Our Aweful Beautiful Life

If this isn't the neatest thing in the world, I really don't know what is. Colton got an email from Santa. If I'm good, I'll add the video of him watching it for the first time to this post...but for now, let's just capture the email in itself. Such an amazing thing. Santa's Message to Colton

You won't be surprised to hear me say that December is only a slight blur of my memory, considering my last post was Thanksgiving weekend. Some days, Thanksgiving literally feels like yesterday. Don't get me wrong - December was filled with wonderful things. Family get togethers, good excuses for shopping, lots of parties with friends, and of course, the magic of Christmas morning with a toddler. As much as I love Christmas and the entire meaning of the season...I was actually glad to see that madness go this year. I feel so "grinchy" saying that -- but I don't feel like I got to enjoy it. If I did, I don't think I'd feel like December was such a blur. So, I'm going to do my best to recount some of my favorite December moments to hopefully erase my grinch attitude, and remind myself of how grateful I should be for all that December held for us. We kicked off the month celebrating (belated style), Jason and I's 5th Anniversary. Are you scratchin...

We sure had a fun Thanksgiving weekend, and we've got so much to be thankful for this year. My friend/cousin Lacy, did this on her blog, as she was encouraged to do by her Bishop in New York. I liked the idea, and I'm stealing it...a few days post thanksgiving. Let's face it...thanksgiving might only be one day, but we've got something to be thankful for, each and every day. Jason - I couldn't be more thankful for Jason. I look at our lives today, compared to what they were when we first met, and I couldn't imagine being in this place/time without him. Sure, there are days when we don't see eye to eye (he's very stubborn, you know), but ultimately, he makes me laugh when I want to be mad, he's an amazing father, a provider for our family and a super friend. I've always said, that through our family history, God put us together for a reason. I've never stopped doubting that. Jason, thank you, for being all that you are, not only to me, but t...

A few years ago (probably more than I care to admit to), my Grandma Hall and I embarked on an adventure in the kitchen. These were my favorite kinds of adventures with Grandma. She had so much wisdom when it came to cooking, baking, making from scratching and throwing things together. My fondest memories are with Grandma and food! :) As I approach the one year anniversary of her death, and as we enter her favorite time of year (Christmas), I've had a lot of memories come rolling back into my brain. Most of them bring a genuine smile to my face and a few make me sob like a baby because I miss her so much. On this particular adventure with Grandma, we set out to make Whoopie Pies for the boys working in the fields. As was typical with Grandma, we didn't make a single batch, but rather doubled (or maybe even tripled) the batch. As the afternoon wore on, Grandma and I giggled and giggled as we continued to cover EVERY INCH of counter space in her kitchen with whoopie pies! We eve...

Remember a week or two ago, how I blogged about Jason being such a great Dad for taking Colton to his first ever Purdue Basketball game? Remember how super dad was going to PROMISE to send me pictures via the cell phone, and that somehow didn't happen? Last night, we had the opportunity to re-create the fun -- only this time, Uncle Jacob and I joined in. We started the evening off with a great supper at Bruno's with my parents, who were also going to the game. It was PACKED in there! Then off to the game. We had a super time....I don't care how old I get, or how far removed from being a Purdue student I get, I will always love Purdue Basketball! :) Enjoy! Having fun at the game... Ticklefest Me & my baby boy...

Recently, we had family pictures taken on Jason's side of the family. I'd love to do a dedicated post to them, but unfortunately, they are on a locked website, and I can't figure out how to steal the photos, so you'll just have to come to our house to see them. For the Hall's side, however, the photography handed me the cd of pictures, and said..."here you go!" So, Viola...here they are...and let me tell you, I'm partial, but I think they turned out FANTASTIC!  This is just a sneak peak... Thumbs Up, Dude! LOVE this one! Aww!! Do you think Emmalyn is teething? For once it's not Matt with his hands in his mouth! :) The new lovebirds! Two peas  in a pod-- can you tell we had to promise Colton gum if he was good for pictures? The Original 5! Beautiful Baby Girl! Three generations -- love Em's face in this one...haha! Baby Blues! Our Aweful, Beautiful Life...

I'm extra posty and extra picture friendly today. Can you tell I finally uploaded some of my pictures? Jason and I had an adults only Halloween Party. What a riot...and so fun. You'll never believe who came to our party.... A vampiress and E-Male That's us...aren't we cute? Dr. Howie Feltersnatch and his patient A mix-matched couple - wet-t-shirt contest winner & white trash Lois Lane & Superman Ketchup & Mustard Naughty Nun & Priest -- this picture is hilarious... Peter & The Pumpkin...be creative.. There are no words.... Joe Dirt & Morning Glory Vikings...although, I said they were the Capital One No Hassle Card people... Handy Manny & Kelly the Shop Owner Keith Stone & His Keystone Light & Snoopy TOO MUCH FUN!