Just put on a little lipstick...

There are some photos, you just have to re-create. Don't you agree?

Deanna gave us this for Christmas this year, from Dan. This a flag that went on one of Dan's mission flights with him in Iraq. Dan had prepared this paperwork and kept the flag, in anticipation of making this as a gift for us. Just the fact that he took a minute to think of us, while he was serving in war-time touches my heart. The only thing that could have made this gift better, is if Dan was here to give it to us himself. We love and miss you Dan, and we are so proud of your willingness to live and die for what you believe in - protecting our precious America!

We celebrated with the Hall side of the family on Christmas afternoon. What a wonderful time we all have when we get together. Lauren and Logan are such great kids, and it's always fun to be with Deanna and Bryan's parents. Josh has added carving walking sticks to his list of hobbies and made some great ones for Logan and Kent this year. Kent's stick has a cowboy on top (being he's from OK). What a wonderful family we have! 

On Christmas eve - we had some believers and some skeptics, but everyone was excited to see what Santa might bring. So we hung our stockings, decorated cookies, scattered reindeer food and went to bed wishing safe travels for Santa. Santa did not disappoint - We had a Merry Christmas 2012!

We were all able to be at Dad's house in Henderson for our Christmas celebration on Saturday and to worship together on Sunday. On Saturday our cousins from Kentucky (Leonards) joined us at Dad's house, and I can't believe we didn't get a cousin picture! It was so good to spend time with them, I hope we can make this a tradition too. We have such great memories of holidays with our Kentucky cousins.

 We always enjoy the Wonderful Life Foundation's annual showing of "It's a Wonderful Life". After the movie, there is music, food and a fabulous silent auction.  All money raised goes directly to families with children battling cancer at Vanderbilt. A wonderful cause, wonderful people and a fabulous movie. The absolute best way to kick off the Holiday season each year.  It really is a Wonderful Life- they were just tired of my camera.

2012 Annual Redneck Christmas Party!  

It's that time again, the annual holiday newsletter for the Hall family. 2012 has been a challenging and eventful year for our family, but we are hanging in with all the changes. Bryan continues his day job with Verizon, he joined a new department which he really loves. His new department has recently announced some major changes, which could mean a relocation - more to come on that in the future months. We of course, would love and prefer to stay in Nashville, but we are trying to stay open to all opportunities. Laura found found herself unemployed as her whole department was dissolved with a major shift in company focus at Shared Health. Luckily she fairly quickly found a new position with H2U in Nashville and continues to support/train Electronic Health Records. Laura continues to have great check ups and in June became a 4 year breast cancer survivor! Josh left Gibson for more stable work hours, and loves his job with Vetter Electric. He continues to do custom furnitur...

It's become a tradition to take the girls shopping at Phillips Toy Mart for birthday gifts. Phillips is a great toy store in west Nashville. It's also where Bryan grew up shopping as a child, and where we took our kids. So the tradition continues... Happy Birthday!   Anna - December 15th, Morgan - January 24th, and Emri - December 2nd

I had my yearly check up with Dr. Wagstrom (plastics) and she said my implants are behaving just as they should. My scars, which will always be there, are fading as they should and I don't have to return to see her for a year! I love hearing good news, especially at doctor's offices!

One of the great things about living in Music City, is live music anytime you want it. Not only do we host large shows almost nightly at the Ryman, Grand Ole Opry and Bridgestone, but you can find live music at the local pizza joint or one of many small venues. Here are three of my recent favorite shows: Ben Taylor @ 3rd and Lindsley The Nashville Hayriders at Henpeck Market If you haven't visited Henpeck Market, you should definitely go. It's a great place to gather, hear some fun music and have a fantastic meal! and The annual Holiday Howler @ Gibson Showcase. A great event for a great cause!

Christ the Redeemer As I mentioned before, Jenni spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Rio De Janiero and on the island of Ilha Grande. One of our friends, Justin, has been studying and working in Brazil this past year and invited Jenni to join him for a visit. As you can imagine, my travel loving little girl jumped at this chance and had the time of her life. Rio Jenni and Justin have known each other their whole lives, because his mom Kim and I have been best friends since kindergarten. Jenni had a wonderful trip of sightseeing, hiking, shopping and trying out all the local eats and drinks. She has some amazing pictures - although she and Justin are in NONE of them. I told her I would have loved to have photographic proof she was actually there. Oh well, she is back safe and had the trip of a lifetime. Hotel in Ilha Grande Thank you Justin for hosting Jenni and keeping her safe! Ilha Grande