hanchett

Round and around and around

2011-09-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, I was trying to teach Audrey how to spin in a circle...

...I think she caught on.

Growing up so fast!

2011-09-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

The other day, Audrey was playing by herself and out of the blue she picked up a hat and actually said 'hat'. It caught Lyle and me off guard because we haven't told her the word-and it makes me realize how big my little girl is getting way too fast!

Audrey rubbing Daddy's head

It also reminds me every day how thankful I am for a healthy, happy, easy-going little girl. There isn't a day that she makes Lyle and me laugh even on the rough ones.

Some of the other things Audrey has learned...

-when she's eating and finished, we taught her how to say finished in sign
language...but one of the days she said 'all done'.
-she can fold her arms and bow her head and the other night we told her it was
bedtime so she folded her arms and bowed her head and we said family prayer
together.
-last night she was throwing her toys out of the kitchen drawer and then climbed in
(another achievement) but then when she was done, she cleaned up her toys.
-she points out airplanes
-how to share/feed George-her monkey
-throw the ball for Jazz-she's pretty good!

That's just a few of the recent changes. She's no longer a baby!

Such a silly girl!

And we sure love her!

My Buddy and Me

2011-09-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I've posted any pictures of her buddy but this is a doll that her Aunt Trina made for her and she just loves her! She will drag her around and sit on her. I thought this video was pretty cute. She also LOVES being in the bumbo seat now that she doesn't HAVE to sit in it. :)

Fiesta Playplace

2011-09-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

One of the summer days that it was 110+ Audrey and I REALLY needed out of the house so we went to the Fiesta Mall and played on the play place. Audrey had so much fun and learned quickly that you play with the slide by going up the slide and down the stairs. :) (I'm pretty sure Daddy taught her this)

More Dancing-for Nana to see

2011-09-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you can't tell by now, my daughter LOVES to dance to EVERYTHING! TV, radio, phone ring, toy music...ANYTHING! She is just the cutest thing and I love watching her shake it all the time! So this is just a small sample of what I see every day...this is mainly for Nana because she requested it.

I have such a sweet little girl!

Road Trip! Part 3

2011-08-30T12:54:00.001-07:00

Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, AZ

Canyon de Chelly is a canyon with ruins from the indians (I'm thinking Aztec but I could be wrong). It is one of three...Mesa Verde, Mexico and Chinle. We have been to the others and so we decided to see the last of the three.

It is the only one where today they still live in the canyon.

This ruin, The White House, was the only one you could hike to without a guide and it was ONLY 3 miles round trip. So we headed down...600 feet down in 1.5 miles...whew! When we got to the ruin, we discovered you couldnt actually go to it...just view from a distance. All that work for a closer view...hmmm. At least they had bathrooms down there! :)

On the way down I had Audrey on my back and she passed out. On the way back up...well Dad had her or I wouldn't have made it back up.
Mom was having lung problems due to the cottonwoods at the bottom so I was enlisted to be her cheerleader...Keri and Dad went ahead...and mom and I......well we went from rock to rock, shade to shade...and we EVENTUALLY made it (mom got feeling better and we changed rolls) to the top many hours later.

Audrey loved being with Tia and of course collecting her rocks.

We eventually headed back to Albuquerque, NM and spent time with Grandma and Grandpa Hanchett before Audrey and I flew home to Phoenix tired and ready to see Daddy again.

Road Trip! Part 2

2011-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

St. George, Utah to Chinle, AZ

I love the town or St. George how it's nestled into the sides of bright red mountains. So beautiful especially with the white temple that stands out of it all.
We were able to stay with Keri's old roommate and great friend, Ami Jo (thanks ami!) and Ami's sister was to willing to watch Audrey while the adults went to see The Little Mermaid. It was a theater that was set into the mt side and allowed them to flood the stage and give the crowd the feel of being underwater. It was an amazing production!
The next day brought the longest drive of the trip but Audrey was such a good sport! It did help of course that Tia was so willing to entertain her. At one point, Keri was talking to the adults and Audrey decided to entertain herself...

We passed through Zions National Park and saw SO MANY beautiful sights!

This hole in the rock is for light to come thru for the road that goes thru the mountain...all natural light.

Even Audrey got into the sightseeing! Tia taught her "Look!" and she would say "Look!" and point out the window.

We Also stopped at the dam at Lake Powell and went into the visitor's center.

The funny thing about this picture is that Audrey was so fascinated by rocks she would collected a rock from everyplace we went.

After a long day, we FINALLY pulled into Chinle, AZ. Toward the last part, Audrey was wrestless (we all were) and as soon as we pulled into Chinle, Keri and I started cheering and Audrey joined in the celebration. It had been an 8 hr drive.

Road Trip! Part 1

2011-08-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

At the end of June (starting our six weeks of constant travel), Audrey and I did our first road trip of the summer with Nana, Papa, and Tia. In one week, we went from Las Vegas, Nevada to St. George, Utah to Chinle, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico. 1,073 miles round trip!

First stop: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA!
On our way there, we stopped at the new Hoover Dam By Pass Bridge...it's high! Yowzers!
Then we made our way to Vegas where we stayed at the Stratosphere.

Great view! :) You can't see it in this view, but we could see part of the strip and if you looked up you could watch part of the tower jumpers go off.
Keri use to live in Vegas and while she was there we all discovered that Vegas is the best place to SHOP!

Papa and Nana showing Audrey the fish at Caesar's Palace
We also got free passes up the tower for a great view (it took some convincing on dad and keri's part because I was so nervous of the hieght.) but it was worth it!

There was also sightseeing at the Bellagio

(my favorite part of vegas!) to see the waters and the flower room

Audrey was not quite sure of the dancing waters at first but eventually relaxed and started dancing.
We played hard and were very tired but ready to move on to our next stop...St. George, UT (Part 2)
Audrey couldn't leave papa alone!
Side note: Audrey fell in love with papa on this trip and she even learned the word Papa. She couldn't sleep while we were there and so my WONDERFUL mother was able to convince her to relax and my parents were sweet enough to let her sleep in bed with them. So in the mornings, Audrey thought it was the most wonderful thing that she could wake up next to Papa!

shakin' it

2011-08-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Floating along

2011-07-06T11:26:00.002-07:00

Audrey (I'm not a proud mom at all!) is such a fish! She loves swimming and with her floaties on, she can swim on her own! So now that she's realized how wonderful those floaties are, they are her new favorite thing in and out of the pool.

2011-07-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Wagon love and addiction

2011-07-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

We bought Audrey a wagon for her birthday. It's funny because she won't sit in the stroller much anymore because it's for babies but she will sit for forever in her big girl wagon!

Flowers just for the girls

2011-07-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

What do you do when it's 100+ degrees outside?

2011-07-06T11:05:00.001-07:00

And wait for Dad to come home.

Happy 1st Birthday, Audrey Elise!

2011-07-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

It is late, I know, but on Cinco de Mayo we celebrated Audrey's first birthday! First, let me say how fast the first year went! Audrey has brought so much joy and laughter into our lives! She is so sweet and loves playing and laughing. She is so good at her "fake" laugh and loves playing "where's Audrey" and (I love it!) especially loves cuddling. She is so beautiful and has a sweet spirit about her. I thank the Lord every day for this sweet blessing!

