Way Up North

I have arrived successfully, and without delay! I left Sandpoint, Idaho at about 2pm for the Spokane airport. I had about an hour and a half layover in Seattle. In the airport I was able to connect to the convenient free Wi-Fi to access my CDL information and study up. The flight was quiet, smooth and relaxing. I got in a good nap, and awaited my arrival to my hotel room:) I took some photos last night to send to mom and dad, but they weren't very good so I took some with my camera this morning before work. I had to be up at 6am to get showered and fed prior to heading to the DMV to conquer the 4 written tests I must take in order to receive my Class B license.

This is the view from my room this morning. It looks cold but the day turned out to be absolutely gorgeous. It was sunny and blue skies all day. So refreshing and made me realize how much I have missed the spirit and beauty of Alaska.

We are staying that the Westmark Convention Center. The hotel is huge, and the rooms are mini suites - which I will now give you a tour of:)

My room is equipped with two queen beds

A small dining room

A mini kitchen

A living room with chair, business desk, and TV.

View from the other side of the room.

Bathroom and Vanity are separated from the main room with a door. But the toilet and shower is also in another room then the vanity.

The Vanity

The TV in from of my bed

The sun going down over Fairbanks (6pm) after a long day of running around to pass my tests, a physical exam and a crash course on log books. Busy busy day!

Oh yeah, I passed 3 of the 4 tests at the DMV this morning. I have to go back and take my air-brake endorsement test again - therefore I need to spend this evening studying:) Wish me luck!

ALL PACKED UP!

This move-out has been my easiest yet. I'm not sure if that is due to the fact that all my roommates are staying, or if I just have less "stuff". Regardless, I have all my stuff packed up, and stacked in my living room, waiting to be put in the back of my truck:) Getting excited for Alaska, just wish I didn't have to be so far from family, friends, and Kevin.

Class Projects/Finals

The best thing about being a Child Development major is that most of my finals and midterms are projects! Makes studying and the wrap up of the semester so much better! So for my science foundations class, my group was instructed to form an experiment that measured and observation. We decided to take different intersections surrounding campus and evaluate if students stop at the stop-signs, or roll on through to traffic. We then had to present our results via a poster board. I was going to miss the class where we turned in the poster, so after a failed group meeting I said I would finish our poster. The two guys in our group had decided they wanted a stop sign on the poster - attempting to be creative. The gave me the poster Thursday afternoon. When I received it, i thought it would be an easy task to finish - but it was no such thing. I tried arranging the poster in different layouts, but nothing was helping the sad, sad stop sign. I called another girl in my group, and together, we agreed the poster had to be redone - practically from scratch. So I went over to her apartment and we worked on it for probably 3 hours. Here are the before and after pictures.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

HAHA such a huge difference. We went from a 6th grade poster project, to a college level. It was stressful though cause I did not plan on it taking that much work, I guess that's what I get for offering my services to clean up the guys work. But my other class projects are not group projects. They are primarily all on my own, which is nice cause I can be responsible for my own work. In my children's' literature class, we had to create a book report. I did my book report on one of my favorite children's book, The Rainbow Fish, I made a giant fish. I cut out circle scales. When I presented, I asked the class to each write a characteristic of a good friend, I collected the scales and taped them back to the fish. I created a fish that held qualities of a friend that were important to my class. My teacher loved the idea, and asked if she could keep the fish for future examples of this specific project. I know I did well on this final, which is a blessing as it has been the most busy work class I have ever taken. I had to read 60 children's books, and do book reports on them. If you are a teacher, and need to find good books for your classroom, analyze my blog of the 60 books I critiqued this semester: The Best Is Yet To Be Read.

Here is the rainbow fish I created out of tissue paper, poster board, and glue!

I have loved my class schedule this semester. The work load hasn't been too bad, although there has been a little bit more busy work then I was used too. For instance, in Children's Literature we had to create books like the book, The hungry hungry caterpillar. Here is my rendition:

Overall, finals aren't that bad this semester, just plum full of a lot of projects and artwork.

