This year has been full of firsts for me and Jason. Here are the highlights:
January - We made our very first 72-hour kit.
February - I had my 21st birthday.
March - We won a whale-watching trip from a local radio station - KATY - and spent the whole day watching... dolphins. It was neat!
April - Jason had a birthday and we celebrated our 1st anniversary at Coronado Bay with super-tasty Italian food and a gondola ride complete with chocolate-dipped strawberries and sparkling cider.
May - I got called to be Ward Organist in addition to my calling teaching the 5-year-olds. Jason is still in the Nursery.
June - We visited family in Utah for Audrey's high school graduation and Isaac's kindergarten graduation.
July - We came back to Utah for Pioneer Day and Jame's birthday.
August - Jason won us tickets to Knott's Soak City from KATY. We spent a fun-filled day at the water park and then went to dinner at Medieval Times (which was spectacular).
September - Jason's basketball team placed first in their division and we went to the temple twice in one month (a first).
October - We ran our first Ragnar Relay from Lake Mead to Las Vegas. Jason and I ran a combined 17.2 and 13.1 miles, respectively, over 24 hours.
November - This was a super-busy month with work and school so we didn't go anywhere, but we spent each day of the month being especially thankful for something specific.
December - Jason's other basketball team got to the play-offs. Unfortunately, they didn't win. Fortunately, Jason placed 2nd in the free-throw contest, one point behind 1st place.
We've grown a lot as a couple this year and are continuing to grow in the gospel as well. We love our family and friends and are thankful every day for each of you. May 2011 be one of the best years yet!
Love,
Brittany & Jason
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Life
Noah has started to say some pretty funny things and I thought to myself "Aaron, instead of being selfish release this knowledge to the WORld!"
Today I said I couldn't find my swimming suit and so Noah says "You can borrow mine" I stare at him kinda funny and he quickly adds "You can sqeeze" He said all of this with such a serious face and it was soo matter-of-factly that we (Kira and I) Couldn't just laugh.
Noah's descriptions have become more and more descriptive and mean. When Noah first started Basketball one of his fellow teammates was kind of on the chubby side. Noah comes home and tells me "Aaron, There's a fat red faced kid on my team, he smells kind of funky and he mean" the next saturday I go to his basketball and Lo behold I cfor favoring and instantly recognize the "Fat red-faced kid". Afterwards I felt kind of bad so I tell my mom to do something and my mom replies "Who do you think he learned that from?" My jaw dropped knowing that she was talking to me. Acouple of days ago we got a new hot-water heater and Noah and Isabelle decided that the box was cooler than the water heater, they soon changed the box into a dressing room shedding "Dirty" clothes every ten minutes.
Kira is mad at the debate coach for favoring undeserving kids as the debate captains. Elijah is the AST. manager for the freshman basketball team. And for me, I am enjoying Jr high (sort of) I have succesfully accomplished a lead in our last school play. Dad is still looking for a job here in Utah, and mom, well, mom's learning to cope with it one day at a time.
My moms mom came to visit us in November and has made soo much Korean food! I have tried almost everything but some of it looks too wierd or smells too funky.
I am learning how to right a little bit of Korean, slowly but surely.
Today I said I couldn't find my swimming suit and so Noah says "You can borrow mine" I stare at him kinda funny and he quickly adds "You can sqeeze" He said all of this with such a serious face and it was soo matter-of-factly that we (Kira and I) Couldn't just laugh.
Noah's descriptions have become more and more descriptive and mean. When Noah first started Basketball one of his fellow teammates was kind of on the chubby side. Noah comes home and tells me "Aaron, There's a fat red faced kid on my team, he smells kind of funky and he mean" the next saturday I go to his basketball and Lo behold I cfor favoring and instantly recognize the "Fat red-faced kid". Afterwards I felt kind of bad so I tell my mom to do something and my mom replies "Who do you think he learned that from?" My jaw dropped knowing that she was talking to me. Acouple of days ago we got a new hot-water heater and Noah and Isabelle decided that the box was cooler than the water heater, they soon changed the box into a dressing room shedding "Dirty" clothes every ten minutes.
Kira is mad at the debate coach for favoring undeserving kids as the debate captains. Elijah is the AST. manager for the freshman basketball team. And for me, I am enjoying Jr high (sort of) I have succesfully accomplished a lead in our last school play. Dad is still looking for a job here in Utah, and mom, well, mom's learning to cope with it one day at a time.
My moms mom came to visit us in November and has made soo much Korean food! I have tried almost everything but some of it looks too wierd or smells too funky.
I am learning how to right a little bit of Korean, slowly but surely.
That's all for now, Leaving with a short blog,
Aaron Hancock, Beloved Cousin and Nephew (and to those lucky enough, Son)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November's Update
Hello Family.
Tomorrow it will be December. Where did November go? It must have gotten lost amidst the homework, work work, church lesson planning, and cleaning (which desperately needed to be caught up on). Not a bad month - just not a super exciting or particularly fun month.
I will say this, though. It was wonderful to spend each day this month focusing on the things we have to be thankful for. After all of the obvious things (family, friends, the gospel, house, car, good health, etc) it was fun to look for the little random things we have to be thankful for. Take bubbles for example, and cinnamon scented pine cones. Both of those things make me smile every time I see/smell them, and smiles are something to be thankful for too. =)
Thanksgiving was fun. We split the day between Jason's dad's place and Jason's mom's place. Two dinners and desserts makes for VERY full tummies, and two sets of family make for VERY full hearts. I am thankful that we have my husband's side of the family so close, especially since my side of the family is out of state. We hope to visit Utah family after the Holiday Black-Out days are lifted at my work.
We love you all and miss you tons. We hope you had a fun, family-filled Thanksgiving too.
Brittany and Jason
Tomorrow it will be December. Where did November go? It must have gotten lost amidst the homework, work work, church lesson planning, and cleaning (which desperately needed to be caught up on). Not a bad month - just not a super exciting or particularly fun month.
I will say this, though. It was wonderful to spend each day this month focusing on the things we have to be thankful for. After all of the obvious things (family, friends, the gospel, house, car, good health, etc) it was fun to look for the little random things we have to be thankful for. Take bubbles for example, and cinnamon scented pine cones. Both of those things make me smile every time I see/smell them, and smiles are something to be thankful for too. =)
Thanksgiving was fun. We split the day between Jason's dad's place and Jason's mom's place. Two dinners and desserts makes for VERY full tummies, and two sets of family make for VERY full hearts. I am thankful that we have my husband's side of the family so close, especially since my side of the family is out of state. We hope to visit Utah family after the Holiday Black-Out days are lifted at my work.
We love you all and miss you tons. We hope you had a fun, family-filled Thanksgiving too.
Brittany and Jason
Friday, November 12, 2010
Update from P-town
Hi Family!
Well, I guess our biggest news for the last couple months is the gender of our baby. And it's a BOY. We had our appointment on the 10th of November. Back in September we had had an ultra-sound, and when LJ and I saw the baby for the first time, we both immediately thought it was a boy. We both doubted a little bit as the 20-week appointment drew closer, but it definitely wasn't a surprise when it turned out that we were right. That didn't keep LJ from jumping out of his seat when he heard the news, though. :) We are both so excited to meet this little boy.
The ultra-sound was so fun. 4D imaging is such cool technology-- we could see his face in awesome detail, and it wasn't even creepy like I thought it would be. He was so cute. I loved every second of it. He is also very healthy, so far. They checked for all major birth defects, and he has about a 1% chance of being born with one. This was a huge relief for me, because let's just say I do NOT like my multi-vitamins very much, and I was terrified of giving my child spina bifida because I wasn't getting enough folic acid. Didn't happen. It's all good in this neighborhood so far.
From the looks of it, baby will have a hawaiian middle name, although the first name is giving us trouble. I guess we've got a few months to figure that one out.
Besides baby, though, our lives our busy-- but basically uneventful. We go to school, we go to work, we do homework, we eat, and then we do it again the next day. LJ is doing awesome in all of his classes, and I'm doing pretty well in mine (which is a relief, because I was terrified of the whole pregnancy thing during school). I'm taking it easy for the next three semesters (meaning minimal credit hours), after which I will graduate. LJ will probably graduate a semester after me, and then on to grad-school. Lately he's been looking at internships with the state department, mostly in foreign affairs. He's worried about figuring out what he wants to do, but I tell him he's got time.
Next week we'll celebrate our first anniversary. It's crazy that it's been a year. It's been an awesome year, too. We're poor, so no big time plans for us far as I know, but LJ does have some things planned.
We love our ward and our callings. We lucked out as far as married-student wards go. I absolutely adore the four 2-year-olds in my primary, and LJ is really liking his calling as ward mission leader.
Anyway, that's about it for us. We look forward to see everyone around the holidays. Love you all!
LJ, Kaylie, and Baby (BOY!)
Well, I guess our biggest news for the last couple months is the gender of our baby. And it's a BOY. We had our appointment on the 10th of November. Back in September we had had an ultra-sound, and when LJ and I saw the baby for the first time, we both immediately thought it was a boy. We both doubted a little bit as the 20-week appointment drew closer, but it definitely wasn't a surprise when it turned out that we were right. That didn't keep LJ from jumping out of his seat when he heard the news, though. :) We are both so excited to meet this little boy.
The ultra-sound was so fun. 4D imaging is such cool technology-- we could see his face in awesome detail, and it wasn't even creepy like I thought it would be. He was so cute. I loved every second of it. He is also very healthy, so far. They checked for all major birth defects, and he has about a 1% chance of being born with one. This was a huge relief for me, because let's just say I do NOT like my multi-vitamins very much, and I was terrified of giving my child spina bifida because I wasn't getting enough folic acid. Didn't happen. It's all good in this neighborhood so far.
From the looks of it, baby will have a hawaiian middle name, although the first name is giving us trouble. I guess we've got a few months to figure that one out.
Besides baby, though, our lives our busy-- but basically uneventful. We go to school, we go to work, we do homework, we eat, and then we do it again the next day. LJ is doing awesome in all of his classes, and I'm doing pretty well in mine (which is a relief, because I was terrified of the whole pregnancy thing during school). I'm taking it easy for the next three semesters (meaning minimal credit hours), after which I will graduate. LJ will probably graduate a semester after me, and then on to grad-school. Lately he's been looking at internships with the state department, mostly in foreign affairs. He's worried about figuring out what he wants to do, but I tell him he's got time.
Next week we'll celebrate our first anniversary. It's crazy that it's been a year. It's been an awesome year, too. We're poor, so no big time plans for us far as I know, but LJ does have some things planned.
We love our ward and our callings. We lucked out as far as married-student wards go. I absolutely adore the four 2-year-olds in my primary, and LJ is really liking his calling as ward mission leader.
Anyway, that's about it for us. We look forward to see everyone around the holidays. Love you all!
LJ, Kaylie, and Baby (BOY!)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tired and Retired
We look at the BLOG everyday, but we don't see much action. Dad and I/Grandpa and Grandma really enjoy reading about the happenings in your lives. Thank you to those who write.
September seemed like a long month because we were waiting for Dad's/Grandpa's retirement. The 29th finally came and now D/G is a free man. He can sleep in if I will let him, and he can do whatever he wants during the day. We have been getting up at 6:30 to go to the gym. We are trying to get healthy for our mission. I have to work harder than D/G does, because I'm in worse shape. I am getting stronger, and I can walk better. We are hoping to send in our mission papers so we can open them at the reunion. We think that would be cool.
