Dear GE,

I wanted to write you a letter, to let you know that your washers and dryers suck. I bought this front-loading set about two years ago and the darn things break constantly. While they look pretty and are the chic thing to get in appliances, I think you have successfully sold me on NOT ever getting a front-loader or ANYTHING GE again. Thank the lord for the person who sold me the extended warranty. Seriously.
On another note, thank you for the cute appliance repair boy (he's definitely young) who comes to my house to repair them. He has nice manners and gives good customer service. I think I can consider him a personal friend at the rate that he comes out to fix things... we are on a first name basis now (insert rolling eyes here!).
Sincerely,
Rachel H.

Oh and I almost forgot-- this is for you dad.

Isn't he a cute Daddy...

Few more reasons the Hansons Rock

We're Cardinal's fans, even from the start!


We have no fear!


We're cute (and we know it!).


We smile non-stop.


Because our mom did this much laundry (plus two more loads today)!

B is for Bob

Bob Marley that is. I don't know of anyone who doesn't like Bob Marley, but if there is someone out there who doesn't... it's definitely someone I don't want to know:). Well that is a little extreme, but Bob, to the Hanson's, is like breathing (in the words of J-Lo).
For me, when I put Bob on, I just mellow out and feel lots of love. It sounds like I'm high, but believe it or not, I am not. Though in a previous life, I may have been.
One thing that's really making me happy is that the kids love Bob. They ask to listen to him and sing his songs. I mean really, most songs are pretty wholesome... and a lot of his songs sound like praise music.
For instance:
Thank you Lord

---

Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me. Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing now. Thank you, Lord, for ev'ry little thing. Thank you, Lord, for you made me sing. Say I'm in no competition, But I made my decision. You can keep your opinion. I'm just calling on the wise man's communion. Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me. Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing now. Thank you, Lord, for ev'ry little thing. Thank you, Lord, for you made me sing. Sing along, sing along. I don't fear their humiliation, Just to prove my determination. I don't yield to temptation, I haven't learn't my lesson in Revelation. Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me. Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing now. Thank you, Lord, for ev'ry little thing. Thank you, Lord, for you made me sing. Sing along, sing along. Say I'm in no competition But I made my decision, Lord, in my simple way. Comin', comin', comin', comin'. I love to pray. Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me. Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing now. Thank you, Lord, for ev'ry little thing.

I mean, who wouldn't want their kids singing that? I have a few favorites right now that we've been rocking out to on the iPod. Take a listen.

Nice Time


Mellow Mood (All time favorite Bob song)


Actually, Tyler has his own shirt... thanks to Jenny... who actually gave it to Bailey:) Pics a bit old... but you can see it here.

New Church and Other Church Related Ramblings

I have been praying for awhile now, that God would prompt Erik to want to find a new church. I've been hinting for awhile now, but he's been kind of resistant to the idea, so I've just been waiting on him to see if God lays the same thing on his heart.
First, I want to say, I love our church. It's fabulous and we've made wonderful friends there. Lifelong friends I'm sure. But, the reality is that we are the youngest couple there and we are desperately seeking out Christian peers at this point in our lives.
I randomly asked Erik last night if he wouldn't mind trying a new church today. I've been stalking their website for awhile now, just hoping we could visit. He agreed. We went and fell in love. I think for the most part, the deal is done.
The majority of people in the church are at our stage in life. Married awhile, a couple kids and Jesus lovers. In fact, today I already talked to the MOPS coordinator about helping this year with the MOPS program, and then she invited me to a playgroup on Weds. We so need this in our lives right now and I am praising God that Erik and I are in total agreement and at peace with this choice.
Oh and my other church related rambling. If you haven't read Donald Millers Blue Like Jazz... you can't possibly be okay. Talk about a life changing, view shifting, eye opening book. A must read for all Christians... at least in my not so humble opinion.
Oh yes and I wanted to share my new favorite poem. It's a C.S Lewis poem and it cuts to the heart of things. I read it almost everyday and then walk around depressed because man is so pathetic, but I quickly replace that depression with joy because God is so merciful and awesome that He brings us out of exile and back to Him... and He does it because He wants to! How awesome is He?! Honestly, I can't even imagine the pain of not knowing Him. Actually I can. I've been there, and it's painful.
So, here's the poem.

As the Ruin Falls

All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:
I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin:
I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek--
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack.
I see the chasm. And everything you are was making
My heart into a bridge by which I might get back
From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains
You give me are more precious than all other gains.

C S Lewis

Oh and the last thing I wanted to share. This has nothing to do with Christ or Christianity... but it's freaking hilarious.


Funniest Song Ever

Happy Birthday Kali!

Yesterday we celebrated our niece Kali's first birthday! How cute is she? It was a Hawaiian Luau. Miss Kali lives in Sacramento, so it was a treat to have them here celebrating. Oh and she's walking too! I'm happy to report that I made a pineapple upside down cake that was heavenly. The party was super fun. Here is the birthday girl at the end of the night.

Apparently, this is how Copycat says "Cheese".

And, here is a picture of me with Bump on a Log.

What is that bump on Bump on a Log's face? I know you all are wondering. It's okay, we think it looks a bit freaky too, though he is still the cutest baby I've seen since... well since my other two. It's a dermoid cyst, if you must know, and he's having surgery August 18 to have it removed. More details to come at a later date about all that. Stop staring... it's not polite.

What does my title mean?

Well, here I am. Blogging. It should really be expected, for those of you that don't know, I'm slightly addicted to my computer. Really, it was inevitable.

Coming up with a name was kinda hard. So I thought of titles to give the kids. That's how I got the name of this blog.

Who is the dictator? If you don't know that, you haven't been around the Hanson's lately! The dictator is the sweet face below that runs our house.


Next, we have the copycat. Classic middle child (poor kiddo!). Doesn't get the attention that the first born usually does, and not the baby anymore. In the end, he typically follows behind The Dictator, mimicking whatever it is she does, hence the name. But he sure is cute. This face should be in print I tell ya!


And finally, my current favorite, Bump On A Log. Yes, that is how I lovingly refer to my baby. It's been four months of pure easiness with this little guy. Truly, makes me want to go out and have another baby. No, not really. But seriously, he just hangs out. And he is oh so smiley! I'll add a few pics for him, after all he IS new... and being the favorite and all, we'll give him a little more attention.

6 weeks old or so

2 months old or so3 months old

Four months old

So, I guess this blog will mostly be about these little guys... some about my random thoughts... but pretty much just a compilation of postings that will make it clear to you why the Hanson's rock. As you can see from his shirt, Ryan already agrees with that sentiment. Smart kid. That's how we grow 'em.

Anyway, that's all I have to say today. Stay tuned.