GEEEEZE!

It has been a long time since I have updated. We are all moved in to our new house, and we are loving it! The only bad thing is that we do not have the Internet yet. My computer fiance is trying to work that out. No one wants to give us Internet out in the country, so hopefully we get something going soon!

Home Sweet Home....

As of Thursday October 15, 2010, we are officially homeowners! We are set to move in approximately 30 days. There are currently people living there now, so they have to pack up and move up. They didn't think that they would need the full 30 days.

Ryan, Kira, and I are super excited. The budget will be tight until I graduate, but we will make it work!

Home sweet home...3 bedrooms, 2 baths, on 1.3 acres!

Busy Busy BUSY!

With school, and work we have been a busy household. Labor Day weekend was CRAZY! Starting Friday night, Kira had a sleepover with a girlfriend, Saturday we went to Lexington, KY for Sienna's 1st birthday (Bri & Noah's baby.) Then on Sunday we went to Evansville for Kris & Jen's Engagement Party, and Kira stayed in a hotel with her Nana and Papaw Jeff. It was really busy, but I think we all had a blast!

SLEEPOVER! Going down the waterslide in Lexington!

The Love of my life and my best friend....

My bestest and her fiance!

My friends! We were all actually in the same place at the same time! Never happens!

I have been looking at my calendar for just ONE free day...not happening. I think I have to wait until November for one of those...I did get to go to Edinburg with my Momma, Grandma, Sister-in-Law, and Nephew. We all had a great time. Except, there wasn't very good deals this time. Anyone who knows me, knows I am all about a deal!

Kira is getting ready to start playing basketball...and who is her coach? That would be Coach Hanger! Ryan is coaching her team "The Lakers" this year. I think it will be a fun thing for them to do together.

Future Softball Player?!?!

Ryan has been talking about wanting Kira to play softball for a long time. They went to a Reds game with I was in Boston, and know she would like to play. Kira has never done anything related to it, but tonight Ryan took her out to hit a few balls and...SHE DID AMAZING! She hit quite a few that would have gotten her to first base--easy!

I think it would be so much fun if she played this coming summer. I know Ryan would love spending time at the ball fields (he was a college baseball player haha!) I played softball when I was little and I LOVED it! Anyways, I just thought I would share that ;)

Would You Like Some Chowdah?

I went to Boston with my parents last week to keep my mom company while my dad had his yearly dealer market. I was super thankful for them inviting me! Mom and I toured the city, while my dad was at his dealer market all day. It was fun, and interesting but HOT! The temperature was 95-100 everyday, and the humidity was 90-95%! Mom and I did the duck tour of Boston, the Freedom Trail, rode the trolley all around the city, went to the old graveyards, and did a little shopping! In the evening dad joined us for some amazing seafood! our favorite was Leader's Seafood. They serve their clam chowder when we get a new president. Anyways, the trip was great and I enjoyed spending time with my parents! My 1st WHOLE Lobstah
First Night In Boston at "No Name"

Poppa and Momma <3 Momma and I on the Duck Tour

Has It Really Been OVER A Month?!?

Yikes! I am 1 month, and 4 days behind! So, Kira started school and is LOVING it. Her teacher this year is Mrs. Benson. They don't change classes as much this year, as they did last. She is really excited that she is learning about health, and science. She is learning algebra too...I think that we are going to have to do quite a bit of studying at home.

Happy 4th Grader!

Kira is growing like a weed! We bought her new tennis shoes this summer...and...she can barely put her foot in them now. So, tonight Ryan, Kira, Rachel Lett, and myself headed to the mall for some new kicks...She got a new pair of purple/silver Nike running shoes. They are size 5! Then we stopped and got some Nike pink/orange basketball shoes, size 5! It is crazy! I can no longer go and buy her shoes without her trying them on :(...I know that the day is approaching that she will no longer like the clothes that I bring home :(, but for now she still likes them!

Back To School Time?!?!

