The life of Rileigh

It's ready!

2009-08-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

well almost. It is a work in progress. But here is my new blog!

http://rileighlovesben.blogspot.com/

Thank you to everyone for making the move. I know it can be a pain.

Check it out for new pictures of Jocelyn's 2nd Birthday!

PS if your blog is private please add me under this email address rileigh.hansen@gmail.com

LOVE YA

Just Kidding

2009-08-09T18:43:00.001-07:00

Soooo, my new blog just died, so please continue reading this one until told otherwise. Thank you for your support during this difficult time ;).

PS if anyone as any AMAZING names for my new blog I am taking suggestions. Katie Erb I am talking to you, since you named the last one and all.

The Blog is moving*updated

2009-08-08T13:58:00.001-07:00

to here. http://thelifeofrileigh.blogspot.com/

Check us out on Monday August 10th. It's a little crazy right now

Just in case...

2009-08-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

...you don't get to see a smiling, happy baby everyday

I thought I would share mine with you.

PS Jocelyn is AMAZING at going potty. I swear if she could talk more she would say, "Mom, it is about time!"

the end.

Help!

2009-08-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

I believe it is time to potty train and I am terrified. Please, Oh Wise Mothers of Blogdom, what advice to you have so that I no longer walk into Jocelyn's room to find this.

Rain Dance

2009-08-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thunder showers are a common part of Maryland summer life.

So Ben and Jocelyn decided to do a little rain dance.

The end.

The Enchanted Forest

2009-07-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

This weeks playgroup met at a little petting farm known as the Enchanted Forest just a few minutes away.

It had all of these former amusement park attractions that had been refurbished for the sweetest little petting farm. You can read more about it here.

Jocelyn was a little freaked out by the chickens

The highlight was the pony ride. I totally thought she would freak out but she loved it.

It was a beautiful day.

the end.

I just want to say...

2009-07-29T20:42:00.001-07:00

That I have the most delicious babies in the world.

just in case you were wondering

First Day of Work

2009-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Ben's first day working for the man.

We love you honey! Have a great day!

Doesn't he look dapper in his new clothes?!

what happens when you leave your files on my computer

2009-07-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

I post them on youtube, facebook and my blog. Jason, Katelyn, we miss you. Katelyn we miss your blond hair.

The National Aquarium

2009-07-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since I found out we were moving to Baltimore I have not been able to get the opening number of Hairspray out of my head. Naturally when we headed over there on Tuesday it played in my ears on repeat while looking at all the fun fish at the National Aquarium of Baltimore.

Jocelyn had a good time checking out all the fish

These were taken inside the Borders next door, it is a renovated power plant complete with smoke towers.

It was really fun, just don't ask me to drive around Baltimore anytime soon.

BFF

2009-07-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

just try and keep them apart

Berry picking pics fixed

2009-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was one of the most perfect days of my whole life. Our wonderful cousins Jeri and Lincoln whom we LOVE, took us to the most enchanting little farm to pick berries.

Ben had to pick at double time in order to keep up with Jocelyn eating all the berries

Talia and Jocelyn new little friends

Shout out to Schrute Farms!

mmmm....

Wyatt taught us the correct way to pick the berries

Afterwards we gathered under a tree for a picnic lunch

smiles from a happy baby

Jeri made shortcake for desert... it was so0o good

the end.

surprise guests

2009-07-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here's how it went down. I was cleaning up our new and fabulous kitchen for the evening. We had made cookies this afternoon to take to our neighbors but had decided against it because they were a little too crumbly, not to let good chocolate go to waste I stuck them in the freezer for safe keeping. Ben was sitting on at the desk working on the Internet next to me. I opened the drawer below the oven where I keep my cookie sheets. (I can not tell you how wonderful it is to have a space for the cookie sheets that isn't inside the oven). Here is what he says I said:

(with sweet surprise)

"oh, mice"

(beat)

(with horror)

"MICE!!, BEN WE HAVE MICE!!"

(jump on top of counter continue shouting)

"MICE, AHHH MICE! WHAT DO WE DO? WHAT DO WE DO?"

(with realization and despair)

"email the landlord and throw away the cookies"

the end.

new home

2009-07-15T20:31:00.001-07:00

I only have a minute to say hi. Maryland has been good to us. The weather and the trees... Ohhh, I could go on about the trees they are so beautiful, the ward is super friendly and our house is awesome. This week has flown by, busy unpacking and shopping for our new place. However, for the first few days this was our dinning room table.

It was fun except Ben kept hitting his head on the light above.

I will post pictures of the new one as soon as it is finished.

What I will miss most...

2009-07-07T08:46:00.001-07:00

These guys
I love my family

Like the Pioneer Woman Says...

2009-07-02T01:11:00.001-07:00

...Keepin' it Real

On the lighter side Brooke turned 1 month today

It is going way too fast

Ben's party

2009-06-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Goleta Beach has for the last four years been our birthday spot.

Manly Cupcakes

Friends and Family enjoying themselves very much

Ben wanted to start his party off with a bang so he jumped into the ocean right out of the car.

Three generations

Maranda was not happy when the baby went away

The battlefield aftermath

Goleta Beach we will miss you!

Dear Husband...

2009-06-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

I love you now and forever. You are my favorite.

Happy 30th Birthday

love
wife

A little bug

2009-06-25T23:45:00.001-07:00

... named Brooke

Its like she knew...

2009-06-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the insanity that is moving with two small children, the delightful Katie Erb brought a welcomed surprise. If they don't follow us to Maryland I will cry.

