We're HOME!

It has felt so good to be home this past week and spend time together as a family.  I quickly realized how much I have missed our routine and how much I love being Anthony's mom and Mark's wife.  Anthony has absolutely loved all of his dada time too.

On Monday night we sort of celebrated our arrival home with a yummy meal and a walk to get some ice cream.  (Now that I've typed that it sounds a bit crazy.  We got some exercise, but ate ice cream in the process.  Oh well!)  

Anthony tried corn on the cob for the first time.  It was fun watching him eat, smile and then go in for some more.  I'll have to make it again this summer because he ended up loving it so much.

What a mess!  I realize this isn't the best photo, but I do like it for some reason.  After getting our ice cream, sitting down to eat it (or put it all over our faces - he was an absolute sticky mess) we came home to play in the backyard.  We had lots of fun playing catch, going in and out of Tuggy the sandbox and then directly into the new pool dada bought while we were gone.  

It definitely feels good to be home...

A Laughter Time-Out

I have learned that having humor in the midst of something so horrible is something the Johnsons are good at. (Perhaps most of the credit should go towards Manda - she's always got something up her sleeve.)  Even though we were working hard and getting a lot done we often took time to give thanks as well as have a good laugh.  I think the laughs is what kept us sane as well as kept mom and dad going.

Manda liked to "dumpster dive" and do goofy things throughout our clean-up process.  I love the fact that she's wearing dad's old work glasses that have no lenses and have a broken frame. Pretty sexy!

My favorite moments were our "parades" from the house to the storage unit.  When Manda found her trumpet she serenaded us every time with The Star Spangled Banner as well as other pep band favorites.  The best parade moment was when dad got in on the action.  He was playing the piano while Manda was carrying a tune with her beloved trumpet.  (They would have liked me to join in with my saxophone, but I have completely lost all memory of how to play it.  Pretty sad, huh?!)

Honestly, I cannot remember a time that I had so much fun with my family.  I know that sounds horrible, but it's completely true.  It felt good to work together and accomplish what needed to get done regardless of how tired or dirty we may have been or shocked by the surreal scene surrounding us each day.  Personality it felt good to help out mom and dad when they needed it the most.  They have done so much for me - it was good to give back without any expectations. Again, what's important in life really becomes clear and humor is always a good thing.

Serendipity

I've been trying to thinking of an appropriate title for the posting I'm about to write.  Many words and phrases have come into mind, but none truly fit.  For me, this summer was going to be completely about spending time with Anthony and being a family.  I guess God had a bit more in mind for me.  Perhaps I needed to be reminded of what's truly important in life - a wake up call of sorts.  It is easy to fall into the "keeping up with the Jones" track in life.  There are so many things we want and "need" - our focus can quickly turn to material possessions all the while losing track of what's really important.

Don't worry.  I'm not going to preach to you, but rather share some insight I found when I really wasn't looking for it.

That insight all started the night of Monday, July 14th.  I had just gotten Anthony back to bed and settled in myself when I heard our phone ringing.  Instantly I was uneasy because it was 1:35 in the morning.  I saw it was my sister calling and I answered the phone saying, "Manna, what's wrong?"  What I heard next quickly put life and family into sharp focus.  

"Mom and Dad's house is on fire..."

It was at that point that I tried to stay calm and gather all of the information that was known at the time.  When I hung up with her I talked with Mark for a bit and then my knees hit the floor. I cannot say I remember a time when I've prayed with such fervor.  My prayer was simple - the house could burn along with every single possession as long as mom and dad got out alive. They were the only thing that mattered.  

The past two weeks I have been up north with my family laboriously working on salvaging items as well as throwing away so many things that were ruined.  Through it all I am so thankful that both my mom and dad are unharmed and still with us.  Material possessions can always be replaced - the absence of them would have been devastating.  There were a number of times it hit me that I could have been up north planning two funerals...

