Spending time with cousins

My awesome niece, Kimberly (Kim) Dahl, plays BYU volleyball. This has been her life long goal to play for BYU so it is so fun to see dreams really do come true. This is a terrible shot but she is number 13 and is an amazing outside hitter. We took the family down to the Smithfield House to watch her one Friday evening. We had a few extras, due to morning sickness(more on that a little later). $39 later we all filed in and found seats for the troops. Now as you may know or may not know, volleyball is best of 5 sets. So sometimes matches can last as long as 3 to 4 hours. The game we went to see was the beginnings of the NCAA tournament. BYU is ranked 12th in the nation and everyone else at this conference was ranked below. BYU won in three sets, we call that a sweep! Go Cougars! My alma mateur! I had a flood of memories while I was there, such good times in my life those college days.

Kim being introduced before the beginning of the game. Go #13!

Kim had 8 kills this match. She is only a freshman so watch out peeps she is  unstoppable.

Cosmo!

Kevin and Pam(my big sister), Kim's parents. Heather is also Kim's older sister, she is the one texting!

Nichole Brown, Kim's big sister

Me, Kathleen, Malia, Morgan, and Leticia watching the cougars take the win!

Here is Sierra and Heather, Kim's older sister. Don't you think Sierra and Heather could be twins? They are so similar in both looks as well as personality. Good thing Heather is an amazing woman, Sierra follow in her path and you'll be just fine.

 The kids really were great for the most part, but by the last set they were in need of entertaining so off Uncle Corby/Daddy went to purchase a distraction..........popcorn, my fav!
We got two bags and they did the trick. Here to the left is Brynlee deep in thought as she ponders the mysteries of life and Bria striking a pose for the photographer. You can see Kale's cute blonde head in the corner. Unfortunately neither Kale nor Teesh made it in any shots but rest assure they were there.

 This picture cracks me up because once again Kale is in the photo, see his little hand reaching for the exact kernel Ada just chose. See I told you he was there. Kale was funny all weekend, he called Corby, "daddy" and would not even think of letting anyone but Corby do a thing for him. I know Corby was loving it since he won't ever get a son of his own, so Kale go ahead and have Uncle Corby be your stand in "daddy" in times of need!

Sierra and Malia enjoying the action and I do believe they were checking out the college dudes as well. Hubba hub bub

After the incredible win we got a picture of Kim with her cousins and our neighbor, Morgan.

This is a random shot I know, but here we are at a stop light waiting to get onto I15 and we have a redneck pulling his fishing boat with two Christmas trees in the boat. Now that is classy.

As I stated earlier, we had a few "extras" for the weekend. Janalee(Corby's sister) is preggers and gets super sick the first 14 weeks so she asked if we could take her offspring, so hence the "extras". Teesh met Jeremy and Janalee in Layton for the transfer.
It was an eventful weekend! Bria and Brynlee are BFF's cousins and played and played all day. They would dress up like princesses and play doll house, babies, barbies, puppies and kitchen(all their words) Ada would join in most of the time and Kale even less than Ada. Kale's main focus was to follow "daddy' around. Corby was in a car accident, poor Lila, a few weeks ago and decided this was the weekend to replace the bumper on our wounded Lila. Kale about had a come apart several times knowing "daddy" was out in the garage and he couldn't be right next to him. Poor little Kale it was a freezing day and your tiny little fingers would have been frozen. It only took Corby and Sierra a little over an hour to fix dear little Lila and with the money we saved from the insurance company we will have a bit of a more merrier Christmas.

Overall, it was a great weekend. People say you have such a large family I bet two more is nothing. Well, I must say I noticed them but it wasn't like "put me over the edge" either. I am grateful I was able to help out a fellow family member/friend and it was fun to see the cousins interact. What a great event filled weekend.

 We woke up Saturday morning and had our traditional "big" breakfast Corby lives for. He is good to make it himself most weekends, he sure loves his food Saturday mornings. I know scrambled eggs and toast aren't so gourmet but the morning we had, it was as gourmet as it was going to get!

I love this shot! Here we have Kale who looks unsure, Ada sporting a huge grin, Brynlee looking like she would rather still be in slumber land and Bria in the background chowing down.

Here are the princesses. I told them to smile and that was all cute little Brynlee could bust out. She did have a fun time even if she looks a little stretched. Brynlee's mommy blogs and after I took the picture Brynlee said, "hey my mom should put that on her blog". Notice the pet dog in the pink container, it was a must to have doggy in photo too!
FYI Janalee, I did do your daughter's hair but none of the shots represent it.