We celebtated our anniversary by going to Cub Scout pack meeting. Actually, the week before we took a little trip to Yellowstone. It was really nice. We love Yellowstone. We always manage to go when it is cold, but that makes all the steam from the geysers look better.
In February I bought tickets for Lion King. It was really cool. It was so fun seeing the costumes. They were so awesome. I think I liked the giraffes the best. I was a little disappointed in the seats. They were supposed to be the best in the price range. I guess they don't know what the best means.
Mike was here for a few days recruiting for Intel. D/G was able to go to the football game with him and all the guys. They had a great time. Thanks Mike for spending time with us.
They had a open house for D/G on his retirement day. A lot of people came to wish him well. He even got presents. Some of the higher ups from Salt Lake even came out. It was really nice. His secretary made pillows with the family picture and pictures of some of the buildings. I think he felt a little sad, but he doesn't miss all the phone calls and complaints.
We really enjoyed having the family come for Conference Weekend. The following week we went to the BYU Homecoming Spectacular. It was a really cool program. One of the numbers was especially great. Jared's dance team performed. They wowed the audience. We spent a few days in Oregon. It was great seeing everyone there. They always feed us good and take good care of us. Afterwrd we drove out to the coast. The weather was excellent. We watched the sunset on the beach. It was really great. We also found hundreds of sand dollars and dead jelly fish (that was kind of gross). It was beautiful weather while we were there, but it started to rain when we started home. Thank you Oregon Hancock's for a fun time. We love all of you and hope all is well in your lives. Write on the BLOG if you get a chance. Love you forever. Mom,Dad/Grandma,Grandpa.
September seemed like a long month because we were waiting for Dad's/Grandpa's retirement. The 29th finally came and now D/G is a free man. He can sleep in if I will let him, and he can do whatever he wants during the day. We have been getting up at 6:30 to go to the gym. We are trying to get healthy for our mission. I have to work harder than D/G does, because I'm in worse shape. I am getting stronger, and I can walk better. We are hoping to send in our mission papers so we can open them at the reunion. We think that would be cool.
We celebtated our anniversary by going to Cub Scout pack meeting. Actually, the week before we took a little trip to Yellowstone. It was really nice. We love Yellowstone. We always manage to go when it is cold, but that makes all the steam from the geysers look better.
In February I bought tickets for Lion King. It was really cool. It was so fun seeing the costumes. They were so awesome. I think I liked the giraffes the best. I was a little disappointed in the seats. They were supposed to be the best in the price range. I guess they don't know what the best means.
Mike was here for a few days recruiting for Intel. D/G was able to go to the football game with him and all the guys. They had a great time. Thanks Mike for spending time with us.
They had a open house for D/G on his retirement day. A lot of people came to wish him well. He even got presents. Some of the higher ups from Salt Lake even came out. It was really nice. His secretary made pillows with the family picture and pictures of some of the buildings. I think he felt a little sad, but he doesn't miss all the phone calls and complaints.
We really enjoyed having the family come for Conference Weekend. The following week we went to the BYU Homecoming Spectacular. It was a really cool program. One of the numbers was especially great. Jared's dance team performed. They wowed the audience. We spent a few days in Oregon. It was great seeing everyone there. They always feed us good and take good care of us. Afterwrd we drove out to the coast. The weather was excellent. We watched the sunset on the beach. It was really great. We also found hundreds of sand dollars and dead jelly fish (that was kind of gross). It was beautiful weather while we were there, but it started to rain when we started home. Thank you Oregon Hancock's for a fun time. We love all of you and hope all is well in your lives. Write on the BLOG if you get a chance. Love you forever. Mom,Dad/Grandma,Grandpa.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Ragnar Relay
Hi Family!
We had an awesome October. =) The month was highlighted by two main events. The first was that my grandparents on my mom's side returned from their mission in Ecuador and we got to visit with them (and all the family that came to welcome them home) for a weekend. The second is that we successfully ran our first Ragnar Relay! I say first, because we enjoyed the experience SO much that we will be doing another one in the near future. =) The team photo is below:
For a really good look at what our experience was like, please see the awesome short video created by one of our team members documenting our experience (to awesome music ;-):
http://www.vimeo.com/16247036
Basically, there were two vans, each with six people, and while one van ran the other attempted to rest up and eat. Each person ran three legs. Jason ran a total of 17.4 miles, and I ran a total of 13.1 miles.
Aside from our two big events, Halloween was also a lot of fun. I was able to borrow a costume from a coworker and dress up as Snow White (wig and all) and Jason borrowed a red cape and brown hat and was my Prince Charming. His costume was pretty generic, though, and combined with the missing tooth Jason acquired via an elbow in the face playing basketball many of the trick-or-treaters thought he was a pirate. =P He could also have been a matador...
Well, that's it for October. We love you all and wish you a Happy November! =)
Brittany and Jason
We had an awesome October. =) The month was highlighted by two main events. The first was that my grandparents on my mom's side returned from their mission in Ecuador and we got to visit with them (and all the family that came to welcome them home) for a weekend. The second is that we successfully ran our first Ragnar Relay! I say first, because we enjoyed the experience SO much that we will be doing another one in the near future. =) The team photo is below:
For a really good look at what our experience was like, please see the awesome short video created by one of our team members documenting our experience (to awesome music ;-):http://www.vimeo.com/16247036
Basically, there were two vans, each with six people, and while one van ran the other attempted to rest up and eat. Each person ran three legs. Jason ran a total of 17.4 miles, and I ran a total of 13.1 miles.
Aside from our two big events, Halloween was also a lot of fun. I was able to borrow a costume from a coworker and dress up as Snow White (wig and all) and Jason borrowed a red cape and brown hat and was my Prince Charming. His costume was pretty generic, though, and combined with the missing tooth Jason acquired via an elbow in the face playing basketball many of the trick-or-treaters thought he was a pirate. =P He could also have been a matador...
Well, that's it for October. We love you all and wish you a Happy November! =)
Brittany and Jason
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Good and the Bad
I'm getting really bad about posting on the blog. It has been a couple of months.
We have had some wonderful things and trying things occur since last we posted. First off, as you already know, Kaylie and LJ are expecting March 21. We have known for several weeks, but we were sworn to secrecy. I'm excited about this event. I'm not super excited about being called grandpa. In fact that sounds very strange to me, but Terry takes great delight in it.
Also, Nate and Zach have been doing really well, and we have a lot to be grateful for. We are very grateful they are excited for their mission and doing well. We love to get their emails each Monday even if they are somewhat short.
The last couple of weeks, Lynette's Mom has really had some health struggles. She became very sick a few weeks ago. As a result she started having many mental issues. It has been a real struggle to see her go through this. We have now gotten her some professional help, and she seems to be improving. For a while the family was trying to take care of all her needs. We keep praying and working for the best. I personally am grateful for how Lynette's family responded to this, something we never thought we would deal with. They have really come together. There have been some real spiritual experiences throughout all this that we are very grateful for.
As far as other members of the family go there has been a lot of soccer. Kelsey's high school team has had a bit of a frustrating season. They outplay teams but still end up on the wrong end of the score because they have trouble putting it in the back of the net.
Tyson and Max have also been playing. Tyson is the keeper. He loves it, but I have found it is not easy to be a parent of a keeper. Tyson continues to play defense. His team has also been frustrating this season.
Annika and Kelsey have been very busy with school. They seem to have a lot of home work each day. Annika is getting closer to the day she will drive. It is hard to believe that we have that many that are driving in the family.
Brianna is in a choir group starting this fall. She is super excited about it. We hope we have found something that she will really enjoy and stick with.
We love you all.
the Lehi Hancocks
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Busy as Predicted
This last month has been NUTS! But it's okay. We're grateful for the work and school opportunities more than we are driven crazy by them. Even if we have to juggle all of these things with only one car... But we have a car! So we are grateful for that as well. =P
This month's events (last half of Aug, first half of Sep):
Love,
Brittany and Jason
This month's events (last half of Aug, first half of Sep):
- Jason's basketball team placed 1st in their division (B League). I got to watch a couple of the games and my husband is crazy, lol. Crazy fast that is! Which is why he can get away with not being 6'8".
- We went on a temple trip to Redlands with the ward and had a BBQ afterward (yum!).
- School started for me (as I mentioned it would).
- We won tickets to the San Diego zoo on the same radio station we've been winning the other stuff. We love that radio station! We're not sure we'll want to go twice, as in the case of Soak City (which we will hopefully be using our second set of tickets on this Friday), so we're trying to figure out who to take with us.
- Jason signed us up to run in something called the Ragnar Relay, which is a 200 mile race divided into 36 legs run by 12 people (runner 1 runs legs 1, 13, and 25; runner 2 runs legs 2, 14, and 26, etc...). It starts in Lake Mead and ends in Las Vegas. The race is mid-October so we've been training. =) A few couples from our ward and the ward that meets in our building after us are on the team, and I'm excited to get to know them better.
- We went to the temple again, only this time for sealing assignments, which we've never done before. It was such a wonderful experience. There were marriages, as I'd expected, but then we also got to help seal kids to their parents, and that was the most special, happy, excited feeling of all. What a wonderful feeling. =)
- Our car got a flat and it can't be repaired so we're driving around at no more than 55mph on a donut until we have a chance to get to a used tire place. <_<
Love,
Brittany and Jason
Sunday, August 22, 2010
July and August
Hey everybody it's Aaron during july we went down to Oregon and had a blast!! Thank you so much for letting us stay with you and for providing entertainment, like the Zoo, the fountains, and the beach which by the way has -10 degree water and a surface temprature of 50. I'd also like to thank Aunt Tanya and Uncle Mike for bringing the cousins over and for letting me stay those couple of nights. I had a ton of fun catching frogs with Ryan, Jason, Josh and the occasional andrew, Isabelle, Jenna, and Noah.
It's now nearing the end of August and Tooele's school is about to start I am going into Jr High and Kira and Elijah are in HIgh School Noah is in 1st grade and Issa is in her second year of Preschool. Kira got her wisdom teeth pulled out and now has the chubbiest cheeks I have ever seen. I went camping in the beginning of August I went down to bear lake and got a tan. Last friday we had our Father's and Children campout at the church with a bouncey house, a popcorn machine, and a fifteen foot blow up water slide. Sure it was fun but it was supposed to be a father's and son campout somwhere in the mountains or something like that...Everyone had fun and my mom finally got a day to sleep.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Life's Greatest Blessing is Family
Dear Family,
It was so wonderful to come to Utah for Pioneer Day and the following week. It was truly the best vacation I've had in while (even though Jason had to go home earlier than me to work). Jason and I stayed with grandma and grandpa for the first few days, during which time we ate wonderful food (Thank You!!!), chatted, and played games (including a game called Quirkle, which we enjoyed so much that we bought it and play it often). It's always fun staying with grandparents =). The remainder of the week was filled with family and friends. Mom set up family portraits, so hopefully we'll be seeing how those turned out soon. It was also wonderful for me to have a long enough vacation that I had time to visit some of my girls from Olive Garden, spend a day reading and playing video games with my siblings, and/or just do NOTHING. How nice to have that option!
