My favorite Christmas moment...

#28

Day of Thanksgiving #28: The Panera Parking Lady. I don't even know her name. But every time I drive up to the parking booth to pay my $.50-$1.00 for parking (depending on how long I've chatted with whoever I was eating with), this sweet lady smiles and waves me through. I don't pay a dime. Now, I always have my money in hand, ready to pay. I never take this gift she gives me for granted. I am so thankful for her giving spirit and I hope I bring her as much joy as she does to me every time I see her.

Today, I went prepared. As I was pulling out, she saw my face, smiled, raised the arm to let me out...but I wouldn't leave. I handed her a little piece of thanks - a Starbucks gift card. A small way to say thank you from this stranger friend.

I think I saw a tear. :)

#27 - Thanksgiving Day

Day of Thanksgiving #27: Tradition & Reflection. Today we celebrated another year of blessing and provision. My dad always say, "we don't have any traditions". But in the last few years, we have realized that there really are things we do every year - things we come to rely on for our security and happiness. We laugh about some things that have become tradition simply because we're reminded of those events each year - and that is a tradition in itself. We may not think about when mom spilled the water in Matt's lap at all this year....until we sit down to Thanksgiving next year...it WILL come up.

#26

Day of Thanksgiving #26: My sister, Carrie. Don't think for a moment that I'm playing favorites. I love all my siblings. The last 6 months, though, have given me the opportunity to be with Carrie more often. Since I work from home, and Carrie stays home to raise Wyatt, we've had several opportunities to meet for lunch, or just spend the day together on our respective computers. Carrie and I have gotten a lot closer because of our extra time together. And for that, I'm thankful.

#25

Day of Thanksgiving #25: Catching up. Today I went shopping at the Lancaster outlets for Christmas gifts and more. It was such a blessing to not only get a jump start on my shopping, but to meet with friends I went to college with. We sat at dinner, at Panera of course (maybe Panera should be a day of thanksgiving post) talking and catching up. We picked right up where we left off and had a great time of fellowship.

#24

Day of Thanksgiving #24: Drive-thrus. You don't have to get out of your car on a rainy day, and you dont have load all your belongings up in your purse to take in with you. You often get a giggle from trying to understand the static-y voice in the speaker, and try and picture what they look like before ever seeing their faces. And, your food stays warm in the bag until you can enjoy your fast-food delights in the comfort of your house....or a friends.

What is bad about that?

His face gives it away

Can you guess what Drew is doing?

#23

Day of Thanksgiving #23: My new camera. Ever since the UPS man rang my doorbell and I turned it on, I've been so thankful for this great gift to myself. Coaching volleyball enabled me to get a little extra cash to invest in a camera I've been wanting for quite awhile. I've taken so many pictures already. I'm still adjusting to it but I've been able to make a lot of people smile....or furrow their brow because of my lens stuck in their face!

I love it.

#22

Day of Thanksgiving #22: Being on THIS side of it. I watched my sister-in-law run the Rehoboth Marathon today. It was freezing. And the whole time I was journeying from point to point on the race map, I was SO thankful to be done with my marathon. SO thankful to not being running today in the fuh-reezing weather.

I am thankful for running. The ability to run.

And I'm thankful to not HAVE to run.

#21

Day of Thanksgiving #21: Disinfecting Wipes. What? I'm wasting a whole day of thanksgiving on disinfecting wipes? Well, I warned you they might be little and insignificant. But disinfecting wipes have played a huge roll in my stress relief this year. I've been doing more cooking in hopes to save money and eat better so the more I'm in the kitchen, the more I love these wipes!

#20

Day of Thanksgiving #20: Someone who just gets me. Tonight I went to a movie with a friend. And it takes a certain friend to see this movie with me. My girlfriend and I saw High School Musical 3. We, along with 3 other people in the whole theater, got comfy in the front row of the theater, junk food at either side of us, as we laughed and laughed and laughed at the humorous yet entertaining movie.

