Onkel Grant and Tante Jessica

Hannah got a little late Christmas gift in the mail last week. 

She was so excited. . 

Grasham Christmas

Usually, on the off years, when we are not with Dan's family, we go to see my parents. 

Since my parents decided to come here this year early, we also were here for Christmas with Dan's family. 

On Christmas day, we let Hannah open the few gifts that were left under the tree, from us. We enjoyed our sweet morning together. 

As far as Dan's family, everyone was pretty much on the road to good health, so we got together. 

Christmas Eve

This was the first Christmas Eve we have not been with family. 

After my parents left a few days before actual Christmas, I felt like it was all over, pack up the decor, etc. 

I didn't of course. Dan's family had the flu, so we didn't head that way.

Early Bodi Christmas

With Dan's family, since there are so many of us, we alternate years spent with his family. 

On the off years, we go to visit my family in California. 

This year was an off year. But, they came to us ;-)

We celebrated Christmas early since they were not able to stay for actual Christmas.

Our visit was perfect.

First Family Christmas

We celebrated our First Family Christmas on December 11th this year. 

Our First Family is our small group from church. We get together every other week for fellowship and dinner. We also share prayer requests and are an intimate group where all shared is confidential. Daniel and I are so grateful for our First Family and the relationships we have.

8% in 9 weeks

So, as you know, I was determined to change my lifestyle.

I was hoping that by doing so, I would be able to help control my health issues. 

While I don't know how much good I have done yet, 

for my particular health issues, I know I will reap benefits of all kinds.

Hannah 32 Months

It's amazing to me that this sweet little girl is growing up so fast and is almost 3 years old!

Where has the time gone?

I think she is the most beautiful girl in the world.

Mail Walk

Hannah still loves to check the mail. 

 I love this time together, it is so sweet. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We sure are busy, busy this time of year! 

I have been busy working on music for church and getting over being sick.

My parents are in town and we are having a great time. 

Our home is festive and we are with those we hold dear. 

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Schlumberger Christmas Party

This year, Dan and I had the opportunity to go to his company Christmas party that was downtown at a Marriot. It's a beautiful hotel. His parents watched Hannah and let us stay the night away. It worked out well for all of us, I am so grateful for that.

Thank you Oma and Opa for keeping Hannah!

Happy Monday!

This morning, I went to the Chiropractor and while I was being adjusted, the doctor told me Hannah had gotten into my lipstick...hmm...I wasn't sure what to to expect.

 What do you think??

Saint Nicholas Day, December 6th

December 6 is the Feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop from the fourth century. He is, of course, the model for our modern-day Santa Claus, because Saint Nicholas' generosity was legendary. His generosity continued even after his death, through the many miracles (especially of healing) attributed to Saint Nicholas' intercession.

Perspective

God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

God has really been working in my heart the past few weeks.
And maybe it was in preparation for what was to come.

Happy Tuesday!

Second Annual Christmas Party

Last year we decided that we would host a Christmas party each year. 

We like to invite some of the same and some new people each year. 

I had several more on my list to invite, but I didn't get to invite them all. 

Next year, we will host again and have some new faces I hope!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Christmas? 

It's the one holiday that my house inside and out is completely decked out!

Schlumberger Kid's Christmas Party

This year we finally managed to make it to the Kid's Christmas party for Schlumberger. 

The first year, we didn't have kids. 

The second year we didn't know about it.

The third year we missed it.

This year we made it.

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, Dan's family was in town. 

I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house and I am so glad I did. 

We all had a great time together. Our days were filled with letting the kids play and baking. 

Our evenings were filled with talking and playing games.

We also celebrated my niece Emi's birthday on night.

We had a great time with everyone in town!

We're Here.

Just a quick post to let you know we are here!

We have had a lot of things going on, events, family in town, running, going here and there, etc. 

I know I am behind on blogging and I missed Hannah's month 31. 

We have so much to be thankful for. Until then, here are a few pics to hold you over!

