Natural Museum of History

Today I was able to go on, probably the last field trip with Malia. She is in 7th grade and her school does one field trip a year. We went to the Natural  Museum of History on the University of Utah Campus. Oh my, if you haven't been to the new place you really should take your family. It was incredible and this is coming from a not so excited about museums person. I know I am shallow, but history just doesn't do it for me.
The museum has been moved to a huge building and has 5 levels. Malia's teacher gave the group that I chaperoned a list of questions that we had to locate throughout the museum. It was tricky finding the right answers but overall educational as well as fun.
I took a few photos of the joint with my group. I had four girls who made my job super easy.

 Hannah, Brittney, Malia and Avery

 Avery and Malia concentrating so hard

 These dinosaurs were huge, what would it have been like when they roamed the earth?

 Look, I have a loose tooth

 This Mammoth is ginormous

 Just an example of the different stuffed animals that we learned about.

Like I said earlier, this place was amazing. So much to see so plan on being there all day.

Proposal

I know this was almost 20 years ago but I am new to blogging and have lots to catch up on. I am doing this blog as a journal for our family and when I am old and my memory is gone, I want my children to have a record of our life. So I want to share how Corby asked me to marry him! Just a little glimpse what life is like with Corby Earnest Hansen, character!

As I stated earlier, We met while both serving in Southern California on missions for the Church. Corby came home in April and began writing me when it became legal to contact one another. I had till August and by the time August rolled around I knew enough about Corby through our weekly letters that he was definitely a keeper. I didn't want to completely commit since I wanted to see him and myself interact in "real" life not as missionaries.
Corby and his brother DeLayne traveled up to my mission report in Idaho Falls  from West Point, UT and we were able to go on our first official date. We went to Scotty's drive in and a dance on Ricks College Campus. It was a great night.
So this was in August like I said, and come October I knew I was to marry Corby, but he wasn't progressing things. So I took matters into my own hands and asked him if he would ever ask to marry me. He said he was 90% sure I was the right one but he needed to love me as much as he loved his siblings and parents. I must admit it stung a bit, but I didn't want to marry someone who wasn't 100% positive he wanted to marry me so I waited. I also just in passing mentioned he could not surprise me as I knew him so well I would figure it out.
 Well, apparently that was the challenge he took upon himself and I must say I wish I never said those words. It took a girl engaged to be married in a few weeks dying in an automobile accident to show Corby he did love me the way he needed. Corby just read about this story in the paper didn't know them but felt so sad for the loss and knew he would feel the same if it were me in the accident so the wheels started cranking and a plan was developed without any knowledge on my part.
Our dating was a long distance situation. He lived with his parents and attended Weber State and I was down at BYU(Corby calls it the "Lord's" University) in Provo. I would travel up to see him on weekends and stay with his family. It was a great setup. Corby would come down every once in awhile if there was something specific to do in Provo but that meant long late night drives home so it was rare he came down.
Anyway, one Friday Corby had told me he had a great weekend planned and to be to his home at 3:30. I knew this would be tight with my last class getting out 1:30 but when there is a will there is a way and I figured I could make it happen. Well, that particular day class went long and one of my friends in the class asked if she could speak to me. I thought it would only be a minute and it ended up being close to an hour. She had had a fight with her husband and wanted a listening ear. (Ironic I would soon learn) I was stressing out but hurried as quick as possible and got on the road ASAP.
I was making great timing and kept noticing quite a few cops on my path. I would slow down and when the coast was clear I would speed up to make up for lost time.
I would weave in and out of traffic and pushed the speed limit to the limit. Finally, I arrived at Corby's parents home and I must note not that late either, whew. I noticed Corby's car was not there. I could hear the vacuum on and knocked hard to let them know I was there. Kathleen opened the door and acted so nervous but I did not think much about it. She asked me to stay on the porch and she would be right out. Once again odd, but OK. Then she brings the phone to me and Corby is on the other end. He tells me he needs some gas and told me the road where his car was. I thought, "wow, Corby isn't that irresponsible and why is everyone acting so different". I chalked it up to the "plans" Corby had made.  I took a gas can and headed out to unfamiliar territory. I remember as I turned on a particular road Corby's voice said this is the only road I have ever received a speeding ticket on so be careful. I looked at the speedometer and made sure I was not speeding. I kept looking for Corby's car but could not see it. Then all of the sudden a cop with his lights on is behind me. I quickly pull over thinking, I have been speeding all day but not now why would I be pulled over now. 

