Scrappyness

Scrapbooking is theraputic for me-- for some reason this hobby is one of my favorite stress-relievers. So, here are a few spots from my latest therapy sessions :)...

Credits and other pages here.

Back to Reality

There are few things I love more than a good party, even if that party is as simple as a couple of friends over for dinner, or a party of just Chris and me watching a movie after the kids are in bed. It seems like the past few weeks have been filled with parties, both big and small, and I've had such fun that it's been a little tough getting back into my real life routine. I can certainly see the allure in a celebrity lifestyle-- it's like one big party all the time, right?

Well, here we are: January 3, 2008, and things are back to normal. All of the Christmas decorations have been packed and stowed, and my little living room, which seemed so cramped with all of the stuff, now appears open and barren, and just a touch gloomy. Our beautiful tree, which lasted famously through the whole season, now sits outside in the corner of a parking lot, waiting for whoever picks up trees to come and get it. And today, I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock at a freakishly early hour, rather than the pleasing sounds of children and guests lazily rolling out of their beds. It's all a little depressing, if you ask me.

But! Good news on the horizon: I am excited about 2008! I have big hopes, plans, and aspirations for this year and I anticipate that it will be one of the best in Hansen History. A few weeks ago, I hinted at some changes that would bring some much-needed time to my life (and whoever asked if I was preggers was wrong-- has a baby ever brought extra time into anyone's life?), and I'm excited to announce that as of the middle of this month, I will be a part-time, rather than a full-time, employee at Harris Research. I love my work, but with the increasing demands of other, much more important things and people, I decided that something needed to be trimmed down and work was the best answer. Okay, so not so much financially, but if there is one thing that I am confident of, it's that things always manage to work out when you listen to your heart. Anyway, I'm excited for more time to play dinosaurs with Gordon, read with Thomas, and eat lunch with Chris without having to hurry back to the office. I also hope that by whittling down my hours and responsibilities at my job, I'll be able to provide a better focus to my work. Hopefully this change will be a good thing all around.

I haven't really written out any major resolutions yet, though I do have some specific goals that I would like to accomplish this year. Mainly, though, I want to focus on living a love-filled life this year by giving and receiving love more fully. Its a broad goal, I know, and hardly measurable, yet it feels like the exact right sentiment for me to focus on. Of course, I'll be sure to share any advancements with you!

So, bring on the reality, but let's be sure to throw a few parties in between! Cheers to 2008!

It's 2008!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!!

We rang in the New Year with a fabulous celebration including family, friends, and of course, way too much food. Ah, but it was so fun! This was our second year hosting a New Years Eve party with my family, and this year was even bigger with all of my sisters, mom and dad, and our friends, the Stantons.

Did I mention that we had way too much food?

Chris and I pulled out all of the stops and made our tastiest party treats, plus a couple of new additions. Check out Becca's Oreo BonBons-- they were the first things to go! I also asked everyone to bring an appetizer and/or treat, so we had food galore. Everything was so delish and I love that we got to keep the leftovers!

A party just isn't a party without games! We had so much fun playing all sorts of games-- the most photogenic of which was The Great Dalmuti. It's one of those fun games you can play with a whole bunch of people and everyone has a great time.





Just before midnight, we broke out the sparkling juices, poppers and noisemakers and counted down the seconds via Chris's atomic clock. We lit one measley firework that somehow destroyed the launching tube (don't ask me, Chris did it) and decided it was much too cold to be celebrating outside anyway.





We stayed up late playing games and eating our tasty foods. The next morning, my mom made a tasty breakfast casserole and Todd made us aebelskivers, which I think should become a new New Years tradition.

Everyone took off in the early afternoon, except Todd and Ann-Michelle, who got to stay an extra night. In the evening, we had Chinese take-out, which I have decided will become our traditional New Years Day meal. I just think the idea of fortune cookies seems so festive and appropriate for the day. Maybe someday Logan will get a decent Chinese restaurant? Ha ha... Oh well, at least I got a couple of great fortunes for 2008:

Happy Birthday, Ashley!!

I decided that one of my 2008 goals is to wish people Happy Birthday via my blog and, as part of their birthday greeting, share something I love about that person. So, what better time to start than today, January 2nd, with my AZ BFF, Ashley Ferrell Rogers. Ashley and I lived on the same floor as freshmen at BYU ten years ago, and we became instant friends. We lost touch for a long time, then reunited a year or so ago and our friendship just picked right up where it left off. I love how much fun we have together and how easy it is to talk to her. She married a great guy and I've loved reading about their adventures on their blog. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY!!

I stole this picture from Ashley's blog-- I know, shame.

By the way, if we're not related, chances are that I have no clue when your brithday is, so please don't be shy about letting me know. :) If I hadn't checked Ashley's blog tonight, I would have missed it!

Boxing Day

On the day after Christmas, I did my best to support Boxing Day by going shopping with my mom and sisters. It was still very snowy in Idaho Falls, but it was still fun to be out and about, especially since I managed to spend almost the entire Christmas Day in my new jammies. We went to a bunch of places and I didn't buy much, but I did find these fabulous plaid ballerina flats which could not be passed up. I know, they're darling, aren't they? American Eagle-- $12. Go get some!


Later that night, after getting the little boys to bed and the big boy playing games with the Todds, I met my two of my favorite girls, Becky and Elena at Perkins for some late night dessert and gabbing! I love our new little tradition and I hope we keep doing it! By the way, I have to give a little shout-out to Becky's husband, Kevin-- he completely surprised her with a new KitchenAid Mixer for Christmas. When I went to pick her up, they showed me the video of her opening her gift and it was so cute watching how pleased Kevin was with his awesome surprise. Check out their blog for the video-- I even got a little teary!!

Mmm... Chocolate Chipper Sundaes... hee hee...