Hooray!

Well, this announcement might come as a surprise to some of you or maybe not. When I was pregnant with Noah I always thought that if he was a boy we would be done with our family. But Cody and I both felt like we weren't quite there, so we are excited to welcome a new little one sometime around November 10! Hearing the heartbeat at the midwife's last week really made it feel real to me, since I'm one of those lucky gals who doesn't get too ill. I have felt a bit nauseous at times and tired though, par for the course. Babies are so precious, new, and sweet, we can hardly wait!

signs of summer...

Ah yes, two more days of school and the hot lazy days of summer will start. As you read I'm typing from the floor of what was Chloe's bedroom, doesn't make a great computer desk, but for the time being that's what I have to work with. I've totally been avoiding any household cleaning figuring what's the point since it will be dusty and dirty the next weekend when work resumes. I guess I could still clean the bathroom! However, my yard has benefited the most from this remodel. Since the kitchen is the only somewhat clean and intact room to hang out in I head outdoors a lot lately. I feel behind on planting my garden this year, but I did get it ready and the hay aisles laid down, probably tomorrow. I did get my tomatoes in, in a much better spot than last year, so I have high expectations.

Signs that summer is upon the Hansens...
-dirty feet all the time, the ritual of washing feet in the bathtub before bed begins- even for me, I'm just as bad as the kids
-sidewalk chalk everywhere, on cement, bodies, clothing, shoes. Hoping for a good rain when I can't handle anymore.
-fragrances-my neighbor's lilac bush, basil in my little herb patch, freshly mowed grass, sunscreen, sweaty kids...
- Reed's Dairy for the best and cheapest ice cream. They also have hay and manure aplenty for folks like myself :)
-homemade popsicles, I'm not a huge fan of Otter pops, mainly because I pick up plastic all summer. These are so yummy, I'll probably still make them when my kids are all grown up and gone :)
Two of our favorites you can try:

Blend chocolate soy (or dairy) milk with a banana or two

Blend frozen cherries with apple juice concentrate, a little water and a few frozen blueberries

What are signs that summer is coming YOUR way??

happy birthday Noah...

Two years gone by like that, so fast. We celebrated a little early on Sunday, my parents gave him this loud and extremely life-like four wheelin' man, he was pretty intrigued at how he contorted him body, funny toys. I was most proud when he ran to the trash can after tearing off the tiniest bit of wrapping paper :) That IS my boy, may cleanliness always be a priority for him, too funny. I guess I ask him to throw away lots for me.

I actually made a decent tasting cake this year, which was worth blogging about in and of itself. Cakes are not my forte. We were attempting to get him to raise the two fingers for the photo, I love the innocent expression we captured. I just have to be sentimental about my little boy. He has just been as sweet as ever from day one. I've enjoyed being his mother immensely, he's always such a pleasure to have around, mostly good natured and fun. I love his smile, his deep brown eyes, his tight squeezes, his gentleness, the way he runs when he's excited. It's incredible to me how you can love each one of your children so much, so deeply and completely. Yet it's different for each one. Truly my greatest gift ever, my beautiful children. Happy birthday Noah, many more to come, hopefully not quite so fast though!

wide open spaces...

ahh, Bancroft. Nothing quite like it, and it will always feel like home to me looking out over the backyard fence, what a view. Now that I'm a city dweller I notice how wide open and quiet it is more than ever. We spent Mother's Day with my family and also saw Cody's family. The girls were loving all the fun things to do there, four-wheelers, trampoline, the old clubhouse, but mostly the two piles of dirt you see here. I love how they've always had that in their blood. For as long as I can remember they've been drawn to dirt, sand, anything to sink their feet and hands into. Of course, they were barefoot. I knew looking at their fingernails, pants, and a torn shirt that it had been a fantastic day on the farm! Noah had his first four-wheeler ride, he was a little worried, but sure wanted back on once he got off. He must have been on the swing for almost an hour, saying "more push, more push."