Aunt Danna!

The greatest blessing of being in Rexburg, Idaho at school, is the opportunity to watch my niece and nephew. I get to come and play and laugh and joke and run and wear each other out. We play so hard! I love watching these two grow and learn. We play all sorts of sports, chase each other, eat, color, build towers, play games and run and run and run till Aunt DANA can't take anymore. I love being near them and being able to spend as much time as I can with them. It always breaks my heart when David follows me to the door, asking tons of questions stalling my departure. If he had it his way, I would never leave! He is the sweetest little thing I have ever met. On occasion, he will walk up to me and say, "Aunt Dana, You're my best friend! Thanks Aunt Dana!" Does that not just steal your heart?

This semester I have watched little miss Hannah grow a lot as well, she is now learning to say a lot of words, shake her head yes and no according to the question or situation, walk, and also learn to share. She is also real sweet with her gentle spirit to her babies, and David. She is also a cuddle bug when she is not on the go! Here are some photos of my babysitting experiences most recently (the last week or so)

Hannah is such a cheese-ball. She knows she is a goof and isn't afraid to play it up.

I got to be here for bath time a couple nights. Hannah would say "buh Bah" which stands for bubbles. Bath time is Hannah's favorite time of the day, she does not hesitate to strip off her clothes and jump in. Ba....ba....ba?-is what she will say when we pass the bathroom. If it's a bath night, it's a good night in the Hansen home. David also loves the bath, but Hannah seems to hog the bubbles for the most part, so David hogs the camera!

Look at her! she is fascinated!

These children are so beautiful! I love being able to live so close to them to watch them grow. I am sad I will miss the birth of my sisters third child, but come fall, hopefully I will be able to spend some time here to make up for time lost!

Truck get's a Boo Boo

At the end of February, I woke up one morning and looked out the window - like I do every morning. This particular morning instead of noticing the abnormally warm day, I noticed a piece of paper flapping in the light breeze. This paper was slid under my windshield wipers. I thought to myself, hmm, maybe someone wishing me a good day, I will go grab it. No such thing, instead it was a note...saying:

Sorry I hit your truck, I slid on some ice and my back end broke your taillight. I'm so sorry, please feel free to contact me anytime, again I'm sorry.

AHHH ARE YOU KIDDING ME, JUST WHAT I NEED. I took it to have an estimate done, and the estimate was nearly $600.03. I then took it to the girl, who with her parents decided that turning it into insurance was probably the best way to go. The insurance bounced me here and there and everywhere...Finally I told them I wasn't going to deal with this anymore, that I was going to talk to my insurance and they could deal with them. Instead they sent and adjuster to my apartment and he knocked on my door. His estimate was a hole $300 over what the shop gave me. He then recommended that I cash settle as he projected high due to my struggle with their company. I talked to dad who agreed, so I will be awaiting a check in the mail soon:)

My Gratitude List Today

I recently received quite a few of these Dove Milk Chocolates. Kevin took the time to change the D - to and L making them Love chocolates. He is so adorable and thoughtful. He gave them too me right before I was to leave Sandpoint last weekend after my visit. He gave me a baggie full of Red Starburst, Watermelon jolly ranchers, and "L"ove milk chocolates. I feel so special and lucky to have such a wonderful boyfriend. He is always so mindful of my wants, and needs. He knows how hard saying goodbye is on each of us, so we no longer do "goodbyes". We now say, See you later! All the way home, I was able to eat ALL of my favorite candies, that he so selflessly prepared for my journey, along with a giant waterbottle of chocolate milk! He knows me WAY too well!

So, I decided to make a small list, of things I love about Kevin, that I admire.

Today I'm grateful for the person you are, and the person you're becoming!