The Christmas Tree

Christmas is my favorite holiday. 

I love the lights on the houses.

I love the smell of Cinnamon and Clove. 

And, there is NOTHING more refreshing that a fresh cut Christmas tree in your home. 

Each year, we go get a Christmas tree. 

When I lived in Ohio, my family would always go to my Grandfather's farm, because that's what he did. He was a tree farmer in Chesterland, Ohio. He just recently retired and sold the farm, moving to CA. 

I have very fond memories of many Christmas' that began with the fresh cut of our very own Christmas tree.  Having a real live Christmas tree each year, is something that Dan and I have talked about doing every year. Hannah really loves being outside and she enjoyed looking for one this year. 

After all, we did find the most perfect tree!

Hannah at 31 Months

Well, as usual, there is a lot going on with our sweet Hannah. 

She is talking more and more. We are loving her sweet personality unfold.

She is very particular and likes to be in charge, giving commands.

10 Pounds Down!

So, I am 10 pounds down and feeling great.

Once again, some pictures to keep track!

Family Fun

As usual, (and I love it) my husband is always up to something, 

brainstorming fun things for Hannah to do in the house. 

He decided to put up a swing in the house.

It's a really neat one from IKEA. 

Hannah loves to swing and this is perfect. 

It also comes down easily, a plus for when we have company :-)

First Family Thanksgiving

We meet with our First Family {Church Small Group} on Tuesdays.

We decided to have a Thanksgiving meal together this year. 

Everyone brought their favorite Thanksgiving dish and we had Roasted Chicken. 

We also built and decorated gingerbread houses together. 

We all had a lot of fun. The little kids, wanted to eat candy, and they sure did!

{candy+kids=craziness!}

St. Martins Day

St. Martins Day is celebrated on the 11th of November each year. 

We have decided to celebrate and incorporate all the German holiday festivities into our family.

St. Martin was a saint who, "started out as a Roman soldier. He was baptized as an adult and became a monk. It is understood that he was a kind man who led a quiet and simple life. The most famous legend of his life is that he once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of the cold. That night he dreamed that Jesus was wearing the half-cloak Martin had given away. Martin heard Jesus say to the angels: "Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptised; he has clothed me."

The Zoo

Our friend Jen and Maddie invited Hannah and I to the zoo for free, since they have a membership.

We headed out yesterday about 10:30 and got home around 2:00. 

The kids were so exhausted, but had a fun time!

The Great Outdoors

Hannah has figured out how to blow bubbles very well. 

She loves bubbles.

21 Days!

They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. 

I remember reading in college, several books for classes in which the emphasis was how to become an effective manager of skill and time. One of the books I read was called, The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson and a few others. 

They say," It takes 21 days of conscious effort for your brain to create neural pathways to support the new behavior and turn it into a habit."

I think a few weeks back, I talked about my new "lifestyle" that I very much wanted to become a "habit".

Well, it has. Here I am 22 days later and I am stronger now than 22 days ago!

Happy Hannah

I have many days where I feel all I do is discipline...discipline...discipline. By the time nap time comes, I feel guilty for being frustrated about how the morning went.

Today, has been a relief. Today has just been fun. Not sure what we have done differently.

I guess maybe the fact that we stayed home ALL morning made a difference.

Halloween

We were up at 7:00 a.m., as usual for our morning run. 

{We are now on day 20...(running 15 of those days) takes 21 days to make a habit right?}

A nice perk of running early in the morning is that the sun is not completely up yet, 

no direct heat, cool breeze and fresh air!

New Camera Arrived!

Our Camera arrived on Saturday.

It's amazing and I love all the settings on it. 

Here are some shots of our sweet family.

The Training Has Begun...

Daniel has been very busy with several papers, presentations, and a TON of Fourth Quarter work.

Tonight, he was practicing one of his presentations to be given on Friday.

Hannah started chiming in and showing interest.

