what we did in Ohio, before I abandoned the children

The Hansen's got a new little fourwheeler. Mike doesn't fit too well.
Colton the nerd.
Lydia on the way to papa's house.
We played basketball for Family Home Evening one night. Mike's brother and his family came too. Lightning was great fun, but I had the best time playing 2 on 2 with Mike's sister Kimmy.
They had a tri-stake seminary activity that we chaperoned. Mike's dad dressed up as Enoch and the kids had to guess who he was. It was fun at the dance because we were dancing and people weren't sure if we were seminary kids or if we were married.
Colton wearing Papa's hat and holding a horse. He couldn't get enough of going outside to be with the horses. They are everywhere. He was so excited!

What I've been up to . . .

Many things have made me happy over this last week, though I must say, none bring me the joy of my children. Here are some of the things I have been up to on my Spring Break- child free.
Some new people moved in and didn't want this organizer. I did! I love free things!!
I made some jewelry. The little bracelet is for Lydia and the other bracelet and necklace are from a strand my grandma gave me that broke.
I made a dress for Lydia's baby doll.
Though you might not be able to tell, I put wood polish on the piano. It looks much better. I've been practicing and I'm getting lots better, though far from being able to play at church.
I made another dress for Lydia. They don't match exactly because I ran out of material, but they are close. I hope it fits her!

I am running a half marathon in a week and a half. I've spent some free time running. I'm sore today. (PS- these are the best running shoes I have ever had. They are a brand called Brooks)
With the children gone, I have been organizing everything I can get my hands on. I've gone through kids clothes, rearranged closets, transferred most of our CD's into itunes and worked on our 72 hour kits.

In addition to all this, there have been movies, lunches, a trip to the dentist (yuck) bike rides, volleyball, cleaning (and staying clean) family history, game night, fun photo editing, March madness and preparing enrichment. I think that covers most of it. And now, after this whirlwind of activity, I am ready to have my kids back. And since I have a few more days until this happens, I suppose I will finally get to reading my books. Can't wait to curl up on the couch with the sun shining in . . .

photos

I edited a few old photos tonight. It was SO MUCH fun! Now I just need to put these new skills to work and create something that we can display.

Thoughtful

Lydia made this crown on pbskids.org. She was so excited that she got daddy to help her make one for Mommy. I love it!
We took Lydia and best friend McKensey to the Indy Children's museum. They have a new barbie exhibit, so the girls played dress up and modeled.
Riding the carousel at the museum. Colton loves the horses and about had a heart attack waiting in line to ride!
My little man trying on Lydia's sunglasses.
Mike and I watching the superbowl.
We went to Ohio over the weekend and Mike's mom volunteered to keep the kids. I knew they would have more fun there with cousins, and riding horses and fourwheelers than they would here, so I left them for 10 days! I have never even left Colton over night. I have felt very torn, but I'm also having a great time getting things done and spending time with Mike!

Oh Mr Sun . . .

Current weather in Indiana . . . 40 degrees and loving it! Shine sun oh shine!

Temple

Last weekend, Mike and I went to Chicago to help the youth with Baptisms for the dead. It was a wonderful day, though long. They just put a new mural in the baptistry of Christ being baptized that took up a whole wall. It made you feel like you were there watching. I was glad I could go feel the spirit there so strongly. After that we went out for Chicago style pizza which Mike loves because its so hearty. (a real mans meal compared to regular pizza.) The boys love Mike. They always fight to ride in whatever car he is driving. Teenage boys have so much energy! The girl on the very right standing next to me is in the chemistry department with Mike and was baptized about 6 months ago. It was her first time to the temple, making the experience that more meaningful.