tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87675238083265906442024-03-13T02:59:26.637-05:00knitting for my babiesA glimpse into our wonderful life!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-5007020130047529002012-07-14T10:08:00.000-05:002012-07-14T10:08:03.800-05:00a new blogI'm moving.<br />
Well, my blog is.<br />
The title of this blog has bothered me for quite some time.<br />
1) I have two babies now so knitting for my baby isn't really true.<br />
and<br />
2) I don't really knit as much as I do other things. Like sew, quilt, bake, take pictures, and play with my kids. So I'd rather write about all those other things.<br />
<br />
So come follow me at:<br />
http://emilymargarethansen.blogspot.com/<br />
<br />
The title of the blog is <br />Not without my...<br />
<br />
Each post will be a fill in the blank of either something I can't live without or something I had to have for the project I made.<br />
Fun?<br />
<br />
<br />emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-24880579884648329642012-07-09T08:22:00.002-05:002012-07-09T08:22:53.314-05:00Family Camping TripWhat a lovely weekend we had! <br />
Friday night was super hot- like it would have been in the high 80's by the time we were planning to put the girls down, so we stayed in and decided to leave Saturday morning.<br />
We got up early and the car was already loaded so we just packed the food and left. I found this campground that is part of the Three Rivers Park Area so it was close- only 45 minutes, and cheap- $30 for two nights.<br />
Upon arrival and set up we learned that our friends weren't going to be joining us. So we embraced a weekend with just the four of us. And it was wonderful.<br />
Also- I just got on Instagram- this is going to be fun! I love all the edits I can make to my pictures immediately! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2MSOX5muG8dDGXGvElSc5GdLuIPOxj825Nz103Z4NMNa2qX3rIVLurbwyGOF3Ji-gpAVzqp-2TQ947eJ5wDHDUQy4RPqsI-R-pP4jTZ8k3mpS020UxMDS7P4C3V8Ke5aPm8N6HAV0WI/s1600/2012-07-07_1341701036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2MSOX5muG8dDGXGvElSc5GdLuIPOxj825Nz103Z4NMNa2qX3rIVLurbwyGOF3Ji-gpAVzqp-2TQ947eJ5wDHDUQy4RPqsI-R-pP4jTZ8k3mpS020UxMDS7P4C3V8Ke5aPm8N6HAV0WI/s320/2012-07-07_1341701036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey cooling off after a swim. She loves playing with cell phones. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greta has curly hair! Really curly! It's so sweet to see. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1UbIU7-rJteiuDrZaXUcbxRP7SAhiSiypaUnke2fVUAvSIiYfj4oSoXFAF_42zlxqXLRYDg0lrnGjdnLSJSfPWjZM0POXhSr2txovHa4isalLoH-EBq9PIBM-hDaqkNBx8zFzvOOpXw/s1600/2012-07-08_1341710975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1UbIU7-rJteiuDrZaXUcbxRP7SAhiSiypaUnke2fVUAvSIiYfj4oSoXFAF_42zlxqXLRYDg0lrnGjdnLSJSfPWjZM0POXhSr2txovHa4isalLoH-EBq9PIBM-hDaqkNBx8zFzvOOpXw/s320/2012-07-08_1341710975.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqT_J3vhcSO0ys1NM6oCRbEFOZw7qaviqVpBjH6BLSL0BX5SrMLgsHtN4orSITrDcIdLCVn_NGIh2aqkThO5acM-gFW9VmluE7gZBX_h-507kNn5fU9nq5XiDi08gh_JARgzaFZ2sj2s/s1600/2012-07-08_1341711057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqT_J3vhcSO0ys1NM6oCRbEFOZw7qaviqVpBjH6BLSL0BX5SrMLgsHtN4orSITrDcIdLCVn_NGIh2aqkThO5acM-gFW9VmluE7gZBX_h-507kNn5fU9nq5XiDi08gh_JARgzaFZ2sj2s/s320/2012-07-08_1341711057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosquitoes were rough but we pushed through and managed to have a delightful time at the fire- just the two of us!</td></tr>
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<br />emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-15497118201604861282012-07-06T14:11:00.000-05:002012-07-06T14:11:01.260-05:00'merica<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 Pregnant with Greta (6 months or so)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8MR_dJwC1yxczPSHWjMFk81t3d3lJhMOaDYncP-GsZnIUIskYnw7tS_2i_Goz19BFmT2sZnGUzJc3rDQcLKemS8g2-1DmcnSauD8PvXwQBkLu18VJKpABDYix64VrxpIkprhF4ynFiA/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8MR_dJwC1yxczPSHWjMFk81t3d3lJhMOaDYncP-GsZnIUIskYnw7tS_2i_Goz19BFmT2sZnGUzJc3rDQcLKemS8g2-1DmcnSauD8PvXwQBkLu18VJKpABDYix64VrxpIkprhF4ynFiA/s320/IMG_8625.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Our first fourth of July with Greta (9 months old)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbCJ16wyZ5shuI3Gl06LJAjCcIbb7EUqwA6yoQH9Ov2Zd3rHrH3li6jmJkd8ASpDLVdYQscQRTLkE9C7M1qiijhcyluhm3aWVto_MzVtJiOEb8-n2XLPjxhot7ubAgpAtIbTMIe6pt1M/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbCJ16wyZ5shuI3Gl06LJAjCcIbb7EUqwA6yoQH9Ov2Zd3rHrH3li6jmJkd8ASpDLVdYQscQRTLkE9C7M1qiijhcyluhm3aWVto_MzVtJiOEb8-n2XLPjxhot7ubAgpAtIbTMIe6pt1M/s320/DSC_0231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011 And the four of us! (G was 21 months old and Audrey was 7 months old)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Greta is 2 1/2 and Audrey is 18 months </td></tr>
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<br />emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-47743216261218197782012-06-14T19:14:00.001-05:002012-06-14T19:14:55.793-05:00Memorial Day, 2012 styleI can't believe I haven't written about our fabulous camping trip this past Memorial Day! (and to think it's almost Father's Day!)<br />
<br />
Anyway- I have to start with a financial story. Another true testimony to God's faithfulness. As we were preparing for our twice a year camping adventure I realized that we were quickly running out of cash as the weekend was approaching and that we wouldn't have money to pay for groceries ahead of time. My plan was to buy the food on Wednesday or Thursday even though we weren't leaving until Friday as I like to make a bunch of food ahead of time. Less prep to worry about while camping and more time to relax. So, I let go of that option and decided I'd just have to go shopping first thing Friday morning and bring the food, as is, to camp. My man was fine with using the CC for the night and then paying it back but I feel like it's a slippery slope I really want to avoid. <br />
<br />
Then. An unexpected check came in the mail. <br />
<br />
You see. We benefit from something called Medical Assistance. Audrey is covered by MA because even though we have health insurance, the premiums get expensive, and the state has deemed us as qualified recipients of such a blessing. And so they reimburse us for her premiums. But we always forget when it's coming. It's kind of a fun game we like to play with ourselves!<br />
<br />
And so. We had cash. Enough to cover all the groceries, drinks, and gas on the way down. It was such an answer to prayer. <br />
<br />
So after cooking and chopping and baking all night Thursday we loaded the car Friday am and drove to Cresco, IA for an amazing weekend! The girls slept outside in our new tent (which was more than fantastic by the way) and never cried at all. We sat in the river and enjoyed the sun on Saturday. We heard a new band from Iowa for our first ever live music concert by professionals. Feel free to check them out- incredible group of musicians. <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/comfortkingsstringband" target="_blank">The Comfort Kings</a>. We had a fun wine tasting that was Mexican themed. We laughed. We cried. We spent a lot of time in the rain. It was great.<br />