Fathers Day

2009-06-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day was good,

Breakfast before Bishopric: check

Nap while the kids slept: check

Warm afternoon at the zoo: check

Birthday BBQ with friends: check

Asleep by 9:15: awesome

The great move has begun!

2009-06-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

At least Jocelyn is keeping herself entertained

A Name and a Blessing

2009-06-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

Today her father gave her a name and blessing in front of the world. It was beautiful.

He Did it!

2009-06-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

My darling husband became a doctor today. I love him so much. And we are so tired.

Our New Home!

2009-06-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you have seen this on Facebook, but I want to share our darling new home in Maryland with all of my blogging friends.

PS How adorable is my cousin Jeri and her sweet children. They are going to be in our ward and we are so excited.

Sisters

2009-06-09T14:21:00.001-07:00

This week has been a joy, exhausting but wonderful. The girls are getting along great. Brooke is getting plenty of food and sleep now. it was a little touch and go at first but we are working on a routine. The Relief Society has been providing us with delicious dinners and the Econ department has been hosting a plethora of BBQ's. Ben has officially filed his dissertation and will be graduating with his PHD on Sunday. Life is good.

I have totally embraced the matching outfits.

Now we just need to pack up all of our stuff and move across the country in a month.

Brooklyn Violet

2009-06-02T16:37:00.001-07:00

The yawn off

A new little bug

precious

She is here

2009-06-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

My beautiful little girl entered the world at 3:23pm today. I am so blessed to be her mother. She is perfect in every way and Jocelyn has been an angel with her. She sleeps now by my side resting from a long day of delivery.

Her name is Brooklyn Violet Hansen

7lbs 14oz 19in

check back for pics tomorrow

My FAVORITE Chocolate Cupcakes

2009-05-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Vivian made these at our babies 1 year birthday party extravaganza. Roxanne makes these all the time and fills them with whip cream and turns them into "Hostess Cupcakes" I make them with cream cheese frosting because I think everything is better with cream cheese. The recipe can be found here at Vivian's sisters blog. It makes me happy. I think your families will agree.

Can you believe how bald she was a year ago?

Graduation 2009

2009-05-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

For years and years I have been taking classes at night, online and before Ben all day at SBCC. I am really proud to say that this semester was my last and that I have graduated with my Associates Degree in Liberal Studies. My plan is to transfer to an arts college in Maryland and complete my degree in Fine Arts with an emphsis in Photography.

Yesterday was Santa Barbara City Colleges Spring Graduation. I did not attend. Being 9months pregnant and having a "busy" toddler, Ben and I realized it would be very uncomfortable chasing Jocelyn in the bleachers and for me to sit in folding metal chairs for 2 hours. So we decided to throw our own. I made a diploma and printed it out on card stock (The one from SBCC is in the mail) and Ben handed it to me as my family hummed the graduation song at the beach. Ben said a few words and Tristan, Skylar and Jocelyn sang "Pop Corn Poping" as an opening number.

We finished it off with a toast of Sparking Cider and Cookies from Costco.

I don't suppose the Dean of Students has ever done this after handing someone their degree before.

Ben took Jocelyn and I out for dinner at Kyoto, a great Japanese restaurant where we had our own Tatami room. It was perfect.

New Preggo Pics

2009-05-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Christine Olson = Genius

Thank you. A Thousand Times Thank you.

You can check out my favorites here and her AMAZING blog is here.

The Nutshell

2009-05-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

This week has been such a roller coaster. It all started the second we got back from San Diego. My dad was in town to take Katelyn to Utah.

Jocelyn expressed her artistic expression with paint during Growing Times, not feeling limited to the paper provided.

and enjoyed some story time with Grandpa Kyle.

Sunday

Mother's Day came which was spent in the truest sense of the calling of motherhood, Jocelyn was horribly sick and spent the whole day in my arms throwing up into a bowl. It was the saddest thing in the world. I have to say Ben and Jason were awesome, running around at my beck and call so that I could comfort her. Ben who was out of town until late Saturday night had Jason play helper elf and get beautiful flowers and delicious food for breakfast in bed and killer manicotti for dinner.

Monday

Unfortunately the next day as Jocelyn started to improve, I got hit by the stomach flu... hard. I got so dehydrated that I spent Monday night in the hospital because I was starting to have contractions. 12 hours and 4 liters of IV fluid later the contractions stopped and I was ready to go home. It was a good test run for Ben and I, as we realized we were so not packed for the hospital should I go into labor early. Big learning experience.

Tuesday

Later that night it was time for my baby shower. It was LOVELY, and I don't mean to brag but, I totally scored.

Isn't this precious? Jamie Hixon my visiting teacher made some beautiful decorations.
I would have taken more pictures, and better ones. The food looked AMAZING, (but I had just gotten out of the hospital and wasn't quite all there)

So taking the baby home from the hospital in this darling little number.

Would you look at these lovely ladies? I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. A thousand thank yous to Katie Erb, Roxanne Shipley, Jamie Hixon and Kaity DeMartini and Lynette Mills for opening up your beautiful home. You guys are amazing. It was really beautiful and so much fun. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you.

Wednesday

I was finally starting to feel better so Ben and I saw Star Trek, which rocked my world. Warning to all pregnant women: I cried my eyes out during the first 10 minutes. However, that night my boys who had been SO strong all week both started to come down with the stomach flu. I have mentioned how much I love my husband yet? He is amazing, like superman only better. It is now my turn to take care of them, though I have to say they took better care of me.

