"Thankfulness" Letters.

This time of year is just so wonderful. People are generally in better moods, life seems to be more "bustling" (I don't know why, but "bustling" just seems so cheerful doesn't it?), and thankfulness is at the forefront of most people's minds and hearts.

Quite a few years ago I made up mind that I would choose five people each year to write "thankfulness" letters to. It's always so crazy busy during the holidays, that taking the time to write out why I'm thankful for people slows me down. It's a bit selfish actually in that it reminds me of all of the blessings in my own life... all the sweet goodness God has overwhelmed me with.

I have a lot to be thankful for.

There's not really a rhyme or reason for the people I choose to write letters to... I spend some time in prayer about it and then make my choice. Realistically, there are dozens of letters I could be writing... but five seems more manageable than five hundred during this time of year.

This year my letters will be going out a bit late...some of them will be e-mails. 

But, this year, as always, I am so thankful.

Freddy and I suffered a great loss this year. It was one of the hardest things I've ever struggled through. Yet, in the midst of our struggle God's presence was so evident.

This year, even more than the last, I am thankful for the Lord's faithfulness.

I am thankful, so thankful, for his peace.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Col. 3:15

I pray that the Lord's peace would be pressed upon you this season.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Hannah.

Hello Sailor! Engagement Photo Shoot.

This weekend I had the privilege of snapping some engagement photos of my handsome cousin and his                                                               gorgeous fiance! 

Here's a little sneak peak of some of the fun we had!

More to come this week!

xo,

Hansie.

The Weekend in Review... blah blah blah

Guys, this weekend was fun... but blah blah blah...

I spent over 8 hours in Starbucks studying. Yea!

Had dinner with friends, movie with the Hubs...

It was good.

blah blah blah

But- the best part was not the stuff that got accomplished or the fun stuff I did.

The BEST part was the fact that I was given a free airplane ticket to use however I wanted!

(All thanks to my sweet sis-in-law! Thanks Fran!!!!)

Only catch?

 It had to be used by March 1st.

So this Thursday, my cute-as-a-button Rach-Cha-Cha is coming to Chicago to visit!

Hip hip hooraysies!!!



Idaho never felt so close!

-Hans

Ooooh... "I wanna dance with somebody!"

Racha-cha-cha and I were fortunate to grow up in a house that works through most of life's heavy problems by dancing our little hearts out.

Some of my saddest moments moments have been wrapped up in a little early 90's mix tape action and impromptu kitchen dance parties.

Then again, some of my happiest and silliest moments are wrapped up in the exact same stuff.

Often when such impromptu dance parties ensued Beyonce, Mariah and Ms. Houston would make an appearance. 

It's really not uncommon for Racha and I to be found dancing our little hearts out in our parent's living room to "Say my name" or belting out "I believe in you and me" during stop and go traffic.

Whitney managed to weave herself into some of our greatest memories and traditions and for that...

she will be missed.

Name Droppa'.

I'm so proud of this kid.

I've known him since he was born... and though he's younger than me by 6 years, he's always been way cooler.

My brother Mike (Mikey to those in the know) just got invited to perform at the Treefort Music Fest this year.

It's kind of a big deal.

He's kind of waaay cool.

la la la,

Hansah-ah-ah

**Buy tickets for Treefort now- Here!**



The dryer ate your sock and other connundrums....

We've all been there before... getting down to the bottom of your clean laundry pile feeling a sense of magnificent accomplishment because this time, yes this time, you actually folded your clothes and put them away within a week of washing them!

You pause to hi five yourself and then reach for those last two socks to fold and put away...

Until suddenly, you realize, there's only one sock.

Lousy no good for nothin' dryer... ate your sock. Again.

What to do?!?

Well, the girls of EttaGrace have got just the thing to solve your little conundrum.

Enter: Sock Bun.

What you'll need:

-1 sock
-this "phatty" tutorial
-hair

Bet you're dying to do laundry...
Hansah-ah-ah

Scenes from our family weeking in florida...

 This weekend we went to Florida for our brother Phil's wedding.

We spent time lounging about...

 Catching up on our reading...

 Soaking up the glorious sunshine!

 Taking loooong lunches and chatting the afternoon away...

 Celebrating our Mama's birthday! {Hooray!!}

 Getting all dressed up to celebrate

 Getting lost at the intersection of Palm Valley and Palm Valley on the way to celebrate.

Really Florida? Really??

 Making it just in time to walk down the aisle before the stunning bride.

 Watching the sweetest "I Dos" ever.

And dancing the night away.

It was so great to celebrate with out brother and his incredibly stunning new bride.

Ah Florida. You surprised us California kids.

You really did.

Cheers,

Hansie

Florida or Bust!

It started to finally snow in Chicago yesterday morning and hasn't stopped yet.

Over 6 inches lay on the ground.

Just in time too, Hubs and I are heading to Florida to watch these two ca-uties tie the knot!

Hip hip hooray for destination weddings!

Happy weekend lovelies!

Hansie

Lipstick, car rentals & the first thing she ever bought from a vending machine.

Um, my sisters.

Well,

they're kind of amazing.

They know just how to make a boring errand

(like trading out your car rental at the airport 45 minutes away)

into all sorts of fun.

Just bring a tube of lipstick to look lovely with...

And a little change to treat your youngest sis to her very first vending machine treat.

Ahhh seesters. They're kind of the best.

Twizzles,

Hansie

"Winter Must Be Cold For Those With No Warm Memories"...

Phew! What a whirlwind Christmas Break!

So sorry to have left you guys for a week and a half...

In all of the festive hub bub and family wonderfulness
Rach and I just couldn't find it in ourselves to blog...
We were having too much fun eating fudge, sipping coffee and squishing these cheeks!

Yikes!

Be prepared for Christmas overload over the next couple of days!

We missed you!

Happy New Years Lovelies!

xoxo,

Hansie (& Rachey)

In one week.

In one week I'm flying home to see my family.

I've got a massive list of things on the "To-Do" List to complete... grade my student's final papers, pack, clean the house, finish up some Christmas crafts, actually go Christmas shopping, etc...

But- in one week I'll be home. 

In one week I'll be sitting around the dining room table with a strong cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by my millions of siblings.

In one week I'll be running around town taking hilarious pictures with Rachey Pooh and making fudge with my Mama. 

In one week I'll be having deep theological conversations with my brother Mike while making sure my brother Eddy doesn't whack me on the head again.

In one week I'll be cuddling with Ina and squeezing baby Iz.

In one week I'll be catching up with old friends and cracking up with my family.

In one week I'll be sleeping in late, watching old movies, sipping on coffee and playing in the snow.

In one week I'll be home.

Yes, my to do list this week is long.
And thinking about it kind of exhausts me.

But- In one week I'll be home.

*sigh*

And that is just perfect.

What will you be doing in one week?

fa la la la la,
Hansie