The Good Lord Always Delivers

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because my sweet sister Tami is three days past her due date and has a commendable amount of patience. For those of you who have had a baby, you know how unbearably long those last days get when you are waiting and it seems that each day the baby doesn't come is a disappointment. I have been so anxious for my new nephew and have even had some sleepless nights in anticipation. I am sleeping with the phone right next to me and ready at a moments notice to head on down to Springville.

It has got me thinking about my own life, and how when I am in the midst of a trail it feels like time slows and that life will be miserable forever. I have often marveled at Heavenly Fathers plan for us and his process of refining us and making us stronger, more patient and humble.

But, the good news is, and we all know this...He always delivers us. He always allows those good days, His beautiful sunsets and the laughter of our children. He always provides a way for us to give birth to our baby and finally hold him for the first time.

The sun always rises, and brings with it new light.

A tall mountain may seem impossible to climb, but the view from the top immediately washes away the pain it took to get there.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Kylee (3rd grade) and Tyler (1st) headed back to school this morning. The morning went smooth and we made it to school without any major drama. For the past week Kylee has been dreading going back and Tyler has been really worried. James was able to give each of them a fathers blessing last night and they both seemed to be feeling better after that. It is just Baily, Malia and I at home!!! What am I going to do with my time!!! I am sure I will come up with something...
Sorry about the fuzzy pics...I had to use the video camera and it doesn't take very good ones.
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Another Fun Race

I did a 4 mile race with some good friends on Saturday. This race was to honor 4 Utahan's who died last year on a humanitarian aid trip to Guatemala. It was a very touching event. The wife and kids of one of the guys who passed away was there, as well as the mother of another guy who died. The proceeds went to scholorship funds set up in their names. The race was so fun and we got to go out to breakfast after.

Stephanie Barlow, Wendy Harper, Jami Tolman, me and Tiffany Tuttle.

4 New Additions to the Hansen Family Zoo

Here are the 4 new additions to the family.

We got Daisy, a black lab, about a month ago. What can I say, I am a huge sucker when it comes to my animal-adoring kids. She is a sweet dog, but still a puppy. I may survive!

Then our cat, Autumn had 3 kittens last week. They are adorable. If only they would stay cute and small. My kids are in heaven. It hasn't been too bad, but ask me again tomorrow if I feel the same.

Our Much Needed, Fabulous Vacation!!!

We had the most wonderful vacation! It was sooooo needed for our little family. Sorry about the picture overload!

First we went to my grandparents cabin in Logan. We arrived Tuesday afternoon. We had the best time. I honestly don't remember a time that I felt so worry free and happy. We filled our days with walks, collecting sticks and rocks, wading and throwing rocks in the river, playing games, watching movies, taking naps =) eating good food and completely enjoying ourselves. The kids got along so well and the time passed much to swiftly.

We headed out on Thursday morning to Bear Lake. It was a beautiful day and the water was so warm and calm. We found the perfect spot and just ate lunch, swam and found lots of cool shells.

After some delicious famous raspberry shakes at the little city by the lake we made a longer than expected journey to Vernal, Utah to stay with James' parents for a few days. We didn't get there until late that night. So we got up on Friday and got ready for the day. Vernal is quite an amazing place. It is in the middle of nowhere, but it has the coolest rock mountains and formations all around. We had the chance to do some really fun things. James' dad is a geologist and works for the BLM and so that day he took us to the green river and taught us how to pan for gold. It was really cool to see how that was done. The kids enjoyed playing in the water too.

Then, that afternoon we went and saw some petroglyphs (if you know what petroglyphs are than you are smarter than me, cause I had to ask James...it is ancient Indian rock art). They were just down the road from James parents house. They were so amazing. After that we went to the park and played.

Saturday we went to the Dinosaur National Monument and were able to see some dinosaur fossils that were found there in the mountain walls. It was so fascinating. We were able to see some more cool hieroglyphs. We had such a good time, and would have stayed longer but it started raining.

Look close to see the lizard on the wall.

petroglyphs


One of the dinosaur fossils (at the bottom, there is a white arrow pointing to it.)

Grandma and Grandpa with the kids.

Here is a picture of the Hansen clan that we took at a reunion last month. James' oldest brother David is the only one not there.

We headed home Sunday afternoon. Home to laundry, sweeping, chores and reality.

All I have to say is "when is the next vacation!"