Thursday

Boys gratefully not as sick as Joce or I but still spent the day sleeping and watching really bad wrestling movies from the 80s. Jocelyn and I got out of the house to let them rest and took some mother daughter pictures with the wonderfully talented Christine Olson. I can't wait to see how they turn out. We went Meichelle Arntz beautiful home and took pictures with the dogs and horses. Jocelyn was all over the dog but totally freaked out by the horses.

Friday

Now it is the wee hours of Friday morning and I am up with heartburn and a tap dancing fetus, posting pictures and telling stories of my whirl wind of a week, of a life really. I will tell you this, I am grateful for the priesthood in my home, I am grateful for a heavenly father who loves me unconditionally and a savior who has been my friend as long as I can remember. I am grateful for a husband that completes me as a person and challenges me to be better, he brings out the best in me and the others around him, marrying him was the best decision I have ever made. I am grateful for a little girl so full of energy and love, a new life growing inside of me waiting to come out and greet the world. I am grateful to live near my family and share in their lives and loves, and for friends that are their for me when I need them. I don't know how in just a few weeks I am going to leave my family and friends behind and move to the otherside of the country. You all inspire me daily, thank you for your love and your friendships. I love you.

Jocelyn and the little man

2009-05-15T03:50:00.000-07:00

While furniture shopping for our new home last week Jocelyn made a new friend.

P.S. we found a killer dinning room table as well.

I passed!

2009-05-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

I am officially receiving my Associates Degree from SBCC this semester! I am really excited since I have been taking classes there part time for way longer then I am willing to admit. I may even walk in the ceremony next week. (mostly to freak the other kids out because I will be SUPER pregnant.)

This week has been crazy and I will post more soon. I had a LOVELY baby shower this week I want to tell you about as well.

Fire Update

2009-05-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

We are fine. Thanks to everyone for their concern. Check out insane pictures here.

Our San Diego Adventure

2009-05-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Yes Please

2009-04-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

I want my house to feel like this, or some room in my house. I don't know, I love it and feel like a place I should live. I found it here.

Showing off her moves

2009-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

We finally got a new camera that takes video, the Olympus Stylus 1050SW that can go underwater and fall from 5ft without breaking. This is our first attempt at trying it out. I need to figure out the light metering though.

Grosgrain: Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Grosgrain: Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Tuesday-updated

2009-04-23T12:06:00.001-07:00

This is what I woke up to last Tuesday. All I could do was call Ben (he was downstairs) and tell him to grab the camera. Apparently Jocelyn felt her skin was under moisturized.

*Side note Jocelyn tries to eat this lotion ALL the time, I tasted it. Personally I think it is kinda bland.

Ode to my glasses

2009-04-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Glasses,

Please come home. I cannot find you anywhere and I am starting to get headaches. I promise to take better care of you in the future, clean you lenses more and keep you in the case instead of floating around my bag. We could be so happy together.

All my love,

Rileigh

PS If you know where Ben's are bring them too, the guy is practically blind without them.

Perseverance

2009-04-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

After missing out on swimming in no less than 3 pools today; Ben and Jocelyn decided to take matters into their own hands.

What I am thinking

2009-04-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies, I need your help. I am currently in the market for the following:

A double stroller: (has to be side by side and include a snack tray and be light weight. Jocelyn would not handle front to back) I like the Combi Twin.

An infant Car seat: (preferably that will attach to the stroller)

A baby wrap (I have a Bjorn which I love, but I am looking for something that will offer more protection to a new born) I am partial to the Maya Wrap.A diaper bag, I mean a purse with pockets and places for everything, that doesn't look like there are diapers in it. This is a Melie Bianco Double Zip tote. What do ya got? what works? what doesn't? and how much did it cost?

Easter

2009-04-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Easter was simply lovely...

The food...

The Flowers...

The Friends...

The Hunt...

The End.

What would you pay?

2009-04-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

I have missed doing flowers so much! With the pregnancy, the moving, the additional roommates and the toddler, my flower business has been on hold for a little while. So I leaped at the chance to auction off an arrangement for the Young Men/Young Women Camp Silent Auction tonight.

I like it.

Jocelyn's big bump

2009-04-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday afternoon Jocelyn and I were venturing from Michaels to Vons while on a quest for Chocolate Ice Cream. Anyone who has ever met my sweet girl, knows that she has spunk. Thus, riding in the seat with the seat belt in the grocery cart is a short lived screaming disaster. So rather than fight her I did what any irresponsible parent does and let her ride in the big part of the cart. There she stood quietly sucking her finger and wearing her monkey backpack. While strolling along the side walk between stores, one of my items fell out of my bag. I stopped the cart short to pick up my bag and sent my poor child into a head dive on to the cement, landing first on her forehead and flipping over to her back. SHE IS FINE. She cried hysterically for about 10 minutes. I held her tight in my arms, called Ben and decided that we should check out the emergency room just in case. Three hours later, the doctor determined that she was most likely fine but that I should keep her up two hours past her bedtime, and every few hours throughout the night just to be sure she doesn't have a concussion.

She is perfect... aside from the Gorbachev sized mark on her head. Like I said, the kid has spunk.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

My little girl is growing up so fast. Check her out last Easter...

...And this year. (There is a jelly bean in her mouth)

It is amazing how much she has grown in just one year.

Here are some more images from the FSH Egg Hunt this morning.

Joce and Zeek

2009-04-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn and Zeek have a... "complicated" relationship. Here is a rare moment of them enjoying the same thing at the same time.

