titled 'Your Web Page'. If you have one, type it here. Otherwise, leave it blank.
8. Finally, click on the box titled "Publish Your Comment".

That's it! Your comment should pop up just after publishing. When you click on the word comment afterward you can see comments that other people left as well.

Spring Break

What a great week we have had! Jackson and Kate had spring break and we took the opportunity to spend the week hanging around town and doing those fun things that we don't get to do when school is in session. On Monday we went to the zoo with the Andersons and loved every minute of it. Tuesday Jason stayed home, Kate went to play at a friend Olivia's house and Jackson and Jason made a model airplane. Wednesday Jackson went with his good bud, Caleb, to the Fernbank museum and Kate and I got to exercise and hang out together. Thursday we tried to go to Six Flags for free admission sponsored by a radio station. Were we surprised when en route, at 6 am, we heard on the radio that they had already reached their capacity of 15K people! A disappointed crew of Caleb, Jackson, Kate, Carter and I turned around and headed to Dunkin Donuts. We made a new plan and instead went to Monkey Joe's and spent hours jumping on inflatable toys and running around. Friday we spent time riding bikes and playing outdoors. Saturday was a fun filled day of dying easter eggs and hunting for eggs at the Stowell's egg hunt. Phew, makes me tired thinking about all of that fun...boy do we need a vacation from all of the fun! :) We have loved spending so much time together as a family and are anxiously anticipating summer!

Easter Sunday

Jackson gave a wonderful talk today on the Easter story and specifically on how Jesus came into the world to do the will of Heavenly Father. He did a great job and it was neat to watch the primary listening so quietly to him. I taught Sharing Time and also spoke about how Jesus Christ came into the world to do the will of the Father. We memorized D&C 19:24 "I am Jesus Christ. I came by the will of the Father and I do his will". We talked about how it was Jesus's mission to do the will of the Father and it is our mission to follow Heavenly Father's commandments. I felt teary nearly all day as I have been thinking about the Savior and His sacrifice for us. How truly blessed we are to know what we know, that He is our redeemer and that we can live again!
When we came home we found that the easter bunny had hidden the baskets and our eggs in the back yard. The kids had a great time finding them and we tried to get some cute pictures but Ava wasn't having the photo shoot. This was the best that we could do...

Easter Weekend 5K

The PA program at Emory sponsors an Easter weekend 5K every year to support the Good Samaritan clinic in Atlanta. We took advantage of this opportunity to get some exercise and support a good cause. As you will notice from our attire this was an unseasonably cold weekend though! At 19 degrees we were shivering in our thin fleece jackets!
Jackson has been more interested in running since he saw me run the half marathon and has wanted to run a race. They had a kids 1 mile fun run before the 5K so Jackson jumped at the chance to run in his "own race". We were a little nervous for him and tried to talk to him about pacing himself. He told us that he didn't need to though because he could run fast. Turns out that he can run fast and that Jason, who was running along side Jackson, had to keep asking Jackson if he was tired and needed to slow down. (hee-hee) Jackson finished 3rd with a time of 7 min 15 sec and was pretty proud of himself.
I ran the 5K with our friends Nate and Allison Anderson and Jason was stuck with babysitting duty during this race. Next race he'll be a runner too though. We had a great time and are looking forward to another opportunity to run.

Spring Has Sprung

Too Big

Too Little

Just Right

I don't know about your households, but we have been counting down the days to spring. We have been pointing out the grass turning green, budding flowers and our favorite, the "popcorn trees". Yesterday Kate came home and announced that "Spring has sprung" and we should spend the afternoon outside. Our great yard, kid friendly neighborhood streets and beautiful 70 degree temperatures were calling us and so we did.
Jackson has officially mastered the bike riding now. He can get on and start by himself, and although he has mastered the handbrake his new found confidence is encouraging him to rapidly pick up speed. (yikes!) Yesterday he rode for an hour and wanted to keep going. I have been so focused on Jackson learning to ride that I hadn't noticed how funny the other two looked on their "bikes". It reminded me of a version of Goldilocks but this time it was Too Big, Too Small, and Just Right. Kate outgrew her bike and helmet 1 year ago. Ava is riding Kate's scooter because she doesn't even have a bike and she wears Kate's helmet which is obviously too big for her. Jackson has a brand new bike and is all set. I guess it's a good thing that the girls birthdays are coming up because they need bikes and helmets!
Note-These pictures were taken almost 2 months ago but they captured what I saw yesterday except even funnier since the kids seem to have sprouted another inch since then!

