I Fell In Love in 2006

The last day of 2006 has been ideal for me. Some people like to spend the last night of the year out with the masses, dressed to the nines, and a sparkling drink in hand. My perfect day has been quite the opposite though. I have not left my brother’s and sister-in-law’s home on this very windy, grey, cold South Dakota day nor do I plan to. I am still wearing my pajamas, my hair is tossed up in a messy ponytail, I ate warm chocolate chip cookies at 10 am because I could, I’ve read a book, played with my niece, enjoyed my mom’s lasagna around the table with almost all of our family (Lor had to go home already), and had the rare chance to take a nap. The rest of my day will probably consist of more of the same and perhaps a movie on my brother and sister-in-law’s home theater system.

Sitting here wrapped in a fleece blanket next to the fireplace I find myself content to just listen to the noises around me: my mom lovingly talking to Alixandra while she feeds her, Alixandra’s sweet breathes and coos while she drinks her bottle, my dad clicking away on the computer researching his next purchases, silence from the direction of a bedroom where new parents have the rare chance to take a nap, and the cold winds coming to a whistling halt when they meet the windows of the house. Sitting here I can’t help but think about what a wonderful, blessed year this has been. I randomly remembered a list I started back in October of things I’d fallen in love with this year, some silly little things and some life-changing. I’m glad I remembered it in time to share. Here are just a few things this year that have captured my heart in a new way the past 365 days…

Coldplay I’ve always enjoyed their music, but something clicked with me this year and I now “get” why others are so obsessed. Their songs just get better with every listen and fit my every mood and type of day. I don’t even understand what some of them mean and that just makes me like them all the more. Favorite songs include Fix You, The Scientist, and Sparks.

Boston Through another visit in June and through the eyes and descriptions of Farrah, this city has become one of my top three favorites. Its historic charms, quaint streets and parks, and moments there with Farrah have made Boston a city I look forward to visiting frequently.

Chocolate Cake Call me crazy, but I used to dislike chocolate cake. That was before I had it served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream while in the company of dear friends. Two memorable experiences this year involving an artful presentation of warm chocolate cake and ice cream which we devoured included going to the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas with Jeremy and Lora and then at J. Alexander’s with Mary Alice, Steven, Shannon and Christina.

The Color Red Not sure why, but this has become my favorite new color. Whether it’s bright red shoes or a deep red paint color, I can’t get enough of this color…I think my world in 2007 will include a lot more red.

The People’s Church After years of searching and church hopping or skipping, I found a home. This church has reminded me that church isn’t a building or weekly obligation, but a home and many, many people that I call dear friends now. My year would not have been nearly as wonderful if I hadn’t started attending this church and getting involved.

The Journey I’m embracing the process of life more and more. I’m understanding more that when you wait or work for things that are important it actually makes life more enjoyable and meaningful. Seeing The Pursuit of Happyness last night made me think of this concept even more.

Martial Arts Who knew that’d I’d actually love getting up before 6 twice a week to go let people punch me, kick me, and hit me with swords (and do the same back). I always knew I had a Syndey Bristow within and now thanks to Bao’s teaching, I’m learning things I never knew I could do and looking forward to the possibility of breaking a board with my sidekick in 2007.

Fall Don’t tell summer, but I think I may be cheating on it. Fall has become my favorite season. There’s just something about the amazing colors and crisp air and first hints of the winter holidays that have captured me.

Chick-fil-a Milkshakes As Mary Alice would say, they will change your life. Try it and you’ll understand. My favorite is the oreo one.

Going to Movies Alone I’ve always loved going to movies and still love going to them with a group of friends. I also now love going to them on my own. It’s just such a great escape into another story and a feeling of independence.

Yo Yo Ma Nothing like this cello music to calm you down and relax.

Franklin Road I probably spend over 6 hours a week driving up and down this road in Boy Scout. I love it though. Windows down, sun roof open, music up…the rolling hills splashed in colors, the huge farms, fields of horses, mansions decorated for each holiday…sorry I-65 you may be faster, but Franklin Road wins every time in my mind.

My niece Alixandra This little girl has captured my heart like no other. I can’t get enough of her and it’s so amazing to have her as the newest addition of our family. I could go on and on about how incredible she is…even her messy diapers are cute! You know that’s love…

Alixandra's First Christmas

Here are a few pictures of Alix so far...I can't get enough of her.