Recipe Exchange Group

In my free time I have brain stormed up a fun get together idea and decided to see if it would take off. In Lou of my recipe project that I worked on for over a year, I thought about acquiring different new recipes for different seasons, for example, in the summer when you have an abundance of zucchini, wouldn't it be great to have several tried and tested recipes to help you use up your abundance or don't you just crave soup on a blistery winter day what no better way than to have new tasty soups at your fingers tips. These ideas are how my recipe exchange idea was born. I decided on who would be a great asset to the group and who would just enjoy the company so I carefully selected ladies from all sections of my social networks, extended the invite, and 13 ladies took the bait!
The way it is set up is this, we will meet once a month, most likely the second Thursday of each month and a different lady will host for the evening. When you are the host you are in charge, you decide the theme and the atmosphere for the evening. 
Since this was my idea I volunteered for November and our theme was "Holiday Traditions". I was going to do cheese fondue since that is our family tradition for Christmas Eve but eventually for time sakes and because of the ingredients for the cheese fondue I choose our Christmas morning Quiche.
10 of the 13 were able to attend this first gathering. It was great. We introduced ourselves and told something random about our lives. I think, even though most don't know everyone, in time, this group could result in some friendships I am so desperately seeking right now. After a brief introduction, I wanted people to tell about their dish they brought. I wanted to hear how it is a tradition in the home and fun facts like that. It didn't exactly go as planned, but it all worked out. We had a "Frosty Cheese Ball", quiche, cranberry sauce, raspberry bread, green bean casserole, Chex mix, m&m's (my favorite of the evening), Ooey gooey brownies, a lady who wasn't able to join us gave us the recipe for Polar Express Cocoa.

We sat around and taste tested the food and chit chatted. We discussed when would be a good time and what kinds of themes we would enjoy. It started at 7 and most everyone was gone by 9. I have to say I was overall pleased. Like I stated earlier, it will become more comfortable as people get to know each other. 
As far as the recipes go, we will email them to the host for the evening and she will compile them and forward them on to us, so no silly papers lying around. Just print and use in your already awesome recipe system.

I did not take pictures but will eventually. I hope that as others hear about this group they will want to join and will find a place to feel included.
Maybe if I am really ambitious(and figure out how to do it) I will link the recipes to this page so as you read you can have access to them if your heart desires them.

Night of Excellence

When my girls turn 12, they enter into a program called Young Women's. Original name, eh? Anyway, there is a program called personal progress within the Young Women's program. In this program, there are 8 values and each value has 6 small goals and 1 10 hour project attached. As you complete the values you get a colored ribbon that is the color for that value. For example, virtue is the color gold. So after you do 6 small goals and one 10 hour project you discuss what you learned with your parents or leaders and you get a ribbon with coordinating color and mark that goal off as completed. All the ribbons form a bookmark when completed. 
The girls begin working on this process when they turn 12 and have until their 18th birthday to complete it. Leticia completed her personal progress and tonight at Night of Excellence will receive her Young Women's Recognition Medallion. It represents a lot of hard work and endurance. Sierra is almost half way there and Malia being only 12, has a few goals begun. 
The Leaders went above and beyond tonight to make this extra special. Everything was color coordinated and was just beautiful.Leticia is the Laurel president, so she was asked to conduct this evening's program. She carried herself very well and did a great job conducting.

The girls were each asked to perform a special musical number. Sierra played the guitar and Malia and Sierra sang "Let it Be" by the Beatles.

Teesh and Malia played a duet on the piano "Onward Christian Soldiers". 

Each of the girls were asked to share a personal experience of how they followed the theme for the year and "Arise and Shine Forth". Leticia shared how she was brave to ask questions in class that she knew others had but were too shy to ask for themselves. Sierra shared how she was there for a non-member friend who was struggling and how she felt prompted to invite him to church. Malia shared how when she turned 12(literally even the very day she turned 12) she made it a goal to attend the temple and do baptisms for the dead weekly. She even invited friends who have never been. I was so proud of my girls in how they carried themselves. Some girls read their thoughts from a piece of paper but my girls each spoke from their hearts. I loved seeing how each of them had the confidence to stand and speak.

Tami Simons, our Young Women's President, is presenting Teesh with her amazing award. The leaders right now are all 2nd milers. They each go above and beyond what they have to. I appreciate their efforts so much. Tami Simons speaks from the spirit, she gave an amazing talk tonight and I felt the spirit stronger than I have felt in months. It was so uplifting. Her words were be obedient, exactly obedient to all the things the Lord asks and you will be blessed and have the comfort you deserve. That is so true! The spirit bore a strong witness that obedience does provide peace and pure joy.

Grandma Hansen came down to share in this special night and I am trying to get the medallion on, apparently it is hard because I kept putting it on upside down.