6 month supply

I do not recommend to anyone, moving out and packing -to go somewhere on a 6 months trip- at the same time. It's a chaotic, unorganized, inevitable mess. I had lists going in every direction so I wouldn't forget certain things to pack up, and then lists for packing to go to Alaska. What a fiasco, luckily, i'm almost done:) This ist he mes I had going in my room, notice the piles everywhere...


At the conclusion of packing up the room -the most stressful place to pack thus far- I ended with this. Here is my clothes to go to Alaska with for 6 months:) Look, I'm not even taking that much. Much less then last time that's for sure! I'm happy, excited, scared, nervous, sad, and anxious all at once! But the money will be worth it!

David what should we name the baby?

While sitting at my sisters yesterday, my nephew became very cuddly. It must have been a long day or something, as he was very calm and collected. He sat by my sister and I for about 10 minutes. I started to feel my sisters stomach hoping to feel the baby. I was able to push in one spot and got her to move. David saw me doing this, and inquistively placed his hand on his mom's belly.

"right here Aunt Deanna, right here?" he would ask. I would direct his hand and push in a little bit. While doing this, I felt "baby-sister" move. I asked him if he felt it, but unsure he responded, "uhh Yeah!" So cute, who knows if David really did feel his sister move inside his mothers belly, but he sure was interested in what Aunt Deanna was trying to do and feel. This copy-cat like scenario was then repeated by David's younger sister Hannah. She then come over and started the hold her hand on her mothers tummy as well! Confused, she placed her precious little hand on top of David's and waited to feel the baby move. When we asked David what they should name the baby, he would say, "I dun no" - but really earlier he said - baby sister. Such precious children, whom I will miss very much when I leave Rexburg this week.


I think the saddest part about leaving to go to Alaska, is for the first time, I will miss 2 babies being born into the family. I won't even get to see my niece and nephew till late September. I have been spending a lot of time over at my sisters the past few weeks, as I realize time is getting shorter. It's definitely a hard time every time I have to say goodbye-for-now to my nephew David. He and I are so close. But it is almost that time to bid him farewell, and I WONT SEE HIM AGAIN TILL HE'S 4! Man time flies by.

Lambs will follow the sheep

Twas a sheep not a lamb that strayed away
In the parable Jesus told,
A grown-up sheep that strayed away
From the ninety and nine in the fold.

And why for the sheep should we seek
And earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger when sheep go wrong;
They lead the lambs astray.

Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray.
When sheep go wrong, it won’t take long
Til the lambs are as wrong as they.

And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today,
For when sheep are lost, what a terrible cost
The lambs will have to pay!

-C. C. Miller

This poem told in conference today inspires me to do everything within my power, to establish a Christ-centered home. I know our homes are blessed with the opportunity to be like "Heaven on Earth". In the talk given by Elder Richard J. Maynes, he points out the importance of families. He stresses the desperation of establishing correct principles within the boundaries of the home. He instructs parents that they are responsible to teach their children through love, with words, and by example. He said, "There is great power and protection for us and the youth in establishing celestial traditions in the home." I now have a testimony of Learning, teaching, and practicing the true teachings of the gospel, it has become the duty and responsibility of parents and children.

"As members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, we understand and believe in the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and belief should inspire us to do everything in our power to establish a Christ-centered home. I bear you my testimony, as we strive to do this, we will more fully practice the love and service that was exemplified through the life and atonement of our savior Jesus Christ." -Elder Richard J. Maynes

Families can be like ropes - it takes everyone to do their part to be a strong rope. Families can be happy, and strong - in a Christ-centered home.

My Testimony

For my Family History class this semester, part of my final is typing out my testimony, and making it available for others to read. So here it goes, this is the my testimony and how it has increased this semester (Jan-April 2011)

I belong to am a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Over the course of this semester, I have gained a testimony specifically of the following gospel principles:

• 
  
  Faith


• 
  
  Pray


• 
  
  Love


• 
  
  Priesthood


• 
  
  Eternal Families

Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God that will create a strength of character available to us in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. As I exercise my faith in true principles, I have the potential to build my personal character. As a result, my capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life are enhanced. Like the primary song, Faith is like a little seed, if planted, it will grow. I have come to discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience. I know that the more I exercise my faith in Christ, I am in turn improving myself, and also becoming like Christ.

