Blessings

I have been counting my blessings lately....It has been helping me get through the day. I should have started this a long time ago. Its made a big difference in how I start out every day. here is a list for 2009. I have so much to be grateful for.

My Bella and Sophie (They are a gift...I have never loved anything like I love them)
Jason...he is my very best friend and always makes me feel beautiful
My extended family...they are so supportive (most of the time) and love me no matter what. They even tell me when I'm being crazy which I love.
My dogs...they are totally loyal and cheer me up whenever I'm sad.
Friends...I have unbelievable friends that would bend over backwards to help. We have needed a lot of help this year. I couldn't be more grateful!
Food....I know this sounds funny, but its been a huge blessing that we can still feed our family despite the economic struggles we have been through.
Home...our situation has changed dramatically but knowing we will never be without a roof over our heads has been invaluable.
Snow!.....watching my girls experience snow has been amazing. The dogs love it too. Sam rolls in it, and loves laying on the big pile in the back yard. Delilah is a little less thrilled with it but loves to lap up the melted snow.
Reliable cars
An amazing job for Jason......he is being trained to take over his own Fire Sprinkler company! This is a huge blessing for us!
Little Bear...I was offered a job the first day I arrived in Big Bear...I can even bring the girls with me! Bella and Sophie get free ski lessons! Bella is becoming quite the little skier!
My cousin Jess...this is my newest blessing....My cousin offered me a job doing HR work for the military. Its an amazing opportunity and it couldn't have come at a better time.
My MIL....she has opened her home to us during our transition and watches the girls whenever we need her to. She ahas been amazing!

I have so many blessing I cant name them all....so count your blessings. You might Surprise yourself ;0)

Elf yourself!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Yes we are still alive!

Its been a LONG time since my last post. Things have been a little upside down for the Hanna household. Now that we are kinda settled  I can post an update. We moved from the sunny state of Arizona to brave a snowy winter in Big Bear Ca! Since we moved here it has been very snowy! Its definitely a huge lifestyle change. J is still in AZ tying up a few loose ends. I got a job working at the ski slopes in the "Little Bear" ski school. I start tomorrow. Its so perfect considering the girls can come to work with me and we all get free lessons and lift passes. Ive met some really sweet and helpful people since we got here. It was definitely welcoming and reassuring.

J and Jean both got webcams and Skype. It has been so nice to be able to "see" them. Its the next best thing to them actually being here. Barb and her girls came over to use J's webcam today. It was so nice to see them too. B was thrilled to see her best friends! I was happy to see Barb too. I miss our afternoon play dates so much.

Check out B and S playing in the snow and sitting by the fire. So precious!

Quote of the "Monday"......something to help you get through the week...

Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget...

Changed

Some people touch your heart and will leave you forever changed!

The big M-O-V-E

So we are doing it..the big M-O-V-E. It's time. Packing is not fun. J's mom has so graciously opened her home to us while we transition to a new state. The girls and I will move first so that I can get a job before J joins us. Its scary and exciting. We will experience living in the snow for the first time. We are not looking forward to splitting up our family for a long period of time so please pray that I find employment quickly so that J can be with us as soon as possible. We are happy that we are doing this before our kids start kindergarten so we don't have to have them change schools. 

Next week will be my last week doing Daycare. I will miss the kiddos terribly. Jonathon has been with us since he was in diapers...I cant believe what a handsome little man he has become. I'm sure we will keep in touch. There will be many letters and pictures sent so be on the look out Nicole!
B has told Mallika that she will miss her too much and suggested that she let her live in her room!
I have grown very attached to baby Nishaunt (Nishanty Elephantie). I started watching him when he was 5 weeks old. He is now five months...I am sad that I wont get to see him when he starts crawling and walking.

On a brighter note I am looking forward to a winter filled with sledding and building snowmen. I cant wait to put my girls in warm footie jammies while we sit by the fire. It will be just two short hours to San Diego to see my family, and the girls will get to spend some much needed time with their Grammie, who has not gotten to see much of the girls this year. It will be new and refreshing. This has been a trying year for us and a new start is just what we need.

Halloween fun!

I have to admit I was not looking forward to Halloween this year. For the first time ever J was going to have to work. Jean was there to cheer me up though! We went trick or treating at her sisters house with a BIG group of kids. My girls had a blast! B was the cutest Belle ever, and S was a pink and green fairy.

B wore her costume in the Gymkhanna in the morning...It was a last minute decision since the grass skirt (for the luau themed costume) sounded a lot like a snake and I was concerned about Sassy horse getting spooked. Id post pictures but I forgot my camera AGAIN.

Super Fun San Diego weekend!

homemade Christmas

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year now that I have kids. They see a wonder in Christmas that as adults we can't see anymore. The delight in their faces on Christmas morning is something that I look forward to.

Christmas has become so commercialized now. I don't want my kids to start getting caught up in the hoopla of receiving. I have adopted the less is more attitude about Christmas. My favorite gifts are ones that some one has put thought into.

Last year, J's cousin (who is a high school student) made the girls a cradle in wood shop. My kids have played with it every day since.

This year I have started early on my homemade gifts...here is my list:

Home made doll diapers and bibs

flannel board

memory game (made out of family pictures)

Ocean in a box http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2008/09/ocean-wonders-wednesday.html

I spy bags

art smocks

I better get to work on it all....its gonna take me a while! Ill post pictures as they get finished.

I love being a SAHM!

I came across this article on a blog I follow called Anniescupboards. I absolutely love it! I hate it when people without children ask "what do you do all day?". Its not exactly easy to put into words. Being a stay at home mom is a joy and a selfless sacrifice. Its also the most rewarding job I have ever had. I love my little girls and feel privileged to have the opportunity to spend this precious time with them but sometimes I find myself pulling my hair out and wishing I could be the one going to work. At the end of the day, after I tuck them into bed and they give me goodnight huggels and snuggles...I can honestly say I have the best, most important job in the world!