Today is the coldest day on record in like a gazillion years. Or at least it feels that way.
It's prompting me to think about some things I am so earnestly grateful for. Not the least of which includes...
And so many more.
Tell me: What are you thankful for this brisk January day?
I love this old photo of my dad, circa 1972. He's about 19 and just about to head off to college - driving from the land of snowy Minnesota down to the Ozarks of Missouri.
Check out those pants. And that car. And that haircut.
So cute.
He claims he's waving in the picture, but I think he's clearly holding up his pointer finger.
Maybe saying "We're Number 1"?
Pointing to the sky indicating more snow?
Giving the glory to God?
Whatever the case, I'm glad he made that trip down to Springfield, MO, and that he met the woman of his dreams there (i.e., my mom - duh).
The rest, as they say, is history.
Hmm. I still perhaps need to work on my title...
But I’m starting a new Friday feature I think you’ll enjoy. It will include a hodge-podge of thoughts/musings/rantings from the week. A post of miscellaneous contents. A potpourri, if you will.
You may be asking yourself how this is different than any other post I write. ... I’ll get back to you on that one.
Without further ado, here is our first Friday dump together:
I attended a costume party this past Halloween. I dressed up as Facebook, and Anthony went as Mark Zuckerberg. It was a good time, and we received high marks from our fellow revelers for creativity and wit.
* * * * *
Earlier the same day, Anthony and I had the fun of treating one of my clients and her husband to a Gopher football game (thank you, Buck Consultants!). We had a blast, and the team even won – their second win all season. Go Gophers!
* * * * *
This year Park had fun trick-or-treating as Vikings #7 Christian Ponder with the neighbors. He lasted about 15 minutes but was soon beat, and he didn’t like the scary stuff too much anyway. After we retreated home, he was a good helper handing out treats to the urchins of Farmington and Lakeville before we finally called it a night and turned off all the lights (and hid).
* * * * *
Going back a bit earlier in October… Anthony, Park and I had a fun trip to Phoenix, courtesy of Anthony's employer. He worked at a cool adoption conference, and Park and I got to tag along for the ride. We stayed at our friends' beautiful Phoenix home and had a blast. Here are some pics.
 |
| Phoenix Trip - October 2011 |
* * * * *
Speaking of Phoenixes... At the beginning of October I had a wonderful time visiting my sister and her family – including my newest adorable niece, then nine-week-old Miss Phoenix Jean – in Pittsburgh. It was just for a weekend and so our minutes together were precious, but it was a blast. Phoenix is adorable; big sister Hazel is a sweetie; and Matt and Erin showed me great hospitality. (Thank you for the Trader Joe’s runs, wonderful meals and tea parties!) Definitely enjoyed the time and just wished it could have been all three of us Hildens visiting. Some day!
* * * * *
Last week marked what would have been the due date of the baby we lost to miscarriage on March 24, 2011, at eight-and-a-half-weeks. It was not an easy time, but the grace of the Lord carried me when I felt sad. We still grieve a little, but we are not defeated, and we know we will meet this child some day in heaven. And really we have so many things in the right here and now for which to be thankful. And so, I simply… am.
* * * * *
Did you watch the Country Music Association Awards this week? (I TOLD you this would be a veritable thoughts smorgasbord.) As someone who would not describe herself as a country music fan per se, I actually did catch most of the show. I think it’s because I like Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood; they have enough appeal (not to mention chemistry together) outside the country genre that it pulled me in to watch.
* * * * *
Today, 11/11/11, is Veteran’s Day. I am so thankful for all of our servicemen and women, in particular, my father-in-law, Andy Hilden, who served in Vietnam and earned multiple distinctions. He carries the shrapnel in his body to this day from his wounds sustained there. We don’t say it often enough, but we love and appreciate you, Dad Hilden!
* * * * *
I am craving Chipotle chips and guac right now. That's about all I'll say about that.
* * * * *
And finally, Thanksgiving is coming up. YEAH BABY! I love that this is one holiday that is all about gratitude. Oh yeah, and turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberries, hot rolls, pumpkin pie. Ah, I heart you, Thanksgiving. Can’t believe it’s less than two weeks away.
* * * * *
Hope you enjoyed the “dump," and hope to see you ‘round these here parts again real soon. HAPPY FRIDAY!
Okay, so the Minnesota Twins are not so hot this year. But that did not stop the Hildens from enjoying a wonderful time at Target Field last weekend.
This was Park's first game this year, and he was sooooo excited to go, be there, and take it all in. He's definitely his [sports-loving] daddy's boy!
I had a blast too.
We packed up after Park's nap and got there at about the middle of the first inning. And he lasted until the eighth! What a good boy.
Check out our fun documentation of the event... We're having a wonderful summer, and I hope you are too!
 |
| Park's 2011 Twins Game |
Recent Comments