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And this is the only photo I have to show for the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsH7duPpQ34VCTvdzvM4YlCwDHpkBzobykGHjRdg3PSHX8r6ivjITGDFzJuGiksiq4tBBvKMt05wMbQumYaO7TN99_VMAhHvEmM_o1WMCibebe8oYuAS3Lc7SB-DewHX-gc7Tjvk9E4g/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsH7duPpQ34VCTvdzvM4YlCwDHpkBzobykGHjRdg3PSHX8r6ivjITGDFzJuGiksiq4tBBvKMt05wMbQumYaO7TN99_VMAhHvEmM_o1WMCibebe8oYuAS3Lc7SB-DewHX-gc7Tjvk9E4g/s320/IMG_4931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peaceful Audrey Lou asleep in her Daddy's arms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-43909835909126144092012-05-13T09:34:00.000-05:002012-05-13T09:34:27.300-05:00Mother's DayI think I've come to love the month of May. First of all- it's a beautiful time of the year! Second of all, my birthday is in the first week. Third of all, Mother's Day is the following weekend. And then to top it all off, Memorial Day weekend comes and I get to spend an entire weekend with some of my favorite people on the planet.<br />
<br />
This morning I woke up to two sick little girls. I promptly went back to bed. An hour later I woke up to the smell of strong, dark coffee and monkey bread. Yes!<br />
<br />
Then, the card. How sweet! I look forward to many more years of homemade cards!<br />
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Then, the gift. I wasn't expecting anything, not after last week and the gift of our new tent. But my man knows me well. And he bought me not one but <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchen/cookware/multicookersstockpots/PRD%7E985478/Kitchen+a+la+carte+4pc+Aluminum+Stockpot+Set.jsp" target="_blank">two new stock pots</a> for all the soup I make. I no longer have to borrow my friend <a href="http://greaterthanthesumofmyparts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mel's</a> pot! <br />
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So, we're skipping church, since the girls are sick, and laying low, but I kind of love it. All four of us are still in our pajamas! We'll have dinner with my mom and dad later on but for now, it's just us.<br />
<br />
So- Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there! Hope you find a way to enjoy this lovely day!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-86590059124748288722012-05-09T15:55:00.000-05:002012-05-09T15:55:43.543-05:00Yes, Mama, I'm ready for my rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2CRiH73Kn6qh-qe-yZn7gG3Kj2M1xe65H6TmnHAgK2QJ4ltNfwokfkpUr9x0ALcotWExdjoFHaybhH2W7Aw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I've always heard stories of people who's kids fall asleep in the high<br />
chair and I think to myself, "how does that happen? My kid would never do that". Until one day, when she did. Audrey Lou. You crack me up.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-3860107745774874012012-05-09T15:17:00.001-05:002012-05-09T15:17:40.852-05:00Greta "reading" You Are My Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This video was taken on February 8th but it still melts my heart every time I see it. <br />
Plus- check out Audrey hanging out on the couch. Q.T.Pie.<br />
And don't check out my hair/pajamas. It's the way I roll. Don't judge me.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-66023029071597395282012-05-09T15:05:00.000-05:002012-05-09T15:05:01.434-05:00St. Patrick's Day 2012 (only a couple of months late!)I can't believe I never blogged about one my favorite holidays of all time.<br />
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St. Patrick's Day!<br />
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We had an awesome celebration this year! Jon and Briseida (who were just engaged at the time but are now married! Woot- woot! that's another blog though!) came up to spend the weekend with us and we informed them that they would have to wear all green and march with us in our parade. They were up for it. That's one of the few reasons why I love them.<br />
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So we dressed the girls up and headed downtown.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey Lou in a handmade outfit! The headband is the newest addition!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3GvJs1jxJ6f2jcdnZcPHE7dtZ9JYHOcA22zQvwUTztfSkrZ5pz3Hve-G5SQ4OfGK0YlUVmiUQ4g6uXTFF5mSTKiyKXCAl_olb_Ls0BPPqsAzZe39CruMo9Own6gMRiIOAc_Ypy1D8jQ/s1600/IMG_4588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3GvJs1jxJ6f2jcdnZcPHE7dtZ9JYHOcA22zQvwUTztfSkrZ5pz3Hve-G5SQ4OfGK0YlUVmiUQ4g6uXTFF5mSTKiyKXCAl_olb_Ls0BPPqsAzZe39CruMo9Own6gMRiIOAc_Ypy1D8jQ/s320/IMG_4588.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greta Elise showing off her shamrock face paint!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRLuIZCkUnCveOwlplD4cQOjdt84JPrsGYsC-sHMxkp0VkoKI0o9MW_BEobj2WvyfuMA4xBU6ZgD4uY93T1adVRO0yEimV0DWm_a8TgeQlnm487hjcip07ODS3Dh-SNQRphgWVsyqKgc/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRLuIZCkUnCveOwlplD4cQOjdt84JPrsGYsC-sHMxkp0VkoKI0o9MW_BEobj2WvyfuMA4xBU6ZgD4uY93T1adVRO0yEimV0DWm_a8TgeQlnm487hjcip07ODS3Dh-SNQRphgWVsyqKgc/s320/IMG_4595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Isabelle Eve!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh207_Jvhjq6sbd0U4PFt3YObEpBIs0p6nNsUZzUQyH9M6wW-XC7x_DvzCbZuRRj_aheH13w1hwpxQP-jCq2KZHD2bPQbl5867k3sANLNCXHjRSZi_irpAP9Xs4ppLGWP5CmOd92PCdboI/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh207_Jvhjq6sbd0U4PFt3YObEpBIs0p6nNsUZzUQyH9M6wW-XC7x_DvzCbZuRRj_aheH13w1hwpxQP-jCq2KZHD2bPQbl5867k3sANLNCXHjRSZi_irpAP9Xs4ppLGWP5CmOd92PCdboI/s320/IMG_4598.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little family of four!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHP_92LuB6t3p5WlAR3kVf2GPYCyuLTfrGE5VSPJq5xjcR6IQr-XVmcjLRrnfge_8e-83SX_es2T3l6Cy7uBspZfxibEDoxT_CnEwVVulrJy5qGHqQJZBZwvqftPgoz8ButOgZV0ae0/s1600/IMG_4621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHP_92LuB6t3p5WlAR3kVf2GPYCyuLTfrGE5VSPJq5xjcR6IQr-XVmcjLRrnfge_8e-83SX_es2T3l6Cy7uBspZfxibEDoxT_CnEwVVulrJy5qGHqQJZBZwvqftPgoz8ButOgZV0ae0/s320/IMG_4621.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MacDonald Clan! Love these people so much! </td></tr>
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<br />emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-1061745876282836802012-05-09T14:12:00.000-05:002012-05-09T14:12:16.521-05:002828! I'm 28 years old! It feels great!<br />
I had a lovely birthday this year. Simple, but lovely. My family and my man's family all pitched in and bought us a new tent! It's <a href="http://www.coleman.com/product/2000001598#.T6q-jL-5OlQ" target="_blank">this giant</a> 10 person tent that will successfully fit a queen size air bed, a pack and play, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/AeroBed-Sleep-Tight-Inflatable-Kids/dp/B00006IV33" target="_blank">this cute</a> blow up air mattress for Greta. I can't wait for Memorial Day weekend so we can try it out! Along with the tent I was showered with beautiful words from friends and lovely gifts. I am blessed. <br />
<br />
When your birthday rolls around do you ever think about where you thought you'd be by this age? Or what you'd be doing? I do.<br />
<br />
So- where did I think I'd be at 28?<br />
Exactly where I am. <br />
<ul>
<li>I wanted to get married young. Luckily I met my man at 14 (don't worry- we didn't start dating until I was 20). We got married when I was 22 years old and I couldn't be happier.</li>
<li>I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated college at 22 and was able to land a teaching job the following year. I was able to do it for two years before choosing to stay home with my children. </li>
