Amanda Coming Home from Mission!

Amanda comes home in three days. On Thursday, December 4th at 12:45 pm. I am excited to see her! I can't believe that she has been gone for a year and a half. Sometimes it seems longer. It doesn't actually feel like she is really coming home.
I think that she will be shocked the most with how grown up Angel has gotten and how big I have gotten.

Thankful List

Because my Christmas list was sooooo long I decided to make an even longer thankful list. Long and no pictures = boring. But don't worry I put digital camera in my Christmas list.

1. My amazing husband. Try being the husband of a needy pregnant wife. It is hard work. For example, I often wake him up in the middle of the night to get me water or food down stairs. He is a saint!
2. Expecting not one, but two babies. Some people think this is a curse but I can't, they are too cute on their sonograms and I could never give up one or the other. I am excited and nervous.
3. My family and Talmage's family. We have already got hand-me-downs for the babies from lots of people. We also were given two cribs from my mom and great grandma. Also, I can't tell you how big of a help they were in getting and moving into our house. Plus, they have given us a lot of furniture. We would have no couches, chairs, fridge, washer, dryer, bed, dresser, desk, etc. if it weren't for family and friends. Which brings me to the next thing on my list.
4. Family and friends. They are the best for laughing and having a good ol' time with!
5. Laughing!
6. Talmage's work. A lot of people don't have jobs right now and we are blessed.
7. Christmas and Thanksgiving... I love the joy and happiness in the air.
8. I love giving gifts, especially wrapping them. I use to wrap all of my mom's gifts that she got for my brothers and sisters. It is so fun!
9. Thankful for Christmas especially because it will cause Amanda to come home a transfer early so she can be around when I have the babies.
10. The vehicles we have. I am thankful that I don't have to walk every where I go cause if I did I would be walking all day long and never get anything done.
11. Sleep and food... Ok, it is obvious the I am prego.
12. Running water, electricity, our home, and all the comforts of life.
13. Water especially because I am like a camel.
14. Dancing!
15. Music!
16. Christmas Chorals!
17. The temple. The ability to be glued to my husband and family forever.
18. The scripture and words of the prophet.
19. The opportunity to be alive and live on this earth!
20. The gospel and knowing that I lived in heaven before I lived here and that I can return someday!
21. And last but certainly not least, the bestest one of all: My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They are so patient with me. They bring me comfort and peace! They pretty much are the bestest, as Amanda would say.

Dear Santa,

Alls I want for Christmas is...

1. Two healthy babies (I know I am demanding and won't settle for one). Maybe this is the stork's job though.


2. This semester to be over and get out with decent grades and not all my brain cells fried.


3. A camera, this would be for the greater good of... everyone because others won't be bored with my blog. Really all the cool blogs have picture on them. Plus I have two gorgious models to get lots of pictures of. Digital. Yeah, digital. Not picky about anything else, No need to make your elfs work too hard by adding extra bells and whistles.


4. A wheat grinder. This is also for the greater good of others. Think of all the good breads and goodies I can make with this. Plus, I can make you some delicious goodies for next year.


5. A year supply of food. All organized on a shelf... we'll I can do that because I love organizing but in order to organize I need the next thing on my list.


6. Time: Time to clean and organize stuff. Time so that I can work on projects such as my hidious picture that I need to finish painting so it matches my living room fabulously. (See I really need a camera so that you, Santa, can know what I am talking about instead of taking my word on how ulgy that picture is.)


7. A sewing machine so that I can stop bugging and using Alyssa and Nikki's sewing machine.


8. Baby goodies. Ok babies need a lot of stuff. Yeah and I'm learning quickly how much stuff two babies need. Trust me Santa it is lots.


9. Internet at my house. Ok, I know that I have to do my homework and figure out which plan is the best and fix some bugs on my computer but in order to do this I need present #6 on my list.

Can't think of anything else for now. What am I saying! This is a lot. I know that this list sounds very demanding making me sound like a bad girl but I promise that I have been good this year and you really want to give me at least #1 on my list.

I promise that I have been good all year long.

Pretty please,
Rachel

Family Get Togethers

We had a family get together this last week with all of the Hansen Family and the week before with The Grandy Family. There was around 25 to 35 people both times. It was fun to hang out a see the family.

One of the highlights: The following conversation happened in my front room with Jill, my niece who is about four, Barrette, my nephew who is three and other nieces and nephews.

Jill: Do you have to babies in you?

Me: Yes, I have two babies, a baby boy and a baby girl.

Barrett, all wide eyed: I don't see them

Me: They are in me, as I point to my stomach

Barrett: Confused, looking to see if they are behind my stomach or maybe under my shirt.

Jill: That is how babies are born.

Me: The babies are in my stomach until they are born and then you can see them.

Barrett: Still confused, But where are their eyes and faces?

First Doctor's Appointment

So I went to the doctor for the first time for my pregnancy, which might be surprising because I am 31 weeks along. One time more then I originally thought I would. I originally was going to have my mom, a lay midwife, be over my pregnancy and delivery but that idea got thrown out the window when I found out that I am having twins. So I decide to try going through a really experienced midwife but that fell through. I was so devastated. So my next choose was to go through this doctor named Dr. Kells. I was more hoping that I could go through a midwife nurse who works under him but they wouldn't let me because I am having twins.
I originally was going to my babies at home. Yeah, I found out I can't have them at the delivery room but will have them in the operation room. But It is not that bad as long I don't have them in a meat shop.
On a REALLY fabulous note, I found out that both my babies are head down! My last sonogram showed that the girl was head up but has changed since! So the likelihood that I will have them vaginally increase. I am hoping that I will not have to have them cesarean. So this is great news for me! I can't tell you how happy I am!

Wanna go on a pick a picnic...?

This is kinda disturbing wildlife developement, if ya ask me.

