Our Aweful Beautiful Life

Today  I am thankful for: 1. This blog. I'm thankful for this online journal I've taken time to do, even if I don't do it often. This blog & my xanga.com page have helped me capture moments in time in this crazy hectic life. Special moments. Special photos. Special memories are all captured here, and I can go back to them at any time. 2. Other folks blogs. I really enjoy "Following" a few other friends and their blogs. I enjoy hearing about their family happenings or in my cousin Trisha's case, the wild "once in a lifetime adventure" that her family has embarked upon this year in New York City. She'll be so thankful she captured this moment in time. I enjoy the funny stories, the stories that make me stop and think (thank you, Jeans Boots) and the photos of family and friends children as they grow. I'm thankful that they allow me to "be a part of their life" through their blog. 3. Cold Blustery Winter Days....preceding Chr...

Today I am thankful for: 1.Angels. I really do feel like I've got a few people up in Heaven who are doing their best to keep an eye out for me and my loved ones. I had the opportunity to be loved by them (and to love them) when they were here on earth and now that they are in Heaven, I really do feel like they are watching over us. I'm thankful that although his little memory can't possibly still remember them, Colton speaks of Joe (Kathy's Joe) and Great Grandma Hall as if he really does remember them. When we say our prayers at night, we always end with a "God bless..." and Colton lists off the people he'd like to bless. And then, we always ask Joe & Grandma to watch over us. Granted, Grandpa Hancock, Grandpa Hall are both there too, along with numerous other loved ones and friends. We are blessed! 2. Lazy nights in. Although, I'm not sure even on the laziest of nights in, I'm ever really that lazy. There's supper to be made, messes t...

Today I am thankful for: 1. Electronic Communication. I'm thankful that within a few strokes of the keyboard, I can email my Mom at work, or my circle of girlfriends to share a funny story or ask for advice, recipes, make plans, etc. I love that with in a matter of minutes I've typically heard back from whomever I've emailed and it's almost like actually talking with them. You know, in person. There's where I'm cautious about this gratitude. While e-communication is the wave of the future and super convenient, I think that it takes a way a HUGE piece of interpersonal communication. It makes it so that people are less outgoing and talkative. So, I guess I should restate this gratitude. I'm thankful for e-communication while at work. Once I'm home, I'm thankful that I don't have the internet (except for one my phone) and that I'm forced to talk face to face with my husband and kids and learn about the excitements of their day. 2. Random fun...

6 years ago, when I said I do...I don't think I fully considered the consequences of that action. That meant "I do", to everything. EVERYTHING, people. Including deer heads. (Can I place a disclaimer that I did NOT sign up for deer heads when I said "I do"?) Allow me to share. Jason, although not necessarily encouraged by his Dad, picked up the hobby of hunting from dear friends way back when he was just a young boy. He's grown to love it, and I can honestly see the love in his eyes as he teaches his brother Jacob and now Colton to love to hunt as well. And I can support that habit  hobby, for a while each year. Until the costs of participating begin to add up. Until the number of hours in a tree stand or in the woods outweigh the number of hours at home with our family or until the amount of deer meat in my freezer over runs any available space for things like frozen vegetables, bread & cheese (you know, things you must have to complete your meal of d...

Today I am thankful for: 1. My washing machine and dryer. This one is a love hate. I'm thankful that I have the efficiency to clean our clothes (which pile up quite quickly) in the warmth and comfort of my own home rather than going out to a laundry mat, etc. However, what I hate is how quickly things pile up. This is in part thanks to my 3 year old (who shall remain nameless...haha) who feels the need to change his outfit to match every situation throughout the day. For example, if he's going to be playing basketball, he'd like to wear an armpit shirt, shorts, tall socks and tennis shoes, but if Dad mentions working outside, he must put on jeans, a t-shirt, sweatshirt & new socks. Then, if he wants to help Mom in the kitchen, he typically will put on sweats or another tshirt to match this mood, and will sometimes randomly want back into his pj's before the day is over. Perhaps it's an early sign of schizophrenia??  Regardless, since the kid produces so much d...

