Jude = 1

Tonight we took our almost one year old son, Jude, to McDonals to start the celebration of his first year. He had a blast and he ate 1/2 a Hamburger and a bunch of fries. Jude has been a a wonderful joy to us and his love of life has been contagious. He has had a eventful 1st year ... He has been hospitalized for RSV, moved to Texas, lots of family time and many other adventures. He has such a wonderful personality and has the sweetest Heart of any boy I have ever met. He is making strides daily and growing up before our eyes. He now can walk about 8-10 steps in a row, he eats table food ( loves soft tacos) and likes to say "Dada" a lot! He is so curious and loves to play with his big Sis. He still loves to open mouth mooch his Mama and still a big time Mama's boy. We LOVE our special baby boy!!

Bethany proposal.

Quote from Bethany this morning after she found the treat I left for her in her bed....

"Dada, when you grow up I want to marry you, I want you to give me a ring like Mama, I want it to be blue, no...Purple." 

Christmas is coming!

Bethany - Bethany is very excited about Christmas coming up here in a few weeks. She is addicted to Holiday movies on Netflix and she is learning all the 'traditional' holiday fare from them. Today she came up to me and said " Dada, I want to make Ginger-man cookies". Very cute. She is also very worried that Santa will not be able to fit down our chimney and we have talked it out and we decided to let Santa into the front door. She likes that but now convinced that we need to sleep on the couch on Christmas Eve to make sure he gets in. She is also exited to make cookies for Santa and has drawn pictures that she has hung on the wall for The fat man. I love to experience Christmas thru her eyes and I love watching her so excited! O, and she wanted me to get a tree for her very own for her room, so I did. 

The ice skating

About 2 weeks ago my beautiful family spent a wonderful evening in Allen, Texas at Disney on ice. This was Bethany and I third Disney on ice adventure and Cindy and Jide's first. We were given tickets to us for Christmas by Mimi & Pappy. We had a blast! The Disney on ice shows have been a awesome backdrops for some awesome Dada-Daughter dates and it will always hold a special place in my heart because of the special moments that Bethany and I have shared. Thanks Mickey!

Thanksgiving 2013

We were blessed with another wonderful Hall Family Thanksgiving/Christmas. We have turn a wonderful event into an extravaganza taking Turkey Day and adding in Christmas. Really is a great chance to get together as a family, love on each other and celebrate the Holidays in Mimi and Pappys country home in Brenham. My absolute FAVORITE day of the year. 

I also had a blast with my Mom on thanksgiving this year on our annual Black Friday trip. We always go out to Walmart or Target to brave the crowds and get some smokin deals. This year we scored with a 70 inch TV for my Pops. It's glorious! I adore my family, each and everyone of them, next up... December 25th! Tree is up, bring on the fat man, Bethany can't wait. 

Prep Foods

Today's ends my 5+ year run as a team member/Associate Team leader for the Prep Foods department at Whole Foods Market. I can't believe that I've been here that long. I remember when Cindy and myself were having Gelato at Whole Foods on their porch in Cherry Creek, Colorado and Cindy asked me I Ever thought of working at Whole Foods. I hadn't. Now I have done every job and every position in the prep foods Department. I have decided that I am going to step into a team member role in the Meat department at Whole Foods. This comes mainly because Cindy is ready to go back to work and for the next five years while the kids transition into school I am going to work nights and Cindy will teach during the day. It will be awesome for our finical health and will really be a great blessing to the entire family. 

The phrase 'The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes' has been in my mind lately. I guess that is true but there are somethings that DO stay the same and those are the most important. The things that matter. The things that don't say ill give to you if you give to me. The real gifts in life never come with a price tag. In the end, titles and prestigious job don't mean squat. Don't get me wrong I feel like my years here have grown me up and taught me so much about business and the Culinary  arts. I will always look back and love my time in Prep Foods. 

It time, it's time to move on and grow. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me next. 

Holidays

We are well into the Holidays and coming up on 1 week until Thanksgiving, the best day of the year!! I'll back up a little...

We had a wonderful Halloween and found another reason to fall in love with our town. Bethany and Jude dressed up and we went out on the town to scare up some candy. Bethany was WAY into it this year. She dressed up like a ballerina and Jude dressed up as a Bat. Both very cute!

 

Bethany scored big time on the candy filling her pumpkin up! Our neighbor was over run with kids and families and it was such a awesome experience feeling the community envolvement and the overall excitement!

I want to add this picture of "BatBoy" Jude to embarrass him when he becomes a Teenager in 13 years. 

Now our focus shifts to Turkey day! We will be celebrating in Brenham, Texas with the Hall clan and be partaking in our newer tradition Thanksgiving / Christmas all in one glorious a Day!!! Talk about FUN! Can't wait! Happy Holidays my a Friends and Family!