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

Memorial Day Weekend!

This past weekend my Mom, Hannah and I went on our first road trip. We went down to LA for a graduation. Christina, my best friend since high school, was recieving her Masters degree. We couldn't miss such an important event, so down I-5 we went, girls trip!!! Before we left, Kevin went and got my car all washed up! She looked so nice I thought I'd take a pic and post it here for all to see:)

The graduation was very nice. It was in the evening so we weren't stuck in the sun. Hannah behaved like a perfect little lady. She entertained all those in her general area, but did not get loud or interruptive. Kudos once again to Kev who downloaded a veggie tales video onto my phone. She watched intently during the ceremony and stayed very quiet.

Graduation ceremony. I know you can't see her, but Christina is heading toward the podium to collect her diploma.

Hannah at the graduation.

Christina and I after graduation.

The next day was the graduation party. It was at a nice little park in Seal Beach. It was quite a sunny day but there was a nice wind so you didn't feel the heat so much. Positive side to this, you get to enjoy a beautiful sunny day without feeling like you're burning up! Negative side to this, you burn up without realizing it! Thankfully I thought ahead and lathered my dear baby girl in SPF 50 lotion and dressed her for the occasion.

So while Hannah didn't get burned whatsoever, I got burned to a crisp. Better me than her though, right? Hannah also made some new friends on our trip. After all, who could resist that cute little face?

We had a wonderful trip. Christina. I am so proud of you and all that you've accomplished. Thank you for letting us be a part of your celebration. We love you and can't wait to see what you're going to do next! PhD maybe???

A moment in the lawn

This evening I took Hannah out into the front yard. There was a nice breeze outside and I thought it would be nice to go outside for a little while. I tried to stand her up in the grass but she quickly lifted her feet. It was obvious the grass was too prickly for her tender little feet. So I sat down in the grass with her. Starting on my lap she showed an interest in everything around her. The trees, the cars, the birds, everything! You can just see it in her eyes as she was taking everything in.
In no time at all, Hannah was sitting in the grass in front of me. She was loving it! I turned her around to face me so I could more closely monitor all the things that Hannah was quickly finding to stick in her mouth. It was then that I noticed something. As Hannah continued to explore the world around her, sitting happily in the grass, her right leg was all the way off the ground. No matter what she did, she kept that leg held up out of the grass!!! She didn't seem to pay any attention to it, but diligent she was! The dogs came out and kissed her, almost knocking her over, but did that leg touch the grass??? Absolutely not!!! It was adorable! And so, of course, we were able to document the event with some pictures. Enjoy...

"I'm not so sure about this whole grass thing, Mom..."

Note the pointed toe and the beautiful extension of that lifted leg... a ballerina in training.

Take 2

Hannah and I spent some more time out in the little pool this afternoon and things went much better. This time I went out prepared, in my own suit, and ready to get wet! I set her down in the pool with no water in it whatsoever and she fussed a little bit at first. (Not the death curdling screams of yesterday, mind you so I knew we were headed in the right direction!) Then I turned on the little water spout as low as possible. Really, it was just a dribble but it was perfect for my timid little Hannah. Added bonus? The hose had been sitting out in the sun so the water was warm! After only a few minnutes she was a happy splashing baby! We only spent 15-20 minutes out side, but it was perfect. She had a good time and was ready to take a nap when we came back in. This time I was able to get a couple pictures and a little video clip as well.

Hannah in her hippo pool, not smiling but not crying either!

Hannah trying to eat her pool

A new experience

The last week has brought the heat back to Sacramento, and it's only April! At Target today, I decided to pick up a little wading pool for Hannah. It's this cute little hippo and has a little area where you can put the hose and it spouts out water. Soooo, when Daddy got home from work today I had the little pool all ready and put on Hannah's swimsuit. I didn't put much water in the pool itself. I knew it was going to be cold and I just wanted her to get used to the new pool first. We stood her in the pool and she turned and looked at me and SCREAMED!
You would have thought she was being tortured! Kev turned the little spout on thinking that it would catch her attention and help her enjoy this new experience. Wrong. It simply made her scream louder. Bummer. We weren't able to get any pictures to capture this glorious moment. Maybe next time.
As I brought her back in the house, Kev pointed out that I was more wet than she was. I was hoping if she saw me having fun in the water, she'd want to too. Nope. She was brought in and changed into PJ's and she was still telling us how much she didn't like the water. Good grief!!!
10 minutes later she had calmed down some so I called my family to ask a quick question. The minute I started talking to my brother, Hannah felt the need to tell him all about her horrible experience. Can they be drama queens at such a young age??? I'm beginning to think so...

Happy Easter!

What a beautiful Easter Sunday! I pray that everyone enjoys this wonderful day of celebration, remembering the true reason for the celebration. (hint: it has nothing to do with bunnies or choclate, although I enjoy both as much as the next gal)
He is risen!!! Have a wonderful day!


"Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.
And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and they became like dead men. The angel said to the women,
"Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying."
"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me."
Matthew 28:1-10

Mom and Hannah ready for church in our Easter best!