Just put on a little lipstick...

Our holiday newsletter: Well here we are again, another year has passed us by and it’s time for the annual newsletter. We hope this year has been kind to you and yours and that you have created some priceless memories with those you love.    For the Hall family, this year has been full of highs and lows. In June, Laura celebrated her 3 rd year as a cancer survivor, and for this we are very grateful. In July we lost a family member, Dan, to a tragic accident.   Dan leaves behind Deanna (Bryan’s sister), Lauren and Logan. Please keep them in your prayers as they learn to navigate life without their wonderful husband and father. This event reminded us once again how precious life can be, and how important it is to embrace and appreciate each other and every day we are given. Here's a little about our lives this past year- Bryan continues his day job with Verizon Wireless. The addition of the i phone to the VZW line up has kept things churning at wo...

I've talked to several friends and family members lately who have lost someone that is very precious to them this past year. The holiday season is a tough one when you are missing someone you love. My mom passed away right before Thanksgiving in 2000, and her birthday is December 27th. I always miss her even more during this season. She loved the holidays, and always made them a little brighter. We are of course also missing Dan, my brother in law who died almost 5 months ago. This will be a tough holiday for Deanna, Logan and Lauren as well as everyone who's life he touched. I hope we can all help to make it a little easier for them. As I write this, I know of at least three people who are fighting for their life against cancer and I know each day is a gift for them as well. I am inspired by their determination to live each day to the fullest and to let those around them know how much they mean. It inspires me to do the same, because in reality none of us have t...

We always enjoy attending the " Wonderful Life Foundation " event each December. This year the movie and party was moved to War Memorial. The event has grown so large, they have outgrown the Belcourt and hosting the after party in their home. This year was the 8th year, and it included a silent auction this year and Jenni got a nice hair/facial package from Imagine and I got some beautiful red candle holders from Knobstoppers . There were some great items at the auction and I think this will become an annual addition to the event. Last year they were able to provide help for 5 families and this year they plan to do even more. One thing I love about this foundation is that every penny raised goes directly to the families they help. The cost of showing of the movie, rental space and after party are all taken care of by sponsors. If you didn't join us this year, plan to attend the 1st Saturday in December of 2012!

I love it when the doorbell rings this time of year! It's either some gift I have ordered online, or a surprise from a fabulous friend. Our friends Joyce and Tim sent us these chocolate/caramel apple goodies and they are awesome!!

My friends Mickey, Sandy and I hosted a "Redneck Holiday Party" last weekend. We decided to have a party that even cousin Eddie would love. Jenni made us a perfect party playlist and we came up with some creative and delicious foods! Menu: Pigs in a blanket in the shape of a wreath w/a fruit roll up bow, Sausage Balls, Chicken Biscuits, Hot Wings, Tater tots wrapped in bacon, Redneck Sushi, PB&J Sushi, Mac n' Cheese Tarts, Jalapeno Cheese Bread, Queso/chips, Roadkill cheeseball, Veggies, Fruit, Cookies galore, Mississippi Mud Brownies, Espresso Brownies, Mexican Wedding Cookies and a Moon Pie Christmas Tree! We ended the evening with a "Dirty Santa" gift exchange. The most traded gifts of the night were a Ralphie bobble-head, and Santa Pants. A good time was had by all!

I have a wonderful family, and I married in to a wonderful family. We hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year with my side of the family. It's always wonderful when we can all get together and share a meal and make precious memories. I love my family!