The tone of the movie affected our moods afterwards as we continued the laughter over STUPID stuff....getting gas, talking about our messy cars, being "honest" with eachother, and making silly pun jokes.

Sometimes, I'm just really thankful for a friend that I can wake up the next morning and know they still think I'm cool - even though I acted as crazy as I did. She just gets me.

#19

Day of Thanksgiving #19: Healing. It's remarkable. It's unbelievable. It's something only God can do. I'm thankful for healing. It happens in so many ways - some minor, some extraordinary. But all amazing. I will never stop being amazed by an act of healing...whether I experience the healing, or I see the healing around me.

Maddie's Christmas pictures

I took photos of Matt's cousin Kelly's 6 month old little girl, Madelyn. Here's are two of my favorites from the day. I won't spoil them all - I'll give Kelly that privilege.

#18

Day of Thanksgiving #18: Matt....again. I'm allowed to say that I'm thankful for him twice. I'm so thankful for Matt and how hard he works. 3 days a week, he leaves his regular day job and heads to do personal training an extra 2.5 hours a day. Needless to say, he comes home exhausted, but I'm so thankful for his hard work to be able give us a little extra.

I love you, Matt.

I've been featured!

I was graciously offered the chance to be featured on a blog of a total stranger, who stumbled up on my baby booties at Etsy.com. Sweet Irie, a blog written by a sweet woman named Michele featured yours truly - a little about myself, some pictures of my booties (for the babies, not my backside) and of course, a link and a good plug to my Etsy shop. I'm so pumped to see what kind of traffic this may bring to my site and maybe even my first online sale!

#17

Day of Thanksgiving #17: Pictures. I sat with my sister-in-law tonight looking through folder after folder of pictures from college, ski trips, Christmases, birthdays, births, and lots of just random events. I'm so thankful for the invention that has evolved into something so common and yet still so amazing. Not only do I have a brain to generally remember all those events, but I also have about 20 gigs of photos to help me remember every detail.

Like when Wyatt was just 5 months old, he could not stop staring at the ornaments and lights on the tree - and it made him drool.

#16

Day of Thanksgiving #16: Naps. There is nothing too minor to be thankful for. I got to take a nap on Sunday for the first time in...several months. It was awesome. I fell asleep when it was light out, and woke up when the sun had set. I woke up so refreshed.

I couldn't sleep that night, but it felt grrrrreat at the time.

I'm also thankful for my new couch that made this nap possible.

My morning with Wyatt...

I spent a few hours alone with my favorite nephew, Wyatt. We did our usual...watched cars and jumped off the step-down in my living room. I was working in the kitchen for a few minutes and when I returned, this is how I found my man. I guess he wanted to be IN the movie. This was the only still moment of the morning. Right after this, he turned around and yelled, "KaCHOW" just like Lightning McQueen.

Like my blog header?

I decided a needed a change. Since I just painted the living room, I figured I would just settle with a new blog header. If you have always wanted a blog header that pops but don't have the tools or ideas to do it with, let me know. I'd be happy to help. Consider it your Christmas gift from me to you. (That means I'll do it for free, of course).

Please don't hesitate to ask!

Need a baby gift?

Or maybe some special christmas cards to put those adorable pictures of your kids or dog in? Visit my creative site or my etsy shop for some great ideas and handmade items ready to order. I've recently begun selling Gift Bundles for baby and mom - a preciously packaged basket of assorted handmade baby items. Bundles could include baby booties, a set of 5 handmade cards the mommy can use for announcements or thank-yous, and onesies or burp cloths.




You can also order a bundle of identical christmas cards to for you to send to your friends and family! They don't even have to know you bought them! You can take all the creative credit!

Stop by today!

#15

Day of Thanksgiving #15: Rain. It's good for the ground and trees in the summer. It's good for people's allergies in the spring. It's good for making memories. I have a lot of memories of rain. Running and jumping in the knee deep puddles in front of the house I grew up in. Training for my marathon - 8 miles in the rain. Hearing the rain on the flap protecting us from getting wet in the Algonquin after a long day of hiking and carrying our canoes over our heads. So many memories.

