Chad's been feeling the pressure...all these families posting...but not us. He's been trying to "inspire" me to get on the ball and write. Not sure why he doesn't just do it himself. He gave me the option of writing the blog or doing the taxes. Nuf said. I'm GLADLY writing the blog.
If you heard a collective sigh last Thursday, it was because we FINALLY finished basketball season at this house. Trevor's season went from December to January. Matt's season was from November to March. We were getting in a LOT of basketball. Watching a LOT of basketball games. Good thing it's a sport we love to watch.
Trevor had a great basketball coach who worked really well with the boys. Trev had a great experience and improved his skills. Trevor is doing great in school. He is definitely becoming a teenager...in every way. Moving to the new house has been great for him: he likes his friends, has lots of good friends, and enjoys middle school.
When Matt first made the competitive team, I had a feeling in my heart that this would be an important experience for him. I THOUGHT it would be that he would learn more about basketball and gain some important basketball skills. However, I was wrong about the lessons he (and we!) were going to learn. He did learn a lot about basketball, but he also learned many important LIFE SKILLS (the hard way: through blood, sweat, and tears--sometimes LOTS of tears). He learned how to pick up the pieces when life doesn't happen like you think it should. He learned how to be positive when it's hard to FIND the positive. He learned that hard work isn't always rewarded immediately, if at all. He learned how to give your all even if you only get 2 minutes to give it. It was a tough season, but he learned some life skills that will probably be useful in the years to come. We're glad that he still loves basketball and wants to keep playing.
Jason is a piano-playing-maniac. Seriously, he can't walk by the piano without playing it. We got a keyboard at Christmas, so now he can play to his heart's content (with earphones on). I rarely have to remind him to practice the piano (usually I just have to remind him to practice his assigned songs...). It's great that he has found something he loves.
After weeks of Jenna complaining that "even babies know how to read" (thanks a lot, TV commercials!), Chad and I have taken a more serious effort to teach that girl how to read. She's pretty proud of her budding reading skills. As part of our FHE, we have a family member share their testimony. Jenna surprised us last Sunday with a "Primary Presentation" of her testimony. She had drawn pictures of "things she knows" on notecards. Then she had attached them to the whiteboard with magnets. She had about 15 cards. So, if ever you need a Sharing Time presentation, Jenna is ready.
Last month, Chad instituted a "kitty lock-down." One of Trevor's friends asked why the cats couldn't leave the garage to which he replied, "We are helping them keep the Law of Chastity." Miss Leia was seen fraternizing with a Big-Black-Bad-Bowtie Kitty (not our cat, he was big and was about his "business."). This was 5 days before Leia's scheduled "not-going-to-be-a-momma" surgery. Chad was going to have none of that kind of business on his sweet little kitty girl...especially BEFORE her surgery. I think if Chad would have had a BB gun, he would have used it. Chad was especially upset that Big-Black-Bad-Bowtie Kitty wasn't even scared of him. So, he "grounded" the cats to keep them "pure." I couldn't help but flashforward 10-15 years in the future. Beware any boy who thinks of dating Chad's daughter...
Lastly, it wouldn't be a true update if I didn't mention the serious "man crush" going on at my house over a specific BYU player. You know who it is. Number 32. The number of electronic hours spent learning about, watching, and re-watching anything that has to do with Jimmer Fredette has been pretty astronomical this past month. Course, Chad has been watching him for years and waiting for the rest of the world to figure it out. The "screeching halt" that came on Monday for BYU was devastating for our truest True Blue Fan. Others felt it was just "raising the bar" of basketball for Jimmer. "Let's see what Jimmer does without his tall man." On Wednesday, Chad felt the doom of the "Empire Strikes Back." On Saturday, he had "A New Hope."
Ok, I'm tired and it's late. This is getting silly. Maybe you wish I would have chosen the taxes! Love you all.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Darrin’s fam
Well, everyone seems to posting, so we will follow suit!
Things here have been busy.
