Family Pictures

The babies are 6 months old! I can't believe how grown up they look! This is just a small sample of the pictures, the rest are on Facebook.

First Solids

We gave the boys their first solids this weekend. Carter couldn't get enough and would protest whenever you took the spoon away to get more. Gavin on the other hand was not interested in the slightest, as you can tell in the picture. He kept looking at me and saying "what are you trying to give me, I just want my milky!"

Carter in his walker!

You have got to see this video of Carter in his walker. He loves it. He runs all over the house in it.

Happy Anniversary Brett!

It has been a wonderful 7 years! I can't believe how fast the time goes. We now have the family that we have always dreamed about, how could things get any better? I love you so much and it grows every day. You are so great for me, the perfect balance that is needed to make me a sane human being. I love the way that you look out for your boy's mama. Thank you for allowing me to be a mom. I love that you are so handy and we never have to pay for a contractor, because you guys are expensive. :) I love how generous you are with your time to our family and friends, even though I complain about it sometimes. I love how much you love our babies. They adore you. I love that we have a history, present and future together. I love you dear, and look forward to an exciting year together as parents! Boy do we look good in that picture! :)

Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable

So I made the switch to cloth diapers and wipes. I couldn't be happier. There are many routes to take with cloth diapers, but for convenience for daddy and our nanny, I went with the all in one. It has been about a month now and I am so happy, as are our babies. The investment was so minimul for what I would have spent on disposable diapers for our twins. No more diaper rashes and they are so soft, that the boys have to love them.

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bumGenius one-size cloth diapers fit most babies from 7 to 35 pounds. No more sorting by size or having to carry multiple diapers when going out. Three by three snap-downs on the front of the diaper (patent pending) adjust the rise as your baby grows. For newborns, fold down the insert stopper for an extra-small rise.

Nursery

Daddy made this dresser for them; matched the stain to the cribs and took the design from the dresser I wanted and it even looks better than that. Plus he only spent about $50 to make it!


So I think I have finally situated the nursery how I want it. I love it. Everything that I imagined.

Drinking

Gavin was sitting with me at dinner and kept reaching for my water. I finally let him try it and he loved it. He was even trying to do it himself.

Jake's First Day of School

I can't believe that Jake started Kindergarden this year. He is getting so big. The babies went with him and Auntie Samantha to Jake's orientation.

Circus

The Circus came to town. Caron threw Landon a Circus Birthday Party. I really hope that the rumors of animal mistreatment aren't true. But they were all so good.

Luau

The Luau this year was another success, beside the fact that Larry (the host of the show and our great friend) had a heart attack. He is okay now after surgery. Brett and Jeremy were the only ones that performed this year; Samantha and I ducked out. But we will all be participating in the next one (even Carter and Gavin).

Crawling

So they are rolling from front to back and back to front and even starting to scoot. How long till they crawl?

Elephants

I couldn't resist to post all these pictures. Gavin loves those elephants. Too cute, right?

Mt. St. Helens

Jake, Mommy and us Twins met our Grandma and Great Aunt Alice at Mt. St. Helens for a Daycation. We had a great time and it was a beautiful day. We took lots of hikes up really steep mountains with Mommy in flip flops (she wasn't very smart). Wish you were here with us Uncle Brandon, or better yet, we wish we were there with you!

Paris

Our Uncle Brandon is in Paris for the next couple of months so we need to keep him connected with our growth and development. We miss him so much and hope we can help him remember home by keeping him up to date on our latest shenanigans.

Camping at Banks Lake

We went camping to Banks Lake this week. Don't think we will be doing that again any time soon. Mommy and Daddy learn pretty quickly when situations don't work. It was very hot and hard to find shade for our baby sensitive skin. We stayed out on the boat a lot in the cabin with Mommy while everyone played on the tube and swam.

Summer Visits

Both our Auntie Laura and Auntie Rhianna came to stay with us individually for a week each. We had fun with them, we love their singing and they were great helpers for Mommy.