I made a new memory on Saturday. We sat at Uncle Barry's football game at Gettysburg College...in the pouring. down. rain. I shared an umbrella with Matt's cousin Kelly - a huge golf umbrella. But, the wind was so strong and the rain came so hard, that the entire right half of my body was drenched. We were cold and wet but the only thing we could do was laugh.

I'm thankful for the rain and memories we make in it.

#14

Day of Thanksgiving #14: A singing family. Today I spent my afternoon with a few of my musical siblings and my one musical nephew. We were practicing for sunday worship - but we were worshiping right there. We didn't need a congregation and microphones.

I listened for a moment and heard joyous praise...the strumming of a guitar, the powerfully sung melody, and an exuberant 2 year old with rubber drum sticks, a cymbal and a couple pots and pans. BANGING away.

Music to His ears.

#13

I'm not running out of things to be thankful for and I'm not having trouble thinking of things. I just simply don't have enough hours in the day....although I am thankful for the 24 that I do get!

Day of Thanksgiving #13: Mercy. I do marvel at the mercy of God everyday. However, on this particular day I received some mercy from someone else.

From a Newark City cop. I got pulled over...and my insurance card was on my dining room table. Isn't that illegal?

Thank you Mr. Police officer for not taking my license and for not throwing me in jail.

#12

Day of Thanksgiving #12: Time away, and coming home again. Matt has had several business trips that take him out of town...sometimes out of state. This past week, he spent the first half of the week in Oklahoma. During his time away, I usually fill my evenings with productive things. I make cards, I make baby booties, I clean my house, I paint the living room. Things that keep me up until the wee hours of the morning. I love my alone time. When my agenda for the evening can change at any second and involves only me.

Sounds selfish, I know. But every now and then, I love my time alone.

And after I have my time alone, the thing I love the most is when the trip is over and my honey is home with me.

That's the best part about the business trip. Without a doubt.

New Booties for your cuties!

See my new baby booties!

#10

Day of Thanksgiving #10: Change of season. As I sat in my dining room with 6 other ladies making Christmas cards, it only felt appropriate to be playing Christmas music. As each of us were bopping our heads and harmonizing with Bing Crosby, Wham, and the Backstreet Boys at the most appropriate moments, I found myself energized with the season upon us. As Matt said this weekend, "I'm just going to be REALLY into Christmas this year," (eyes open wide with childlike excitement). I thought about how thankful I am for any change of season. Whether it's spring changing into summer, the start of the holiday season, or a transition in my life that will teach me new things - I'm just thankful for a new start. Something to look forward to. Fun and mystery on the horizon.

It's a new season, folks. Put a smile on. Be thankful.

my new blog...

If you haven't already, pop on over to my new blog katiehallcreative.blogspot.com. I just posted a new photo of a favorite new hobby of mine...baby booties! I'll be posting more tomorrow of the new ones I made tonight. Hope you'll visit!

#9

Day of Thanksgiving #9: Family. We spend almost every sunday night with my family around the dinner hour. Sometimes we cook, sometimes we order in. This sunday, I had my family (and some adopted others that we love) over to my house for homemade pizza - a traditional recipe my dad passed on to me. Twelve of us gathered in my (small) dining room that seemed filled with laughter and love. It reminded me how thankful I am of a big, loving and crazy family. They are so special to me. I love that our big family gets bigger everyday.

Wyatt and his favorite new friend, Ryan (next to Megan) all listening to Dad

Ryan wants to do everything Wyatt does :)

#8

(I know I'm a few days behind...)
Day of Thanksgiving #8: Retreat. Time away. Rest from the everyday. I was able to spend my saturday away from home, with other women from my church, learning about the unique creations that we are. I love home - but I'm thankful for the energy and refreshment I get from being away. When I got home, I found out that Matt had a little retreat of his own right on our couch.