FINALLY...WE'VE MOVED

Sorry for the long hiatus of no blogging but I am going to use the, "I just moved card". We actually moved on February 23rd but it is now that I am finally getting back into a normal routine. The slide show is of our house just before we moved everything in. As soon as I get my house all set up, I'll post some pictures of our decorated new digs.
If you ask Jason, he'd say that this was the easiest move we've had. He'd say that mostly because we hired a moving company and he spent the entire day at work (ha-ha). He's more than making up for it now though by moving boxes around the house and rearranging things as I change my mind on the layout.
We are completely enjoying our home and it is fun to see the kids excited. Last week Jackson's teacher gave them the assignment to write a story about their favorite place in Atlanta. Jackson's title...My House. It was a really cute story and I put the text in for you to read.

My House
By Jackson Hansen
My favorite place is my house. I like my house because there is a lot of space. I have my own room and even my own bathroom. My parents have a jet bathtub and I love taking baths in it. Come see our house you’ll think it is really amazing. I feel happy in my house when my family is with me. My house is the most special place in the world.

Good-Bye Hatch Family

What a sad day this is for my family. Some of our closest friends are moving to San Antonio, TX. From our first Sunday in Atlanta we became dear friends with the Hatch family. Our kids swim on the same swim team, we go to the same pool, have weekly playdates, our families have H-squared (Hatch/Hansen) family nights, Jason and Troy serve in the YM Presidency together and Anne and I serve in the Primary Presidency together. Not only are our kids friends, but we are a support to each other and fast friends. Since I heard the news this morning I have been teary eyed. It is really going to be a loss to our family to lose the Hatches and I can't help but feel sorrowful over this loss. Now, I know that nobody is dying and I might be dramatic but I am surprised at how much this is affecting me.
This is how life is, isn't it? Just as we are moving into our house and can start to feel permanent in Atlanta, life throws us a curve ball. It is making me too sad to blog this now. Maybe later...

We're Packing!!!

As you can see from these pictures, the children are an enormous help! We got quite a bit of packing done last night and today and are hoping to finish up in the next 2 days. It looks like we'll be moving back to good ol' Ponderosa Cicle on Friday (barring any unforseen complications, of course). We can hardly wait!

And He's Off...

Jackson rode his bike completely by himself for the first time today! The broken arms this fall and winter weather have kept us from trying sooner. A few weeks ago, Jason took him out and taught him to ride in a straight line without too much trouble. Today we took it a step further and he learned to turn and do the whole thing by himself. I stood by cheering and video taping the milestone. It is so wonderful to watch your child learn to master a new skill!
As soon as I learn how to upload some video footage I'll post it on the blog. Until then, here are a few pics of him in action.

Love Note

I thought that this was too cute and especially appropriate for Valentines Day! Jackson keeps getting little "love notes" like this in his backpack from girls in his class. When I saw this note I asked him what he thought about it. Typical oblivious boy response was, "She likes to use short sentences." and "I think it's funny because she used the same sentence twice". I had to try to not laugh. His teacher says that Jackson is kind to everyone and is very well liked. What a wonderful compliment for him!

100 Things About Me

A friend did this on her blog and it was so much fun reading about her that I thought I'd take a page from her book. We'll see how well you really know me...

