Ho Ho Homer

Happy Holidays everyone! I have some breaking news. We got word at the Hansen household that Santa needed a little extra help this year pulling his sled. As soon as Homer heard he was the first to volunteer. He makes a pretty good reindeer doesn't he?? I'd like to stress once again for all of you animal crazies out there that Homer was in no way harmed during this costume mascaraed. I think he kind of likes it. You see, this is what women do to their pets when they don't have kids. OK, maybe not....I'm sure it's just me. Anyway, we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Happy Birthday To You!!!

This one goes out to big daddy. Happy birthday dad! We miss you, we love you and we hope that you have a great day! Also, we sure hope that the San Diego Chargers can make you proud on this very special day of yours. I know it's been a rough season but let's keep the dream alive!

The Curse of Reality T.V.

I just have to start by saying that for some strange reason I am a reality t.v. addict. One of my favorite reality t.v. shows on right now is The Biggest Loser. I love this show! I know I am a cheese ball but I think it is so inspiring. Didn't Kae look amazing! You go girl! I hate to admit it but the tears were welling up as I was watching on Tuesday. It was pretty heart wrenching stuff. It's a good thing that Jeremy was sleeping when I was watching because he never would have let me live down the fact that reality t.v. makes me cry. So why am I admitting this pathetic and embarrassing truth?? I guess it's because I need some reassurance that I'm not the only one out there who is touched by this kind of stuff. I know that many of you watch the show (including my sisters), so what are your thoughts? Oh and don't even get me started on The Bachelor. I'm glad that show is over because I swear I was an emotional wreck. I mean how could he do that to Deanna?? She really wore her heart on her sleeve and Brad just trampled all over it. Nothing makes sense anymore!

Is That Thing On???

This is a video clip taken the day before Jeremy and I moved to Louisiana. It's just the fam sitting around shootin' the breeze. Actually it's mostly video of the grandkids....particularly Beckett. I sure do miss them! Anyway, I thought it was kind of funny when Corey asked Jeremy "is that thing on"? So I hope you enjoy! I love you guys!

Curbing the Craving

This next post goes out to my weight watcher girls. Unfortunately the life long battle of me trying to control what I put in my mouth on a daily basis continues. Lately Jeremy has been bringing home these amazing, giant chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. They are always serving food to the pilots on the oil rigs, and I made the mistake of telling Jeremy to bring home some Louisiana cookin' so that I could see what it tastes like. Well he brought home the cookies instead. I must confess that I have a huge sweet tooth! I have never been one to turn down a cookie, especially the ones that have been coming home with Jeremy. Each time the cookies come home my heart is telling me to go for it but my thighs are telling me to hold back.....the heart wins every time. So basically I decided that I needed to find a guiltless alternative to this temptation. I am happy to say that I think I've done it! If you love snickerdoodles half as much as I do you will definitely enjoy this recipe. Each cookie is only 2 points! Holla!

Ultimate Maple Snickerdoodles

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup maple sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup of white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and maple syrup. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just mixed. In a small dish, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup white sugar and the maple sugar. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and roll the balls in the sugar mixture. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies will be crackly on top and look wet in the middle. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Happy Birthday Little Sister!

I know I've done a lot of these birthday shout-outs but this is definitely the month of birthdays in my family. I want to be sure to send the fam my love, especially on their special day. So this one's for my favorite little sister Corey. Happy Birthday girlfriend! I really wish I could be there to give you a big hug and to celebrate with you. I have a bunch of pictures of you but our scanner isn't working so I couldn't post them. Luckily I do have one already on our computer. Ryan is a pretty lucky guy because he gets to share some of the love with you. I hope you have an amazing birthday girl! Love you!

Birthday Shout-Out

I'd like to take this moment to give a birthday shout-out to my brother Brian. Happy birthday man! You know you're my number one bro. Sadly I do not have a picture to post, but hey that's the way these shout-outs go sometimes. Hope you have a great birthday big brother.

Louisiana swamp

This is a short clip of some alligators swimming around in the Louisiana swamp at the zoo. I'm pretty sure it was feeding time because they don't look very happy. Yikes!

Elephant heads

Here are a couple of me and Jeremy posing as elephants. This was kind of embarrassing because there was a line of kids waiting to stick their heads through so they were all watching us. I got a good laugh at Jeremy's picture though so it was all worth it.

Relaxing on the bayou

All of that walking really took it out of us so Jeremy thought he'd take a load off by relaxing in this rocking chair. Check out the view of the bayou. This is the life!

Giant turtle

This turtle is enormous! I wanted to kneel down next to it so you could get a feel for how big it was. I'm pretty sure it will blow your mind!

Audubon Zoo

So yesterday Jeremy and I decided that we were going to celebrate the wonders of nature by heading to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. The day began with Jeremy making me breakfast in bed, (how sweet) then we got ready and we were off. We were a little worried at first about the weather but it ended up being perfect! The humidity was low and it was around 72 degrees with very little wind. The only downside to our day was that the schools were having some kind of a field trip, so as you can imagine there were kids everywhere. But all-in-all we had a really fun time. Here are some pictures of our adventure.

Happy Birthday Jakob!

Today is a very special day, so I'd like to give a birthday shout out to my nephew Jake. He is 9 years old today! He may not remember but this picture was taken by him with my camera a while back. I didn't even know he was taking self portraits until I reviewed the pictures some time later. What a prankster! Anyway, hope you have a very happy birthday Jake. We love you (I know...ewe!)