In honor of 6 years of marriage...

I thought I would post 6 pics from our wedding. It was so long ago, that it was all shot in film, so I scanned these in.

the mob waiting outside...

I remember it was a warm day in December...I swear it was 53 degrees that day.

I love that smile

I heard that its good luck when someone steps on your dress...so far so good!
Our reception was such a fun time had by all. There was music and dancing and homemade mexican food. which I did not get one bite of.

and the cake!

Love you steve...here is to 6 more years!

Just a little note

I am ridiculously behind on my blogging, so behind that I am already planning to be better...later. HA!

The real reason for this post is because I feel like I should make an anouncement...if you are friends with my friend Casi....you need to check out her new blog. I am that excited to see her blog again. :)

www.heartsinspireus.blogspot.com

so check it out!

I am thankful for these things, and so much more!

Aunts. I have the best aunts that jump at the opportunity to watch Owen
Boys...love raising a boy that loves boy things...cars, trucks and copters. Also he thinks farts are hilarious. BOYS.
Cousins my cousins are like my sisters. I love them.
Dads...mine, steve's and Owen's
Eggs...really. I eat eggs and toast at least 3 times a week.
Friends. I am thankful for ALL of them
Gospel. I'm thankful for the guidance it gives me and my family.
Hands. I love working with my hands...mostly crafting it up latelyI
Jogging stroller, although lately it hasn't gotten much use I'm thankful to have it! It has come in very handy.
Kitchen aid mixer. I'm thankful this makes my baking from scratch a breeze!
Legs. I remember training for the marathon and thinking how fortunate I am to have the use of my legs. How often are simple things like body parts taken for granted.
Mother...thankful to be one and that Steve and I both have great mothers that do a lot for us.
Night time. When Owen is in bed I can get caught up on work and my dvr distraction free.
Owen. He makes EVERYTHING more enjoyable.
Prayers. I know they are answered
Quiet time. I'm an only child and really appreciate silence and alone time
Reading. I love book club and all the fun books we read!
Steve. My husband is a hard working man. He is a wonderful husband and father. He is a friend to everyone he meets and he's my best friend.
TV...I am thankful for all the shows that keep me good'n'lazy. 30 rock, Dexter, the office and the soup are a few of my faves!
U
Vacations. I love time away from reality. Especially if that means Hawaii.
Work. I'm thankful we both have work and are able to provide for our family
X
Y
Z

That was the best I could do... Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for you because you take the time to read my blog.

Hoo! Hoo!

*Yes, I think I'm clever:)*

yeah, he's handsome.

That was a doozy

WOW. Where to start? On saturday I ran in the St. George Marathon for my 2nd time. I got up nice and early. Not really nervous but just contemplating the task ahead of me. I rode up with Steve's cousins...Becky, Esther and Phil. We then met up with their cousins Burke and Joanie. I'm glad that I had them there to get me laughing and just to have someone I know! Phil and I decided we were shooting for the same time, so we started out together...we were shooting for "9's" (that is 9 minute miles). The race started out super dark and super cold. At the starting line they have many bonfires as well as hot chocolate, but once you start its up to you to get warm. I think it was around mile 3 that I started asking myself...is this really what I want to do? (they have shuttles and they are mighty tempting).

this is me at mile 6...feeling really good actually and pretty sure I have another 20 in me.

Here is my running buddy Phil...we would get ahead of each other here and there, but always found each other eventually. We actually finished 21 seconds apart.

Coming into Veyo...this little town where I think probably every resident came out along with the high school band to cheer us on. I love the locals!

After mile 7 is when things got really rough. This is the beginning of about a 5 mile incline. This was probably the worst of it. But they were tough! I was very proud of myself NEVER stopping to walk.
same hill, better light, and further up.

almost to the top of that hill...click to enlarge to see the trail of all the people...I think they said it was about 5200 runners that day.

coming into Snow Canyon...about mile 15. I love the beautiful redrock. I stopped once and that was at mile 13 (.1) to stretch. My legs were getting nice and tight. But I think it gave me a burst of energy! I was feeling so good by mile 16...where Steve and My mom were supposed to meet me, but I beat them!