<li>I wanted to be a mother. Dan and I got pregnant with Greta in December of '08 and had her the day after our third anniversary. Then we got the loveliest surprise of all with another baby due the following year. Audrey joined our family when I was 26 and she is absolutely delightful. </li>
<li>I wanted to own a home. Something about having your own place meant a lot to me and it was a goal I had. Done. </li>
<li>I really wanted to be a strong Christian with a life that looked like the life I talked about. I'm still not there but hope to be :) Just a work in progress I guess.</li>
</ul>
So now what? Two more years before the big 3-0. <br />
Enjoy life. And what's left of my twenties.<br />
<br />emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-12818900833432306532012-04-10T15:30:00.005-05:002012-04-11T20:05:15.296-05:00Easter, 2012 style<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8wclgtV2Zn3Mo0FYuHE5LXIfEgbRjt4DnDzOkIRAaR-_bfj5Z4eVDyzVJ6Wl169ZtX9P5ub3gmmwyn6R9Fi_Znd9kvSz0MROIIg3hybv0GqYz2zpvvTv8n-8foY_joTeRu8F7aiAufw/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8wclgtV2Zn3Mo0FYuHE5LXIfEgbRjt4DnDzOkIRAaR-_bfj5Z4eVDyzVJ6Wl169ZtX9P5ub3gmmwyn6R9Fi_Znd9kvSz0MROIIg3hybv0GqYz2zpvvTv8n-8foY_joTeRu8F7aiAufw/s320/IMG_4697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729876253640972882" border="0" /></a><br />We got to host Easter again this year!<br />It's a new tradition that started a few years ago and I absolutely love it. So much so, that it keeps me up at night planning and preparing for the big day. I LOVE having people in my house. I love cooking for people. I love decorating with memorable supplies that will light my Grandmother's face up!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMuKOWbftk7e6zP3EfowlIJmmf5TWocwgIFyCvIX8yVFbTr44FFFkb7Cg4e_VAlCKiFud6yQPl5L1LkdVxEgZ7IRmceeiGURZB-77dRH_YiCZV7UtlyiU-fKmr83oow5DjgdeqyThaUk/s1600/IMG_4729.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMuKOWbftk7e6zP3EfowlIJmmf5TWocwgIFyCvIX8yVFbTr44FFFkb7Cg4e_VAlCKiFud6yQPl5L1LkdVxEgZ7IRmceeiGURZB-77dRH_YiCZV7UtlyiU-fKmr83oow5DjgdeqyThaUk/s320/IMG_4729.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729876263401124626" border="0" /></a><br />Both my man and I have a heart to welcome all to our table. We have been so blessed by God that it's only fair to share with others, right? So we always invite friends. Friends who don't have family in town. Friends who are single and needing a place to go. Friends who we like to spend time with. Really, anyone can come. It's so much fun. And then both our families come. Mine from around the cities and Dan's from KS.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8BinhN3aihIe7lA0BrX1NO4CPs8pIZ5cny7ly-aegvqRAvKFIyeOCQE22XnjA1WVRYfSNIayMxNFHbFVLAePn5HsaAFMEv1gvHETjqa9BKrk5qAzMOXSaLcMifbDfYPkbzegN8oHJ1g/s1600/IMG_4733.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8BinhN3aihIe7lA0BrX1NO4CPs8pIZ5cny7ly-aegvqRAvKFIyeOCQE22XnjA1WVRYfSNIayMxNFHbFVLAePn5HsaAFMEv1gvHETjqa9BKrk5qAzMOXSaLcMifbDfYPkbzegN8oHJ1g/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729876286983627906" border="0" /></a><br />It's a full house and I wouldn't have it any other way. There were 20 adults this year and 5 kids! We had an Easter egg hunt courtesy of my dear friend <a href="http://greaterthanthesumofmyparts.wordpress.com/">Mel</a>. We had ham, egg dish, potato dish, pineapple casserole, rolls, and plenty of sweets to go around. We drank Mimosas courtesy of my dear friend <a href="http://jellybeansandpolkadots.blogspot.com/">Shelby</a> and strong, dark coffee. We had a <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/tres-leches-cake/">tres leche cake</a> that will rock your world. Seriously- I highly recommend it. Invite me over when you make it as a taste tester. I'll bring some coffee. Yum.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPEBIA8KhV8N4xWL7QJWaGxn7H4xlG6t3KE4qKm-DAGrrE6fiitaGtgb-G9GW2UxwwbSkavdkPuyr7w3hR3bh414M1OUur5gSCBiTYsFY5XrCmF_zPzVvc2lkNAOaHrmL2R-j6bBfeZo/s1600/IMG_4735.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPEBIA8KhV8N4xWL7QJWaGxn7H4xlG6t3KE4qKm-DAGrrE6fiitaGtgb-G9GW2UxwwbSkavdkPuyr7w3hR3bh414M1OUur5gSCBiTYsFY5XrCmF_zPzVvc2lkNAOaHrmL2R-j6bBfeZo/s320/IMG_4735.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729876302419962882" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CUbvbnNlfPm27VGIhgIUnJ1pEay6AwMe_bt8nAMkdyblyT6sEY_3QlRVFvIdqKY_7mdQ6MGUJ0oGsat5fArEmebnyzg6pihP7ZCjqV6_vqGBewPN9RT9vfJyhodSKYYM1fNGdJHns_I/s1600/IMG_4743.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CUbvbnNlfPm27VGIhgIUnJ1pEay6AwMe_bt8nAMkdyblyT6sEY_3QlRVFvIdqKY_7mdQ6MGUJ0oGsat5fArEmebnyzg6pihP7ZCjqV6_vqGBewPN9RT9vfJyhodSKYYM1fNGdJHns_I/s320/IMG_4743.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729877148652554466" border="0" /></a><br />It was delightful.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesRtuRNnx4kR9ESk-EtWKG-R7kT5dwhZvb9PhG-kkbP9nxAv_4NzPbOhMTOfcMDIgiRRg5oCJ2-9s-jcQYk1NU2Ppoow5i4axPZP6-NKm4yS_XkvYcogF3tC_EWcCmHRUpv086m4EFN4/s1600/Aud%2528Easter%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesRtuRNnx4kR9ESk-EtWKG-R7kT5dwhZvb9PhG-kkbP9nxAv_4NzPbOhMTOfcMDIgiRRg5oCJ2-9s-jcQYk1NU2Ppoow5i4axPZP6-NKm4yS_XkvYcogF3tC_EWcCmHRUpv086m4EFN4/s320/Aud%2528Easter%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729876246351570962" border="0" /></a><br />But the best part.<br /><br />The prayer before the meal. My man said grace and in his words of Thankfulness to our Lord and Savior he said this simple statement, "Thank you for dying for us. Without you our lives are nothing". I can't stop thinking about how true he is. Without an eternal focus on Christ and the blessings he's poured out on us, we're inwardly focused and prideful.<br /><br />Oh Easter- I love the reminder of Spring, New life, and true Joy that you bring.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-2267721889628824122012-03-09T15:44:00.002-06:002012-03-09T15:48:41.121-06:00Audrey Lou and her Mama<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgKHVuahfFN3Vn7hhkRD6b-z312LdF-3cJCHrGfGkfENyOUEW-hKWkHOW0TU0GDUtH-698bUmUi1ZPulElaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-41749406456782346252012-02-27T07:34:00.003-06:002012-02-27T07:42:41.974-06:00What would you do with a whole extra day?So, I feel like I'm constantly asking for just one more hour to get things done. One more hour in my morning before my girls wake up. One more hour in my afternoon for tasks that lie undone. One more hour in my evening to spend time with my man before we both crash.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXSd7xM3RmVTo4uIQkIevf-LPie3AjIIo4XWq9tBAf1LE05-TQH55ya1d_Mz19JhGZGceeOubMm7jzsXO34berXZcZn5Drb01OnObr97zMhex3cjdA2B5An67qyKvKpkmfxsfePrhd7s/s1600/IMG_4507.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXSd7xM3RmVTo4uIQkIevf-LPie3AjIIo4XWq9tBAf1LE05-TQH55ya1d_Mz19JhGZGceeOubMm7jzsXO34berXZcZn5Drb01OnObr97zMhex3cjdA2B5An67qyKvKpkmfxsfePrhd7s/s320/IMG_4507.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713809644169710386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And now, we're getting it. Welcome February 29th! I'm so excited you're coming to give us an extra 24 hours to get things done!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZPw33VbqK8pF0trkbLTYi3Z0MhbDJEx3Bl5378AGQ-8AVL5bFXo9j6P_4xclIuImECmrFhQO2q2_tKzW_65tuftr7Z9uKW67Td5AvRV9P1_qQGI7-ZPsZkbgi9W-jhh6iJuOGTX69Ow/s1600/IMG_4505.