Ok, back to the birthday party, we had Grandma and Grandpa Hanchett, Nana and Papa Van Vleet, Aunt Jilly, Great Grandma n Grandpa Hanchett, our wonderful neighbors-the Flegers, Doug n Brenda, Jess n Brian, Jim n Sara, the Greens and a few others. It was quite the "small" party!

Lyle and I made the cake, and Krista and I made the alphabet cupcakes.

Audrey got quite the haul for a little one year old! Tricycle, peek-a-boo blocks, popper walker, clothes, a singing cooking pot, books, and her first baby dolls.
Once we blew out the candle, she did pretty good at diving in considering she was sick and couldn't keep any food down...poor thing!
She was such a good sport and of course loved all the attention!
We love you, Audrey Elise!

The Haboob

2011-07-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is really a true word...it's what a huge dust storm is called during a monsoon and we experienced one last night. It was pretty cool! Lyle just pulled in from work and mentioned for me to look outside. When I did, there was a huge dark cloud that was moving so fast towards the north...this was at 7pm when the sun was still out but once the haboob hit us, it was instant night.

What happens is during a monsoon storm, the clouds all gather and drop cold rain and when the rain stops it continues to force cold air down which then picks up the dust and forces a huge wall of dust forward.

image by Stan Celestian, Glendale Community College

This was before we ran into the house.

And this was 30 minutes after.

This was the next day...our cars were covered with dust.

The art of drinking

2011-04-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Audrey loves water and loves even more to drink it out of the "adult" cups. She ends up wearing 90% of it on her clothes but still loves it.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T11:48:00.001-07:00

Dancing Queen

2011-04-25T11:43:00.001-07:00

Aunt Jess gave us some toys and out of the whole bag, Audrey took a liking...no a loving to this one...

She can't even give up the chance of dancing to Lyle singing...

Body Pillow Love

2011-04-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

We bought new body pillows and Audrey discovered how fun they could be.

Hanging Out

2011-04-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

One day Audrey went thru four outfits and so at one point she was chilling in her cousin's bigger pants that wouldn't stay up. She didn't care her diaper was hanging out...she had business to do.

sleeping styles of Audrey Elise

2011-04-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

Found my camera! Time to catch up

2011-04-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy:

Lyle has been working a few side jobs with Doug (dirt and weed work on 70 acres of land, construction on a new counter for a small business, helping put in cabinets in my parents house, and so many others) AND working almost 10 hour days monday thru friday at work.
working on the paint machine
Then coming home to his smiley daughter

and playing with her until bedtime (literally-on his way to put her down he is still throwing her in the air and blowing raspberries on her tummy). We hardly see him lately but when we do we really enjoy having him home.

Audrey, not interested in crawling quite yet, has still managed to get around. Passing up many of her friends and cousin, she is now a healthy 25lbs (it's all in her Buddha belly and thunder thighs) and is turned facing front in her big girl car seat. Fearless-thanks to her Daddy-she loves crawling on the play set
and going face first down (something she wouldn't do a few weeks ago), riding on her Daddy's shoulders, walking with the assistance of mom and dad, eating lemons, and drinking out of a water bottle (even if it all ends up on her front side).

She is also quite the dancing queen! Any song that comes on, she can't seem to NOT dance to it. she'll even have her moments of 'I'm so tired and don't want to dance, but this song is so good' and will shake it any way.
The other thing she has discovered is her baby dolls and George.

She is such a good mommy to them and makes sure they behave by sitting on them and smacking their heads of they get out of line! :)

She sure keeps me busy!

I love my busy life!

She's been busy

2011-03-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

She's almost walking!! She has started to gain more confidence by walking holding the toy cart.

Audrey decided to crawl into the open drawer cabinets while we were helping put in the counter tops at my parents place.

Monkey Business

2011-03-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

Audrey has decided that the best way to get around the house is:

I have a feeling she'll be walking soon!

2011-03-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

I still can't find my camera but have a temporary one. Until I figure this one out, here's another reason why I love my job and why Lyle can't wait to get home from work each day. :)

2011-01-31T18:44:00.000-08:00

I can't find my camera! Sorry! As soon as I find it I will get you pictures!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

We hope you all have a great holiday with family and friends and a great new year!

Family Pictures

2010-12-16T12:51:00.001-08:00

It's been busy since thxgiving, but this is what we've been up to:

2010-12-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

Since the week of Thanksgiving, we have been so busy between Lyle's long hours at work and Audrey and the puppies and the roof and so much more.

Thanksgiving we had all our wonderful family come (both sides) and help us with our roof. We had SO MANY people that we had to turn some away...(thanks to our neighbors anyways!) and we got it done in two days and it looks SO good! Thanks to everyone!! We really appreciated your willingness!

The puppies are all sold! We fought with keeping our ad up on Craigslist but finally gave up and put an ad in the paper and online paper on Sunday and then by that Thursday they were sold!

We then had Gma n Gpa Hanchett back the next week for manager meetings and we took them to the temple lights and they loved introducing Audrey to Christmas.

They defiantly had a great time with her...

And while Gpa n Daddy were busy in meetings, Gma n Mamma went clothes & shoe shopping n Audrey kept herself busy-she takes after her Tia!

We also had our friends over...
Audrey with Boyle kids

Audrey with Richin Twins

AND we have also been busy because Audrey has figured out how to actually crawl and now she's gone! I keep finding her under the Christmas tree with ornaments in her hands and her mouth around a gift.

In all the small amount of spare time, we've been enjoying the beautiful weather (80 degrees!) and so much more!

Puppies 4 Sale!

2010-11-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

We are selling our ADORABLE Pure Bred Chocolate Lab puppies.

AKC Registered! The stud was a champion hunter and is part of a line of champs, and the mom (wonderful Jaz) is very good with kids and has a great temperament! 5 girls, 1 boy.

They were born October 27th, 2010 and will be ready to go to a good home the week of December 8th. They will make wonderful Christmas gifts!

If you or someone you know is interested, contact Lyle at 602-390-6214. They're so cute they'll go fast!

Crawling 101

2010-11-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Audrey is SO close to crawling! She will get up on her knees and scoot them forward and then colapse. Now that she knows she will colapse, in her final forward attempt, she will use her legs and thust herself forward. It gets her there!

The other night, (Lyle is SO excited for her to be crawling!) Lyle decided to give Audrey a lesson on how to crawl.

Anytime now she will be getting into everything!

Bubbles!

2010-11-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Audrey's new discovery has been bubbles. She LOVES them and is very curious about them.

Crashed

2010-11-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

Now that my daughter has learned to get around (not yet crawling), she won't stop-there's too much to explore and see (she takes after her cousins!). This night, she had gone all day with little sleep. She never takes naps unless she's in mom's arms or in her crib. I got home from the store and when I walked in Lyle commented to me that Audrey was crabby so he put her under her gym to roll n play. A few minutes later, I went in to check on her and she was passed out cold in the middle of playing. That NEVER happens!

Special Delivery!