The day I flew back to CA Jason picked me up and took me to the beach. The water was cold, and we had fun laughing at each others' faces as we got in deeper. Jason got the biggest laugh, though, when I tried to "catch" a wave, and ended up doing something of a somersault on to the shore. Good times. ;-)
Since vacation it's been back to work as usual, though we did have our first dentist appointments since we've been married (which Jason enjoyed as much as Katie enjoys the dentist ;-). We also used one set of our Knott's Soak City tickets, followed by the most exciting dinner I've ever experienced in my life at Medieval Times. For those of you who don't know, Medieval Times is a place where you eat in a stadium type setting and feast without silver-wear as you watch knights joust - on real horses - in a tournament and fight to be champion with swords and axes (sparks were literally flying off the blades - SO COOL!!!). All the lords and ladies in attendance are sorted into groups to cheer for different knights. Jason and I ended up being on the green team cheering for the "bad" knight that all the other knights were trying to defeat in the name of the King! It was a spectacular show, and I highly recommend going if ever you get the opportunity.
I'm writing tonight because summer break is over and life gets crazy again starting tomorrow. Jason's substitute teaching for the next three weeks at the college across the street (where I start back to school tomorrow), plus painting car windshields with me on Fridays and working at the ice-cream warehouse in the evenings. He's going to be working a lot, but he took the sub job because it makes him happy. The college students are his favorite special-needs students to work with, and they like him too. When he's working and I'm not, I'll be doing as much homework as possible so that we can utilize the time we have off together. =)
I'm realizing as I write that I have put an awful lot of smilee faces in this message. I guess that is just because I'm happy. I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful family and have such a sweet husband. I am thankful to be able to serve in the Primary and am looking forward to the Primary program in a few weeks. I am thankful to be in good health and to have a job and a roof over my head. Life is good.
I'll stop my ramble now, but there are so many things to be grateful for and my heart is so full. I hope all of you are well and that you each feel the love that Heavenly Father has for you. We love you too. =)
Brittany and Jason
P.S. I have pictures to post, but I have to scan some of them in, so they will come at a later date... =)
It was so wonderful to come to Utah for Pioneer Day and the following week. It was truly the best vacation I've had in while (even though Jason had to go home earlier than me to work). Jason and I stayed with grandma and grandpa for the first few days, during which time we ate wonderful food (Thank You!!!), chatted, and played games (including a game called Quirkle, which we enjoyed so much that we bought it and play it often). It's always fun staying with grandparents =). The remainder of the week was filled with family and friends. Mom set up family portraits, so hopefully we'll be seeing how those turned out soon. It was also wonderful for me to have a long enough vacation that I had time to visit some of my girls from Olive Garden, spend a day reading and playing video games with my siblings, and/or just do NOTHING. How nice to have that option!
The day I flew back to CA Jason picked me up and took me to the beach. The water was cold, and we had fun laughing at each others' faces as we got in deeper. Jason got the biggest laugh, though, when I tried to "catch" a wave, and ended up doing something of a somersault on to the shore. Good times. ;-)
Since vacation it's been back to work as usual, though we did have our first dentist appointments since we've been married (which Jason enjoyed as much as Katie enjoys the dentist ;-). We also used one set of our Knott's Soak City tickets, followed by the most exciting dinner I've ever experienced in my life at Medieval Times. For those of you who don't know, Medieval Times is a place where you eat in a stadium type setting and feast without silver-wear as you watch knights joust - on real horses - in a tournament and fight to be champion with swords and axes (sparks were literally flying off the blades - SO COOL!!!). All the lords and ladies in attendance are sorted into groups to cheer for different knights. Jason and I ended up being on the green team cheering for the "bad" knight that all the other knights were trying to defeat in the name of the King! It was a spectacular show, and I highly recommend going if ever you get the opportunity.
I'm writing tonight because summer break is over and life gets crazy again starting tomorrow. Jason's substitute teaching for the next three weeks at the college across the street (where I start back to school tomorrow), plus painting car windshields with me on Fridays and working at the ice-cream warehouse in the evenings. He's going to be working a lot, but he took the sub job because it makes him happy. The college students are his favorite special-needs students to work with, and they like him too. When he's working and I'm not, I'll be doing as much homework as possible so that we can utilize the time we have off together. =)
I'm realizing as I write that I have put an awful lot of smilee faces in this message. I guess that is just because I'm happy. I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful family and have such a sweet husband. I am thankful to be able to serve in the Primary and am looking forward to the Primary program in a few weeks. I am thankful to be in good health and to have a job and a roof over my head. Life is good.
I'll stop my ramble now, but there are so many things to be grateful for and my heart is so full. I hope all of you are well and that you each feel the love that Heavenly Father has for you. We love you too. =)
Brittany and Jason
P.S. I have pictures to post, but I have to scan some of them in, so they will come at a later date... =)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Hi Everyone. We have had an incredible month. It has been so much fun to see everyone. It was especially nice to celebrate my birthday with all the family except Tanya and Julie (we missed you). The month of July just flew by. That is what happens when you are having fun. Thank you everyone for coming and being here for us. We love you and appreciate you. Also, thank you for all the presents and kind words for my birthday. You are one GREAT family.
It was even nice to go to Lagoon. That was the nicest day I've ever experienced at Lagoon. I think we should always order that kind of weather when we go. We also went with Mike, Ryan, Makell, Pauline, and the kids. Dad/Grandpa and I went home early. The weather wasn't quite so nice that day. It was pretty hot. It was a nice day for the kids to ride the water rides, however. They must have had a good time because they got home pretty late. Mike's kid had never been to an outdoor theater, so we went to the Drivein. I was glad we had already seen both movies, so I was able to have a little nap during the show. It was so fun to have the house full of people, but it made it awfully quiet when everyone left. We were lucky though because Brittany and Jason came from California and spent a few days with us.
Dad/Grandpa and I went early to Salt Lake to save a spot for everyone at the parade. All of the good spots were taken, so we had to take a concrete driveway. Luckily it had a big tree by it, and we were in the shade for most of the parade. I really enjoyed the parade. There is something about bands and floats and lots of people. Afterwards, we went to Steve and Lynette's for a barbecue. It was really fun. Jason and Brittany wanted to play games, so we got in some game playing also. Luckily for me they didn't want to play Acquire.
It looks like it is official. Dad/Grandpa will be retiring on September 30. There is sure a lot of paperwork to do. It makes us really feel old, because we have to sign up for Medicare and everything. I guess we are getting old.
We hope everyone is doing well. We love you and miss you. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Love, Mom and Dad/Grandma and Grandpa.
Thank
It was even nice to go to Lagoon. That was the nicest day I've ever experienced at Lagoon. I think we should always order that kind of weather when we go. We also went with Mike, Ryan, Makell, Pauline, and the kids. Dad/Grandpa and I went home early. The weather wasn't quite so nice that day. It was pretty hot. It was a nice day for the kids to ride the water rides, however. They must have had a good time because they got home pretty late. Mike's kid had never been to an outdoor theater, so we went to the Drivein. I was glad we had already seen both movies, so I was able to have a little nap during the show. It was so fun to have the house full of people, but it made it awfully quiet when everyone left. We were lucky though because Brittany and Jason came from California and spent a few days with us.
Dad/Grandpa and I went early to Salt Lake to save a spot for everyone at the parade. All of the good spots were taken, so we had to take a concrete driveway. Luckily it had a big tree by it, and we were in the shade for most of the parade. I really enjoyed the parade. There is something about bands and floats and lots of people. Afterwards, we went to Steve and Lynette's for a barbecue. It was really fun. Jason and Brittany wanted to play games, so we got in some game playing also. Luckily for me they didn't want to play Acquire.
It looks like it is official. Dad/Grandpa will be retiring on September 30. There is sure a lot of paperwork to do. It makes us really feel old, because we have to sign up for Medicare and everything. I guess we are getting old.
We hope everyone is doing well. We love you and miss you. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Love, Mom and Dad/Grandma and Grandpa.
Thank
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happy 4th of July - A Day Late
Hi Family!
Happy 4th of July. =) I'm sure all of you had a blast. Jason and I were originally planning on coming to UT last week, but had a few things come up and had to postpone the trip to the last week of July (we'll be in UT from July23-August 2). We were disappointed to miss the Oregonians, but we still had a good 4th. We had a BBQ/game night at Jason's mom's house and then went and saw a 25 min. firework show, which I'm happy to report had plenty of "willow tree, fairy dust, and twinkle star" fireworks - my favorites. =)
This month we both we mostly just worked, A LOT. We did, however, get to break once in June for a ward hoe-down and once this afternoon for a group date with two couples in our ward. We went to Red Robin's (yum!) and saw Eclipse (for free, thankfully....LOL). We're hoping to have a game night some time in the future.
We did have a stroke of luck with our local radio station (KATY - the station that we one the dolphin-watching tickets through earlier this year) again this month. =) Jason and I won a four-pack of tickets to Knott's Berry Farm's "Soak City." We're both very excited about this, and plan to use the tickets this month.
We love you all and look forward to seeing some of you in a few weeks.
<3 / Britt and Jason
Happy 4th of July. =) I'm sure all of you had a blast. Jason and I were originally planning on coming to UT last week, but had a few things come up and had to postpone the trip to the last week of July (we'll be in UT from July23-August 2). We were disappointed to miss the Oregonians, but we still had a good 4th. We had a BBQ/game night at Jason's mom's house and then went and saw a 25 min. firework show, which I'm happy to report had plenty of "willow tree, fairy dust, and twinkle star" fireworks - my favorites. =)
This month we both we mostly just worked, A LOT. We did, however, get to break once in June for a ward hoe-down and once this afternoon for a group date with two couples in our ward. We went to Red Robin's (yum!) and saw Eclipse (for free, thankfully....LOL). We're hoping to have a game night some time in the future.
We did have a stroke of luck with our local radio station (KATY - the station that we one the dolphin-watching tickets through earlier this year) again this month. =) Jason and I won a four-pack of tickets to Knott's Berry Farm's "Soak City." We're both very excited about this, and plan to use the tickets this month.
We love you all and look forward to seeing some of you in a few weeks.
<3 / Britt and Jason
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pictures of some gel toes
Our beautiful model is now showing us her pretty new pink hair.
Light pink.
Light pink.
Here are some pictures of the gel toes and hands. Our lovely model is the one and only Isabelle.
Doesn't she have cute toes. She couldn't choose a color so we did them all.
Doesn't she have cute toes. She couldn't choose a color so we did them all.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June
Dear Family, Here it is June 13th, the furnace us running, and it is raining outside. I think we have moved to Oregon. The rain has made everything green and beautiful though. We were able to plant the garden on a sunny Saturday in May, and so far it is doing pretty good.
Dad/Grandpa has an official retirement date. He will retire on September 30th. We have decided to go on a mission in the fall of 2011, after the reunion. We are getting excited for all the new changes. Dad is especially excited to not have to take care of problems all of the time. We are working hard trying to get as healthy as possible so we will be ready for the mission.
I received some money from my Dad 's estate, so we decided to put in a gas fireplace downstairs. It is looking pretty good. Hopefully it will be completed before everyone comes for the 4th. We also got a new TV for upstairs. If anyone wants the old one let me know. We may also have some couches available too.
We were able to spend some time in Oregon while Mike, Tanya, and Brittany went to London and Paris. It was so nice to visit the Oregon Hancock's. We were able to celebrate Jenna's fifth birthday while we were there. We watched Makell play a La Crosse game, and we were hoping to watch Ryan play baseball, but it was rained out. There were so many beautiful shrubs and flowers out while we were there. It was gorgeous.