1. My middle name is Marion and maiden name is Anderson
2. Have 4 brothers and 1 sister. I'm the second oldest
3. Have completed 2 half marathons
4. Want to run a full marathon within a year
5. Had my first child when I was 25 and third child when I was 30
6. It was love at first sight when I saw my husband
7. He waited to notice me until I passed out in an Anatomy TA lab meeting
8. I was born in Cheltenham, England
9. If I could live on a beach I'd be the happiest woman alive
10. Have an intense hatred for cockroaches (and I live in Atlanta!)
11. Skipped the 2nd grade
12. First book I remember falling in love with was To Kill a Mocking Bird
13. Have had 6 surgeries (3 c-sections and 3 ankle surgeries)
14. Got accepted to Physician Assistant Graduate school and found out I was pregnant 2 weeks later. Deferred for a year and started when Jackson was 6 months old.
15. If I didn't work in the ER I'd love orthopedics or cardiology
16. I have been told that I am a good friend
17. Wanted to go on a mission but met Jason before I had the chance
18. Always cry when my Mom leaves after visiting
19. Was a competitive gymnast but broke my back in a car accident my senior year in high school
20. My first love broke my heart at the tender age of 19
21. My parents forced me to go to BYU for the first year. Then I loved it.
22. Lived in Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates for 2 years
23. Have wonderful memories of building forts in our woods and selling vegetables from our garden at our roadside stand
24. Wish that my grandmother hadn't died when I was 8. I'd like to have know her better
25. Hold the record at my elementary school for the flexed-arm hang
26. Got my ears pierced in the 6th grade after getting straight A's
27. Had a horrible, horrible teacher in the 4th grade who still teaches
28. Have become in love with the colors brown and pink over the past year
29. Can still do an ariel and a back handspring
30. Want to have a tummy tuck when I am done having kids (a 10 pound baby and a 5'1" woman do not make a good combination. I mean skin only has so much elasticity!
31. Love family traditions
32. Wish that there were more hours in the day. If there were...I would scrapbook, play tennis and organize to my hearts content (things I can't seem to find time for now)
33. Am pretty sure that I have a touch of OCD. Can't stand germs and I am passing that on to my children ugh!
34. People used to think that my brother and I were twins and that I was a boy too
35. Had a terribly short haircut until I was in the 7th grade (see above)
36. Am a fiercely competitive game player
37. Started skiing when I was 5 but started snowboarding in college and haven't skied since
38. Used to wear glasses as a child. Had both a lazy eye and was far sighted. Grew out of both of them, gratefully.
39. Love the Beastie Boys and a lot of rap music that my husband can't stand
40. My parents wouldn't let me go to the Beastie Boys concert in the seventh grade
41. Kissed 2 boys in one night during college
42. Donated plasma in college
43. Wished I had lived in the dorms as a freshman
44. Still ocassionally have terrible nightmares
45. Love to shop at the outlet mall
46. Was a "late bloomer"
47. Can't wait for the next Harry Potter book to come out
48. Went to Spain for a summer when I was high school
49. Went to Austria and Prague for a semester during my junior year in college
50. Would LOVE to travel more now
51. Sometimes bite my nails, sometimes don't. Usually pick my cuticles. Bad habit!
52. Feel most comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt
53. Never want a TV in my bedroom or a playstation in my house
54. My dad had my childhood pet shot when she was old and full of tumors. Pinnie was a black labrador and was 14 years old. (yes, I am still holding a grudge and can't get over that)
55. Am a professional sleeper. Can fall asleep at a moments notice.
56. Love dark chocolate
57. First car was a mint green Aries station wagon
58. Taught the 6th grade for a year. It wasn't for me...
59. Would not describe myself as creative
60. Am completely in love with my 3 children
61. Don't like change. Cried from Rhode Island to Utah when I went to college
62. Due to a ridiculous number of parking tickets I can not park on BYU's campus ever again
63. My feet have grown an entire size since my first child was born. Used to be a 5 now am a 6
64. Had been pulled over 13 times before I got my first speeding ticket. I like to go fast...(and have a way with words)
65. Loved Ann Arbor, Michigan but not the weather
66. Want to own a boat and teach my kids to waterski
67. Can't remember how many boys I have kissed
68. Love chick flicks
69. Hate scary movies of all varieties
70. Was a great waitress. Worked at the Underground and Los Hermanos when I was in college but don't miss it
71. Took the MCAT and applied to medical school
72. Glad I didn't become a doctor. Life is challenging enough!
73. Can be pretty bossy but try not to be
74. Am a hopeless romantic but never fell for the guys that were
75. Wore size 6X in the sixth grade
76. Still consider my best friends from high school, Susan and Sarah, to be my best friends
77. Love thunderstorms and blizzards
78. Just celebrated my 10th Wedding Anniversary
79. Favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas
80. Have become a Sudoku addict
81. Can't stand the gum popping sound
82. Should drink more water but prefer Diet Coke
83. Broke my ankle when I was holding my 14 month old son and slipped on ice. A mother's sacrifice for her child...
84. Still have a plate and 3 screws in the left ankle
85. Am able to memorize things with ease
86. Have triangle pinky toes
87. Miss the cute bras I used to own
88. Wish I knew how to french braid hair, especially now that I have 2 daughters
89. Don't mind doing laundry but hate cleaning the bathroom
90. Am the 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency and I love it!
91. Love to get flowers
92. Will move into my new house in 3 weeks
93. My brother threw up in my hair while I was sleeping on a plane ride from the Middle East. Still traumatized!
94. Played the piano until I was in the 6th grade. Wish I hadn't quit.
95. Went to Hawaii on my honeymoon
96. Worshipped Mary Lou Retton when I was in elementary school
97. My engagement ring fell to the bottom of Lake Powell less than a day after I got it
98. Am looking forward to getting a new BIG diamond someday (ha)
99. Love a bargain but can't sort through things at yard sales, estate sales or even big store sales
100. Miss my friends that are scattered across the country