Baby Names

So we are thinking of the names Heber and Hannah for our twins. (Yes Annie, I am for sure having twins!) These name are not set in stone but oddly we had them picked out before we knew we were having twins. His name would be Heber Luke Hansen. I have always like the name Heber. Plus, Heber because Talmage likes Heber C. Kimball and I like Heber J. Grant. Luke from his daddy, Talmage Luke. Her name would be Hannah Raquel Hansen. Hannah because I also have always loved the name Hannah since I was a girl and I think that Hannah from the scriptures is a great example of faith. Raquel from her mommy, me, Rachel Claire.

But who knows they could pop out and not look a thing like a Heber or a Hannah.

Lets hear those twin names that I know you are dying to share.

Boy? Girl? ... Both!

When I was first pregant I had a feeling that I would have a boy but then a couple weeks into it the thought and feeling that I was having a girl came. I kept wondering is it a boy or is it a girl? After going back and forth for a while I finally gave up on discerning if it is a boy or a girl. I thought I was going crazy. Yesterday I had an ultrasound and found out that my I am having a girl and a boy! I am having twins! TWINS! I am excited and have been on cloud nine all day long!

Both babies are healthy and "perfect". They have adorable chubby faces. They are both around two pounds. The due date of the boy is January 10th and the girl is due January 12. The due date is based on the babies measurments. The boy is bigger then the girl. But since they are twins they will probably come two weeks early or so.

They are so beautiful! When I found out that I was having twins it seemed so right. I told people that my baby was moving all over the place and was a little gymnest. Now I know that it was two of them moving around.

I am also big. I have had people tell me that I look 8 months along. I am much bigger then Alyssia, my sister in-law, and we are the same length along. But I discarded the idea of having twins because Nikki, my sister-in-law, said that I didn't look big enough to be pregnat with twin.

Decorating My House

I love decorating, unpacking, organizing etc. so you would think that my house would be unpacked, organized and look cute by now. I have a couple idea's that I want to do to the house and i am bursting waiting to get the time to do them. Don't get me wrong, I get a little done here and there but not on the scale that I would like. I can wait! I am excited!
I have time this saturday but my day is cut in half because I am going to get my hair cute in the middle of the day... I guess it will be a good break.
Oh and this was weird, I went to the walmart off of Power and Ray and they had no fabric / material section. I walked all over the store looking for it and then finally asked a lady that worked their and she said that they didn't have one. Isn't it the unwritten rule that walmart has a sewing and fabric section?

The Nobel Calling of Motherhood

President David O. McKay declared: "Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security, her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world." (Gospel Ideals, p. 452.)
President McKay continues: "Motherhood consists of three principal attributes or qualities: namely, (1) the power to bear, (2) the ability to rear, (3) the gift to love. . . This ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift to love, and eagerness, yes, longing to express it in soul development, make motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, . . . deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God." (Gospel Ideals, pp. 453-54.)

Turkey Trot

So I am contemplating walking the Turkey Trot this year. I would be 33 weeks along by then (I am due January 12). I haven't officially decided and I don't know if i would be capable but is something that would keep me out walking and jogging a little more to help prepare.

For those of you who don't know what the Turkey Trot it is a 6 mile long run held thanksgiving morning in north mesa (at the big park by Aunt Andrea's house). I was introduced to it last year. It took me an hour to run it last year. If i walked it this year it would probably take me three times as long. I don't know if it is wishful thinking and I need a good dose of reality but that is what you are here for. ...And plus, I always have the option to stop midrace if I get too tired.

Moving/ Baby Sitting

This weekend I got to take care of my nephews (McKay & Brandi's Kids) while Talmage, Lincoln, Art, Dad Hansen, Jacob, Lindsey, and Joesph moved all our stuff to our new house. Ok, I helped unpack, really I just told everyone where everything went. I don't think that it could have gotten done with out every one's help, especially Joesph who brought his big ol' trailer that the majority of the stuff was haled with.
My nephews are such characters and here are some of the highlights of the weekend. Bennet is almost two and basically the only thing he says is "nah, nah". When he wants something (which is all the time), he says this and gives this longing look in his eyes that says, "Please give me what I want." Then I would guess and finally when I get it right his eyes would light up and he would clap his little hands. Oh, he also knows the words more (if you could only see how much this guy can drink), mama and dada.
Brady and especially Boe where quick to tell me that they didn't do this or that. "We don't say prayers before breakfast (or lunch or before bed), only dinner." When ever I would sing, which is something I do a lot, they would adamantly tell me to stop as if my singing was the most horrible sound in the world. Finally, I asked them what type of music they liked and they said "Boy music" showed me what it was like by yelling and screaming and jumping around.
I brought them to the park and after playing for a while Boe came up to me and this is the dialog between us (Brady and Rachel):
B: "Rachel, Rachel, I have to go to the bathroom, number two." (Said in a cute whinny voice)
R: "If we leave the park then we are going to stay home and play and not come back to the park"
He went on and played to 30 more minutes.
B: "I have to go to the bathroom." (cute whinny voice)
R: "OK, lets go."
B: "Then are we not coming back?" (Look of concern)
R: Yep
He went back to play for 15 min. Then he decided that it was time for him to go home. The funny thing is that when we got home he didn't go to the bathroom, 10 min. later I ask,
R: "Didn't you have to go to the bathroom Boe."
B: "Oh, my goodness" (Look of panic as he darts to the bathroom)
The look was a classic.

Finally Moving in This Saturday!

We are finally moving in! I am excited! So if you are just aching to help (or not) we will start moving this Saturday around 8:30 in the morning. We left some time for Art and Lincoln to play some basketball, assuming that they come and help us move.
We were thinking about having some yummy food for those who come but not absolutely sure as to what. Maybe Popsicles or something.
I am so excited that we don't have to live out of boxes anymore, and get to stock our fridge back up again full of food, and get to live in our new house, and finally get it over with! Ok, I better stop before I butcher the English language even more with another horrible run on sentence.

The Signing

So, we signed the papers for our new house last Tuesday night. I am so grateful for McKay, Brandi and our realtor. I was the worst hostess ever. We had nothing for them to eat (I refuse to buy groceries because that would be more things to move), almost nothing for them to drink (we were almost out of water) and nothing to entertain the kids except for some toys that I kept pulling out that I got from Easter. But Bennett (Brandy and McKay's youngest) was more interested in the unsealed box of bathroom supplies that we had in the middle of our front room. (The whole front room is full of boxes). Braden, our realtor, became the babysitter and was really good with the kids. It took a while for all the signing to get done but it all worked out well.