2010-11-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Lyle n I decided it was time to breed Jaz and so at the beginning of September, we sent her to spend time with a stud. It was a great set up for the dog because there was a pool n all in the enclosure.

The stud was a pure chocolate lab too, and was a champion hunter with a line of champ hunters.

About Oct 22, Lyle's parents came for a visit and looked at Jaz and kept saying anytime...well three days after they left, Jaz caught us off guard by showing signs Tuesday night so Lyle set up the pen with a box and checked on her all night...well she decided to wait and start having them midday on Wednesday.
It was such a cool experience to go through (my first) and we got to share it with our neighbors and friends. She had the Wednesday, October 27th, 2010. We thought at first that she was only going to have females since the first 6 were girls but the last was a male-and all are chocolate! It's all a rare combination but so fun!
Jaz has changed so much and is such a good mother! She of course has her times of wanting to be away from them which is funny but can you blame her?! What mother wouldn't need time away from her 7 crying children! :) but of course she goes right back to them and cares for them.

Oh and it's perfect because the puppies will be grown n ready to seel two weeks before Christmas!
Anyone want a chocolate lab puppy for Christmas?

Happy Halloween

2010-11-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

I forgot to get pictures other than these two but Lyle went as a knight (he didn't want to go to the ward party but I convinced him and then he decided to go wiht his sword and all was better!) and I went as a smartie pants (smarties pinned to my pants) but of course Audrey was the best in hers from her Tia.

wildlife world zoo

2010-11-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

we spent the day with our cousins at the zoo. This place was huge and had so many fun things to see!
Christian hadn't napped the whole time n at one point he was slap happy n laughing at EVERYTHING! :)
All the kiddos passed out on the ride home.

Sunday Morning Photo Shoot

2010-11-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

killing time in the sink while mom gets ready!

Heaven Sent

2010-10-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lyle n I have been needing to fix our roof and we were trying to decide when to do it. Finally, we decided that we would do it around Thanksgiving even though we didn't know how we were going to pay for it. Literally, a week after our decision, our house was hammered by an unusual hail storm and it tore our roof apart even more so we now have money to fully fix the roof!
It was truly a blessing!

Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta

2010-10-21T17:08:00.001-07:00

I LOVE FALL! This year, Erin and her fam and Lyle n Audrey n I made it down this year to the Balloon Fiesta and we had so much fun!! It was especially fun to see the kiddos enjoy the balloons.

Best job in the world!

2010-10-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Need I say more? Oh we love her!!!

labor day...

2010-09-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

...the right way-relaxing while mom does all the work.

First Solids!

2010-09-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Her first reaction...

When she finally realized that the spoon held yummy food, she was sold on it and ate the whole bowl. She did so well for a first time!

Reaching for the stars...or a cup

2010-09-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Every time I drink from my big water cup she watches the cup and seems so interested in it. Well Daddy was drinking his with her in his lap and she decided to go for it and explore what that thing was.

Who needs toys when they have a big cup?!

Pillow Talk

2010-09-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Daddy can always get his little girl laughing!

and just for Nana...

Our sweet baby is now 4 months!!
Measurements:

Height: 24.5 inches-57 percentile
Head circumference: 15 3/4-percentile
Weight: 11lbs 13oz-14 percentile

She is good and healthy. At 4 months they should be close to doubling their birth weight but she's not there yet so we are suppose to start rice cereal now. They dr. attributes it to a very active baby especially since she's already rolling both ways.

We just LOVE our sweet Audrey!

Rolling, rolling, rolling

2010-08-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

shes got it! she rolls and then is so mad she's back on her tummy!

What She's Doing Now

2010-08-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

-Attempting to roll from the back to the tummy. (Tummy to back no prob)

-Growing bigger and bigger and more beautiful everyday!

-Playing and jumping in her new jumper (thanks Jake and Maria!)-her legs are already
so strong even before the jumper!

-Staying busy traveling around her gym

-Learning how to go to bed early (7:30 and not stay up until midnight with the grown-ups) with a routine including a reading of Goodnight Moon.

-Loving her Daddy

-Having more tub time and fixating on her hands.
"my precious!"-It's very serious with some time to laugh! :)

-Discovering the wonders of a pacifier.

-And meeting Jazmine

Staying busy!

While Mom and Dad were Away...

2010-08-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

...Miss Audrey got to play with her Nana and Pappa. She had such a great time and my parents just fell in love with my easy-going-daughter, I didn't think they were going to give her back!

From what I am told, she was such a good influence on the little kids my sister fosters, AND she had my dad wrapped around her finger by the first day!
Pappa's Golf watching buddy

They also discovered that she LOVES taking baths.

And she of course gave Nana and Pappa a break by sleeping through the night.

There really were just smiles all around (even though Mommy and Daddy terribly missed her!)

Lyle and I didn't fly in until Saturday night at 11 and so we had just accepted the fact that she would be asleep and we'd have to wait 'til the morning to see her. We got off the plane and walked around a sign and my mom was standing there with our sweet baby in her arms! It was such a welcomed surprise!

Even now, my mom calls and tells me how much she misses Audrey. I'm glad she had so much fun and was well taken care of!

P.S. It'll be a few days before I can finish the final towns for the cruise. I have to wait for the last of the pictures to come from Wes.

Alaskan Cruise-Day 5-Sitka, Alaska

2010-08-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

This was Sitka. It was my favorite place and where Lyle and I went whale watching. It was such a pretty little town, very quiet and welcoming, but the pictures I got of it got mixed up into Wes' so I will have to continue on and come back to Sitka.

The night after being in Sitka, we were told that we might be able to see the Aurora Borealis. If we could see it, it would be between 11 and midnight and many of the group fell asleep, but Lyle and Grandma and I made it up. We never saw it but what we did see that was cool was another cruise ship all lit up and you could hear the ocean moving below us but couldn't see it and it was pretty un-nerving but this video was pretty cool to get.

Alaskan Cruise-Day 4-Glacier Bay

2010-08-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

This place was just as amazing! It's a bay full of glaciers and the only way to access it is by boat. You have to have a permit to go inside and we had to pick up a ranger at the visitor center and they gave us a play by play of the area and then the other part of being able to be in there was we had to sit in front of certain glaciers for an hour and have nothing else going on on the ship so that all attention was turned to the glaciers.
Glacier Bay is "comprised of 3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, forests and waterways...it is one of the world's largest protected natural areas". Millions of years ago, Glacier bay was one big glacier but is now many smaller glaciers. They say that the glaciers have retreated but not necessarily because of greenhouse effect. It's mostly because they're sitting on water that is constantly moving and changing. Some of the glaciers in Glacier Bay are actually advancing!
Our first glacier to see was the Reid Glacier.

Then Lamplugh (pronounced lam-ploo)

Around this point,

they call Jawdrop Point because it opens up to the John Hopkins Glacier and the view is GORGEOUS!! We couldn't go into the area and get closer because the area was well known as a birthing ground for seals so bigger ships couldn't go in but it was still amazing!

John Hopkins Glacier

Marjerie Glacier was the coolest because it was constantly changing and even while we were there, a few pieces fell off into the water and it was like thunder!