Can it really be THAT close? Last week I realized that we needed to get Kira a new backpack. I finally ordered one yesterday. I let her pick from Old Navy, Children's Place, and The Gap. She chose a teal messenger bag with owls on it...I know I know...Owls??? What can I say...she gets it from her Dad. Ryan and I also picked up the basic school supplies, but are taking her back to pick out the fun notebooks and folders. Since little miss has decided to grow a TON, I went ahead and got her 3 new pairs on jeans...and let me just throw in the amazing deal that I got. One of the pairs was on clearance for $2.99!!! The NEVER happens! I think that she is getting excited about going back to school soon!

**If anyone knows where I can find children's Converse Chuck Taylors for a GOOD deal PLLLLEASE let me know! Those are the only shoes that Kira likes to wear at school, and she decided that she needs a brown pair, black pair, lime green pair, and a fun printed pair!

UPDATE: I took Kira to the doctor to day to find out why she sounded like a 3 pack a day smoker. She has some slight lower lobe pneumonia (Dr. says its nothing to be to concerned about) so she started her on a z-pack, but the GOOD news is...KIRA NOW WEIGHS 65 POUNDS! She has been so small for so long. Dr. Talley said that she is in the right height and weight range. GO KIRA!

NYC

Not a whole lot has been going on around the Hanger household. Kira FINALLY got back from NY. She had a GREAT time. We have to throw out a special shout of to her Nana and Papaw Jeff for taking her. She came home with tons of stuff. She got everyone little gifts, and took 352 pictures. Speaking of the 352 pictures...we had to sit down and click through each one and let her explain. Going to NY will be something that she will remember for a lifetime!

KIRA'S COMING HOME TODAY!

Kira should be home in 4ish hours! Ryan and I are super excited! We miss our little one! For those who don't know, she has been in New York since July 7th. She got home on the 17th, but stayed in Terre Haute with her Nana and Papaw Jeff. I hope she took lots of pictures for me to post...

PS: I am slacking on blogging--SORRY :(

RIP Papaw Redden

My Papaw Redden passed away on Wednesday July 8, 2010...His name was James Edward Redden. I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers in my family's time of need. Ryan was my complete support, and made me feel comfort. Please continue to pray for my dad while he is coping with the loss of his father.

Summer Fun!!!

We have had a really good summer so far. With school, and work its hard making time for fun, but we have managed to have some good times! Today we went swimming at my mom and dads, and boy did Kira wear me out! She played and played for over 4 hours! Then we grilled out, and made some tastey s'mores!

Miss Sophia Aubree Stephens

One of my really really good friends had her baby on June 24, 2009 at 8pm via c-section. Adam and Jennifer Stephens are the proud parents of Sophia Aubree Stephens! She is the most beautiful baby that I think I have ever laid eyes on. I am so proud of Jen. Her water broke on its own at the hospital at 5am. She was in a lot of pain, and got her epidural around 9. Around 11 she was 4cm. The baby's heartrate started dropping, so they had to sit her the the Budda position. Jen was really uncomfortable. Around 7 the doctor checked her, and she will STILL 4cm. After some discussion and thought, they knew that she needed to have a c-section. It was so exciting because they did not find out the sex of the baby! I always thought it was a girl, but the majority went with it being a boy. Mommy and baby are healthy, and I couldn't be more proud of my friend!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I have to work all weekend, so I wanted to give a little shout of to the 3 most amazing Poppas out there: MY Poppa, My Fiance, and My Brother!

You all are so amazing in so many different ways.

My Poppa will always to my first love, and I will always be his little girl...

My fiance, Ryan, is brave for being such a amazing single father. Though it had not always been easy or perfect, he has done a good job at raising such an amazing little girl. You are a great Daddy!

My brother, is easing in to fatherhood just like I knew he would. He is protective, and his world revolves around my nephew!