I think this was around 17 or 18. I heard some guy talking "ok, we are coming up on a hill, take it nice and easy, no need to do anything fancy here." I was thinking WHO DOES THIS GUY THINK HE IS? I turned around to see that he was the 4:00 pacer. oh. that's who he thinks he is. an elite runner showing people how to run a marathon. duh.

the good news is...he never passed me and most of the time before that I thought he was ahead of me!

a helicopter...there were a few flying by us, and I took a picture because it made me think of Owen. He loves them.

After mile 16 it was pretty much ALL downhill, and I think why this explains why I have been unable to walk faster than my 2 year old for 3 days now. At about mile 23 my feet were killing...I thought for sure there would be blood (turns out no blood just really humungous blisters on the balls of my feet). At mile 24 I caught up to Phil, who I hadn't seen since about mile 20. At mile 25 there were people with soaking wet cold washcloths...GLORIOUS (and I remember that being just as wonderful last time,too).

I was dead by this point and really hoping I wasn't going to vomit. I turned a corner and saw the finish line! It was about a couple tenths of a mile. I was looking carefully for my family (didn't want to miss them AGAIN) and they were RIGHT at the finish line. So they were all there cheering me on and got to see me cross. I was so happy to see them, although last time I started hyperventalating. Luckily that didn't happen. I really wanted to get a picture of the finish line, but I was in no picture taking mood.

I finished at 3:58:08. I started to grab everything in sight...a popsicle, grapes, melons, wash cloths...but where the heck was the water? I found that to be really odd...there were 2 really long lines...one for soda and another for water. I thought that was so strange. I just ran 26.2 miles and now I have to wait in line for water? weird.

No picture of me at the finish line, but I may acquire one later...

Me and my #1 fans. Love my boys!

And here I am with my big shiny medal. Thank Heavens it is over. Til next time!

summer snapshots....part 6

Ridiculous, I know, but I have LOTS of catching up to do....

This is how our 4th of July went...

I got up nice and early to run 9 miles. My family put on a yardsale and undoubtedly had lots of fun laughing, visiting, and eating. Went to a barbeque at The Seare's and Owen consumed ice cream sandwich, wrestled with his daddy, consumed popsicle, and chilled naked for a lot of the evening.

I miss you summer.

**if anything seemed a little off in the last post, you can thank my husband. He thinks he's funny**

When life gives you zucchinis...

Make Zucchini Bread!
3 c flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
3 tsp cinnamon (the best part)
2 c sugar
4 c shredded zucchini
4 eggs
1 1/2 c oil
1/2 c nuts
20 cups of love...because you have to love what you make. so...don't forget this ingredient

place all dry ingredients in bowl. Make a well in cener and add other ingredients. stir until dampened. bake at 350 for 1 hour.

in the past 3 weeks I have tried a couple recipes and this one is my favorite. I love that it makes my house smell like cinnamon, therefore, fall.
My mom and aunts keep giving me these humongous zucchinis, and I keep eating them! What else do I do with them you ask? Well...

• I slice them, salt and pepper them and sautee them in olive oil and then sprinkle with cheese (a mexican cheese similar to mozzerella)
• I cut them up and add them to my spagetti sauce
• I cut them up and add them to chicken stir fry
• when I am feeling really lazy and I don't have much in the cupboards, I cut them up, steam them and add to top ramen (for me) or mac'n'cheese (for me and Owen). This way I don't feel like a complete failure. HA!

a little angel...

I had the honor and privilege of meeting sweet little Ava on 09/09/09. She and her twin brother were born at 27 1/2 weeks. Aden is doing good and getting big and strong. Ava was diagnosed with a heart condition months ago and didn't make it. I have been so touched by my brave friend Casi. I've never seen a more proud and loving mother than that night I met Ava. I know she will forever be in our hearts as a perfect little angel that came for just a short time. Love you Cas and Andrew!

