The Hansens

We are RELOCATING....

2011-06-01T07:54:00.003-05:00

Kyle and I have always wanted to raise our kids in a small community, like we grew up in. And the perfect opportunity recently presented itself to us. Kyle was contacted by his hometown hospital about a position that would soon be open. He interviewed, and was offered the postion all within 5 days!! He is the new Materials Management Director- and I am so proud of him :) ((Did I mention he starts in less than 2 weeks))

We always wanted to be back "home" by the time Austin went to school, and now it happening sooner than we thought. It is a great opportunty for Kyle, and we will be making some big decisions over the next couple months, and possibly living apart in order for me to find a job up in the area. We are very excited, yet I feel overwhelmed. I am one who doesnt take well to sudden changes, so I find myself getting worked up trying to figure out all the small details. I need to relax and let things happen. It wont be ideal as I will be in Omaha and my boys will be in Ida Grove for a couple months, but we will get thru it. We are making the right decision for our family, and will be happier being close to family and friends.

So we begin packing after 9 years in Omaha, I will sure miss having Wal-Mart and Target right up the street :)
I have a long to do list, so the next couple months may give me a few gray hairs... I wish I could push a button and move ahead 2 months, and be settled into a new house and have a new job and have everything figured out, but life doesnt work that way- so wish us luck on our new adventure :)

Checkout this Giveaway

2011-03-25T15:07:00.001-05:00

Hop on over to http://mavyboo09.blogspot.com/ for a great Scentsy giveaway.
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Just simply.

Blog about the giveaway-20 entries
Follow me-15 entries
Blog about my page-10 entries..

Here is the warmer, and the website I have linked so you can check it out..

http://www.scentsy.net/

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T22:27:00.005-06:00

Hope everyone had a great day!!!
I'm afraid the Burger King playground will be our home away from home until it is nice enough to get to the park......
It makes him so happy though and he loves yelling, "hey kid" and playing with other children:)

Wonderful Weekend

2011-02-13T12:05:00.018-06:00

We had a great weekend!!
Saturday Kyle had to go into work for a few hours, so I made sure that Austin was fed and napped by the time he got home. It was around 40 degrees out so we decided to head to the zoo. The wind was quite chilly, so we went to the indoor exhibits. After about 20 mins of slipping and sliding on the wet cold slick floors in the Gorilla Valley, we decided to head to an IMAX movie. Alaska was playing- but it didnt quite catch Austins attention like Bugs did this past summer.
So we grabbed all our stuff and walked out early and decided to do something a little more "2 year old friendly".
We went to Burger King and had Austins favorite food, "guy guys"- aka french fries. Then we went and played in the playyard area- which Austin loved.

On Sunday Kyle and I went to a movie while our sister in law watched Austin. We rarely get out anymore just the two of us. We definately need to start making that atleast a monthly priority.
We went and saw "Just Go With It", it was a really cute movie. Here is a quick recap;
On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his loyal assistant to pose as his soon-to-be-divorced wife in order to cover up a careless lie he told to his much-younger girlfriend.

Love

2011-02-11T15:58:00.003-06:00

I have no words..... just a smile on my face and love in my heart for this little man!!!!!

Lifestyle Change

2011-02-09T08:13:00.001-06:00

Well.. after alot of contemplating and internal struggle, today is the day. I am starting a healthier lifestyle. Ive struggled with my weight since I was in college, and a few years ago I had lost 35 pounds following the South Beach Diet. But then I got pregnant and gained that back, plus 30 pounds.
I plan to follow South Beach for the most part, but really I going to be making better decisions. It isnt all about dropping the pounds, but becoming healthy and active.
I recently watched Jackie Warners Thintervention and bought one of her workout DVDs, she is such a motivation to me!!
I am excited to start this journey, and have several goals set for myself. I want to be healthy and happy for myself and my health, but also for my family. I want to be able to enjoy all activities with Austin and not be huffing and puffing because I am so out of shape.
I turn 30 in April, which I am not dreading at all. Im looking forward to moving onto a new chapter in my life, and I know by then I will be feeling alot better about myself. It may be selfish, but for the first time in a long time-- my focus is on ME. I am going to make my 30th year the best one yet!!!

Check this out

2011-01-28T11:37:00.001-06:00

Check out this blog for an awesome giveaway and become one of her followers!!!!