All my life I have been this mushy, emotional, sympathetic person who is completely transparent when it comes to feelings.  I cannot pass an ambulance with its sirens on without praying for the families it impacts or see a soldier without being overcome with emotion because he's sacrificed so much just to serve his country.  I'm afraid, dear readers, my emotions are going to be even more transparent and those who see me often may get sick of my hugs, thoughts and deep appreciation for them.  As a family we have so much to be thankful for - mom and dad are alive even though they both took sleeping pills that night.  It is so easy to see that the outcome could have been so different for our family.

I guess maybe I personally did need another reminder of what's important in life.  The rock flying into the car that day perhaps wasn't enough.  As I think about my life there are many things that I now can stop worrying about - buying new clothes, our next vacation, paying the adoption fees, purchasing a minivan, spending countless hours at work, etc. Perhaps now my focus has been shifted and I can continue my new found realization into the future.  Family and friends - the people I love and treasure - are truly the core and what matters in my life.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and thought of my family.  

Thank you to Erin for so quickly waking up at 2:00 in the morning when I needed a friend to talk to and being so supportive throughout all of this.  

Beth - You made the most delicious homemade meal that brightened everyone's day.  After many days of restaurant food and sandwiches it was a real treat.  

Anthony had a great time with you, Grandma and Papa Hanson, while I was at the house each day.  I appreciate your willingness to drop everything to help me out.  It was a relief to know that he was in good hands and getting to know two very special people in his life.

Rach - Having three kids under four at your house was probably a bit of a juggling act even though you are a pro. Thanks so much for watching Anthony and understanding all of my tears.

Lastly, I need to thank my sister.  She has done and continues to do so much for mom and dad.  I really appreciate all of your hard work, sacrifices and your ability to laugh even when things are serious and hard.  You brightened so many days and put many smiles on our parents' faces when they needed it the most.  Thank you for being Miss Hercules and making us laugh with your dumpster diving and trumpet playing. I love you.

Never a Dull Moment

Today Mark took the day off of work so we could enjoy an extra day up north, which we definitely did.  We were leisurely driving home - no crazy, bumper to bumper traffic making its way back to the cities - when the shot gun like sound filled the car and the driver's side window was completely shattered.  Turns out a person mowing the lawn across the road in a cemetery hit a rock or some object, which flew into our window.   What are the chances of that happening?

Half of the window fell into the car while the rest was just waiting to cave in.  The object that hit us landed outside of the car.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.  Mark was covered in glass, but didn't get any stuck into his skin.  Anthony and Zoey were just fine in the back seat.  Once I realized that everyone was safe and not hurt the tears came as well as the need to throw up.  I guess it was just another reminder for me that things can change quickly in life and every moment is one to be thankful for.  Luckily, this story had a happy ending and a windy, summer ride home!

The highlight of our afternoon was that we took time out of our day that we normally wouldn't have because we would need to get home to start the laundry, mow the lawn, buy groceries for the week, clean the house, unpack the car, etc. etc, etc.  In Garrison we stopped at McDonalds - yes, I said McDonalds ... I know why families choose to eat there now - and had a picnic by Mille Lacs Lake.  Afterwards we walked down by the water just soaking in the beautiful July day and threw some rocks into the lake, which Anthony LOVED.  

I cannot help but feel thankful to have had an in-your-face reminder of what's really important in life.  A reminder like this every once in awhile is always a good thing.  (However, the Hansons really don't need another one for quite some time now.)

 

Perhaps The Hanson Hat Trick wanted to "copy" a glass shattering moment experienced by The Lefebvre Party of 4? Hopefully from now on our similar stories won't involve insurance companies and potential danger to our families.

Wild Rice Festival

On Sunday we headed to my hometown so Anthony could experience his very first Wild Rice Festival with family and friends.  The highlight was definitely the parade, which had tons of tractors, motorcycles and horses for him to look at.  (I actually was surprised the parade had so many "floats" and so much candy thrown out.  I guess it has been awhile since I attended and my memory was a bit fuzzy.)