I have found that through fervent faith, another key tool to use is prayer. Prayer is a divine right and tool given to us to make the blessings of Christ more accessible. I have felt the blessings of kneeling in prayer on a daily basis. I have felt more than ever the importance of continually holding a prayer in my heart. As I deal with my day-to-day business, I am able to feel the Holy Spirit by my side as I continue to keep in close contact with my Father in Heaven. I have overcome trials where I felt my heart could bear no more, and when I have knelt alone in a quiet place, I have been able to feel the spirit, and overcome my burden. I know that when I feel let down, I can turn to my Father for comfort, guidance, and love. One thing I have always known and felt is Christ will never abandon me, if I but do His will, and follow the principles and standards of this true Gospel. I have faith that my Father in Heaven hears my prayers, and awaits patiently for me to knock on his door and converse with him in private. My apartment this semester has also utilized the power of prayer to help each of unite together to uplift one another in each of our different trials. We pray that we may be mindful of each other’s needs, and also for opportunities to love and serve each other as sisters. I know that through prayer, I have become more accepting and loving in situations I would have previously been aggravated, and irritated. I find that this simple tool given to mankind to express them to our Father has helped not only me, but the relationships I share with others. Recently, I have been making decisions where I rely on the spirit of the Lord so much. I don’t know how I could do it without the Holy Ghost, and the guidance and peace I feel there. I pray daily (morning, noon and night) that I may continue to make wise choices according to that which the Lord sees fit for my life and my plan. I know as I continue to follow the true promptings of the spirit, I can reap the full benefits and blessings that have been given to me in the pre-mortal life. I have been eternally blessed with a beautiful family that has uplifted me in many times of need. I am grateful for all their love they have shared, and advice they have given. Through the power of prayer, I have been able to use their experiences, advice and love to find where I should go, and what I might do. I believe that I will one day be married in the temple, and bare children that may also be as close knit as my family is. I hope that my children might support and guide one another –leading by example- like my brothers and sister have done for me. I have been blessed with not only the most loving family, but the most loving friendships. Through these friendships, I have come to find what I want and deserve in my life as far as associations go. I have found a passion in helping my fellow man in achieving their goals, and also being in a position to direct and lead others. Through this love, I have felt closer to my Savior. I know as I love my neighbor (friends, family and those I come in contact with) I am bettering mine own character, and through this I come to learn to love myself. This semester I have received a couple priesthood blessings. I have watched it aid individuals I am in contact with in healing their sickness, pass their tough courses, find peace and comfort, and overcome obstacles. As I have watched others around me, I have come to acknowledge and appreciate the power of the Priesthood and the men who hold these eternal keys. I know how important this tool is in families, and have come to understand that I too need this in my own personal family one day. As I have become witness to the power in which the Priesthood holders carry, I have come to love this aspect of the gospel and look forward to having this in my home as my husband and sons become worthy ordained priesthood holders.

Lastly, through my family history course, I have gained a stronger appreciation for eternal families, and the work needing to be done in our genealogy. This semester I was able to submit my mothers’ father to the temple to have his ordinances done. I am excited for this privilege as I felt accomplished in playing an essential part in linking our family together. I hope that through the blessings of this class, I will personally be able to attend the temple to help do these ordinances reserved by our family. I know my family is bound together here on earth, through the power of the priesthood, and through faith and hard work. As we continue to live worthily, all that binds us here on earth, I know are bound in heaven. I have faith that I will be with my family in the afterlife, and if we live righteously, when we all reach the pearly gates, our Savior will say to us, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I say these things, in the name of Jesus Chris, Amen.