Sledding Fun

The kids are "learning" about winter in school but don't have much opportunity for hands on experiences living in Atlanta. We decided to supplement their education and take a "field trip" to Utah and Montana this winter. Here are a few shots of the fun time we had sledding while in Utah.
Ava would not keep her mittens on and she completely lost it when we had to go. She would have spent the entire day sledding if we'd have let her. I think we have another child with a need for speed on our hands.

Family Home Evening Lesson

Our family has really made Family Home Evening a priority for the last 6 months or so. We are having a good time together and the kids look forward to it (which is quite a switch). This past week we introduced the Primary theme for the year "I Will Follow Him in Faith" and read a story about a child who was scared while trying to go to sleep at night. In the story the child said a prayer that he wouldn't be scared and after that he felt comforted and was no longer afraid. He realized that the sounds from the closet were really him breathing hard and that the monster arms were the sleeves of his shirts. He had faith that his prayer would be answered and the fear was gone.
We defined faith and told the kids that the opposite of faith is fear. Then we all memorized a few lines that we could say when we felt afraid or needed to have faith. They are the following: Be of good cheer. Have faith and confidence. The Lord will not forsake you.
Well, last night Jackson was trying to go to sleep and as usual he couldn't stop wiggling long enough to fall asleep. He came out and said that he was having a hard time making him mind stop thinking. I asked him if he'd counted sheep, closed his eyes and even sung a song and he quickly told me that nothing worked. I then thought about our FHE lesson. I asked Jackson if he remembered those 3 lines that we'd learned on Monday night. Interestingly, I had only remembered the first and paused after, "Be of good cheer" trying to remember the next line. Jackson beat me to the punch and finished the saying. He said that he'd try that approach and see what happened. I went in a few minutes later and he was out. That was so much nicer than feeling frustrated and urging him to fall asleep over and over.
I was not only amazed by Jackson's ability to memorize and retain but even more by his faith. He believed that if he asked for help to fall asleep he would receive it. I love that each day I learn more and more how to become a better person from my children. What a blessing they are!

The Next Tiger?

Jackson surprised us by asking for one and only one Christmas gift this year - golf clubs. He had a little plastic set when he was a toddler but outgrew those and decided that he wanted to start golfing. We thought it was a whim but as the fall went on he continued to say that that was all he wanted for Christmas. So...Jason got him a few lefty clubs and the boys went out to the driving range last week for a few hours. Jackson found it a little bit harder than he thought it would be but he had a great time. Now he wants to take a few lessons.
Boy is it hard trying to maintain balance in my childrens' lives. Jackson is swimming 2 days a week, has an after school art class once a week, soccer will soon begin which is also 2 days a week and he wants to golf too. When we try to get him to narrow it down he says that he wants to do it all. Hopefully he'll decide on one over the other shortly because I don't want to decide for him.

USS Yorktown

Pilot Jackson


Tiger Den


USS Yorktown

Jason and Jackson had a great time on their Tiger Cub campout aboard the USS Yorktown. Jackson had never seen an aircraft carrier and was in awe of it's size. If how little sleep the scouts got is any barometer for fun level then Jason would say the fun level was a 9.5. These are the kind of trips that memories are made of I think.

