Hanna's Home

Clean and Shiny

On Sunday Hanna helped me clean the inside of my car. What a big helper. I've never seen a 4-year old vacuum so intensely. That's the thing about Hanna. She tries so hard at all she does. I wonder where she gets that from?? We did need to solicit dad's help in getting kid's stickers off leather. Through the winter months, she has been slowly decorating the back of mama's seat. She promised no more stickers on car seats from now on.

"Mama, it's fun to clean together." Actually, it was.

I don't know about you, but I love the feeling of driving a clean car.

Spring Boost

It's so nice to regain my weekends and not be working seven days a week. Brad and Miss Hanna have been troupers in supporting my busy season. I'll admit, it was tough some nights to be phoning Hanna from work at 8:30 pm to say good night. But kids are resilient (tougher than moms!) and Brad did an amazing job in holding down the fort!

I used this opportunity to teach Hanna about working and doing something you love and how the money earned helps provide for all the things we enjoy.

I am glad to be able to slow down at work just in time for spring. We've had such amazing weather here and I've been using every opportunity to get outside for some much needed Vitamin D!

We took a trip to Elbow Falls. Hanna was so excited to show me the water. And of course, she's always got a pose for the camera.

"Stand like this dad!"

She was the smart one who put her sunglasses on. We squinted!
(oh dear, my tired eyes reflect the many hours of proofing I did the day before...)

 

Time with my little family is precious.
 
 

Flying with Pride

Dear Hanna,

Your report card from Teacher Lori this week is glowing with praise and encouragement for the beautiful, smart girl that you are. To hear that you help others at school with their snacks, and that you take your time to do a great job in all that you do, and that you are advancing so quickly with all your letters and numbers fills my heart with pure joy. I am so proud of you.

From day 1, my desire has been to teach you how to fly -- to nurture the confidence in you so that you could know that anything you set your mind to is possible. Lately, I see you growing wings of your own, excelling so quickly and with such enthusiasm to learn and practice.

Know this: I will always be your wings. I will always be a soft place for you to rest when you don't feel like flying.

But, my sweet angel, how I love to watch you soar.

Love Mom

When You're Five Hanna!

 
Hanna's been bugging me about getting her ears pierced. I said when she's 5. But in the meantime, I found some clip on danglies in the bottom of my drawer to try. She digs them! What do you think?

 

Under Construction

(This conversation happened while brushing teeth in 'Hanna's bathroom' upstairs.)

"Mom, remind me to tell dad that I'd like him to build something."

"What's that Hanna?"

"My own bathroom."

"Well, Hanna... this bathroom is like your own bathroom."

"No... in my room, like you and dad have."

"Oh, I don't think we have enough room for a bathroom in your bedroom."

"I could clean up some of my stuffies and barbies."

"Well, that would be a good idea anyways... but I think we need more space than that for a bathroom."

"Oh I know... how 'bout in my closet??"

"That's an interesting option... it still might be a bit tight, sweetie. Plus we already have 4 bathrooms in our house Hanna. That's probably enough for three of us."

(and with a 'what-do-you-know-mom' toss of the head...)

"I'll ask dad tomorrow."

The things she thinks of. It's like her mind is always under construction! To think that when we grew up, many families of 4 and 6 shared a single bathroom.

Let the Pretty Lady Sing

This time of year brings about mixed emotions for me. I'm excited about the New Year and what feels like new possibilities but I also sense some sadness as I can't help but notice dreams untouched... and another year gone by. So yesterday I promised myself I would sing more this year. Not necessarily perform... but just sing. For the pure joy of it.

I have such a gift to pass on to Hanna and she is a blossoming performer. I wonder what gift you could share with others that you currently aren't. And why not?

Let the pretty lady sing. 

A New Year, a New Decade

Yesterday we went for a little family New Year's Eve dinner. In celebration of a new decade, we took some pictures. Hope you enjoy...

 

Ah, the many faces of Hanna. We never have to guess how she feels!

And my favourites...

 

 

Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you all that your heart desires. May you follow your inspiration wherever it leads, chasing rainbows of fun and laughter.

Love Miss Hanna, Brad and Paula (cuz that's what she calls us these days!!)

Are you coming home Mama?

 

This picture captures a moment I'll never forget. After struggling with the flu this past week, I went to see my doctor who then sent me to Emergency to get checked out. (You sure do get the royal treatment when you have flu-like symptoms and have just returned from Mexico!)  A long story short, and 10 hours later, I was able to phone Brad to come pick me up so I could go home and continue recovering. 

Completely wiped, I got into the car to be greeted by this adorable girl dressed in PJs in the back seat. Are you coming home Mama?

Yes, Miss Hanna.

(and I'm so glad I had my camera and the energy to take this picture. She put a big smile on my face!) 

Christmas Wish 2009

We're busy in Saskatchewan celebrating Christmas with the Danylchuk family, but wanted to say Merry Christmas to all at Hanna's Home. Thanks for continuing to follow our story and share your comments and well wishes. (It's such a treat hearing from you!!)

May this Christmas season shower you with love and laughter, good health and good cheer. May you take time to celebrate all that is precious to you. And may you always know that you are loved.

Merry Christmas Hanna. You light our world in wonderous ways.

Love and hugs, 
Mom 

Smarty Pants

Today Hanna and I had a conversation about listening to each other and helping each other out. When that didn't work, I had another conversation about taking away her Barbie, which then prompted this response from Miss Smarty Pants:

"If you take my Barbie away cuz I'm not listening, what are you going to do with it? Give it away--maybe to Danika? Or throw it in the garbage??"

"Mom, I'm asking you a question. What are you going to do with it?"

(slight pause followed by a resounding nod...)

"I know Mom! I think you should sell it. Then we could buy a new TV so dad doesn't need to keep hitting this one."

NOTE ABOUT OUR TV: It's temperamental and on its way to TV Heaven very soon. But if you hit it on its side, it sees another day of light! Hanna is learning these very important tricks!