I pulled over and a highway patrolman got out and came to my window. He asked me for my registration and driver license. I gave it to him. He went back to his car and then came back to my window. He asked why I was driving an out of state licensed vehicle when I lived in Utah. I told him I was a student and didn't know I couldn't. He told me that the law had changed and it was illegal for me to drive a vehicle not properly registered. I apologized and told him I had been in California for the last 18 months and was unaware of that new law. He told me he was going to have to impound my car and that I needed to get out of it. I thought he was out of his mind but I was so convinced I was going to jail I quickly got out. He told me he wasn't comfortable working on these skinny side roads and needed me to come to his car. I was really getting nervous but I followed him to his car. He pointed to the trunk and I was really confused but I walked back there to find Corby on one knee. When I saw Corby I was seriously so confused. He asked me to follow the prophet and to marry him in the house of the Lord, I didn't even answer Corby the first words out of my mouth were, Corby, my car is about to be impounded. He smiled and said, "got ya". It took me a few more minutes before I realized he just asked me to marry him. I told him yes but wanted to beat him up. Are you kidding me, you didn't need to go to this extreme to make me eat my words. Anyway, funny story remember how I kept seeing cops on the freeway? Well, that would be Corby and his buddy, Paul, the highway patrolman. Apparently, all the weaving and speeding I was doing made it so they were unable to catch me and I got to Corby's parent's first. The highway patrol car was a mustang and I was in a Dodge Aries named Daisy. Good Daisy, way to out run the nasty cops trying to catch you.
We all had a good laugh at the end but I kept having to remind myself I wasn't in trouble and I wasn't going to lose my car.
That all happened in October 1993 and we were married the 18th of February 1994
Corby is lucky I still said yes after that stunt he pulled. Love you forever Corby Earnest Hansen.

Accomplishments

Malia started ballet at En Pointe Ballet in June. Her instructor is named Rachael Ellis. (funny because my niece has that same name spelled the same way) Malia had participated in ballet when she was 4 and 5 in a different studio, but lost interest. Her instructor at that time told me Malia had a lot of talent and could go far. Malia just wasn't old enough I guess because she just hadn't found the love to continue the sport. No biggie, my job as a mother is to offer and allow, but hey, if you don't want it, I'm cool with it. So anyway, now many moons later Malia asked if she could do ballet again. Her friends from school went to this studio and we thought it would be great to have them attend together so we signed her up. She practices every Tuesday and Thursday for one hour. She loves it. She practices at our banister and in a very short time as improved dramatically.
When I picked up Malia from class last week she came running out holding a folded piece of paper, she said "guess what mom, guess what"! I knew it was good news but honestly had no idea. Her teacher has moved her to pointe instead of just ballet. It is a

huge step in such a short time but the teacher said she is just a natural. When you go on pointe you have to be fitted for your new shoes by a professional. So we made an appointment and we were off a few days later, Halloween to be exact. It took about 20 minutes to determine the right pair of shoes. I had to laugh because Malia mentioned at one point should this hurt. The fitting lady said, "yes, you are standing on your toes".









Malia's true colors shown bright during this situation. She knew her shoes and accessories would cost a lot and has $150 saved in her bank account. She came to me and offered to use her money to pay, melted my heart. What a sweetheart! I told her we could afford to pay and she should keep her money for her. Then the day she was told of her advancement to pointe, her friend did not get moved up. They discussed it as I was driving them home and was so impressed with how mature they both were being. After Brynn exited the car, I asked Malia about whether or not Brynn felt bad. Malia said that during school they had discussed it and told each other they would not boast if one got it when the other did not or say anything to make the other feel bad. And that they would be happy for whoever was moved up. Can you believe the maturity? Malia is a one-of-a-kind gal. I couldn't be more proud of her and the young woman she is becoming.

 Malia trying out her new shoes and what do you know, the most expensive were the perfect fit, good thing we have a money tree in our back yard!

Gaynor Minden

   
  These shoes will last about one year. Malia had to sew her elastics and ribbons on herself. Her instructor taught her how and it took Malia about 4 hours to finish. Malia is a stick to the task kind of girl and sewed her pointe shoes to perfection.
Looking forward to her first recital this June!

In the same week Sierra passed her test and is now the proud owner of  a learners permit. She struggled a little to pass but after studying "when no one else had to" she was able to pass as well. She even drove me home after the test. I have to say Sierra is brave, maybe a little too brave. She dares do things that I am just not sure is the best choice. She is safe just daring. I told Corby he gets the parenting job on this one and Corby gladly accepted so happiness all around!

 She is so excited to be displaying her new prize. Good job sweetie!

 Here she is again

 Sierra Jane

 The long awaited prize!

I love you little beautiful daughter of mine

So proud of you Sierra and please please stay off the sidewalks, nothing good comes from sidewalks. Just kidding, love you my beautiful daughter.


I wasn't able to attend Malia's choir concert because of the awards banquet for cross country for Leticia and Sierra. We were fed lasagna from olive garden and the parents each brought dessert to share. It is interesting to me, a lot of store bought desserts showed up and I brought homemade. Is homemade a thing of the past? Leticia helped me with this task and made a pumpkin bar with cream cheese frosting, it was delicious. Thanks Teesh for helping a mother out once again.
Coach Rowles gave out awards and at the end presented Leticia with a Letter. Teesh lettered in cross country, what an amazing honor. To Letter you must show dedication and improvement. 

Leticia Elizabeth

Receiving her award from her two coaches

 These awards and accomplishments are fabulous and both Corby and I couldn't be prouder but deep down it wouldn't matter what our girls do or don't we love them and are always proud of them. Go Hansen Sistas!