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZPw33VbqK8pF0trkbLTYi3Z0MhbDJEx3Bl5378AGQ-8AVL5bFXo9j6P_4xclIuImECmrFhQO2q2_tKzW_65tuftr7Z9uKW67Td5AvRV9P1_qQGI7-ZPsZkbgi9W-jhh6iJuOGTX69Ow/s320/IMG_4505.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713809635264715970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What will we do? Not sure. But I do know this- we are not going to take Wednesday for granted, that's for sure!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-76910763314038078062012-01-30T14:19:00.003-06:002012-01-30T14:26:24.406-06:00CraigslistI love craigslist.<br />I love buying other people's treasures that they are getting rid of.<br />I love selling our stuff that we're done with.<br />My man and I have a deal going (at least, I think we do). Whatever you sell, meaning, anything that you take a picture of, create an ad for, post on c-list, and get rid of, you get to keep the money. (we've already agreed on the things we can sell so you can't just start selling your spouses items that you may or may not hate).<br /><br />I just sold a rocking horse that has taken up more space on our porch that any other piece of furniture. It was given to us by one of Dan's co-workers as a hand me down and although Greta loved it, we needed to be done with it. We need space on the porch for the furniture we're hoping to get before the Spring comes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizApKiwOooITUSveYYHG7WktL0hwhLAUPiYFbCXn6j044OI2kzTqRUFgrV9v8Q518QUekAEKLi34mfG71vX96gxzkeVTavdA0OVEm71i3i7LO02s-cKRk0QUG6L5U5gBCMnEV1jHbPHbs/s1600/horse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizApKiwOooITUSveYYHG7WktL0hwhLAUPiYFbCXn6j044OI2kzTqRUFgrV9v8Q518QUekAEKLi34mfG71vX96gxzkeVTavdA0OVEm71i3i7LO02s-cKRk0QUG6L5U5gBCMnEV1jHbPHbs/s320/horse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703523589308192178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, my question is, what do I do with the money I just made ($45!)?<br /><br />Put it in the "porch furniture" fund?<br />Put it in the "finally update the master bedroom" fund?<br />Go out for a nice dinner with it?<br />Finally get my hair cut at a nice salon?<br /><br />Decisions, decisions. Mind helping? What would you do if you were me?emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-15993958942286569262012-01-23T13:38:00.003-06:002012-01-23T13:52:48.474-06:00JanuaryWhat a month!<br />We are having a great start to 2012 as I hope you are too!<br />Last year we met some interesting challenges and I'll be honest, we were quite ready to say goodbye to 2011. There's just something so lovely about a fresh start. Do over. Another chance. <br />So as we were leaving Kansas after our last trip down there, over New Years, we made some "resolutions". I say that is quotes because they aren't really anything new. Just the stuff we had hoped would have happened last year and didn't for one reason or another.<br />I love driving in the car with my man. The girls were sleeping and we were just chatting. About our hopes and dreams for 2012. <br /><br />The first one that came to both of our minds was that we really wanted to be <span style="font-style: italic;">present</span> to this year. We wanted to feel like time wasn't slipping away too quickly because we were forcing it. We wanted to enjoy the small moments and make sure that we appreciate all that we have to be grateful for. One of those opportunities came just yesterday morning. <br /><br />Our ladies are pretty good sleepers. Audrey is usually up first, to nurse, and then she goes back down for another hour or so. Greta sleeps until about 7:00 most mornings. We appreciate it. So yesterday both Daniel and I woke up before the girls (gasp!!) around 7:30. We just sat in bed, smiled at each other, and soaked in the beauty of waking up on our own. Then, slowly but surely, the girls woke up. First Audrey, then Greta. And we just left them in their cribs and eavesdropped on them. Greta proceeded to tell Audrey about our day the day before and Audrey just babbled back to her with the occasional, "no" or "mama". It was precious. And instead of rushing in there to get them we just enjoyed the moment. So as a treat (not sure how much they got that we were treating them for sleeping in and then being really cute but we wanted it none the less) we went out for breakfast and coffee. Such a treat for our family!<br /><br />Another thing we talked about on our car ride home was about how we wanted to spend our time. Last year felt so consumed with "us" and to be honest, I don't know if there was any other way it could have been. When your kids are sick you have to stay in and take care of them. When you go in for surgery to have a kidney stone blasted you have to accept the meals that friends and family are willing to bring. When your husband is laid up for 12 days with a wicked flu you have to take care of him. And so this year, to the best of our ability, we want to be "others" focused. <br /><br />So far we've been able to bring a meal to a family who just had a new little girl and this weekend we are hosting an event for our church that will allow all the families in our church to drop off their kids at our place for 5 hours of uninterrupted parent time. We were also able to take my niece in the other day when her childcare fell through. (Now this one wasn't too difficult as we treasure any time we can have with her but it was Dan's day off and we were planning some fun family stuff). We want to stretch ourselves in new ways by lending a hand when we can. It feels good to think about who we know that is in need and how we can help.<br /><br />So- here's to 2012- a new year to grow!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-86862092516111743472012-01-09T13:33:00.003-06:002012-01-09T13:37:35.743-06:00All's quiet on the Northern FrontBoth babes are resting.<br />Both.<br />At the same time.<br />It's something I've come to look forward to about my day.<br />Don't get me wrong. I love when they are both up and we can play together. And I love when they are up individually (usually Greta in the early morning and Audrey when she's up from her afternoon nap). <br />But I love when they both sleep.<br />I love catching up on my email and blogs. I love getting little things done. I love crafting. And I love reheating a cup of coffee that I still have in the pot (I purposely make more each morning to leave one there).<br />So here's to your 1:30- where ever you are.<br />Enjoy.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-74873316966906275442011-12-27T21:35:00.002-06:002011-12-27T21:39:11.662-06:00Christmas, Round 2We are gearing up for Christmas with our Kansas family now and I couldn't be more excited! Usually we drive down there either Christmas day or the following day but this year my man had to work. So we decided to leave after he's done working tomorrow, and it's given me just the time that I needed. Christmas with my family is always wonderful but oh so busy. It starts on the 23rd and ends on the afternoon of the 25th with not much of a break in between. I'm not complaining. I love it all, each and every minute of it, but it's busy. <br /><br />So having a break this year has been really nice. A couple of days to settle into our regular routine again. A couple days of eating normal again instead of overeating. A couple of days of quiet time in our own space.<br /><br />And then Kansas. We'll get to celebrate all over again with Dan's family and we are so excited! Plus, we'll be down there for the annual New Year's Eve Party we love to attend.