Luke is getting to be so big. He loves to play with his brothers and is excited to go to preschool in the fall. He loves to go to nursery, and I’m told is the most well behaved kid in the class 
Andrew just started Taekwondo a month ago and this week he graduated from a white belt to a white with a yellow stripe. He got to break his first board which he thought was AWESOME! Check out our blog for the video. It was at that moment that Josh wished he was in Taekwondo too. But for now I’m hoping to just keep that Andrew’s thing. We registered Andrew for kindergarten yesterday. He’s very ready as he will be 6 in September. This year our school did all day kindergarten and I’m afraid next year they are going to switch back to half day…just my luck. Andrew is getting to be quite independent which is nice…sometimes. He will climb up on the counters and get whatever he needs including gum, cups, candy, etc… If he wants to paint, he will get everything out and paint. He especially takes advantage of this when I’m on the phone.
Josh is almost 7. His b-day is in 12 days. He really wants a green fish for his b-day, so we’ll see if that happens. Josh started piano lessons a month ago. He really likes it, I think. He’s learning to play by ear and play duets with his teacher. His first piano recital is coming up on the 19th. He really loving reading and stays up late in his bed reading. He, too, has been having growing pains and complains about them every night. I’m hoping they stop soon like Noah’s did. He’s also had trouble sleeping…won’t go to bed at night and lays in bed for hours…sounds like his dad, right?? Any advice is welcome.
Kim is busy, busy. I signed up for a new BYU Independent study class. I passed my last one with flying colors
Darrin is busy with work and church. He gets to take his sabbatical this summer, so we are having fun planning that. I finally talked him into going on a cruise so we’ll be doing that in August. Darrin went skiing last weekend up on Mt. Hood. I think he’s finally walking normal…he was very sore
Well, that’s a pretty good update.
Love and miss you all!
love,
Kim
Hey Everyone,
Long time no type. I still haven't found a new job so I am still doing the 3,000 mile commute, Aaron has been busy so he hasn't had much time to update you on our family and Pauline....well Pauline is Pauline and over-plans and under-executes. A quick update on the family. Kira turns seventeen today. I can't believe I have a child that old. Pauline and I were discussing the other day that Kira is the same age that Pauline and I were when we first started hanging out with each other. Two more years and Pauline will officially be a Hancock longer that she was a Moreno....enough digression. We were really exited for Kira this month she won first place in Lincoln-Douglas debate at the Davis Dart tournament (Apparently this is a big tournament and with a lot of good debaters). She bounced around and was so excited (I think she slept with the trophy). Unfortunately, at the end of the month we had region. Kira didn't do as well as she wanted to and did not make it to state. I felt really bad for her.
Aaron is busy practicing for the play (Honk Jr.). He had to sing during the tryouts so he roped grandma into helping him. He did well just not as good as hoped; he did not get a lead so he was disappointed but he did get several minor parts. He did not like who they had playing the piano so he volunteered his grandmother so she gets to go to practice with him.
Elijah is being Elijah. He is driving his mother nuts because he just is not motivated to do his school work. He will just sit there and stare at his books and doesn't do anything for hours on end. When Pauline finally stumbles upon something that will motivate him he flies through the work; however, we are really struggling with finding things that motivate him. He really enjoyed being the team manager for the freshman basketball team. I am going to try to talk him into trying to do track. I am not sure what event - speed is not his strong suit - he makes Steve putting on his sock look like superman in a phone booth when he is getting dressed. But then again Steve did manage to get up and move it out when he was running. I am just flabbergasted that none our children (except Isabelle) inherited the competitive Pauline and I's competitive drive (Yes Pauline is VERY competitive - she just hides it well).
Noah is growing like a weed (my only hope for a child as tall as I am). This last month he has been suffering from growing pains. I was talking to him last night and he is very glad that his legs have finally quit hurting him. He is doing well in school except that he is suffering form a lack of confidence. He has a wonderful first grade teacher that is really helping him and now Pauline is helping in his class twice a week. He and Isabelle are booth taking dance, gymnastics and swim. Unfortunately for Noah, his little sister is doing better than he is in both classes. He is really loving his Hip Hop class (the boy can get Jiggy). He is now thinking he want to take Tae Kwon Do because he wants to be able to do the cool moves like people in the movies.