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http://mavyboo09.blogspot.com/

Lia Sophia Giveaway.. help me reach 100!!
I absolutely love my blog!!! I want to reach 100 followers, 150, 200, 300 would be great.. I am doing a giveaway a very nice Lia Sophia Bracelet, zebra of course, retails for 58.00.. so help me out girls.

Repost my Giveaway-20 entries
Add an entry about my blog-15 entries
My first 10 new followers will qualify for 10 entries :)

Spread the word.. here is a link as to what the bracelet looks like. (you will have to copy and paste to your browser!! :)

http://www.liasophia.us/sites/corporate/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=101208901&showCrumbs=true

One of those days.....

2010-12-21T09:26:00.006-06:00

It happens........
Running late for work trying to wrestle with a 2 year old to get his coat and hat on. Then I get to the car and realize I forgot to grab my purse. The drive to daycare is filled with screams, "mama-no"
We pull in the babysitters driveway and get out of the car and he decides to lay down on the driveway in front of the car and scream (even though it is apprx 20 degrees outside).
At this point I am almost in tears, and sweating trying to compose myself. We walk in and he looks at me and says, "bye mama", and smiles.
Having a two year old has definitely taught me to be a more patient person :)
On days like this- I remind myself of how sweet he can be and how much I love him.

(And I picture how peaceful and sweet he looks when he is sleeping- lol)

Big boy....

2010-11-23T14:25:00.005-06:00

Austin has not been sleeping well in his crib. He moves around alot in his sleep and does not like the feeling of being "trapped" in his crib. So I thought I would take the front off the crib and let him test the waters of the big boy bed. He was more interested in climbing the rails of the crib though. I snapped a couple pics on my camera phone of our little dare devel in action. (Dont worry-- there is a giant football bean bag chair behind him and I was right there in case he fell)).

Class of 99

2010-09-18T23:41:00.001-05:00

We had our 11 year class reunion this past weekend. Odd isnt it, well we can thank facebook for even planning an 11 year. It was alot of fun seeing old classmates. We started the day out in Mapleton golfing, then went and toured the new high school and walked thru the old school. Ahh, the memories.
In the afternoon we met at the Danbury City Park, and tailgated and watched the Iowa vs Iowa State game. In the evening we met at the local bar in Danbury and had a great time.

Will try to post some pics later

Back to Work

2010-08-28T11:36:00.005-05:00

I started a new job a couple weeks ago- after several months of looking. I am now at Lincoln Financial Group here in Omaha in the Insurance Solutions department and so far I love it. I was unsure how Austin would adapt to going back to daycare. But he is fine, I think he missed April and all his little friends. Every morning he says, "bye bye- chi chi". Aprils dog is named Chi Chi, so I know he wants to go, and that makes me very happy.

Tornado Drill

2010-07-27T10:28:00.003-05:00

We have had a few really bad storms so far this summer. The tornado siren is literally across the street, so there is no missing it. We gather up a few toys and head to the bathroom to wait out the storm. As you can see this is Austins time to play with the toilet paper. We have had some minimal damage with the 65 mph winds and a couple screens have blown off, but nothing major.

Summer Fun

2010-07-16T12:22:00.006-05:00

This summer has been alot of fun. Since being let go from TDAmeritrade, Ive been a stay at home mom. Austin and I have had a blast this summer and Im so lucky to have been able to spend every day with him, enjoying new activities-exploring-laughing-crying and playing togethor.
The summer was filled with many trips to the zoo, park, pool and alot of lazy afternoon naps togethor.

Baby makes 4

2010-04-10T21:17:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday Austin and I came up to Ida Grove to watch our friend Angie & Neal's little boy Brady, while they headed to Sioux City to have baby boy number 2!!
It was nice to get out of Omaha and enjoy being with friends, and Austin loved playing with all his little buddies.
On Thursday afternoon Brogan Louis joined the Watkins family- He is adorable and we are so happy for them.

Easter -- Part 2

2010-04-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

Easter Sunday we made the trip up to Battle Creek to spend the day with my family. We had a very nice time, ate too much and played Rumikubs. My Aunt Dina and I took Austin up to feed a couple horses at the edge of town. He wasn't too sure of the horses at first, as they are pretty tame and came right up to us. I miss small town atmosphere. I cant drive a few blocks in Omaha to feed horses anytime I want :(

Easter - Part 1

2010-04-05T20:52:00.000-05:00

Saturday we had Easter in Omaha with the Hansen family. We let Austin have his easter basket in the morning before we headed over to Kyles brothers house for dinner. He is in love with his new golf clubs- would be great if he is the next Tiger Woods (without the infidelity of course :)

Good Friends

2010-03-15T20:22:00.004-05:00

Saturday we made the trip up to Ida Grove for Lexi's third birthday party. Its great that our friends have kids close to Austins age. I hope they will grow up to be the best of friends. Austin had a great time playing, and it was nice to catch up and enjoy everyones company.