<br /><br />The theme this year is "Come as your favorite SNL character". Dan and I have something really great in the works. Let's just say if you're at the party you'll be sick of hearing us "cheer" all night long!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-91296343018998780282011-12-24T02:49:00.002-06:002011-12-24T03:05:49.826-06:00Jesus is in my heartMerry Christmas!<br /><br />It's officially the middle of the night and I can't sleep. This happens every year. I seriously get so excited about all the activities we have going on that I can't sleep. Even though I need to. So, I get up, and blog now!<br /><br />Two really sweet things have happened in the past few days as we are gearing up for Christmas. We talk an awful lot about Jesus in this house. He really is the reason we celebrate during this time of year and He gets so lost in the midst of all the gift giving and holiday gatherings. So, Greta (and Audrey of course) and I have been talking about why Christmas is so special.<br /><br />The other day, while crafting with a great friend, Greta was asked if she was going to see Santa this year. To which I quickly replied, "oh- she thinks Santa is Noah. Like from Noah's Ark". You see, my darling Greta thinks they are the same person and both her father and I don't have the heart to tell her that they are not. And really, what does it matter? I kind of love it anyway!<br /><br />So then, out of nowhere, Greta stops both of us and says, "Jesus is in my heart". To which I quickly said, "what, Greta?" Thinking that I had heard her correctly but wanting to be sure that she did, just in fact, declare that Jesus Christ dwells in her little 2 year old soul. And again, she pointed to her chest, well, kind of her neck but we're working on anatomy, and said, "Jesus, He is in my heart".<br /><br />Tears welled up for both me and my friend. It was beautiful. My precious lamb loves The Precious Lamb.<br /><br />Then last night, as we were reading before bed, I decided to pull Greta's Bible off the nighstand and read the story of Jesus' birth, just to bring it all home. She's heard it before but somehow last night meant more. So as I was reading from the Jesus Storybook Bible (a truly great Bible with beautiful illustrations for little ones) we got to the page where it shows Jesus in the manger with Mary and Joseph around him. Greta just placed her sweet little hand on the picture of Jesus and held it there. I was ready to turn the page and continue reading but she wasn't. She just held her hand there and said, "baby Jesus" over and over again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kidmin1124.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Jesus-Storybook-Bible.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 300px;" src="http://kidmin1124.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Jesus-Storybook-Bible.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is absolutely nothing like watching your little one light up at the sound of His name.<br /><br />"For a child has been born- for Us!<br />the gift of a son- for us!<br />He'll take over the running of the world.<br />His names will be:<br />Amazing Counselor,<br />Strong God,<br />Eternal Father,<br />Prince of Wholeness."<br />Isaiah 9:6, The Messageemilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-70391435956751203132011-12-08T13:09:00.004-06:002011-12-08T13:39:43.102-06:00Audrey LouWell, it's official. My baby is one! You heard right, 1! Exactly one year ago today, almost to the minute, I gave birth to my second daughter, Audrey Louise, right in this very house. It was such a beautiful morning. Cold like today but I'm pretty sure there was about a foot or so more of snow on the ground. We were so excited for her arrival!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntTRTbAeDN58CucQXiuU00sXFitLYMrxupxnAKEwJD6PUB22KZ4h3zZag0P25fHpGcyvULUK96ZpmnrHuSsuWRvW0d7XtCQ8PIr7UF49qsSPQQRkO3s3wMQKagLvDPsCZztPvCut4nN8/s1600/DSC_2792_NEF.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntTRTbAeDN58CucQXiuU00sXFitLYMrxupxnAKEwJD6PUB22KZ4h3zZag0P25fHpGcyvULUK96ZpmnrHuSsuWRvW0d7XtCQ8PIr7UF49qsSPQQRkO3s3wMQKagLvDPsCZztPvCut4nN8/s320/DSC_2792_NEF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683840301830702402" border="0" /></a><br />I don't think words can truly express how I feel about this little one.<br /><br />First of all- she's the chubby baby I've dreamed of all my life.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNXbH8NJaS9D8KlOeL-2axnw9CB1pcbdKpeuVLky06szZgWrJXMjjtMUtPd5JGP3wyNIEx3xsVS7uMMCvfCSrh6djoj5nN3mFaxQ8TvG7xBaUHGfLXSaLFz3XSQ1XNWK3NzKVmX7qRzs/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNXbH8NJaS9D8KlOeL-2axnw9CB1pcbdKpeuVLky06szZgWrJXMjjtMUtPd5JGP3wyNIEx3xsVS7uMMCvfCSrh6djoj5nN3mFaxQ8TvG7xBaUHGfLXSaLFz3XSQ1XNWK3NzKVmX7qRzs/s320/IMG_3928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683839051645804594" border="0" /></a><br />Second of all- she was completely unexpected. Completely. And yet, she couldn't fit more perfectly with the rest of us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR02foiYrhcjDWD_YAn2Xh3fp2Ok-H019sQnlnahOPFSyr8VSA5P3TPGThTo9QR2yfcE-_aCX62D_1n-3MmOJe9iJbvhVrVONDA6WX-eGzCZT9fLh4pGKpjCBwx4VvygpCMfSyceXSKPY/s1600/IMG_3916.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR02foiYrhcjDWD_YAn2Xh3fp2Ok-H019sQnlnahOPFSyr8VSA5P3TPGThTo9QR2yfcE-_aCX62D_1n-3MmOJe9iJbvhVrVONDA6WX-eGzCZT9fLh4pGKpjCBwx4VvygpCMfSyceXSKPY/s320/IMG_3916.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683839041260922034" border="0" /></a><br />Third- she has a smile that will melt your heart. Seriously. Melt it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_y7HxGo82Essx4nJt7w0ELxx9Mk-XTLQPMaGPTEFtfWtvB7pOC5Q_ZaSuESObDj4725aglxrH2vCNN1Mee_sl_AUGaTD7nSJz_WHRixgSTIkQcV6Zk8gEaCvYE3_PA8aqoGMc3eRLYc/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_y7HxGo82Essx4nJt7w0ELxx9Mk-XTLQPMaGPTEFtfWtvB7pOC5Q_ZaSuESObDj4725aglxrH2vCNN1Mee_sl_AUGaTD7nSJz_WHRixgSTIkQcV6Zk8gEaCvYE3_PA8aqoGMc3eRLYc/s320/IMG_3871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683839034140161330" border="0" /></a><br />Fourth- Growing up without a sister I always dreamed of what it would be like. I LOVE that I'm getting to witness the relationship between sisters first hand. Audrey adores Greta. They are like playmates. It's a precious relationship I hope to foster well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQAYswm-894RKzXncEBgGdLoAMmhJNhLgWahTVS_eyZgDs378ThRtoAUChsHoLSPaCl6stkTp617VMNdzNa-3vliF3RLIJ3yZ5eTKRubYJkYAeSMupRUcGVFw4FeK98LhuTgeFp92Hic/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQAYswm-894RKzXncEBgGdLoAMmhJNhLgWahTVS_eyZgDs378ThRtoAUChsHoLSPaCl6stkTp617VMNdzNa-3vliF3RLIJ3yZ5eTKRubYJkYAeSMupRUcGVFw4FeK98LhuTgeFp92Hic/s320/IMG_3074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683840296524241298" border="0" /></a><br />The list could go on and on but the moral is this-<br />our family has been blessed by Audrey Lou and we thank God for her constantly!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bGo8vDkrxUDabShfhythSsiRHUIx8BA92LyiOdkYonAlLfogKxsFcst1u2Uqqp0Vp79jsPm-UvNdptpOErwV4RiLyuaF_haS4Y-aW6HfB60uBI6WB3tYOA_7H4D6vdbhc7L0viPNs18/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bGo8vDkrxUDabShfhythSsiRHUIx8BA92LyiOdkYonAlLfogKxsFcst1u2Uqqp0Vp79jsPm-UvNdptpOErwV4RiLyuaF_haS4Y-aW6HfB60uBI6WB3tYOA_7H4D6vdbhc7L0viPNs18/s320/IMG_4036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683839053916831618" border="0" /></a><br />Happy, happy birthday my little Lou-<br />Mamaemilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-59888105296518523022011-10-31T07:24:00.005-05:002011-11-06T07:01:17.703-06:00has anyone seen....The month of October?