I just love it when my family gets together, it was so fun to visit and just hang out together. Only Landon and Lina were missing. We got to meet Steve, Shay's wonderful beau, and he got to meet the crazies that we are. Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. A huge hug and thank you to my amazing mom and my mother-in-law whom I love and appreciate.

Can you do this?

I can't, but I know why they can. When Cody and I were dating a billion years ago we went to a Ripley's Believe It or Not museum in Jackson Hole. It was pretty interesting, one of the exhibits had some mirrors with some pictures of different ways to contort your tongue. I thought I remembered reading that this trick L & C are doing was rare, do you know anyone that can do it? Anyway, while at the museum I discovered Cody could do it as well. It was then I knew he'd be an excellent kisser and I should marry him :) While reading together a few nights ago Lauren leaned over and said "Look at this Mom!" Pretty cool, they didn't get their talent from me!

In other news round these parts, the majority of our basement is torn apart. Debris as high as the washer, boxes stacked in all the available corners, 30 feet of wall gone. I made the executive decision not to post any pictures until AFTER the whole ordeal is over and I have beautiful newly painted walls and carpet. Then you can compare the horrifying before with the glorious after. When? That is the question of the day. Actually the demo has gone quite fast and we have guys lined up to put in walls tomorrow. BMC delivered some wood and other stuff which I'm clueless about in the garage today. I guess our thinking was to get the basement ready for sheet rock, taping, and texturing at the same time as the bathroom and get it all done at once. A bit overwhelming for a neat freak such as myself, but when I look at it now, I know we've gone way past the point of return, so push forward with faith I suppose. It will make the basement feel more like an extension of our home rather than a duplex beneath us.

Gearing up for Mother's Day and Noah's second birthday. The little guy does get a bit spoiled, that's what happens when your birthday doesn't land near a major holiday I guess. I picked up a rug from Home Depot that you can drive cars on, I always thought those were the coolest, hope he likes it. I saw all the herbs and tomatoes while shopping today and really wanted to buy some, but it still seems a bit early. I can't wait to get things in the ground though. I have a killer batch of compost that's been cooking all winter, plus it helps to have one year of gardening here already past to know where certain plants might do better in areas of our garden. Well, happy weekend and Cinco de Mayo everyone. Go get some chips and salsa!

100 things...

O.K. Carrie, I don't usually do these sort of posts, but it was fun once I got started. But as a fair warning to all readers, it is long and could be potentially boring, but hopefully not...100 random things about me.