I think he is thankful for retreats too.

#7

Day of Thanksgiving #7: Making memories. Like, making U-turns for a cup of crab chowder. Or, kissing a plastic singing deer head on the wall of a diner. Or, stopping at the favorite restaurant of each individual person in the car for dinner so that everyone is satisfied. Or, taking jumping pictures over and over again until your camera battery dies.

These are some of the memories I made on friday.

I'm thankful for friends and opportunities to create memories.

#6

Day of Thanksgiving #6: Work. What? Am I crazy? I'm thankful for work? I guess the reason I could say that is that this was a particularly hard and busy day of work. I work from home, which is a blessing most days. Other days, I can really never leave the office. I worked this particular day until midnight. I was tired. My neck and eyes hurt from sitting at my computer all day long.

But I went to bed feeling like I had accomplished great things. I slept great knowing the project wasn't waiting for me in the morning. And who wouldn't be thankful to be able to earn a living doing what I love.

I'm thankful for work.

Ladies, let's get crafty!

Tonight I had some friends over for some craft time. We each created different things. Some create cards, some did scrapbooks, and others made christmas gift tags. We all enjoyed the fellowship.

Emily and her creations

All the mustache ladies

#5

some of my creations from tonight

Day of Thanksgiving #5: Creativity. Tonight I had the fun opportunity to make a mess and get glue all over everything. In other words, I had friends over to be crafty! It was such a refreshing reminder that God created us each so individually. It was interesting to see what everyone created and how we each have such different talents. I'm thankful for the ability to be creative. I'm thankful I see different ways of doing things. I'm thankful that I can use that talent to earn extra income....more of the provision I wrote about a few days ago. I'm thankful that we have a creative God who crafted us each so differently and perfectly in His image.

I'm thankful I can create.

I'm thankful I was created in His image.

#4

Day of Thanksgiving #4: In God We Trust. Not "in country", not "in Obama", not "in media", not "in ourselves." Thank God. In the flurry of election activities and the disappointment or joy you may be feeling, I hope you remember Who controls this country. Not a man, or a group of people in "seats". But, in GOD.

As we look through unclear lenses to the next few years, I'm so thankful that our hope is not in a majority vote.

I trust Him.

#3

Day of Thanksgiving #3: Provision. Whether it's financial or emotional or spiritual, I'm thankful for the way I'm "looked out for." I'm thankful for a boss who not only gives me a paycheck, but who sticks up for me against abrasive clients. I'm thankful for a husband who works hard for that little bit extra to allow us to have a few "nicer things." I'm thankful for unexpected gift cards for a dinner out just because someone is proud I ran a marathon. I'm thankful for a grocery store less than a mile away to fill my refrigerator with food for us to eat. And I am learning to say "thank you" that our paychecks cover the amount of our bills and expenses...no matter how few dollars we have left in the checking account.

We have enough,

and therefore,

we have so much.

Kids on candy

So I'm playing a little bit of catch up. Be prepared to read a few random posts in the next week. I have several events I want to dedicate posts to so you'll see new ones little by little. One day I'll be caught up.

Here is a video I took of Wyatt (the cheeseburger) on Halloween night AFTER all the candy he ate from Aunt Katie. He usually does this when he comes over because he loves to jump down the little step in our living room. However, he never does it THIS much. This was only a glimpse of the evening.

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Wouldn't that be awesome? I'd gain 30 pounds!

No seriously....

November is the month of Thanksgiving. We reflect a lot on what we're thankful for when we're around the turkey and trimmings, but I wondered what our lives would be like if we saw things everyday to be thankful for, rather than just taking those things for granted-no matter how big or small.

I had the idea during a run one day a few weeks ago, that for every day in November, I'd be intentional about finding things to be thankful for. Even though it's the 2nd of the month, I thought I'd still try...

You should do it too! Who knows? Maybe by day 30, we'll be seeing so many things to be thankful for, we will continue the tradition.