Weekends at the farm

2010-03-14T20:49:00.001-05:00

Sunday we went out to my parents house for lunch. Austin has really been into books lately. When I'm not reading to him he will sit and talk in his own language and pretend that he is reading. He even got grandpa to read him a book.

Ch..Ch..Changes

2010-03-10T20:15:00.000-06:00

It has been well over a month since I last blogged. Alot has happened and the past 6 weeks have been quite stressful. After 4 years of working at TD Ameritrade, I was let go rather abruptly. I was very surprised that it happened, and the reason was a pitiful excuse in my mind. But I wont get into all that, as it still upsets me how I was treated. But when one door closes another one opens.

One nice thing is that I have been able to stay home with Austin :)
I wish I could be a stay at home mom indefinitely, but I know I will need to find a different job in the next couple months (but for now we are enjoying spending ALOT of quality time together)

Getting into things......

2010-02-11T15:24:00.007-06:00

Austin amazes us each day, he is doing the silliest things and getting into stuff every second. For some reason he insists on coming into the bathroom with me, and he is itching to play in the toilet. After I coerce him out of the bathroom, he darts over to the fridge or the pantry.

He sure keeps us on our toes, but I wouldnt want it any other way :)

The Love Dare

2010-02-10T10:42:00.003-06:00

Kyle and I have decided to complete the LoveDare Challenge. Today is day one, and I'm excited to start this process, and help strenghen our relationship. At times we get so caught up in the day to day tasks that we don't spend quality time together. Have you heard of this book, or know anyone that has completed it? It so, we would love to hear your feedback.

The Love Dare personally leads you through daily devotionals, records your thoughts and experiences, and ends each day daring you to perform a simple act of love for your spouse. This 40-Day journey equips you to melt hardened, separated hearts into an enduring love that can withstand the flames of fear, pride and temptation. The Love Dare book will help you reinforce and enrich your marriage.

These boots were made for.......

2010-02-08T13:22:00.007-06:00

I got my hair done Saturday (got rid of the horrid "mom hair") and I felt the need to go shoe shopping. What girl doesnt love that!! I have to admit that since having Austin I have let myself go a bit. With my weight and my hair style and clothes. So when I saw these boots.... I knew they were made for ME!!! I got them at DSW 30% off-- and I LOVE THEM. We went to a surprise birthday party Saturday night for my husbands brother, and I wore them with my jeans tucked into them, and a cute little blue shirt I got at Ann Taylor Loft with a tan cardigan!! I felt pretty stylish- fun to get to dress up every once in a while.

It was my day for deals.. Ann Taylor Loft was having a great sale too!!!

Jakester Shoes by Rileyroos

2010-02-03T16:06:00.002-06:00

Be sure to check out http://brodyfrancis.blogspot.com/
She is having a great giveaway- A pair of these adorable shoes that come in 4 different colors and range from size 3-24 months.

Pancakes and Peaches

2010-02-02T09:27:00.004-06:00

We have started the tradition of having pancakes on Sunday mornings. And let me tell you, Austin is like a garbage disposal. He ate 3 small pancakes, a cup of peaches, fruit puffs, a 8 oz bottle AND.. he wanted more. It is kind of gross how much this kid can eat.... Does anyone else have a kid that eats and eats and eats- or do you have picky eaters?
He is around 50% on the full term baby scale for weight- so I dont think we need to be concerned. It just amazes us at how much he chows down.

Ive been bad...........

2010-01-25T09:04:00.002-06:00

Ive been bad...........A bad blogger that is. I realized that I haven't blogged in over a month, and I vow to get back on the blogging bandwagon. I need to get all our Christmas pictures printed and sorted thru and posted. So that is the goal for this week :)
We had a fun weekend at home. Austin is on the verge of walking- which makes us so happy. Looking back to what we were doing a year ago- ( he was at home hooked up to the apnea monitor- stuck at home because it was RSV season)-
Its amazing how much he has grown and changed- it has been the best year of our lives!! This little guy amazes us each day. ( He takes after his dad- has no desire to let go of the remote))

Big boy car seat

2009-12-20T15:43:00.003-06:00

We finally moved our little pumpkin into a toddler car seat. We got the forward facing seat for Kyles car, since Austin is only that car to and from daycare. Anytime we leave town or go out as a family we take mine.
We let him check it out, and he loved it. He gets so excited that he gets to sit forward in daddy's car and look out the windows like a big boy.