Church Pumpkin Patch Party

This year our church had a grand event. They called it the Pumpkin Patch Party.

{There was no pumpkin patch--but bounce  houses, tons and tons of candy, 

food for $1.00 (hot dog, drink and chips) and lots of people}

They sent out 10,000 flyers to the community and collected 150,000 pieces of candy. 

Hannah is a Care Bear...yes, again this year. Once again, I usually go with what I find thrifting and that was all I found. She tried it on in the dressing room and didn't want to take it off. Great buy for $2.99!!

She loved it. 

BlogFrog

So, I am not sure who of you noticed, but at the bottom of my blog,

 it shows who has visited and when and from where{city}, etc.

I went to update the colors of the wedget and it said I didn't have an account with either of my emails, so I used facebook. 

Anyway, in order for you to let me knwo you stopped by, without telling me, BlogFrog asks that you:

"Waiting for visits from your friends. 

to ensure your friends show up, 

ask your readers to sign up for BlogFrog.

Apparently either most of you have signed up previously and that's why I see you on the "Recent Visitor's" list, or you just automatically show up. Either way, since i changed the widget to new colors and such and deleted the old, it won't show who is visiting without that message on it. 

So, if you have any idea what I am talking about, please sign up and/or feel free to give tips if you use BlogFrog too and if I have missed something. 

Thanks!

Vitamix!

My Vitamix arrived the other day. 

I was so excited. I've already made smoothies, Hummus and breadcrumbs in it. 

If you have one, try the breadcrumbs. It literally take 10 seconds. 

Take three slices of whole wheat bread, and shape them into one big ball. 

Vitamix the ball and voila, breadcrumbs!

{Read the recipe/manual for instructions on how to mix the ball, on which settings}

Happy Fall!

I love the Fall, it is my favorite time of year.
It is usually beautiful, with crisp and cool temperatures and just the perfect time to be outside.
I love watching the leaves as they change colors...{I used to anyway, in Ohio}

I wish I could say that is all true here in Houston, but it's a whopping 92 degrees today.
The leaves don't change colors and cool and crisp morning are few and far between.

I cherish those cool mornings at 53 degrees :-)

Hannah 2 1/2 {30 months}

Where, o where, has the time gone?

My sweet baby is growing up and becoming a big girl!

Here are some things about Hannah

My Motivation

As some of you know, I battle with what is called PCOS.

I am determined to change my lifestyle,
 and fight this horrible disease that effects my life in so many ways.

The Letter F

So, I guess when we do exciting things during school,
I tend to take more pictures. 

My camera is still broken, the new one is still "processing",
whatever that means,
and I have my phone to use for camera and video
--blurry, unless I act quick!

My Husband

 Today, I was a proud and honored wife. 

My husband did not do anything special for me or to me, but to someone else in need. 

Someone he didn't know, someone in need.

Camera Roll

I have so many pictures to post and with our camera that is now broken, 

I am not able to take as many pictures as I'd like. 

I also have not blogged as much as I wish I could, but we have been doing a lot of family things together and helping others, that's what life is all about, right?

Musical Bus

Hannah is crazy about dancing. If there is music playing, she is dancing. 

She begins by saying "music" and then clapping. 

The next thing you know, she is hopping and dancing in circles. 

The Great Outdoors

The weather has been so incredible nice outside and we have been soaking up the breeze!

First off, Hannah got a treat after dinner this weekend, since she ate so well.

We then went for a bike ride and to feed the ducks. 

I didn't take any pictures of the duck feeding. 

That was part of out Letter 'D' week, last week

I just thought she looked so grown up in this picture!

 Before the ride.

  At the park...she had a blast playing with Papa!

 

 She started singing her ABC's, with the musical chimes at the park.

{Just this week, she started singing, not just talking a song, but actually singing. 

I could see her nose flaring too, haha, it was so cute}

 

 

Hannah swings on the big swing now. 

 

 Trike...

Hannah got to ride her new trike. Dan and I bought this a few years ago, I think maybe when I was pregnant with Hannah?

