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.

.

* 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

Disneyland!

As most of you know we took Hannah for the first time to Disneyland a couple of weeks ago! All in all it went great! Hannah was quite the trooper. She LOVED the parades and I'd say her second fav was The tiki tiki room... it probably had something to do with Kev playing the soundtrack in his car for her multiple times. We had some good friends along for the ride and that made it even more special! Here are some pictures from our trip.

The Christmas Tree

When we first got in the park, Hannah saw Pluto and was soooo excited! So we took her up to meet him and as you can see she wanted to get as far away as possible. After that we loved all the characters from afar.

walking into Disneyland for the first time.

Hannah's excited face

Waiting outside Disneyland... almost time to go!

Hannah's first pair of ears. This is the only picture I got where she wasn't crying while wearing them.

Family picture in front of the castle

Hannah and Daddy watching a parade

picture perfect photo op!

Dinner at Downtown Disney's Rainforest Cafe

Last night in Disneyland, on the CA adventure side!

pumpkin patch cont'd

here are a few more pics from the pumpkin patch trip. Hannah loves animals and they had a petting zoo that she thouroughly enjoyed, as well as some pumpkins almost as big as she is!

pumpkin patch train

A few weeks ago Kev, Hannah and I went to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm with some friends of ours. Just my luck, I misplaced our camera and our camcorder! What kind of blogging mother am I anyway?!?
Luckily, Larissa had hers along and sent me a few of the snapshots. They had a little wooden train that Hannah had a blast on! Here are just a few of the pics!

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

I cannot believe it's been a year since Hannah Lynn entered our lives! Everyone tells you how time flies once you have children, but you can't fully comprehend it until you experience it for yourself. This year has truly been a whirlwind. It's flown by in a blur. It's been filled with laughter, milestones, and sadly tradgedy as well. For those of you who don't know, my Uncle was killed in a hiking accident. It was a horrible blow to our entire family, so unexpected and so... well, unfair. He was an amazing man and I looked forward to my children knowing him and his laughter, stories and songs as I had. I miss him terribly but I take comfort in knowing that he is home with our Lord and Savior and we will see each other again some day.

We celebrated Hannah's birthday on the 15th this year, although her actual birthday is the 17th (which was a Monday this year). Kev's Mom Debbie and her husband Roy were able to come out from Florida, which was a blessing as they were able to stay for a little over a week. My brother and his family were also able to come down from Oregon for the occasion. We were so excited to see everyone and celebrate, Hoffmann style! Translation: we had a big BBQ, complete with bounce house and lots of fun. Here are some pictures of the party. I also thought I'd add a few of Hannah's 1 year photos. Hope all is well with everyone. I promise to attempt to be a little more diligent in the blog posting. Attempt being the key word :)

A view of the backyard, ready for the party

The bounce house

The ball pit- an early birthday present from Daddy. The kids loved it!

Had to show you a picture of my ladybug cupcakes, handmade with love!!

Present time!

Hannah oozing cuteness, as usual.

blogging with a broken heart

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times

And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you

But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry

Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways

The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know

But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same

Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes

And in Christ, there is no end

So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have

To see you again...

To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Uncle Don~ I love and miss you sooo much. I look forward to the day when we will be together again. Until then... you have my heart.

Love,

Annika