Flutters

After coming home from our trip to Utah for Hyrum's wedding, I was exhausted and collapsed in my bed. I was drifting off in my sleep, when all of the sudden I felt a flutter in my stomach. I sat up quickly in complete surprise. It was the most amazing feeling.The baby is fluttering all the time. It is a little acrobat. I normally feel him/her around 6:30 in the morning moving around. It even kicking right now.Talmage has been able to feel it moving around too. It is pretty neat.

Boy or Girl

The first question people ask me after they notice that I am pregnant is "When is are you do." My respond, "January 12". The second question they ask me is, "Is it a boy or a girl?" To which I respond, "I don't know yet." Then comes the puzzle look that says "you big enough and far enough along to find out." Then the question, "Do you want to keep it a surprise?"
So here is the explanation in it entirety. My mother is a Lay Midwife meaning she is not officially certified but has ample experience assisting and being the main women on the seen for several pregnancies. I always thought that when I had a baby my mom would be over the delivery, etc. and it just seems right to have her deliver the baby. People say that they would be too scared to have a home birth but it doesn't seem to bother me maybe because that was the norm growing up.
Anyways, I wanted to get an ultra sound to see if the baby is doing ok or if there is any precautions that need to be taken. So I have called several clinics and doctors to get an ultra sound. The problem is that I have to have my birth through a specific doctor in order to do it at their facility or in a clinic. We just found one place that would do an ultra sound for us but it is all the way in Nevada. Talmage has cousins who have done home births and ultra sounds but we haven't heard anything back from them.
That is my really long explanation of why I don't know if it is a boy or a girl. If all else fails, I will definitely know in 4 months (18 more weeks to go).
I bet you if people got past the second question their automatic third question would be "What are you going to name it?"

Our little guest house that we have been renting in since late december is haunted. During the morning, I hear a knocking sound coming from my closet area. "Knock,knock, .... knock knock." Ok, maybe my house isn't haunted but it sounds creepy. It was a wood peaker and it was kinda cool the first couple of times hearing peak on our wall out side. I don't really get to see wood peakers. It is a little bit bothersome at times, "will he ever get tired of peaking?" I wonder to myself. But I am definately not as annoyed with it as that girl off of "Failure to Launch" or as crazy as she was either. (She is the girl on the right, trying to buy a gun to kill a bird that keeps bothering her).

Moving

So were not moving until next week sometime. I don't know how that is going to work since Talmage has to leave for the weekend for his airforce duty in Las Vegas and I can't lift heavy stuff. It'll all work out some how. Maybe postpone or move during the week, that is if everything is a go with the house.

Moving to our new house

We were suppose to move in our house last saturday, August 23 but we had some more things to get straighten with the bank. We are hoping to move in this Saturday but we are not 100% sure if we are or aren't.

Everything is pretty much all packed up. So we have boxes lining all the front room, bedroom and kitchen.

Hyrum and Sarah's Reception

It is probably a good thing that we did not move in last saturday because Friday was Hyrum's and Sarah's wedding reception. I was up at four in the morning and went to bed around 11 or 12ish. We were at the church building all day long preparing food, putting up decorations and help getting everything ready. Oh, and cleaning up. Sarah and I did her wedding cake, I think it turned out really good. By the way does anyone have picture of that and of the reception? I am horrible at taking picture. I never think about taking a picture when something is happening. Someday, I'll become a master photographer but until then you'll just trust me when I say that the reception turned out really well. Sarah, I really loved your paper lantern idea it tide in well. And I love the whole white chocolete shavings on the wedding cake.

Hyrum and Sarah's Wedding

So we got Hyrum married off. After the wedding Jacob, Seth, Angel and I kept quoting My Big Fat Greek Wedding with our Greek ascents, "We thought he never get married, never, never, no never." Here is a picture of the family:


Awe! What a cute family. This was right after the wedding right outside the temple. Can you believe how grown up Angel looks.
Jazz Hands Everybody! Jazz Hands! Mom looks like someone just scared her. I never thought I see the day when dad would do jazz hands. Does Talmage have a look of discuss on his face? What, are you too cool for jazz hands... or maybe not cool enough? It's OK, I still love you.


The bride and all of her sister and sister in-laws.


Work it! Work it! The camera loves you! These posses seem like they should be on the cover of a musical or something.











These pictures of the boys were inspired by gargoyles/body guards for the prez/GQ magazine. Classic.
Ange's probably saying, "which camera do I look at." Caleb looks so happy. He is probably thinking, "if i give them one big smile then that will be enough and I'll get get to go eat at sweet tomatoes." Hyrum giving a big side bear hug to Amanda, our sister who was there in spirit, her excuse: "i am in misery and can not leave.'" (OK maybe it was more like Missouri and i guess it is a bit hard to sneak out of your mission for a couple days, minor detail.) Rick is probably thinkin' of something mischeivious, he has that look that he is up to no good. Jacob wondering, "why is my right are growing out of my chest?" Seth is probably thinking, "uuuuuuuh." Me thinking, "There are too many cameras, I'll just look at the one right in front of me."

The happy couple, my mom and dad (Hyrum's side, and Sarah's mom and dad (Sarah's side).







Rubbing my pregnant belly for good luck. Yep Nikki, it does look like i have a foot growing out of my skirt.