Grandpa Hanson (with an "O")

We were very saddened by the news that Grandpa "Glenard" had passed away. Grandpa was a young 87 year old. He was golfing right up until he got sick just over 2 months ago. He was retired, but still working as an inspector for homes. Steve loved golfing with his grandpa. He loved spending time with his grandpa. We always joke about the size of the Hanson family (they had 8 children, 7 living, 28 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren...and that doesn't include any spouses!), but I must say what an amazing experience it has been. It has been really neat to see Cyndee and her siblings step up to take care of their mother and help one another as well. It has been neat to see the family together first for the viewing, then the funeral, and then for a family get together the next day. I think it goes to show what a great person, father, grandfather and so on that Grandpa was. The day after the funeral we all went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play games and write memories of grandpa. It was actually a really fun time, although such a sad time. Owen loved his great grandpa Hanson. He love laughing with him and making faces with him. We really miss grandpa...Bear Lake and Sunday dinners will never be the same.

summer snapshots....part 5

Here is a nice mommy and son picture for you all to behold. I look at him and see so much of me in him. But when I see this picture, I'm not so sure. I can say that I love my job...that is being his mommy all day everyday. He makes me laugh and brightens everyday!

summer snapshots....part 4

Believe it or not, we did go swimming this summer, although, not as much as I would have liked. Owen wasn't really digging the water this year. He was more interested in the snacks on the poolside. We had fun going one day with Jassy and Lauren. These two love eachother. They just look at eachother and laugh for no reason. I am definitely hoping next year is the year Owen will literally want to "dive-in" and swim.

**click to enlarge and check out Owen's awesome tan lines from his sandals**

summer snapshots...part 3

Aaaah. Midway. I love it up there. So peaceful, all nestled into a mountain. We stayed at the homestead (my first time) and it was beautiful. Unfortunately, it was rainy, and Owen was sick. Puking sick. This doesn't exactly equal fun, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

summer snapshots...part 2

Who doesn't love a trip to Tooele? Well, we have reason to love it...it means we are visiting my grandma! Owen loves it there...she lives behind a golf course and there are golf balls-a-plenty.

summer snapshots....part 1

I am terribly behind on all of our summer fun blogging! AND SO....this is how I will update you and document how our summer went! Owen is obsessed with the BAH and BA. (do you know which is which? I do.)

The Results are in...

pre race jitters sophia and isaac chose to gag on their goo pre-race, while I prefer to gag on it mid-race.

we are FREEZING!

Just waiting...start already!

and I didn't win, but I feel like a winner! I ran the Provo River Trail 1/2 marathon. That is 13.1 miles.

Some information you may or may not give a crap about:

My time 1:52:04
I took 59th place in my division of 240 25-29 year old females

I took 227th place of 1225 females

I took 484th place over all of 1809 runners.

Friday night I headed up to Orem to have dinner with Sophia, Kris and Isaac who were also running the race. We had fun laughing and getting psyched up for the race. We stayed the night at Sophia's grandma's and this was a great/bad idea. Great because we had wonderful accomadations so close to the bus pick-up. Bad because it became a sleep over where we giggled A LOT. At about 1:00 am I began to really fret. I thought what am I going to do? I have blown it. I just could not get myself to fall asleep after too many giggles I guess. When 4:30 came around I popped out of bed feeling fine and hoping my body would not realize the sleep deprivation. We arrived around 5:30 which was plenty of time because A. our bus got lost, B. there were still severall busses coming, and C. they had yet to even set up the starting line. FUNNY. it was really cold and for the first mile or so my fingers were frozen numb. The course was beautiful and fantastic with all of the downhill. I ran with Soph for the first few miles and then we were separated. At some point I saw some woman with frizzy blond hair, and I thought to myself, wow, she is carrying a water bottle the whole 13.1 miles. Also, I thought, wow she looks like she is going a good pace, I will keep on her tail. I had heard the race was unorganized, and that indeed it was. I had no idea where the heck I was until Mile marker 5 and somewhere neer mile marker 7 I saw a mile marker for the Moab marathon...mile 17. Whatever the case...I had come prepared with my water belt (the best investment ever) because I was determined to not stop once. the last mile was a blur...I had my second wind and was so excited to see my family at the end...unfortunately I passed them because I was so concentrated and didn't even see them! Steve said he could have hit me in the face he was so close to me. sorry. I got to the finish line and saw the clock and was a little confused. what? its not 1:52 pm. OH! wait! that is my time!! I could not believe it. I didn't want to post my goal time in fear that I would not accomplish it, but in fact, I beat it by 13 minutes! I was in shock! It was exhilerating and such great motivator to keep going and get a great time at the St. George Marathon! WOOHOO!