It was really sweet.

You know your pregnant when...

2009-03-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

...You burst in to tears at the tenderness of this silly little article. I love this Thai Fireman. He is an example of the wonderful people in this world.

100!

2009-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do something special for my 100th post; but I couldn't handle the pressure... so check out this blog instead, this chick is awesome.

Here are some flowers I did for a wedding back in July of last year. photo credit: nicole hill

Cupcakes and Safety

2009-03-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!
ONCE YOU HAVE MADE THIS RECIPE YOU MAY NEVER GO BACK TO A BOX!!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with a Mascarpone and Cream Cheese Frosting

Relief Society Birthday Party eat your heart out

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

(from the Joy of Baking, check it out here)

All right I have tried to post this several times but since I don't speak HTML, check out the link for the recipe. You will be so happy that you did.
P.S.

Jocelyn practices safety first

The Mission

2009-03-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

While subbing in Primary today, we were informed that there was a natural gas leak at the Stake Center and that the whole building was being evacuated.
So.... church was over about an hour in a half early. (Everything is fine, 911's standard procedure is to send four trucks to the scene and clear the buildings for an hour before everyone could be let back in. All other wards ran as scheduled.)
Anyway, Ben and I decided to check out the Santa Barbara Mission during our newly acquired free time. We were unable to go through the chapel because of Mass but we had a lovely time walking around the 200+ year building.

A day at the Castle

2009-03-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary yesterday, Ben took Jocelyn and I to Hearst Castle. It was magical.
The day started with breakfast at Cajun Kitchen (0ur favorite breakfast joint) and then we drove up Hwy 1 to Cambria where we stopped at this beautiful little garden with wind chimes and fairy statues. Jocelyn loved it.
The Castle was such a treat, granted we missed most of the tour because Jocelyn did not find the 16th century statues all that interesting, plus she really wanted to swim in the big pool. Everything was so detailed and beautiful and the views were breathtaking.
We ended the day at my childhood restaurant the Sea Shanty with a monster sized helping of Cayucos Crunch.
It was perfect.

4 Years

2009-03-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

4 years ago I married my best friend. It was the best decision I have ever made.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

The Pier II

2009-03-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Me and my belly hiding behind my sweatshirt

My handsome husband and tired bug

On our way back to the car there was this crazy guy on roller skates who was skating around with a boombox and hoola hoops. The lady in black was going crazy. It was very Santa Monica Pier.

The Pier

2009-03-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

In the few months leading up to our departure back east. Ben and I have decided to become tourists in Santa Barbara. Our first stop- Stearns Wharf aka The Pier

A quick stop at the skate board park. Jocelyn could not get enough.

I think we are in trouble when she gets older.

I am getting too pregnant to carry her everywhere so we use the Monkey backpack. She normally loves it but today she pretty much just wanted me.

I want LOTS of these

2009-03-11T20:39:00.001-07:00

These are solar powered globes to hang in your trees. I found them here.

Jason's weird little treasure

2009-03-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Living with my brother Jason comes with its share of benefits, yummy cooking, enlightened Baltic polka, and his collection of strange and wonderful treasures.

Needless to say Jocelyn enjoys having him around.

Bet you can't do this in Maryland in March

2009-03-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Gio and Zeke came by to visit and joined us in the pool for a little pre-spring pool party. How I will miss those Santa Barbara summer days in winter.

Spring Flowers

2009-02-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

This is a super easy and fun centerpiece for spring. I got the wheat grass at Lazy Acres and the Gerber daisies at Trader Joe's. Water tubes with picks on the end are holding them in place while little Easter eggs hide in the tall grass.

I can be the first to admit it

2009-02-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

I love the Oscars, I love the glitz, I love the glamour, the silly speeches and the odd spectacle of it all. Maybe it's because I secretly want to run around in a gorgeous dress all day long. This year all though I would say it was a little on the safe side, but there were a few dresses that were down right breathtaking. These are my top 2.

Marisa Tomei in Versace

The flash blows out the intricate pleats that put this beautiful dress together. I love her hair and her vintage Sapphire jewelry.

Amy Adams in Caroline Herrera

This dress moved much better on live film and her jeweled collar is to die for. Plus she is adorable.

I have to say that I simply adore Hugh Jackman. I was a little hesitant at first when I found out he was hosting. But I thought he did a fabulous job with an opening monologue like this.

Because I do

2009-02-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

Maryland

2009-02-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

So MUCH has happened over the last few weeks that I hardly know where to begin. First off Ben is finishing his PHD in Economics in June (Dr. Hansen... totally hot) and we have spent the first few weeks of 2009 looking for a job. In January he meet with 16 different companies, schools and government think tanks at the AEA conference for preliminary interviews. From that, he received 7 fly outs around the country trying to find the best fit. That gratefully turned into 3 TERRIFIC offers. The hard part was picking.

1 San Diego, California - Litigation Consulting

(LAW and Order dream come true- long hours)

2 Columbia, Maryland - Growing Government Think tank

(Flexibility, Secret Data Great Location)

3 Bethesda, Maryland - Established Government Think tank

(Mentorship, More Secret Data, Longer Commute)

After careful consideration and a last minute trip to Maryland and DC (knowledge of a Target, Trader Joes' and Cheesecake Factory in a 10mile radius) we choose....

COLUMBIA, MARYLAND

Ben has accepted a position as a Senior Research Associate/Economist with IMPAQ International!