1. I was a strawberry blonde as a little girl, progressively becoming darker in my 30 years.
2. I went barefoot as a kid all summer, I can’t do it anymore.
3. I love summertime for the fresh fruit, cherries, peaches, apricots, I’m drooling!
4. My favorite color has always been green- all shades.
5. I’d love to live in a climate where I could wear jeans, T-shirts, and thongs year round.
6. I never can call them “flip-flops”- I grew up with thongs.
7. I go to bed and think about what my dream flower and herb garden would look like.
8. I feel so much better going to bed early, but I have a hard time not getting wrapped up in a project and staying up too late.
9. I love to sew, seeing a piece of fabric turn into something useful and beautiful.
10. I still shop at yard sales and thrift stores, hoping for a bargain, too many college years.
11. I would love to live near the beach.
12. I dislike science fiction in the form of books and movies, never been interested.
13. In second grade I thought I would be an inventor when I grew up.
14. I love a good game of HORSE or kickball.
15. I love a good soup and crusty bread on a fall day.
16. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 makes me cry every time.
17. I love Claude Monet
18. I too drive a van and would much prefer a car.
19. I have a personality flaw that when I watch movies I promptly forget nearly everything and seeing it again is like the first time.
20. I wanted to attend to U of I in high school because I feel in love with the ivy-covered buildings.
21. My favorite job was as a paid accompanist doing recitals for vocalists.
22. I have three siblings whom I love and appreciate dearly.
23. I broke my toe kicking a ball with Lauren when she was three.
24. I’m picky about eating out, sometimes I’d rather just eat at home.
25. I sunburn easily and rarely tan.
26. I’ve worn glasses since I was nine, some more attractive than others.
27. A boy on my bus used to call me giraffe legs whenever I’d get off at my stop.
28. I like my home neat and tidy, but have given up on certain areas, it’s not worth losing my sanity.
29. I would like to take a pottery class.
30. I go grocery shopping late just so I can go by myself.
31. I’m not really an animal lover, more of an animal tolerater, sounds so heartless!
32. I re-use plastic bags and silverware.
33. My feet are always cold at night, spring, summer, winter or fall.
34. On our first date, all I could think about Cody was that we had nothing in common.
35. We are polar opposites in a lot of ways, but share a lot of the same hopes, ideas and dreams, that makes all the difference.
36. I’m not a big jewelry wearer, I only wear my wedding ring when I leave the house.
37. My fingernails have only been long once in my life, never had a manicure.
38. My first date was with a German exchange student- Bjorn.
39. I played volleyball for three years, basketball for one, and track for one. Organized high school sports were fun, but eventually drove me crazy.
40. I love to spend the evening with a good book and maybe some licorice.
41. I had braces for three years and have two teeth implants.
42. I graduated college with a 3.9 GPA and now wish I’d taken time to have more fun.
43. I am a terrible artist, my animals all look exactly the same. Cody draws for the kids.
44. I was a vegan/vegetarian for five years throughout college. Still can’t believe I didn’t eat salmon in Alaska.
45. I never liked being in plays or doing charade type games, I don’t like all the attention on me.
46. I try hard to make whole grain dishes and buy good snacks for my kids. I think it makes a difference.
47. I love fall, the chill in the air, getting cozy inside, and pulling out the worn jeans.
48. I expect things to last an unreasonable amount of time- computers, batteries- I get cranky when they just wear out.
49. I used to scrap book, I think I still like to, just found other fun hobbies.
50. I’m a lucky MOM ( mom of multiples). We used to belong to a group. Ever picked strawberries with 8 sets of twins? Fun times.
51. Adored Moscow Idaho, loved how I could walk everywhere and the diversity.
52. I like to exercise, but I don’t make the time, think I could maybe be a runner, but I’m still a walker.
53. I hate moths, they are just creepy and unpredictable.
54. I love flower gardens, vegetable gardens, hands in the dirt, something about it.
55. I’ve never had lots of close girlfriends, my Mom’s always been my favorite gal to be with.
56. Never had too many boyfriends either, a little shy, not a good flirt, not very forward.
57. Like my Dad, it doesn’t bother me to be alone, I appreciate time to myself.
58. I want to take better pictures, maybe I need a better camera, I’m positive it’s not operator error!
59. I never knew a little boy could be so so sweet and lovable, my little Noah.
60. Journal writing has always been a sort of therapy for me, I go through spurts of regularity.
61. I wish I were a better scripture studier, I’m constantly recommitting.
62. I can’t imagine my life without good music, listening and playing. It’s given me comfort, satisfaction, and a voice for my emotions over and over.
63. I hope to serve a mission with Cody someday.
64. I’m awful at balancing my checkbook, the only consistency is that I’m always off. Cody’s our money man.
65. I believe in a good breakfast.
66. I always wanted long, thick beautiful hair, it just wasn’t in the cards.
67. Dissecting various animals was the worst part of any of my high school classes.
68. My fingertips and cuticles crack every winter and cause me much pain and annoyance.
69. I like to bake breads, rolls, cookies, yummy things that make my house smell nice.
70. I graduated high school in a class of 25 with a 3.9 GPA, seventh in the class, what a bunch of overachievers.
71. My Dad taught me drive in a field in the ole Chevy. I was always proud I could drive a stick shift.
72. In second grade I was Turkey Lurkey in the play “Chicken Little.” Lauren has the same part in her first grade play.
73. I would rather spend $80 on one pair of shoes than get 4-5 cheap pairs.
74. I love the feeling you get singing in a huge and good choir, exhilarating.
75. I’ve never read Harry Potter or seen Star Wars, *covering my face with shame!*
76. I crave good salads with all the works.
77. I’ve never done a (real bonafide) cartwheel and was never good at all those gymnastics-type activities.
78. I still remember jump rope rhymes and songs from first grade much to L & C’s delight.
79. I don’t completely understand football, can’t it watch on TV, only live, since there’s plenty of people and other things to watch.
80. Will be one of those silver-haired ladies with season tickets to the symphony.
81. I believe in reading to kids, so very important.
82. I buy cheap shampoo and styling products but splurge on good conditioner.
83. I had two poems published in a national anthology in high school.
84. I steered Cody to our back door to avoid the bright front porch lights and peeping Toms so he could give me our first kiss. Just trying to help a guy out.
85. I despise those cheesy school portraits, but still feel a bit guilty when I don’t buy them.
86. Never tire of seeing The Sound of Music and The Count of Monte Cristo.
87. I believe Crocs were the best invention ever for kids’ shoes, totally washable.
88. I’ve killed lots of houseplants, but I do like them and have a few long-lifers.
89. I love living 5 minutes from the temple.
90. I can’t wait to sit down and chat with both my grandmothers who have passed away.
91. I can’t seem to wear a pair of nylons more than twice without getting a run.
92. Always been proud to say I grew up on a farm, grain that is.
93. I find myself becoming more and more like my Mom, and I think that’s a great thing!
94. My favorite Halloween costume was some three-legged pants Mom made.
95. The church calling I liked the most when Cody and I headed the activities committee in our student ward.
96. I can’t fall asleep if music is playing, I need it dark and quiet.
97. Cody used to sit by me in seminary when I played the piano, he asked me to our first dance on that bench.
98. I loved my elementary music classes in college, I’d still like to teach young kids music someday.
99. I would like to learn to build furniture, and in the right cases there’s nothing a can of spray paint can’t fix.
100. I like to sit cross-legged on the floor rather than at a table to work.