Isabelle is still "The Princess" and is very determined that she will get her way. She is working very hard on her letters and numbers. She decided that she needed to learn to read so we are working with her. She is making good progress. It has forced us to work really hard with Noah so she doesn't catch up with him. She is loving swimming and is a little fish. She is running Pauline ragged as her only playmate and I have learned not to call during playtime or I will get in trouble for interfering with imagination time. She has been labeling everything by it's nationality lately and has Pauline and I confused at were she is getting it. The other day she saw a women in a beret and said mommy she is French.
The other day we took the kids out to Virg's and ordered the ten pound hamburger. It was fun watching everybody try to eat the monster. I have included some pictures. If they don't make it - write it off to my inexperience at blogging. I hope everyone is doing well. Love TPKEANI
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Hi Family!
I debated whether or not I should post, considering the fact that we will have more exciting news to post about in just a few weeks, but I thought that that particular "news" might actually be a reason for my not posting, even though it, in itself, would actually be the reason I'd have something about. It. Him. Baby.
So, here I am.
Life is good in our little corner of P-town. It's been an interesting little while, that's for sure, but we are very happy.
A month or so ago, LJ lost his job, which was a little scary considering the fact that as soon as I have this baby, I will no longer be working. He's been looking, though, and we think he's found a pretty good job tutoring student athletes and multi-cultural students.
School is marching right along, and is surprisingly not too difficult for either of us this semester. I'm taking my senior course, and finishing up some major requirements, so after this semester, I'll just have one semester of credits to fill before I graduate. I am planning on taking those classes this Fall. LJ was on track to graduate in April, but he recently decided to get a minor in business management. BYU has also recently offered a language program that certifies you to work in that particular language. It'll be a piece of cake for him to get, he just has to get into the classes. With both of those additions, it looks like he'll be graduating next December instead of April. He's planning on working for a couple years and then getting his MBA. That's the plan for now.
We're getting really excited for this baby to come. Three weeks out. I've been feeling really good, and think that I've been really blessed with how easy this pregnancy has been for me. We're almost ready--we have a place for him to sleep at least. We're just excited, and we can't believe how fast time has gone...that he'll actually be with us this month!
That's pretty much it for us, though. We'll post pictures of baby on here and on facebook for those out-of-staters who want to see him. For everyone else, we're planning on blessing him on the 10th of April (yes, I know how young he will be, but LJ's family will be here still so we wanted to bless him so that they could be here for it), and you are all invited. More details to come after he (baby) does.
We love you all, and look forward to seeing everyone this summer!
-Kaylie&LJ
I debated whether or not I should post, considering the fact that we will have more exciting news to post about in just a few weeks, but I thought that that particular "news" might actually be a reason for my not posting, even though it, in itself, would actually be the reason I'd have something about. It. Him. Baby.
So, here I am.
Life is good in our little corner of P-town. It's been an interesting little while, that's for sure, but we are very happy.
A month or so ago, LJ lost his job, which was a little scary considering the fact that as soon as I have this baby, I will no longer be working. He's been looking, though, and we think he's found a pretty good job tutoring student athletes and multi-cultural students.
School is marching right along, and is surprisingly not too difficult for either of us this semester. I'm taking my senior course, and finishing up some major requirements, so after this semester, I'll just have one semester of credits to fill before I graduate. I am planning on taking those classes this Fall. LJ was on track to graduate in April, but he recently decided to get a minor in business management. BYU has also recently offered a language program that certifies you to work in that particular language. It'll be a piece of cake for him to get, he just has to get into the classes. With both of those additions, it looks like he'll be graduating next December instead of April. He's planning on working for a couple years and then getting his MBA. That's the plan for now.
We're getting really excited for this baby to come. Three weeks out. I've been feeling really good, and think that I've been really blessed with how easy this pregnancy has been for me. We're almost ready--we have a place for him to sleep at least. We're just excited, and we can't believe how fast time has gone...that he'll actually be with us this month!
That's pretty much it for us, though. We'll post pictures of baby on here and on facebook for those out-of-staters who want to see him. For everyone else, we're planning on blessing him on the 10th of April (yes, I know how young he will be, but LJ's family will be here still so we wanted to bless him so that they could be here for it), and you are all invited. More details to come after he (baby) does.
We love you all, and look forward to seeing everyone this summer!