Trip to Vegas

Talmage and I left last Wednesday for Vegas. We got to Vegas late that night. On the way there we stopped in the middle of nowhere and looked at the stars (man, they were gorgeous) and had a potty brake (don't ask). I hadn't seen the milky way that vividly in a long time. There where just so many of them too. We saw the hoover dam and the two ends of this big ol' bridge that they are building over it. It was huge. I think that the towers (ya know, where the Arizona and Nevada clocks are) look like a city off of star wars at night. For half or so of the trip (from Wickenburg to a ways past Kingman) we read "The Fire of the Covenant." It's a book about the Willie and Martin handcart companies. It is really good and interesting and I would definitely recommend it. Talmage has had mild anxiety from fear that we will never finish. I think that we are both, especially me, bad at starting books but never finishing. But I don't think that this will be the case with this book, it is too interesting. We saw a sign that said that Las Vegas was 30 miles away and we decided to stop and eat at Mac Donald's (We were going to stop before but we couldn't find the subway in Kingman and wanted to turn back but there were no turn offs and no where to turn around for miles. So we bought food and no more than ten minutes away we reached Las Veges. Our first reaction was , "Ya right! That was no thirty miles." But then came to the conclusion that maybe it is thirty miles to Las Vegas but only ten or fifteen miles to the suburbs.

So when we got Nellis Air force Base in Nevada they asked both of us for our military ID. I had gone to get mine before but didn't have our marriage license so was unable to. They let me slide through this time with just a driver's license. And I was all scared that I wouldn't be able to leave the base or do anything on the base without having a military ID. I found out later that I could go to the library, the theater, the workout place (as long as I wore some of Talmage's Air Force workout clothes), craft center, the grocery store and the BX (kinda like a walmart/ mini mall) without an ID. So those are the places I visited while Talmage was gone at work doing his air force job. I bought two really cute shirts at the BX each for $8.00. I am pretty happy about that. I thought the craft store was so cool and had a big collection of scrap-booking stuff. I also looked through a wedding cake book to get some ideas for Sarah and Hyrum's wedding. We saw the hulk at the theater there on base. The tickets were just $4.00 a person, niiiice. It was good, way better then the one that came out a couple years ago.

We went to the strip. Some of the highlights were the water show and gardens inside at the Billagio. The water shows where fountains that shot up out of the water and moved and went up and down with the music. Very cool. The gardens inside had this really cool electric train display. And there was a cool water display, the water looked like glass.

There were bears that were going fishing and where made out of flowers, mark, moss and stuff. There was a tree that looked like the tree off of Pocahontas, ya know the tree that could talk. I liked some of the sculptors and painting I saw in the different hotels and the replica of the Eiffle Tower and the Roman triumpahal arche.

Note: None of these pictures were taken by me, they are courtesy of google but hopefully I'll get an adapter for the camera melanie gave talmage and be able to put more picture on our blog.

La Casa

Here is the front view of the house that we are in the process of buying.

House Update

The bank did not accept our original offer of 99,000 but execpted our offer for 101,000. So we have had the inspection done and the aprasal. We have the majority of the paperwork done and the realitor says that we have a two week time where we do nothing and wait for the bank to get all the paperwork and such done. So we move in the August 22 (little less then a month). School starts the fallowing Monday after we move in, August 25, so it works out well. We don't want to say that we got the house until we move in and have the key in hand. But basically we got the house! I am so excited and love this house!

Houses

So we went house shopping this last weekend put two offers on two different houses (and have gone before). We found one we really like! Two stories, great condition, big back yard, the cutest front ... every thing seemed almost ideal for us. There was no offers on the house of our dreams when we made an offer saturday. We offered a little bit more then asking just to make sure we get it. Monday rolls around and we found out that there were actually three other offers. Three. And one was a good deal higher then ours (how much higher? the bank didn't say.) So we were bumbed.. talmage especially. Then our realitor called us Tuesday, the day before yesterday. He said that there was a house that just got off the market and he wanted us to come see it. So I cleared my schedule and went out to queen creek to look at the house with talmage. On the way their I was reading the paper on the house that just summaries everything about it. It seemed great already. 2200 sq. feet aka big (way bigger then what we had been looking at which was around 1600 sq ft), 9 ft valted ceilings throughout, all rooms have walk in closets, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, dean, and island in kitchen. The best thing on top of all that is that it is about 99,000, which is really, reallly good for that size of house. It sounded great! But looking at it was even better. The bedrooms are so big, I love the kichen, I love the lay out, big backyard, there was one broken window and a broken lamp shade thing but other then that it was in great condition. If there was such thing as love at first sight, this was it. We signed the paperwork that day, in the car infront of the house, yea I know, crazy. I was day dreaming about it all the way home and couldn't even fall to sleep last night because of it.Thinking about how great it is and how and how I wanted everything (furniture, etc.) to go in it. I hope, hope, hope, hope we get it! I am sooo excited if we do!

Dia de Independencia / Fourth of July

Last week we went up to flagstaff for the fourth of July. We ate wonderful food courtesy of the Wilkins. Did a couple service projects such as fix a fence, lay brick, and put up a new motion sensing light. Of course play some grueling games of cards, Foosball, and the annually anticipated game of canasta. Have some interesting discussions/heated debates on various topics. Play soccer. Go for a walk at a really cool golf course. Watch a movie. Eat more delicious food. Play with one of the most adorable little girls and with this ugly yet cute dog (You would have to see her to understand). And just hang out in general

Pioneer Children Sing as They Drive and Drive and Drive aaaand Drive

I don't like driving (well not driving but more riding), I kinda get car sick (mostly headaches) but on top of that, I was so nauseous and uncomfortable in the last few trips. It seems like every weekend is one long continual car trip.

Last week we went up to flagstaff for the fourth of July. On the way up, I opted to drive which helped.

Rewind to two weekends ago, Talmage, Jana, Lindsay and I went to page. The trip up to Second Mesa was good but the trip to Page from there and the trip home was uncomfortable. I was so tired but had no were to put my head. Here were my options: One, put my head on the window but the bumpiness of the car makes my head ache worse. Two lay my had on my lap or on my arms in my lap but this makes my stomach hurt. Three, put my arm on Jujupops car seat and lay my head on my arm. The third option was what I went with and also reading my lesson for church with by the light of my cell phone. Which by the way reading in the car makes me car sick. So pretty much, I was not a happy camper. I know, I sound like a spoiled brat ... maybe I am.

Then that Sunday we went to buckeye for a family get together.

The week before this, we went to Payson for a triathlon and then to globe. I didn't participate but I help make sure little Quinten was in the right place and all ready. Other then that I was like the cheerleader.

