Valentine's Day + Update

K and I had a wonderful low-key Valentine's. 

K brought home pizza and crazy bread.

I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

We exchanged gifts.

I got him his favorite things - chocolate milk, a set of 3 James Bond DVD's, and Reese's cups. 

He got me a card and some chocolate.... Except then I opened the card and inside were tickets to Wicked (!!!!) when it comes to Spokane in May.

(May's not too soon to leave our babe with a sitter for a while.... Right???)

Kyle's a sneaky mcsneakerson when it comes to gifts. He's always getting me something I didn't know I was getting that I love/have been wanting.

Whataguy.

Saturday we just relaxed around the house, and went to the adult session of Stake Conference that evening.

Sunday was the general session of Stake Conference (our ward choir, which I'm in, sang in it, so we had to be there a little early). 2 hours is always long.... But great messages were shared.

Monday was President's Day, which Kyle had off, hooray! So we just did more relaxing and spending time together. Gotta get that in before we have this little boy here.

Also! Kyle got the position at work that he interviewed for! He is so excited! I'll try to make him write a blog post all about it so you know what he's going to be doing and while he'll like it better.

He gets to go to a week-long training. 

It will be in the middle of March, in Boston.

(We thought it was going to be in Alaska, which he was so excited for, but that training is actually the first week of April.... A little too close to my due date for comfort.) 

I'm proud of my guy, and all the hard work he does!

Movin' Right Along

It's official - we are moving!

And we are moving quite a ways away!

Kyle was offered a job in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - which he accepted - and we are so excited!

He will be working for the Children's Mental Health division of the Department of Health and Welfare as a Clinician. 

This job came completely out of  the blue. Kyle had applied to a job for H&W here in Pocatello (online on the state website), which he didn't even get an interview for. But on the Friday, June 31 he got a call from the supervisor in Coeur d'Alene, saying he had read over his information from the website and wanted to interview him. Kyle had a phone interview that Monday, a video interview on Tuesday, and then was offered the job the next Monday. 

We are excited for this next little adventure in our lives!

It is crazy to think that we are moving somewhere that doesn't have a "timeline". Do you know what I mean? We were in Provo until we finished school. Then we were in Pocatello for two years until Kyle finished his graduate program. But you don't "finish" a job. We could be living in Coeur d'Alene for years and years! So crazy to think about.

A little about Coeur d'Alene. It is up in the panhandle of Idaho, and is about an 8 hour drive from Pocatello, putting it about 12 hours from Salt Lake and Utah counties. We were up there in January (read about that trip here) and thought it was so pretty, even though it was January and cold. According to Wikipedia the population is about 45,000. It's about 30 minutes east of Spokane, Washington, and is in the Pacific timezone. It is also apparently lower elevation, so hopefully doesn't get quite as cold, haha.

We are really excited to be able to explore the northwestern part of the states - Washington, Oregon, and maybe even take a few trips up to Canada!

(I am also excited that there is a Target....)

Again, we're excited! We are moving at the end of July, and Kyle will start on August 5th.

We are so excited and so grateful for this job. 

Feel free to come up and visit us anytime :)

Exciting News, along with Memorial Weekend Activities

So, if you are friends with me on facebook you have probably already seen this but... We got a car! Oh my goodness, I am so excited about it! We picked it up on Saturday, and I am in love with it. It's a 2005 Suzuki Aerio (who I nicknamed Aerie, because really, every car needs a name), a hatchback, light blue, and it's perfect. Here she is right after we picked her up:

I have never had my own car before. It's really exciting. I am in love with my car.

We are so blessed to have been able to get this car, and to be able to have two cars now. 

I am so grateful :)

Moving on to our weekend....

We left Poky around 3:30, and drove down to Layton and got dinner at Zupa's! Yum! We haven't had Zupa's since moving to Idaho so I was realllly excited about that. Then we headed to our hotel. We went swimming/hot tubbing, and then just relaxed together while watching The Source Code on TV. And I have to say - a king size bed is so nice! Maybe one day.... :)

We woke up early, got breakfast and drove down to Midvale to pick up our car. 