Halloween

Each by their artwork

getting darker and.......

darkest

Such a fun tradition to carve pumpkins. The girls are all getting old enough they need very little help. I love this time of year because pumpkins means pumpkin seeds. They are so yummy! A bit time consuming but to be able to make them yourself is much more tasty than anything store bought.

Teesh didn't dress up but all the rest did. Malia was a queen and her friend, Avery, I'm not sure. Bria was a cheetah cat and Ada Rae was Elmo. It was so cute watching them walk around and trick or treat. They are just getting so independent these days. No help gathering the candy mom and dad we have it covered.

Bria and Ada next to our scary witch that sits on our porch with her trusty cat

Malia and her friend Avery

Our neighborhood does a trunk or treat the Saturday before Halloween and Grandma Hansen likes to join in. She is always a sport and dresses up each year. Look her and Bria match! After trunk or treating, we go inside the building for a chili cook off, costume parade, and minute to win it games. My girls really enjoy it, I usually leave early and play games with Jaren and Cindy. They are our weekend buddies who we hang out with a lot. Can't beat good company and entertainment that is free. Sierra spent the holiday with her friends we miss her but understand friends just are more cool than us.
Happy Halloween everyone, hope your holiday was as great as ours.

7th Grade Choir Concert

This was one of those nights where I couldn't be in two places at the same time. So Corby and I split up to support our girls in their activities. Corby went with Malia and Bria to  Malia's school choir concert. Corby videoed and took lots of pictures so I could feel like I was there, and she has another one in January I will be able to attend. It ended up being a good thing Corby went and had to use our special camera. That evening he said, "OK OK, I agree we need a better camera". TRIUMPH! Cameras are expensive but so priceless and these pictures as priceless as they may be have a lot to be desired so just sit back and enjoy the blurry, fuzzy, bad lighting and see how talented Malia is!

Mac singing a solo, we have carpooled with him since kindergarten

You look beautiful Malia and even though I wasn't there I am so proud of you and your bravery. Do you know Malia sang a solo at our school's talent show? Not something most would dare but Malia does. We have awesome family who chooses to support us and our children, Grandma Hansen, Jaren, Kaylen, Talia and Gelsey all came to support Malia. Thanks for you support, we love you guys! 
Malia you are an amazing daughter of God and I am so thankful you are in our family. Here's to many more performances!

Twelve Years and still going strong

12 years ago, I met these ladies (there is one missing, Mindy) at Lady Fitness. We were all new to the area and decided to go to dinner one night. We all were a little lonely not knowing many and a great friendship has blossomed.

 Tricia, Tina, Amie, Jennifer

 Tina,Trish, Amie, Jennifer

 Witches are out at Gardener Village

Catch the gorgeous full moon behind us!

Well, that night lead to another and 12 years later we have gotten together monthly for GNO (Girls night out). We used to pay for each others meals for special occasions such as birthdays or births but now we just make plans and pay our own way. Through the years we have endured divorce, birth's, turning 40, graduations, and so much more. It is so refreshing to gather monthly and laugh, cry and just relate with others who love unconditionally. It is also great to be able to seek advise from someone you trust and has already done what you are about to do with parenting and such.
We use to laugh so hard our cheeks would hurt the next morning, I miss those days actually. Now for the most part, we meet for dinner then go to a movie or just sit and talk about the happenings of the previous month. We spend a lot of time in deep philosophical conversations because that is what we are all about, deep! Ha ha We usually go to another restaurant for dessert and then complain that we shouldn't have eaten dessert as we are all watching our waistline. 
Every month I leave feeling refreshed and fulfilled knowing that I am loved and accepted. We are different religions and we discuss all kinds of topics, I love this the most because I love learning others beliefs and watching how it impacts their lives.
Thanks ladies for yet another fantastic night out. See ya in November!

Friends

I visit teach a lady who is pregnant and hardly able to function due to morning sickness. I can't relate. I'm sorry. I am just one of the those "lucky" ones who feels a little off during pregnancy but still functions normally. Anyway, instead of the traditional visiting teaching I wondered if service of entertaining her children would be more appreciated. 
We arranged the plans and my partner and I brought all the kids to my house instead of going to hers. It was fun for the kiddos to interact and I always love chatting with Kelly. We let them play for a bit than I pulled out the craft cupcake project for more entertainment.
Just because I have a degree in elementary education doesn't mean I am the greatest at finding fun inexpensive ideas the kids will appreciate and all enjoy, but I came across this spider cupcake idea and decided to give it a whirl.

 The cupcake is on the bottom, frost the cupcake,  put an Oreo on top of frosting, put licorice in between the cookie and then m&m's or skittles for eyes attached with frosting. I wasn't able to find black pull apart licorice so our spiders had red legs which means they are much more poisonous and a rare find out in the world.

 Chloe and Lia showing off their completed project

 Blake and Ada

Addison and Bria

I think all in all the kids enjoyed themselves and it felt good to help a sister in the ward out. We took dinner for this sister when we took her little guy home. I enjoy having people in my home and doing nice kind things. So one more successful day in my life. Yee Haw!