One of my favorite vistors

I love when old friends come to visit, even if it's only for an hour. Yesterday, one of my old college buddies stopped by since she was in town for a bowl game. The first time Amanda was here Kennedy was only two months old. Man, what a difference six months can make. This time Kennedy didn't sleep for 90% of her visit. Instead, she actively made her way into Amanda's heart by pulling her earrings, relentlessly grabbing for her necklace, talking, giggling, getting shy and just being a complete goof. I not only can't wait to see my little Amanda again, but I also can't wait to see what Kennedy will be doing the next time she drops by. Something tells me that 90% of that visit will be spent chasing Kennedy around.

I'm Back

Yikes!! As GM Jen has pointed out, it looks as though I've lost my blojo (think blog and mojo you dirty minds!). So sorry for my absence and falling off the 25 Days of Thanks wagon...and I was doing so good. I put all the blame on my mom. Since she got here (which was around day 19 but I had to prepare for her arrival on the 18th), she's occupied all of my time by dragging me to such stores as Target and Jo Ann's. Tsk, tsk. Everyone knows I hate those stores. It seems during my blog sabbatical, I also took on an alter ego called "Pinocchio." Anywho, I gots me a new laptop for Christmas, which means I have absolutely no reason not to stay current on my posts. I think I just heard seven people say a little amen. Of course, I won't leave you without a few pictures. Just the Hokenstad three on their way to church Christmas Eve.

25 Days of Thanks - Day 17

For my brothers:

Thank you, Jay, for the many years of picking on me and making me "tough." Thank you for blessing us with your talents and capturing our memories on film. And thank you for being such a great uncle to Kennedy.

My sweet brother, Chris. Thank you for having such a big heart. Thank you for doing the little things in life...like emptying my overflowing trash can. You continue to prove that actions speak louder than words.

(Bradley, I'm sorry but I had to do it. It's one of your best pics and so fitting since you're the baby of the family.) Brad, thank you for wanting to spend time with me these days. I realize we're at different points in our life due to our age difference, so it means a lot that you actually find me fun to be around. And thanks for putting up with all the years of me wanting to dress you as a girl.


Love my bros.

25 Days of Thanks - Day 16

So GM Jen and I have a little weekend tradition. As of lately, our tradition has had a minor hiccup since either I've been out of town or she has. But it looks like this weekend it's showtime...literally. That's right, Saturday Morning at the Movies is back on. The date has been set and it looks like I'm finally going to see New Moon! I think I just set off all of my neighbors' car alarms with my screaming. I am over the (new) moon at the thought of seeing R. Pattz on the big screen and can't wait to share some popcorn with my best movie bud. So on day 16, I'd like to thank Saturday Morning at the Movies. You have no idea how much I look forward to you. And thank you, GM Jen, for loving movies as much as I do. You're the best movie bud a girl could ask for.

25 Days of Thanks - Day 15

I finally did our Christmas cards yesterday. There were a couple of things I figured out once I was done. One, my friends move WAY too much. My address book is filled with pages and pages of scribbled out and updated addresses. And two, I'm sending cards to friends from elementary school, high school, college and ones I've made since I moved to Arizona. I'm completely blessed to have such amazing people in my life and even more blessed that I get to call them my friend. And I absolutely love that each relationship is different. I have some friends that I keep in touch with on a regular basis and others that only check in around the holidays. Yet, I love them all! Since I don't have any sisters, their friendship means the world to me. So on this 15th day of thanks, my shout out goes to all my girls. Thank you, thank you for your friendship and loving me. I love ya right back!

present and future friends

just a nibble of past, present and future friends

25 Days of Thanks - Day 14

This next day of thanks has me a little torn. It's somewhat of a Catch-22 if you ask me. I'm speaking about Brandon's job. In the past two weeks, Brandon has been to Barcelona, London, Germany and Paris. Did I mention that we don't live in Barcelona, London, Germany or Paris. So how can I be thankful for something that takes my husband away for great lengths of time? The obvious reason is, it allows me to be a stay-at-home mom and raise my babes. For that, I am forever grateful for. And every time I see the suitcase being wheeled out for yet another business trip, I have to remind myself that I am, in fact, grateful. But the not-so-obvious reason I'm thankful for his job lies in the job itself. Without this job, Brandon wouldn't be who he is. He wouldn't have the passion, knowledge and drive his position brings him. He's probably one of the most determined people I know, and he'd do anything to improve himself if he thought it would better his company. When he talks about his job and the future of his products, he really talks with pride and enthusiasm. I don't think there are a lot of people who actually enjoy going to work like Brandon does. And in an economy like this, that's just icing on the cake. So on this 14th day of thanks, I'd like to thank Brandon's job. Thank you for utilizing Brandon's talents and keeping him motivated to do well and thank you for allowing me to give Kennedy all my attention...and thank you for the little perks like frequent flyer miles.