You can see the dirty water coming out of the bottom. It's a mud river from the glacier. From rivers like this, sediment is carried out and because it stays in the water for so long for miles, the water looks very tropical.
this iceberg was covered in little birds.
Right by Marjerie (in one of the pictures to the far right it looks like mud and rock but it's the Grand Pacific Glacier and a few miles behind it is the Canadian Border. This one is not white and blue like the others because of all the mud other things that have flowed down over it.

In that area (Marjerie and Grand Pacific) the Puffin birds like to hang out. We got a picture of them but they are so small (they are smaller than I thought the bird was-and they weren't far from the boat so they weren't small because of distance) that you can only see two black dots in the water, but that is them!

We also saw a sea lion but only the head. It kept watching us but going in and out of the water.

The ranger said that Glacier Bay gets about 50 days of the whole year that the sky is clear and it's sunny and we were lucky enough to have one of those beautiful days!

As we sailed out of the bay, we saw many different pods of whale and some even put on a show for us by jumping out of the water. And then quite literally we sailed off into the sunset headed for Sitka, Alaska!

Alaskan Cruise-Day 3-Juneau, Alaska

2010-08-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

5:00AM-I wake up and happen to glance out our window (we had great ocean views) and caught the first glimpse of Alaskan Mountains!
BEAUTIES!
At this point I was SO excited to see LAND (none the day before) AND to see Alaska that I couldn't go back to sleep. I tried to bribe Lyle to get up and join me but he was too tired (remember I went to bed early from being sick and they all stayed up) so I went out on the back deck to sight see and watch the sun rise-GORGEOUS!

It was also while I was out this morning that I saw my first whale! It was beautiful to watch and I could even tell it was an Orca because of it's tall, black dorsal fin.

Around noon we pulled into our first port of the trip-Juneau, Alaska (tourist trap, but beautiful all the same!)

Dave and Lyle both want to claim that I saw a moose but I don't count it!

We did most of our shopping there and then the second half was spent on our first excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and a Salmon Bake.

the glacier was huge and beautiful!

the waterfall in the back in runoff-not from the glacier but from the snow in the mountains.

Off to the side of the park was a walk that went along the salmon run. These salmon were HUGE and bright red.

Lyle n I decided to go on the 3/4 mile walk because they said you could possibly see bear. Pretty cool! About two minutes in, just as I was thinking I wasn't comfortable being in the open with possible bear in the area, about 15 feet ahead of us three bear cubs walk out in front of us. We both freeze not knowing where the mother was (I was shaking and trying to talk Lyle in to turning back) and not far behind, the mother followed. She looked at us and then continued on across our path and down to the river. I was so shook up at this point but Lyle made me continue on and then do the walk AGAIN! The second time around we saw another bear but further away-thankfully! I didn't know if I could handle another encounter!

If you look close you can see the bear face.

Later, Wes and Katryna were on the same walkway and caught video of the mother bear catching fish for the babies.

We then headed to a Salmonbake where the locals grilled so amazing tasting salmon and we then there was a simple walk that took you to a little waterfall where some mining took place.

After a long and beautiful day, we got back on the ship and went back to our rooms to find this towel animal there to greet us.

Alaskan Cruise-Day 2-at sea

2010-08-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

The second day was all at sea heading to our first port the next day. For most of this day you could only see fog out the window so we mostly walked the decks and played games with the crew.

While we were walking on the top, open deck, the wind was blowing really hard and Lyle lost his hat. Amazingly the tennis court net caught it but we had pretty much signed off of getting it back. When it almost flew over, one of the crew members saw it and said that if it flew into the water then they would have to report it because Alaska is VERY strick on pollution and a small simple hat counts. Crazy!

Surprising enough, the next morning, Marty Maxwell was walking around there and found Lyle's hat on the top deck and returned it to Lyle.

After playing games on this day I got sea sick (it happened to all of us at one point or another) and I went to bed, but the rest of the crew went to a comedian that was really good and they all had a great laugh. I'm sorry I missed him but got to see him again another night.

Alaskan Cruise-Day 1

2010-08-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Lyle's wonderful parents had their dream come true by taking the family on an Alaskan Cruise the last week in July.
It was SO amazing! 7 days on the ocean in Alaska! We had such a great time!

We got to the ship around noon and went through the procedures to get our room key and everything else and then made our way onto our home for the next 7 days-the Zaandam.

AMAZING! This ship was so ritzy. 9 floors-a movie theater, library, game room, culinary arts theater, dining rooms, pools (though small), a kid hangout, spa, gym, buffet-24/7 food, lookout, amazing restrooms, and so much more!

Women's restrooms

While waiting for our rooms, we went to the dining room for lunch and WOW! They put your napkins in your laps, you drink from rich glasses-the whole bit. Katryna and I both had tasty Ziti-mmmmm-and then a chocolate cake to finish-did I say mmmm already?

Dining room

We were finally able to head to our rooms around 1:30. They were nice. Pretty much a glorified hallway, but you really don't spend a ton of time in it anyway! The beds were amazing though! It was the best sleep any of us got. The boat just rocks you to sleep.

long long hallways filled with rooms

our staterooms

Beautiful Seattle!

After getting settled in, we all headed to the back deck for Bon Voyage and at 4:30 we were off...sailing away!

It was so relaxing and amazing to realize that you were sailing on the ocean. You really couldn't tell too often that it was a rocking boat.
That evening our view was mostly fog and so we all just explored the many floors and options and then retired to our rooms.

2010-07-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Audrey clearly loves her Daddy! She just loves it when he paya attention to her and then cries when he would stop.
(sorry I don't know how to turn the video...anyone know?)
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Aunt Jilly was Here!

2010-07-23T15:56:00.001-07:00

Jill decided to come play with Audrey n I and we had a BLAST! We had a girls shopping spree and went to Red Lobster for dinner and then just chilled. We loved having her here and she seemed to have the magic touch in getting Audrey to sleep.

I think in this picture, Audrey could tell that her Auntie was leaving her.

All Decked Out with Love

2010-07-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

The outfit that Audrey wore was truly special in many ways. The dress was the one that her Grandma Hanchett was blessed in AND her Aunt Megan (whom she's named after-Megan Audrey Hanchett), the booties were also her Aunt Meg's, and the beautiful blanket was crochet by her Tia.

Audrey's Blessing Day

2010-07-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

July 4th, Lyle was able to bless our sweet daughter. He did such a good job even though he was so flustered due to a very very last minute diaper blowout (five minutes before he was to go up with her). We ran out and made it back in a minute before.

Nana and Pappa were there,

Grandma and Grandpa,

We even had both Great Grandparents and we were able to get the four generations picture:

We loved seeing all the many faces that love her and have always supported us. Thank you to all that came.

Happy Father's Day-first time!

2010-06-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Audrey started the day off by "allowing" her Daddy to give her a bath since she spit up all over herself. :)
Then I spoiled him by making him omelets for breakfast, gave him a digital photo frame key chain so he can show off his little girl, made him french dip sandwiches for dinner, and then attempted my first pecan pie. All for Daddy!
From day one, Audrey has known and loved her Daddy and she continues to make both us smile!

Happy Father's Day sweetie!