<br />I think I saw her but now she's quickly leaving us and I am so not ready for her sister, November to come.<br />Seriously?<br />Anyone?<br />October?<br /><br />Happy Halloween-<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Xk4nGal888et0WRTdKCXdusy4yxXAcaOR6z05D2TFj8_fgkr3c-Afe5p5Du-lA5oBs3caPJ3G3o5K7TMCKP991z9XfkTetBSPO_ZOIQrsFeVaZcKhwtNy4ZVcy7rcE0MlmuhOWE-yWI/s1600/IMG_5184.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Xk4nGal888et0WRTdKCXdusy4yxXAcaOR6z05D2TFj8_fgkr3c-Afe5p5Du-lA5oBs3caPJ3G3o5K7TMCKP991z9XfkTetBSPO_ZOIQrsFeVaZcKhwtNy4ZVcy7rcE0MlmuhOWE-yWI/s320/IMG_5184.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669633327926341490" border="0" /></a><br />(Greta with her <a href="http://jellybeansandpolkadots.blogspot.com/">Godmother</a> on her first Halloween Oct- 2009)<br /><br />I'm hoping to wrap up some last minute costumes for the girls so that we can go trick or treating tonight for Greta's first time!<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04OqMTa4fhIh6DKvWEkuo_9CQ9xinDOgj18pKiRFRJcAX-QWEVy4T7eIGgEfT6WuAHEobr7KPmsXKMAnhyphenhyphenpfzdxv82XNV4Lh8B9T4h5w-P6_Y-s8I9aDnxHjAetahlomvwdJqgqvJSaE/s1600/G-halloween-10.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04OqMTa4fhIh6DKvWEkuo_9CQ9xinDOgj18pKiRFRJcAX-QWEVy4T7eIGgEfT6WuAHEobr7KPmsXKMAnhyphenhyphenpfzdxv82XNV4Lh8B9T4h5w-P6_Y-s8I9aDnxHjAetahlomvwdJqgqvJSaE/s320/G-halloween-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671866923519718882" border="0" /></a><br />(Gretasaurousrex- Halloween 2010)<br /><br />I'm also hoping to carve our pumpkin today. Yup, that's how far behind we are on this month!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5rThi-s7x7F_TtyuAScPE47iF0hxZD2OUlDuN2w-YEBDhS5QtpHGY-lxP8pPTDcmX3j8TUcOv8QG3BTjMDaX3rxgmsNYGF0vF33IP0A28dxJYW0fcdC0i0hQuJ78XnbQoM_Lon7mfQQ/s1600/2010-09-25_12-14-14_826.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5rThi-s7x7F_TtyuAScPE47iF0hxZD2OUlDuN2w-YEBDhS5QtpHGY-lxP8pPTDcmX3j8TUcOv8QG3BTjMDaX3rxgmsNYGF0vF33IP0A28dxJYW0fcdC0i0hQuJ78XnbQoM_Lon7mfQQ/s320/2010-09-25_12-14-14_826.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669632772571230018" border="0" /></a><br />(Greta from October 2010)<br /><br />Maybe I'll be able to post in November about the stuff we've been doing and the cute projects I've been completing? I made a yarn wrapped Fall wreath, a freezer paper t-shirt for my brother in law, multiple tulle tutus, and some other random stuff.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxV64A_bBtuoToaGyI66cgo-qgquE9xGc8L5LzP9D8NaSSjYZpMJj6PuREhEP8Vmyry52Llv5Is1v2xlag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-75455199856545333352011-10-20T22:51:00.003-05:002011-10-20T23:00:54.926-05:00Finding balanceBalance.<br />It's a dance. To find the balance in our day to day lives.<br />I've been substitute teaching a little here and there and I love it. But I don't love the work it takes to prepare to be away from my ladies, whether they stay here with someone watching them or I take them somewhere. It's a lot of work either way.<br />I've also been working with my Aunt Maureen as her CAbi assistant at shows. It's a blast and I get to meet all sorts of new people. But it also requires time away from my family.<br />And then there are the other, normal, commitments that just seem to creep their way into our lives and require either me to be away or people to be here. And again, I'm social, and I usually love them all, but they still take something from the quiet night at home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Y2pVxdfvySdgevW-icnNj9mKJ6ACjGSnHH4sJaLQfF8xkZoGA8v_WcG4FbzA9iifbJD-wzqVXJ95Uhek3GJDFovQUOcHsWdNKp-P8O2ijy-XODAGLk_l-zfWXAiv8bS08KxnVLSQpo4/s1600/IMG_3501.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Y2pVxdfvySdgevW-icnNj9mKJ6ACjGSnHH4sJaLQfF8xkZoGA8v_WcG4FbzA9iifbJD-wzqVXJ95Uhek3GJDFovQUOcHsWdNKp-P8O2ijy-XODAGLk_l-zfWXAiv8bS08KxnVLSQpo4/s320/IMG_3501.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665789798924016210" border="0" /></a><br />So here's my dilemma. Life is short. My babies will never be this young again. How do I find the balance? How do I make time for my family, my man, my friends, and myself?<br />Suggestions?emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-68450148663076952782011-09-27T15:07:00.011-05:002011-09-27T15:42:23.973-05:00My LoveOn Friday of this week, September 30th, 2011, I will celebrate 5 years of marital bliss with the love of my life.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEhkVwIC0VBIBl4jrP2X3aXx6KfqUCzd_63yfeWS-7DUIjzmRHo6B6zmCutStKura5_Dd4li4cheDFmyWsjB9ua8docxkE54iqvaiARk7eExWI9TE3roOIRI5fosS7gp-uqLg0YBY6e0/s1600/Dan+and+Emily.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEhkVwIC0VBIBl4jrP2X3aXx6KfqUCzd_63yfeWS-7DUIjzmRHo6B6zmCutStKura5_Dd4li4cheDFmyWsjB9ua8docxkE54iqvaiARk7eExWI9TE3roOIRI5fosS7gp-uqLg0YBY6e0/s320/Dan+and+Emily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657141564366335330" border="0" /></a><br />(wedding photo, 2006)<br /><br />I have only one question to ask: how did I ever get so lucky?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8GdSevesndpa0ixHlc237j7S0WLm_zxtz3TXBiQGpW7DblFbaYVBRwgNODt8hK0vcVMpRg8-D3Ws9hvizX-whn61quT3-Ryun1CqCpDbka33s1kYj9Cfa3bHjevgkGE7NuzgpMGVtw/s1600/Emily+and+Dan+005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8GdSevesndpa0ixHlc237j7S0WLm_zxtz3TXBiQGpW7DblFbaYVBRwgNODt8hK0vcVMpRg8-D3Ws9hvizX-whn61quT3-Ryun1CqCpDbka33s1kYj9Cfa3bHjevgkGE7NuzgpMGVtw/s320/Emily+and+Dan+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657135298393948594" border="0" /></a><br />(engagement photo- summer of 2006)<br /><br />This man loves me for me.<br />With all my faults.<br />With all the junk that I have.<br />With the crazy that's in me and sometimes comes out.<br />He loves me.<br />So well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTGYGVOAGK1Ezxv8RZnxUC3NLNedvYpCCs00i8lhb0mnhXMGZMdEz9TlOk8442vmQgm9o7Zui2aeCy-85zf7OKYLAhDnxtk_-JCthp9YUDKAMFz5ZLSWKloh7-IJqPCJKp8p5dQny1GA/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTGYGVOAGK1Ezxv8RZnxUC3NLNedvYpCCs00i8lhb0mnhXMGZMdEz9TlOk8442vmQgm9o7Zui2aeCy-85zf7OKYLAhDnxtk_-JCthp9YUDKAMFz5ZLSWKloh7-IJqPCJKp8p5dQny1GA/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657136309820316418" border="0" /></a><br />(photo from our honeymoon- January 2006)<br /><br />I never, ever, in my wildest dreams, thought I'd get someone as great as him.<br />He leaves me sweet love notes around the house.<br />He works 40+ hours a week to provide for our family and allow me to stay home.<br />He comes home every day with energy and enthusiasm for our family.