Then the week before that I went out to Tonopah.

Summary: I am sick of traveling.

PS: I didn't write much on Carrie's wedding because I thought Jana covered it superbly. For details visit janaleesworld.blogspot.com

Party Animals

Talmage and I are party animals. Yeah, what you don't believe me? Take this week for example:
Sunday- Went to my grandma's house in Buckeye and had dinner and hung out with my family. Happy birthday seth. An entertaining part of the evening was hearing Hyrum's cheesy engagement story and being amazed that his fiance fell for that and for him. This reassured to Talmage and me that she must be made for him. BTW his fiance's name is sarah.

So here is a little about Sarah. She is from mesa (born and raise). I think she is around my height (5'7") and has abern hair. She's very pretty. She comes from a big family. I think she just finished her bachelors at BYU Idaho, correct me if I am wrong. They met each other a month or two ago. They started dating in the first part of June and were engaged by the end part of June. You might think this was quick but in comparison to Rick no one can have a quick engagement. I don't know where they are going to live after the wedding and all those details but by all means enlighten us.

And oh, they are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple, all the way in Utah. I guess it was a dream of sarah's. After going to Carries wedding all the way in page, I am not too thrilled about driving to utah. Oh, I'll go, it's your two day and what ever you two want goes but I am still going to complain a little. All the way to Utah! Joy!

Monday- I made a boat load of cookies but had no boat to put them in, so we went and visited some of our neighbors for the first time and gave them cookies. Surprisingly, our neighbors don't bit, they are actually interesting. Too bad we did'nt find that out months ago when we moved in.

Tuesday- Saw the play 1886 about the Mormon hand cart pioneers. It was in this big ol' theater at the Mesa Arts Center. Man those people could sing good. Some of them need to work on there acting. Like the a main character, Joesph (not joesph smith), looked like he was gaging when he was crying. It is suppose to be a drama but I could help but laugh some of the time. All and all it was good but not impressive.

The guy from Rigoletto who played Branaldy played Brigham Young in the play. Sarah was all movie stared eyed over him. She even got a picture with him. I have to admit it was weird seeing him as Brigham Young I kept thinking any minute he would brake out with a song from that movie.

Wednesday- Went out to eat with coach Shanks (I might have butchered that) (he is Talmage's
high school coach) and bobby (a friend and fellow team mate). Bobby brought the boat and we sailed to red robin. I enjoyed listening to them reminisce about the "good ol' days". Some of the time I had a glazed look as they talked about different plays and maneuvers as such. But all and all, it was fun.

In honor of bobby, Talmage and I are going to name our son Robert Charles Walsh IV Hansen. And he will grow up to be an amazing football player and make his parents proud.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas

It's true I am in Las Vegas right now, but it has nothing to do with the Air Force!! More to do with wild oats and sowing, if you know what I mean. No you don't? Uhhhhhmmm. Well. This is awkward, and it's my very first post, too. Sorry Rachel for ruining our precious blog, I'll stick with the story.

So they flew me into Vegas a week and half ago and you can bet that starting from the plane ride I've been milking all the utters I can(military, Holiday Inn express, Cousins, coworkers). Okay not quite that much, but I do enjoy living in a hotel.

I went from having no tv to my very own--with HBO. It can be very tempting. When I first arrive I gunhoingly say to myself, "I will not turn on the tv once!" Ten minutes later in the quiet solitude of my room the tv beakons me and I give in, just to realize that there is nothing on that I really want to watch. So what I do? I flip through all the channels for a couple of hours, choosing the most interesting. Everybody Loves Raymond, Sports Center, Glenn Beck Porgram, seem to occupy a lot of the time. That's when I make a new resolution (no tv? what was I thinking?). Now I'll watch tv while Im doing something else. So I iron all my uniforms to perfection and run on the treadmill until I get so sick of tv that I resolve never to watch it again.

Even better though is I can leave the room (and my pee-stained sheets) every morning and come back to fresh clean sheets on both beds, orange scented bathroom with replenished shampoo, soap, lotion, makeup remover wipes(not because I use them but because theyre stuffed in my suitcase and those suckers think I need more. Hahahaha. That's the best part). And then I realize that each little shampoo bottle has about an ounce in it and I realize how cheap and pathetic I am. And for a time, I sulk.

But just as quickly, my energy is renewed at the sight of the Holiday Inn Express Breakfast. Omelets, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit, yogurt, english muffins, brueggers bagels, and cinnamon rolls line the walls. I stuff myself happily because I deserve it (ask them). And then I take some for dinner that night and store it in my mini refrigerator. Once again, they never even see it coming. Then, when the maids are busy, I sneak a load of my dirty laundry in with the hotel linens. That gets dangerous though.

Okay enough of my mooching habits. I'm also sculpting my body everyday in the gym while occasionly jumping on the cool rock climbing machine that nobody ever uses. When were not surveying, getting medical check-ups, lectured by my supervisor for the brake-light incident(as if it was some planned infamous act of mine), I'm usually studying for my test this monday which will allow me to move up in my job skill level.

At first I feel like Im really living it up here in Vegas(without even seeing real Vegas). Then I realize how empty I would feel if that's all I had to look forward to was my lonely room each night. It makes me so much more grateful for my sweet, wonderful wife Rachel. With her I get to live the abundant life, even more so than with free hotel cookies @ 5pm or USA today at my door every morning, or anything thing else Holiday Inn Express or Las Vegas has to offer. I'm enjoying my time here and taking advantage of it all, but look forward to seeing My girl's smiling face back home. And it won't be long. Got to go the cookies are ready!!

Talmage is on tour for the air force reserves in Nevada for two weeks. He has been gone for a week and comes back in a week from now. So what am I doing while he is gone.

We'll this week I went to the temple and hung out with my friend Julie! We went and eat chinese... I know not the most healthiest thing when you baking a baby.

Looked at houses to buy in queen creek online.

Tutored TJ, a fifth grader, it was my first time tutoring him but I am doing it as a side job on tuesday and thursdays.

Work.

Got lots of boring stuff done like errands.