Auntie Amy and Grandpa Hansen came to visit us again. Daddy's cousin, Brian, got married in the Portland Temple. It was beautiful, and of course we were a hit. We got to meet our Great Grandma Hansen and Great Aunt Jolene and her family. While Auntie Amy was here, we went to Forks and La Push to see the great sites of Twilight. It was a long trip but we were troupers. Plus it was a beautiful day! We love visits from the Hansens and were so glad to see Grandpa and Auntie again.

Play Time - Three Months Old

We found our toys and started playing with them this week! Mommy was so surprised that we could play. We could have probably done it a lot sooner if Mommy would have given them to us earlier. She just doesn't understand how fast we can learn things.

Happy 30th Birthday Mommy & Auntie

Daddy and Uncle Jeremy threw Mommy and Auntie Samantha a surprise birthday party. They sent them to the spa in the morning for massages and when they came home all family and friends were there to surprise them. Mommy and Auntie were very surprised. This is them walking in the door being surprised.

They had a pinata and everything.

30 candles sure are a lot to blow out!

Mount Rainier

This was our first day hike. We went to Mt. Rainier. The road was closed to get to the mountain so we stayed and hiked at the foot hills. It was so much fun to get out in the open air.

Our Blessing

We were blessed on June 8th. Our Grandma and Grandpa Hansen along with Auntie Amy, Auntie Allison and Uncle Ryan came and Grandma Bardonski, Grandpa Cook, Uncle Brandon, Auntie Samantha, Uncle Jeremy and the kids came too. We were so excited to meet our Uncle Ryan and Auntie Allison for the first time. They were so good with us, keeping us entertained for the most part of the weekend. Daddy did such a great job following the Spirit for our blessings. We have a lot to look forward to in our lives. We have so many people who love us. The following friends stood in the circle: Daddy (of course), Grandpa Hansen, Ryan Hansen, Jeremy Mass, Bryan Rader, Jim McConville, Sean McCarter, Matt Jarvis, Brett Backman and Brent Chubbs.

Two Months Old

Just before we turned two months old, we went to Utah (via automobile) to pick up our Grandpa and meet our Great Grandpa. We did superb for being in the car for two full days, Mommy was very proud of us. We were able to meet a lot of our family and some new friends too. On the way home we stopped at Multnomah Falls, OR. That is us under those blankets.

At our two month check-up, we weighed 10 lbs 8 oz and were 22.5 inches long. We didn't like our shots too much, but at least we are on our way to being protected. We are growing fast and learning more daily.

Happy 29th Birthday Daddy!

Six Weeks

I love my babies. I can't get over how beautiful and amazing they are. I don't get much accomplished during the day, but I am a great producer of food for my babies. We don't get much sleep, but that doesn't matter because it just gives us more time to enjoy Carter and Gavin. I never realized how much time they would take. It is a miracle that I found a minute to make this post.

They are getting so big. They will be six weeks tomorrow. At their last weight check they were 7 1/2 lbs and 20 1/4 inches long. Their weight is in the 25th percentile and height is in the 50th percentile. I can't believe how much they have changed in six weeks.

Their little necks are so strong they can lift their heads 90 degrees. They love to stare at all of their admirers.

Our New Additions

Well for all of you that know Tami and me it’s been several years in the making, but now it has become a reality. Tami gave birth to not one but two healthy boys on March 28, 2009, yup that’s my mom’s birthday too. We delivered them here in Tacoma, Washington at Tacoma General Hospital. Carter was breach and then decided to turn so he was transverse when Tami went in for the C-section, and Gavin was head down ready to face the world. Dr. Nickel and his son delivered them, and everything went according to plan. The only minor set back was that the numbing drugs Tami got were only suppose to go to just below the breast line but it actually numbed her up to her neck so she had trouble breathing at first. As the drug wore off she was able to breath easier. That was probably the most intense part for me seeing her look fairly uncomfortable.
Surprising to me, I didn’t pass out from seeing all that was going on, I guess I had too much adrenaline going or something. Carter was suppose to come second but ended up coming first at 11:50 am and his brother, Gavin, came second at 11:51 am. It was an awesome sight to see them come into the world and we feel blessed to have had a skilled doctor with lots of experience be able to help bring our little miracles to us.

