Questions Answered

To answer some of your questions about the house I've decided to create a new post, but I'm sorry ahead of time if I missed your question...

1. We will be moving into the Vineyard Ward, our last Sunday in Gerber Ward is this sunday and we'll start March off fresh in our new ward
2. There is a lot of work that needs to be done on the insides, but we won't be doing any of it. We're getting new bathrooms (2 1/2 baths) new tile floors in the kitchen, entry way, laundry room, and bathrooms. The whole house needs new carpet, except for the tile areas obviously. New paint and there was some dry rot on the outside too, as you can probably tell from the pictures. The kitchen counter and sinks are going and we're getting brand new appliances. I think that's everything... The backyard is up to us which we cleared out that Saturday but I realized we didn't take pictures after it was finished so I'll have to swing by the house today to take some to post.
3. We can't move in until the work is finished and that won't be for at least 2 weeks so we're hoping for mid March
4. Derek's ear... Derek and Doug (his brother in law in the pic with him) were carrying part of the patio and the story is that Doug was throwing it into the dumpster and Derek didn't realize (or something like that) and it fell on Derek's ear
5. And lastly the house warming party will be held probably in early April to give us some time to move in and get settled and everyone is invited. I'll post later in March what the date will be for sure.

During the demo work

Here is Derek's major injury for the day, he's not very careful.

Alisa found a friendly frog in the pile of crap and we saved him

This backyard is a lot bigger than it seems. More pictures to come later as the work moves on.

Before pictures

This is the nasty backyard. These patio covers were actually setup and Chris (my brother) helped break them down

This is a close up of the beautiful flowers in my front yard

Here is the front of the house.

We are HOME OWNERS!!!

Derek and I finally closed on our very first home and we couldn't be more happy and excited. It was a foreclosure and needs quite a lot of work, which we hired a contractor to take care of for us. But it's the biggest blessing that we have going on right (besides the good report for Abigial's health at her Pulmiary checkup on Tuesday - I think we're in the clear)
Anyway I'll be posting pictures soon of the guys tearing up my backyard and building the fence for all to see, so stay tuned.

Great Cause

My boss and dear friend will be running a marathon this summer in honor of her brother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. She's also trying to raise money for this cause to donate to the cancer research and your help would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the long post but I couldn't figure out how to get the letter on here any other way (I'm not very technical)

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,
I must be out of my mind because I've committed to running a marathon this year with the Team in Training Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): Team in Training.
Yes, I am talking about running 26 miles on June 6 at the Rock and Roll Marathon 2010 in San Diego!
Nate - The bravest little person in the world!
I originally started with Team in Training through the cycling program. I trained with the team for 3 years and rode hundreds of miles. As you know, at that time my little nephew Nate was diagnosed with a cancer called Neuroblastoma. I felt helpless and had to do something so I joined the team. Little Nate helped me climb those hills and gave me the inspiration to keep on going when I thought I could not. Nate fought the battle with cancer for 5 years, but lost the fight two years ago. Nate is our angel now and he is ever present with us. He IS the bravest person I have ever known, and his strength and courage continues to provide me the power and endurance to go forward on in life.
So, why am I considering doing a Marathon! The answer is simple! Cancer has struck my family yet again. My brother Pete was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma this year. This is a terrible reminder that cancer can hit anyone at any time. Cancer impacts everyone! So I am renewing my commitment to TNT in an effort to do my part to fight this disease in any way possible. Running a marathon really scares me but it is a great challenge and this is a perfect way to honor my brother while is going through his therapy. While my brother is going through his challenge, I will be running as fast and as long as I can to keep up with him.
I am very excited, and yes a little scared, so I will need plenty of help!
Please join me in my efforts to raise $2,500 to flight cancer. Your donation will help to provide funding for research, patient aid, and community service programs. For every dollar the Society raises, 75% goes to its program services. All donations are 100% tax deductible, and any amount will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate two ways: Me and Pete at Christmas 2009
· Conveniently donate on line at the following secured website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sac/rnr10/lhanson7wt
· Mail in your donation. Please mail your donation as soon as possible, but no later than April 26 and include the white copy of the attached donation form in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. Make checks payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Times are difficult and I understand not everyone may be able to donate. Your emotional and spiritual support is just as important to me! Thank you in advance for your contributions, prayers and friendship – they are all welcome and I will be forever grateful.
Join me in spreading the word; for what matters most of all, is that together we beat this disease!
Take care,
Laurie Hanson

Snow Day!!!

I took the day off of work so that we could go to the snow and we had so much fun. The girls loved it, especially Abby because she loves to eat ice. This was her ice heaven :)
Anyway it was a great day and we decided it will be our tradition to go every year.

Abby and Hailey









Abigail tried to get her daddy with a snow ball

Isn't she so sweet :)

Valentine's Day

This year Valentine's wasn't very eventful since it fell on a Sunday and all, but Derek still pulled through and surprised me with a beautiful flower arrangement and some cookies that he got on Saturday while I was at Ashlie's bridal shower. He's amazing each of the girls got a little something also.