Visited my family in Tonopah for the weekend.

Went to my great grandpa's funeral. He is an amazing man and did so much with his life. He lived a good life and we love him and miss his good humor.

Hung out with Rick, Alyssa, Hyrum, Sarah. Hung out with Angel but then she left me to go to boulder, or buffalo, or some place with a b name.

Read more of the baby book I burrowed from Jana, "What to expect when your expecting." Since I am pregnant I expected that you expected me to read this book.

And of course talking to my wonderful husband who I wish was back home.

What do I have left to keep me occupied in my boring life. BTW, Angel, seth, jacob or anyone for that matter, you are completely welcome to come hang at my house and keep me company, I'll even feed you. ...you can't resist my cooking can you?

Anyways, back to my list of things that are keeping me occupied. Cleaning the house which includes folding laundry, doing dishes, sweeping, moping vacuuming, dusting, etc. But the worst part is cleaning out my fridge, I haven't done it in a while because even the smell of normal foods, depending on what they are, make me nauseous. Even the thought of old food make me queasy.

Go in person and look at houses.

Send of Amanda's BYU application. Side note: Since when did I get nominated the official family missionaries application/ school advisor. I don't mean to complain but for reals. (BYU applications are more pains then ASU applications, so if you want me to do your application please go to ASU and make my life easier. ... Not that I don't like BYU or love ASU, just for the sack of applying). Anyways back to my list.

Painting, I have a couple paintings that I am working on. I don't want to tell you what they are because that takes the surprise away and then it is not very fun and exciting to paint, just how it is and just how I work.

Convince myself that avocados don't me nauseous. I used to love avocados and heard that they are very healthy for pregnancy. I have a whole bunch in my fridge but having a hard time eating, hopefully they won't go bad.

Go my friend staci's wedding reception. Buy a gift for her wedding reception.

Go to the cannery and buy food storage or order it somehow, i haven't figured out how this works yet. I guess i could call my older brother, rick and see how they did it but haven't yet because I am too stubborn and will at least try to figure it out on my own.

Figure out my schedule for next semester.

Exercise, probably go walking or swimming. I am looking into taking a yoga class or something too. Oh and the usual basketball but no soccer because soccer club is out for the summer, plus I tend to get too into the game which is probably not the greatest for baby.

Oh, and last but not least write on my blog and read others blogs.
That was long.

The End

Baby News

I going to have a baby!!!!! I am only eight weeks along. I should of held it in longer, at least until I got past my first trimester (three month mark) but what the heck! I am really, really exctited!!!!! I am going to have a baby!!!!! I going to be a mommy!!!!!! ....it is a lot to take in and it is still hard for me to believe it myself! Wow!!!!

Biking

Talmage and I are always amazed at the many runners, joggers, walkers and bicyclers there are in Tempe. We just think that this such a "fit" city, at least the area we live in. We even marvel at it's wonder.

My boss was talking about "riding his bike to work" and "going for a 2 hour bike ride with my wife yesterday." I thought to myself, "wow he must be one of those 'fit' people just like everyone else and their grandma in this city."

Yesterday at work, it dawned on me when I saw his bike parked outside work. He didn't mean bicycles, he meant motor bike. LOL!!!

Questions

You can only type ONE Word! Not as easy as you might think. Change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair? brunnet
4. Your mother?sweet
5. Your father?Santa
6. Your favorite thing?
7. Your dream last night? strang
8. Your favorite drink? OJ
9. Your dream/goal? Mother
10. The room you're in? office
11. Your hobby? painting
12. Your fear? snakes
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? mother
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not?
16. Muffins? yumm
17. One of your wish list items?
18. Where you grew up? AZ
19. The last thing you did? ate
20. What are you wearing? red
21. Your TV? none
22. Your pets? none
23. Your computer? home
24. Your life? good
25. Your mood? mellow
26. Missing someone? a bit
27. Your car? huyndi
28. Something you're not wearing? sandles
29. Favorite store? none
30. Your summer? work
31. Like someone? Talmage
32. Your favorite color? Yellow
33. When is the last time you laughed? minutes
34. Who will retake this? Hummmm?

New Job

I just started my new job at Gray's Engineering and Consulting. We test stuff for engineering companies. We tell them if the part they send us to test is acceptable or if it is not, in which case, we put our noses in the air and shew them away. Said in our snobby, matter of fact voices, "This is not acceptable, Shhhhew, shew, be gone with you."

One of my favorite things about my job is that it takes me 8-15 min. to drive there! I have never been this close to work, school, etc. It is really great!

New Job

Today is my first day of work (I am on my lunch break right now). I am working at a company that test electrical and mechanical devices

It is not too hard so far. This morning I had to trouble shoot a AC to DC power supply. I figured out that the wrong readings were coming from one of the circuit boards. So, we decided to change the integrated circuits (chips) and see if it works.

I got to see how the vibration tester works, it is loud. Pretty interesting, if you ask me.

No explosives testing or anything too exciting... yet.

R/C Car Project

BrieAnne and I got our car, for our project class, to go forward last week! We were excited that things were finally starting to come together. We just had to get it to turn and store data... and a few other things. The other teams group had a member fall out so we combined forces! Yeah recruits! This weekend some group members worked on project while I worked on the report. Today was are big demo day and we had to have it all working. Well, now nothing works. It doesn't even go forward. Well, sometimes it does but most the time it doesn't!!! We have beening working on this all semester and spending any spare time we had on trying to get it to work and NOTHING! We kept trying to fix it and still NOTHING!!! Thankfully the teachers gave us a grace period but the moral is so shot that I don't know if we even want to try to continue, especially because we have to finish othe stuff.

The most interesting thing about it though was for the first time I experience brianne snap. She was not a happy camper! Sweet, quiet BrieAnne. And Jeff wanted to take a slug hammer to the project.

Anyways, I am a failure. Yah. (Said with the most lack of enthusiasm possible).