After the surgery, we went and spent sometime recovering, Tami and the boys mostly. We just watched the boys, and then Tami, Carter and Gavin took a little nap. After all it had been a long day so far. After 2 and half hours we went upstairs where Samantha, Tami’s twin, and Tami’s mom were eagerly waiting. I heard a rumor from one of the nurses that they were just about to knock the door down to the O.R because no one was coming to give them a progress report.

Shortly after we were joined by all of Tami’s siblings, Samantha’s husband Jeremy and my nephew Jacob. All of Tami’s little brothers and sisters and Jake have been praying so hard that Jesus protects the babies and that they come soon so they were so excited to finally meet Carter and Gavin, as were we.

The first night was really long. The nurses couldn’t give them a bath until midnight, but that soon turned into 2:00 a.m. and by the time they both were done it was 4:00 a.m. Then we had to feed them, so we didn’t get to bed until about 5:30 a.m. only to get up around 7:15 a.m. to try and feed them again. They each have their own personalities, Gavin was a little fireball after birth and screamed at everyone that took him out of his little home, however he has really calmed down but that doesn’t mean that the beast inside isn’t still there. Carter makes little cooing noises and has a lot of light brown hair and has a good pair of lungs, which we found out last night. They are both so cute, and my words won’t give them justice so you’ll just have to see the pictures.

The nurses and doctors are pleased with their development and we are planning to take them home with us on Tuesday March 31, 2009 sometime in the afternoon.

We just want to tell you all how happy we are and how much we appreciate all the prayers, gifts, words of encouragement and support we have received from each and everyone of you.

We love you all and can’t wait for everyone to meet our two amazing boys Carter and Gavin.

Carter Daniel Hansen
Born: 11:50am March 28, 2009
Weight: 5 lbs. 7 ounces
Length: 17 inches

Gavin Barrett Hansen
Born: 11:51am March 28, 2009
Weight: 5 lbs. 8 ounces
Length: 18 ½ inches

Our Babies

You can even see Carter's butt cheeks in this picture.



Too cute, right? Baby "A"



He was guarded the whole time because Carter's butt was smooshing his face the whole time.



Do you see his cute little hand??



Baby "B"



These were from a month ago, where does the time go. I know I am partial because they are my babies, but they are beautiful.

Maternity Pictures

So I have a lot to catch up on, but I happen to have these pictures here at work. These picutres were taken at 30 weeks. I hate the ones that show my face because it has ballooned to be unrecognizable. But the belly ones are all very cute. I have some 3-D Pictures of the boys that I will hopefully post tonight. They are too adorable. They are very active little boys, I love to watch them move through my tummy. Crazy experience. We (Brett, Samantha, Jeremy and Brandon) were all lounging around last night and I felt them kicking and Brandon hadn't seen them move yet, so he lifted up my shirt and the boys gave them a show. There was a lot of ooing and awing.

Baby Names!

So before we found out that we were going to have two boys, we already had their names picked out for the most part - Carter Daniel and Addison. Because Carter was already a boy that is his name, he is baby B, which will be the second born. We are struggling to come up with a second boy name. We are toying with other C names like Caden (which is my favorite), Conner and Colin but we don't know! His middle name will be Barrett. We need some help. Please post your comments on what we have picked out thus far and any ideas that will match with Carter Daniel and Barrett. It doesn't necessarily have to be a C name, but that is just what we are thinking at the moment. Your help will be much appreciated!!! Samantha said we have to have them picked out by the baby shower, which is January 31, 2009, so we are working with a deadline here!