We spent the last few days in Columbia, and it is soooo cool. It is beautiful and very family friendly. We are just south of Baltimore and about 45 minutes from DC. So when everyone comes to visit (wink) there will be lots to do.

How to keep your toddler happy during your 3 hour layover in Phoenix

2009-02-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

ICE CREAM!

She likes to share

Camp Hansen flight 85 to Baltimore

Day 2

2009-02-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

Just so you know my child does wear clothes other than pajamas, but when you are sick and it is raining, they are the clothing of choice.

We just bought our new doormat from K-Mart and Jocelyn was trying it out, she had kinda lost it in the store so we found some Oreos to keep calm her down; hence the pirate scruff.

However the day before it was sunny and warm so we did this

Ben I love you and I am so proud of you honey!!!

This week

2009-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Ben is out of town... again. Hopefully for the last time on job interviews. This week he is back east interviewing in Virginia and Maryland and won't be home until Saturday. Man my heart goes out and my hands applaud all women married to traveling business man. This sucks.

While he is gone I have decided to post a picture of our child doing something adorable everyday so he can see her.

Day 1

After changing her diaper this morning, Jocelyn insisted on wearing her shoes before I put her sleeper back on. Since I can't put her sleeper on over her shoes; it is now her cape. I just turned the heater up.

A Day in the Life of Jocelyn

2009-02-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

Free breakfast from Denny's 7:45am

Playing at the park in the HOT sun 9:30am

Swimming in the UCSB Faculty Pool 11am

Long afternoon nap 1:30pm

Delicious Blenders (Red Pineapple with Mango Juice) 4:30pm

Bar-B-Que Chicken pizza dinner (from scratch) 6pm

Bath 6:30

Song/Prayers 7pm

Out like a light 7:02pm

Did I mention it is February?

When it rains...

2009-01-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

On top of every trial I am currently facing and learning from; my heart was saddened further today when I discovered that my favorite magazine is closing. I am soooooo bummed

The Road to Domestic Goddessness

2009-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

...Is paved with homemade bread

My dear friend Kaity is a bread making genius. She agreed to tutor me on my first endeavor.

Jocelyn loved it!

Especially the dough. She could not stop trying to eat it

Unfortunately I forgot about it during it's second rise and it got a little wonky

Sadly the big loaf didn't make it. :(

But the little ones were delicious

Lady Godiva

2009-01-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

So... its a tiger instead of a horse but you get the idea.

Making cookies

2009-01-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

Is there any point in fighting it?

DRUMROLL PLEASE

2009-01-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

I
I
I
I
I

I
I
I
I

I
I
I
I
I

WE ARE SO EXCITED!

The baby is perfect and will be ready on June 5th 2009!

Name suggestions are welcome... I got nothing.

Christmas in a Giant Nutshell (how did it get in a nutshell this big?) part 1

2009-01-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am Exhausted

IT was a great Christmas and New Years that started in Colorado and ended in Vegas. So if you are wondering why you didn't get a Christmas card, its because I didn't send any.... It wasn't personal, I just ran out of time... but mostly out of energy.

So here is a recap of the last few weeks.

1. Beautiful family pictures were taking by the amazing Vivian and will soon be photo shop'd by the super cool Jenn. (Jocelyn however did not enjoy the shoot)

2. Christmas in Colorado with Grandma and Grandpa Hansen. Christmas morning brought many smiles, new pajamas, and unexpected gifts.

A new baby doll

Yes, Ben is holding our new Wii

This outfit was purely Jocelyn's doing. She insisted on the whole thing. It was quite hilarious.

3.Ben went on the job market in San Francisco and met with 16 potential teaching and researching jobs that all sound exciting. The interviews went really well. We are anxiously awaiting fly outs invitations and final offers, more details to come.

To be continued...

Christmas Card Alert!

2008-12-13T23:01:00.001-08:00

If you want one, send me an email with your address!

*disclaimer, it is entirely possible that I will run out of time and not send them out at all, BUT I will try my darnedest!

P.S. We would be happy to except Christmas cards this year.

Ben and Rileigh Hansen
775 Juniper Walk D
Goleta, CA 93117

The Christmas Tree

2008-12-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Once there was a little bug, who was enjoying her new coat at the Christmas tree lot.

Then she heard some good tunes and decided to get her groove on. Much to the delight of the other Christmas tree shoppers.

Ben and Kiki worked very hard at safetly attaching the tree to the top of our car

...And Kiki liked it... I think...The bug grew weary in our travels and fell asleep before I could do this!
But she will be so excited to see it in the morning.

This is what Kiki and Ben watched while I created the beauty above.
P.S. It's awesome

And ate a lot of these

The End

My Favorite

2008-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

My husband is AMAZING

I knew this before we were married, but the level that he has been reaching lately is down right astonishing. Yesterday he watched Jocelyn so that I could go on a date with the girls to see an early screening of Twilight, (which I really liked even though I haven't read the books) and I came home to a clean house, which was not the state that I left it in. He had fed, bathed and sung our daughter to sleep single-handedly and instead of using this opportunity to watch anything he wanted he straiten up the living room, kitchen, bathroom and our bedroom. I was shocked, and felt so loved. Today he played a little hookey and we went to the Zoo. I am so blessed to be married to him for TIME and ALL ETERNITY... He is like my very own Edward, only tan.