Wow, ya'll still awake?

finally back...

My apologies faithful readers, whomever you are, I've been a lazy blogger. Not that life suddenly became boring, just haven't been motivated to actually write about it. Cody had two Saturdays off in a row-yes, a small miracle- and we've really been enjoying our time together as a family. We went to Reed's Dairy today and had ice cream. Noah didn't know what to think when I was telling him milk and "i ceem" came from cows. Wish I could have read his thoughts. Or maybe Lauren voiced them perfectly for him. "Dad, what's that crusty stuff all over the cow?" Yeah, it's good we ate first, hard to believe such yummies come from such yuckiness. Good for kids to see that sometimes though!

It feels like I've uttered the phrase "What WERE you thinking?" -way too much lately. Lauren glued a paper bag onto her door for a mailbox, Chloe wrote Lauren's name on the carpet with marker, and the biggest puzzler- Chloe sticking some chewed gum under her dress near the shoulder. Which yes, I washed the dress the discovered it. Why? Who knows, I guess all the garbages at church were full. Many thanks to the teacher who gave them gum. My sweet seven year olds have been more mischievous than my two year old. Maybe they didn't sow even wild oats in their younger days, or maybe I've just forgotten their past antics. I'm just trying to figure out what's going through their minds, I'm guessing not too much. Anyway, hopefully we're returning to silly things like putting clean clothes in the hamper and messiness under the beds.

I've also been a slacker taking pictures, but I'm recommitting myself. I have been sewing, cooking, and reading a lot. Visiting sisters a lot, meetings, yard work-cursing those maple trees. Praying for rain this week, not snow, spring is for rain right? Well, bloglings, have a fantastic week. I won't be such a stranger...