If you were to live 100 years...

What would you do if you were to live 100 years?  If you knew you had that many decades on earth, what would you strive to accomplish?  I personally haven't known anyone who's reached 100...until last month.  Hank's Gran welcomed 100 amazing years in style...

Sporting her purple jump suit and arriving in...

a red Ferrari :)

loving on her grandkids...

celebrating with family from around the country...

telling stories that had everybody laughing...

Here is a lady that has seen the world change drastically right in front of her eyes and remembers every little detail.  Her life is a story of hard work, perseverance, love and faith.  What do you want your life's story to look like?  Something to think about for the new year...

So with this being the last post before 2012, I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May the Lord shine His face on you and give you His peace. 

A Midwestern Thanksgiving

So Happy laaaaate Thanksgiving! If you've ever worked in college admissions, you know that once November hits you're life is no longer your own. So that's what I'm blaming my lack of posting on;) But I couldn't let Christmas go by without a Thanksgiving post! So here are some pictures from Thanksgiving in Bloomington, which is now my favorite place to spend Thanksgiving...

We went for a hike in Yellowwood State Forest again on Thanksgiving morning.

My beautiful Momma who came all the way from Georgia to spend Thanksgiving with us.

My handsome cowboy. (Who I've actually been calling my mountain man more than cowboy recently. Check out that beard!  Thank you Movember.)

My awesome car, Cheetah. (I used to get a lot of speeding tickets in college...)

Just when you think he's being sweet...

I feel the love.

Beaver wuz here

The only picture I managed to capture at the actual meal: the dogs cleaning up.

Best view in all of Browne County...

The lighting ceremony around the Bloomington court house.  Every Friday after Thanksgiving they have carolers and a big production featuring the mayor and Santa leading up to the count down to the Christmas lights around the square being turned on all at the same time! Coolest tradition EVER. The whole town comes out for it.

The Christmas farmers market the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year, featuring reindeer!

 Thanksgiving in Bloomington always reminds me of a sweet small town in a cute Christmas movie.  This year I'm thankful for a great town for Hank to finish school in, a great job at an awesome University, and a loving and healthy family. 
 Speaking of healthy family, stay tuned for my next post about the coolest 100th birthday ever...