The Dog Days of....Winter?

Cabin fever is an understatement around here! The first of several snow/ice storms hit on January 12th and we've been trying to make the best of cabin life ever since.
Because most of the fruits are out of season, Judah has quickly discovered that one of his favorite wintertime snacks is "freezin' blueberries." I had to quickly snap a picture as I told him, "DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING!!" I've had to get my running fixes indoors as of late. While there have been days that have been "warm" enough, the roads have been covered in several inches of ice, and I guess I'm just not that dedicated of a runner to risk falling down in front of others, that's more Kenton's style! :)

But never fear, there is only one good thing to do in Kansas when the earth is covered in powder... sledding!!! We layered up and enjoyed as many runs as we could until the frostbite set in. Kenton, Judah, Judah's Uncle Scott, and I ran up and down "Grandpa's Hill" while Aunt Tara and Cousin Amy watched. (Geesh! Tara's only like 7 months pregnant, I don't know why she wouldn't join in!!)

Kenton sent Judah down all by himself and I pretended it was all fine, and was so happy to see him saying, "Whoo-Hoo" as he finally came to a stop.

Some hard-core ten year old sledders built a ramp and Kenton showed them what was up when it came to catching some air!

He even let Judah give it a try, as you can kinda see the green coat peaking out from the sled, yeah he wasn't a fan of the jump.

Well, The sun came out for the last three days and we might be able to break up the last of the "ice rink" on our back patio soon. Winter is fun in small bursts, but I'm done... bring on the spring!

I guess Friday will tell us how many more weeks until the flowers will bloom, If you believe in Groundhogs, that is!

The Hansen's Rockin' New Year's Weekend!

We bid 2006 ado with a few special moments that we'll cherish for always.

We woke on Sunday Morning to the sound of Judah getting in to the fridge, or "frig-a-dore", as he calls it. Being extremely tired and certain we could probably clean up any mess he dished out we hesitated to get up. Finally, Kenton went to check on him and quickly returned to me saying, "Get Up. You've gotta come see this." Terrified of the destruction that awaited me, I rose in fear of what lied ahead. I reached the kitchen only to discover the single most sweetest act I've ever encountered. Placed perfectly in front of all our spaces at the table were individual yogurt containers, opened, with a unique straw placed in each one. I was breathless, Judah had made us all breakfast. It was the best New Years Eve meal I've ever had. Thank you Judah!

Saturday morning was another "first-time ever" day. Wendy and I set off in the rain and completed a near 13 mile run. We ran that trail down and back. It was 20.8 Kilometers of chatting, rain, bonding, rain, hard work, and rain. As we finished the last quarter mile with wet shoes, tired legs, and the fresh drenching a of a passing semi-truck, we knew we breached the crazy level. But it was oh, so fun. Kenton Snapped a few pics of us after we returned looking like wet dogs. We're going for a marathon in April so we'll have to do most of our training in the "fun" Kansas winter. I say, "bring it on"... I'm falling more in love with every extra mile. (Just to clarify, Wendy's great and all but the "falling in love" was in reference to running) :)

All of the hype and practice lead to a full New Year's morning of running too. The Central YMCA hosted the Frosty 5K. Wendy and I decided to run to the "run" just to get a few more miles in. (Can you say CRAZY?)

Kenton showed up quickly followed by the Berryman's and Amy Racchini.

With the support of "Coach Pauly" (Paul showed up in his Halloween costume, for funsies) and all our kiddos, we all gave it our best shots. Wendy crossed before me around 25:30 to earn third (look how close we were!) Kenton finished around 30 minutes. Amy rounded the bend around 35 minutes, and we all tried to run Jamie in to the finish but she was trucking way too hard for us to catch her. (Look we are all trailing behind her in the picture).
It was cold and fun. We went in and were served soup and chili and we all parted to enjoy our last day of vacation.

Judah's first day of 2007 ended with the conversion of his crib to a big boy bed. He was overjoyed to be railess! Granted he's hit the floor about once a night, but he's still very excited to have taken the next step in "big-boydom." Now, if we could just get him to poop in the toilet we'd be set!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, MAKE IT A GOOD ONE!

Happy 2006th Birthday Jesus!

It can get a little repetitive, Christmas that is. Grandma always giving you socks, always eating about five servings too much, watching and hoping that you did get them something they'll actually enjoy, trying to keep your kid from combusting from all the excitement, trying to wear your best smile even though you're so tired you're about to drop, wondering if your verbal thank you was enough or should I send a card, more cookies, more turkey, more stuffing, more pie, wondering where in world are we going to put all these new toys, being humbled by the generosity of our loved ones, and trying oh' so hard to put it all in perspective and recall what it was all about.

Remembering that there really was no room in the inn, that a young girl and her confused husband found themselves cold and alone in a barn full of hay. No doctors, no helpers, not even a blanket or a bed, but a feed box and some rags.

Forced to lay their special baby down where no one should ever sleep.

But to know it was all perfect. It was exactly as it was said it would be.

6-7While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
An Event for Everyone 8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

As the holiday is wearing off and "normal" life returns, I'm still so blessed to be the recipient of the greatest gift ever given. And amazed that it was given because God is pleased with me. How unworthy I feel at times. This year I hope that among all the gifts I've been given, I hope I refuse to let this one get dusty in the corner.

Merry Christmas, may the gift of Christ be recognized every day of your life.

"Greeting cards have all been sent........"

It's Here! We made it! It's Christmas Eve and we are all trying to keep busy because the anticipation is killing us. We have already knocked one celebration out of the park and we're gearing up for another one.
Here are some of the pictures from Wichita's Tree Lighting a few weeks ago. We stood out in the cold and listened to the Newman University choir, listened to Carlos Mayans go on about something, and then counted down from ten to watch the big tree get switched on.

It was fun. Nick Showed up via firetruck and then the fireworks were set off for us all to enjoy. As my fingers were just about to take their last breath we rushed inside for some inflatable fun.



It was fun, but it was oh, so cold!
Wednesday was the second annual Movie night at Arise. We played How the Grinch Stole Christmas and chatted while the Christmas treats were a'flow.
Kenton and I decided to avoid the extra hustle and bustle of getting a little gift for all our dear ones that serve at Arise with us. Instead we got one huge gift and allowed our friends to enter our holiday raffle. Jennifer Marshall was the lucky recipient of the FIVE POUND Hershey bar. So to those of you who thought you only got a card, please know that in our hearts we were giving you all a 5 lbs. bar!



Jennifer didn't think she could finish the whole thing (What?!) so she graciously shared with...well...EVERYONE! Literally everyone, I think we fed 200 people with this thing!





Last night was the official start of the family Christmas celebrations. With a winner take all round of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Kenton was assigned to pass out all the gifts amongst us, his Brother, his Sister, his Brother-in-law, his Dad, and step Mom.







Even Judah's soon-to-arrive cousin got to enjoy the unwrapping this year!

We all left with some wonderful things and some of us couldn't wait to try them on and sport them all night!


With our tummies full, our bounty overflowing, and our eyes drooping we made it to bed only to rise early this morning. We enjoyed a pancake breakfast at church and a special children's service. Our little man held the pictures of the hands to help us remember that God GAVE us the best Christmas gift when he GAVE his only son. Even though Judah had his tongue out the whole time it was very precious.

We must get some rest, tonight and tomorrow hold so much more that I''m a little tired just thinking about it!