I hope all three of you have a great day...this is YOUR day and you deserve it. I am sorry I cannot spend it with each of you! XoXo Brooke

Another Night in Harrison Co

Tonight we were planning on going to play some BINGO, but we found out that you have to be 21. I asked Kira if she had her fake ID ready, but she didn't :). So, we went to see Up at the theater. It was really really good. Slightly on the sad side.

Speaking of sad...I miss my best friend, Jennifer. I am in a grouchy mood tonight, so I opened a bottle of wine and it made me miss her. Wining is a favorite past time of ours. It sucks having your best friend live so far away. I wish we lived minutes apart like we did in Vincennes. There is going to have to be a visit SOON.

This picture is from an amazing night in VI..."A beach in VINCENNES?!?!"

Tomorrow Ryan, Kira, and I are going fishing. The ONLY person that I have ever fished with is my Poppa. Poppa knows that I don't touch the bait or the fish. Hopefully Ryan can live up to those expectations!

I also need to give a special shout out to my brother, Greg--HAPPY 31st Birthday Brother!

We're ENGAGED!

Yup, thats right...Ryan asked me to marry him on Saturday, June 6, 2009. We went to Indianapolis for the weekend. First we went to the Indiana Wine Festival. That was a ton of fun. We got to taste all kinds of wine from different wineries in Indiana, we also saw the Gun Blossoms play. After that we got cleaned up, and went to eat at The Slippery Noodle. Afterwards he took me to the canal. At the canal he rented a private gondola. We got in and the guy was singing to us in Italian (I was chuckling about it), when the gondola turned around there was a guy standing on the bridge above us with the sign that said, "Brooke, will you marry me?" Then he pulled out the most amazing ring! Of course I said, "yes." It was probably one of the best moments in my life. The ring is absolutely beautiful...Kira helped him pick it out (they went one day while I was at work.) Now, I am ready to start planning a wedding! We are almost 100% sure on the date...October 23, 2010!

Before he asked... "Brooke, will you marry me?" The RING

Going Out of Town!

To by some time, I thought I would blog a little. I am waiting for Ryan to get home. We are going to Indy today to spend the weekend. I couldn't be more excited. I think it is much needed. Right now him, and my Poppa are playing golf. I am lucky that they have an awesome relationship. They do all sorts of "boy" stuff together.

ANYWAYS...we are leaving around 1ish. Ryan has an "agenda" of stuff for us to do. We are staying at the Hyatt downtown. There is a wine festival going on that is in walking distance, so we bought us tickets for that. The Gin Blossoms are playing, there will be a cheese and wine tasting booth, picnic, and lots more! At 7:30 we are eating at the Slippery Noodle, then I dunno what. It will be nice to get away from work and school. This is the first year that I will not be going on vacation with my parents, due to school. So, I think that we will be talking little trips like this every so often. Well...I guess I am going to go back to waiting "patiently" for Ryan to get home! Pictures and more to come!

Kira's Trip To Her Nana's

So, Kira emailed her Nana (Vicki) asking if she could come and spend the weekend with her. Kira and a busy busy girl over the summer, so it worked out that she would go the 1st weekend after school got out. Apparently they did all kinds of things, that she has not done in quite some time. After having to go to the eye doctor with her Papaw Jeff...I am pretty sure she had a BLAST. Papaw Jeff did make up for it by getting an ice cream cake from DQ! Ryan and I love seeing her having a good time doing the "simple" things. It won't be long before she will be jumping in her car heading off with friends. I know the times like these are cherished by every family member. Kira is already planning her next trip...

Thanks for the great photos Vicki!

Busy Busy Family!

So, it has been while since I have updated. We have been pretty busy people here in Harrison Co. Last Thursday my bestest came into town. We had a much needed girls day...although it did not get started without just a tad bit of craziness. Jen locked her keys in her car, and of course did not have a spare. After calling around the cheapest price that she could find was $54!!!! I decided that I would call some of the local auto places. I threw around the "Redden" name, and a guy from VanWinkles came and unlocked it for.......................FREE! Jen slipped him some money. After that we headed to Hubers for wine tasting. I have never tasted before, and found out that I like something other than "grape juice" (thats what Ryan calls the wine I drink.) We ordered fondue, sat outside, and took pictures. Then we headed to Babies R' Us to get girls for friends that are having and had babies. We then headed to the mall, then our friend Lindsay met us at Cheesecake Factory. Needless to say, I had a blast and wish that we could do it more often. Jen and I went from living exactly 2 minutes away, to living almost 2 hours away :(. I miss her like crazy, but talk often. Below are some pictures from our day out.

