Christmas spirit

I am very behind on my blogging, sorry! Levi, Becca, Sydney, and I got in the Christmas spirit by attending Isaac's Christmas Concert (Puyallup High School). They have a beautiful auditorium and sounded beautifully.

Isaac played the clarinet in concert band.


It was clear that all of the students worked very hard to learn the pieces and put on a good show!

those were the days

Some of the first words that come to my mind when I think of my two quarter study abroad experience in Puebla, Mexico are..."Those were the days!" The days when breakfast was ready and waiting for you before you went to school. When a two hour nap every day was expected. When you didn't have to work, just enjoy your time exploring and eating and learning and meeting new people. When you had the time and patience to paint your nails and curl your hair and look pretty. When your professor galloped around the classroom like a horse and took you out drinking. When you danced the night away with no cares in the world. When you hung out with the FAB FOUR!

When you listened to wonderful music alongside a great friend.

Thankfully, we were able to relive a few of these moments together recently when Amy visited for an interview. It was lovely to see her and treat her to a quiet night's sleep.
We met up with Megan at Cactus in Madison Park...one of my fav. Mexican restaurants! Hard to believe it has been 9 years since Puebla! Walking down memory lane never gets old! Thanks for the fun reunion, chicas!


Now...if only we could get Yadira back to Seattle ;)

One of my favorite parts about the holidays!

It's decorating! Lots to help with this year. First up, our tree. We were excited for Amy's visit after thanksgiving, so wanted to be sure and have the decor up quickly. Our tree trims up pretty nicely, and so does the rest of the misc. decor around the house...I must say ;)



Next up, the Vixie tree. A new tree this year...complete with lots of LED *bling*.


Last but not least, decorating the Hauck tree next to the warm toasty fire!

Buttercup was a big help as you can see ;)
And here is a video of our future home and light display!

Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is always a nice time of year for a break and some R&R. We spent the holiday with the Vixies and enjoyed an extensive and delicious meal. Check out this menu!

My favorites were creamed brussel sprouts, green bean casserole, cranberry jello and marinated mushrooms.
Tyler and I setting the table...

Blayne and Megan as we get ready to eat...

After the meal, we played games and particularly loved Tyler and Kyle's rendition of 'Guess Who?' with questions like...'Does your person work at Seattle University?' 'Does this person dress like an anthropology professor?' 'Does your person drive a Prius?' 'Does your person have a facebook?' 'Does your person have a son or daughter that goes to Evergreen State College'? And so on...

Of course, I enjoy the kitties as much as I do the people. Here is Fluff Man chillin' after dinner.

Hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving. I missed my family definitely. Mom and Dad travelled to California to be with family and Becca and Levi were with Levi's family. I am very thankful for the blessings of wonderful family and friends. Looking forward to the year ahead.

Greenlake

I love morning walks around Greenlake with Megan...it is the most refreshing way to start the day! This morning was particularly beautiful, so I thought I would share a few photos with you.

Baby and basketball

11.19.09 was an eventful day! As you can see, I'm behind on telling you about it (sorry)! We celebrated Andrew's upcoming entry into the world of fatherhood with a Seattle Sounders themed baby shower in the Registrar's Office. The games and photo guessing were quite entertaining...not to mention the delicious cupcakes!!



Congratulations, Andrew and Carla! We're excited to see this boy!
That same day also happened to be the SU Redhawks Mens Basketball Home Opener at the Key Arena. The Key was dedicated as the Elgin Baylor SU home court, in honor of Elgin's time as an SU Chieftain back in the day. We enjoyed a pre-game reception and the game itself which was an edge of your seat nail biter.
Fr. Steve...

Sir Elgin himself...

The cheerleaders gave us a pep talk!

And here I am ... all decked out in my new jacket :)

The Redhawks were victorious!! Did I mention that I WON season tickets for commenting on this story?! Whawhoo!

Happy Birthday, Becca!

Becca's birthday was celebrated over some good food this week. Seems to be a pattern with our birthday celebrations lately :) Old Spaghetti Factory on Sunday and Todai on Monday! Here is the beautiful birthday girl.
With Levi, the hubby.

Hope its a wonderful year for you, sister!

Silent Retreat 2009

By the time the silent retreat hit this year, I was craving the silence. It has just been a very hectic few weeks and I have a bad cold, so needed to get away for sure! I enjoyed some time for reading, walking on the beach, prayer, journaling, sleeping, and well...so many blessings that the retreat provides. If you need a few moments of peace, check out this video (turn the speakers up).

Here are a few of my favorite photos enjoying God's beautiful creations!






I am so very grateful for the experience, once again :)