Here Grandma Kathy and Anthony were taking a little break from picking up all that candy! He definitely enjoyed this parade more than the Becker one and knew right away that the candy on the street was to be picked up.  It was fun to sit back and watch him!

The Arlts came with us as well!  Clara Bell did a great job of picking up the candy - minus the chocolate ones! - and filling up her bag.  It was fun to hang out with her and see her excitement. 

Auntie Manda and Anthony waiting for the next thing to come down the street. 

Manda and her two godsons - Gage, 3, and Anthony.  She had lots of fun being with both of them and creating some special memories.

It was fun to bring Anthony to the smallest - uh, I mean LARGEST - Wild Rice Festival.  The amazing part was I hardly knew anybody there.  I guess a lot changes when you've been out of school for ten plus years and you move away from your hometown.  Between Manda and my parents, though, there were lots of stops along the way.  They know EVERYBODY.

The Annual Camping Trip

Well somewhat annual.  Last year Rachel, Molly and I wanted to get together to camp again on Winnie, but didn't plan enough in advance so it didn't happen.  Luckily, this year we thought ahead - way back in May - and set a date.  I guess it is another reminder that life keeps getting busier with work and family.  Hopefully from now on it can stay an annual trip for us college girls and our families.

Anthony, Clara and Ella had a blast playing in the tent after it got put up.  It was great to spend time together with the girls and see how much they have grown and changed!  Unfortunately, the weather was super cold and crappy for most of the weekend.  The kids were mostly bundled up and there wasn't a long, lazy day at the beach.  Oh well.  They found lost of other things to occupy their time.

On a side note, it was wonderful to sleep in our tent yet again.  (Thanks to lots and lots of quilts supplied by Rachel so I could stay warm!) We haven't done a lot of tenting in the past few years and it is something I'm hoping we can do more of in the future.  Campers certainly are convenient; however, nothing beats the smell and sounds of staying in the tent!

Mol (with Baby Lucy) and Rach taking some time to chat after cruising around on the golf cart.  [NOTE: A Tonja mushy moment is coming up...]  Besides meeting Mark at BSU these two really were the highlight of my whole college career.  We had so much fun together and it's great to see that our relationship continues today.  They are a great "mom" resource for me - I call them for everything - and it's fun to have girls I can be wild and crazy with.  :)  Okay, the last part isn't exactly true.  Although, they do always like to tease me about being "wild and crazy".

Clara, Rachel's four year old, and Ella, Molly's two year old, just hanging out on the golf cart wishing they were big enough to take it for a spin.  I seriously love seeing these two together and can just imagine the adventures they will have in the future together.   I wonder if they will be angels just like their mommies?

Oh, Jeremy and his walking stick.  We were all laughing when Jeremy came back from his walk with his "walking stick" that he found along the way.  For some reason it really was hilarious.  I guess the joke was on us.  Some major mosquito repellent was spilled in a compartment of the camper and the walking stick proved to be very handy. (As you can see a scrubber was taped on to one end.)  Luckily, the spill was cleaned up and the stick saved the day. Thank God he came across that magnificent piece of wood!

Lastly, I have to talk about the food.  Both Molly and Rachel are great cooks and we all reap the benefits of their tasty meals when we're together.  (Unfortunately, I am no help.  I'm starting to think I should take a cooking class somewhere and get out of the Minnesota hotdish rut I'm in. Broadening my cooking horizons would be a good thing and Mark would love it too.)  The newest addition to the camping menu was grilled cauliflower, which was unbelievable and, according to Rachel, simple to make.  She brushed on olive oil (or butter would suffice) and sprinkled it with Lowry's.  Again, UNBELIEVABLE!  It was so delicious and something that was hard to stay away from.

Even though the sun was hiding for most of the weekend and it rained the majority of the afternoon Saturday, we had a great time.  There's nothing like being up north, camping and spending time with friends.