Celebrity Gossip

2008-11-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

In a statement made by her publicist on November 13th at the Relief Society Holiday Dinner, Rileigh Hansen confirmed that she is expecting her second child with Benjamin Hansen, her husband of nearly four years. Rumors began circulating several weeks ago when she would run up stairs to throw up mid conversation claiming it was “the flu”. The rumor circuit got a new boost when baring her testimony two weeks ago, she mistakenly touched her swelling belly in a loving manner causing much of the congregation to wonder further.

The couple have one child together, Jocelyn Rose who will be 22 months at the time of delivery in early June, 10 days before Ben’s PHD Graduation. The couple are very excited.

Beatriz and Bruce

2008-11-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

I was privileged to create the arrangements for Beatriz and Bruce, (real life clients they found me online and everything) It was at the charming Santa Ynez Inn where my brother and I spent the day reminiscing our childhood.

Head table arrangement

Lilies, Roses, Hydrangeas, Lizzianthus and Dahlias

This picture doesn't do them justice, they were on top of a fireplace that was 6 feet tall. It was quite stunning.the Brides sophisticated bouquet, attached is a locket containing a picture of her father who had passed.Brides maids bouquets of cream colored Hydrangea and Roses

Pay it Forward

2008-11-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone

The winners for the Pay it Forward are

The Amazing Jenn
The Angelic Kaity
The Super Penny

Congrats girls! I hope you enjoy the goodies!

HALLOWEEN

2008-11-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

Let's just say we won the FSH costume contest for "Best Family Costume" including to tickets to the "exclusive" UCSB Dinning Commons. It was a good but crazy day. (P.S. I am aware that I look slightly like Christina Aguilera, maybe next year)

Pay it Forward

2008-10-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

I have decided to pick the winners for the Pay it Forward on Halloween. Don't forget to sign up to win your own bundle of goodies!

Proposition 8

2008-10-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

I know I got some heat about the little add I placed a few weeks ago so I thought I would allow Diana Hulme to elaborate for me. She just put it so eloquently on her blog...

"Proposition 8 seeks to make marriage only between a man and a woman in California. A few years ago, 61% of Californians voted to pass Proposition 22, which made marriage legal only between a man & a woman. Then 4 judges overturned the will of the people & made it legal. Totally against the law. So it's up on the ballot again.
. . . . . . . . .
A lot of people have been wondering why it's such a big deal; why it concerns them. If Prop 8 does not pass, here are some of the things that will happen:
1. Public school teachers will have to teach that same-sex marriage is normal & acceptable. Parents will not have the option to opt-out their children from this discussion.
2. Religious adoption agencies who do not allow
same-sex parents to adopt will be closed down.
3. There will be conflict between religion & free speech - churches who do not accept this behavior will be in danger of lawsuits for discrimination. Possibly even being required to allow same-sex marriages & providing same-sex married housing in private universities.
4. Marriage will become completely redefined & acceptance of same-sex marriage will be demanded. Over time, it will affect society as a whole negatively.

. . . . . . . . .
It's obvious that Satan is hard at work to destroy the family & tear apart what is most sacred to us - the divine institution of marriage & all the blessings it brings.
We can still have tolerance & love for others without lowering our standards of what is right & acceptable in the Lord's eyes. This Proposition will not hurt anyone or deny them rights - it simply protects marriage as between a man & a woman. "
. . . . . . . . .Ben especally has been working very hard to do everything we can to help get this passed. I am really excited to accept the call of our prophet and to serve him and the lord. There aren't many times in our life when the church asks us to get up and really do something hard in our lives and I know that without question if this wasn't a big deal the first presidency wouldn't be asking us to do so much. On November 4th I will be voting Yes on Proposition 8 and I encourage you all to as well.

. . . . . . . . .
For more information, please go to:
preservingmarriage.org
protectmarriage.com

. . . . . . . . .

Please vote Yes on November 4 for Proposition 8 to preserve & protect families!"

Pay it Forward

2008-10-25T12:51:00.001-07:00

My greatest apologies for not posting in FOREVER. But I promise that this will make up for it.

I received this bundle of joys in the mail today from my friend Lizzy and I was so happy! We are playing "pay it forward" with blogs which I think is so cool. The theme she sent was "Good Stuff", and were all things I hadn't really tried before, the Hot Tamales were surprisingly settling on my still getting over sick stomach (hence no blogging).

It included Good things to eat, Things that feel good, and one thing that was good for the environment

Pistachio Instant Pudding (childhood classic)
Hot Tamales
Goya Maria Cookies (Ben used to eat them on his mission)
A reusable grocery bag
Pretty Cherry stationary
Pomegranate Mud mask (so doing that tomorrow)

Now I get to pay it forward to 3 other people. Sign up for My Pay It Forward, and you get a present from...you got it, ME! So here are the rules:

1. You must have a blog to participate in Pay It Forward.

2. You must pay it forward to 3 other people. It can be something you have made or bought. ( I'm doing "my favorite things" as a theme)

3. Enter by making a comment about yourself. Something interesting. I will pick my 3 favorite people from the ones that sign up. Just kidding, I will pick randomly. Out of a hat perhaps.

4. I don't have a deadline yet. I am going to wait and see how it goes.
(P.S. I totally stole the wording from Annie, who can write much cooler than I)

Jocelyn, Levi and the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Vivian had the rather brilliant idea of dressing the kids up cowboy style (note the boots she found at the swap shop) and going to the pumpkin patch. It was a good time.

Together we took some pretty awesome pictures I think.

Katie's Baby Shower

2008-10-07T21:23:00.001-07:00

Katie DeMartini and I threw a very successful baby shower. We had thirty lovely ladies from the Goleta Valley Ward in our backyard enjoying the lights left up from the Pirate Wedding last month.

