Progress!!!

Hannah is down for a nap after a fun trip to the park. I thought this would be a good time to catch everyone up on all that's going on with us. Life is good! Kev got a promotion at work about 6 months ago and is absolutely loving work. Hannah is growing like a weed. She is a ball of energy from the moment she wakes up to the instant she finally falls asleep at night. I'm still at Sutter on the High Risk Maternity floor and loving it!
Our biggest news, most of you have probably already heard. For those who haven't, here it is: We have bought a new home! We are sooo excited to be moving into a bigger place. We are staying in the area, just moving farther into Elk Grove. It's a fairly new development, with several builders in the area. It's a perfect time to buy, we are getting a lot of house for a good price. It's also a bad time to sell, so we'll be renting out our existing home. The house is being built for us so we got to pick out the lot, pick out the cabinets, the carpet, the whole shebang! That has been a lot of fun!
We started this whole process in late January. We were told to anticipate the whole process to take around 6 months, pending weather. Well wouldn't you know its rained straight for what seems like the last 2 months!!! Anyway, I'm happy to say that things are finally starting to move and we're hoping to be in our new home by July, August at the latest.
Here are some pictures of whats happened so far:

This is a picture of what the outside of our house will look like.


This was our lot before anything was started. We will have a 20 foot side yard...Kev was very excited about this. We have some actual space between us and our neighbors!

Trenched!

Hannah in the trenches...

Frame up and plumbing and electric box in place


gravel down and covered...ready for the big rain front coming through. As of today, the rebar was in place, the foundation should be complete by the end of the week! Then comes the REAL fun of watching the house take shape!

last but not least, a shot of our granite, carpet, cabinets and tile for the house. We will keep you all posted with updates and pictures as things progress!

Hello Sunshine!

Things were looking pretty dreary around here for awhile. I know anyone who does not live in California will probably laugh so hard they'll have tears streaming down their face, but I'll say it anyway. IT'S BEEN COLD AROUND HERE!!! It's been foggy, rainy, and REALLY cold. We have been staying inside trying to stay warm, only leaving the warmth of our home when truly necessary. Ok, so that may have been a little dramatic. Any way you slice it, it's been cold and dreary around these parts for quite awhile.
Then a few days ago, the clouds parted, the wind stilled and (drumroll please) the sun came out!!! Woo hoo!!! So needless to say, we have been outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine! Hannah has found a new favorite place to play.

Hannah has had a blast sliding and running and climbing her little heart out. We found a new park that's geared toward toddlers. It's perfect for her. There's nothing there that she can't play on, slide down or climb up.
She's also become quite the little socialite. There hasn't been a day at the park where she hasn't made some friends. It's been so fun watching her play! Last year Hannah definately had a blast at the park, but she was much more timid about the slides and such. Those reservations are gone! Now our biggest problem is leaving. There hasn't been a trip to the park that hasn't ended in big fat tears. She never wants to leave! She would stay there all day and night if you'd let her. Every conversation begins with the park or sliding. She wakes up in the morning, and the first words out of her mouth are "park, Momma?" I fear I've created a monster.
There is an upside to all of this. This great little park is just a quick little walk from our new house....

2011 already??

So here it is the 4th day of the new year. I have been keeping up on all my beautiful friends blogs and everyone has beaten me to the punch with blogging about their goals and desires for the year to come.
Honestly, I'm not sure what to say. A new year always seems to bring a fresh start. New beginnings, do-overs if you will. What stunk in the last year that I want to change in the coming year? If I listed every goal that has run through my head, you all would still be reading this well into 2012. So instead of putting us all through such torture, I decided to simply list my top 3. So here it is. Hang on to your hats, people because here is my wish list for 2011:

1) Get a maid. This goal seems far more attainable to me than wishing for 4 arms, 8 legs and 2 heads to get my house clean myself.

2)Get a cook. But not just any cook! I want one who can whip up pizza, cheeseburgers, french fries (an occasional salad would be alright)and all kinds of desserts that will taste fabulous and all remain under 500 calories. Total.

3)Win the lottery. This goal is truly for the loved ones in my life. I promise when this goal is fulfilled, I will share the wealth. Literally.

So there you have it. It's not to much to ask, is it? My thinking behind this list was if these goals were fulfilled it would simply leave me that much more time to be the mother, wife and friend that I need to be; and if these seem to out of reach to attain in the next 365 days, here are my runner ups:

1) Love better.
I have an amazing family. I love them more than I can say. Where I struggle is showing them that love in a tangible way on a daily basis. I never want to stop trying to be a better mother, wife, & friend.

2) Play harder.
It is our family's goal to get out and play. Every day. Whether it be 5 minutes or an all day thing, playing together is important, and we don't do it nearly enough.

3) Smile daily.
"A smile confuses an approaching frown."
Studies show that smiling (whether you are feeling it or not) makes you happier. Who wouldn't want to be happier?

My hope and prayer is this:
That the Lord will truly bless and keep you in the year to come, no matter what gets thrown your way.
All my love!
~Annika