For those who car about the technical aspect: We are trying to create an inertial naviagation system in an RC car. We are using an accelerometer and integrating it's output to get position. The data from the accelerometer is compared to an predetermined "flight plane". If the car is off course the program corrects it by sending a signal from a microprocessor to a relay (with a transitor inbetween) to the motor or cervo (which turns it right or left). Data is stored in the EEProm to create a "black box" system that is intended to servive a crash. We are having lots of trouble with our code.

Buying a House

Why we should buy a house:

• Just as cheap as rent! (The housing market is down! Yeah for us first time homeowners)
• Our money will go towards something that we can keep
• Build equity
• Talmage will be closer to work
• I have my eye on a house with a great price out in Queen Creek
• It looks like it is in great condition and the previous owner took great care of it
• We’ll be closer to some of the family. Ex. Caleb & Nikki, McKay & Brandi, Taylor & Erin, Lincoln & Melanie

Why we shouldn't buy a house:

• We love our ward and we don’t want to leave our new found friends
• We like our neighbors and our little house that is like a piece of the country in the middle of the city
• We’ll be farther from my parents and siblings at home, Rick & Alyssa, Jana & Art & kiddos.
• We will be driving with traffic to go to school.
• I will be driving with traffic to go to work (Assuming I get the job that I have an interview for tomorrow)
• We will have to go through the rigmarole of getting financed
  
  Is there anything I’m forgetting?

Whine & Complain

My institute teacher said that he would give us anything we wanted because we are such good students and come to class all the time (because he is cool like that and because the institute at ASU Poly is small ). One guy in the class instantly said food. BrieAnne (yes that is how she spells her name) asked for a blank check. I asked for a signed check with everything else blank. He didn't fall for the blank check idea. I sat there and thought about it for a while. An opportunity like this doesn't come around every day! I double checked if he really would give us ANYTHING we wanted (Other then a check). Finally, I told him that he could finish writing all of my reports (come on, no one would know the difference). ...He laughed and then declined. It was worth the try.

So, I am too brain dead and stress to do any more homework right now. So I am just going to whine and complain about all the home work I have to do. Study for 2 finals, write to 2 power points and present them, and finish 6 reports (yeah! 6! Killer!). And I only have about a week and a half to do all this! I can't seem to get more done then I get stacked on! OK, that's all the whining I can handle for now. ...back to homework :(

Imaginary

I was talking to my writing tutor friends. They mentioned something about imaginary writing. I said, "Wait, I know what imaginary numbers are but imaginary writing...?" They got a kick out of it. I found out that imaginary writing is just another way of saying creative writing, basically writing using your imagination. Makes sense. Yeah sometimes I am not the brightest crayon in the box.

What I learned...

Yesterday, Talmage asked me what I had learned that day in school. The conversation went a little like this:
"i learned how to find the eigen vector and the basis for a matrix. i learned how to check and see if i had the right value for the lamda, the eigen vector and the basis. i figured out how to hook up a transistor, relay and resisters to a chip to control a motor. i learned how to create a portfolio for proving i know various skill. i also researched single-side, double sided and multi-layered printed circuit boards. i learned what silk screening is and how pattering(etching) is done when manufacturing a printed circuit board."
He was more then half asleep by the time I asked him what he had learned that day. ...unfortunately, he probably won't ask me that question ever again.

For those of you who are still awake here is my question for you:
Do you ever feel like you have two sides to your lives?

For me it would be my school life/job and my home life/family life; generally they seem to fit well but once in a while they seem completely separate.

My Prince Charming

I am sensing a pattern. Isn't he cute!

Easter!!!

Every easter we have a easter egg hunt at the with the Wilkin's Family. They adopted us in and we are practically family. Every year we have a big treasure hunt. Last year I dug up a Grandma Helen's whole backyard searching for the key to the treasure. The highlight for me was playing poker with jelly-bellies. Talmage taught me and my siblings how to play. When it was all said and done I had a big ol' pile of jelly bellies right in front of me!

Relief Society

My strategy for being in a new ward is:
lay low and don't make any comments during class

That was going ok until: (horror music in the background)
I was in Relief Society in my new ward. The teacher for class asked us what the fourth article of faith was. No one answered and after much time elapsed I finally gave in. I know, I know... but what else could I do. I recited the fourth article of faith. ...silence... I think I heard the soft chirp of crickets. Then one of the ladies humorously said in defense "That is because she just came out of primary!"

We were all rolling.

A Mothers Sense

When I was younger my family tried to get rid of me several times. They would try to leave me at the store and other random places. It took me a while to figure it out. You see I was never lost, I always knew where I was. They are the ones who strayed from me and got lost. I finally caught on their trick when it occured to me that they all got "lost" together. When I finally found them they would say something like, "Oh, we found you. Where were you?" Truthfully they were thinking, "Oh, she found us again, we need to figure out a better strategy to ditch her." It's true. But it not only happened to me but several of my siblings.
For example, one time we went to Church and "accidently" left Seth at home and we didn't realize he was gone until we go back at home.
When I was about six they left me in a shopping store (Lin's) in Cedar City and drove all the way to St. George, more then half an hour away, until they finally "figured out" that I was gone.
I think that we would have permanently lost half of us kids, especially me, if it weren't for my mother (and due to the fact that I figured out how to cook and clean, so they decided to keep me around). I used to think that my mom had a sixth sense to discern when one of her children where gone. She letter told me that she knew that one of us was gone because it wasn't as loud. I think it is trick to hid her super powers and that sixth sense that is given to women when they become mothers. The one that gives them eyes in the back of their heads and tells them that you are hiding silverware in your pocket so that you can bring it outside to make sand castles and mudd pies with.