My colorful take on these bad boys

This is what it looked like before everyone got there. Note the bug spray on the table. A very popular item.
Thank you Ikea and Costco
Yummy Food

I realize that I need to be better about taking pictures with actual people in them. But it was dark, and I am just not pro enough with my camera to make anything look good. Maybe next time.

Thank you to Katie DeMartinini for being amazing and throwing this thing with me, Jocelyn DeMartinini for showing up and saving the day, Ben for coming home just to move the tables and chairs from the community center, Jack for helping him move them back late at night. Everyone who brought food, Jo for directing traffic and making sure all the little old ladies found it and finally Katie Erb for getting Knocked up so that so that we could party in the first place.

Flowers 101 week 3 + Conference weekend

2008-10-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

I made this arrangement for the fabulous and very pregnant Katie Erb's baby shower tomorrow while still following the rules of this weeks flower assignment. Single sided arrangement with abstract elements (see crooked willow) I think it kinda looks like an Easter basket but pretty non the less.

This is how we kept Jocelyn entertained and quiet during the first session of conference Sunday morning.She had a good time

I Miss Ben

2008-10-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

He isn't out of town, just working like a mad man trying to finish his Job-Market paper in the next 3 weeks. He gets up at 6 am and goes to work until 6pm. Eats dinner watches two episodes of Arrested Development with me on the couch and then goes back to the office until the 12am.

I am so proud of him working so hard. I am so lucky I married him and get to be his wife for time and all eternity. He is a kind a loving husband and father who always puts other people ahead of himself... Plus he is really Hot!

Here are some pictures from our wedding to prove it.

It was a good day

Bug Adventures

2008-10-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Bug

Ben really wanted me to call this picture:

Why so serious?

So yesterday I came downstairs from the bathroom to find this

Totally Busted

PS Jocelyn's super cute friend Eliza out for a very stylish bike ride

Prop 8

2008-10-01T12:29:00.001-07:00

SupportProp8.com

I totally stole this image from the brilliant Jenn's blog. Just thought you all should see it.

Baby Shower Game Ideas?!!

2008-09-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

OK, I know it seems like I have been blogging like a made woman today, but this one is my last one for the night.

My darling friend Katie DeMartini and I are throwing a baby shower for the amazing Katie Erb. We go to a lot of baby showers here in Family Student Housing (something is in the water) and are currently bored with all the usual baby shower games. Does anyone have any great game ideas to share?

Let me know
p.s. the shower is in a week
p.p.s. we are poor... creative... but with limited funds.

Cafe Rio Recipes

2008-09-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have no idea where my oldest friend in the world, Whitney "soon to be Parry" Watson, got these babies but they are delicious. These are are yummy recipes to our grown up dinner party last week per request.

Café Rio Dressing
1 buttermilk ranch dressing packet (make as per recipe)
2 tomatillos (tomato like vegetable with a husk around them)
½ bunch of cilantro
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lime
1 jalapeño (Use the seeds too if you like it spicy. You could substitute a few drops of green Tabasco for the jalapeno.)

Use a food processor to blend all the ingredients well. Refrigerate.

Cafe Rio Chicken
1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 T chili powder
1 T cumin
3 cloves garlic—minced
5 lbs chicken breast

Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour.(Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing has 2 grams of sugar per serving. I try to avoid dressings with sugar, but this is a very small amount. You're only using 8 ounces of the dressing per 5 pounds of chicken if you follow this recipe, so it should be fine, even for South Beach Dieters.)

Sweet Pork
3lb. Pork Roast
16-oz. Chunky Salsa
1 Can Dr. Pepper
2 Cups Brown Sugar

Put pork in crock pot and fill half way with water. Cook 4 hours on high. Drain water, cut the pork in thirds. Mix together sauce (blend in blender) and pour on top of pork. Cook 4 more hours on low. Shred pork.

Café Rio Rice
4 c water
4 t chicken bouillon
4 t garlic –minced
½ bunch cilantro
1 can green chilies—or equivalent fresh
¾ t salt
1 T butter
½ onion
2 c regular white rice

Blend cilantro, green chilies and onion together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients, simmer covered 30 minutes.

BLACK BEANS
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 cup tomato juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro

TRES LECHE CAKE complements of this neat gal I found online.

6 large eggs, separated
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream topping:
1 14-ounce can evaporated milk
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream

To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside. (I used a smaller rectangle pan & a muffin tin, b/c I wanted individual cakes for presentation)
In the bowl of a mixer, beat the egg whites on low speed until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually with the mixer running and peak to stiff peaks. Add the egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after the addition of each.

Sift together the flour and baking powder and add to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. (Do this quickly so the batter does not lose volume.) Add the vanilla. Bake until golden, 25 minutes.

To make the cream topping: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream and blend on high speed.

Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, pour the cream mixture over it. Let sit and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Homemade Whipped Cream
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks. Add the vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks.

Flowers 101 week 2

2008-09-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

This week our assignment was a low fall arrangement with non floral items. I have decided not to run around like a mad woman flower hunting (though I do love the thrill) and just see what Trader Joes has on the way to class for $10 or less.

I had to provide my own container this week so I used these little guys from Stephanie's wedding, I cut up oranges to disguise the floral foam in the vase. They were quite a hit, and smelled delicious.