Call me "NO"

Last Friday I went home to surprise Kevin for his 23rd birthday:) I got to the Salt Lake airport, and waited in line to get my boarding pass at the Southwest ticket counter. There was quite a line, so they were really rushing people through. They had a bunch of computer kiosks to check in on, but they also had ticket agents working to get the line moving through. When I was first in line, the customer service rep said, "NEXT!" I walked up, gave her my ID, checked my bags, retrieved my boarding pass, and went to security. Again, busy time nearly 5 in the afternoon, so they were rushing to push everyone through. The first check-point you hand a TSA member your boarding pass, and ID. They then observe that the ID is legitimate, and that your boarding pass matches your ID. They sign it and send you on your way. Next you place all your items in bins and send them through a conveyer belt. This is where they x-ray all your belongings. No problems. I board my plane and arrive home (15 minutes early).

My return trip, another story.

I arrive at the airport an hour prior to my flight. I attempt to check in. When the lady says, "NEXT!" I walk up, give her my name, and search for my ID. She then asks, "are you sure you are flying southwest, not skywest?" I looked up confused...Umm, not i'm definately flying southwest airlines. I handed her my ID to which she then relayed to me that I am not in there computer system for this flight, or any flight for that matter. WHAT THE HECK? She asked to see my conformation number, to which I had deleted out of my phone. I ripped off my bag tag they placed on my checked luggage on the way from SLC to Spokane airport. She keyed it in and found that my reservation and checked name was NO. Yes, that's it! My name was NO! Not Deanna No, Or any other form or variation of my first or middle names, just a partial of my last name. Baffled, she called her supervisor. They can't change my name or let me fly tell they can match my boarding pass to my identity. They then call a member of TSA who asked me a lot of question about my check-in and security procedures at the SLC airport. The supervisor was then asking me if I had any problems with baggage, travel, payment, or check-in. I was so confused. They finally got someone on the phone, who changed my name, and were then able to print me a boarding pass. Next, security. Again - very smooth, no problems!

I get on my flight, and am chatting away with this really nice lady from San Fransisco sitting next to me. Older lady who said I reminded her of her daughter. While chatting, she asked for a pen...I reached into my purse - felt around a bit- and couldn't believe what I felt...None other then my leatherman knife! I left it hidden in my purse, but I was appalled!

TSA LET ME THROUGH WITH A WRONG NAME, AND A WEAPON IN BOTH AIRPORTS? How could this not be caught. They take water bottles from old ladies but forget my knife...this is an outrage. But there was smooth sailing from then on out. I didn't really have any problems, just kind of odd that the airports, and TSA let so many things go wrong. I am back in Rexburg, and back in classes:) Long fun weekend, now for the long haul to finals week!

Valentines Day

For Valentines day this year, my roommates and I decided to exchange valentines. We put out our things for each other the night prior. I was second to last in bed, and the last one to wake up in the morning. When I awoke, My roommates had surprised me with a secret gift from Kevin. He had sent me flowers, of FRIDAY, and they put them out Monday Morning! Although I have never liked Roses, Kevin knowing this wrote a really adorable note - and said I should expect a lot of roses in the future, and hopefully with this meaning behind them, I will grow to love them! He is so sweet!

They were a beautiful center piece for the apartment dinner table:) What a pleasure to look at Catherine even used some of her skills from her flower arranging class, to doctor them up a bit! They were beautiful!

This is my valentines exchange bag for F.H.E that evening. We played games, ate cupcakes, and decorated and exchanged valentines:)

I also got to babysit Hannah and David on Valentines. They are the only special little ones nearby that I got to celebrate with. When I walked in the door David was real excited for my valentines surprise. He went over in the kitchen, and brought back a large heart-shaped cookie with my name on it...(Noble family tradition) thank you Stephanie and David!