-Kaylie&LJ
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Eagle Mountain Update
AUDREY has been in CA for the last week enjoying her sister and time away from frustrations here (and not just her siblings and parents, so there!). Britt and Jason have been very kind and gracious hosts and she's had a lot of fun.
JAMES, KATIE, and ISAAC: nothing new, really: Dave, James, and I met with his Scout leaders the other night and found out for sure that he only needs about 6 more Merit Badges to be ready for his Eagle Project, which we're planning to do next summer, so no sweat! (Pun intended, all you Eagle Nest inhabitants. =) Katie is turning 12 (good grief!) in April, and so I'm not going to cut her hair 'til after her birthday so she can immediately pass off a goal for "Good Works" (if she cuts it and donates it, I figure that will be a good "category"). Isaac is doing well at school--especially since his teacher finally emailed me and told me that he was needing to be a little more focused/on task (and not talk/be goofy with two particular friends). We've implemented a 1-5 measurement, with 5 being the best: his teacher emails me daily with the number of his behavior, and if it gets to a 3 he knows he'll have a looong talk with us at home.
DAVE has been asked whether he wants to be on an "Administrative" or "Teaching" track (so to speak) next year at his school; he hasn't decided yet which one he'll go for--the politics will always be there with any kind of Admin.
I had an issue at school this week that made me think (again) that small charter schools are just NOT where I want to be; I also decided that I will no longer stay later than 4p on site. (The family is happy about that, but I'm wondering when I'll be able to focus and get work done. On the other hand, maybe--as Dad once asked me--80-90% is good enough when most everyone else does 60-70%? =P ) I have FIVE BYU positions that I'm applying for this week (by March 3rd), so who knows? Sometimes I wonder if I'll be stuck teaching for longer than 3 years (my 3rd year ends in June: HALLELUAH!!!)...and sometimes I wouldn't mind, but I really, really, really wish that, if that's the case, I could do it in a public school. Ah, well...if wishes were fishes, we'd all cast nets, right? After a particularly rough Friday, I decided that I was SERIOUS about getting in shape, and, since I'm getting home at 4:30 or so, from now on, I'll spend 30 minutes before school on the elliptical machine, and 30 minutes after doing Pilates or yoga or FIRM workouts...I'm hoping that I'll feel more "in control" of my life if something is improving (mainly, my muscle tone =).
That's pretty much it for us. TAKE CARE, and know you are in our prayers daily/nightly (whichever I remember, and occasionally both =),
LOVE AND HUGS,
Lib
JAMES, KATIE, and ISAAC: nothing new, really: Dave, James, and I met with his Scout leaders the other night and found out for sure that he only needs about 6 more Merit Badges to be ready for his Eagle Project, which we're planning to do next summer, so no sweat! (Pun intended, all you Eagle Nest inhabitants. =) Katie is turning 12 (good grief!) in April, and so I'm not going to cut her hair 'til after her birthday so she can immediately pass off a goal for "Good Works" (if she cuts it and donates it, I figure that will be a good "category"). Isaac is doing well at school--especially since his teacher finally emailed me and told me that he was needing to be a little more focused/on task (and not talk/be goofy with two particular friends). We've implemented a 1-5 measurement, with 5 being the best: his teacher emails me daily with the number of his behavior, and if it gets to a 3 he knows he'll have a looong talk with us at home.
DAVE has been asked whether he wants to be on an "Administrative" or "Teaching" track (so to speak) next year at his school; he hasn't decided yet which one he'll go for--the politics will always be there with any kind of Admin.
I had an issue at school this week that made me think (again) that small charter schools are just NOT where I want to be; I also decided that I will no longer stay later than 4p on site. (The family is happy about that, but I'm wondering when I'll be able to focus and get work done. On the other hand, maybe--as Dad once asked me--80-90% is good enough when most everyone else does 60-70%? =P ) I have FIVE BYU positions that I'm applying for this week (by March 3rd), so who knows? Sometimes I wonder if I'll be stuck teaching for longer than 3 years (my 3rd year ends in June: HALLELUAH!!!)...and sometimes I wouldn't mind, but I really, really, really wish that, if that's the case, I could do it in a public school. Ah, well...if wishes were fishes, we'd all cast nets, right? After a particularly rough Friday, I decided that I was SERIOUS about getting in shape, and, since I'm getting home at 4:30 or so, from now on, I'll spend 30 minutes before school on the elliptical machine, and 30 minutes after doing Pilates or yoga or FIRM workouts...I'm hoping that I'll feel more "in control" of my life if something is improving (mainly, my muscle tone =).