My next thing to blog about is my nephew. I have been babysitting him 2 Fridays a month for quite awhile now, but the time has come to for me to only focus on school. Last Friday was my last day of babysitting him on a regular basis. I have loved watching him grow, and learn new things. He is a complete doll, and I feel blessed that I have got to spend so much time with him.

My second closest friend, Jennifer Stephens, is getting ready to have a BABY! I went to her baby shower on Saturday. She doesn't know if they are having a boy or girl, so there was no pink or blue! I had a great time. While I was there, Ryan was golfing with his best friend Nick, and Kira was at her Nana's house for the weekend. I am going to have to get the pictures from Vicki (Nana), and post them on here. Kira had a complete blast! They went horse back riding, bike riding, hiking, and swimming.

The nexy big event, was that my baby cousin graduated high school on Sunday! Congrat Richard Christian!

Last, but not least, I need to wish my mom and dad Happy 35th Anniversary! They truely are what marriage is all about!

Happy 9th Birthday Kira!

So, yesterday was Kira's 9th Birthday! We really celebrated ALL weekend! On Friday we went to the movie of her choice--Night at the Museum. Saturday, her friend Rachel came over to spend the night. We made them pizzas, then they got in bed and watched a movie and ate popcorn. I was shocked when they came into our room at 10:30 telling me that they were going to bed. These girls usually stay up LATE! Sunday was our BIG day...HOLIDAY WORLD! We had a blast. We were there from open to close. Most of the day was spent in the water park. I let the girls have a little freedom, and go up and down the slides by themselves (as long as they checked in after every time.) Kira rode her 1st adult roller coaster! She rode the Raven 1st, and I didn't know if she was going to cry, pass out, or throw up...luckily she did do any. The 2nd one that she rode was The Legend...she kept her head down, eyes closed, and a smile on her face! Yesterday (her actual birthday) we had a small lunch party at her Mamaw & Papaw's. We got Kira a cake with her picture on it, just like the celeberties. Then we went to my Aunt and Uncle's for my cousin graduation party. Kira even got gifts there! One of MY personal favorite is the pink fishing pole, pink life vest, and pink tackle box she got from my parents! She of course liked everything, but her favorite part of the birthday weekend was Holiday World. We all can really tell that she is growing up into a little woman!

Rachel "soothing" Kira after her 1st adult roller coaster ride!

Kira with her cake!

THE CAKE!

SHE MADE THE LOCAL NEWS!!!

As I previously blogged, Kira collected the most amount of money at North Harrison Elementary to give to Kosair Children's Hospital. Since she collected the most money, she got to present the check to Kosair. Little did we know that she was going to be on the news. She was super nervous. Luckily, Ryan was able to make it to the hospital to see it! We are super proud!

Kosair

I wanted to send out a special thanks to everyone that gave money to Kira for Kosair Children's Hospital. Looks like she had raised the most money out of the whole school! She raised $661! This is the third time that she has raised the most money. She is 3 for 3! She really wanted to get the hospital as much money as she could. She wanted to give her allowence, but Ryan and I gave her the money instead. Last year her 2nd grade teacher did not participate in the fund raiser, and Kira was really upset. Kira is really good about wanting to give to people/places that need it. We are proud of her.

Tomorrow the school is going on a feild trip to Kosair to deliver the money. Kira will get to give the check to the hospital since she raised the most. Ryan and I wish that we could be there to see it, but I have nursing orientation at school tomorrow and Ryan cannot take another vacation day. She understands though. Anyways, I just wanted to brag on our little one! Good night!