My roommates and I tie-dyed shirts the night prior with cute little conversational hear sayings ironed on. We even made a couple of our F.H.E brothers participate. We wore these shirts all day - even on campus:)

My roommates and I.

Showing off our conversational heart words. Mine says "Love Bug"

Amy and I playing games at F.H.E


For being a valentines hater, my roommates, my sister, and Kevin really made it special - and gave it more meaning then the hallmark store. I am so grateful for all the beautiful individuals in my life. I couldn't be more blessed to be surrounded by so much love. I am happy the way day turned out, and am excited for future holidays shared with them:)

oh boy....

Many refer to my 41 reasons...

disregard them...or most of them.

*to save the drama, please don't post any comments that are negative in any way towards me. I have already heard your concerns.

Through prayer, I am doing what I feel is best:)

But GUESS WHAT, Deanna has a boyfriend again...and he is absolutely wonderful...

Bearlake, Utah 2011

I was so grateful that I was able to attend Bearlake this year! This annual family trip is always full of food, laughter, love, and games. My decision this year was very last minute depending on finances, class schedule, homework load, and weather. Friday morning, the morning of departure, I decided I just couldn't miss out on the fun and would do whatever it takes to go enjoy quality family time, and one afternoon snowmobiling. Friday night we had horrible, horrible, horrible weather. A foot of snow, driving in a car that doesn't have snow tires. Luckily, Andrew decided in Pocatello, ID to take over at the wheel. Thankfully I surrendered and turned it over to him. We met up with a plow at the Utah state-line which was a blessing and a half as we would not have made it without it. We pulled into the resort around 11 pm to unload, and got stuck once in the parking lot in front of the office. After unloading we had pizza, and went to bed:)

After a long Friday we all slept in and woke up the sound of children playing and attempting to be quiet. Such a blessing these little ones are in the family. Much to my surprise Stephanie didn't send in the children to wake Aunt Deanna up:) We sat around all morning, then decided it was time to stop burning daylight. We headed up to the "sinks" and parked the trailer. Mom rode along with the two children to babysit so she could participate at least one day in the fun. I had to find "my jump" to take pictures on. Matt and Andrew diligently rode around trying to find me anything that was remotely a jump, but there was so much snow and powder it seemed impossible! It was rumored to be the most and best snow ever seen up there, so we were fortunate to be able to enjoy. Finally Matt and Andrew found a semi-jump off a trial that was on the side of a steep hill...I reluctantly rode to the top, looked down and pondered. If my brothers could do it-so could I. I timidly went down the hill at first - no air. I attempted this like 4 times before my skis even lifted off the ground. Luckily Matt was at the bottom (every time) to capture my would-be jump of the year:) Dad waited for the three of us to finish our fun. He always makes a nice spot for himself in a clearing to watch everyone enjoy themselves. We would ride down every so often and check in on him! It was so much fun out with my dad and brothers.

Then we headed back to the truck in time to let Stephanie hop on for a short ride in the fields. But it was short-lived as the ski on one of the sleds (particularly the one I was riding) just fell off while I was riding the trail...of all places. But we were lucky to have Andrew with us! He tied up the broken ski and we close enough to the parking lot for him to just ride it back to load it up. I felt bad but was reassured over and over that it wasn't my fault that this exact part was replaced just weeks before in a shop.

We played games and enjoyed each other company the rest of the evening, and continued the good times on through Sunday. I had to leave at 7 am Monday morning in order to make it back for classes...Oh being responsible is hard sometimes. But I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and am grateful for the time I got to spend with my two siblings and parents. Wish the WHOLE family could have been there!

David gearing up to go Riding!

Me having a good time in a field

prepping the sleds to ride! Rocking batman and the aviators.

Dad enjoying the new, fresh powder.

Dad observing from a distance. He was so far out there, and looked stranded-but he was cozy

my jump of the year, 2011

Going out for the second time

David is all ready for his nap! He always falls asleep

HE'S READY TO RIDE DAD!

All in all - fun in the snow:)