And Happy Father's Day to my wonderful, do-anything-for-his-family father!!

I love you both SO MUCH!

Photo Op

2010-06-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

I decided to try Audrey's blessing dress on her and try on her 4th of July dress and then I also had to put on the tutu since she was in such a good mood!

We just LOVE our BEAUTIFUL little girl!

Grandpa Was Here!

2010-06-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Hanchett came for just one night for manager meetings but Audrey just loved seeing him!

Grandma Hanchett couldn't make it.
Audrey missed her!

And Audrey was VERY sad to see Grandpa go...

...but we know they will be coming in July to see her!

You Can't Make Me...As the Eyes Droop

2010-06-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

We were lucky with Audrey...She would take all her naps in the day, play in the morning and afternoon, fussy from 7-9 pm and then sleep from 9pm-5am, feed and then sleep until 9am. Easy baby...so I thought.

The last few days have taught me otherwise (even though she still is easier than my brother and sister's kids). She would REFUSE to take only one-maybe two naps in the daytime, sleep from 7pm-9pm and then decide that it was time to play until midnight...and then last night happened...

...only one nap in the morning, fussed all day just wanting to be held, and then (thinking she will pass out from being SO tired) she REFUSED again to relax and close her eyes! Lyle and I tried everything and she would start to close the eyes and would realize she was giving in and would wake up. We finally resorted to the wonderful VACUUM, that once it was turned on, made her pass out in seconds. Ugh! I guess I'll be doing my cleaning in the evenings now.

She lately refuses sleep so much that she will not NOT NOT lay down. So I will hold her sitting up and talk to her and because she is SO tired, she will start to droop with the body and the eyes and eventually after many attempts to stay awake, she will fall asleep like this...

And then she's down for the count.

New Mommy Makeover...more just haircut

2010-06-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

I just love having a cousin that is SO good at cutting hair. She is always so good and willing to put up with me. I decided that since it was so hot and my hair was the longest it has EVER been, it was time for a new, shorter do.

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming...

2010-06-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's been 105+ the last few days so we decided the best way to survive would be to go swimming at night.

I was SO excited to take her for the first time especially since I had (thanks to Jen) a VERY cute little swimsuit and beach towel

(also glasses but they are still too big so those will have to wait). She didn't know what to think about the water at first but eventually relaxed and enjoyed it.

First Smiles!

2010-06-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Audrey has started responding to us by smiling when we talk to her! She has such a beautiful smile and we just love talking to her.

Just for Keri

2010-06-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Juvenile Vampire...just waiting for her fangs. :)

Just for Aunt Jill

2010-06-04T17:35:00.001-07:00

One of the MANY cute outfits Aunt Jill gave her.

Chilling with Daddy

2010-06-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

Can't Get Enough Of This Cute Girl...

2010-06-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Can you blame us?

And of course this is how we are surviving the 100+ degree weather (or like Dave would say- "200 degree weather")---
NAKED!!...

...AND sleeping...maybe when we wake up it'll be fall and cooler than 100 and time for ALASKA!

2010-06-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

From day one, Audrey has been quite the wiggler.

The last two weeks

2010-05-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the grandparents again for ALL the help they gave us! We love you!

Audrey Elise Hanchett-part two and many pictures

2010-05-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

I really should be getting shower and getting things done around the house instead of writing this but I'm being lazy...that doesn't happen too often anymore.

So after Audrey was born, they took her and gave her first sponge bath. She didn't like that at all and cried and cried and cried. At one point the nurse stepped away to get something and Lyle stepped over and took her hand and started talking to her. She stopped crying immediately and listened to daddy. It was so precious!

Once we got to the post delivery room at 2a.m., I was FINALLY able to eat and relax. The only problem was the bed. It seemed to have been made for a short person. My feet were flat against the end board and I was REALLY uncomfortable! I asked the nurse if it was possible to fix it and she just laughed and shook her head. I would have to deal with it. We were in the hospital for the rest of Wednesday night and Thursday night. I managed to get sleep but was still squished. On the last night, a new nurse came in and was getting things situated when she looked at my feet and commented, "you look uncomfortable. Do you want me to fix your bed?" YES! So she pushed a button on the outside of the bed and magically, my bed grew in length and I was able to stretch out. :)

Friday, Lyle and I were both ready to get out of the hospital. We had to wait for all the drs. to come in and check us out so by 11 a.m., we had been seen and ready to go. The bad part was the stand-in pediatrician had come in that morning and had half heartedly looked over Audrey and then left with no comments. Then later, Lyle and I both noticed Audrey was looking a little Jaundiced and pointed it out to the nurse. It wasn't until 11 a.m. (when we are ready to run out of there) that the nurse informed us that the pediatrician wanted us to stay til 4 to get her tested again for Jaundice and then see if she could go home or not-now why didn't he mention that before?!! So we had to kill time in the hospital.
The nurse told us that we could take Audrey out in the family garden and get her some sunshine for the Jaundice but we had to go to the front to get a badge and to get her alarm (on her leg) turned off. So we went and as we were headed to the door to go out, the alarm started going off. They had forgotten to turn off her alarm. So they finally did and we went out for a walk.
When we came back in, we gave the badge to the desk and went to our room so they could take here and test her. The nurse came and took her and not long after, an alarm started going off and a random nurse comes into our room -"Your baby's alarm is going off! Where's your baby?!" After our hearts had stopped, we were able to tell her the nurse had her for testing and they were able to get the alarm turned off...it was all quite an eventful day! We finally got the okay and got out of there by 6.

Since then, and many laughs, life has been pretty upside down. My parents came for the first week to help and then Dave and Norma came for the second week--thank you SO much to both sets of grandparents!!! Couldn't have survived without you guys!

Audrey is now 7lbs. 13 oz. and very healthy! She scared the nurses and drs. at her first check up because she was so squirmy and would roll that it caught them off guard. She holds her head up already, has rolled from her back to her tummy already (an accident for sure but still pretty good), has so many different facial expressions and has no problem telling you what she wants. We sure love our little addition!

Audrey Elise Hanchett-part one

2010-05-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

She's here! Old news, I know. Motherhood has for sure kept me on my toes. I can't believe she is ALREADY three weeks old and has a cute tummy.

So I'll start from the beginning-the waiting part.

Two weeks before Audrey's due date (May 7th), I developed a rash ALL OVER my body...yeah-ichy! It went from just my feet to my whole body and so when I saw my gyno about it, she diagnosed it PUPPS-a rash that pregnant women develop towards the end of the pregnancy that's uncomfortable and doesn't go away until the baby is born. So we decided that May 5th, I would be induced.

Tuesday, May 5th, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Lyle and I got our bags packed and headed to the hospital. We got all the paperwork filled out, changed and then hooked up to the machines. I thought for sure that I was going in at least as a 3 but they unhappily informed us that I was a 1. So they started me on the gel. Four hours later and many cramps and contractions later, I was STILL a 1. After that point, they started me on the pitocin at about 2a.m. They told me that it was going to be a while and to nap so Lyle passed out and i just stared at the ceiling and waited for the time to pass.

