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

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

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

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.

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! :)

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

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.

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!

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 =).

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.