Maybe not

Okay, so we are not having a boy and a girl. It is two boys! It took me a minute to get used to, but I am very excited. Brett is also excited, although he was a little disappointed that there will be no girl. My mom got us our stroller and high chairs for Christmas, and we got each other our cribs and car seats for christmas. They all came in the mail this week and it was so much fun to go through it all. We are going to have the cutest nursery! We also have been getting donations of boy clothes. One lady thought she was going to have a boy and ended up having a girl. She had everything for a boy, so we have tons of onsies and sleepers, everything needed for the first three months. My mom also had Robbie so we have all of his stuff, and a lady at work just had a baby boy and had too much stuff so gave us a bunch of onsies and sleepers. So we are set for the first three months. People are so generous! We are very excited to be parents. At our last ultrasound, where we found out that they are both boys, the nurse told us that they are both a little over a pound and doing great, which is always wonderful to hear. This is my latest belly shot. We are at 23 weeks. Time is flying right by.

By the way, I spent the whole day loading hundreds of pictures to my facebook, so if you want to take a look, it spans from about 2004 to present.

The suspense is over!

Well we had our ultrasound. The greatest news is that the babies are doing great, and . . . we are having a boy and a girl. The girl is not for sure, so we will have to wait for the next ultrasound to be 100% sure. The boy is 8 ounces, 8 inches and the girl is 7 ounces 8 inches. I know, so exciting! Now we can't escape the question about names. We are seriously at a loss. So please give us some ideas.

More news . . . I have felt so much movement the last couple of days. It is like nothing I have ever experienced. I LOVE BEING PREGNANT! We can't wait to meet our babies.

Brett's Famous Jack O' Lanterns

I know this post is a little late, sorry, but I couldn't pass up on a post about Brett's famous pumpkin carving. We went to a pumpkin patch in the middle of the month to find the perfect culprits, with hay rides and beautiful views. Mom brought the kids up for halloween. We always love having them join us. That is Brett in the ghost costume behind all the kids. So one of the pumpkins is a scarecrow, one is a smiley face (that was for Jake) and my favorite is one that Brett designed of our future family. I am a witch, Brett is dracula, and one of our babies is a ghost and the other is a monster from Monsters Inc.

Pregnancy

Let me just start by saying, I love being pregnant! I love my growing tummy and I love knowing that I have two angels growing in me that will change my life forever. I am grateful for miracles! I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. I love hearing heartbeats, like nothing I have experienced. I haven't gained a pound. That is saying a lot, since my tummy and (sorry guys) my fast growing boobs are both so big. I am measuring at 20 weeks for a singleton pregnancy (I am 15 weeks). It is so weird because it grew so fast, to look down and be able to see it. Brett calls my tummy his "baby buddha." So as you can probably guess, because of my no weight gain, I am still very sick. If anybody has any suggestions on good food, please share! Brett is tired of suggesting and getting knocked down. Nothing is good, I hate food. Only two more weeks till we find out what the babies sexes are. We are awaiting in anticipation.

Have a Happy Halloween everyone!

I will be a Homemaker!

So a couple of weeks ago I was talking with Brett about how I couldn't wait for the babies to be born so I could be more of a homemaker. I do try, but it is so hard when you work full time to come home after 5 p.m. and make an eleborate meal (especially being pregnant with all the smells). Anyways, he told me that I don't have an inner homemaker, it's just not me. I was kind of hurt, because I have always tried my hardest to be the best wife and homemaker with the time I had available. So I was determined to prove to him that I could be a homemaker.

Sundays are usually a very lazy day around the Hansen house. Lots of catch up on t.v. and movies. Anyways, when we got home from church and finished our lunch, equipped with my apron, I set out on an adventure. I have always had a hard time with my pie crusts; I can never get them to stay whole while transfering them to the pie dish. So I took a pie making class from church and got some recipes.

I am happy to announce I successfully made a pumpkin pie and an apple pie with the top and all with a perfect transfer for each pie. And they actually turned out very good and pretty. Brett apoligized for his comment, which he didn't even remember making in the first place, and said that I make an excellent homemaker and he loved my pies.