this is how close steve was to me, and I didn't see him. oops. But can I say I have an awesome supportive husband. He came super early to cheer me on, equiped with juice, banana bread, and a water bottle. LOVE YOU STEVE!

just had to throw this in...we went to breakfast afterwards and the boys were cute.

out with the old, in with the blue

So I have been on a hunt for some time for a new TV stand. our last one was black and a little taller, and I was needing some color in our house. BLACK GOOSE was having a fabulous sale and when I saw this lovely item, I just could not pass it up. My friend Brooke manages the store...so go see her and she will show you just what you need to make your house almost as cute as hers....one day, one day. So I've been promising to post a picture and almost 2-3 months later...here it is. I have been too lazy to tie back the cords, though. don't judge me. Also, Steve and I converted the top drawer to flip down instead of just slide out, so that is where you will find our cable/dvd components. We like to think we are handy.

Adventures in Gardening

A few weeks ago we FINALLY got our garden put in! My mother-in-law, Cyndee, was a champ and the biggest help with my garden. After a few stops at some of the local nurseries we were chuck full of plants and laughing because we were barely left with anywhere to sit. It turned out great and feels like a whole new house. My favorites would be: the rose of sharon Tree (or hibiscus) it just keeps blooming and it is beautiful. I am very excited about my magnolia, thought it may not likely bloom until next spring, and a laurel bush that I'm hoping will pull through at this point...I just love the green leaves. Owen was great through it all, just eating his crackers and loving the toys grandma brought along. Thanks for all your help Cyndee!

What's not to love

about a 19 month old boy?
I had meant to take some grand pictures and make a grand post for his 18 month mark, but the rain ruined my plans for glorious pictures at that stage. Oh well, life does go on. Every day is a day where I am humored and fascinated by this little boy. There aren't many words he won't try to say, and the ones he does try to say aren't quite right, but I give him an A for effort! He loves: Balls, pedro, cheese, sand, bath, balls in the bath, choochoos, vroomvrooms, horses, birds, frogs and cows (to name a few). He knows when he hears the garage door open that daddy is home and Steve is always greeted with a big smile and cheers. He is such a loving little boy that will pucker up to give everybody a kiss!

Owen started Nursery at the beginning of June and what a glorious day that was! Church is again enjoyable not having to chase a child for 3 straight hours. I had a very "proud mommy" moment when I went to check on him a couple of weeks ago. He was sitting on a little chair at a little table with crayons and paper and a mouth full of goldfish. He was reaching up to the teacher asking for more. Thats my boy! hahaha. I've been in nursery in just about every ward we have been in and it felt good to see my little boy beginning what will be years of singing, drawing and learning all about Jesus. Heres to my big boy!

Howdy!

Owen's friend Deacon had his 2 year birthday party...a cowboy party. Deacon's Mommy made it so cute and so fun...this was the best cowboy outfit I could rangle up...the bandana was a party favor made by Deacon's sweet grandmaI can't believe we could make this picture happen! We were missing Warner, I think he wasn't there yet, but pictured is...
Stockton, Dane, Deacon, Alfie and Owen

These are the adorable cupcakes made by Deacon's mommy...

Here is Owen inhaling adorable cupcakes

Thanks Deacon! Happy Birthday to YOU!