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54YWPWvNMXdtBG_j37JErEFAeQ-ErOG-s2Nn4ZU5rhOg0_r3pBKPlfkPUkg2JNZuMLNfeILL5m8Sbho7Nww4P0NWMndyUsLlhldje0XQvBzGU816Xl9sc26pBXpnPJJYGr3D7UjRqiMk/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54YWPWvNMXdtBG_j37JErEFAeQ-ErOG-s2Nn4ZU5rhOg0_r3pBKPlfkPUkg2JNZuMLNfeILL5m8Sbho7Nww4P0NWMndyUsLlhldje0XQvBzGU816Xl9sc26pBXpnPJJYGr3D7UjRqiMk/s320/IMG_3201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657136304465429602" border="0" /></a><br />(photo from right before Greta was born- summer 2009)<br /><br />He plays with our girls regularly<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETT396Wfd6MwnbWPZDA8zOyJK6QhBC46kO2crI9YcZIM7PzFRv0KJn6xMmjxQ5Ls09GfBbceTcZ-mgzvCsAOT2x9abp-k6CI-_EDmc-xE4wC3X6PK0rEUyqhpw8in9KYzX3m3gNOwaS8/s1600/gretablog3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETT396Wfd6MwnbWPZDA8zOyJK6QhBC46kO2crI9YcZIM7PzFRv0KJn6xMmjxQ5Ls09GfBbceTcZ-mgzvCsAOT2x9abp-k6CI-_EDmc-xE4wC3X6PK0rEUyqhpw8in9KYzX3m3gNOwaS8/s320/gretablog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657136733222020434" border="0" /></a><br />(<a href="http://mckportraits.blogspot.com/">photo from Greta's newborn shots- Fall 2009</a>)<br /><br />He spends time with me doing things we both love- like going for walks outside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WJp-BSW3lDeSTQIemHj9CiatvOaEgieolSTTDL2uCmlk854kyHq2FSw9GFQDso7YeL2E60EQnIllYOCnpj_eAGw6UwZ2oAtq266wUieb_yvVgXzBjjSoxGDdcx4fQv1vtxX7EwX7avo/s1600/Hansen+Family08.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WJp-BSW3lDeSTQIemHj9CiatvOaEgieolSTTDL2uCmlk854kyHq2FSw9GFQDso7YeL2E60EQnIllYOCnpj_eAGw6UwZ2oAtq266wUieb_yvVgXzBjjSoxGDdcx4fQv1vtxX7EwX7avo/s320/Hansen+Family08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657137335132236498" border="0" /></a><br />(<a href="http://leahmariaphotography.com/">photo from our family photo shoot, Fall 2010</a>)<br /><br /><br />He encourages me to try new things.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHrqDnR7V1QB8tbqSOG8wWUekar1UCZqNfHAr8z1F44zKaer6P_QEkOVfai5p8bDHQVZIsinRaNPJ7NiT4qMa5a9Aqe7Gl0KpboliWKQe-s23fCYzVDB50tjbXYQC7iZs9PbbsdXCi_Q/s1600/DSC_2830_NEF.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHrqDnR7V1QB8tbqSOG8wWUekar1UCZqNfHAr8z1F44zKaer6P_QEkOVfai5p8bDHQVZIsinRaNPJ7NiT4qMa5a9Aqe7Gl0KpboliWKQe-s23fCYzVDB50tjbXYQC7iZs9PbbsdXCi_Q/s320/DSC_2830_NEF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657137880613743314" border="0" /></a><br />(<a href="http://mckportraits.blogspot.com/">photo from Audrey's newborn photos: December 2010</a>)<br /><br /><br />He supports me when I make decisions for us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNxAkudbYHky70XQ6VBP_oz9nfz8ReEjK0WCH_W_UrlhnvAH1M_ADodDYMDneKk924lyxrOFx9z4PE-D2FbajvbnOFvtM6SD4yqc6q4d7n4gxa4jCfEMZ1l285vHnsPGnkw-6lN4I6F8/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNxAkudbYHky70XQ6VBP_oz9nfz8ReEjK0WCH_W_UrlhnvAH1M_ADodDYMDneKk924lyxrOFx9z4PE-D2FbajvbnOFvtM6SD4yqc6q4d7n4gxa4jCfEMZ1l285vHnsPGnkw-6lN4I6F8/s320/DSC_0221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657140155005446546" border="0" /></a><br />(summer 2011)<br /><br />He is my better half and I'm so very lucky to have him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd9lwRPJHE9okm0I-R3mtPkTU3HcPWzod3mJe8yVpVZG2c_SRpjOm8V6SS0E7R_Jumicuu-_6lJv-ZKXWbaFv3HaFdw2j6UkoxAgC-87DUGtbdUB9EEQAW06COMf4lLRigt1iLRRlQu0/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd9lwRPJHE9okm0I-R3mtPkTU3HcPWzod3mJe8yVpVZG2c_SRpjOm8V6SS0E7R_Jumicuu-_6lJv-ZKXWbaFv3HaFdw2j6UkoxAgC-87DUGtbdUB9EEQAW06COMf4lLRigt1iLRRlQu0/s320/DSC_0405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657141030275170450" border="0" /></a><br />(Fall 2011)<br /><br />Happy Anniversary Daniel Mark.<br />I love you more than life itself.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-12145703585201554602011-09-27T14:57:00.005-05:002011-09-27T15:06:04.883-05:00Greta is turing 2!I cannot believe it.<br />She's going to be 2 on Saturday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bgHsNvwuoaaAdA32WzOnMbKjrpxwiOsoejKBYBGXQJg-pdXYZ39jYQQJQTP77FJ3QETtowUTyaO0x5OPPsXF7GX9t31FI5B_wJGL0eQcPMdnN9mV6w8BOxqJpYjtgqIX9_CuxMuJxEc/s1600/IMG_3208.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bgHsNvwuoaaAdA32WzOnMbKjrpxwiOsoejKBYBGXQJg-pdXYZ39jYQQJQTP77FJ3QETtowUTyaO0x5OPPsXF7GX9t31FI5B_wJGL0eQcPMdnN9mV6w8BOxqJpYjtgqIX9_CuxMuJxEc/s320/IMG_3208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657131436379365730" border="0" /></a><br />As in, less than a week.<br />She acts so old sometimes.<br />Every day she learns at least one new word or phrase.<br />Today's was chachi-mer-shake (chocolate milk shake, of course!)<br />She is constantly amazing me with what she can do.<br />I feel like we just celebrated her first birthday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYRxlGkVT0NVv1ufl-AYhrEsSwQOhpSUkIq6JlShXa_yZ9EZVBD_W4ivXJd8g3-ieRfZ4Rza5Mhv60w2N_BlVfXSBlIVNqF0s9S0verjKESZKqsm-7EmlrDyzRxGp-zWrT5S1E-ZOPro/s1600/GwithMama.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYRxlGkVT0NVv1ufl-AYhrEsSwQOhpSUkIq6JlShXa_yZ9EZVBD_W4ivXJd8g3-ieRfZ4Rza5Mhv60w2N_BlVfXSBlIVNqF0s9S0verjKESZKqsm-7EmlrDyzRxGp-zWrT5S1E-ZOPro/s320/GwithMama.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657132409759792850" border="0" /></a><br />Is this the same little baby that I gave birth to almost two years ago?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzkMn4NHD-7HGYKJi4abiI-71FUoFZCnPA4k3OJlO3nXyLkSxW2qyXnwaBVHzP7xPCLPYaxp36xTraJ8-SemxMHgp2zpFM_vvAMeowmt1gYLEE6SqBMdvRJZSRZd8tZi0yvv8NJYI5nw/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzkMn4NHD-7HGYKJi4abiI-71FUoFZCnPA4k3OJlO3nXyLkSxW2qyXnwaBVHzP7xPCLPYaxp36xTraJ8-SemxMHgp2zpFM_vvAMeowmt1gYLEE6SqBMdvRJZSRZd8tZi0yvv8NJYI5nw/s320/IMG_4909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657131884917769970" border="0" /></a><br />I love who she is becoming.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW50H1SPsp8hLYlSv63S8ZmFvXNPhzDKcGp5cZ6bZAAcgI6VPcYQi0JEI846UeWkztjosCc0QnNTBmYHgz6XLFVstyZqumgqV0C1qcTm77Kvi8BBzecCOb6rVCWE7kJGEa71FQRrD17j4/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW50H1SPsp8hLYlSv63S8ZmFvXNPhzDKcGp5cZ6bZAAcgI6VPcYQi0JEI846UeWkztjosCc0QnNTBmYHgz6XLFVstyZqumgqV0C1qcTm77Kvi8BBzecCOb6rVCWE7kJGEa71FQRrD17j4/s320/IMG_3090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657132867145796130" border="0" /></a><br />Confident. Smart. Curious. Funny. Mischievous. Beautiful. Caring. Protective.<br />Oh, my darling Greta. <br />How I love you.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-696317429155256802011-09-27T14:28:00.009-05:002011-09-27T14:50:11.383-05:00My first race!It's been a while since I've blogged but I have about 15 things to write about. Well, maybe not 15 but awfully close.<br /><br />I'll start with something I'm so proud of:<br />I ran my first 5k last Sunday morning!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgr2RF7D4WmkUzgB2HX0RJ-OFuS2K-G94-uwB0iL3RhkE0lGWaoRjgmRjcZ3ZvyB4FRnanGItA3x8Bnba4_kQXivDVKuDLA4DpFWhmCotkY5yoqvCsovxWiPDiXc2awoUTNyv4psh7zs/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgr2RF7D4WmkUzgB2HX0RJ-OFuS2K-G94-uwB0iL3RhkE0lGWaoRjgmRjcZ3ZvyB4FRnanGItA3x8Bnba4_kQXivDVKuDLA4DpFWhmCotkY5yoqvCsovxWiPDiXc2awoUTNyv4psh7zs/s320/IMG_3299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127742528656514" border="0" /></a><br />(Can you tell we were excited?!)<br /><br />I actually did it! 9 months after delivering Audrey and almost 2 years after Greta, 3 months into running, and a c25k program later, I ran a race. And I did pretty good, if I do say so myself!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hYjpRzRB-FPIBDF1FM5Dv2KZyZ2f5n0k-zDvm7v2gMkTkmLiNrZbu__RgH8KSDfb4-stluI5zG31DhlUf29ZwupQ5G1Qf6jDHbdcxThtG8VbfOhLXE9edHfpS5-s8RkZGgzOFkUF3YU/s1600/5kresults.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hYjpRzRB-FPIBDF1FM5Dv2KZyZ2f5n0k-zDvm7v2gMkTkmLiNrZbu__RgH8KSDfb4-stluI5zG31DhlUf29ZwupQ5G1Qf6jDHbdcxThtG8VbfOhLXE9edHfpS5-s8RkZGgzOFkUF3YU/s320/5kresults.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657124357266024050" border="0" /></a><br />(You can see my stats above- finishing the race in under 31 minutes! Not bad for my first one!)