Jared is in England and Scotland right now with the BYU Ballroom Dance Team. They took first place in the World Championships with their team. We were able to watch their performance before they left. It was really good. They used American songs ending with the Battle Hymn of the Republic. If you go to the Daily Universe they have a picture posted. You will be able to see Jared. He is having a good time seeing the world.
We got back from Oregon just in time to go to Audrey's high school graduation. It was really nice. She sang in the choir. Brittany and Jason came up from California, so we were able to see them too.
We are getting excited to see everyone around the 4th. It will be fun getting together. We hope the rain has stopped by then so we can put some tents on the back lawn for the kids. We hope all is well with all of you. Take care and we will see you soon. We love you, Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa.
Dad/Grandpa has an official retirement date. He will retire on September 30th. We have decided to go on a mission in the fall of 2011, after the reunion. We are getting excited for all the new changes. Dad is especially excited to not have to take care of problems all of the time. We are working hard trying to get as healthy as possible so we will be ready for the mission.
I received some money from my Dad 's estate, so we decided to put in a gas fireplace downstairs. It is looking pretty good. Hopefully it will be completed before everyone comes for the 4th. We also got a new TV for upstairs. If anyone wants the old one let me know. We may also have some couches available too.
We were able to spend some time in Oregon while Mike, Tanya, and Brittany went to London and Paris. It was so nice to visit the Oregon Hancock's. We were able to celebrate Jenna's fifth birthday while we were there. We watched Makell play a La Crosse game, and we were hoping to watch Ryan play baseball, but it was rained out. There were so many beautiful shrubs and flowers out while we were there. It was gorgeous.
Jared is in England and Scotland right now with the BYU Ballroom Dance Team. They took first place in the World Championships with their team. We were able to watch their performance before they left. It was really good. They used American songs ending with the Battle Hymn of the Republic. If you go to the Daily Universe they have a picture posted. You will be able to see Jared. He is having a good time seeing the world.
We got back from Oregon just in time to go to Audrey's high school graduation. It was really nice. She sang in the choir. Brittany and Jason came up from California, so we were able to see them too.
We are getting excited to see everyone around the 4th. It will be fun getting together. We hope the rain has stopped by then so we can put some tents on the back lawn for the kids. We hope all is well with all of you. Take care and we will see you soon. We love you, Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
News from CA
First, may I just say Thank You to whoever figured out how to change the background for this blog. I love Thanksgiving, but that theme was getting old and I couldn't figure out how to update it. =P Second, it was SO wonderful seeing some of the UT Hancocks while visiting for Audrey's graduation/ Isaac's birthday and graduation. We love you all and miss you already! We'll be the last week of July. =D To the Oregon Hancocks and those we didn't see in UT, hopefully we'll see you all sooner than later.
So, about us. Let's see... I finished the semester and passed both my classes (one A, one B - I'll take it! =) and am taking the summer off. I'm enjoying the free time by quilting and watching Star Trek: Next Generation, which I record and watch because a) it's awesome, perhaps excluding Season 1 which is semi-awesome and semi-hoaky (sp???) and b) I used to watch it with my dad and it still makes me happy (awe, the memories, =P). Jason is enjoying having his wife's full attention when we're both home together. Yay for date nights and On Demand nights snuggling on the couch. =) Jason's enjoying his free time playing basketball at the gym (still) and in a league at the recreation center across the street (which he just joined and will be doing for the next two months). He still watches sports, and likes to guess which teams will win and what the final scores will be.
Church is the same, unless I forgot to mention that I am now the ward organist. Yes. I'm glad my mom worked out lessons for me when she saw the opportunity. Work is going well. I'm still mostly enjoying Barnes & Noble, though I enjoyed it more before some very awesome managers left (and now another one is leaving =( .... I'm hoping the replacements will be just as awesome). Jason's done with substitute teaching for now, but is still working at the ice cream warehouse once or twice a week (depending on how many orders need to be shipped out that week) and the flower shop when it's especially busy or someone goes on vacation. Mostly, though, he's working on our newest venture. Our home teacher's wife wants to sell her business and is training Jason (and myself, when my days off at B&N coincide with her work days) to take over. Right now it's mostly Jason's work, but the goal is to have me helping him later on down the road. This job is a HUGE blessing to us, as it will give us more flexibility and allow us to have a family of our own. =) Tithing blessings are real, let me tell you. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for them (and for all the non-tithing blessings too, of course).
That's pretty much it for now. We've enjoyed reading all of your blogs. Aaron, thanks for making me laugh, twice. =) Oh! And may I just say that I very VERY much look forward to the family reunion, and will be thrilled to attend (with husband in tow for the first time, LOL) whenever everyone feels it should be. Grandpa - remind me to write you a check when we're out in July. I haven't forgotten about the reunion dues, I just keep forgetting to get them to you.
We Love You!
Britt and Jason
So, about us. Let's see... I finished the semester and passed both my classes (one A, one B - I'll take it! =) and am taking the summer off. I'm enjoying the free time by quilting and watching Star Trek: Next Generation, which I record and watch because a) it's awesome, perhaps excluding Season 1 which is semi-awesome and semi-hoaky (sp???) and b) I used to watch it with my dad and it still makes me happy (awe, the memories, =P). Jason is enjoying having his wife's full attention when we're both home together. Yay for date nights and On Demand nights snuggling on the couch. =) Jason's enjoying his free time playing basketball at the gym (still) and in a league at the recreation center across the street (which he just joined and will be doing for the next two months). He still watches sports, and likes to guess which teams will win and what the final scores will be.
Church is the same, unless I forgot to mention that I am now the ward organist. Yes. I'm glad my mom worked out lessons for me when she saw the opportunity. Work is going well. I'm still mostly enjoying Barnes & Noble, though I enjoyed it more before some very awesome managers left (and now another one is leaving =( .... I'm hoping the replacements will be just as awesome). Jason's done with substitute teaching for now, but is still working at the ice cream warehouse once or twice a week (depending on how many orders need to be shipped out that week) and the flower shop when it's especially busy or someone goes on vacation. Mostly, though, he's working on our newest venture. Our home teacher's wife wants to sell her business and is training Jason (and myself, when my days off at B&N coincide with her work days) to take over. Right now it's mostly Jason's work, but the goal is to have me helping him later on down the road. This job is a HUGE blessing to us, as it will give us more flexibility and allow us to have a family of our own. =) Tithing blessings are real, let me tell you. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for them (and for all the non-tithing blessings too, of course).
That's pretty much it for now. We've enjoyed reading all of your blogs. Aaron, thanks for making me laugh, twice. =) Oh! And may I just say that I very VERY much look forward to the family reunion, and will be thrilled to attend (with husband in tow for the first time, LOL) whenever everyone feels it should be. Grandpa - remind me to write you a check when we're out in July. I haven't forgotten about the reunion dues, I just keep forgetting to get them to you.
We Love You!
Britt and Jason
Monday, June 7, 2010
EM Hancock's Montly Report
Hello--
DAVE HAS A JOB! He'll be working at an LDS private school--American Heritage School--in American Fork, literally across the street from the temple. Apparently they wanted him so badly (must be nice!) that they cobbled together enough subjects to make him an offer of f/t work: he'll teach two debate classes, one journalism class, and do a class of Distance Education for English 9 (he's to write the course this summer), and...you brothers will LOVE this: he's the school's Athletic Director. (I know--you're laughing harder about this than when he was called to be a Bishop!!!)
I am still unemployed--please note, ladies: just because you have a B.A. degree, it will get you NO WHERE unless it's in math or a science, and being a mother gives no credible work experience whatsoever--although I've been looking and sending out app's (50, at this point) for the last four months. At this point my plan is to substitute teach, which will bring in about 1/2 what I used to earn. As I'll have unemployment through December, I figure that I'll whip this house into shape until then. I am applying to AHS to be a Distance Instructor, also (7th grade) so if they want me, that will bring in some extra money.
On Friday morning, we cleaned out our classrooms and were signed off on all details for Rockwell! We were SO EXCITED AND RELIEVED to be done with that school and it's administration. (One of the nice things about AHS is that they value integrity, which RCHS did not.) We both have two classes to finish for our Level 1 licenses: Adolescent Literature (BYU Independent Study) and Teaching Special Education Learners (the first week of August); we should be "official" by August 15, 2010.
BRITTANY and Jason came up for Audrey's graduation, and that coincided with Isaac's birthday and his kindergarten graduation, so he was very happy. THANK YOU to Mom and Dad, Steve and Kelsey for coming as well--the pictures turned out great! Britt is enjoying her job and B&N (my dream job, I think =) and she and Jason are possibly taking over a business and are working on that. She'll be up the last week of July as she gets paid vacation and intends to use it here--she's excited to see whoever is here!
AUDREY graduated and feels...the same, of course! She was excited to be done and is now trying to find a job (yes, all of you Lehites know how THAT is going) and wondering how to go to school. She has her last GIRL'S CAMP in two weeks, and is going on TREK in July.
JAMES leaves for SCOUT CAMP in the morning and will be gone all week; we figure he'll earn 5 Merit badges there, and then plans on earning another 6-8 this summer, so we're hoping he'll manage his EAGLE before he's 16. He is also going on TREK in July.
KATIE doesn't know it yet, but she'll be using the 1-student credit we get at AHS and attending the school with Dave this next year. The academics are high, the spirit is strong, and we're concerned that she's already boy-crazy (at 11?!?!!?) so Dave will be able to keep an eye on her. She's learning some cooking and other household duties this summer, plus writing a 50-page novel as a challenge from her 5th grade teacher.
ISAAC is excited to have lots of "home days" and the chance to sleep in. He was very proud to graduate Kindergarten, and was awarded "Most Artistic" by his teacher. He is riding his bike a lot and visiting friends down the street--I am SO grateful to have friends nearby that are good for him!
The EM Hancocks
DAVE HAS A JOB! He'll be working at an LDS private school--American Heritage School--in American Fork, literally across the street from the temple. Apparently they wanted him so badly (must be nice!) that they cobbled together enough subjects to make him an offer of f/t work: he'll teach two debate classes, one journalism class, and do a class of Distance Education for English 9 (he's to write the course this summer), and...you brothers will LOVE this: he's the school's Athletic Director. (I know--you're laughing harder about this than when he was called to be a Bishop!!!)
I am still unemployed--please note, ladies: just because you have a B.A. degree, it will get you NO WHERE unless it's in math or a science, and being a mother gives no credible work experience whatsoever--although I've been looking and sending out app's (50, at this point) for the last four months. At this point my plan is to substitute teach, which will bring in about 1/2 what I used to earn. As I'll have unemployment through December, I figure that I'll whip this house into shape until then. I am applying to AHS to be a Distance Instructor, also (7th grade) so if they want me, that will bring in some extra money.
On Friday morning, we cleaned out our classrooms and were signed off on all details for Rockwell! We were SO EXCITED AND RELIEVED to be done with that school and it's administration. (One of the nice things about AHS is that they value integrity, which RCHS did not.) We both have two classes to finish for our Level 1 licenses: Adolescent Literature (BYU Independent Study) and Teaching Special Education Learners (the first week of August); we should be "official" by August 15, 2010.
BRITTANY and Jason came up for Audrey's graduation, and that coincided with Isaac's birthday and his kindergarten graduation, so he was very happy. THANK YOU to Mom and Dad, Steve and Kelsey for coming as well--the pictures turned out great! Britt is enjoying her job and B&N (my dream job, I think =) and she and Jason are possibly taking over a business and are working on that. She'll be up the last week of July as she gets paid vacation and intends to use it here--she's excited to see whoever is here!
