1st day of 1st grade and 6th grade

Yes, its the first day of school and Hannah's last year at Miller. She is now the Big Dog or as she says everyone is saying Big Cheese, queen bees, big fish ect. She had a great week and loves her teachers (so far) and got caught up with friends she didn't see over the summer. I did ask her and Ali if they wanted me to walk them to school and they said, "uh no, thats ok." I can't believe she will be in Junior High next year. As I was driving them to school it hit me that I had been taking her to Miller for 6 years. I can remember like it was yesterday pushing her and Porter in the double stroller up to the school and dropping her off for kindergarten. Ugh I feel old.
They both were so nervous they couldn't even finish their breakfast. Porter had me walk him in to his room and when we walked in his teacher asked, "Do you think he is going to need a taller desk?" I told her we could try it this way and see. He sat down and his legs grazed the top of the desk. He said it was fine. Later on day 2 I found out she had his desk raised.
Porter had fun seeing his old friends and meeting new ones. He told me that one girl is sensitive like him because she couldn't get her shoe on and she started to cry. Also,he told me that the "fluid" was going around the school. I asked a few questions and found out that it was the flu. We are already sharing the love (sickness) at school. Porter's teacher is pregnant and due in October. She will be out until January. I wasn't real excited about that but maybe it will all work out. Anyway we are off to a good start to a good year. I am ready like my blog title because here comes life.

Happy Birthday to Porter July 13th

Happy Birthday to my sweet buddy. We are always in Montana on his birthday and this year Porter wanted to have a party and invite his friends. We originally were going to have a swim party and then it pored all day. We then had to be creative. Scary!! Since we had just gone to the circus we decided to have a circus theme. We played balloon volleyball, toss the ball into the lion's mouth, clown says instead of Simon says, and stick the nose on the clown. The kids had a blast.
I just wanted to let Porter know how much I have enjoyed being his mother. We ended a year in kindergarten and oh how much you grew. Everyday is an adventure with you. I love these things about you.....

1. You have the most hugs and kisses to give than anyone I know
2. You are very sensitive towards others
3. You do have a "red headed" temper but it doesn't last long
4. You are very creative in creating a new character
5. I call you Mr. Clean because you have to wash your hands and make sure everyone else does after going to the restroom
6. you have a wild imagination
7. you LOVE BBQ chips
8. You always always follow the rules and are disappointed when others don't
9. You love to swim and discover
10. You are my little "Jiminy Cricket"
11. You can out talk anyone!!!

CIRCUS

We took the kids to the circus and had so much fun. I think Jimmy and I had more fun watching Claire. She was so into it. She clapped and laughed at the clowns. She loved the elephants. Hannah as you can see in the picture wanted me to hurry and take the picture because someone might see her. (11 yr olds!) Porter as with anything enjoyed the WHOLE show!! It was kind of our last fun summer thing to do and with our dad!!

Montana Slide Show

Girls Camp 2008

Yes, girls camp was in June but I couldn't go without posting a few pics. We had so much fun. As you can tell fuse ball was a favorite. They were so kind to each other and all I saw were smiles. Testimony night was probably my favorite because every girl in our ward bore theirs. They just loved camp because they could just be themselves and not have to worry about anything. I think we all need times like that.

Joshua and Christina The perfect "PEAR"

The title was put on a tag that was tied to a clear bag with these pear shaped cookies given out at the reception. Very cute and creative. We had so much fun in California at my brother's wedding. It was May 30,2008. They were married in the Oakland temple and then had their reception in Gridley. The day couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was beautiful and the flowers were so bright and colorful. The bride and groom were adorable. Christina's family was so so sweet. I felt like I had known them my whole life. Those of you that know the story behind the dress heres your picture. It all turned out ok. It was a day to remember. Welcome to our family Christina.

Happy 11th Hannah

WOW!! How time has flown. It just seen like a few years ago you were born and now you are creeping into the teenage years. I have loved every moment. Watching you grow has been my joy. Sometimes I can't get over how beautiful you are inside and out. You've made some choices recently that have made your dad and I very happy. It seems like those moments make being parents all worth while. You have some great qualities that I want to share.
1. You are a great organizer
2. You do your homework as soon as you walk in from school
3. You are a good friend
4. You have a big heart
5. You know where you are going in life
6. You love volleyball
7. You signed up for band tonight
8. You are very creative
9. You have the most amazing blue eyes
10. You are thoughtful

Thanks for just being you. We wouldn't want it any other way.
I love you,
Mom

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all those who read my blog and are mothers. I am so thankful for my mom and the important life lessons she has taught me. I was able to go to a movie with her for our mothers day which was fun. I wanted wish my grandma a Happy Mother's Day. I am thankful for all the friends and family who are mothers. Each one of these mothers have been good examples to me. Some have given me ideas when I was out of them, some have given me a shoulder to cry on, some have encouraged me along the way, and some have just listened when I needed to talk. Thank you for being the mothers that you are.

