A Hand Written Sentiment

{Just some of the Thank You cards I have on store in my home. And I am loving my new mustache envelope seals.}

When I was a kid my mom always drilled into me the power of a Thank You. 

When I was younger, I was very sporadic about writing thank you notes. Even picking up the phone for a quick verbal thank you was too much for me. 

As I got into high school, I knew I needed to be better about writing, but it was hard to break this bad habit. It was not until my high school graduation that I was consistent about writing thank you notes. 

Ever since then, I have sincerely tried to write a thank you note no matter how small the gift. And I love doing it. 

I love going to Target and picking out new Thank You cards. 

I love getting new stamps. 

I love writing my personalized HAND written Thank You. 

I love sticking my address label on the envelope and sending it off. 

I love everything about it. 

And you know what-  There is nothing better than getting a Thank You card in the mail!

I really think more people should hand write their Thank You cards. I think it is becoming a lost art form. While I think a verbal Thank You or a Facebook Thank You is better than nothing- nothing beats getting a card. Thanking someone is literally taking the time to say "You know what, I appreciate it. I know you didn't have to, and I thank you." It is letting that person know you got the gift and that you love it. 

I encourage you to bust out the old stationary (or use this chance to buy some new stationary) and write a thank you note. Or an thinking of you note. Or a get well note. 

Heck just write something- Stick it in an envelope- And mail it. I guarantee it will make that person's day.

Do What Makes You Happy

{image via} 

While searching the world of blogs today, I came across this little sign. 

It is a little strange that I found this saying and in such way that I would love it. {If you haven't noticed, I love owls.} 

Do What Makes YOU Happy. 

The last couple of weeks, I have felt a little like I haven't achieved anything. I look at Facebook or in my own family, and I think well geez I have done literally nothing with my life. 

I know that this is a bit ridiculous because I have accomplished a lot of things

{Going away to Hawaii for school, London Study Abroad, Got Married in the Temple, Graduated from College, Got a Full Time Teaching Job Right out of School... etc.}

So I know I have done things, but I feel like they just aren't enough. With people having babies, traveling around the world, or continuing their education- I feel like I am just stuck in a rut, and in some sense, stuck on an island- literally! 

But what I realized is that these things are what OTHER people are doing. While it is hard not to- I cannot judge myself in terms of what others are doing. 

There is no need for me to rush through my life just to try to catch up with others.

Matt and I want to start a family- just not right now. 

We want to travel the world, but we want to build some savings first. 

We want to continue our education, but we want to have some real world experience first. 

See, everything that other people are doing is great, but it is their lives, not ours. 

Right now I am working full time to help Matt finish up his Bachelors in Social Work. 

And that is good. 

Right now we are planning our next adventure. 

And that is enough for right now. 

At the end of the day you have to Do What Makes You Happy. 

I hope you are doing the same.

Friday Flashback #34

Okay, so I hope you all remember the cute little dog in my last Friday Flashback. This dog was named Missy, and was our family dog for the first 15 years of my life. Missy was really my mom's dog; she bought her a little over a year before I was born, and she took Missy everywhere.

Anyway, on to my Friday Flashback:

When I was in middle school, my mom took Missy to get groomed at one of those dog salons. When we got to the place, my mom said 'Alex go in and see how much it will be for a shampoo.'

So I walked in and here is how the conversation went:

Me: How much would a shampoo be for my dog?

Front Desk Lady: Well,  how much does your dog weigh?

Me: Umm... I don't know I guess about 70-75 pounds.

F.D.L: 75 pounds! Whoa really?

Me: Yeah I think so, but I  have never weighed her.

F.D.L: Well how big is she?

Me: About this big (me miming how big this dog is- hint: my gestures weren't large.)

F.D.L: (I can see she is getting a little confused.) Can you pick her up?

Me: Yeah of course! (Getting confused at all these questions.)

F.D.L: Can I see the dog?

Me: Yeah she's in the car.

(We walk to the car together, and mom shows the F.D.L Missy.)

F.D.L: Hahahaha okay she probably weighs about 15 lbs. (And then F.D.L goes and tells my mom about the whole conversation and they both had a good laugh at my mistake.)

Me: ...... Oh

But really, how was I supposed to know?!?

Just a girl and her 70 pound dog. 

And this is a bonus Flashback for you- not only a funny story- but a great picture. Oh the middle school days. (And yes, I did cut Chantal out of this picture, but I think she would have killed me if I posted the picture with her in it!) 

Now Announcing... Baby Bowen

On January 9, 2013, Baby Eli Bowen made his way into this world- I whole whopping 4-5 weeks early! 