Then we went over to Alan and Jess's to hang out until we were going to drive up to the Air Show. We chatted with them, and played with baby Claire, who is getting so big! 

We then drove up to the Air Show, which sadly we didn't end up going to because the weather was so bad. We did get to eat at Chick-fil-A though, and hang out there with Nate and Mel and the kiddos for a while. 

Mel dropped off my new swim suit which is super cute. 

Then we drove home. 

Yesterday was a good Sunday.

I made homemade peanut butter bars and they are SO GOOD.

Also, I know I promised pictures from this weekend, but the only one I took is pretty terrifying and features K and I in our swimsuits. Not pretty. I planned to take more at the Air Show but since we didn't end up going... That didn't happen.

Sorry.

Today is a happy day as well.

No work! (At least not for me... Kyle has to work...)

I went running and showered, and now it's off to cleaning! 

Happy Memorial Day!

Super Bowl Sunday, and other news

Today was the Super Bowl. 

K and I love the Super Bowl. (Ok, K likes it a bit more than I do... I like food and gathering and socializing and half time shows that go along with it, but you know - same dif.) And even though it was just the two of us today instead of hosting a party like we have the last few years, we still enjoyed it. 

We had a "heartbaker" pizza from Papa Murphy's, Kyle made tex mex (aka seven layer) dip, and I made some chocolate chip cookies which turned out delicious (thanks to a recipe I found on pinterest, found here). 

In other news, I read The Kite Runner this week in preparation for a book club I was invited to attend (meeting tomorrow). I was excited to read it, yet also hesitant as I had heard it had some disturbing content and because I have struggled with books set in different countries/belief systems before (especially books set in China/Japan, but that's another story...) I made it through, and although it was very sad in some parts, I did like it overall. K and I watched the movie today as well. I'm excited to hear others perspectives on it tomorrow. (I'm also kind of nervous for the book club! My friend Kaci invited me [who I met though Kyle since they are in the same program] - and so I will be going with her, but meeting new people as well! It's like first day of school jitters.)

I'm also still in the middle of the Lord of the Rings. Love it.

And good news about my job! This is my last week of doing PSR! After that I will be working full time in the office, being trained in more Billing areas, and it will be great. I will be working 8-4 - I'm going to try to be really good about waking up early and getting ready as I'm not a morning person, haha. But I am excited to have a set schedule (!!!!) and be able to be home at nights. I also got my own computer at work set up on Friday (finally!) which also calls for a little celebration as I had been going to work not knowing if I was going to be able to get on a computer each day. And last exciting thing about work - Friday was pay day. My first paycheck, and a full 80 hours. Woohoo! We're going to be able to start actually saving money and paying off student loans, too! This job is a blessing for sure.

And last thing of the night.... The new Hunger Games trailer. 

Is. So. Good.

News! and a little update

Now. if you know me, you know that I have not been loving my job. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy working with the kids, and I enjoy helping them. What I don't enjoy? Driving out of town and all over town everyday, the rough families that I work with whose stories just emotionally drain me, the barely getting 30 hours a week if that, the hours, no benefits, etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, I was so blessed to find a job so quickly after moving to Pocatello, but it just isn't what I wanted to do in the long run - even if the long run was just two years. So, I've been searching for jobs for the past little bit to see what I could find. (Remember when I blogged awhile ago about potentially exciting news? It was because I had applied to a job I thought I might get, but I didn't so that is why you never heard anything again.) ANYWAYS. With that back story....

I was just offered a new job on Thursday, which I accepted yesterday morning. 

It is at a facility called Seasons of Hope, and I will be starting out doing some PSR work (which is what I am doing now), while training to become the Billing Manager. 

