The Hansens: March 2009

Monday, March 30, 2009

Grampa's Missionary Scriptures

I started a new tradition in the Hansen Family a while back of reading one verse from the scriptures to Jarekah after breakfast. This morning I came accross my father's scriptures from his mission in Taiwan. I couldn't help but feel proud and so blessed that I have such a wonderful father who set a good example for me and my children.

I remember when my Dad gave me his scriptures. I was 14 years-old and having a hard time with just being a kid. He sat me down and talked with me about "stuff." We were talking and eventually came to the part where he asked me what I liked doing and what about my life had special meaning or significance to me. I remember telling him that I loved music and singing and that was all I felt I had at that time.

He opened his scriptures and turned to Doctrine and Covenants 25:12. I remembered this because it was one of my favorite seminary scriptures, "Worthy Music." We read it together and then he said he wanted me to have his scriptures and read them often.

I must admit that throughout the years I have made a lot of bad choices and hard regrets, but they always led me back to this set of scriptures. They are old and worn and may not look like much to other people, but to me they are worth more than any other treasures one could have. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for what it has brought to my life. I am grateful for a wonderful family who had the best of intentions for me. I am grateful for my beautiful daughter that I will pass these scriptures on to someday. Her precious spirit is so awe inspiring.

Everything we need is right here in the scriptures. All the answers are right in front of us if we just read them. Heavenly Father has given us the tools we need.

Teaching Our Tots

Yesterday was Jarekah's second time going to our ward's nursery at church. She just turned of age three weeks ago. The first week she was able to go, we visited my sister's ward and she went to nursery with her cousin Paisley. She absolutely loves going and has so many little "friends" to play with in our ward. It is great because on Wednesdays we have Mommy and Me playgroup, so Jarekah knows the kids and leaders from her playgroup.

I have to give a shout out to our nursery leaders. They are so wonderful and really make everyone feel welcome. There is structure and it is not just little kids running around bumping into one another.

They have play time where they are able to play with various toys together. After that is snack time. The leaders really go out of their way to provide a lot of snacks that the kids really love. After snack time, one of the sisters comes in and has singing time complete with props. The kids really love this part!

After singing time, there is a lesson of some sort. Yesterday we ran out of time, so they had story time instead. Jarekah is so comfortable in her class and very blessed to have such wonderful nursery leaders. I think next week I am going to try and sneak out so I can go to my wonderful classes...we will see if Jarekah agrees.

Friday, March 27, 2009

My Wonderful Husband And Father Of Our Little Jarekah

Eric just called me from work where he is doing some updates on personal information. Things have been very hard on us lately because of the custody battle for his two daughters from his previous marriage. Long story short, the courts ruled that "it is bad in her household, but not bad enough for the children to be moved."

Anyway, things are finally starting to get back to "normal." I really feel the justice system did a great injustice in Eric's case, but at the same time we have to trust Heavenly Father's plan and realize that everything turns out for a reason.

We had a visit from the Elder's Quorum President and First Counselor this week. Eric was so happy and it was extremely emotional for him. Since being converted and his baptism 16 months ago, Eric has not really been able to attend church services. Unfortunately, in his line of work he is requested to work most Sundays. We have been praying hard that something will happen that will allow him to attend church on Sundays. We are working to get Eric ordained an Elder and working toward the ultimate goal of being sealed together as a family.

I love my husband with all my heart and appreciate all he does for us. He is the hardest working man I have ever known and loves his family. Although he is a convert, he is more spiritual and appreciates the Gospel more than anyone I know. I find myself in awe of him most every day. I have never known such love before. He is a wonderful father and head of our household. Please pray for us that he will be able to attend church services more often. We appreciate all our friends and family and your support.

A Day In The Life Of Jarekah

I woke up this morning and heard a little girl laughing and talking in her bedroom. She is so funny! I got up and went into her room and there she was lying in her crib entertaining herself. She had her favorite stuffed animal "Blackie" in bed with her. Blackie is her black stuffed little puppy dog that Daddy gave her for Valentine's Day.

I followed our morning routine and changed her diaper before making Jarekah her breakfast. Jarekah knows the routine and walked over to her high chair. I picked her up and put her in the chair. I gave her some yogurt bites and turned to make her cereal and get her milk.

This got me thinking...it has been so long since I was a small child. I look at Jarekah sometimes and wonder what is going through her mind. You can see the clockwork turning in her head. She is so smart and is trying new things. I can't help but feel so blessed and so lucky that I have this little girl in my life.

What a little angel! Jarekah is trying to take the keyboard away so she can type.

Jarekah got into the bathroom and grabbed the little cup I use to rinse her hair with in the bathtub.

I don't know if you can see it, but she is giving me the thumbs up sign.

I was in the kitchen making breakfast and noticed my little rockstar. We just got a new game for the Wii and Jarekah loves it! She watches Mama and Daddy sing into the microphone and decided to sing Twinkle, Twinkle before breakfast.

I was making dinner and all of a sudden it got quiet. I went to where Jarekah had been playing and found this...she was so tuckered out she just crashed on the floor.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Blogger Fun

So, I finally figured out how to change the look of our family blog. I have been meaning to do it for a while now, but finally broke down and did it today. I am so much happier with the new look. Thanks for the inspiration Jaclyn!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

SUNRIVER TRIP - March 13, 2009

Eric and I decided we needed a little vacation. It was more like a long drive, but it was great nonetheless! Sunriver, here we come!

This is the resort

View from the resort

Another view from the resort

This was taken right in front of the registration desk

We went for a walk at the resort...this is another view

Jarekah and Daddy outside our lodge

This picture was taken from our lodge room deck

Another view from our deck

EXTREME close-up (I was bored and it was a long drive!)

What a beautiful drive! There was so much snow!

Another gorgeous view on the drive

Eric snapped a picture!

One of the lookouts

I snapped a picture of Eric driving

The little monkey was exhausted...can anyone say, "Are we there yet?"

Another boring moment in the car

Jarekah getting ready for bed

Daddy decided to help her

Jarekah is the queen bee! (She decided to sleep with us and not in her crib!)

Jarekah in the lodge...she was getting into everything. Luckily, nothing broke.

Jarekah scouting out the room while Daddy is finding a movie to watch.

She was getting ready to snag the alarm clock off the end table.

Jarekah and Daddy outside the restaurant in front of the rental car.

Jarekah LOVED the restaurant. It had stuffed animals EVERYWHERE! We had never been to this restaurant before. It's called the Black Bear Diner. Apparently there is one in Beaverton, so we will have to go there.

Aww...she didn't want to let go.

Jarekah and her pal, Big Bear.

There were bears everywhere!

Our Little Baby Is Growing Up!

Our baby is growing up so fast! Every day is a new challenge, a new adventure and a new look. She is so beautiful and such a good baby, I mean little girl, and we are truly blessed.

Close-Up!

Watching her favorite cartoon

Giving Mama the "thumbs up"

Telling me that she NEEDS something

Zoo Trip - March 10, 2009

We're going to the Zoo! My sister Kendra called last night and said she wanted to take the kids to the Zoo. I was a little worried because of the weather and Jarekah has been so sick lately, but I decided to bundle her up and go. I am so glad I did! Jarekah loved the Zoo and seeing all the "babies." Jarekah thinks all animals are her babies. She loved the monkeys the most and wanted to hold them like her stuffed animal monkeys. We encountered snow and it was VERY cold out, but we were able to see a lot of the animals. All in all, it was a very good trip and you can't beat the $2 special price for the day!

amur leopard