For Jenn

In response to Jenn's request to read a blog that has not been updated in a while, I decided I would give it a go. 

I haven't blogged much in a while for a few reason but I'm not going to get into that today.  (I know, aren't you disappointed?)

The biggest thing that has happened since I blogged (besides major holidays and birthdays) was my Grandpa Hanson passing on January 31st.  He had had some health problems for a while now and his mind was pretty much gone.  I didn't know my Grandpa very well.  He was the kind of man the worked very hard and said very little unless is was to explain how something should be done.  I wish I could have gotten to know him better but I'm sure he's very happy to be with his parents and his brother.  He had a very hard childhood.  The funeral was beautiful and it was great to see my relatives that I haven't seen in years. 
His passing made me think about the legacy I want to leave behind someday.  I think that I want people to remember me as a someone they loved and respected and they knew I loved and respected them.  That pretty much sums it up.  I now only have one living grandparent, my Grandma Hanson.  I think she's doing alright with my Grandpa's passing but I think she'll continue to have bad days for a while.  My dad had a hard time too but I think the funeral gave him some good closure.  My Dad will leave a great legacy someday.

In other, more trivial news, I lost 11 pounds over the last several months.  Then I got tired of tracking and I've plateaued but I am back in to my pre-marriage jeans so that makes me pretty happy.  I've made some good changes in my diet and I think I can keep it up but I still LOVE sweets.  Keep your mashed potatoes, steak, pasta, bread, and chips.  I will take you brownies, candy, cake and all manner of goodies.

My Mabel is still the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen!  Her fine motor skills are advanced but, as before, she is behind in gross motor skills.  She's not really walking yet.  She takes about 5 steps at a time but her main way to get around is on her knees or crawling.  I'm not worried.  She'll do it when she's ready.  She just started nursery and she didn't even bat an eyelash.  She loves it!  She did get upset at the end when people wouldn't let her out of the door before I got there.  I think that is one of her biggest pet peeves.  If a door opens, she wants to go through it!   She says a lot of words now and she has a bit of a lisp.  It's the cutest thing ever.  She will not say "Mama"  only  "Dada."  If you ask her to say "Mama" she says "Dada."  She loves bubbles, coloring, baths, and cars.  She doesn't really seem to care about dolls or stuffed animals.  She also blows kisses and throws her hands in the air and says "Ta doa" (touch down). 

And my blog would not be complete with out pictures of Mabel so here she is!

  

Boating in St. George with Sarah and Eric Jackson

In her big girl seat

A bumble bee for Halloween