That's pretty much it for us. TAKE CARE, and know you are in our prayers daily/nightly (whichever I remember, and occasionally both =),
LOVE AND HUGS,
Lib
Greetings from CA
Hello Family!
I am happy to report that February has been MUCH better than January, and that the car is fixed. =)
My birthday was awesome! Grandma and Grandpa were in San Diego that weekend and decided to come have breakfast with me at I-Hop. Yum! It was so good to see them, especially since I'd been planning on coming to Utah in January and didn't get to and, consequently, was really missing everyone. Later in the day Jason took me to... are you ready?drum-role please... Star Trek: The Exhibition! That was tremendous amounts of fun, especially since my husband (who is NOT a Trekky by the way) actually found some of it interesting (to which I said, laughing, "that's what I've been telling you!"). Then we wandered around the Mission Inn, went to dinner, saw a movie, and ate Coldstone ice-cream. It was, as I said, awesome!!! I love my husband. <3
The week after my birthday Audrey came to stay with us. In fact, she's here now. We have to take her back to the airport tomorrow. =( It's been so fun having her here! We visited our nearby California family, introduced her to my in-laws (which was entertaining to say the least), toured the Mission Inn (Jason makes one hilarious tour-guide), went to the gym, played tennis outside where it was NOT snowing (I mention this because Audrey was quite happy and a little bit smug about it), went to John's Incredible Pizza for an all-you-can-eat buffet and arcade games, visited the San Diego Zoo, went to Seaport Village for shopping and fudge, ate at Jack and the Box (apparently there aren't any in Utah), and played lots of games. Audrey attempted to teach me to dance and "role" (I had a great teacher, but...), and Jason successfully taught Audrey how to drive a stick-shift.
Just as an update, I did find a way to get my CTR 7 class to be reverent. We came up with some class rules and agreed on some consequences and rewards. So far it has worked surprisingly well! I Love Primary.
We love you all and are looking forward to the Hancock Family Reunion this summer.
Brittany & Jason
I am happy to report that February has been MUCH better than January, and that the car is fixed. =)
My birthday was awesome! Grandma and Grandpa were in San Diego that weekend and decided to come have breakfast with me at I-Hop. Yum! It was so good to see them, especially since I'd been planning on coming to Utah in January and didn't get to and, consequently, was really missing everyone. Later in the day Jason took me to... are you ready?drum-role please... Star Trek: The Exhibition! That was tremendous amounts of fun, especially since my husband (who is NOT a Trekky by the way) actually found some of it interesting (to which I said, laughing, "that's what I've been telling you!"). Then we wandered around the Mission Inn, went to dinner, saw a movie, and ate Coldstone ice-cream. It was, as I said, awesome!!! I love my husband. <3
The week after my birthday Audrey came to stay with us. In fact, she's here now. We have to take her back to the airport tomorrow. =( It's been so fun having her here! We visited our nearby California family, introduced her to my in-laws (which was entertaining to say the least), toured the Mission Inn (Jason makes one hilarious tour-guide), went to the gym, played tennis outside where it was NOT snowing (I mention this because Audrey was quite happy and a little bit smug about it), went to John's Incredible Pizza for an all-you-can-eat buffet and arcade games, visited the San Diego Zoo, went to Seaport Village for shopping and fudge, ate at Jack and the Box (apparently there aren't any in Utah), and played lots of games. Audrey attempted to teach me to dance and "role" (I had a great teacher, but...), and Jason successfully taught Audrey how to drive a stick-shift.
Just as an update, I did find a way to get my CTR 7 class to be reverent. We came up with some class rules and agreed on some consequences and rewards. So far it has worked surprisingly well! I Love Primary.
We love you all and are looking forward to the Hancock Family Reunion this summer.
