tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67248476272750297632024-02-02T06:02:55.781-08:00One day at a timeHaleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-39598588558424986292012-06-16T21:00:00.001-07:002012-06-16T21:00:17.332-07:00Father's Day Battle: Dreams VS. Reality<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
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Today is one of the days that I dread each year as I have the last 8. It never gets easier. It is full of lots of emotion, memories, gratitude, pain, and love. My emotions battle with each other. </div>
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My dreams still wish him here. To answer all my questions, to pester me, to love on his sweet grand-daughter, to let me know that I am doing okay. To tell me he loves me each and every day, to go scuba diving in Catalina, to help me through school. To help me unfold my future, to meet the man that I will one day marry. To call each night as he did with his own parents. To bring out my inner child, to start water fights. To teach me how to make his peach cobbler, for summer BBQ's. To remind me that I am an example to people that look up to me. To remind me that I will always be his sunshine. To teach me that the worth of a man is determined by what he can do for those that can do nothing in return, and that forgiveness is one of the most important lessons you can learn. </div>
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<a href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527757_10151833570095532_1745266253_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="photo_img img" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527757_10151833570095532_1745266253_a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 493px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" /></a><a href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542486_10151833572425532_1338132920_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="photo_img img" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542486_10151833572425532_1338132920_a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 493px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /></a><span class="photo_center" style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="photo_img img" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181182_10151833568440532_1609726657_a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 493px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /><span class="caption" style="font-size: 9px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 180px;"></span></span></div>
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In reality, he is not here and I have to be reminded of that every day. And that hurts. On Father's day it hurts even more. But I have to celebrate because I have been blessed with an amazing man that never oversteps his role as my "other dad" He loves me like I am his own. He loves my Mama the way she deserves to be loved. He always knows just what to say to push me a little further, to see things a little clearer, and to believe in myself a little bit more. He teaches me that if I want something different I have to do something different. He is self-less, loyal, and hard-working. Everything a person could want in a father- whether biologically or not. He is nothing like my dad, except that he is an equally amazing father. I wouldn't trade him for any other "other dad" in the world.</div>
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It is a confusing, difficult, overwhelming amount of emotion. </div>
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<br /></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-46957050170779458702012-04-11T21:00:00.000-07:002012-06-16T21:01:11.521-07:00UnravelingFor no good reason. <br />
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Maybe its because you seem so happy</div>
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Maybe its because I miss you so intensely that it physically hurts</div>
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Maybe its because little has seemed right since you left</div>
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Maybe its because I know I will never hear your voice again</div>
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Maybe its because I can't change what is </div>
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Maybe its because I can't change what is not</div>
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Maybe its because I have lost hope</div>
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Maybe its because I am just impatient</div>
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Maybe its because I know now what I blatantly ignored before</div>
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Maybe its because I am weak</div>
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Maybe its because it isn't time</div>
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Maybe its because I made the wrong choice</div>
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Maybe its because I missed my mark</div>
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Maybe its because I am so confused</div>
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Maybe its because everyone has the one thing I want most</div>
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Maybe its because I'm a pessimist</div>
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Maybe its because I'm a realist</div>
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Maybe its because I expect to much</div>
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Maybe its because I just don't get it</div>