Dr. Appointment

We had our first Dr. Appointment with the Dr. who will hopefully be delivering our babies in March, last Friday. We were a bit disappointed. Up until this point, we have been able to see our babies via ultrasound either every week or every other week. Our Dr. does not do ultrasounds in his office, I guess we go to the Hospital for them. So we got to hear one heartbeat, which was amazing, but no more than that. We found out we don't get another ultrasound until the 13th of November, which is when we get to find out the sexes (very exciting). I miss them. We wonder every night how big they are now. With my growing tummy already, who knows?!? It is going to be a very long month!

I know!

It has been a terribly long time since my last post. For good reason, though! I can't wait any longer, it has felt like I have kept the secret forever . . . We are pregnant! I know it was a huge shocker for us too. And with twins!! We are due on March 29th. The answers to the dreaded questions (because I don't know if we will ever have the answers) are, we do not know what the sexes are yet, and I don't think we will ever agree on names. The morning sickness has been almost too much to bare, but I should be over it already . . . no such luck. We have had the great blessing of seeing our babies weekly for the past couple of months, and are so attached to them already. We got to see them wake up this week and they even danced for us, with Baby 1 even raising his little palm to wave at me (cutest little fingers). I never thought that I could experience anything so amazing. Brett has been so great. Poor guy feels so helpless. He can't make me feel better. But he is there to support me even at the porcelain throne. We are very excited for our new additions and just pray that they will stay healthy and join us in just a few short months.

Press & Politics in America

We are studying a book called Truth Enough by Manjoo. He focuses on what truth really is, and goes into some "Conspiracy Theories." We watched this video in my class last night, although I watched a previous version a couple of years ago. Keep in mind that this is a consipiracy theory, but helps in assisting the public to question what truth is. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. This is Part 1 of the vidoe, if you would like more, you can find Part 2 on You Tube.

My thoughts . . . Dylan Avery, the creator, uses emotion to aid the public into believing his view. I will never claim to really understand what happened on September 11, 2001, but who are experts? What classifies a person as an expert? The general public does not have the time nor resources to check out every expert to validate their credentials. So what do we do? When we are told that a doctor has been researching at Harvard medical school for 25 years and has implimented life saving cures, we believe. That is what I do. I have never checked up on an "alleged" expert. I do like that the video makes me question what goes on behind the scenes though.

I am Jasmine! (Never would have guessed)

You Are Jasmine!

Independent and adventurous. You don't want much; just to break out of the guilded cage society has put you in and experience life to the fullest. Following orders isn't really one of your strong points, and you would rather live a life of poverty than being forced into something that you hate.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Trip Down Memory Lane

Okay, I know it has been too long since my last post. But school is so time consuming. It is seven days a week of non-stop reading and analyzing. Remember in my last post that I said I was looking forward to school, but I didn't think the excitment would last that long, well I WAS RIGHT! Anyways, I thought this was a great idea to see how many of you actually read my blog. I would love to hear from each of you. I thoroughly enjoy trips down memory lane!

Some blog games have gotten old, but I thought this would be fun.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

I got in!

I was admitted to the University of Washington (it must have been my essay that some say brought them to tears LOL) in their Social Sciences program on the Law and Justice track. I lost about 80 credits in the transfer, but I will be able to graduate next June. My boss is great, and very excited to work with me to finish my degree. I will be going full time, but one class a quarter will be online, so I only have to go up to Seattle two days a week. Classes start in just a few days, and I am actually looking forward to studying again (although, I know that won't last long). Bigger and better things are coming!

Happy Birthday Samantha!

I have known this girl for 28 years and 364 days (we are out of town tomorrow, so I had to post this today). She was there for me when I came into this world, and has been there for me every day since. I know that people can't comprehend the relationship that we have, because you couldn't unless you were a twin, but she is part of me. I love her so much and am eternally greatful for her in my life. I always think about when Heavenly Father was making us in Heaven, did he give us opposite qualities so that we would always have to be close to rely on eachother for the part of us that was missing? I love this picture of us, so early 80's. One of my favorite memories that I have of us, was when we were about 5 watching Kids Incorporated in Mom and Tracey's room in the Planada Way house, and we were dancing like it was our last breath (thought you might enjoy an old memory since yours is a bit faulty :) Anyways, Happy Birthday Samantha! I love you and rely on you for more than you know. Thank you for being such a great sister, friend and confidant.