Brittany & Jason
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
When It Rains It Pours - Thank Goodness for "Tender Mercies"
Hi Family,
January's been a rough month for us. To start off the month, I was let go from Barnes & Noble. I have applied for upward of 25 jobs since then, and even had a couple of interviews, but so far nothing has come up. In the mean time, I am spreading the word that I teach piano. I've had two kids for a few months now, and LOVE teaching. I've added one student so far, and am scheduled to meet with a lady about two of her kids the first week of February. I figure if I end up adding enough students to my schedule I won't have to worry about finding a "real" job. That's not to say that if I happen to get a job offer and my piano schedule hasn't filled up, I won't take it - I most certainly will.
The second week of the month brought me an infection. Go figure that this would happen the week after I lost my health insurance. We'll probably have to pay for the doctor appointment, but at least the bill won't come until after Jason gets paid. Thankfully, the Lord stepped in and the pharmacist gave us a huge discount on my prescriptions, so I have them and am feeling much better!
Our car stopped working during the third week of the month. Our one and only car. Yuck. I guess that's what I get for being frustrated about having only one car (it was part of the reason I lost my job). I got mad at the situation and, even though I did TRY to see the positive side of having one car, I guess I needed some humbling. That being said, I consider it a blessing that [1] the car died while I was at my piano student's home, so I had help trying to figure out what was wrong with the car AND was fed dinner while I waited for the tow truck (I love that family!), [2] towing the car didn't cost us a penny, because we had just signed up for a free AutoVantage trial (meaning to cancel before we got charged but after they sent us the free GPS promised) and towing is free for the first 150 miles (coincidence??? I think not...), [3] our home teacher is good with cars and his wife works for an auto dealer and got us a discount on the part we needed (the part will arrive in a few days... cross your fingers for us!!!), and [4] Jason is able to carpool to work most of the time and my in-laws let us borrow their truck for the other stuff.
Aside from the obstacles that presented themselves, this month has also brought some good things. The first? 70 degree weather!!! It is sunny and green in California already, and I LOVE it. =) It has inspired me to fill some of the new time I have now running more. I'm itching to do another Ragnar Relay, but I'll train in the mean time. I have also used my new-found time to finish a sewing project, clean the fish tank, de-clutter the bedroom, AND, most importantly, read the scriptures with my husband. We've taken our Primary's challenge to heart, and we are reading at least 3 minutes EVERY day (we have a cute little hour glass that keeps time for us and a set of 12 goal cards with boxes to color in for each day we read).
Speaking of the Primary, I was just moved from CTR 5 to CTR 7. I'll be working with the kids I taught two years ago. Part of me is excited because I'll get to watch these kids get baptized this year. The other part of me is worried, because this group of kids was a hand-full two years ago and they haven't changed. I fell in love with this year's CTR 5 group fast, and I'm sad I don't get to keep teaching them, but I'm going to try and feel the same love for the CTR 7 kids. There's got to be some way to get them to be reverent. I just have to find it. Any ideas???
Before I end, I should also probably tell you that I got released as ward organist, and that school started back this month. That's all for now. We love you bunches and are super excited about the family reunion this summer. =D
Love,
Brittany & Jason
January's been a rough month for us. To start off the month, I was let go from Barnes & Noble. I have applied for upward of 25 jobs since then, and even had a couple of interviews, but so far nothing has come up. In the mean time, I am spreading the word that I teach piano. I've had two kids for a few months now, and LOVE teaching. I've added one student so far, and am scheduled to meet with a lady about two of her kids the first week of February. I figure if I end up adding enough students to my schedule I won't have to worry about finding a "real" job. That's not to say that if I happen to get a job offer and my piano schedule hasn't filled up, I won't take it - I most certainly will.
The second week of the month brought me an infection. Go figure that this would happen the week after I lost my health insurance. We'll probably have to pay for the doctor appointment, but at least the bill won't come until after Jason gets paid. Thankfully, the Lord stepped in and the pharmacist gave us a huge discount on my prescriptions, so I have them and am feeling much better!