All three displaying their awards they received tonight. Look at the decor, see what I mean over the top. It was great. The curtains were hung on a rod with a chandelier. Who has that much creativity, not me but I am glad someone does.

Our family on this great evening!

On this table are some of the goals the young women have accomplished throughout this past year.

Teesh made the purple dress, table runner and helped with the recipe box. Sierra sang in general conference.

Malia displayed her Pointe shoes and how she accomplished her hunters safety which both items were no small task. Each took way more than 10 hours to achieve. I am so proud of my girls and their stick-to-it-attitudes.

Yet again, the leaders above and beyond, the refreshments were amazing. So much time put into making this evening fantastic.

I will title this evil eye Sierra, this look is saying, "Seriously, Dad how many photo will you take tonight?"

After the program, we went home to have another simple way more simple celebration(my style), nothing fancy just the basics, my poor neglected family.  Teesh opening a gift from Grandma Hansen.

And the gift is...........driving gloves that you can text with. Grandma showing the texture that makes this all possible

 

 A gift every dad wants to see for sure. I am just kidding, Teesh knows that we don't text and drive even if our gloves make it possible.

Grandma also gave Teesh a sewing kit! Teesh and Grandma have always had a special bond and I love that. I never really knew my grandparents and I feel I missed out. Thanks Grandma for coming to support Leticia.

Our family presented Leticia with a framed picture of the Savior wiping a young woman's tears. One of Simon Dewey's masterpieces. We also gave her a framed stitched saying, "Pay attention to the small things in life because soon you will see they were the big things". I loved this saying because it fits Teesh perfectly. She pays close attention to the small things. She is just such a great example to me.

My good friend, Kelly, watched the little ones for me tonight so I could enjoy the evening without distractions. I appreciate her always helping me out. Times likes these are the hardest with the huge gap we have in our family dynamics. I appreciate Kelly for always being willing. 
The evening was just wonderful and I can't wait to do it all over again four more times. Love you daughters, your parents are so proud of the individuals you are and the great choices you make.

 

Hansen Thanksgiving Shindig

In Corby's family we rotate who is in charge of either Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. This year it was HyLee's family and they chose to do something a little less than traditional and I have to say I liked it a lot. I don't love the whole Thanksgiving meal so to eat it multiple times in a week isn't exactly my favorite.
Anyway, Natalie reserved her hometown ward house gymnasium on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were supposed to arrive by 5:00 PM since the caters were arriving soon after and much to my surprise everyone was relatively on time(not a normal occurrence for this bunch).
The caters ended up being Papa John's Pizza and Hylee, Natalie and their children all served us in our designated spots. It was fun and different so my girls loved that . After a quick clean up the balls were brought out and a game of volleyball began. 
We had a quick little family counsel about the upcoming changes that were proposed and with a few fiery spirited ones we had a vote and from next year on we will donate our money we would spend on each other, to different charities decided by the one in charge that year. It was supposed to be a short 15 minute discussion that turned into over an hour. Wow, so many opinions and really no leader make for super fun times had by all. I personally don't understand why we have to be so heated when we discuss. People calm down, speak slowly, and everything will be alright. Defensive is the word that comes to mind when I view the Hansen bunch. Another close phrase is carrying around a lot of baggage from the years, never dealing with it but harboring ill feelings.
  Kathleen wanted everyone to hear a Christmas story and asked Sierra to read it. HyLee shared a memory and then we all headed out to the Willow Bay Campground where they decorate with lights. You pay to enter and then drive around looking at all the cute lighted objects. I didn't even think to take photos so use your imagination on this one. It was cold but fun. Being mother of the year, I didn't even bring coats for my little ones, thank goodness the wagon people had blankets. Saved by the awesome responsible people yet once again. We then loaded up in the wagon that was pulled by a team of horses. Ada was more concerned about seeing the horses than any of the lights. And the horses took us around to see the lights again.

Here we are huddled together using one blanket seeing the lights.

 Sierra drove us there and back and only tried to enter the freeway the wrong direction once so we felt good about that. Did I mention student driving is not my favorite parenting option. Holy stress me out!
It was yet another late night for us but it was great to see family and allow cousins to reconnect. I hope the Hansen's continue to get together because I feel so strongly about cousins knowing each other and siblings staying close. I am not so close to my family and have a real connections with Corby's siblings so please please, opinionated ones, get past your silliness and let's continue this tradition(at least for another 10 years ok)

Great Thanksgiving weekend, now back to real life and school on Monday!