(matt and home improvement projects)

Day of Thanksgiving #1: My Husband. Saturday was a day filled with errands and projects that Matt and I are finishing up around the house. I'm thankful for my husband, who even now is diligently cleaning the mess we made from yesterday's project. Matt is a diligent worker who is committed to displaying godly character and living a life of integrity. He loves me for me, quirks and all. And he can dance. That's just a side note. Matt is a gift to me that I NEVER want to take for granted.

Day of Thanksgiving #2: The resurrection. This morning in Sunday school, we reflected on the evidence of the Resurrection of Christ. As we studied Luke 24, I couldn't help but acknowledge the promise we have in that resurrection. The promise of eternal life because of the price Christ paid on the cross....and that He rose again, resurrected to life. We are resurrected to Life. And for that, I am thankful.

26.2

30,000
participants

2,700
dollars raised for cancer

1,800
footsteps

400
miles of preparation

126
days of training

66
charities supported

58
encouraging text messages

26.2
miles covered

11
food and water stops

8
family members to cheer for us

5
hours of running

countless
whispered prayers

1
God glorified.

maybe luck?

As we were pulling out of our neighborhood this morning to begin our trek to DC for the Marathon this weekend, I saw a friendly face to start the journey. I smiled as I saw Old Man Runner, in full stride, pass in front of the car.

My pride wanted me to yell out the window, "Hey, I'm running a marathon tomorrow!".

Maybe I shouldn't get ahead of myself.

I think he would be proud.

I thought I'd post part of an email I sent out to donors and potential donors for our marathon this Sunday. It is coming quickly and we're excited to run and excited to finished with training for awhile. :) We're so thankful to have capable bodies given to us by God to complete such a physically and mentally trying challenge. I looked at our training schedule this week and felt so amazed looking back over all the miles we've run. By Thursday, we'll have logged over 400 miles since May!

Here are some things I've learned since we started training:

Every little bit counts.

It is strange to look back on our training schedule and see 2 and 3 mile runs throughout the weeks. Just two weeks ago, when we ran our longest run in training (20 miles) I remember thinking that 2 and 3 miles seem like a walk to the mailbox. The educated and experienced people that created our training schedule knew that if it weren't for those 2 and 3 mile runs, we could never complete 26.2.

We've had several large monetary donations since we sent our first email and we're so grateful for those large, generous donations. But, what has been most impactful is the HUGE number of donations just $25 and below. And they have added up to nearly 60% of our goal!

Pain is fleeting compared to the reason why we're running.

The opportunity came to us to participate as charity runners for the American Cancer Society and I don't think either of us knew then the impact it could have our perspective the last few months. We've been so fortunate to avoid any major injuries to keep us from running, although we've had numerous smaller injuries that come with training as much as we have. And boy, have we complained! First our feet, then our knees, then our hips, then the blisters (oh the blisters), and even the muscle cramps. Recently, when I was on the first quarter mile of a run, my mind immediately went to the pain in my right foot and how I would have to endure that pain for the next 11.75 miles. After a few minutes of feeling sorry for myself, my mind shifted to those who we are running for - those who suffered or who are still suffering daily with pain due to cancer. I felt so humbled by knowing that my pain is fleeting and would probably heal on its own with a little ice and rest. Since then, I have been mindful of what I complain about and have shifted my focus to those who suffer more significant pain everyday.

We can't do this alone.

Even though we're running the race with our own two legs, Matt and I would not have been able to get to this point without endless words of encouragement and so many running partners. Some of you have joined us for nearly 100 of those miles and we wish you could be with us for the marathon!

We've raised nearly $2000 thanks to all of you. So many donations from you have made this day possible and we're truly grateful for your kindness and generosity.

Finally, we can't step up to the starting line without acknowledging who has been with us through every mile. God is so faithful and we're running for HIS glory. So many of my long runs (and not enough of my short runs) have been filled with whispers to God asking for strength and thanking Him for perfectly crafting our bodies to accomplish such a feat. We'll cross the line on Sunday because of our Heavenly Father!