I love this time of year because I enjoy coming up with random fun things to do with the kids to help them really enjoy the season. I have always loved the Christmas season because of the many memories of my childhood. I can remember kicking off Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving with the Wolcott Elementary School Craft Bazaar. I got to get up early with Mom on that Saturday and Trisha and I got to spend the day with our Mom's/Aunt's selling all of their delicious baked goods. We loved getting the taco salads for lunch. I remember getting to go with Dad, all by myself, for a night of Christmas shopping. He'd even treat me to dinner at my location of choice. I remember elementary school Christmas programs, high school girlfriend Christmas gift exchanges and of course, the Hall Family Christmas extravaganza............or caroling to our Aunts & Uncles before getting to open gifts. Not to mention the food. There was never a hungry soul to be found. These memories a...

Today  I am thankful for: 1.  Half Days & Vacation Days. I'm very blessed in this department, because Purdue is very generous in this department. I'm thankful that I can plan them when I feel like I need them, and that I have a boss that is pretty flexible about when/how I use my time. Just when a week begins to crowd in, I can take an afternoon off to refresh my mind, and I feel like I come back a stronger employee because of it. I can take those afternoons all to myself to nap or accomplish other "un-kid-friendly" tasks (like wrapping Christmas gifts like I will this afternoon!) or I can grab the kids up and spend a random afternoon at the Columbia Park Zoo or the park or in Mom's pool in the summertime! I'm thankful for flexibility and free days. Looking forward to one this afternoon after our Holiday Party! :) 2. I'm thankful for combine rides with Dad in the fall. Or more recently (and scarier) semi rides to the elevator with Dad, since Trent ...

Today I am thankful for: 1.  Cake Batter Ice Cream. Not only did I get to spend time with my best friend last night (which is ALWAYS long overdue...and we both complain about not letting it get that bad next time, but still do anyway and blame our busy lives), we splurged on Cold Stone ice cream before we ended our evening. I love ice cream, but man, you just can't top Cold Stone Cake Batter Ice cream with brownie & banana mixed it. Delish! 2.  The wonder of a child. We recently started the Elf on the Shelf tradition in our house, and I adore that first few minutes of the morning when Colton is searching the house to find out if Elf came back from the North Pole. I think this weekend I might surprise him with a handwritten letter from Santa. I love the wonder & awe of this season and the childlike ways that go with it. I love that he's so impressionable and I hope and pray daily that I'm leaving a good impression and teaching both Colton & Emmalyn worthwhile...

Today I am thankful for: 1. Memories. Unfortunately in this life, we don't get to hold on to those nearest and dearest to us forever, but once they are gone and the pain has subsided, I'm sure thankful for the memories we made together. I love pictures and home videos. Every now and then, I enjoy a good cry while sitting there watching old home videos and hearing those lost loved ones voices all over again. I'm thankful for the life lessons they have left and even more thankful that my angels here on earth, are now my angels in Heaven. If we were to lose everything material in this world, we'd still have those memories locked away in our hearts & minds. I'm most thankful for those moments. 2. Diet Coke & Iced Tea. There is not a single day that goes by, that these two don't help me through. I'm not a dependent coffee drinker, or any kind of coffee drinker at all for that matter, but I do rely on my Diet coke (or Diet Mt. Dew, if I didn't work...

Today I am thankful for: 1. Sweet Perks provided through my job. I may complain about the overtime or the different day to day things that quirk me about my job, but I have to stop and be thankful for the sweet perks. For example, I've got Hyatt Reward points galore and could stay overnight at any Hyatt worldwide for free...and in some places, or several days. That's a sweet perk. Or what about my Marriott Rewards points, that just scored me a FREE Vacuum...(how lame that I'm totally stoked about a new sweeper for free!). There's also the free meals, chachki's that come in the mail and hosted fun gatherings at unique locations trying to swoon our business. Again, Sweet Perks. 2. My kids babysitter - Pam. Pammy. Pamela Jo. The way we came about Pam was unique in and of itself, and I'm so thankful that God aligned things the way he did. After being warned to find daycare early, I set off on a quest -- at only 16-20 weeks pregnant to find a sitter. Of course, i...

(I'm doing this in make up-- since I don't have internet at home and had to skip Sunday...) Today I'm thankful for: 1.  Modern conveniences. One of my many taglines is: "There is nothing you can't Google". Seriously, what did we do before the internet. I can find phone numbers, menus, directions, news stories, gossip, photos, etc on Google within seconds. Goodbye encyclopeida brittanica and hello Google. Another modern convenience I'm thankful for is my vehicle. I'm thankful that it runs well and gets us from point A to point B in a warm/cool (Indiana weather depending) environment. I can't imagine not having those conveniences at my fingertips. I use them daily. 2. My cousins. I've got some pretty great cousins on both sides of the family and have added some pretty great "cousins" through Jason's family. I'm thankful for the memories made with my cousins and look forward to raising our children together. Wouldn't Gr...