First Christmas Outfit.

I call Alix my lil' Ballerina because she is always moving her arms.




Alix and her mommy.


Alix and Grammy talking to Farrah on Christmas morning.


Alix and all of her Christmas presents


Alix and her daddy.

Christmas Time is Here...

Christmas is almost here. In just 2 days I'll be with my family, get to hold my niece again, and RELAX! I've been trying to soak in the spirit of Christmas as much as possible this week because I know that once I get back all the decorations will be taken down and I once again get a funny look when I play my Christmas music. Here are some favorite things about Christmases past and present...

- "The Slip." Our family tradition all growing up where each day in December we would do a family activity such as baking cookies, making ornaments, shopping for presents, painting our windows, playing games....
- quoting the pageant with Jeremy and the Thomsens. "Minden. The Christmas City presents..."
- driving around the courthouse in Minden to enjoy the lights


- looking at lights with the Thomsens in Kearney and the infamous time we saw the naked man and when Uncle Ron ordered a watermelon, root beer slush at Sonic
- the way our family does tags on presents and gives gifts
- watching Christmas movies like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Love Actually, Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, A Muppet Christmas Carol, All I Want For Christmas...
- the letter my Dad writes to each of us each year, which we find in our stocking Christmas day
- driving around Nashville looking at the amazing decorations on the huge houses while Tennessee Christmas plays on my iPod
- the Christmas weekend in Atlanta with my fellow Papes, Stine and Amy, making cookies (Jingle Bell bars!) and watching movies
- buying a real Christmas tree last year with Christina, Mary Alice, and Katherine and driving it home on the top of Boy Scout
- "fighting" with Farrah this year while we put up the Christmas tree

- whenever we are all home in Minden, we attend the Christmas eve service at Mom and Dad's church & we end up having to stand and listen to the Hallelujah chorus while holding our candles. Without fail, Jeremy sings it in a really low or high voice just loud enough for me to hear and I get the giggles....which i have to hold in forever because that song lasts an eternity
- looking at all the tags on presents with Lor the first night we're home
- the "cousins" picture with the Thomsen side when no one knows which camera to look at
(We actually got it right last year!)
- watching a movie with my family after opening presents on Christmas Day...this year maybe in Jeremy's home theater!
- last year when Jeremy recited the entire Scripture passage about the shepherds from memory in his baby voice...unbelievably funny.
- the addition of Alixandra to our family this year and celebrating her one month birthday on Christmas eve!!

There are many more..."comment" any you know that I forgot!

A DC Retreat

Lately I’ve been feeling exhausted due to a super hectic schedule and concerned that before I know it my favorite time of year will be gone and I will miss out on enjoying it. Today has been a perfect remedy to those feelings. I’m in Washington D.C. for a work conference and have a couple of hours to myself before the madness begins. I’m staying at a very fancy hotel just two blocks down from the White House, so I threw my suitcase on the fluffy bed, grabbed my iPod & camera, and headed out to see a few sights while the voices of Sarah McLachlan, Over the Rhine, Ray Charles, Harry Connick Jr. and other favorites sang my favorite Christmas tunes.


Here are some highlights of my DC retreat…

1. Everything is decorated for Christmas and is stunning.
2. While looking at the White House, I noticed that a man dressed in all black was patrolling the roof (you can see him in the pic if you look closely). My mind immediately went all Alias...maybe they need me to practice the sword fighting skills I’ve been learning lately. Don’t worry, I resisted the urge to buy a shirt from a street vendor that said “CIA.”
3. Seeing the lights on the National Christmas tree turn on with the Washington monument in the background.
4. I almost followed a crowd of people that were going to a party at the White House…I think if I would have just walked with confidence and given the little man at the security booth a charming speech like Syndey Ellen Wade of Virginia, I could have gotten away with it. Although my jeans may have given me away…
5. A stunning view of the capital at dusk as I walked back to my hotel with tired feet but a renewed sense of Christmas cheer. (the picture doesn’t do it justice)
6. I have room service on the way and may even splurge for a pay-per-view movie for my “Susan retreat” night….the hardest decision of my night will be which movie to buy and which giant, cloud-like bed to sleep in….



This girl can’t complain…