If you'd still like to donate, we still need your help. We're just under $75 away from our goal and we're excited to know that our goal will be met with your help. Every dollar counts. You can go to www.werunforcancer.com and click "donate". It would be awesome to go above and beyond our goal!

If you haven't already submitted a name of a loved one who suffered from cancer or who is still battling cancer, it's not too late. We will be getting our shirts made tomorrow morning! So please email me (or comment under this post) any names you'd like to appear on our shirts by tonight!

Thanks again for all you have done for us! Please keep us in your prayers on Sunday morning between 8a.m. and 1p.m. We will no doubt feel your prayers with every step.

Running for the glory of God,

Katie & Matt

I've been tagged

This is sort of fun.....

8 things I did yesterday
1. Sat in church with 3 of my best friends
2. Spent $223 at Panera (seriously)
3. Threw a bridal shower
4. Made some punch
5. Smiled for 30 pictures
6. Sat in a car for 2.5 hours
7. Marveled at the carpentry skills of my husband
8. Went to bed at 9p.m.

8 favorite places to eat - in no particular order
1. Taco Bell
2. Neato Burrito
3. Chic-fil-a
4. Panera Bread
5. Grotto's Pizza
6. PF Changs
7. Pizza Grille
8. My couch

8 Favorite TV shows
1.The Office (duh)
2. Project Runway
3. The Hills (no comments please)
4. Friends
5. Jon & Kate plus 8
6. The Martha Stewart Show (even thought I can't stand to listen to her voice)
7. Split Ends
8. Cash Cab

8 things on my wish list
1. To start my own business
2. To buy an old house and fix it up real nice
3. To finish my marathon on sunday
4. To have children
5. To have a famous blog (and not know it)
6. A Canon 40D and some sweet lenses
7. To have financial freedom
8. To be consistent in my daily walk with Christ

Now I will tag
1. Dulci
2. Kendy
3. Heather (which means you'll have to start a blog)
4. Paula
5. Jenn Parker (even though she doesn't blog but told me this weekend she reads mine all the time...shout out)

Old Man Runner

Yesterday, I was on the last half mile of my run and off in the distance I could see the struggled stride of Old Man Runner. Like clockwork. As I got closer, making sure I was attempting eye contact in case he decided to acknowledge me, he looked up and pointed at me with a nod as if he was saying "There's my girl." As we passed, I smiled and was delighted at Old Man Runner's reaction to seeing me.

No more than 25 steps later, I turned around to check traffic so I could make my jaunt across the street. To my surprise, I saw Old Man Runner heading in my direction. Earlier, when I saw him passing me in the opposite direction, Old Man Runner's stride was slow and fatigued. At this moment, he was gaining on me rapidly, taking large, quick strides. I shook my head. Just when I thought I had gained the respect of Old Man Runner, he turns on his cocky attitude again and passes the "young girl who thinks shes better than me" (or so he may say in his Old Man Runner blog).

He maintained his speed for another quarter mile just until I could barely see him anymore.

Then I saw him stop and walk.

Then he turned around and started running back toward me.

When we reached the point of passing for the 3rd time that morning, there was no waving and no smiling, and I said under my breath "yeah but I'M running a MARATHON next week."

I felt better.

Eat For A Cause!

(click on image to enlarge!)

Puke can be attractive...

If it was on these burp cloths! I got inspired by a baby shower I attended in the spring and had the chance to make some for two friends who are (and were) pregnant. The first set was for my old co-worker and current friend, Dulci who is having her first child this winter. The gender neutral colors was a fun challenge.








The second set was for oldest and dearest friend, Kristin, and her new baby, Sadie Katie Harman Jones, born less than a week ago! Sadie Kate's nursery is decorated with reds and yellows so I used that for the color inspiration!








If you're interested in custom burp cloths to give as a gift, contact me!