AUDREY graduated and feels...the same, of course! She was excited to be done and is now trying to find a job (yes, all of you Lehites know how THAT is going) and wondering how to go to school. She has her last GIRL'S CAMP in two weeks, and is going on TREK in July.
JAMES leaves for SCOUT CAMP in the morning and will be gone all week; we figure he'll earn 5 Merit badges there, and then plans on earning another 6-8 this summer, so we're hoping he'll manage his EAGLE before he's 16. He is also going on TREK in July.
KATIE doesn't know it yet, but she'll be using the 1-student credit we get at AHS and attending the school with Dave this next year. The academics are high, the spirit is strong, and we're concerned that she's already boy-crazy (at 11?!?!!?) so Dave will be able to keep an eye on her. She's learning some cooking and other household duties this summer, plus writing a 50-page novel as a challenge from her 5th grade teacher.
ISAAC is excited to have lots of "home days" and the chance to sleep in. He was very proud to graduate Kindergarten, and was awarded "Most Artistic" by his teacher. He is riding his bike a lot and visiting friends down the street--I am SO grateful to have friends nearby that are good for him!
The EM Hancocks
Thursday, June 3, 2010
It's me, Aaron.......Again
Hi dearest family I'm just posting this because my mom won't, my mom has found another crafty thing (go figure) my mom has started doing glitter toes I will post pics A.S.A.P my mom would like to see how many of you aunts and if you really want them uncles would like glitter toes and or fingers over the fourth of july break that you guys are here. The colors she has are, Onyx, Brownstone, Yellow Barite, Florentine Gold, Silver, Aquamarine Crystal, Turquoise, Lapis Luzuli, Charoite, Peridot, Smoky Quartz, Crystal Fine (or white), Carnelian, Garnet, Golden Beryl, Fire Opal, Tourmaline, and Kunzite. I know this doesn't describe the colors but it's their names. So if you are interested in getting your toes and or hands done or you have any questions inform me or my mom through Facebook or through e-mail my e-mail is airbear_06@yahoo.com or airbear98@gmail.com or you can call us at 435-882-6665 you can also e-mail my mom. (i'm pretty sure you know what her e-mail is)
See you all soon,
The Tooeleian Hancocks (featuring Aaron the only one that will actually write on the blog.
P.S. The toes/nails are free so don't worry about money! :D
See you all soon,
The Tooeleian Hancocks (featuring Aaron the only one that will actually write on the blog.
P.S. The toes/nails are free so don't worry about money! :D
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Libby's Comment Turned into a Letter
(Editor's Note: I changed the settings on "comments" and ta-da! found a comment from Libby that had been hidden. I took her suggestion and posted for all to read! Also, anyone should be able to comment now!)
Mrs. Hancock (Libby) said...
Great letter, Steve--
I'm sure Mother's Day WAS the best ever with women speaking: sometimes the others don't take into account all of those without and/or who can't have children...other times the speakers just eulogize their mothers so well that us humans feel pretty worthless. I wish I could have heard Lynette's talk!
To the family: you may all really enjoy this blogging of THH, but it sure seems 1) too easy to forget to write to/for, 2) too easy to forget to look at, and 3) to have far fewer contributions than the old-school e-mailed letter.
Since I'm here:
Neither of us have jobs/paychecks after June 30. After 4 months of looking/applying for a job, I have had 5 interviews, and made it to the 2nd part twice; of those two positions, one was revoked (as a result of the teacher leaving NOT leaving after all), and I just found out this morning that I didn't get the other job. So that leaves one other for which I will find out (sometime in the next two weeks) if I make it to the 2nd interview. Dave has sent out a grand total of 5 applications and has had 1 interview; his 2nd interview is this afternoon, and he'll know on that position by Friday. Basically, Dave has the experience and degree but won't use it; I have no experience (being a displaced homemaker doesn't qualify me for any jobs) and no worthwhile degree.
Audrey graduates the 27th; Isaac graduates kinder the 28th; Britt is coming the 27th and staying 'til Sunday morning. That's us.
Libby
PS Feel free Julie to cut and paste if you'd like this to be a "real" letter.
Mrs. Hancock (Libby) said...
Great letter, Steve--
I'm sure Mother's Day WAS the best ever with women speaking: sometimes the others don't take into account all of those without and/or who can't have children...other times the speakers just eulogize their mothers so well that us humans feel pretty worthless. I wish I could have heard Lynette's talk!
To the family: you may all really enjoy this blogging of THH, but it sure seems 1) too easy to forget to write to/for, 2) too easy to forget to look at, and 3) to have far fewer contributions than the old-school e-mailed letter.
Since I'm here:
Neither of us have jobs/paychecks after June 30. After 4 months of looking/applying for a job, I have had 5 interviews, and made it to the 2nd part twice; of those two positions, one was revoked (as a result of the teacher leaving NOT leaving after all), and I just found out this morning that I didn't get the other job. So that leaves one other for which I will find out (sometime in the next two weeks) if I make it to the 2nd interview. Dave has sent out a grand total of 5 applications and has had 1 interview; his 2nd interview is this afternoon, and he'll know on that position by Friday. Basically, Dave has the experience and degree but won't use it; I have no experience (being a displaced homemaker doesn't qualify me for any jobs) and no worthwhile degree.
Audrey graduates the 27th; Isaac graduates kinder the 28th; Britt is coming the 27th and staying 'til Sunday morning. That's us.
Libby
PS Feel free Julie to cut and paste if you'd like this to be a "real" letter.
Aaron's doing his parents entry
Hi everybody this is Aaron doing our post so don't blame my mom and or dad for any misspelled words.
All of you that are on facebook, guess what? Grandma'son facebook it was all an accident because all she was trying to do was look at Aunt Tanya's photos that she e-mailed her either way Aunt Tanya is Grandma's only friend.
I am getting ordained to the priesthood this sunday but my mom would like to know when all of the Oregonians are coming out so I can sustained then.
Elijah has graduated 8th grade and is now officially a freshmen in highschool. Kira is driving and has almost killed/ran over my mom's will to ever let her drive again, a chicken, a cat, a dog, a tree, Isabelle's and Noah's lungs (from screaming "Brakes!"), and a bridge. Now, my mom only takes her out when we're not with them. I am graduating 6th grade on the fourth of June, six days from my birthdayand ironicly I won't even be here for the third year in a row, and on top of that my mom told the bishop that my birthday was on the thursday that we will be camping so the bishop is having me come down on a zip-line dressed as a clow. Yipee! that was sarcasm.
I know it sounds like I'm always talking about me but that's only because i don't know what every body else is doing. I do know that Kira won't be here for most of the summer. Hurray!! (that time I really was excited). On field day I won 1st place on the hurtles (boys), 2nd place on the high jump (all), 3rd place on the long jump, and 2nd place on the 100 meter dash (boys).
My family and I are getting a new refridgerator today, we already got a new microwave.
Soccer season is over so we are constantly picking on each other wich irritates my mom and well, it's all down hill from there.
I think that's all for now bye! :)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wow, Dad is Retiring
I called Dad the other day and he was telling me about how he is going to be able to retire sooner than planned. I was so excited for him, but it is also a strange feeling. Dad has gone to work every day for as long as I can remember. So that will be very different. Anyway, he mentioned that they wrote it in the Blog, so of course that reminded me that I needed to write again.
Anyway, my opinion on the mission. I'm not sure when is the best time to go. Perhaps sooner is better than later, but either way I think Mom and Dad needs to be at the reunion. So if they go sooner I think we reschedule the reunion. That is my 2 cents for what it is worth.
So back at the home front. Yesterday, Mother's day, we got to talk to both Nate and Zach. Zach called first and we spoke with him for about 45 minutes. Nate called that night for about 50 minutes. It was great to talk with them. Talking to them on the phone was harder for some members of the family. For Lynette and I it was really rejuvenating. There is something about talking to them and realizing they are still the same. Anyway it was a pretty neat Sunday.
Lynette, spoke in church. As a bishopric we had our wives speak. It was probably the best Mothers day program I remember in a long time.
As far as other stuff goes it is pretty much the same ole stuff in the Spring. Soccer, gardening (however there has been very little of that with the weather) and more soccer. Work has also been really busy. I think I will retire with Dad. If only I could.
Kelsey went to Prom with Alvaro (her boy friend) last week. She borrowed a dress from one of her friends, so we didn't have to fork out that much. She was very pretty. Kaylie got home from Hong Kong just in time to do her hair, even though she was pretty much exhausted.
Annika is working a lot of hours reffing soccer. And she is starting to drive. Although she complains we don't let her drive enough. I'm not sure I'm ready for another driver. But then again I don't think I will ever be ready for another driver.
Tyson is about done with soccer for the season. Max is about done as well. Max loves playing keeper and is pretty good at it. We have been trying to help Brianna figure out what she would like to do. Perhaps piano or drama.
Well that is all for now. Hopefully you are getting Nate's and Zach's emails if you want them. If you aren't let us know.
Love the Lehi Hancocks
Sunday, May 9, 2010
In Honor of Mother's Day
Because Chad LOVES his Mom and wanted to honor her on Mother's Day, he requested that I add a post to the Family Blog. Good thing I love his mother too or I might have to give him a hard time about not posting the blog HIMSELF. Since he spoiled me today on Mother's day...I guess he earned a few points.I should mention that he is listening to Saturday Warrior's music (found it on the internet) right now. Heaven help us all. It's going to be stuck in our heads for a long time.
We're adjusting to the new house (picture FINALLY included). It fits our family well. The kids miss their friends, but all of us seem to really like the house. We spend a lot of time on the road taking the kids to and from school. We are getting really good at spotting slug bugs and cruiser bruisers. We are glad that the kids can finish the school year at their "old" school, but it will be nice when we don't have to make 4 trips a day to or from the school.
Our new yard is waking up and we have some pretty unique plants in the yard. It will be quite pretty when it's all in bloom. However, it's really much more than our skill level. We need to be schooled in foliage knowledge ASAP.
That's it for now. Love you all.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Hi Family!
Well, April was a really great month, to say the least.
At the beginning of the month, LJ's family came to Provo. Lana was here for about a week, and LJ's parents were here for general conference and my birthday. General Conference was wonderful, of course, and it was great to spend some time at grandma's and grandpa's house. :) Always so fun.
The following weekend was my birthday, and Maxwell's baptism. It was awesome to celebrate his baptism on the day of my birth. It was so good to see everybody that came out, too. What a special day. After celebrating his baptism, I had to work on a bunch of research papers I had due on the following Monday, but LJ and I escaped in the evening and went to dinner with my parents, his parents and family, and a bunch of my girlfriends. We celebrated with my family on Sunday.
After that, finals were kicking-- and we both made it out alive. Most of my finals were research papers, so I ended up only having 2 finals during finals week. That was really nice. LJ's schedule was a little bit busier. I took my last final on Thursday (April 21st) in the afternoon because it was scheduled, and LJ's last final was scheduled from 7-10 that night. And we left for Hong Kong the next morning.
Hong Kong was absolutely amazing. The flight over there was 15 hours long, which about killed us both off. At about hour 7 I began thinking to myself, "yeah, this is probably just about over..." Needless to say, I was shocked and dismayed when I looked at the location map that told us we were flying over ALASKA. IN HOUR SEVEN. IN THE UNITED STATES. I seriously wanted to die.
But we made it, thanks to Mary Higgins Clark and long naps.