Temple Square

We decided to venture out with the bazillion others to temple square. Grandma and Grandpa Ellis were in town, so we hooked up with them and made some memories. It was a great night, busy, but weather wise I couldn't ask for better. We were bundled up sufficiently but took layers off as we began to perspire. We wanted to go to City Creek as well but Bria and Ada were past bedtime and I was done. I have serious anxiety when out in public with my little ones, I have to keep an eye on them constantly, I truly fear they will be kidnapped or lost. We spent a couple of hours viewing the scenes and enjoying the company and then we headed home to beddie bye!

Out first night using Clarissa!

Bria absolutely loved the nativity scenes. There were multiple nativity's displayed from all over the world. They even had a full sized realistic one but we couldn't get close enough for a shot, did I mention every body in the state of Utah was at Temple Square tonight?

My happy bundled up joys

Here's the crew, Grandpa Ellis, Leticia, Sierra, Malia, Avery, Grandma Ellis, Bria, Corby, Top of Ada Rae, Jennifer

We asked a young man to take our picture and unfortunately he didn't get Ada's face. Poor Ada is only a scarf and hat but we still love you.

Malia and her bff from school, Avery. Malia with that hat you look like a lioness, Rrrrroar. Love you!

Teesh and Sierra 

I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday!

Good memories with Gma and Gpa. Watching my dad interact with everyone we walked by, brought back so many childhood memories. He is a chit chatter.

 We stood in line for over an hour waiting to go upstairs and see this magnificent statue. Jesus is our Savior. Bria noticed his markings on his palms and pointed it out, maybe she is listening to FHE after all.

Listening intently to the recording.

Ada Rae, Bria and Teesh plus myself enjoying the warmth.

The evening was great! I am so glad we were able to go and especially go with extended family. My parents are leaving for their fourth mission in January so that made tonight extra special.  

Sierra and Grandma Ellis. They have the same cheekbones! Beautiful ladies.

Thanksgiving

 I was really into making crafts when my first three children were small. I still love to decorate with these even after all these years.

Bria and Ada made these in preschool! 

This final craft has to be one of my most favorite Thanksgiving Day decorations. I love it! It was so fun, I made and sold over 45 of these babies.

Onto the real meaning of the day!
 What a great day this turned out to be. It was our year to spend with Corby's family and since they weren't getting together till Saturday it was looking like I was going to be making the whole meal for just our crew.....but in the nick of time we were given an invite to Jaren and Cindy's and we snatched that offer up in a quick hurry(I have yet to make the Thanksgiving meal, it has been almost 19 years and I am hoping to keep it that way) I love cooking but that meal is just too much to do alone. Plus if you are me, I have to do everything from scratch, no shortcuts so it is an even larger task. Here we are at the table about to begin eating the grub. Teesh is sitting by Stephen(Cindy's stepfather)

 Here is Corby listening to his mother talk about something super important, see how he is concentrating.

 Sierra and Malia

 Jaren and Cindy showing some very inappropriate public display of affection, sheesh guys, there are kids in the room. Cindy's mother, Linda, who made this entire meal, hid from the camera, but should rightfully be included. Thanks to her effort we all were completely satisfied and became pleasantly plump.

We were all finished with dinner, but not Kathleen(Corby's mother). She likes to enjoy her food, so there she sits all alone finishing her fantastic meal.  While the rest of the gang moved on to the next favorite part of the day. Laying around relaxing and looking at adds for Black Friday shopping.  

Myself, Teesh, Malia, Cindy, Linda and Kathleen all headed out for our annual 5 mile walk after dinner. We have a path with lots of hills so it gets the 'ole heart a pumpin and feels so great. It is November and not an ounce of snow to  be found. I was wearing a jacket and even got a bit hot with that. What is wrong with our weather, November should have snow.  Darn global warming.

 Corby and Sierra taking a siesta to allow for the upcoming shopping that will soon be approaching.

 Bria and Ada were wearing dress up clothes from the basement and wanted to be videoed singing a song they learned in preschool. Love how when they are done they are outta there. Love the innocence of children.

 Ada wanted to do the same song again but all-by-herself this time!

I am a child of God is one of Ada's favorites right now. Notice the orange bow, we still love that thing but sadly this is the last time we saw it. Somehow it was never found after this performance. Rest in peace little orange hair ornament.

The day was great. At 7:30PM Corby took Teesh, Malia, and Sierra out Black Friday shopping, while I stayed with Jaren and Cindy playing games with the little ones this year. Corby dropped Teesh and Malia off at Walmart and I am happy to report they got everything they set out to get......way too go little budding bargain hunters! Corby went to a few other stores but wasn't as successful as above mentioned. He also had to take Sierra to the mall so she could hang out with her friends. When the shopping was complete, they came back grabbed me and the little ones and we made it home by 2:00AM. I love Black Friday shopping so missing sleep didn't bother me one bit.
Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was as great as ours. Now onto house decorating and thinking of Christmas. Ho Ho Ho