Merry Christmas!

I have always been quite a fan of Christmas. I love the lights, the carols, the decorations, everything!! This year has been especially wonderful because of a pretty little curly-haired girl named Hannah. Children just add a whole new level to the wonder of Christmas. We had a great Christmas this year, getting to spend time with both Kev's and my family.
This is the first year that Hannah's been excited about all the festivities. Last year she was too little and it was a little overwhelming. This year she LOVED it. Everytime someone would come over for a visit she would point out our tree. This would get her so excited that she break out into a dance in the middle of the living room.
Christmas Eve was spent with Kevin's side of the family. We started the evening with attending a Candelight Christmas Eve service, truly the best way to start out the holiday. It was a wonderful reminder as to what the true celebration is all about: Jesus! Then we headed back to our house for dinner and presents. I have to tell you all the funniest little story from the ride home that night. My 6yr old niece and nephew decided they wanted to ride home with us from church. No problem, hop on in! Hannah was super excited that she had someone riding in the back with her and chattered the whole way at the two of them. My niece finally lets out an exasperated sigh and says " I'm sorry, Hannah I don't speak Spanish!" I'm so used to her 'Hannah-speak' that I forget how hard she can be to understand at times!
Regardless, the kids had a blast. It was a very nice evening.
Christmas day was spent with my family. My older brother and his family were able to come down from Oregon and spend the day with us. It was so fun having the whole family together for the day. This year has been so full of the Lord's mercies and blessings that this was a truly wonderful way to end it.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas celebration as well. My prayer for everyone is that the year to come would be one that would bring us closer to Our Savior and each other. Our love to you all!
~Annika, Kevin and Hannah.


Hannah showing Aunt Carrie something very important, I'm sure.


The kids and their loot


Hannah and I...it was my turn to wear the princess crown.

I didn't have my camera on Christmas day, so once I get some of the pictures from family I'll post those as well. Til next time!!

Thankful

Thankful: greatful; feeling or showing gratitude

I know this is all a time of year where we all try to focus on the many blessings our Lord has given us and try to maintain a thankful heart. This past year, our whole family has been trying to live that greatfulness on a daily basis. No matter what the situation, or how we may be feeling at that particular moment, it really does make a difference to make an effort to try and maintain a greatful attitude. One of Hannah's favorite shows is Veggie Tales. In one of the episodes the characters sing a song about having a thankful heart. The lyrics say "a thankful heart is a happy heart. I'm glad for what I have, that's an easy way to start." So I thought I'd start off my grand re-entrance to blogging telling you all about what I'm greatful for.

*I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior. Things are not always easy. I stumble a lot in my daily walk with Him. But He's always there to pick me up. He encourages me. He gives me hope, He is my hope. He stretches me (more than I'd like at times) and I am a better person because He is my center.

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* I'm thankful for my amazing husband. He's an encourager, no matter what the situation. He is stable and steady and loving. He is an amazing father, provider and friend. I am blessed to share this journey with him and love him more than I can say. I am a very lucky girl. He brings to this family a light and love that would otherwise not be here. He is hilarious and there is lots of laughter here because of him

* I am thankful for my beautiful daughter. Hannah has taught me more than I could ever begin to list here, and she's only 2 years old. Because of her I love differently. I am more aware of how simple things can make a big impact. I love how she looks at life, and so wish that innocence could stay with her forever. I am thankful that the Lord chose to bless my life with her. She has a kind and gentle spirit, which I am truly thankful for. She loves life!

*I am thankful for our home. I am thankful for the Lord's presence in our home and the peace that resonates here because of it. I am thankful for the roof that doesn't leak and the heater that works. I am thankful for the food in my refigerator, even if it isn't always what I "feel" like eating at the time, we have never known hunger.

*I am thankful for my job. I am truly blessed to work in a place where miracles are an everyday occurence. I am thankful for the amazing group of nurses that I get to work with and share life with.

*I am thankful for the ability to share my life with a wonderful group of friends. God has truly blessed our family by those people He has surrounding us. They are a source of encouragement, love, and laughter. They are a true treasure to us and make life lots of fun.

I know this time of year can be stressful, especially with all that's going on right now. Hopefully we can still take a little time out to truly stop and look at the blessings we have in our lives.

I have to go now...Hannah's throwing a fit and has started literally throwing things. She knows how to get your attention, I'll give her that!

"Behold! What manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called sons and daughters of God." 1 John 3:1