Birthday Surprises

I am no longer a teenager. I turned twenty on Sunday, March 2nd.
The best surprise of all was from Talmage. He took me to see Fiddler on the Roof last Saturday for my birthday. It was at a dinner/theater (Arizona Broadway Theater). We got all dressed up to go... which I like to do. It was so nice and fancy. For the dinner's first course I had this tomato basil bisque (soup). It was the best soup I have ever had, and I am not the biggest fan of tomato soups. It was mmm, mmm, good. I had this really good chicken dish and Talmage some type of sea food dish. I loved the play other then the sober and strange ending. But it all and all was very entertaining. I have seen the movie before but the play was way better. We are still singing the songs from it. I loved it and enjoyed it!
Then Sunday we went over Jana and Art's house and Jana surprised me with a big ol' cookie cake. With kisses as the chocolate chips... chocolate kisses not the other kind. At first I thought it was for Art because it was his birthday this week but no it was for me! I felt pretty special.
Then I came home Rick, Alyssa and David surprised me with a cake. This cake was an original piece. It had three frostings and looked like Neapolitan Ice Cream. I can't believe that they did all that just for me!
I got a birthday card from Lindsay with gum but not just any gum, Dentine Fire! Mom and Dad Hansen sent me a birthday card and a gift certificate to one of my favorite stores, Khoels!
My birthday gift to myself was a clean house and a yummy Sunday dinner!
All and all I had a great 20th birthday!

Quote of the Day

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

Sister Savings

There is this really cool lady in my ward. Every week she post all the best grocery sales at a variety of grocery stores. If you go to my list of blogs you will find the link to it at the bottom of the list under, Sister Savings. There are other things on the website such as receipts, etc. I hope that it is helpful.

Valentine's Dance

My little brother is sooo cool. Ok, he is really not my "little" brother anymore. He is taller then me now and has been for a couple of years. Anyways, I wanted to go to a dance last friday. It was a Valentine's Dance so a date was required but Talmage was out of town. He went to Nevada for his Airforce training. So Jacob drove more then a hour to my house and was my date. We had a good time. Jacob is a good dancer. We had such a good time dancing and being goofy, all the time shooting inside jokes. We went around the building and critiqued all the paintings. He has cool insight and commentary. Afterwards I cute his hair, which took forever because I made a mistake and it took me forever to blend it in (I have a fettish when it comes to hair being cut perfectly). But it was fun because we got to talk the whole time. I also tried to help his pick out music for his voice class. He is so interesting first of all his is really into math, science and engineering but at the same time he is very artistic singing, drawing, dancing and critiquing paintings etc.
Point of this posting: I had a good time all thanks to my wonderful younger brother that is why he is sooo cool in my book.

Amanda's 21st Birthday

Today is my sister and bestest friend, Amanda's birthday. And so I am going to say five things that I like about her, which won't be hard because she pretty much is AMAZING (sang)!!!!
1. Amanda can laugh. She is one happy person. We have spend so much time just laughing and having fun together! She is a riot! ... in a good way.
2. She is interesting, she has so much depth to her. I have known her for about two decades and I still cant really encompass all of her character. She is like that flavorful dish that you just have to keep tasting and tasting to finally understand all the flavors. Okay, I just compared you to a dish, just think of it in a good way.
3. She has an undieing interest in just about everything. I can't begin to tell you all the things that she has been involved in, learned or interested in throughout her life. She seems to live life to the fullest.
4. She doesn't have to have it perfect to make it good. She isn't what I would call a perfectionist or has to have things an exact way but what ever she does has her Amanda stamp on it.... basically "[you] make this look goood."
5. She expects a lot out of herself and has amazing tenacity and desire to become better. She is quite the go-getter.
6. She makes people feel wonder, special and amazing. She has a way of uplifting people and making them feel great!
7. She is so beautiful. Everyone loves her dark hair, dark eyes and wonderful features.
8. She will tell you what she thinks. She will speak her mind and tell you exactly were she stands. There is no guessing game with her. She is so truthful.
9. She is spiritually uplifting but doesn't rub it in your face as if she knows something you don't.
10. She is basically the coolest friend ever. Time and distance have no bearing on her friendship.

You are wonderful and I am glad that I got to have my best friend be my sister also! I am blessed!
PS: Amanda is in the mission field, St. Louis, Missouri, and will gladly except packages, letters, pictures and love. (If you want her address, just let me know)

The Faster You Go, the Older You Get. I Mean the Older You Get, the Faster Time Goes

For some reason this decade seems to be going by so fast. The 90s seem so much longer than this decade. So here is a theory. When you are ten, a year is one-tenth of your life. When you're fifty, one year is just a fiftieth of your life. So that one year seems a whole lot longer when you're ten, than when you're fifty in comparison to the rest of your life. So the older, you get the more time seems to speed up. .... Just a theory.

[This was brought about by the following posting not by my sister's birthday]

We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet

This last week my beloved prophet, a man who I adore immensely, passed away. To tell you the truth at the news of his death I could only feel joy and peace. I knew that he was with his sweetheart, Sister Hinckley. I could tell that he loved and adored her so much and put her on a pedestal. He must be so happy to see her again.
I was able to go to general conference for the first time this last October. My friends and I were sitting there chatting when instantly I felt something. Not a moment later everyone was standing up, then President Hinckley entered the room. It was so powerful seeing him and his countenance shine. I could fill the spirit so strong. I already had this confirmed to me before, but it was reconfirmed in my mind and heart that this man is the prophet of God. That he is the mouth piece of my Lord.
Gordon B. Hinckley was an example of great optimism, friendliness, endurance, leadership, kindness, humility and joyfulness. A man that has been a great influence on my life. For this and more, I pay tribute to this wonderful man.

My Personal Commedian

You may not know this side of Talmage because he is generally well behaved in public but Talmage is quit the character. I realize this more and more as time goes on. He seems to always have me laughing! He is so funny! This is one thing I love most about him!!!

"Girls Like Guys with Skills... Numchuck Skills, Computer Hacking Skills, [Mad Blogging Skills]"

So here is a few questions for all you bloggers out there:
1. How do I put frames around my pictures?
2. How do I put a power point on a blog?
3. How do I customize the background without having to pick one of those generic templates?

Grand Hansen

So I am still getting used to my name. I often say, "Rachel GraaaHansen." I still haven changed my name officially at school or work so all my paperwork, login names, and official stuff still has Grandy on it. Basically everytime I get on a computer, which is a lot, I have to put in grandy. It is making it difficult for me. So this question is for all you married women out there: How long did it take you to get used to your new last name after you were married, to the point that it came out naturally with out having to think about it?