(I swear Austin doesnt live in pajamas.. It seems every picture on here he has bed head and is lounging)

No Fun

2009-12-18T09:50:00.005-06:00

Our little guy hasnt been feeling the best. Took him to the doctor yesterday... Broncholitis/RSV.....
We will be giving him breathing treatments every 4 hours, which ends in both of us crying. He fights it so much, and we have to hold him down... breaks my heart. Will be a long weekend.

Big Hair

2009-12-17T15:20:00.004-06:00

For those of you that know me- you know that I LOVE big hair!!! My friends would give me so much grief in college because it would take me a good two hours to get ready - What can I say- it takes time to get that "prom" hair just right :)
I cut 15 inches off after I had Austin, and Im ready to grow it back out. My Bump-Its are waiting to be used.
Check out this link-- talk about the perfect bump :) Or as it must be called in the south "Poof"... :)

http://brodyfrancis.blogspot.com/2009/12/hair-poofing-101.html

Thankful

2009-12-15T11:07:00.002-06:00

I came into work today to find gifts on my desk. They were wrapped and said "To a Good Boy- From Santa".
I asked around and no one knew who they were from. Well, finally I figured it out. A girl that I work with is teaching her 10 year old daughter the importance of giving.
And she wanted to buy something for Austin. Her daughter even used her own money to get him the gifts.
We are so blessed to have such great friends. All to often we get caught up in ourselves and materialistic things. I am so thankful that she thought of Austin, and that she would do that out of the kindness of her heart.
I am looking forward to instilling these values in Austin :)

Little Elf

2009-12-14T15:19:00.001-06:00

We pulled the Christmas PJ's out last night. And I couldn't stop hugging and cuddling with my little elf.
He is surprisingly a very good listener and doesn't bother the Christmas tree, or the cat food, and never goes by the stairs.
But I wanted a picture of him in front of the tree, he sat pretty well. I hope he doesn't dash for the tree tonight when we get home :)

Birthday Presents!!

2009-12-11T11:34:00.011-06:00

Austin had been fighting a cold, and was not a happy camper. So we cancelled his Birthday Party :(
I didnt want him to get worse, or to get anyone else sick. So he opened his presents at home, and wasnt too sure why we were staring at him with the camera and video-camera :)

I didnt bother changing his stained shirt, or trying to comb down his lovely bedhead. We will always remember how the first birthday didnt go exaclty according to plan.

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-07T09:03:00.011-06:00

I love following the blog "Kelly's Korner" and thought I would get crafty after seeing some neat tree toppers on her entry "Show us your life- Christmas Trees".
Typically I dont have the time or the patience to do scrapbooking-crafts-etc, but I thought I would give it a try.
I went to Hobby Lobby and gathered up the goodies, went home and spraypainted-curled ribbons- put glitter on pine cones, and felt like Martha Stewart ;)
I am happy with the outcome- although its not exactly what I had pictured.

WEEKEND IN IOWA

2009-11-23T14:29:00.012-06:00

My parents went to Dallas for the weekend to visit my brother and sister-in-law, so this was a great weekend to have some "me" time. I headed up to Iowa Friday after work, and had a long relaxing weekend "dog-sitting". Well, it would of been more relaxing if there weren't 3 dogs to control ;)
Snickers- the 7 year old Rat Terrier loves to play ball and bark.

Luke- the 3 year old Cocker Spaniel wouldn't let the other dogs near me- he was taking advantage of my parents being gone by acting out - bc he knows I will let him :)

Laddie- the 8 month old Brittney Spaniel is WILD......