BUSY Weekend!

Ryan, Kira, and I had a pretty busy weekend. Friday was our big yard sale. Ryan and I woke up at 5 AM to get things started. We did very very well. We sold almost everything. The stuff that we didn't sell is going to community services. Saturday, we continued our yard sale...we didn't do AS well, plus it rained!

Also on Saturday was Kira's piano recital. She did so well! She has been practicing for a really long time, and her hard work really paid off. She had a large audience...Ryan, her Mamaw, Papaw, Papaw Jake, her Nana, Wyatt, Brilla, Shelly, and myself. Afterwards Kira went with her Nana to Kintner House. Ryan, Lou Ann, Steve, Papaw Jake, and I all went o Texas Roadhouse. We had a great dinner, and great company! Afterwards Ryan and I just drove around, and sat outside. It is fun to just sit back and talk with each other. Sunday Ryan and I slept in, and then he did yard work and I went shopping! Kira and her Nana went to the movies, painted pottery, and played putt putt! She was so worn out that she crashed in bed.

We have an even busier weeks ahead...This week I have school stuff, nursing orientation at the hospital, plus the everyday things. Ryan has golf lessons (I'm hoping for the next Tiger Woods!), Kira has 2 field trips, plus we are preparing for Kira's birthday on the 25th. I better sleep while I can! Good Night

My Trip To Evansville

Yesterday I went to Evansville to vist my best girl friend, Jennifer Schmitt. I had been wanting to go for a while now, but haven't had the chance. Needless to say, we had an AMAZING time. It was just like how it was when we lived in Vincennes. She is getting married Oct. 2, 2010. We went and looked at her reception site. It is amazing, and is going to be BEAUTIFUL! We then we to a park, and played like little kids. So much FUN! Then we went and looked at wedding dresses. She thinks she found "the dress." She looked beautiful. I wasn't planning on spending the night, but decided to last minute. Ryan didn't mind. Kira asked Ryan why I had to stay haha, and that she missed me. She said she didn't miss me because she liked what I picked out for her to wear, and how I did her hair in the morning...just that she missed me...How sweet, right? ANYWAYS...we ate some amazing sushi for dinner. We were all set to go out, but we stuffed ourselves FULL so we rented The Reader, and went back to her house. We both full asleep so I couldn't tell you how the movie was. To top everything off, she asked me to be her Maid of Honor. I am so flattered and it means a lot to me. I know that it was a tough decision for her due to some other friends. I hope that I live up to what she wants and needs to make her day special.

Oh! I Forgot!

My mom gave me an amazing gift yesterday...It is a silver bracelet that says "A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend." I LOVE it! I cried!

Tonight, Kira and I are going with my Mom, Grandma, Aunt Cindy, and cousin Kate to the "Mother/Daughter Banquet" at my Grandma's church.

Happy Mother's Day...A Day Late!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers! We had a fun, and busy day so I didn't have time to blog about it yet. For me the day started at 8:30. I went over to my Grandma's. My mom was over there having fresh lemon donuts, and coffee. Then mom and I left and went home. I gave momma her presents...she got 2 HUGE Hibiscus plants, new gloves, and a birdhouse that says "The Redden's" and has their address on it. Then I came home, and got Ryan up. He surprised me with a Topsy Turvy tomato planter. Then we went to church. Kira sang A Coat of Many Colors for the whole church, and the sermon was amazing. Kira hasn't been feeling well, but she sang as well as she does when she is feeling well! After church we all went to Cracker Barrell with Ryan's mom and sister. We got her 2 hanging baskets, and a bird house like the one I got for my mom! After lunch, Ryan and I had to go to Wal-Mart...BLAH! Kira went with her Mamaw to see Oklahoma in Corydon. Then we went home. Ryan worked outside all day, while I was pricing stuff for our HUGE yard sale next weekend. We worked until 6:30, then Ryan grilled some yummy hamburgers. After dinner, Kira and I laid on the couch. She gave me the most amazing Mother's Day gift...A wonderful card, and a picture frame with her favorite pictures of us. I loved it! It was a good and busy Mother's Day!