Anyhow, she was nto quite ready for it at her second birthday, so we waited. We were doing yard work on Saturday and she wanted something fun to do, so I metnioned it to Daniel. He decided this was the perfect time to take it out. 

Hannah LOVES it! And, we all love her little bell :-)

Here she is when she first walked out and saw it all put together!

 

 Trying it out, with Papa's help!

 

 She was so proud.

 

 

 

 

 I love her expression here :-) So proud!

 Since we had been doing yard work on Saturday, 

Hannah wanted to wear sunglasses, just like Papa and Mama.

{BTW, she dressed herself this day, can you tell???}

We are just loving the cool weather, minus mosquitoes!

In Its Place

If you know Hannah, you know that she has a lot of my tendencies.

She enjoys organization, cleanliness and having things in order.

I found her setting her breakfast out the other day...

Hannah's Adjustment

Today, we ventured out to the chiropractor. 

We did not go there for me, but for Hannah. 

A couple weeks ago, Hannah was standing in her chair at dinner.

{She knows better than that}

She fell backwards and the chair back broke in pieces. 

Her poor little tailbone landed right on the bulkiest part at the top. 

She was screaming like never before!

Cake Pops!

My Great Aunt Maria is so sweet. 

With all that is going on in her life and with her own children and family, 

she still remembers me, her great niece.

Painting

We decided to paint the inside of our house. 

We have lived here for a year.

I had been very antsy to get it done, to make it feel more like home.

We picked our colors and waited till the 40% off sale and we bought all the paint. 

We picked a color for the downstairs living areas, Universal Khaki from Sherwin Williams. 

I really wanted an accent wall behind our brown sectional, so we chose Red Bay, also from Sherwin Williams. We will also paint this color in the hall bathroom downstairs. 

We also chose colors for other rooms and up stairs...more to come on those later.

We love the color choices and how everything turned out!

Brooklyn's 2nd Birthday

We went to Brooklyn's 2nd birthday party on Saturday. 

Hannah had been talking about it for a few weeks, since we got the invitation. 

She even put the invitation on the fridge and talked about Brooklyn, every day!

Oversized Socks

Hannah loves to try on "big" people things. 

Shoes, purses, coats, shirts, socks, etc. 

Letter C

Last week was letter 'C'.

I always try to incorporate activities for Hannah to do that involve the letters we are studying. 

Last week, we went to feed the 'C'ows!

Fire Truck.

Today, Hannah went to Sonshine class, a bible class for kids. 

I had been telling her since yesterday that she would get to see the Fire truck and Fire Man today. 

They had a fire tuck come today. The kids had a blast. Hannah was soaking up all the--big trucks, lots of lights, sounds and fireman. She was quite intrigued by it all.

My Favorite Hobby

Since I've started school with Hannah, I have witnessed so many precious moments. 

Yesterday at my bible study, the question was asked, "what is your favorite hobby and why?"

All I could think of was spending time with my precious girl.

Dual Language

Hannah learned how to count in German from Papa and English from Mama.

Date Night

Daniel and Hannah went out on a date tonight.

My husband was sweet and let me go out to dinner with some friends.

I love the time they spend together and I know it meant a lot to Hannah. 

She was so excited and she loves pizza, so here they are heading out to Pepperoni's Pizza.

29 Months

Lately, Hannah has become this little “girl”. She is talking so much! She talks about everything from who she played with that day, to her latest boo-boo or pictures on the fridge, etc. She even talks to herself and then laughs about whatever it is she is talking about. It is quite humorous to listen to, especially in the car, she goes on and on and on. You can actually have full conversations with her.

Tiny Tot School, Week 2, Letter 'B'

Today we started with our second week of Tiny Tot School.

Hannah did great last week. She learned about the Letter 'A', she could pronounce the 'A' sound, recognize the letter and identify words that began with the letter 'A'. She even managed to say part of her memory verse all by herself by the end of the week. 