Nothing to fear...

except Auntie Jami's My Little Pony!

For some unexplainable reason, Anthony has been consistently afraid of the pony at Grandma and Grandpa Hanson's house.  It will stop him in his tracks and make him too afraid to go any further.  He will stand there and point hoping someone will come save him from the vicious, blue haired pony.  

Seriously, kid?  This was one of the hottest toys a few years back.  Who didn't have and/or want a My Little Pony?

What a silly goose!

Friday Tidbits

Here's some random tidbits before the weekend begins:

I've been busy researching minivans this week.  It's become apparent with a dog and a kid as well as all of our stuff we need more room.  Being that we love to venture up north and are sick of having to take two cars to accomplish that task we really need to get rid of a car and move into the minivan world.  Honestly, I didn't think it would be that hard to find something.  Right! It truly is amazing how many choices there are out there - Caravan, Sienna, Town and Country, Freestar, Monterey, Quest, Odyssey and the list continues.  

I'm well aware that some individuals in life are very opposed to driving a minivan - it's a phobia of sorts.  If you would have asked me ten years ago if I wanted a minivan I would have adamantly said no.  Now I would gladly welcome the extra space and ability to contain Zoey in the back so she doesn't drive us all crazy with her need to chase cars within a car. 

With all of that being said, I'm wondering if the Hanson Hat Trick readers have any advice for us as we continue to research and then look at purchasing a minivan.  Any help or thoughts you could pass our way would be greatly appreciated!

Fourth of July - Thank God there is a photographer in our family who takes some fabulous photos!  I was a bit disappointed when I downloaded my own shots from last weekend's camping trip.  I didn't really get a whole lot of good ones.  Thankfully, Manda was there and did a great job capturing each special moment.  Be sure to check out her website for additional photos.  

Last thought - Just this week I've been amazed at something pretty small, but definitely a milestone for Anthony.  He now exclusively goes up and down the stairs walking - no more tummy!  It also has been fun to see how he's getting faster and faster each day.  I suppose news like this is something only a mommy could get excited about, but I thought I would still share.

Enjoy your weekend!

Seriously

This morning Anthony and I drove over to Monticello to get the oil changed on Mark's car and then picked up a few things at Target.  While at Target I almost had a little break down.  I started to cringe as my cart went past the aisles packed full of BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES.  (They even have it on the front of their website too!  YIKES!) Seriously, Target.  It's only July 9th.  I'm sure school teachers everywhere would appreciate delaying the inevitable until at least August.  

Why do stores have to advertise the next season so early?  It seems like Christmas stuff is out before Thanksgiving has even been celebrated.  I'm sure we'll be seeing Halloween merchandise by August. Can't we just enjoy the now instead of focusing on what's coming up?  Jeez!

The Farmington Slugger

Today Anthony and I headed down to Farmington to cheer on CJ while he played tee ball.  It was great to catch up with Erin, cuddle with Nicholas and watch CJ's skills on the field.  It's amazing to me how much he's grown and changed.  He's such a cutie and so much fun to be around.  That's why I had to ask him if he would be my boyfriend while we played on the playground after his game.  Of course I was delighted when he said yes.  :)

Look at that concentration.  You know he's serious when the tongue is out and his eyes are completely on the ball.  He got a hit right away - a nice grounder up the middle - and quickly ran to first base.  Go CJ!

He had to take a quick break and visit with us before going into the outfield.  

Erin is going to hate me for posting this picture, but I thought it was too cute to pass up!  I love that he switched his hat for her sunglasses.  I think they both look fabulous!  Anthony did great for the hour that we were there.  He mostly sat in the awesome chair Erin brought for him and ate his num-nums.  (I was sort of expecting him to be chasing balls on the field...)

Getting a picture of the boys and I was harder than you might expect.  This was as good as it got.  However, I love that they are both looking off into a different direction while I'm continuing to smile, looking right into the camera.  Maybe next time we'll be able to get everyone looking.