Darn Cranes

Have you all seen the cranes in the news the past couple of months? They are going down everywhere. First New York, then Florida, then New York again, all on the eve of the longest trial of my career. Not the greatest time for these cranes to be going down, but what the heck is going on?

This one is law changing. I can't say too much due to attorney-client privilege, but our lives have been crazy hectic with this six-week crane trial. I love what I do! I never imagined I would be interested in Labor Law, but it is so riveting and exciting to be a part of history. This one is destined to be in the books!

Happy Birthday Brett!

Brett just celebrated his 28th Birthday this last weekend, in Paradise nonetheless. Yes, that is right; Samantha and I surprised our husbands with an 11-day trip to Hawaii. We spent a couple of days in Oahu, but the majority of our time was spent in Kauai. I could never have imagined more majestic sites. We did it all! We have been planning the trip since last December, so there was plenty of time to plan a dream vacation. We went kayaking, sailing, hiking, snorkeling, body surfing, romantic walks on the beach and to end it all, a helicopter ride around the island on Brett’s birthday.

It was so great to get away, especially in the middle of my six-week crane trial. Brett was shocked with the surprise, but said that he was glad that it was a surprise otherwise he would have never taken the time to go.

I want to give a little tribute to my best friend:

The day you were born was the day my mother saw my first smile. I always knew you were out there for me, and am glad that we found each other so early on in our lives. You are more than I could ever ask for in a friend and partner. Thank you for our wonderful time together, and I look forward to our many years together in the future.

I LOVE YOU!

Congrats Grads!

We had the opportunity to go back to Utah for our brother and sister's graduation. Congratulations Amy & Ryan for such a great accomplishment! We are so happy for you and the endeavors you are both about to embark upon. It is always great to go back to UT because we have so many great friends and family there. Brett's family lives in MN so we don't have many opportunities to see them. What a treat we had to see them twice in one month. For Ryan and Allison's wedding and Amy and Ryan's Graduation.

Amy graduated in Elementary Education. She already has a job to start teaching third grade in Utah. She will be such a great teacher, as kids adore her. We look forward to hearing her many adventure with her kids.

Ryan graduated in Communications. He and Allison will be moving to Tulsa in the Fall for law school. What a great adventure for them in their new life together. We wish them the best of luck.

Great Friends

While in Utah, we had the opportunity to see Kevin and Megan Dorenbosch are our greatest friends there. Kevin was Brett's Companion in the MTC. We just adore their two year old, we only see them about once or twice a year but every time we seen them Carter knows who we are!

The Zivic Family from Buenos Aires, Argentina, was in Provo still fortunately. We caught them a week before they left for Texas for Nelson's internship. We stayed with them when we were in Buenos Aires a few years ago, so it was so great to see them again. We hope to see them again before they leave to go back home to Argentina.

Tag

How To Play This Game of Tag. Post these rules on your blog. Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Here it is...
Joys:
1. My Hubby.
2. Freshly cut grass.
3. Sand between my toes.
Fears:
1. Not ending up in the eternities with all that should be there.
2. Our business not working - - I don’t know what Brett would do with himself if he couldn’t work with his hands.
3. Not having the opportunity to be a mother.
Goals:
1. Practice Spanish - - I never will admit it but I think I am losing it.
2. Be a better wife and friend - - I need to stop being a husband beater (sorry Brett)!
3. Live debt free in 2009! (I have a day by day schedule to have everything paid off by the 31st of December)
Obsessions:
1. Reading - - Me too Becca! Brett just knows that he doesn’t have to feel guilty playing video games because I am checked out till the book is done.
2. Organization - - Brett can’t find anything because I trail after him stuffing everything out of site.
3. My Family - - That is why Brett and I have only lived by ourselves for the first year and a half of our marriage.
Random Facts:
1. I may not look it, but I am a handy man - - I can install lighting & hardwood floors, tile, paint, and use all sorts of power tools & saws (to just name a few).
2. I dream of ways that I can change the world almost daily.
3. I hate this about myself, but I love to watch TV - - some of my current favorites are LOST, Desperate Housewives, Greys Anatomy, Bothers & Sisters, The Office, Scrubs, Samantha Who?, Eli Stone, Survivor, Amazing Race, Private Practice, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Tori & Dean Inn Love and anything with fixing houses (Wow, I am bad, that is a lot of wasted time)!
I tag Samantha, Aramie, Barbie, Mandy & Josh