At about 10 a.m., I was FINALLY at a 3.5 and the dr. came in to break my water and claimed that after that point, Audrey would arrive soon so I decided to get the epidural-which did not hurt. About the same time, I began to itch really bad from my rash AND the epidural so they gave me a Benedryl to help. That was the first and only sleep I got-three hours. In between, I woke up and my legs weren't there, I couldn't keep my eyes open and I could hardly breath so I began to freak out so they gave me oxygen (plus her heart rate was dropping off and on) and I passed out again.

Three hours later, I was awake and still on the pitocin. I slowly progressed. At one point (because it was so slow going)I had hit my limit for pitocin and was only at about a 6. They then decided to not continue (with the dr.s permission) and to give my body an hour with no drugs and then start again from the beginning to see if it would jump start the process.

I was miserable even if I couldn't feel my legs or the contractions!

After I was back on the pitocin, Audrey decided to be even more difficult (she just did not want to come unless it was on her terms) and hated when I laid on my back. So every thirty minutes, the nurses would have to come in and flip me onto my opposite side so that Audrey was happy. That was also miserable because I couldn't help...I couldn't even move my hip.

After 25.5 hours of waiting, I had finally hit a 10 and fully effaced and began the pushing. I had my cheer team there(Unplanned, our Aunt and cousins were there visiting and ended up helping through the delivery-Brenda holding my hand and feeding me ice chips, Jess catching my vomit and Rach cheering from the sofa (Lyle was holding my leg)) and thankfully it only took 30 minutes of pushing...at that point I wanted a c-section because the epidural had worn off and I felt all the pain! I would push and push and push and then take a break and her head would sink back in. I didn't think she would ever come out!

BUT, after 26 hours, 30 hours without food, Audrey Elise Hanchett was born on 5/5 at 22:22 (10:22 p.m.). Lyle decided that we are going to have to celebrate her birthdays with pinatas and mexican food. :) She was the most beautiful thing I had seen when they laid her on my chest! I was finally a mommy!

Little Girls!

2010-04-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd catch people up on what's been going on lately (I've really been slacking!). On April 17th, my mom came into town for my Arizona baby shower and my wonderful Aunt threw it for me. It was so well put together and she did an amazing job. There were decorations of flowers, a chocolate fountain with fruit cut into flowers for dipping, a home made cake, and other fun goodies.

The cake was home made by Brenda and Doug. They just recently started making these amazing cakes and they always have such cute ideas!

Once again, I was amazed at the out-pouring of love from all the friends and family that came. Audrey got so many things that Lyle and I are ready for her to come-supplies wise.

At both showers, she was showered with clothes...she is going to be a well dressed baby! I took pictures of some of the little outfits she got:

And of course I have to throw a picture of this in because my sister did such an amazing job on this for the nursery:

Thanks to so many, the nursery is ready, the supplies are stocked, the bag is packed and we are ready for her to arrive!

Speaking of arriving, I went to the doctor today and she is as healthy as can be! Her due date is May 7th but due to a VERY uncomfortable rash that I've developed (they call it PUPPS-a rash pregos get at the end of the pregnancy that's VERY uncomfortable that they can only give meds to suppress the itch and discomfort about 50%. The only way to get rid of it is to deliver the baby.), we are scheduled for induction Tuesday night, May 4th. I am not a huge fan of inducement...but maybe she will surprise us and come naturally before then. We'll keep you all updated and for sure post pictures of our new bundle soon after!

Weighing In

2010-04-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lyle and I got to see Audrey today at our last ultrasound appointment. It was such a fun experience and I think the ladies doing it enjoyed it just as much as we did. They would get a good view of her profile and then just sit there and watch her and laugh. Lyle thinks we are having a cat. In the profile views, she would lick her right hand and then suck on it and then return to licking it. We were all laughing! They also said that she has a big head (ouch!), and we all could tell quickly that she already has a personality and ornery.

This is a profile of her (facing left) with her hand heading to her mouth to suck.

And this one is the same profile view but her tongue is out licking the hand she just sucked.

We are SO excited to see her!! They told us that her original due date was May 12 (they wouldn't give us a specific date at first in the last appointment) but with her development they've bumped us up a week to May 7th. She is healthy and her heart is beating like it should and she weighs 5 lbs 14 oz.

It's Soon Time!

2010-03-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

A month away! We can't wait!

We started collecting dates back in January for when people thought she would come and only got a few and then forgot...here's what we have so far:

Andy-May 15
Heidi-May 9
Norma-April 26
Lyle-April 28
Dave-May 7
Keri- May 10

What's your guess?

Many Pictures Catch Up-ABQ Baby Shower and Trip

2010-03-29T14:39:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of March I was able to fly to Albuquerque for a visit to see all the Van Vleet girls together. It's been a while.
Erin, Keri, Jill and Mom put so much time into a shower for me and did such a wonderful job!! Thank you to all of them!

The wonderful person who made it all happen (with the help of the rest of the girls)

The Shower set up-Garden themed...many little details!

The guests:

We got so many cute clothes and especially ones that read "My Daddy Loves Me!" and we also got beautiful blankets and bath supplies. One that I am REALLY excited to use is a newborn swimsuit and sunglasses...since summer will be knocking at the door when she is born! Thanks to all! It was SO enjoyable and great to see old faces!

The other part of the fun was the time I got to spend with family at the zoo.

Lastly, just some cute random pictures that were taken...

It was such a wonderful getaway and I was sad to go, but was happy to see my hubby after a week.
He surprised me with these:

No, he didn't miss me either. :)

Valentines and Birthday

2010-03-04T12:38:00.001-08:00

My sweet husband surprised me with a weekend getaway to a friends cabin for Valentines Day. This was such a surprise and a very welcomed break because Lyle has been working 24/7 lately and busy season hasn't even started yet. So we left with some friends Saturday night and drove up to Pinetop, AZ and began our wonderful three day weekend. We played so many games, took walks, played in the snow, watched movies, and even relaxed in their jacuzzi bath tub-ahhhh! On the way home Monday, the boys couldn't resist the awesome sledding hill and so we stopped and Jen and I watched while to boys went crazy.

The next weekend was my birthday and even though Lyle kept telling me that the getaway was also for my birthday, he surprised me in the morning with BEAUTIFUL pink roses (and I mean these were GORGEOUS) and CHOCOLATE!

Then he allowed me to drag him around town and go shopping for multiple things (this doesn't happen often at all!-PLUS he was getting sick and didn't feel good. He was SUCH a good sport!). We then had dinner at Red Robin and finished the perfect day off cuddling in our pjs on the sofa with a good movie.

He really went out of his way to make both weekends special and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband!

Audrey's Nursery

2010-02-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

I have been staying busy at home growing a baby (hard work!), babysitting cute kids and working on decorating Audrey's Nursery. I love working on her room because it reminds me that she will be here in no time!
We decided to go with a bright color, nursery theme and it's so fun because there are SO many options! With the amazing help from my wonderful sisters and mother, I have gotten CUTE ideas! One such was to decorate her name to hang on the wall.

I don't have too many pictures yet of the nursery because it is still in progress but some fun things I have found waiting to go into the nursery I do have pictures of.

