Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Eagle Mountain Update
BRITT and Jason are doing well in CA, though I've only texted Britt, so I don't have details on much (other than that she's trying to work out a ride to come and visit here in September over Labor Day week.)
AUDREY is moving out on Friday (party at MY house on Saturday--haha--just kiddin'), and is counting down 'til she escapes the life of confinement she's been living and sails into the blissful sea of independence (double haha--I'm guessing she'll like us a LOT better within a few months =). She also begins her f/t college classes August 29th.
JAMES is dreading school beginning (August 23rd). He has managed quite well to avoid learning much of anything this summer, although I must admit that he has almost perfected his dish-washing/counter-wiping skills. Those will be of great benefit with Audrey moving out: we need his hands to help with KP when school starts again. Today, James was set apart to be the Teacher's Quorum Secretary, and he's quite excited. (Now that I think about it, perhaps his excitement was the result of noticing that he can now look DOWN on his dad's bald spot?)
KATIE now has all of her uniform clothes for her first year of middle school at Dave's (private LDS) school. She makes a gagging noise when someone mentions it, but when we were shopping for the shirts, she picked out a few hair "things" to go with the uniforms, and she wears the sweats (embroidered with the school logo) constantly (it's relatively chilly in our basement). She has done a FABULOUS job learning to clean to my spec's this summer: it helped that she did NOT try to avoid such learning experiences! I am sooo grateful that she'll be here to help this school year--again, with KP duty especially.
ISAAC has enjoyed the summer library trips, reading and drawing each day, but alas, has given a middling amount of effort learning to clean "things." One notable exception was cleaning the bathroom: he was so proud he showed his dad as SOON as Dave walked in the door from his summer-school gig. He and I have enjoyed our time together this summer, and it's bittersweet to have him tell me he wishes school wouldn't start so I could be here more with him. Ah, well....
DAVE finished his two summer school classes last Friday, which means he has two weeks to get everything together for teaching his core classes this year: English and World History (9th grade) and Yearbook. He's excited to have Katie going with him every day, and SWEARS he'll be home by 4p to get the kids a) working on homework/chores, and b) have dinner ready by 5:30p. He's figuring I'll be stressed out, and he's probably right. ("If I only had [his] brain"--while working f/t and being in grad school f/t--I would be fine!) He plans on going golfing with Dad sometime over the next two weeks before his school begins (August 30th). He also just bought some aluminum wire so he can make himself a chain-mail shirt this fall--sounds fun, right?
As for ME--here's your laugh of the hour: I am attending MATH CAMP Monday through Thursday this week! Yes, in only 8 hours a day, for four days, I will be completely reviewing all 16 chapters of the semester-long College Algebra text (gulp). Friday, I'll be helping Audrey move in and prepping my room/self for the first day of class at my school, Monday, August 22nd. Then, August 23rd-24th, I'll be at school 'til 4p and driving to Provo for my MPA Orientation nights (5-10p). Back to School Night (at my school) is Thursday, August 25th, from 6-8p. I did tell Dave that I'd do this "double whammy" deal through the semester (December break, really) and possibly quit at that point, depending on whether or not I sense a nervous breakdown coming on. If I tell myself I have a choice--even if it's not much of one--the semester doesn't seem so daunting. (If you happen to know any other mind tricks I might be able to play on myself, feel free to email them to me!)
You're all in our thoughts and prayers--it was good to see you all at the Reunion--
Elizabeth "Libby" Hancock
Saturday, June 4, 2011
April/May Catch-Up Post
I feel I have somewhat neglected this blog this last month, but there is a lot to tell!
I got to take a surprise trip to Utah in April by hitching a ride with a cousin who was traveling that way anyway. I also drove back with her, and so only got to stay for a few days, but I was grateful for at least a short visit! I am very much looking forward to the Reunion. =D
April is the month of Jason's birthday and our anniversary, so to celebrate both we took a trip to Vegas! We started off the trip with a visit to the Las Vegas Temple, which we'd never been to. After the session we enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Buca Di Beppo and then checked into our room at the Venetian, where we were given 3 free nights (!!!). The weekend was packed, as we were determined to walk the entire Strip and catch all the free shows. We were also able to see The Lion King at Mandalay Bay, which was awesome - the costumes were incredible!!! On the way home (sort of) we decided to visit the Hoover Dam also. For pictures, go to my Facebook album "Our Second Anniversary and Jason's B-Day Celebrations."