It's hard to describe what it was like being there, but I absolutely loved it. It was so special to meet the people that LJ loved so deeply on his mission, and to see the place where he lived for two years of his life.
Here's a few pics from the trip:
In Macau.
HK temple.
Well, Kowloon Tong. (This is where the temple is... and the mission office. I sent all my letters here.)
Chickens. And meat.
A beach in Cheung Chau.
Eating curry in Cheung Chau
At Big Buddha.
Kate!
Lai Chi Kok Park in Mei Foo.
LJ at the mailbox in Wan Chai where he mailed about 1/2 of my letters.
Dumplings!
On Ladies Street.
Also on Ladies Street.
We have about a thousand pics, but hopefully this gives you a pretty good idea. We love you all!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
April - A Long, Busy Month!
April was quite an eventful month! To start with, our first anniversary was on the 17th. I've always wanted to travel to Italy, and Jason kept this in mind as he planned our evening. We went to this wonderful little hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant near San Diego, and then he took me to Coronado Bay (an "island" off the coast of San Diego that you can get to by way of a long, bendy bridge) where he completely surprised me with a gondola ride under the stars, complete with gondolier in red and white striped top, music, a blanket to share, sparkling cider, and chocolate covered strawberries. =) It was very cool. I was, once again, touched by my husband's thoughtfulness.
Jason's birthday came next in the month, on the 22nd. He was reluctant to celebrate (because he thinks he's getting old, lol) but I took him to an Angel's game anyway. We got free tickets from a friend, but I bought us some tickets in May on a day when they're handing out free hats (which Jason wears ALL the time) so I could really count it as my gift to him from ME. A "Happy Birthday Jason Paine!" message will appear on the scoreboard partway through the game... =D! He joked about not seeing his name on the scoreboard at the free game (which the Angels lost by a landslide) so I'm "making it up to him" at the game in May. I'll let you know what his reaction is (and hopefully the Angels win this time). =P
Other happenings for the month included General Conference, Ward Conference (we got a new bishopric), and a special Stake Conference (Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve came and spoke to us). There were also two fast Sundays this month. Elder Ballard's talk especially touched me. He talked about how the world is such a hard place for our younger generation to live in, and that one of the best ways to help them through it is to create memories. He called grandparents memory-makers and encouraged parents to help create memories too. I think I was so touched by this talk because I could feel the truthfulness of it. I've been blessed with a loving family that has been my rock and given me many, many memories that leave me knowing I'm loved, even when I'm depressed or angry at the world. Thanks to all of you for the memories. =)
Other things happened this month, including family get-togethers, a dinner party, and Jason working a new job along-side his substitute teaching. I'm sure there was more, but my brain is so over-loaded after all of what I've told you so far that I can't remember the details. That is pretty much the story of my life - I'm very good at forgetting things. Anyway, we love you all and are excited to be coming to UT for Audrey's graduation and Isaac's birthday for a brief weekend at the end of May. =)
<3 / Britt and Jason
P.S. I remembered something else we did. We finally took that hike I mentioned we'd been meaning to take (since the weather is so beautiful). In fact, we took two hikes. One was in Idyllwild (we followed a stream and rock-hopped to see some mini waterfalls) and one was through the hills near our town (on a dirt path with over-hanging branches and random huge patches of wildflowers - my favorite part =).
Jason's birthday came next in the month, on the 22nd. He was reluctant to celebrate (because he thinks he's getting old, lol) but I took him to an Angel's game anyway. We got free tickets from a friend, but I bought us some tickets in May on a day when they're handing out free hats (which Jason wears ALL the time) so I could really count it as my gift to him from ME. A "Happy Birthday Jason Paine!" message will appear on the scoreboard partway through the game... =D! He joked about not seeing his name on the scoreboard at the free game (which the Angels lost by a landslide) so I'm "making it up to him" at the game in May. I'll let you know what his reaction is (and hopefully the Angels win this time). =P
Other happenings for the month included General Conference, Ward Conference (we got a new bishopric), and a special Stake Conference (Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve came and spoke to us). There were also two fast Sundays this month. Elder Ballard's talk especially touched me. He talked about how the world is such a hard place for our younger generation to live in, and that one of the best ways to help them through it is to create memories. He called grandparents memory-makers and encouraged parents to help create memories too. I think I was so touched by this talk because I could feel the truthfulness of it. I've been blessed with a loving family that has been my rock and given me many, many memories that leave me knowing I'm loved, even when I'm depressed or angry at the world. Thanks to all of you for the memories. =)
Other things happened this month, including family get-togethers, a dinner party, and Jason working a new job along-side his substitute teaching. I'm sure there was more, but my brain is so over-loaded after all of what I've told you so far that I can't remember the details. That is pretty much the story of my life - I'm very good at forgetting things. Anyway, we love you all and are excited to be coming to UT for Audrey's graduation and Isaac's birthday for a brief weekend at the end of May. =)
<3 / Britt and Jason
P.S. I remembered something else we did. We finally took that hike I mentioned we'd been meaning to take (since the weather is so beautiful). In fact, we took two hikes. One was in Idyllwild (we followed a stream and rock-hopped to see some mini waterfalls) and one was through the hills near our town (on a dirt path with over-hanging branches and random huge patches of wildflowers - my favorite part =).
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Hello Family. It is officially spring but someone forgot to remind the weather. We woke up again this morning to snow on the ground. That is the third or fourth time this week. The trees are in bloom, but they are saying, "What's going on!" If any in the family are reading this please e-mail me at momhancock@hotmail.com. I want to see how many of the family we are actually reaching with the BLOG.
Last post I wrote that Dad/Grandpa was thinking of retiring in July 2011. The church is getting rid of many of their employees. All of the custodians will be losing their jobs. They want all of the FM Managers (Dad/Grandpa) to retire if they are able. They are offering a early retirement benefit to those that do, so Dad/Grandpa will be retiring sooner than expected. Now the big question. Should we go on a mission before the reunion in 2011 or should we go as we had planned after the reunion. Let us know your feelings on the subject. By the way, Dad/Grandpa has been smiling ear to ear for the last couple of weeks. He is really glad he gets to quit working.
We had a very cool experience this week. Dona's friend Danielle works for the church in the genealogy department. They had a big world wide conference this week in Salt Lake City. A program was presented in the conference center on Thursday night and Dona got us tickets. It was so good. President Eyring spoke, and they had some really cool videos that were designed to inspire genealogy work. The featured speaker was David McCullough, "1776." He was so good. He talked about how he did research for his books. He is a great American and so inspiring. We also heard some really good music by the Tabernacle Choir. They played a video that showed how Julia Ward Howe came to write the words for the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and then the Choir sung it. It was very, very awesome. We are so blessed to have those kinds of experiences.
We love all of you. We hope you are all well and happy. Have a beautiful May. Love, Mom and Dad/Grandma and Grandpa.
Last post I wrote that Dad/Grandpa was thinking of retiring in July 2011. The church is getting rid of many of their employees. All of the custodians will be losing their jobs. They want all of the FM Managers (Dad/Grandpa) to retire if they are able. They are offering a early retirement benefit to those that do, so Dad/Grandpa will be retiring sooner than expected. Now the big question. Should we go on a mission before the reunion in 2011 or should we go as we had planned after the reunion. Let us know your feelings on the subject. By the way, Dad/Grandpa has been smiling ear to ear for the last couple of weeks. He is really glad he gets to quit working.
We had a very cool experience this week. Dona's friend Danielle works for the church in the genealogy department. They had a big world wide conference this week in Salt Lake City. A program was presented in the conference center on Thursday night and Dona got us tickets. It was so good. President Eyring spoke, and they had some really cool videos that were designed to inspire genealogy work. The featured speaker was David McCullough, "1776." He was so good. He talked about how he did research for his books. He is a great American and so inspiring. We also heard some really good music by the Tabernacle Choir. They played a video that showed how Julia Ward Howe came to write the words for the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and then the Choir sung it. It was very, very awesome. We are so blessed to have those kinds of experiences.
We love all of you. We hope you are all well and happy. Have a beautiful May. Love, Mom and Dad/Grandma and Grandpa.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Officially Old
Hi Everyone. It's official, we're old. Dad/Grandpa signed up for Social Security this month, and he will be getting a check next month. He has also set a date to retire, July 2011, just before the family reunion. We are going to practice living on retirement wages to see if we can do it. We are looking forward to a new faze of our lives.
We organized a pretty nice Blue and Gold Banquet. It was the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts so we had a giant birthday party. We had lots of balloons, and streamers. Dad even rigged up a false ceiling with twirly things the kids helped us make at Dad's birthday party. We had pizza, salad, birthday cake and ice cream. After dinner we had lots of games for the kids to play. I think they had a really good time. As it turned out, that was our last pack meeting. Dad got released from Cub Master and put in as Committee Chairman. Since I was his assistant, I was released too. Now we are just doing the Webelos. The district did ask Dad to serve as a Round Table Commissioner in the Cub Master department.
We've had the opportunity to watch Jared perform several times with the BYU ballroom dance team. They did a show at the conference center theater in March, and this weekend was their big concert in the Marriott Center. It was so fun to watch. He does a really good job. I'm glad he loves it so much, it gives us something fun to do. It also makes us proud parents.
Pauline decided to go with Terry to Ecuador so we watched the kids while they were gone. I was really worried about Isabelle, but everything went well. We only lost Elijah one day after school. He forgot to call us and let us know where he was. Dad was looking all over town for him. He was found and all was well. Pauline got tickets so we could take the kids to Disney on Ice. It was a really cool show. I really like the CARS number. Dona went with us because Elijah was sick and couldn't go. Dad and I were really tired after Pauline got back. We know why you have kids when you're young. Us old folks get really worn out. It was nice having them here, though. I get really lonely after they're gone.
Makell came down during her spring break for a couple of days. We took her to BYU to listen to Jim Lovell of the Apollo 13 mission. It was really good. It was so interesting to hear him tell of his experiences in person. Afterwards we went to the IMAX theater and saw the last voyage to the Hubble telescope. It was in 3D and very impressive. Everyone should go see it. It was so much fun.
We had a great time over conference weekend. Everyone came out, even the Sikahema's came on Sunday. We had people sleeping everywhere. There was lots of food and conversation. I love it when the family can get together.
I also love reading the blog. I wish more of you would write. It is like a family history. We love all of you and miss you. Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa.
We organized a pretty nice Blue and Gold Banquet. It was the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts so we had a giant birthday party. We had lots of balloons, and streamers. Dad even rigged up a false ceiling with twirly things the kids helped us make at Dad's birthday party. We had pizza, salad, birthday cake and ice cream. After dinner we had lots of games for the kids to play. I think they had a really good time. As it turned out, that was our last pack meeting. Dad got released from Cub Master and put in as Committee Chairman. Since I was his assistant, I was released too. Now we are just doing the Webelos. The district did ask Dad to serve as a Round Table Commissioner in the Cub Master department.
We've had the opportunity to watch Jared perform several times with the BYU ballroom dance team. They did a show at the conference center theater in March, and this weekend was their big concert in the Marriott Center. It was so fun to watch. He does a really good job. I'm glad he loves it so much, it gives us something fun to do. It also makes us proud parents.