I must admit that I swore I would NEVER have pink in my little girl's room (I'm not a huge fan) but then I started into the decorating part and I've fallen in love with HOT PINK! I can't get enough of it! It just has attitude and makes a statement and I LOVE it!

Pouring cats and dogs!

2010-01-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

This week we got pounded with rain! We got more rain in our first storm on Monday (2 inches) than we did all last year (less than and inch)-and then we had rain Tuesday night, Wednesday, Thursday night and some on Friday. It was so much rain that Lyle's company shut down half of Thursday and all of Friday AND our parks turned into lakes. It was beautiful to see the 'fake' lakes and if you didn't know any better you would think the lake was always there!

We took Jaz for a walk Saturday after a full day of no rain and the park had drained a bit but there was still a good amount to water...Jaz definitely enjoyed it! She was our prancer.

The white line of grass on the right is how high the water was the other day.

Even though I really enjoyed the moisture and the cloudy days, it sure is nice to see and feel the sun again!

Oh and just for the record, the storm was so windy and crazy the other night, Scottsdale actually had a tornado touch down. When does AZ EVER get tornadoes? Or for that matter when does AZ ever get this much rain in five days? Never...until now!

Hanchett baby on the way!

2009-12-29T19:10:00.001-08:00

We can't wait to welcome our little girl, Audrey Elise! She was NOT shy in the ultrasound and there is no doubt that she is a girl! Lyle and I are SO thrilled to start our family with a girl and can't wait for May to be here.

We are starting to take guesses on when she will be here...
Her due "period" (they wouldn't give us a date) is May 8th-May 13th. Lyle was early and all of my mom's kids were late.

We couldn't wait to tell all when we found out and then got caught up in the Christmas family time so I apologize to all those that I drove crazy making them wait.

Now the fun comes! I get to start shopping for a little girl and decorating the nursery!

I'm getting bigger everyday it feels! I still can't believe that I have a sweet baby in me but my expanding waist tells me differently. I love how Lyle tells everyone proudly that he is going to be a daddy and then pats my stomach lovingly. He just can't wait and she will have him wrapped around her finger in no time!

So far, she has been stubborn...she loves her space and has no problem pinching my nerves and kicking out ribs. I guess she is just getting us ready for her when she's here and up in the middle of the night because she always manages to do all this in the middle of the night. So Lyle typically gets up to get me tylenol or rub my back or even help me out of bed (since a pinched nerve in the hip does not allow too much easy movement). He really has been so sweet (He's even been experiencing sympathy pains)! She's even been more active since the ultrasound and had no problem doing flips during Sunday School. She really takes after her father already! :)

We can't wait to meet her!

SURPRISE! --No surprise there!

2009-12-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

My boss decided to go out with a bang!
I don't know how much people know about the stress of my boss but she has pretty much made my work life (and sometimes my home life) a living HELL. I would only see her for 20 min a day but in those 20 min she would manage to critique EVERYTHING I do and then give me a list that was forever long of things to do...including lifting 25 + boxes (even though I gave her a dr.s note)-that's just [my boss]. It would literally be -what can she say today? and you would think that she would never do or say anything like that but she would always surprise you with it! I would always fulfill her lists and she would always use my arrangements before hers.
Well, I decided that I had had enough of her walking all over me and her negativity so i out in my two weeks notice. When I went into work Monday, she decided to drop the bomb (in front of the other employee) that she just doesn't want to put up with me anymore and she laid me off.
I'm relieved-surprised-once again-that she would do this to me especially since I never gave her any trouble, but it's over and done with and I actually feel good about it.
Her loss at Christmas time and busy season!

Baby Update

2009-11-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

We went to the doctor today for a check up. It was the first time that Lyle got to hear the baby's heartbeat-so awesome! AND we find out what we are having in four weeks...five days before Christmas...what a great gift. The other great news is that I have only gained 3 lbs so far! I was so happy to hear that since I feel like I've gained so much even though I've been trying to eat healthy, but honestly I haven't. Pretty cool!
So at this point, I am 14 1/2 weeks and I actually feel really good! I just got over a few sicknesses and finally feel like I can go back to life and enjoy being pregnant.
I'm still searching for maternity clothes...I'm down to two pairs of not so nice pants and just tshirts so my wonderful parents are coming down and we are going maternity shopping. I have a little belly but not enough for people to notice that i am prego...I see and feel the difference.
The weeks seem to fly by especially with the holidays coming and work soon to be over and then seeing family soon after.
Lyle and I are just so happy!! Can't wait for May to be here so we can meet our sweet baby!

Floral arrangements part 2

2009-11-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

I have been taking these pictures on my phone and I finally got around to moving them over...here are some arrangements that I have been proud of:

Request for a baby girl arrangement

Request for bright colors

Request for a spring arrangement with yellows and whites

Request for arrangement with 1/2 dozen pink roses with yellow lilies and white carns

Request for arrangement of red, white and blue (vase) for a returning soldier

Request for a Halloween arrangement

(Fall)

(Fall)

(Summer)

Request for a fall arrangement along with the next arrangement

As you can tell, I do my best in the most pricier arrangments and in vases. I can do the smaller and basket ones but I really enjoy the bigger and pricier. My boss had no idea that I could actually do these...she's only around for 20min and then I cover the afternoon shift just myself...she never sees my work unless it goes in the cooler. The other day she was in working on a wedding and I did an arrangement she thought I would have problem with and I didn't and she was surprised. HA! Take that!
Anyway, the onle that have writing under them are the ones that I had a special request from the customer and the others are the free of choice arrangements. I sure am proud of all of them and wish my boss would be willing to teach me more. I truely enjoy floral design.

Kids...ranting

2009-10-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to lately aside from the monotonous time at work? Well, I've become a babysitter. If it's not Davis, then it's Aubrey, then it's Greg, then it's Chloe, then it's...

So I was talking to my boss the other day and I was telling her about the cute kids that I watch and she commented "What do they think you are, a babysitter? (all snooddy-like)" I said well yeah, it's not like I do anything in the morning before work anyway-so why not. (She sneers because she wanted me to work as a driver for her in the mornings so she could hire another person for the office...long story I don't want to get into-I told her I wouldn't because I babysit in the morning for my friends). I said, one friend is job hunting so he drops his kid off every now and then and another began work, and another...so I am there to watch their kids. She replies "well they're taking advantage of you-you're not here for them to USE as their babysitter. How rude is that!" (even though she uses me at work and doesn't think that's rude?)(Let me just say that my boss has a very different view of the world according to Janet and I have to put up with it EVERYDAY!)

...my reply...I ENJOY IT!

As I think more about it, because my friends have been so gracious to LET me watch their kids, my days are happier and I feel like I actually accomplished SOMETHING than just sitting in a little flower shop being degraded by my boss and then killing 5 hours with no business...yeah, I'd take kids over that ANY day-crying, runny nose, no sleep and ALL. I love kids and can't wait to be a mother, but even when that wonderful day comes, I'll still watch your kids!

I love my Mommy!