Our car stopped working during the third week of the month. Our one and only car. Yuck. I guess that's what I get for being frustrated about having only one car (it was part of the reason I lost my job). I got mad at the situation and, even though I did TRY to see the positive side of having one car, I guess I needed some humbling. That being said, I consider it a blessing that [1] the car died while I was at my piano student's home, so I had help trying to figure out what was wrong with the car AND was fed dinner while I waited for the tow truck (I love that family!), [2] towing the car didn't cost us a penny, because we had just signed up for a free AutoVantage trial (meaning to cancel before we got charged but after they sent us the free GPS promised) and towing is free for the first 150 miles (coincidence??? I think not...), [3] our home teacher is good with cars and his wife works for an auto dealer and got us a discount on the part we needed (the part will arrive in a few days... cross your fingers for us!!!), and [4] Jason is able to carpool to work most of the time and my in-laws let us borrow their truck for the other stuff.
Aside from the obstacles that presented themselves, this month has also brought some good things. The first? 70 degree weather!!! It is sunny and green in California already, and I LOVE it. =) It has inspired me to fill some of the new time I have now running more. I'm itching to do another Ragnar Relay, but I'll train in the mean time. I have also used my new-found time to finish a sewing project, clean the fish tank, de-clutter the bedroom, AND, most importantly, read the scriptures with my husband. We've taken our Primary's challenge to heart, and we are reading at least 3 minutes EVERY day (we have a cute little hour glass that keeps time for us and a set of 12 goal cards with boxes to color in for each day we read).
Speaking of the Primary, I was just moved from CTR 5 to CTR 7. I'll be working with the kids I taught two years ago. Part of me is excited because I'll get to watch these kids get baptized this year. The other part of me is worried, because this group of kids was a hand-full two years ago and they haven't changed. I fell in love with this year's CTR 5 group fast, and I'm sad I don't get to keep teaching them, but I'm going to try and feel the same love for the CTR 7 kids. There's got to be some way to get them to be reverent. I just have to find it. Any ideas???
Before I end, I should also probably tell you that I got released as ward organist, and that school started back this month. That's all for now. We love you bunches and are super excited about the family reunion this summer. =D
Love,
Brittany & Jason
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year Resolution
So, I am starting the new year off right. It has been a couple of months since I last posted, so here is catching everyone up on what has happened recently from the Lehi Hancocks.
This year for Christmas I took a couple of weeks off over the holidays. It has been quite relaxing and a lot of fun. It is a bit different this year with Kaylie, Nate and Zach gone, but we did have Kaylie and LJ with us for a few days before they headed out to New Jersey.
Things have been going pretty well with work. It is very busy, but that has been good. Despite the economy, Rapid Intake has been blessed. We have not been without challenges, but we continue to make it and do well some months.
Lynette has been keeping busy with a number of different things. She spends time doing PTA things. She also spends a lot of time indexing and depending on the season of the year there are other projects she is working on.
On Christmas we were able to speak to Nate and Zach. We almost didn't get through to Zach. He gave us a wrong number. After about 40 minutes, LJ had a burst of inspiration and saved Christmas for us. He suggested we remove one of the numbers and it worked. It was great to talk to them both. Zach's spanish sounds really good to us. He speaks really fast, so we assume he must be comfortable with the language. It was so fun to talk to them. It is amazing how fast 45 mintues can pass when you are talking to them.
Kelsey is of course into her senior year. High School soccer season is over, so she is focussing on getting ready for college, club soccer and school. It looks like she will be going to Utah State come fall. Nate is not too excited about that because Kelsey will be ahead of him in school by the time he gets home.
Annika is in the middle of basketball season. She made the JV team this year and has played some garbage minutes in Varsity. There has been a few games were she has dressed for sophmore, JV and Varsity. I think she gets tired of sitting on the bench. She seems to play the most in JV. So we now spend our Friday evenings and Tuesday evenings at basketball games.
Tyson, Brianna and Max will also be playing basketball starting next week.
This Christmas season Brianna had a couple of performances with her Lehi Choir. She has really enjoyed being a part of the choir. I think we have found something that Brianna can really get interested in.
Tyson and Max have also been playing futsal. Max will still be playing more in January, but Tyson is going to focus on basketball.
I think that gets us caught up on everyone. We hope everyone is doing well.
The Lehi Hancocks
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010 - Our Christmas/New Year's Letter
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
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
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)
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