Bats Game!

Last night, Ryan and I went to a Bats game together. His company offers really good seats. We had a good time, just goofing off with each other. After the game we came home, and sat on the front porch and listened to music. I had tons of fun, and I am pretty sure that we would agree!

A Trip To Vincennes

Last Sunday Ryan and I went to Vincennes, IN to see my best girlfriend graduate from nursing school. I am so proud of her! Jennifer will be working in Evansville on a neuro unit. Many of you may or may not know that I lived in Vincennes for a year, and that is where Ryan and I started talking. It felt funny going back there, but I would not have missed it for the world!

While Ryan and I were in Vincennes, Kira had a playdate with one of the little boys from our church. I guess that played and played outside all day. They road bikes and played games. When she got home that evening, you could tell that she had been playing with a boy because her little legs were covered with scrapes and bruises!

Spring Cleanin'

Yesterday, I decided to devote the day to cleaning. Boy did I clean! After I took Kira to school, I came back and cleaned from 8a-1p. Needless to say, our rooms and bathroom are SPOTLESS! It felt good to get that finished. When I picked Kira up from school, she took one look at her room and said it looked like a room in a magazine. My very organized boyfriend, was very happy about my progress!

Show Off Night

Here are some of the Highlights at Show Off Night!

And The Winner IS...?

KIRA!!!!

Tonight was show off night at North Harrison Elementary. Kira won first place in the 3rd grade science fair. I think I was just as excited as she was! Ryan and I had a great time looking around at all of the stuff that she has done this year. Kira's Nana from Terre Haute came, and so did Kira's Mamaw and Papaw. We had a great time!

Science Fair

For the past couple of weeks, Kira and I have been working on her Science Fair Project. Last night we put the finishing touches on it, and I took it to school today. We are hoping to atleast get 3rd place.

Quotes From Kira

She says some of the funniest things sometimes...

We always ask her what she wants to be with she grows up. One day we were in the car on our way to Corydon and out of know where she asks:
Kira: Brookie, why can't you and Daddy have cooler jobs? Working at Dairy Queen would be way more important and cooler.

Ryan, Kira, I were going into Meijer and we talk her that since she had been really good we would get her something so she says:
Kira: You all are the best parents ever!
Us: Really?
Kira to Ryan: Daddy can't you just give her an engagement ring already?!?

We were working on her science fair project and she says:
Kira: I hope Daddy keeps you as a girlfriend for a long time, because you come up with the coolest science fair projects!

Easter 2009

I am not going to try and go back and remember the last 2 years, so I will just start at the present.

Easter was just 2 weeks ago. This year Ryan and I chose to go to our own families rather than try to shove so much in! We went to our church as a family then I went to my Grandma and Grandpa Armstrongs, and he went to Papaw Jakes. Ryan and I exchanged cards, and of course the Easter bunny came to see Kira. I think she ended up getting 5 or 6 baskets this year. We can tell that she is really starting to grow up. Instead of her usual multiple egg hunting with her Aunt Stephanie, she only wanted to go to one.

After everything was over Kira and I went to see the Hannah Montana movie in Corydon. I must say...I loved it! That is one of the things that Kira and I love to do together. I don't think that we have seen a terrible movie yet.

Ooooh...So, I decided to set this up just so that we can document moments in our lives. I am not sure if anyone will read it, or even want to.

I am Brooke Redden. I am 23 years old, and have lived in Harrison Co my whole life. Little did I know that I would meet someone 8 years my senior, who has also lived here. Ryan Hanger is 31, and has a little girl, Kira, from a previous marriage. Kira is 8, almost 9. Ryan and I met on September 22, 2007 at Casey and Jerry Hanger's wedding. We got to know each other through Myspace, and finally met in person on November 22, 2007. Ever since that day, we have been together.