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 ...