Nicholas is quiet the cutie and has grown and changed a lot too since the last time I saw him in mid-May.  He's got bright, alert, blue eyes and such a calm manner about himself.  It was great to see him again and get some snuggling time together.

Gas: $3.87 per gallon

Round Trip: Two hours and fifty-five minutes

Spending time with your oldest friend and her cutie patooties for a bit: Priceless

The Word Nerd

I love words.  I love scrambling words to form new words.  I love playing word games.  I love words.

Yesterday on the way home I had the pleasure of riding with Rachel's nieces Grace and Ruby. I had a blast talking with Grace and playing all of her games.  (I should mention that people hate when I make up car games.  Okay, by "people" I actually mean Mark.  He always cringes when he hears me talk about a fun game I've just made up to pass the time.)  Grace had wonderful word games, which I enjoyed tremendously and it definitely helped pass the time in the slow going bumper to bumper around Mille Lacs Lake traffic.  

Back to the words...

Grace happened to ask me how many words Anthony knows and she preceded to make a list. (God, I love this kid!  I wish she lived in Becker so I could have her in class this year!)  It turns out the list was a lot longer than I realized.  Anthony has been learning and saying a great deal in the few months of being home.   He's come a long way and says way more than hat, hot, ball, oh oh and num-nums.  

Here's his new list of words to add to his first five:

dada

mama

more

baby

ice

cheese

bubbles (Hard to decipher sometimes...)

boy

eye (Just said this on Saturday)

bug (Also hard to decipher, but he's definitely meaning it when he points to a bug or two or three...)

owie (This is a constant because it grabs our attention...)

Elmo 

yah 

no

[Drum roll please] PAPA!  (This morning while looking at pictures he pointed out Grandpa Willie and said papa.  I then showed him a picture of Grandpa Marv and he said the same thing. It was fun to hear and see him connect the new word with the person in the picture. Watching him learn and grow has been such a joy!)

So he may not be a complete Word Nerd yet like his mama; however, it really has been fun watching him explode with language.  He definitely understands what we are saying and is doing so much "talking" lately.  I'm sure in the next few weeks and months there will be new words added on a daily/weekly basis.  I'm looking forward to hearing him share what's been on his mind and actually being able to understand him.  

Finally!

For several summers we have been invited to visit the Feierabends at their cabin on Sand Lake. For whatever reason it hasn't ever worked on in the past.  This year, though, we made plans to get together on Saturday afternoon.  I was shocked to find out it was a quick ten minute drive down 46 and over on 35.  In that short time period Anthony fell asleep and never woke up, which was a shock.  Usually when he sees Ry and Cam he forces himself to get up so he can play; however, he was up until 11:30 the night before.  I guess it shouldn't have been too big of a shock.  

The cabin is beautiful and has that great pine (right, Luke?) smell.  The view, though, is absolutely amazing.  It's the reason you head up north and get away from traffic, work and all things city.  It was nice to finally see their little get away and have a chance to hang out.

Luke and Jenn have an extremely busy July planned with a trip to the cabin, then out west and finally over to Wisconsin Dells.   It was nice to spend a small chunk of time with them in a relaxed setting.  I can definitely imagine visiting the cabin again in the future!  

Oh, Cam-a-Roo!  Notice anything peculiar on this 15 month old?  After two weeks of consulting with their family doctor, getting x-rays and helping Cam move around they found out his leg is broken after taking yet another trip into the clinic.  (Thank God someone finally figured it out.) As you can see, though, it clearly isn't slowing him down too much.  Although, not being able to go swimming definitely is NOT FUN. 

Ry is looking very serious driving his Team Feierabend car, which is probably why he didn't want to look up at the camera.  Understandable.  It was fun getting to watch the boat parade with him and spend time down on the dock.  The day was absolutely beautiful!  