Pauline decided to go with Terry to Ecuador so we watched the kids while they were gone. I was really worried about Isabelle, but everything went well. We only lost Elijah one day after school. He forgot to call us and let us know where he was. Dad was looking all over town for him. He was found and all was well. Pauline got tickets so we could take the kids to Disney on Ice. It was a really cool show. I really like the CARS number. Dona went with us because Elijah was sick and couldn't go. Dad and I were really tired after Pauline got back. We know why you have kids when you're young. Us old folks get really worn out. It was nice having them here, though. I get really lonely after they're gone.
Makell came down during her spring break for a couple of days. We took her to BYU to listen to Jim Lovell of the Apollo 13 mission. It was really good. It was so interesting to hear him tell of his experiences in person. Afterwards we went to the IMAX theater and saw the last voyage to the Hubble telescope. It was in 3D and very impressive. Everyone should go see it. It was so much fun.
We had a great time over conference weekend. Everyone came out, even the Sikahema's came on Sunday. We had people sleeping everywhere. There was lots of food and conversation. I love it when the family can get together.
I also love reading the blog. I wish more of you would write. It is like a family history. We love all of you and miss you. Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hi Family!
Sorry I'm a little late. But here's the update anyhow:
School continues to go. Gosh, I feel like I say nothing else. We have about 3 weeks left of class, and then finals. Deprived of a spring break, us BYU kids are starving for the end of the torture. Both LJ and I are taking classes spring, and then we'll go back in the fall. I can't wait for graduation in April, but at the same time, I'm starting to get sad about it. If you don't read my blog-- I've been looking into grad schools, and it is a very real possibility that I will end up at the University of Utah in fall of '11. I don't feel like explaining myself again, so if you care to know, I refer you to here.
So LJ and I both have callings now. He is still a ward missionary and head of the proclaim the gospel committee, and I just got called as primary president. This was a little insane, but I am super excited. I submitted the names for my counsellors last Sunday, and we should be set apart this Sunday.
Work is going well for the both of us. LJ's work just finished doing a bi-athalon event, and my work just did the Rex Lee run together. With all of the help from our works, you would think that we would be fit and trim... don't be fooled. We're still working on that.
LJ's family will be here for a bit in the beginning of April. It will be really good to see them. They'll be here for GC, and for my birthday, and Max's baptism. It'll be a good time.
Other than that, we're just looking forward to our HK trip. We're about a month away. It's been slightly hard to concentrate on school-- but we're trying. Ha.
Anyway, next month should be more interesting, I'll have the HK report, and we'll be finished with this eternal semester.
We love you all!
School continues to go. Gosh, I feel like I say nothing else. We have about 3 weeks left of class, and then finals. Deprived of a spring break, us BYU kids are starving for the end of the torture. Both LJ and I are taking classes spring, and then we'll go back in the fall. I can't wait for graduation in April, but at the same time, I'm starting to get sad about it. If you don't read my blog-- I've been looking into grad schools, and it is a very real possibility that I will end up at the University of Utah in fall of '11. I don't feel like explaining myself again, so if you care to know, I refer you to here.
So LJ and I both have callings now. He is still a ward missionary and head of the proclaim the gospel committee, and I just got called as primary president. This was a little insane, but I am super excited. I submitted the names for my counsellors last Sunday, and we should be set apart this Sunday.
Work is going well for the both of us. LJ's work just finished doing a bi-athalon event, and my work just did the Rex Lee run together. With all of the help from our works, you would think that we would be fit and trim... don't be fooled. We're still working on that.
LJ's family will be here for a bit in the beginning of April. It will be really good to see them. They'll be here for GC, and for my birthday, and Max's baptism. It'll be a good time.
Other than that, we're just looking forward to our HK trip. We're about a month away. It's been slightly hard to concentrate on school-- but we're trying. Ha.
Anyway, next month should be more interesting, I'll have the HK report, and we'll be finished with this eternal semester.
We love you all!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Whale Watching at Dana Point
Hello again from California, where the weather is beautiful and the earth is green and sprinkled with orange and yellow poppies! This is my favorite time year. =) It makes me happy just driving around and looking at all. Jason and I are going to do a hike too, but I'll post more about that once we've done it. =)
Jason was driving me to work a couple of weeks ago when they announced a contest on KATY radio (one of our local radio stations) for a whale-watching trip. The theme of this contest was children's books that were made into movies. Jason, with his super quick fingers and KATY radio's phone number memorized, dialed the station. I laughed and asked him if he really thought he'd know the answers, and he said, "no, but my wife would know" and tossed me the phone (for which I was grateful because he was driving and shouldn't have been on the phone anyway). I listened to the phone ring knowing there was very little chance that they'd actually pick up and tell me I was to participate in the contest, when suddenly I'm hearing, "Hi, this is Bob Madden from KATY, what's your name?" Goodness! He picked up! I responded Brittany, and he proceeded to welcome me and explain the rules of the contest. I was up against another listener. Bob would give three clues about children's books that got made into movies and we were to shout our name when we knew the answer. Just for fun I'll post the clues he gave so you can see if you would have gotten them:
1) This book starred a monkey and a man with a yellow hat.
2) This book follows four children and their adventures through a wardrobe.
3) This book's main character is Percy Jackson.
Ready for the answers? They are, respectively: Curious George; Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe; and The Lightening Thief (which was made into the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians). I got the first two for the win, and then answered the third one just for fun. =) SO, this past Saturday we headed out to Dana Point for our free whale-watching trip. Here are a couple of the pictures we took:
The pictures from top to bottom are: the boat we went out on, bottle-nose dolphins (we saw about 6), Jason in the foreground and the coast in the background, common dolphins (we ran into a mega pod of about 400), and us on the boat. We never actually saw any whales... maybe we'll just call it our dolphin watching trip. =P
Yesterday Jason and I got invited to a Ducks game by a friend who has season passes. That was also fun. The Ducks played a good game (which isn't always the case, especially since the Olympics) and won 4 to 2. Go Ducks! I'd give more information but that's my husband's area of expertise. =P
Everything else is the same as always. Work, school, church, Jason's cooking... Oh! I did clean the fish tank. You can actually see the fish now... But yeah. Everything else is the same as always. We love and miss you all!
Britt and Jason
Jason was driving me to work a couple of weeks ago when they announced a contest on KATY radio (one of our local radio stations) for a whale-watching trip. The theme of this contest was children's books that were made into movies. Jason, with his super quick fingers and KATY radio's phone number memorized, dialed the station. I laughed and asked him if he really thought he'd know the answers, and he said, "no, but my wife would know" and tossed me the phone (for which I was grateful because he was driving and shouldn't have been on the phone anyway). I listened to the phone ring knowing there was very little chance that they'd actually pick up and tell me I was to participate in the contest, when suddenly I'm hearing, "Hi, this is Bob Madden from KATY, what's your name?" Goodness! He picked up! I responded Brittany, and he proceeded to welcome me and explain the rules of the contest. I was up against another listener. Bob would give three clues about children's books that got made into movies and we were to shout our name when we knew the answer. Just for fun I'll post the clues he gave so you can see if you would have gotten them:
1) This book starred a monkey and a man with a yellow hat.
2) This book follows four children and their adventures through a wardrobe.
3) This book's main character is Percy Jackson.
Ready for the answers? They are, respectively: Curious George; Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe; and The Lightening Thief (which was made into the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians). I got the first two for the win, and then answered the third one just for fun. =) SO, this past Saturday we headed out to Dana Point for our free whale-watching trip. Here are a couple of the pictures we took:
The pictures from top to bottom are: the boat we went out on, bottle-nose dolphins (we saw about 6), Jason in the foreground and the coast in the background, common dolphins (we ran into a mega pod of about 400), and us on the boat. We never actually saw any whales... maybe we'll just call it our dolphin watching trip. =P
Yesterday Jason and I got invited to a Ducks game by a friend who has season passes. That was also fun. The Ducks played a good game (which isn't always the case, especially since the Olympics) and won 4 to 2. Go Ducks! I'd give more information but that's my husband's area of expertise. =P
Everything else is the same as always. Work, school, church, Jason's cooking... Oh! I did clean the fish tank. You can actually see the fish now... But yeah. Everything else is the same as always. We love and miss you all!
Britt and Jason
Monday, March 8, 2010
Back At It
Thanks to Julie's email I thought it was time I put away that tired excuse and start writing on the blog again. I got in a bad habit with the wedding and the missionaries, but we will try to break that now.
I assume everyone knows how Nate and Zach are doing. If you don't receive their emails and would like to let us know and we will add you to the list. It is fun to get letters from them. Even with 5 kids still at home it seems really quiet at times. Although Max does his best to fill up any quiet places with his voice.
We are all doing pretty well. Kelsey is now the eldest at home, but we get to see Kaylie and LJ quite frequently. They generally come to visit each Sunday and it is good to see them. It is nice they aren't too far away yet.
Kelsey recently got the rest of her wisdom teeth out. We were trying to get it done before soccer season so she wouldn't have to miss anything.
This is really kind of the nice time of year. There is not too much going on for a few weeks since we are between seasons. It is a bit relaxing. We have plenty of projects lined up once Spring gets here, so I'm sure it won't be too calm for long.
This will be a short entry. I chose to just start anew instead of trying to recap the last 4 months or so. Now I just need to make it a habit again.
We love you all and thanks for you support.
The Lehi Hancocks
I assume everyone knows how Nate and Zach are doing. If you don't receive their emails and would like to let us know and we will add you to the list. It is fun to get letters from them. Even with 5 kids still at home it seems really quiet at times. Although Max does his best to fill up any quiet places with his voice.
We are all doing pretty well. Kelsey is now the eldest at home, but we get to see Kaylie and LJ quite frequently. They generally come to visit each Sunday and it is good to see them. It is nice they aren't too far away yet.
Kelsey recently got the rest of her wisdom teeth out. We were trying to get it done before soccer season so she wouldn't have to miss anything.
This is really kind of the nice time of year. There is not too much going on for a few weeks since we are between seasons. It is a bit relaxing. We have plenty of projects lined up once Spring gets here, so I'm sure it won't be too calm for long.
This will be a short entry. I chose to just start anew instead of trying to recap the last 4 months or so. Now I just need to make it a habit again.
We love you all and thanks for you support.
The Lehi Hancocks
Hello out there
Hi all,
Sorry for the delay in posting.
I too have a few excuses…
1) Waiting for Darrin to do it.
2) You could easily read our blog and get more details about our life.
But alas, I will update you since I too was a supporter of the blog, and because I don’t want to do any housework right now :).
Darrin—Has been sick for the past week or so. Off and on fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and now pink eye. He’s in bed as I type right now. I keep telling him to go to the doctor. But he won’t. Other than that, he’s busy with work, soccer, Elder’s Quorum, and being a great dad. He’s obsessed with Lost. We started at the beginning and watch several episodes a night. We are in season 4 and Darrin just eats it up.
Kim—My mom was just here this past weekend and just left this morning. I think that’s why Darrin has been so sick :). Good case of the mother-in-law i-tis. Anyway, it was fun to have her here. Other than that, I’ve been busy taking kids here and there, cleaning, cooking, etc… Lately I’m interested in learning how to freeze food and meals and hope to have one big cooking day a month and freeze a bunch of food to make life a little easier. We’ll see how it works out. I also have high hopes to sew an apron this month.
Josh—Still loves school and life. He’s loves to play outside with his friends and ride his bike. He still loves Super Mario Bros Wii and plays it any chance he gets. He’s looking forward to his b-day next week.
Andrew—Has been taking a soccer class lately and is learning to like it. He too likes to play with his friends and likes to do puzzles.