<br /><br />I did the Women Run the Cities race right here in Minneapolis, on a gorgeous Sunday morning, with my dear friend <a href="http://itstartswithpie.blogspot.com/">Ashley</a> by my side. She's run a few races before and was quite the trooper to pace with me and stick by my side!<br /><br />Our cheering section rocked! Ash's family came, her husband John and her two kiddos- Zeke and Nash. My man came (thanks babe!). And my folks came with our two kids (who spent the night at their place the night before because we were helping with a wedding- another blog post to come!), Greta and Audrey!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3DVZoJ8b_YAKpNuZcsD7mdH3SS8z9dvDgk1Ix6dk8ol7LVbZcriV5yf4xTgbvlHAO6NxwBfxpXeQ_NGBnNci-B31lRNl0Bpy9UuphKFgFMeKo7U2sFPC1UsqoCgXJTERVNxg_RSXdkY/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3DVZoJ8b_YAKpNuZcsD7mdH3SS8z9dvDgk1Ix6dk8ol7LVbZcriV5yf4xTgbvlHAO6NxwBfxpXeQ_NGBnNci-B31lRNl0Bpy9UuphKFgFMeKo7U2sFPC1UsqoCgXJTERVNxg_RSXdkY/s320/IMG_3302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127424928182338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once the race started it was hard not to run full speed. But the guy at the running place where we picked up our packets told me to start slow. So I tried. But I was just so darn excited!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTsiwgoMtr2ao3L9wkWA2RNG4IMGMBq9Q_vQSrp-WAfPAp8oAXXw7yorehploMn8WdCCqHSYIoHscPSlOni7Jh8mCQ43MGugK7XeROP9MBR999B18-tq25rE2q28_-qgSt-zeDWuYLeg/s1600/racepacket.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTsiwgoMtr2ao3L9wkWA2RNG4IMGMBq9Q_vQSrp-WAfPAp8oAXXw7yorehploMn8WdCCqHSYIoHscPSlOni7Jh8mCQ43MGugK7XeROP9MBR999B18-tq25rE2q28_-qgSt-zeDWuYLeg/s320/racepacket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657126686994951122" border="0" /></a><br />(me getting my cool t-shirt and bib!)<br /><br />I did think I was going to throw up around 2.5 miles. But Ashley told me to tuck it away and that's just what I did. Also, she advised me to take my hat off. I did that too. Both things helped immensely. So did burping. Lots of info, huh?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WAS_gfccLFWdCqIGmABxmq1Nv6qvRPkthuHRhQ3B5DRQOpETInOp3CWjkWApAU_RrZanzJM-VaFxIvgBqXvMlJlnpJdIWk5DUrGC7hwWxGJVbO-_GlMBuvwANiyC0BwQHUoogwIXS4o/s1600/IMG_3316.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WAS_gfccLFWdCqIGmABxmq1Nv6qvRPkthuHRhQ3B5DRQOpETInOp3CWjkWApAU_RrZanzJM-VaFxIvgBqXvMlJlnpJdIWk5DUrGC7hwWxGJVbO-_GlMBuvwANiyC0BwQHUoogwIXS4o/s320/IMG_3316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128328719650930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And then, once we saw the finish line, we sprinted. It was a blast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fE6-YuXIdO2YyVDvWGP076QIeFvmveqECOfLH3RtdkuMTOWc5hXJ63dvWh3jtHeDozbJUQcqxCp4BglXVGlGs04361HLXHH0ai5vjVDWt6SzYFlL6lUqXtf2u94BTvLrQiSf00iQ2Ng/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fE6-YuXIdO2YyVDvWGP076QIeFvmveqECOfLH3RtdkuMTOWc5hXJ63dvWh3jtHeDozbJUQcqxCp4BglXVGlGs04361HLXHH0ai5vjVDWt6SzYFlL6lUqXtf2u94BTvLrQiSf00iQ2Ng/s320/IMG_3324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128648587596146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So next up:<br />Monster Dash on October 29th and then the Thanksgiving Day Race in Kansas City on T-day 2011!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-91667066672627193622011-09-18T17:38:00.005-05:002011-09-18T17:49:05.904-05:00Our dinner tonightAnother delicious meal was enjoyed in the Hansen house tonight and I had to write about it.<br /><br />I get daily emails from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">allrecipes</a>. I usually ignore them because all they do is make me wish I had the money to go buy the ingredients and cook new and interesting meals. However, when today's came across and I read that first two ingredients and new I had them on hand, I decided to read on.<br /><br />I was missing a couple of ingredients but after reading reviews from others on the site I decided to give it a go, add what I had, and substitute for what I didn't.<br /><br />It was a hit. Warm. Delicious. Hearty. And affordable.<br /><br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/brown-rice-and-black-bean-casserole/detail.aspx">Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole</a><br />My ingredients:<br />1 cup of brown rice<br />1 can of chicken soup broth<br />1 Tbs olive oil<br />1/3 cup diced onion<br />1 medium zucchini thinly sliced (garden produce!)<br />1 green pepper (garden)<br />1/2 tsp cumin<br />1 tsp chopped garlic<br />1 tsp chili powder (I would add more next time to kick it up a notch!)<br />salt to taste<br />1 can black beans, drained<br />1 can of diced tomatoes, drained<br />1 cup of shredded carrots<br />2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese<br /><br />1. Mix the rice and broth in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.<br />2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly grease a large casserole dish.<br />3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion until tender. Mix in the chopped garlic, zucchini and green pepper. Season with cumin, salt, and chili powder. Cook until the zucchini is lightly browned.<br />4. In a large bowl mix the cooked rice, onion and zucchini mixture, beans, tomatoes, carrots and 1/2 of the cheese mixture. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.<br />5. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10 minutes or until bubble and lightly browned.<br />6. Serve with a delicious bread!<br /><br />P.S. I had no idea how much I loved cooking. It's becoming a huge passion of mine. Finding good recipes, creating my own, and making meals that my whole family enjoys. Sorry if you thought you'd get more knitting patterns or projects on this blog. The title is quite misleading!emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767523808326590644.post-6777375255875281132011-09-14T20:27:00.003-05:002011-09-14T20:37:39.494-05:00Our dinner tonightWell, as promised, I made that zucchini dish I mentioned yesterday and it was delicious.<br />Here's the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Zucchini-Provencal/Detail.aspx">recipe</a> and here are my adjustments!<br />Wish I would have snapped a photo because the colors were gorgeous.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 small onion, thinly sliced (I had one from my garden!)<br />1 Tbs olive oil<br />1 medium zucchini, cubed (also from my garden)<br />1 can of diced tomatoes, drained (our tomatoes didn't do nearly as well as we had hoped they would this year)<br />2 Tbs chopped green pepper, about 1/2 of a green pepper (from our garden)<br />3 garlic cloves, minced<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/8 tsp pepper<br />1 Tbs grated parmesan cheese<br />1 Tbs Italian Bread crumbs<br /><br />I sauted the onions in a small skillet with the oil. Then added the rest of the veggies. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Then I poured all the contents into my casserole dish and topped with the bread crumbs and cheese. I then baked the whole thing, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Yum. Absolutely delicious!<br /><br />Served with a grilled steak (probably the last time we'll grill this year as Fall is definitely upon us) and crescent rolls. Oh, and a glass of wine for good measure.emilyhansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12346794186438859388noreply@blogger.com0