Girls Weekend

Pink Fairy Princess Cookies


Flour Was Not On Purpose


What Concentration

Jason and Jackson went on a Tiger Cub campout this weekend so Kate and I made a girls weekend of it. Last night we rented a "gymnastics movie" (and I use that term loosely) called Stick It and Kate and I had a great time watching it together. At one point in the movie after an awesome series of tumbling runs, Kate turned around wide-eyed and most seriously said, "I want to do all of that"! I was so proud :)
We had a very fun day today and it ended with some girl time making pink Fairy Princess cookies. Kate really got into it and learned a few basic cooking rules too. #1 Don't vigorously stir flour. #2 Butter alone doesn't taste very good #3 Cooking with Mommy can be fun when she isn't in a rush.
Having so much fun with Kate has made me realize that I need to spend more individual time with the kids. The interactions are so much different when it is one-on-one and they aren't competing for the floor.

Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve we went to the Little America buffet and then on to Temple Square. It was a little nostalgic for Jason and I as 10 years before, we had met everyone for breakfast at Little America the day after we were married. The kids were overwhelmed by the volume of treats and we don't know if we'll go back (with the children that is). Kate, especially, became fascinated with the chocolate fountain and we aren't sure if the health department would approve of her tactics for obtaining samples.
We also always enjoy visiting temple square and were anxious to share that experience with the kids. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time together. Chandler (the 2nd oldest Hansen cousin) was so good to Ava. He would follow her around helping when he could and she was too was smitten with him. Makes us wish that we lived closer to the family!

Soldiers Hollow - "It's called tubing"

Don't accidentally call tubing sledding or Jackson will be quick to correct you. Basically the only difference between tubing and sledding is that tubing has absolutely no physical activity involved. After making your way down the hill a magical tow gracefully escorts you to the top. We Americans will find a way to take the physical hum-drum out of every sport!
Nevertheless, tubing in Soldiers Hollow is a Hansen family holiday tradition. The ever popular event is always a huge hit and we were thrilled to be in Utah for the occassion this year. Jackson and Kate loved tubing so much that we hardly saw them the entire 2 hours. As soon as Jackson made it down a run he took off with his tube and cousins for another go. Ava thought that she loved tubing and did although the ride to top was fun, she did not enjoy having to sit in her own tube for the snowy ride down. Perhaps we'll try again when she is 3...

Our Little Princess

The Little Princess

So Happy Together

Looking Like a Toddler

So...as promised, I am going to post a whirlwind of blogs from our adventures over the last month. First is dedicated to our little princess, Miss Ava. Our Best Atlanta friends (see that Alli) gave Ava two little tiara bands and she has fallen in love with them. Ava has a fetish for shoes, bracelets, rings, purses and all that is girly. To capture her at this stage, we even had her 18 month pictures taken with the tiara. She has proven that a girl can wear jeans and jewels and make it look good!

Ski Bums

Little Bunnies

Family Shot

Kate and Cousin Abby



Part of our 18 day vacation extravaganza included 5 days of skiing in Big Sky, Montana. I snowboarded each day, Jason skied a few days and Kate and Jackson tried skiing. This was the kids first ski experience and they are hooked! I can't tell you how surprised I am that they didn't whine, cry or complain even once about the cold. (I, of course, complained enough for everyone about the frigid temperatures.) Given my track record for teaching my children any type of sport, we decided it best to enroll them in ski school. Best idea that I ever had! After only a few hours of skiing they were snowplow turning and at the end of the trip were beginning to parallel ski. Both of the children's teachers said that they had a need for speed. Although they could turn and follow the teachers, both preferred to go as fast as they could down the mountain.
Jackson cried on our last day of skiing when the lifts closed and he couldn't ski anymore. He certainly made my Mom's day when he said that he wished he could live in Big Sky forever!

Coming Along

Front View

Rear View

Front Porch

Great Room



We just returned from an 18 day long vacation (more posts and updates to come later) to see quite a transformation of our home. Here are a few pictures of some updates. The interior paint color is a primer and not the true color. They are waiting to apply to interior color until things are mostly in.
After each round of decisions I somehow think that I am done with the decision making portion of this project. Not the case. Our builder just gave me another 10 item to do list and it needs to be completed yesterday of course! I am not complaining because it is very exciting but I am getting so ready to move back into our home.

House Update

Front View

Great Room

Playroom


Well, the hard wood floors are in, the sheet rock is finished, siding is about done and the trim work is nearly complete. Now they will put in the kitchen, cabinets and paint. I am so excited I can hardly stand the wait! Here are a few pictures of the progress.