This week, we started the letter 'B'. 

27 Years

My birthday was Saturday. 

I turned 27 and I am finally starting to feel "older". 

For a long time, I always wanted to be "older". 

I think this was because I got married so young and so many people always put me into the "young and stupid" box.

Kinderspiel

We have applied for Hannah to be accepted into a German Learning School Pre-K program, here in  Houston.  She is on the waiting list for the Fall 2013, for 3 days a week. 

We are SO thrilled and excited.

Dinner Surprise!

Last night we enjoyed Stuffed Peppers for dinner. 

We used the Green Bell Peppers we've grown in our garden and they were so delicious. 

We also had broccoli with cheese sauce for dinner.

Can you guess what Hannah's favorite part was?

Friends at Play!

I love that Hannah enjoys meeting new people and making new friends. 

She is quite extroverted, always has been.

Family Vacation Part 2

After the Discovery Museum, we headed to my parents house 2 1/2 hours away. We spent a lot of time in the pool, just relaxing and enjoying the NON HUMID weather :-) We spent some time with my Grandparents who live next door as well. We went to wish Grandpa and Grandma a Happy Birthday since both their birthdays fall in August. Hannah enjoyed watching Winnie the Pooh at Grandma's house and being rocked in the chair with her. Thanks Grandma for loving on Hannah!

Tiny Tot School Day: 1, Letter of the Week: A-Apple

Today we started Tiny Tot School. 

She was super excited!

 

Tiny Tot School

Hannah really has enjoyed learning about numbers and ABC's.

I have heard from so many mom's that they are putting their 2 year olds in preschool, we are not putting Hannah in school quite yet. I think she is still too young and we have a lot to do at home still.

Lately

We have been so busy lately that I have not been able to post. 

We have been doing a lot of new things and I have a lot to update about. 

Trivisonno Reunion Family Vacation Part 1

Hannah and I have been out of town for basically the entire month of August. Dan had some work travel while we were going to be gone, so it worked out perfectly, we were all gone at the same time and I had a place to go!

We left August 3rd to California for 12 days, that turned in to 19 days--I extended it for a week since Dan was out of town and it was cheap to do. I am glad I extended it because I also was having health issues that left me on bed rest for a bit. No worries, I am doing better now.

Hannah Grace 2 years and 4 months

I'm not even sure where to begin. 

This month has been a huge milestone jump for Hannah in several ways.

Dimebox with the Cousins!

This past weekend, we headed out to Dimebox. Dan's parents have a house and some acreage there and so we stayed there with Dan's family; his cousins Josh, Jacob and his wife Natasia and their son, Alexander, his Aunt Terry and Uncle Dempsey, Dan's parents, his sister Raya and her boyfriend Jonathan, his brother Jason and a family friend, Jenya. We had not been there in about a year. I was a little nervous because I do not like bugs and if you have ever been to Dime Box, they are HUGE.

P90

Daniel started P90 last week and I jumped on the band wagon...as did Hannah :-)

From a Season of Sadness to A Moment of Rejoicing

As you know from a previous post, we just marked 7 years of marriage down in our history together.

We had grand plans to celebrate at a restaurant this year, but with the season of life we've just been through, we decided to postpone and enjoy it at a later date.

Kathryn's Sunshine Shower

As I stated in a previous post, I hosted a Baby shower this past weekend honoring a good friend of mine, Kathryn Norman.

Garden Update

Yes, it has been way too long since I have updated about our garden. 

So, here it is.

Papa Bonding Time

Lately, Hannah has been extra clingy to her Papa and I am loving every bit of it.

Hannah's Date with Papa

On Saturday, I hosted a baby shower for a good friend of ours. 

Daniel took Hannah out for the day.
They left at 9:30 and came back around 1:30. 

They had a blast.

Papa Time

Daniel loves to spend time with Hannah. He also loves to bake.