Being Mindful

My husband and I have adopted a new word for quite sometime and now I think it is passing onto our children. The word is "MINDFUL". Jimmy and I have had many talks about this word and how we need to be more mindful of the people and the world around us. What a better place this world would be if everyone would work on this one word.
I have been using this word with Hannah to explain how she should treat others. So it happened and she applied it in her own life. There is a girl who is in her grade and a teacher had ask Hannah and her friend Ali to be a friend to this certain girl. So they did. They talked to her and hung out with her. She confided in Hannah and Ali that she was treated not so nice by her mom and she told them a name that her mom calls her (can't repeat it). This made Hannah feel bad so she took it one step further. As most of you know Hannah loves to shop and look nice and she noticed that this girl did not have very many outfits. So she decided to find some clothes of hers and put them in a bag and deliver them to her door (which is about 5 houses down from ours). She was afraid of her mom so she talked Ali into going with her and ringing the door bell and running.
That was yesterday and guess what that girl wore, one of the shirts Hannah gave her. I asked Hannah how that made her feel and she smiled and said, "good." Now that is being "MINDFUL"

Happy Birthday to my best friend Stephanie

I just wanted to post this picture because I think we look pretty good to be on the high side of 30. 39 for Stephanie to be exact ,(Ha Ha) but I'm only 18 days behind you. Soon I will join you and we will be on our way to the big 40. Love you and Happy BIrthday!

Cliare's 2nd birthday party

Birthday Day for Claire 2008

I am still in awe that Claire is now 2 years old. The time has flown. I shared a lot of pictures because of all the milestones she has conquered. From this tiny little baby sleeping and curled up in a ball to a wild independent 2 year old. She learned how to wave by by. She started to pull up and stand around Christmas. Then we started to try the sippee cups. Then right before her 1st birthday we learned to walk. Then she discovered water and how much fun it was. She learned how to "meam" up. She also fell in love with Elmo. Now we are trying to dress ourselves and of course not without throwing a fit it doesn't go on just right. So much fun to watch her grow and learn. I love to watch her wrap her baby in a blanket and feed her a ba ba. She loves shoes and puts them on and off a billion times a day. She loves her naps and bed time. She goes down so easy and is ready when its time. I think she knows mom is getting old and needs that time to re group. She also loves to sing. The most sweetest thing happened tonight. We were kneeling to pray and she folded her arms and for the first time repeated after me a little prayer. How big do you think my heart felt? Happy Birthday sweet girl. I love you.

Happy Birthday to Claire #2

Still missing you

This is a really hard time of the year for me. My Grandma Eva passed away on April 11th 2004. It was Easter Sunday that year and I don't think Easter Sunday will ever be the same. There are days I start to pick up the phone and call her and then I realize that she's gone. My Christmas cactus is blooming like crazy right now which reminds me of her. She was such a wonderful women. I think of her every day and the way she touched my life. Thank You Grandma for loving ME unconditionally.
Another special person in my life passed away on April 12th 1998. It was Hannah's little friend Courtney (Cory). I often wonder how their friendship would have developed. So many things happened around that time that made my testimony grow. I knew there was a Heavenly Father who loved us and was with us through really sad times. I will never forget her sweet little spirit. Thank you Courtney for allowing us to be apart of your life.
The other person who passed away was Michael. It was on my birthday May 20, 2004. Oh how my heart misses that special little guy. He brought such a strong spirit to the Hassan home. I want to be on the side lines when you reunite with your family and I get to get a hug from you. What a moment that will be. Thank you Michael for being just you.

Spring Break 2008

Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know its several weeks later but, I have been as they say in Texas under the weather. This cold,sinus,whatever you want to call it has hung on for 11 days now and I am SICK of it. Yes, I know Stephanie it doesn't affect my hands.
Anyway our trip was quite eventful. As most of you know we make a journey to Montana every summer except the years I had babies. Jimmy decided that we should take a fun family vacation. I hear people talk about their FUN Family vacations and maybe I missed something. Our trip was fun while we were at Sea World and Fiesta Texas and San Antonio but then the times in the car and in the hotel I was questioning whether this was fun or not. Porter made the comment while we were in the hotel that summed it up. "Mom I don't think I could live like this, I think I would go crazy!" (Dad was stinking up the bathroom and of course the hotel was a mess and crowded. I told him I agreed with him.
With kids at such different ages we have to be creative and fair.
Sea World was tons of fun. I insisted we go to almost every show. The weather was perfect. I wasn't hot, imagine that. Claire was so cute and loved the Shamu show. The last night in the hotel she could not shut down and at 1am began to sing Sea World and Shamuuuuuu over and over. It was cute the first few times. She is still talking about it. Porter loved the huge sand box and the climbing area. Hannah wanted to ride the roller coasters and shop.
Fiesta Texas was another adventure in its self. First of all I have never felt such a minority in my life. I think Mexico opened the gates. They can't drive by the way. It was fun to see another park and see all the different rides. There was this one ride like this one Stephanie and used to ride all the time called the Spiniker. So, I thought I would show my kids how cool I am and ride it with them. Ugh, I got off feeling real sick and so dizzy. I did manage to ride a few others. Claire rode the kiddie rides and loved it. Her faced was priceless. If I could only freeze her.
We also went down on the riverwalk in SanAntonio and ate lunch. We went to see the Alamo. The last thing we did was stop in San Marcos to shop. Hannah said this was the best part of the trip. She can shop and find the best bargin. I don't know where she came from. I did score for Claire. They have a Stride Rite shoe store and I was able to get her her Sunday shoes and sandels in wide and both for $44. Thats what I usually pay for one pair of shoes. Yea!!!
I took tons of pictures and I hope the kids have it in their memory banks forever.