Luke—Is talking more and more, and we love it. He had a double ear infection a week ago and then had a reaction to the amoxicillin. He loves Blue’s Clues and Thomas. He likes nursery and loves to sing songs.
Well, I think that’s it. It’s pretty normal around here, and that’s how I like it.
We’re looking forward to everyone’s posts!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
CRAZY
Ok, guilt is setting in. I was an avid instigator the Hancock Herald going Blog, but have been terrible about writing monthly. I justified my laziness by thinking you could just click on the link to our family blog. However, I've been pretty bad about posting there. AND I don't think I've added a picture since we got the new camera. It's all the 8 GBs fault. You don't have to clear your SD card as often when you've got 8GBs.
There. Now you've heard all my excuses. Wait, I have a few more. Secretly, I was waiting for Chad's fingers to get busy on the blog (hear the crickets chirping in the distance?). My final excuse is a doozy. We decided to move. Been a little bit busy and crazy around our house (and frankly, in our heads!).
Here's the scoop: The thought of moving has been a frequent topic at our house for the last 3 or so years. Chad has long wanted to move closer to work. We've been building a long list of pros and cons over the years. We were very comfortable in our house, loved our neighbors, loved our ward, loved our elementary school, etc. However, we had many reservations about living in this specific area as our kids got older. For years, we have prayed about what to do, when to move, but had not felt impressed to do anything yet.
Long story short: The end of January, we took a leap of faith (for Julie). We went through a "for sale" house nearby Chad's work. It felt like home. We made an offer, it was accepted. We took 2 weeks, got our house ready to sell, put it on the market, and had an offer in 2 days. Things like this don't happen in this market. I'm leaving out a lot of agony, tears, fasting, praying, little blessings from heaven, etc of this decision. We've had a few bumps along the way, but have felt Heaven's hand in helping us through it all. For whatever reason in the long run, we feel that this move is what our family needs to do right now. The buying/selling of this process has been a huge blessing from heaven. However, the emotional toll on many of us has been hard. Lots of tears.
As the moving date gets closer, we are feeling excited for a new house. We are sad to be moving farther from friends. However, it's only 6 miles away. If only it took 6 minutes to travel... (it's usually 15-20 minutes...at non-rush hour times)
We will be moving on March 30th. The kids will be able to finish the school year at their "old" school. We'll send our our new address info through email.
On other notes, Trevor turned 12 this week. He was ordained a deacon today in church. Hard to believe he is THAT old. My how time flies! Course that means Kira is 16 (gulp!!)
Hope you are all doing well. We love you.
There. Now you've heard all my excuses. Wait, I have a few more. Secretly, I was waiting for Chad's fingers to get busy on the blog (hear the crickets chirping in the distance?). My final excuse is a doozy. We decided to move. Been a little bit busy and crazy around our house (and frankly, in our heads!).
Here's the scoop: The thought of moving has been a frequent topic at our house for the last 3 or so years. Chad has long wanted to move closer to work. We've been building a long list of pros and cons over the years. We were very comfortable in our house, loved our neighbors, loved our ward, loved our elementary school, etc. However, we had many reservations about living in this specific area as our kids got older. For years, we have prayed about what to do, when to move, but had not felt impressed to do anything yet.
Long story short: The end of January, we took a leap of faith (for Julie). We went through a "for sale" house nearby Chad's work. It felt like home. We made an offer, it was accepted. We took 2 weeks, got our house ready to sell, put it on the market, and had an offer in 2 days. Things like this don't happen in this market. I'm leaving out a lot of agony, tears, fasting, praying, little blessings from heaven, etc of this decision. We've had a few bumps along the way, but have felt Heaven's hand in helping us through it all. For whatever reason in the long run, we feel that this move is what our family needs to do right now. The buying/selling of this process has been a huge blessing from heaven. However, the emotional toll on many of us has been hard. Lots of tears.
As the moving date gets closer, we are feeling excited for a new house. We are sad to be moving farther from friends. However, it's only 6 miles away. If only it took 6 minutes to travel... (it's usually 15-20 minutes...at non-rush hour times)
We will be moving on March 30th. The kids will be able to finish the school year at their "old" school. We'll send our our new address info through email.
On other notes, Trevor turned 12 this week. He was ordained a deacon today in church. Hard to believe he is THAT old. My how time flies! Course that means Kira is 16 (gulp!!)
Hope you are all doing well. We love you.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Nothing new for February, really...
Hey famfam.
So as of today, LJ and I have been married 3 months. Which is totally weird. And awesome.
LJ is loving his job. The 13th of February, Campus Events put on a program called "Big Band Night." It was 40s themed with food (that included food stamps... I want to say cute, but I feel like that would be really inappropriate...), dancing, shows, and live music from BYU's synthesis all included in the event. Of course, LJ and I got in for free. Which was rad, because tickets were 20 bones a piece. Sunday, V-Day, we made food for like 8 people that we hosted in our 20 sq. foot apartment. (Exaggeration... but it felt that small with everybody there.) It was a blast, and a great V-Day. LJ made me breakfast Saturday morning that came with flowers, and the movie "Up." I got him a book: How to Fish. Before you laugh, you should know that he has been wanting it for like 3 months. Yeah.
It was a blast to be able to celebrate Grandpa's Bday at Grandma's and Grandpa's house a few weeks ago! It's always so good to be there. Thanks so much for letting us celebrate with you, Grandpa!
School is running its course. I feel like I should report on that, but there is never much to say. Like, we do homework. And go to class. Every day. Except weekends. And then it starts over the next week. And then when that semester is over, another one starts. It's a perpetual cycle, that perhaps only ends at graduation. And even then, there's gradschool. I guess my point is, we're both still in school.
We're getting pretty amped for our Hong Kong trip, though. And for that reason, we can hardly wait for the semester to be over.
Other than that, life is good. We miss you all, and love you!
Oh, Happy 21st Birthday, Britt!! We miss you guys!
Okay, I'm out like a bellybutton. Until next month....
OH! P.S. I noticed there is a question mark next to Maxwell's baptism date on the sidebar-- and I believe that that date is actually April 10th. My Bday. He is claiming that because his baptism date is on my birthday, he is relieved from the responsibility of getting me a gift. Ha.
So as of today, LJ and I have been married 3 months. Which is totally weird. And awesome.
LJ is loving his job. The 13th of February, Campus Events put on a program called "Big Band Night." It was 40s themed with food (that included food stamps... I want to say cute, but I feel like that would be really inappropriate...), dancing, shows, and live music from BYU's synthesis all included in the event. Of course, LJ and I got in for free. Which was rad, because tickets were 20 bones a piece. Sunday, V-Day, we made food for like 8 people that we hosted in our 20 sq. foot apartment. (Exaggeration... but it felt that small with everybody there.) It was a blast, and a great V-Day. LJ made me breakfast Saturday morning that came with flowers, and the movie "Up." I got him a book: How to Fish. Before you laugh, you should know that he has been wanting it for like 3 months. Yeah.
It was a blast to be able to celebrate Grandpa's Bday at Grandma's and Grandpa's house a few weeks ago! It's always so good to be there. Thanks so much for letting us celebrate with you, Grandpa!
School is running its course. I feel like I should report on that, but there is never much to say. Like, we do homework. And go to class. Every day. Except weekends. And then it starts over the next week. And then when that semester is over, another one starts. It's a perpetual cycle, that perhaps only ends at graduation. And even then, there's gradschool. I guess my point is, we're both still in school.
We're getting pretty amped for our Hong Kong trip, though. And for that reason, we can hardly wait for the semester to be over.
Other than that, life is good. We miss you all, and love you!
Oh, Happy 21st Birthday, Britt!! We miss you guys!
Okay, I'm out like a bellybutton. Until next month....
OH! P.S. I noticed there is a question mark next to Maxwell's baptism date on the sidebar-- and I believe that that date is actually April 10th. My Bday. He is claiming that because his baptism date is on my birthday, he is relieved from the responsibility of getting me a gift. Ha.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A Birthday and Valentine's Day
Hi Family!
Well, I am officially 21 and am not sure what to do with myself. I guess the 21st birthday thing just isn't as big of a deal for people who don't drink. Maybe I'll go dancing. =) Jason made me two-layer triple chocolate cake with pudding in the middle and white frosting and TONS of sprinkles and "21" in red-hots (which I love) on the top. He was quite proud of the way it turned out. =) I got flowers and a balloon and the promise of a Disneyland trip in the near future (whenever we both have a day off in the middle of the week and the weather looks gloomy so there won't be long lines for the rides)... I'm excited!
We did a combination birthday/Valentine's Day dinner at Olive Garden (one of my most favorite restaurants EVER) and movie (Valentine's Day) on Saturday night, right in between those two most important of days. I'm pretty impressed that we managed to do anything at all, because Jason was working his tail off the whole weekend delivering flowers for a family friend who owns a flower shop (he works there about once a week, but Valentine's Day is HUGE so...).
I think the only other exciting news is that my work finally hired a third head cashier, so I'm back to working days!!! =) Management had been making do with two head cashiers by opening themselves and having us work in the evenings (3:45pm-midnight) four to five nights a week. This made for a long January because Jason (who works as a substitute teacher) would get off at 2:45pm, get home around 3:15pm, and hand off the car, at which point I'd leave for work. I'd get home and pass out and then Jason would have to leave for work before I woke up. We didn't see much of each other in January, and I am VERY grateful to be working the same schedule as my husband again.
We hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for the video posts (lol).
Love,
Brittany and Jason
P.S. If you ever decide your 72 hour kit needs some help, we recommend the Dollar Store for your food, water, and gadget needs. We were pleasantly surprised at the variety of stuff the Dollar Store offers. You might need to find a tarp, blankets, and pillows elsewhere.
Well, I am officially 21 and am not sure what to do with myself. I guess the 21st birthday thing just isn't as big of a deal for people who don't drink. Maybe I'll go dancing. =) Jason made me two-layer triple chocolate cake with pudding in the middle and white frosting and TONS of sprinkles and "21" in red-hots (which I love) on the top. He was quite proud of the way it turned out. =) I got flowers and a balloon and the promise of a Disneyland trip in the near future (whenever we both have a day off in the middle of the week and the weather looks gloomy so there won't be long lines for the rides)... I'm excited!
We did a combination birthday/Valentine's Day dinner at Olive Garden (one of my most favorite restaurants EVER) and movie (Valentine's Day) on Saturday night, right in between those two most important of days. I'm pretty impressed that we managed to do anything at all, because Jason was working his tail off the whole weekend delivering flowers for a family friend who owns a flower shop (he works there about once a week, but Valentine's Day is HUGE so...).
I think the only other exciting news is that my work finally hired a third head cashier, so I'm back to working days!!! =) Management had been making do with two head cashiers by opening themselves and having us work in the evenings (3:45pm-midnight) four to five nights a week. This made for a long January because Jason (who works as a substitute teacher) would get off at 2:45pm, get home around 3:15pm, and hand off the car, at which point I'd leave for work. I'd get home and pass out and then Jason would have to leave for work before I woke up. We didn't see much of each other in January, and I am VERY grateful to be working the same schedule as my husband again.
We hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for the video posts (lol).
Love,
Brittany and Jason
P.S. If you ever decide your 72 hour kit needs some help, we recommend the Dollar Store for your food, water, and gadget needs. We were pleasantly surprised at the variety of stuff the Dollar Store offers. You might need to find a tarp, blankets, and pillows elsewhere.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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