Our 7th Anniversary

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate and love my husband. We have only spent maybe 3 or 4 of our 7 anniversaries together because of him traveling for work, or one of us out of town, or this year I had surgery.

Our Big Girl at 2 Years and 3 months

Hannah is what I consider to be a big girl. 

Downtown Houston Aquarium

First off, let me just say that this aquarium was pitiful. Yes, I should not be so harsh, but it's hard when the bar for beauty has been set pretty high elsewhere.

July 4th

For the July 4th holiday this year, we hosted Daniel's family over for a BBQ lunch.

Family Yard Work Weekend

This past weekend, we did a lot of yard work. Daniel mowed 3 times because each time he started it either rained, or he had to leave for something. On Sunday, we just knocked it all out together.

True Savings With Tanya

I must say that this entire post is dedicated to my sister in-law Tanya.

Fun with Hannah

Lately, Hannah has been having a TON of fun with play.

Weekend Roll...

Here is life from the weekend...we had such a relaxing weekend, well, kind of.

Where Naptime Takes You...

I went to check on Hannah today for nap time and this is where I found her...

New Splash Park

I took Hannah to a splash park not far from our house the other day.

2 Years and 2 Months

I'm not sure how my type-A self forgot, but I totally skipped Hannah's 2 year and 1 month update. Too busy living life, I guess that's what matters most, right?

Crops!

Here are the latest crops...Green Peppers and Yellow Tomato were picked prematurely by Hannah :-(

Hello, Goodbye!

We recently decided to sell our 2007 Honda Odyssey since we still have student loans and didn't want a car payment anymore.

A Day at the Beach

Last Thursday, my friend Claire and I took our girls down to Galveston to have a beach day.

Camera Roll

I know I said over a week ago that I would catch up on posts since we had been so busy...well, it hasn't stopped. So, here we go!

Overcoming A Parenting Challenge

First off, I'd like to say that I admire all those with multiple children.

No Fear

I have been meaning to update this post for a few days and we have been very busy, more posts on THAT, to come.

The Ball Park

Sugar Land now has their own official Minor League Baseball team called Skeeters.

Splash Park Fun

Hannah has never been to a splash park. I had to go downtown today and since I was already there, I thought why not take advantage of a great opportunity.

A Cowventure!

As you know, it's common for us to feed the cows daily. Hannah is very particular about the cow feeding. She has to have the right bucket, and mommy has to have one too and she has to hand the cows the food and if she drops it, she says uh-oh and picks it up.

Daily Happenings

Hannah is so much fun, I believe I've said before that this is my favorite age so far. She loves to laugh, have fun, help out, and can communicate so much now!

Family Fun Weekend

The month of May has been full of plans every weekend. This weekend, we had something on Saturday to attend, but we made the best of the rest of the weekend all together.

Fun Friday

Dan's mom comes over once a week to spend quality time with Hannah.

Bon Voyage Simon and Sarah!

We have had the privileged of having Dan's cousin Simon and his wife Sarah here with us since December.

Thank You...

This past week, I had Hannah draw some pictures in her Thank You cards, thanking people for coming and for the gifts they brought to her party.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

A couple weeks ago, we went to Hannah's friend's birthday party. Noah turned two!

Wednesday Fun

Hannah has been doing so well with her utensils. Lately, we have noticed that she is very good with her fine motor skills and is really good and judging distance when eating. She has been having cereal every morning and she was so cute and posing I just had to snap some shots.

Colorado

We went to Colorado a few weeks ago and I never did a blog post. We went to Colorado to see our friends and have a college reunion. Hannah had a blast with the dogs and meeting our friends--they all loved on her, it was sweet. The guys had fun building a potato launcher/gun and the gals had fun cooking/shopping/talking. We went zip-lining, which I was terrified of. I faced my fear and it was amazing. We also went to garden of the god's and that was beautiful too. Colorado was such a breath of fresh air, especially for coming from Houston where it is so hot and muggy right now. The temperature was just perfect there and the wind was really incredible. We have such great friends!