Are you lovin' this family photo opp?  In true camping style we haven't showered, but have had plenty of fun in the sun.  Perhaps we should have gotten rid of the blue balls before taking the picture.  

 

Lastly, I need to post a picture of the fish I wish I had caught.  (This was Luke's dad and grandpa's catch of the morning.)  While down on the dock I started to fish with Cam using the Cars fishing pole.  It soon became a bit of an obsession for me and I realized just how much I've missed dropping a line into the water.  I ended up catching two sunnies and one perch, which completely made my day.  Even though they weren't keepers by any means it was great fun.  

Fourth of July

Growing up Fourth of July camping was always a big celebration in our family.  I can remember spending close to a week camping rather than just a weekend and having several spots reserved for family and friends.  It definitely was a big event.  Every camping trip looked the same - impatiently waiting in my swimsuit ready to jump out of the RV onto the beach, hours spent riding the waves and making sandcastles while getting burnt and nights spent around a campfire roasting marshmallows, "hunting" raccoons, and hanging out with cousins.  Some of my favorite memories growing up revolve around our summers spent by the lake.  

I still have a love for camping and Mark enjoys it too.  Unfortunately, though, we have done less and less as the years go by.  Now that we are parents, my hope is to spend more time up north and enjoying the beautiful lakes and camp sites during the summers.  I want Anthony to have and enjoy what I did as a child; I also want him to spend those lazy, fun days with family and friends.

  

Auntie Manda and Anthony spent lots of time hanging out on the beach and having a good time. He loved being in the boat watching her jump out and showcasing her awesome "tricks".  The highlight of the weekend was going out in the boat way past bedtime to check out the fireworks Friday night.  Not only did we get to see a beautiful display of lights, but we also had fun singing as well as getting pelted with all of the bugs!  We thought he would crash for sure, but it turned out he was having way too much fun to waste it on sleeping.

 

Anthony is learning that Uncle Damon sure is a lot of fun too!  Especially since he loves all things motors and has plenty of toys for Anthony to ride on.  He enjoyed getting to "drive" uncle's big truck, but the biggest highlight was taking their new Yamaha Rhino for a ride around the yard.  Even though he was very serious while on it he cried and asked for more after having to get off.  Having an uncle who loves toys is going to continue to be great fun as Anthony gets older.  I can picture those two having lots of adventures together.

Logan and Lane are Damon's cousins as well as Anthony's new best friends.  He played with them all weekend long and they did such a good job with him.  On Saturday Logan hung out with him all afternoon.   They were busy making bubbles, riding floaties in the water, eating Doritos, playing in the sand...  Anthony had a great time!

Overall, the first camping trip up north was successful.  (Even though we left earlier than planned...) Anthony clearly loves the beach and does a great job being in the boat.  He also loved all of the attention he got from family and friends. Everywhere he went he had someone to play with and he was able to be the center of attention.  That was perfect for our little entertainer.  It was great that everyone in my family was able to be up there.  Anthony got to spent time with Grandpa Willie and Uncle Erik too!  Even through all of the bug bites he had a great time.   Hopefully this will be a tradition we can continue into the future.

Grandma Time

This weekend we headed up north to enjoy some outdoor Fourth of July fun as well as spend time with our families.  It has been really fun to see Anthony starting to recognize his grandmas and enjoy time playing with them. 

Thursday night Grandma Carol gave Anthony a bath and then read some books before bedtime.  He really loves the MOO book she got him.  (However, Auntie Jami's old My Little Pony really freaks him out.  Luckily, it was put away so he could wind down for the night.) 

On Friday morning we headed up to the north side of Winnie for Anthony's first camping trip.  Anthony was busy having fun and being a curious little boy, but did stop to hang out with Grandma Kathy too.  Hopefully there will be more camping trips in the future!

Like Father Like Son

Last week after cleaning up from supper I found the boys relaxing and watching a Twins game together. Anthony LOVES his dada and copies everything he does.  Of course I had to grab the camera to capture this cute moment together.