This month I finished school until the fall (the community college I am currently attending canceled all the summer classes due to budget cuts) so I have decided to enjoy the time off and sew, sew, sew! I have lots of projects lined up. Here's a picture of the project I just finished (for more detailed pictures see my Facebook album "My Craft Projects"):

I also replanted everything that the snails ate in my garden, and took preventative measures this time. So far everything is growing quite well. The garden includes peppers, onions, tomatoes, herbs (can you tell Jason wants to make more salsa?), squash, zucchini, beans, grapes, and some random kind of berry given to us by a lady in the ward. Jason and I are still working, of course, and Jason's schedule has been a bit nuts this month, but we're grateful for the extra work! I'm up to seven piano students. I also baby-sit on occasion, since I have the time to help.
I guess the only other thing to mention is that we spent Memorial Day in Big Bear garage sailing and enjoying cabin life and games. It was nice to "get away" for a weekend. =)
We Love and Miss You All,
Brittany & Jason
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Since this is the last year Jared will be dancing for BYU, we have been going to some of his concerts. They have put on some really entertaining performances. We will miss not being able to watch him dance. Right now he is Bangkok. It is really a great opportunity for him.
We are so happy to be Great Grandparents. Little Gabe is so cute. It makes us feel old but it is worth it. The next generation is starting. We were so glad we could go to his blessing. It was really special. We were all able to go to Steve and Lynette's house after the blessing and have dinner together. They had a million people there. I think everyone got fed. It makes for a big group when all the family and friends come. It was really fun.
It is hard to believe that six of our seven sons are now highpriests. Darrin recently got called into the bishopic in his ward. We were able to go to Oregon so that Dad/Grandpa could ordain him a highpriest. He was pretty nervous about the call, but we know he will do a great job. We feel so blessed that all of you are trying to live the gospel and serve in your wards. It was great seeing everyone in Oregon and spending time with the family. We were there for six days and we all had dinner together every night. Thank you Oregonites for all of your hospitality.
In February we took a little trip to San Diego. We had a really good time. We even got to see Brittany and Jason. The weather was beautiful. We spent time at the beach, went to Sea World, and relaxed. We haven't been warm since we got home. The weather in Utah has been pretty bad this year.
We were in the temple the other day, and we were talking about how blessed we are in our family. We are so looking forward to the reunion. It will be so nice to all be together for a week. We love you and miss you. Be happy and stay safe. Love, Dad/Grandpa and Mom/Grandma.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
March in CA
March consisted of much of the same, though there were a few mentionable things. Jason's basketball league team made it to the semi-finals, I got an A in my first-quarter class (yay!), I planted a garden that is actually GROWING (gasp), and I finished the front side of the quilt I've been working on. I think I'm going to wait until the front, batting, and back, are all basted together and I've finished the edges before I post pictures, and then you can all be impressed. ;-) We absolutely can't wait for the reunion, we miss you all.
Love and Hugs,
Brittany and Jason
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Hillsborito Update - the Other ones
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.
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 He’s starting to learn his letters and loves looking for the letter “L” all over the place. He still loves his milk and his sippy cup and would live off of only milk if we let him. He really starting to like playing with his friends as this past week he had two playdates and loved playing with kids his own age. He hates getting haircuts as he is screaming right now because Darrin’s barber shop is open, and it’s his turn.
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 This one I’m taking is family finance. It’s math and it’s harder. I’m not a fan of math. I got put back in YW a couple months ago. I’m the secretary and like it a lot. It’ll give me a good year break from scouts before we have to start scouts in our own family. I was thinking this will be our last summer without summer camp for a long time! I’m also trying to sew a few things this month and read few good books…there just isn’t enough time in a day for everything I want to do.
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 He’s looking to go one more time before the season ends. Darrin won tickets for STOMP through work so we’ll be going to see them next Friday. I’m really excited!
Well, that’s a pretty good update.
Love and miss you all!
love,
Kim
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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
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