Congratulations Ryan & Allison

April 12, 2008, Ryan and Allison Hansen were sealed in the Temple for time and eternity. What a great occasion that we were able to enjoy with family and friends. They were married in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple in Utah. Welcome to the family Allison! They were a beautiful couple and you can tell that they are going to be happy for an eternity. Brett and I actually didn't even meet Allison until the day before the wedding, so we look forward to getting to know the newest member of our family. Congratulations Ryan & Allison. I had the opportunity to reflect on our wedding day. I don't think there is a day in mind that is clearer than that day. Marriage is such a wonderful institution and I am greatful for my husband and the great relationship that we share and work on daily. So here here to changing the divorce rate in our country!

Adoption

Yes we have been married for six years and do not have kids. We have not really talked much to anyone about our dirty little secret, as we like to call it, because we feel like that is kind of what it is. But I went to an adoption class a few weeks ago, and they said the best way to start your family is to network with your family and friends, meaning tell everyone you know that you want to adopt, because it is a long process and if you know someone who knows someone who is giving a baby up for adoption it will be better for both you and the birth mother to know to whom the baby is going and from where it came. I actually just saw a movie where a lady found a baby to adopt from an unorthodox location (The Penny Saver - the movie was Juno for those who have seen it, know what I am talking about) and it worked out great for her. So we are going to put ourselves out there, not that we want people to know our problems, but we have tried the conventional and not so conventional way of starting our family and it hasn't been working all that great. After years of prodding and poking, we want to start our family by any means possible. Thus, we ask you to keep your ears and eyes open for any possibilities, and thank you in advance for your help.

Welcome

Welcome to our blog, only took me 6 months to post my first message. I hope you will all enjoy the insight into our life and get to know us a bit better. So for those who know us more than others this will be a little of a refresher course into our short history . . . Brett and I have known each other for ten years this year. Boy how the time flies. We met his first semester Freshman year at Ricks. We were in an FHE Family and started as tennis buddies, but grew to best friends within months. It was so crazy how everything in our past, present and future just clicked. We went to school for a year and a half together before going on our missions. Brett went to Montevideo, Uruguay and I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I left about 6 months after Brett, so we were basically gone at the same time. Just a rio apart. We both had such great experiences and if you can believe it grew closer together by having the opportunity to serve our Father in Heaven juntos. I actually had to come home from my mission a couple of months early for emergency knee surgery, but got married just months after Brett returned from his mission. When you know you know. But by that time, we had been dating for five years. We were married for eternity on the 14th day of September, 2002. It will be six years this September. Gosh, I can't believe how fast the time goes. But then again I feel like we have been together for an eternity. Well, moving on, there was school and work and more school and more work . . . Brett got a Bachelors Degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Washington and I got an Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Ricks and an Associates of Technical Arts in Paralegal Studies. I have been working as a Paralegal with an emphasis in Real Estate Law for the past six years. Just last month I made a change to Employment Law for less of a commute and a change of pace. I love my attorney and we get along so well! Brett and I have been beautifying houses since he graduated in the summer of 2005. We worked full time and flipped houses by night for a couple of years, but when we saw that there was enough money for Brett to quit and do it full time we took the plunge. He did it full time for about a year until last July we formally established our business and brought my brother-in-law in to join us. Amazingly enough, we have stayed busy for the whole year off of referrals alone. It is either feast or famine in this business, but we love it, and it is so rewarding seeing such spectacular transformations. That should catch you up on the last six years, but I hope you will stay posted to find out what happens next.