Winter is ending

So here we are again... almost another year has come and gone. I realize and have come to accept that I do not make blogging a priority. We do, however, have many friends and loved ones that live away from us and would like to hear about our "goings on". So lots has happened since last year so much that it would take more time than I am willing to commit to catch up. So here are the highlights: Hans graduated in May 2012 and yes folks, I have finally posted some pictures for it. Better late than never right?!? It is not from lack of love. I finished up my Bachelors degree which does not mean much to my present career since I was already employed as a hygienist but I know have a four-year degree of Science and Dental Hygiene. My Mom is happy so now I match with them- except Dad Ruben got a Masters but that is besides the point. At least I can say I persevered even when I did not want to and it is done--hooray! We sold our condo in Anchorage during the summer and lived in our same area while we searched for a house. We looked in Anchorage in our price range and was not thrilled with the prospects--especially me. So we gave in and decided to look in the Valley which includes from like Eagle River out to Palmer/Wasilla and such. We looked at 5 houses that day and found "the one". I really liked it from the first minute we stepped in and that was new to Hans. I had been mostly silent throughout the walk-thrus just wondering if I could actually be happy with the house we were looking at. We talked it over, ran the numbers and prayed about it. Long story short we moved in the middle of January to our new abode in Wasilla. It was really taken care of by the previous owner and though it is 12 years new or so it still is in great shape and totally move-in ready. It has an acre with a 3-car garage, lots of grass and some trees around the back and side. We do have a partially obstructed view of the mountains and inlet which is great. I think the best view is out the kitchen windows at the sink. So when I am doing dishes I can take in the beautiful scenery. We are getting settled in and are on our way to being un-packed. Hans is enjoying the garage which one side is his shop for now until we can build him a separate one. We both are still working in Anchorage for now and commute from here which is a bit of a drive around 50 miles each way. I work 2 days in Anchorage and just started picking up some other shifts closer to home in Wasilla. Hans works swing shift right now so he misses all the traffic that I get to sit in and enjoys seeing the sun finally. He seems to be enjoying this change over working nights. He is due to start a new job for the city of Anchorage working on the public transit buses so we will see what shift he gets then. We are hoping and praying it will be an OK one and not nights again. We celebrated 6 years of marriage last month on the 16th. We took a little weekend getaway to Seward which was a much needed, relaxing trip. It is about time for our annual pilgrimage to Fairbanks this month to see the ice sculptures and go to the hot springs. Last year was pretty rough on us since the car broke down during the trip and needed a new engine. This year should prove to be much less eventful (in a good way). We are not sure if any of our Anchorage friends are doing the road trip with us this year. We do have friends in the area up there that we plan to visit while we are in town. I will try to actually post pictures (or actually take them this year since last year we just didn't feel like it). I also need to post pics of our home. We are excited for our new adventures in this area and to see what life brings us this year. We are anxiously awaiting children to bless our home. We hope and pray that this year is the one that we get to expand our family. The weather here seems to be changing for the better which is just fine for me. I look forward to the snow being gone so I can go out and enjoy our yard this year and be warmer!! Well, I am not sure if anyone really even checks our blog out anymore since it has been so dormant but if you are here--WELCOME! and I hope to keep up with some updates and post some of the good and funny moments that come our way.