(This is the story of how it happened - feel free to skip if you want!) This job basically fell into my lap, and I am so grateful. I sent in an application on Tuesday night in response to an Occupational Therapy aide position ad. I was called Wednesday morning to set up an interview, and I interview on Thursday. I interviewed with the owner/director of Seasons of Hope and the Regional Operations Manager. It was a different type of interview I found - as I was basically told, "well, you don't meet some qualifications for the position you applied for, but we are really impressed with your resume and wanted to interview you anyway to see where we could fit you into our company." The interview/discussion lasted about 20-25 minutes and about half way through they said basically this was a secret interview to be the Billing Manager! We also spent time talking about what I wanted in a job including compensation, benefits, etc. In short: they want to hire me as the Billing Manager, but since it is such an important job (ie: handling a lot of money) they wanted to put into a PSR position while training in order to monitor my trustworthiness, work ethic, ability to do billing, etc. I was offered $13/hr, benefits (still working on what that entails), and forty flexible hours a week. It's a great resume building experience, and I will be honest - from my experience I love working in the administration/management side of an organization, so I am really excited about this opportunity. The owner/director also promised me he would minimize my driving while doing PSR which equals no out of town driving. It was so unexpected, and so great, and my mind has been reeling for the last couple of days. This will be great for our little family, and I feel so blessed - both knowing that my Heavenly Father is looking out for me, and that my hard work is paying off (an employer sought me out for a job I didn't even apply for/know about!). 

Ok, that's all about that. Sorry for the long novel. In other news...

*Kyle's brother Alan and his wife Jess had their baby on Wednesday afternoon. It was a healthy little girl who they named Claire.

*We had a great night last night which included a cheap meal at Costa Vida ($6 for deep dive nachos and two drinks!), doing some Christmas shopping (a belt for Kyle, dress pants, leg warmers, and a set of 4 ramekins for me), and some grocery shopping. After which we came on home, made some microwave chocolate melting cake and watched Die Hard. I also chatted with my BFF Dani about wedding plans for about 30 minutes last night, love her.

*Today is another great day: we slept in, are currently watching the BYU vs Utah basketball game, and we are planning on a trip to the dollar store (Christmas gifts for my kiddos), a matinee movie (In Time at the dollar theater), and some cleaning, laundry (maybe), and other things around the house - plus spending time together.

*K only has one more final (on Monday) before he is officially finished with his first semester of graduate school! I am so proud of him! And grateful that he is working so hard. 

*We are planning on coming down to Utah next week as there was a great deal on tickets for the BYU vs Baylor basketball game. And then of course we'll be back down the next weekend for Christmas!

*I got a new calling in our ward! I am now the Young Women secretary and I'm so excited about it. I've wanted to be a leader in YW since I was a young woman, and I'm excited to get to know the girls in our ward better.

And just because a picture should be included because this was a long blog post, how about a little flashback to high school? 

PS - congratulations are in order for....

My dear friend, Natalie Savage, who just received her mission call! She was called to serve in the Salt Lake Temple Square mission and enters the MTC on January 4th! Nat was one of my best friends at the Riv, and I'm so excited for her!

Me and Nat ice skating in 2009.

And, this is kind of old news, but congrats are also in order for my BFF Dani (I can't call her anything but that, it's like her title) who is getting married to Michel Knowles on April 26, 2012! I'm so happy for her, and excited to be a bridesmaid as well ;) 

Ok, this is a terrible picture of both of us, but I love it so! This was my 19th birthday breakfast at IHOP. Dani's also pictured in the post below :)

Graduate.

Graduation Week

Graduation was pretty awesome, and really surreal. 

As I sat in the commencement exercises I just keep thinking, this is my college graduation. I'm a college graduate. This is it. I'm done. I made it. This is MY college graduation. 

I was a little in shock.

But let's back up. 

The week leading up to graduation was pretty crazy. K and I were both done with our jobs, and so we just packed all week. We also hung out with a lot of friends that week and the week before. 

Our parents (his mom and dad, and my dad) flew in on Wednesday night. K and I met up with my dad on Thursday morning, visited the cemetery where my Grandma G is buried, went on a drive, and went to lunch. Afterwards we met up with Kyle's parents and my mom and sister. I was dropped off to wait in line to march in, and they went to get seats. I was kind of bummed that the majority of my friends from my major had graduated or at least walked in April. So for commencement I just kind of kept to myself.