"Grown Up" Dinner Party

2008-09-26T22:18:00.001-07:00

Last night the Shipleys' and I hosted a intimate dinner party. We invited our new neighbors and some friends we want to get to know better. It was fabulous.

We dinned outside by candle light while the kiddies watched "Mr. Incredibles" in our living room.

I hung candles in Baby food jars from ribbon in our tree in the backyard.

Roxanne and I made invitations from her beautiful paper collection, and included recipes from Cafe Rio for everyone to bring.

More flower hunting... roses from Stork Ranch and bouganvilla from Santa Ynez apartments.

Dinner consisted of Sweet Pork Barbacoa, Cilantro Rice and Beans with Chips and Salsa and a creamy cilantro ranch. For dessert we had Tres Leche cake with fresh strawberries.

So doing this...

2008-09-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes checking out the world of blogs makes me realize I spend to much time checking out the world of blogs and should be doing amazing things like this:

But how else do I find stuff like this to do? Check out these amazing red velvet cake bites here.

Flower 101-week 1- The Floral Huntress

2008-09-23T22:21:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, I do not have any “formal” floral design training. I spent six months working at a flower stand for Riley’s Flowers making simple home arrangements and reading Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, occasionally explaining to people that it wasn’t ”my stand” and “Riley” was really the dog. I have spent millions of hours online and sitting in the wedding section of Borders reading fancy flower books that I am too cheap to buy. I call my amazing Aunt Marianne whenever I have tricky questions, but other than that, it’s all me. Until now…

SBCC Adult Education offers a Florist Style Floral Arrangement Class for the low price of $25. It is taught by Richard Finn of San Roque Florist. I am really excited about it. There isn’t a whole lot of instruction but there are tons of really talented woman in the class with oodles of experience and I get to practice new arrangements and working with floral foam. The only catch is that I have to provide my own flowers for each assignment. Being on the graduate student budget that we are, Richard has encouraged us to “borrow” flowers from around town. I am not “stealing” the local flora and fauna and as much as I am “hunting.” I am a Flower Huntress, it was really fun. Check out what I made for the bargain price of $6.00.

The Zanias and Celiosa (red feathery thing) I got at the farmers market for 6bucks. The blue flowers I took from UCSB while dropping off Ben. The red and pink flowers I got from Heather's house after dinner on Sunday. The ferns are provided by the teacher, but the best is the Birds of Paradise that I took from the school parking lot. I am a Huntress.

FYI- I will be in the background of one of these Instructional Videos next month. They tape during class.

Love letter to Mr. Hansen

2008-09-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Hansen,

Oh how I missed you today. I know that you will be back tomorrow and that you are only 2hours away at a conference in at UCLA. But I missed you today. Jocelyn is teething pretty badly and spent the afternoon between bouts of tears and finishing off a bag of frozen blueberries, but when she smiled it was a big blueberry smile and blue juice dribbled down her chin; it was very cute. I ate both ice cream sandwich's and by the end of the night I will have finished the first season of Arrested Development. Which by the way you will love. My flower class went smashingly, and the Shipley's are enjoying my flowers on their table. Know that I am thinking about you and waiting for you to come home and wrap me up in your arms.

Love

Your Wife

Solie in Wonderland

2008-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn and I got to attend this fabulous "Alice in Wonderland" themed birthday party for Solie Nerdin, complete with a Cheshire Cat Scavenger Hunt, Flamingo Croquet with the Queen of Hearts and a Mad Hatter Tea party with 20 individual "UN-birthday cakes". It was amazing. Check out some of the pictures I took.

I made a Wordle

2008-09-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

We really like it. Ben and I are thinking about blowing it up big and putting it on a wall.

Mysterious Gift Solved!

2008-09-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

This little number was given to us by....

These gorgeous ladies!
Thank you sweet cousins Caroline and Amy! We love it so much!

The life of Rileigh

It's ready!

Just Kidding

The Blog is moving*updated

Just in case...

Help!

Rain Dance

The Enchanted Forest

I just want to say...

First Day of Work

what happens when you leave your files on my computer

The National Aquarium

BFF

Berry picking *pics fixed*

surprise guests

new home

What I will miss most...

Like the Pioneer Woman Says...

Ben's party

Dear Husband...

A little bug

Its like she knew...

Fathers Day

The great move has begun!

A Name and a Blessing

He Did it!

Our New Home!

Sisters

Brooklyn Violet

She is here

My FAVORITE Chocolate Cupcakes

Graduation 2009

New Preggo Pics

The Nutshell

Jocelyn and the little man

I passed!

Fire Update

Our San Diego Adventure

Yes Please

Showing off her moves

Grosgrain: Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Tuesday-updated

Ode to my glasses

Perseverance

What I am thinking

Easter

What would you pay?

Jocelyn's big bump

Easter Egg Hunt

Joce and Zeek

You know your pregnant when...

100!

Cupcakes and Safety

The Mission

A day at the Castle

4 Years

The Pier II

The Pier

I want LOTS of these

Jason's weird little treasure

Bet you can't do this in Maryland in March

Spring Flowers

I can be the first to admit it

Because I do

Maryland

How to keep your toddler happy during your 3 hour layover in Phoenix

Day 2

This week

A Day in the Life of Jocelyn

When it rains...

The Road to Domestic Goddessness

Lady Godiva

Making cookies

DRUMROLL PLEASE

Christmas in a Giant Nutshell (how did it get in a nutshell this big?) part 1

Christmas Card Alert!

The Christmas Tree

My Favorite

Celebrity Gossip

Beatriz and Bruce

Berry picking pics fixed