Today I am grateful for: 1. Lazy Sunday afternoons with my family - all the time sometimes our lives feel out of control with the going here and going there of life. Very rarely do we spend a Sunday afternoon at home, in our sweats, vegging on the couch, scrounging whatever we can find in the fridge for dinner. What's the big deal about these days? I don't have to dress up and could care less what my appearance is. I hear my kids giggling, laughing and playing together (and occasionally throwing fits/fighting). I see my husband finally kicking his feet up and resting and relaxing and truly enjoying the kids during a random wrestling session or "I'm gonna get you" chase! :) Sunday's like these remind us that home is where the heart is, and that it takes laughter and memories to make a house a home. These Sunday's also remind me to SLOW DOWN. With every new plan I make to run here, go there, or do this or that...I'm rushing my kids lives away (not to m...

Today I am thankful for: 1. Really loud Country music (Sugarland in particular) blaring on my radio on my way to work...and the fact that I can sing along, as awful as I sound, without anyone judging me. I'm thankful for their words that inspire me to LOVE no matter what, and for their fun little ditties that put a smile on my face. 2. My dog Murph. I've been very hot/cold with Murphy over the last 5 years, but I can honestly say, that no matter what my mood, Murph loves me unconditionally, and will jump into my lap to prove it. I guess you could say there's a lot to be learned about unconditional love, from a pooch. I love that Murphy (who sleeps every night in our bedroom, tucked nicely/warmly under our bed...by his own doings) may go to bed when Jason does, but will wait patiently on the end of the bed, or down next to the bed, until I come/get into bed, at which time he can't wait to get up into my face to kiss me goodnight. Then, with a simple snap of my finger...

Today I am thankful for: 1.) My Dad. Through the years, my Dad has been my biggest cheerleader. He's been my sounding force and my guiding light. He speaks the truth to me when he has reservations, which make me think honestly about the decision I'm about to make. He gave up countless hours to support me in sports, FFA & 4-H  (although, secretly, I know he loved 4-H just as much as I did!). When I got married, we danced to "It was your song" by Garth Brooks. I couldn't think of a more appropriate song to dance with my biggest fan! It was your song that made me sing It was your voice that gave me wings And it was your light that shined Guiding my heart to find This place where I belong It was your song I love you, Dad. 2.) My Mom. Funny, growing up I got sick of everyone telling me how much I looked and acted just like my mother. Now, as a mom myself, there is no greater compliment. She's gone from being my guide to my girlfriend, my cheerleader...

We started a new tradition in our home this year, by adopting an Elf on the Shelf. Colton (and I'm sure Em was in agreement, since she can't talk yet) named our Elf "Kid" and so far, he's really enjoyed finding Elf each morning. In case you aren't aware of the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon - children have the opportunity to adopt an elf, name him, and then make him their own. They can talk to Elf, however, he/she cannot talk back. Most of all, they cannot touch their elf, because then he/she will lose all of their magical powers and their ability to fly home to the North Pole each evening to report to Santa on the children's behavior. Meet Kid! I found him! We love having Kid around, and Colton has enjoyed finding Kid when he wakes in the morning. Hopefully, Kid has only good things to report back about the kiddos! :)

We had our yearly retreat yesterday for work and the theme of the event was Happiness/Customer Service & building an environment you enjoy working in. These are all things that could use a lift in my current position, so I thought the topics were timely. I was particularly struck by the morning session which featured a video by Shawn Achor titled, "The Happiness Advantage" -- (see more here (here) ). One of the things he suggested that you do to become a happier person is practice a new habit for 21 straight days. For example, exercise, meditation, or the one I chose to start doing, 3 Gratitudes. So, for the next 21 days (and hopefully I can do this on the weekends, from home...or somewhere, since we don't have internet at home right now), I'm hoping to blog my daily 3 gratitudes to help me remember that I've got a LOT to be thankful for. What a perfect time of year to sit back and reflect. So...without further ado, here goes nothing.... Today I am thankfu...