After commencement, we went out to dinner at Mimi's Cafe, a favorite of mine.

Friday, we all met up again at our house, along with our good friends Aaron and Erica and proceeded to pack all of our belongings into our rental U-haul ( as my convocation wasn't until 5 pm). Then we got ready, and went. Luckily, my good friend (from my major) Melissa showed up to walk with me! I thought she had graduated in April, but she hadn't. We were so excited to find each other. She made the day that much better.   The speaker was ... someone whose name I can't remember right now, but he's married to Carole Mikita, and she was there. I thought that was pretty neat. As I walked across the stage to accept my diploma cover, she smiled at me. I felt special, she's like a  Mormon/Utah celebrity, ha. 

Anyway, Melissa and I were nervous as we stood in line to have our names called and to collect our diploma covers, but it was great. Those deans and whoever else they are that shake your hand are so nice and just sound so sincere as they congratulate you. It just so happens that the faculty member who was actually doing the handing out of diplomas is my very least favorite professor in my department... But oh well.

(This is becoming quite a long story, I'm sorry.)

After it was all over, I found my family, we took pictures, and then went out to eat at Cafe Paesan. Yum! Then Kyle and I headed back to our apartment to finish cleaning. When we were done, we packed up the rest of our things and made the drive to Nathan and Melanie's where stayed the night. The next morning, bright and early we got up and made the drive to Pocatello - but that starts another story.

So now, here are pictures from Friday!

Me and Melissa!

Just after walking in... 

Getting ready to receive my diploma cover!

Shaking hands.

Me and my absolute favorite professor, Dr. Nelson. This man changed my life.

Me and Kyle

My baby sis.

Momma and sis.

Dad and me!

My wonderful in-laws.

Us again.

K put on his cap and gown and we took pictures together.

Our Newest News

Kyle got into graduate school! 

He got into the Master of Counseling program at Idaho State University.

So, in August we'll be moving up to Pocatello!

We're really excited about knowing what our next step in life is.

It's a two year program, so we'll be there at least that long.

I'm hoping for a two bedroom apartment, with a washer and a dryer.

I'm also hoping that I can find an awesome job with benefits!

Even if the position isn't directly in my field of study, as long as I enjoy it, that'll be great.

Parties Galore!

I wish I was more creative.

With that out of the way, let me tell you about my life...
Work is crazy, but that's a given.

Saturday night, I went with Ayisha to Casey's birthday/Christmas party. It was so fun! White elephant won? A box of baby wipes.

Sunday, Kyle and I went up to the MG Christmas party, also a blast! White elephant won? A Christmas decoration - a snowman on a tricycle, I actually really love it! Steph took a lot of pictures, and I'll have to steal some when she posts them - these are the only three I took. Bonnie and Aaron are our married bff's, for real. We love them! (PS, Bon is prego with a baby boy named APOLLO. So excited for them!)

Last night was the Bishop family Christmas party. So fun! I love them so much. White elephant gifts won? The  four original Batman movies on DVD and a plate of Christmas goodies. We had a lot of fun playing with the kids, chatting, and eating! No pictures were taken at this one though :(

Today snow decided to take over Utah. Seriously, it was nuts! You would think we would've gotten a snow day at work... And maybe at any normal time we would have, but we're launching our new program in a week and a half, so there is no time for a snow day! Tomorrow we're planning on going down to Price in the afternoon to visit Grandma Hanson - hopefully we still can! Kyle's a safe driver, so we'll see. We'll probably stay over night there, and come back on Thursday morning. Thursday we are planning on finishing up our Christmas shopping, then heading over to Nathan and Mel's.

Oh! And you want to know the biggest Christmas gift/miracle EVER? I passed Physics (!!!). SO happy about that! Now I can celebrate my holidays in peace.