I guess he was just looking forward to meeting his wonderful Mama. I have known for a while that Malia would have a baby way before me, but now that it has happened I can't believe it. I guess Matt and I have some work to do so Baby Eli has some Ho cousins to play with... (Haha just joking so don't get too excited Janice aka Mama Ho.)

Like I said, I knew Malia would have babies before me, but there are couple other things I have known for awhile as well:

1. Malia has always wanted to be a mother.      

2. Malia is going to be an AMAZING mother. 

I am so happy for her and Caleb, and more importantly, I am excited to have a new nephew to love and spoil. 

When Malia and I were younger and really good friends, we always used to talk about wanting to be sisters. However, neither of us were willing to marry the other one's brother! (Ha Ha- I see the irony, do you?) 

Anyway, two years ago we got our wish and we became sisters. I am so happy this wonderful lady is a part of my family, and that I get to play such an important role to her new baby- you know- the role of the FAVORITE AUNT! 

As the Favorite Aunt, and Malia's Favorite Sister, I wanted to share a few words and wishes for the happy family. 

For Malia, 

Congrats on making such a beautiful baby. I cannot believe you are a new momma! Now you will definitely need to start your Mommy blog. While we have not stayed in the best of contact the last year or so (mostly due to my stubbornness), you are my sister and I am so happy for you. I am so impressed with what you have accomplished. Enjoy your time with your new baby, and make sure to show pictures of Matt and I so Eli will actually like us in April. (I know what you are thinking- it's too early- but please just humor me.) I love you Malia and good luck! 

For Caleb, 

Just a short note- take care of my sister and your new baby. They are some of the most precious people in the world to Matt and I. 

For Baby Eli, 

You are a very lucky baby to have been sent to this family. For you, I have some Wishes: 

I hope you learn how great your parents are, especially your sweet sweet Mama. 

I hope your become whatever your heart desires. 

I hope you don't try to fit into the mold, when you can choose to stand out. 

I hope you aren't afraid of taking a chance and following your dreams. 

I hope you learn to speak another language. You can never go wrong doing this. 

I hope you get all you can out of life. 

I hope you laugh at all mine and your Uncle Matt's jokes. We really are some funny people. 

I hope you never forget how much you were loved from day one. You were wanted by your parents and your extended family, and don't you ever forget it. 

I hope you respect your elders, seriously, don't be rude. And while I know you think of me and your Uncle Matt as two young hipsters that are so relatable, you still have to respect us. 

I hope you always know you can come to me and your Uncle Matt whenever you need a hug, or an extra $20, or to vent about your outdated parents, or just to hang out. We are here for you, and we love you. 

Love, 

Your Favorite Auntie Alex Fahey Ho 

XOXO 

Malia and Caleb- you did good! 

(Note: I did make the Subway art, but the wish list I found on Pinterest- my other love.) 

Elf on the Shelf- Part IV

I was looking through my pictures and I realized I missed a couple of Norman's adventures. So here they are:

Norman a nice little hot tub soak. Please note his little towel and slippers. 

Norman zip lining from the Christmas tree from the celling fan. 

Ringing in the Year and Celebrating the Next Day

Matt and I rang in the new year in Georgia with our families. I can't believe we are in 2013! I thought we would have flying cars by now.

New Year's Eve was pretty simple. We just had dinner at my house and played some games.

New Year's Day was a big event at the Ho house. Every year they do a Chinese New Year type dinner on New Year's Day. (Don't worry they know Chinese New Year isn't until February- they just like to celebrate early.)

This year, Matt and I headed over to his parent's house early to help set up. I even rolled some sushi- I didn't eat it, but I made it.

 Malia making Bubble Drink

Our Georgia Visit- Part III

Our vacation to Georgia continued with more family time and some gathering of some old friends. 

December 28

Friday- Abuela, my mom, Olivia, my cousin Aspen, and me went to Canvas By U! This is a place where you take a paint class for 2-3 hours and the instructor walks you through how to make a specific painting. 

I have wanted to do this for awhile and this was the perfect opportunity. My friend Brooks is an instructor at Canvas By U!, so we had a little girls afternoon painting. 

I think everyone's paintings turned out great. 

Later that night, I had a small get together with my family and a few friends from high school. We ate dinner and visited the night away! It was great to see everyone.

This is Aimee Jarvis, soon to be Craig. Aimee and I met Freshman year at Kell and have stayed close since. She just got engaged and is getting married this May! 

December 29

Matt and Joe went rock climbing. And Mom, the kids, and I went for a mani/ pedi and did a little shopping. 

December 30 

Sunday I had lunch with Brooks, Elise (another friend from high school), and her sister Alyssa. 

We then took family pictures at Roswell Mill (pictures to come soon).