This was the first time I had spent the weekend at my parents alone without my beloved Buddy.... It was hard being there without him. We would go for car rides and walks and he was quite the snuggler. He was with us for 12 years- and it is very hard going to my parents knowing he wont be there to greet me :( He passed away in April- so it is still very fresh for me. I love this picture of him, taking a ride to town with dad in the truck. This was taken a few days before he died. This is Buddy at his happiest :) (notice his hawkeye collar ;)

Mom and Dad had a nice time touring the new Cowboys stadium, and hitting up the local farmers markets and antique shops. My brother even took my dad to his first NFL game. Too bad it was a boring one- Cowboys beat the Redskins 7-6.
By the time Sunday rolled around I was ready to head home to pet-family of 2 cats!!! I was definitely missing my little man

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN

2009-11-19T09:52:00.007-06:00

Our little monkey turned one yesterday. We opened presents and had cake- just the three of us. Austin wasn't too sure about his cupcake though, and he did not like getting messy. Lets hope he continues to be like that :)

It is amazing that he has been with us for a year. We love him so much, and he has brought us closer togethor as husband and wife. We have learned to me more loving and patient, we now stop and enjoy the moments as they happen.

It was a rough year, but I wouldnt change a thing. The trips to the hospital, the sleeples nights, the occasional ear infections... It was all worth it :)

We are excited to see what the next year will bring. All the things Austin will learn and experience. We love so much Austin :)

One Year

2009-11-18T11:23:00.006-06:00

One year ago today I was in the hospital hooked up to all kinds of monitors, wondering if I would have a premature baby. I was told I had HELLP Syndrome and the only way for my body to heal was to deliver the baby. At 5:32 PM Austin was born! This past year has brought so many challenges, emotions, and a feeling of indescribable unconditional love.

I am very excited to start new traditions, and fill Austins life with love and happiness. Im anxious to pick him up from the babysitter tonite, to give him presents and to let him eat his cake :) His birthday party isnt for another week, so he should be a pro at making a mess with his cake and with ripping open presents.

Its funny- looking at him now, I cant believe he was just 3lb 9oz when he was born.

Halloween

2009-11-02T14:45:00.011-06:00

Halloween was pretty uneventful. We didn't take Austin out for Trick-or-Treating. I figured he wont remember that he didn't get to go. We did dress him up for pictures in his cute little dragon costume though. Erica and Tyler came over and had pictures taken with him in their costumes as well.We had a nice weekend at home. Watched another exciting Iowa game- I thought for sure we were going to lose. And that is why I took a nap with Austin in the third quarter. To my surprise I woke up and didn't believe Kyle when he said that they had won.
On Sunday Erica, Karmen and I went to see the Michael Jackson movie "This Is It". I found myself wanting to get up and sing and dance (even though i cant do either). We even had some hard core fans in the theatre with us. At the beginning of the movie, some woman decided to yell- "We love you Michael" and alot of people would clap after each performance.

GO HAWKS N STATE

2009-10-26T11:46:00.007-05:00

On Saturday Kyle, Kim and I went to Lincoln for the Husker-Cyclone game. For anyone that knows me-- I am NOT a husker fan- I always root against them. So I was very excited that Iowa State pulled it off.

We got home and Austin got to show off his Iowa gear. He got to stay up and watch some of the game, but was not happy when it was time to go to bed.

Weekend at the Farm

2009-10-19T08:23:00.007-05:00

Packed up and went to Iowa for the weekend. Austin is such a great traveler now (granted its only 2 hours). Spent some time in Ida Grove with friends and family. Sunday we headed to the farm-- I'm really hoping Austin will grow up appreciating the outdoors and will enjoy spending time with Grandpa Jerry "working" on the farm. We let him sit in the tractor and 'attempt' to steer and honk the horn. It was too wet in the field to go for a ride in the combine- but we did get a couple pictures. Austin loves being outside- he gets the 'zoned out' look on his face and just takes everything in. Hoping that next time he will get to go for a ride.

Halloween Gift

2009-10-08T15:41:00.006-05:00

We gave Austin his Halloween present last night.. Little silly halloween things in the traditional pumpkin bucket. And he was soo scared of the bucket for some reason… As you can tell by his face!!! And I was giggling-- which made him even more upset :( I think some of it was for show-- wonder where he gets that little attitude (maybe daddy!!)
After a while-- he actually picked up some of his gifts, and started playing with them.

Birthday Girl

2009-10-03T15:17:00.004-05:00

We had a nice evening at Kevin and Karmens house for Ericas 10th Birthday. I cant believe how fast she is growing up- makes me think that Austin will be 10 before we know it. Austin showed off his new skill- crawling!! When it was time for the cake he was fascinated by the candles and tried grabbing for the cake. I hope he has the same reaction on his first birthday.