Registration

Yesterday I was able to register for my last semester of college classes.
Hallelujah - I'm going to graduate!
(If I pass Physics this semester.... ) (Just kidding, I will! But.. probably barely...)


Anyway.
I'm taking my capstone course (Advanced Issues in Human Development), Adult Development and Aging, Language Development, Joseph Smith and the Restoration, and Intro to Food Sciences (fills the one credit hour I needed, haha). It should be a good semester!

APRIL 2011

I applied for GRADUATION yesterday.

Come faster, April 21 and 22. 

Thoughts on Life

Monday night, I made bread. Legit, white bread. Not with a bread maker, with my hands. Baked in my oven. And it turned out so delicious!

Last night, Kyle and I bought our Harry Potter 7, part 1 tickets! November 19th, 12:01 am, Provo Towne Center. I can't wait! I love HP. We're going with Ginger, Sarah, and Caroline.

Also, today is my momma's birthday! I love my mom, she's the absolute best ever! :)

Happy Birthday, Momma!

I love you!

Welcoming...

Avery Ruby Hanson!

Our new niece was born on Tuesday, September 28th, at 3:13 pm.

She was 8 lbs, and 19 inches long.

She's got the cutest, chubbiest cheeks ever!

Kyle and I got to go visit her on Wednesday. We drove straight to the hospital, where we spent time with Nathan and Melanie (proud parents!) and of course, baby Avery. Then we went back to their house, and watched Liam and Whitney while Mel and Avery got discharged. We all ate dinner and spent time together.
Whitney loves her new sister already, she couldn't stop laughing and smiling as soon as Mel and Nathan brought her home. Liam wasn't quite as sure at first, but he warmed up, and would pat her on the head, and one of the first things he said was, "look at her little ears!" So cute.


Me and the baby :)



Look at those cute cheeks!

Proud uncle :)

Such a cutie.

Again, cheeks! I just want to pinch them...

Me and Liam, the proud older brother.

Whitney was so excited to see her new baby sister!

Dear Interweb,

I, Brittanny Hope Hanson, am now legal to drive.

Yes, that's right, as of yesterday morning, at approximately 8:20 am, I have a driver's license.

I am legit.

TODAY

We spent about 3 hours at the DMV.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?

I'll tell you.

It means, that I, Brittanny Hope Hanson, now have a learners permit (again).
And that I have a road test in two weeks.
Which means, if I prove to the examiner dude that I can drive safely and correctly, I will be the proud carrier of a DRIVERS LICENSE.
At age 21.

I am the bomb.com, I know, you're jealous.

(You can't get your license in England until you're 21, my mom tells me. So, I'm just trying to follow the rules of the motherland, really.)

Also, I love my man.

My New Job

I got a job with Heritage Youth Services. I work at a residential treatment center for youth who are sex offenders. Right now we only have seven boys but the house has room for up to 12. They can be handful but they are typical teenagers trying to figure out who they are. I really like working with them and they like to have someone who enjoys playing sports with them.

I don't get paid a lot, I work some crazy shifts, and I don't have benefits but I am just happy to have a job and do something that will help prepare me for graduate school. I filled out so many applications and I was so tired of looking for a job. I interviewed for the job and we went to the temple that night the next morning I woke up to my phone ringing with my boss offering me the job. I was so excited and it has been great so far.

Now I can focus on taking a couple independent study classes for graduate school prerequisites and other things I have been waiting to do. It is so stressful to not have a job and I am grateful for Britt putting up with me being so bored and moody. Now I just get tired from working but that is a good feeling. 56 hours was a lot last week, but I learned some great things in training and I am very excited for my first paycheck this week!

Good News!

Kyle got a job!
It's at what is called the Timpview Residential Treatment Center.
Obviously, it's a Treatment Center, and it's for boy's, and it's in Lindon.
Happy day!
Kyle and I are awfully excited :)

He had the interview on Thursday morning, and they called first thing yesterday morning to let us know he had the job! He spent a couple of hours filling out paperwork and reading over somethings, and now he is at his first shift!

Just thought I'd share our exciting news.