2009-10-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

My Mommy:
-will find a way to PHX anytime you say you need her.
-will cuddle with you in bed and talk about anything you want to.
-goes to an "estrogen festival" with you and puts up with your gruminess at the end from being tired.
-is willing to clean anything in your house just so you don't have to do it since you don't feel good.
-helps teach your CTR5 kids when your husband can't because he threw up the night before.
-will do anything you want just so she can spend time with you.
-plays games up the wazu with you even if she would rather read.
-pays for a manicure
-will sit at work with you no matter how boring it is.
-will always tell you how pretty you look even though you don't feel that way.

My Mommy loves me!

I love my Daddy!

2009-10-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

My Daddy:
-is willing to add 20 hours to his drive to Utah just so that I can have time with him.
-will sit and rub your feet as long as you want as long as you rub his at the same time.
-has such a great sense of humor that makes you laugh even if it is a dumb blonde joke.
-teases you but you know that's his way of telling you he loves you.
-saves you from being just a place holder in the game of settlers.
-watchs football all day long just to stay out of your way (and to not have to go to an "estrogen festival" (Jake)) :)
-will give up his football for games one after the other.
-will rub your feet even more and will find EVERY sore point in your feet
and press them to "make it feel better".
-gives back rubs in church.
-loves being around my husband.

My Daddy loves me!

She's Here!

2009-10-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

My sister had her baby today at 4:50pm. Her labor was surprising easy and they are doing very well. She was 7.2 lbs and 21 inches long with some red hair. She looks JUST like Erin and is SO beautiful! Alyson Jo Parrish! We're so happy to FINALLY have her here!

Bundle on the Way

2009-10-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true! Lyle and I found out a few weeks ago that after many trials and prayers, we are going to be blessed with a beautiful bundle of joy! We are SO thrilled and can't wait to meet our new edition.

May 8 is the due date which is really funny because May is already a busy month with Mother's Day, Grandpa Hanchett's b-day, AND our anniversary. So if the baby comes late by a day, it will be here on Mother's Day. If it's late a week it's on our anniversary and Gpa H's b-day. What timing! :)

This baby is truely our miracle baby! The dr. was even surprised when I went for the first check up because where I was at with my progesterone levels, it was impossible to get pregnant...but here is our bundle!
I wish everyone could see Lyle when he tells people about it! He gets this proud father look and is so excited to tell anyone that will listen. :)I am so thrilled to finally see him with his first child...I've waited so long for it and now it's just until May.

So far the pregnancy has been a bit rough (I might just be a woose) because it's been constant nausciousness and tiredness so much that I've had to call in sick or miss church or other fun activites. My sweet husband has been SO understanding and caring. When I cry he takes me in his arms and just lets me know he's there, and the days NOTHING sounds good he is so willing to go to the ends of the earth for me just to find SOMETHING! I truely am so lucky to be blessed with a husband like him-so patient! He has made things easier to handle. :)

So if you didn't hear- I'M GOING TO BE A MOMMY! Dream come true!

happy fall, october, and halloween

2009-10-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

I finally decorated for halloween and I had this project to do for this Halloween...

Before...

After...

oh and the promised pictures of Utah...

Apples

2009-09-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have always loved apples but have been picky...no red skinned, it needs to be cut, ...
The one time that I LOVE apples is when it is the fall and time for Dixon Apple Farm. Yum!
We took a last minute trip to Albuqueruqe this last weekend because Lyle's father was being put in as the Bishop of the Belen ward. While there, I didn't really have much of an appetite-I haven't been feeling well-and the only thing that would calm my stomach was a supply of Dixon Apple Farm apples from my parents fridge. I even brought some home on the plane and am still living off them.
How yummy they have been and what a relief on my stomach.

These days...

2009-09-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

I LOVE fall...especially in Albuquerque. This is one of the times of year that I wish I still lived there because I love the smell, the color of the leaves, the rodeo, state fair, balloon fiesta, and my mom's decorating of her house with the villages and other things. I just LOVE it and wish I could be there! Still, even though Phoenix is still in the 100s (we're almost out) and the leaves are behind in changing, it feels like fall and I LOVE it! I love being able to cuddle in a blanket on the sofa, cuddle because Lyle is cold too!, drink hot chocolate, AND also decorate! My favorite two holidays and the only two that I decorate the house for is Halloween and Christmas. I just can't wait for October AND for my package of new decorations, I bought them (Jen know's the place and Mom has also been a victim!) at a fabulous store in Utah, to arrive. It all makes me giddy and wanting to decorate now! But I will wait a little bit longer. :) I just love the feeling!

I also figured that since I haven't posted about my wonderful trip to Utah, I'd share some stories from it. I'll post pictures later. I've been kinda lazy with that lately since I can't seem to kick this sickness.

We just LOVED playing with Cole! He is the cutest thing ever! We had been there for an hour or so when I went into Cole's room to see how Erin decorated it. She was in the other room and so I decided to call for her. I yelled "ERIN!" and not remember that there was a copy cat next to me, Cole yelled "ERIN!". In the other room I hear from Erin "Excuse me?!" I quickly corrected myself with "MOM!" and Cole followed suit. From then on I watched my mouth around him.

We went to church with them and Cole's really good friend, Ethan, sat across from us. As soon as the closing Amen was said, Cole (still stuck in the pew) called out "ETHAN!" and Ethan replied, "COLE!". Later, after church, we were heading out when Cole noticed a girl friend a ways down the hall. He proceeded to yell "I'M COMING! I'M COMING!" He is such a socialite!

Cole has definately gotten his mom's attitude! While we were sitting in the family room, I was waiting for Cole to come sit with me so we could read a story. He was standing in front of the tv and started playing with the VCR when I said "Cole, come read with me!". With one finger pointed in my direction, "JUST ONE MINUTE!"...and again, "JUST ONE MINUTE, KATY. WAIT!" He kept saying it with attitude until I finally convinced him to come play with me. :)

Enough of Cole. Erin and I went one morning to the amazing store (previously mention...I can't remember the exact name...Tao Pai...Oh I don't know) and Erin decided to have me push her around in a wheelchair so we could stay longer. She told me it's not that hard because Cole pushed her all the time and so I proceeded to push her first for a stop to the bathroom in the back. Let's just say by the time we got to the bathroom I was convinced that all that working out had done nothing for me because I was already winded and sweaty! Yikes! AND Cole could push her and have no problem?! What does that say about me?! So we went to the bathroom and after I came out, I was getting a drink and catching my breath trying to figure how I was going to make the whole store and I thought to ask Erin if she had taken off the brakes. She looked and realized the brakes had been on the whole time! No wonder Cole could push her around! She was nice enough to take the brake off for him! :)I felt better after that and we actually spent a while there and found many fun decorations for my house.

We had such a great time in Utah! Time with Cole, my sister, Lyle had much needed guy time with Bret, we all took a beautiful drive in the back country, and even got to see my grandpa Jack (I haven't seen him in 8 years). It was such a great time! Thanks Erin and Bret!

Other than that, life has been pretty eventless. Like I said, Lyle and I have been trying to get over these really bad allergies and so lately we have just been staying home and watching movies. It's been nice (aside from the sick part). Sunday is the Primary Program (this is our one year marker for being in primary) and then in two weeks we are looking forward to the Hanchett Family Reunion! Can't wait! Just staying busy and relaxing until then!