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But then again maybe not</div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-16769011099812373382011-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:002011-12-01T20:17:26.376-08:00Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EMwKxmTLaCs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-91486611059009509912011-10-03T22:13:00.000-07:002011-10-03T22:47:39.155-07:00Olivia<div style="text-align: center;">Almost 3 weeks ago, one of our biggest fears became a reality when my sweet niece Olivia, who has a rare chromosome disorder which makes her susceptible to eye tumors, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (eye cancer).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjJWQP1n3n0XxwwMyOuJPkGTNmiDJhbjyVfflNATmSyOIDrX6yRPA9hpvkB_kf6bQ96U1RwbiG-3m6Zn31nr4IZupl_8pGXY3Eor7XGna3HMyJ6azMAZbQXMmnCi_jZWg-NTMAtZPBNA/s1600/IMG_1018%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjJWQP1n3n0XxwwMyOuJPkGTNmiDJhbjyVfflNATmSyOIDrX6yRPA9hpvkB_kf6bQ96U1RwbiG-3m6Zn31nr4IZupl_8pGXY3Eor7XGna3HMyJ6azMAZbQXMmnCi_jZWg-NTMAtZPBNA/s400/IMG_1018%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659508535672421138" border="0" /></a> Last week she had her left eye removed. We are waiting for her pathology report to come back to find out if the cancer has spread and whether or not chemo is going to be in her future.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsnw5Iqov4QrwwUmoYg3wB0Y73CfjJBwHcEYL9oUepM83x3JuAF8wdckoHZom_zvCO5qWZSQEGefUWpNsI7b_5xHVK36ptUA9BeCwPjoIsJnAcLtMJQLFUEmV3-FpWUiLKHR947ryghk/s1600/IMG_1037%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsnw5Iqov4QrwwUmoYg3wB0Y73CfjJBwHcEYL9oUepM83x3JuAF8wdckoHZom_zvCO5qWZSQEGefUWpNsI7b_5xHVK36ptUA9BeCwPjoIsJnAcLtMJQLFUEmV3-FpWUiLKHR947ryghk/s400/IMG_1037%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659508528537600290" border="0" /></a><br />These last few weeks have been full of tears, sadness, anger, hope, faith, generosity, excitement, gratitude, and peace.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To watch this little girl take on a single day is inspiring. Only 4 days after a surgery that has forever changed her life and she is back to the same old Liv.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKgOwiSViwpvzH6QvNSn_DBseb-mbQ3T0b8tGs8a6nAVBCrYsJbltwz36K_UfAucSMouOTFqm_pVQT7YC27F7HJHMmxvjkfu-7ViDndsFi7w_YpOWQ-OYrwhDcfvaByUaYBNI5uGRb2Y/s1600/IMG_1070%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKgOwiSViwpvzH6QvNSn_DBseb-mbQ3T0b8tGs8a6nAVBCrYsJbltwz36K_UfAucSMouOTFqm_pVQT7YC27F7HJHMmxvjkfu-7ViDndsFi7w_YpOWQ-OYrwhDcfvaByUaYBNI5uGRb2Y/s400/IMG_1070%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659508520223460786" border="0" /></a> She is HAPPY. She is SILLY. She is full of energy and LIFE.<br />This journey is far from over, but I KNOW that this is how she will be through whatever lies ahead. She is STRONG and she is bravBRAVE. It is just WHO SHE IS.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIatMrzkQs8ACoK_N9aDcyeUkeGtlneg4Z8i6SocgNKz2ucgv3D3vinS6KyQd7h5EnWP0lOTqWKyF5yqWW48x0wKa-9UBzRJoh_GJ9RBLffxUrr4OD_eMzciuM9Dww1SnhXNOJG0eWP84/s1600/IMG_1052%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIatMrzkQs8ACoK_N9aDcyeUkeGtlneg4Z8i6SocgNKz2ucgv3D3vinS6KyQd7h5EnWP0lOTqWKyF5yqWW48x0wKa-9UBzRJoh_GJ9RBLffxUrr4OD_eMzciuM9Dww1SnhXNOJG0eWP84/s400/IMG_1052%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659508522716292562" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You can follow her journey through her blog <a href="http://www.13pavements.blogspot.com/">13 pavements</a><br />there is also a blog for donations and the fundraisers that have been set up on <a href="http://www.love4livi.blogspot.com/">Love 4 Livi</a><br /><br />Little Squish, you are brave, and you are smart. You inspire all who know you and know your story. You will triumph and you will touch many lives. You bring happiness into my life and to everyone around you. I love you more than you know. You have an AMAZING mother. At such a young age, I can already see that you have many of her qualities. You couldn't have been blessed with better parents. You will get through this journey together. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I love you baby girl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacTWsBky2doZC3H_3NrUgpfYnuKKqwUqU6ks6u8PCfas2W1hrokUET2ASBEOuodo-KUcqmsxJPmFMJMktymrlFL3EnCA8bA7l52g_FTvJeE_Aego7MLMjjTKQUr3QOrs_CH7nL-pbWIg/s1600/IMG_0995.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacTWsBky2doZC3H_3NrUgpfYnuKKqwUqU6ks6u8PCfas2W1hrokUET2ASBEOuodo-KUcqmsxJPmFMJMktymrlFL3EnCA8bA7l52g_FTvJeE_Aego7MLMjjTKQUr3QOrs_CH7nL-pbWIg/s400/IMG_0995.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659508531629410898" border="0" /></a></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-24059505876833964752010-05-09T13:17:00.004-07:002010-05-09T13:24:49.300-07:00My Mama<div align="center"><a href="http://thedecorias.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-mama.html">My sister said it best. </a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Our Mom is pretty great. And sometimes I take her for granted. </div><div align="center">I love her more than she knows. I miss her more than she realizes.</div><div align="center">I become more and more grateful for her and the example that she is everyday.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">"I will love you for ever, I will like you for always.</div><div align="center">As long as I am living my Mama you'll be."</div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-62002372259590610142010-04-29T19:15:00.000-07:002010-04-29T19:24:55.400-07:00FogI don't know what it is.<br />Maybe its the weather<br />Maybe its this place<br />it could be several things.<br /><br />I wish the fog would clear itself, but I don't think it will.<br /><br />I have been surrounded by it for too long now.<br />It's heavy and it makes me tired.<br />It makes me blue.<br />Maybe it is here to stay for good.<br />I hope not.<br /><br />It makes me miss you and that is never good.<br />I don't know how to rid myself of this fog<br />so for now I will just believe it will go.Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-64739225857935507942010-01-06T06:44:00.000-08:002010-01-06T06:47:03.685-08:00New...<div style="text-align: center;">day.<br /><br />month.<br /><br />year.<br /><br />shoes.<br /><br />school.<br /><br />job.<br /><br />hope.</div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-48665573487070638182009-10-16T00:21:00.001-07:002009-10-16T00:21:41.464-07:00Strength<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qSAXYNIasxk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qSAXYNIasxk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-35012831790518818302009-10-07T20:56:00.000-07:002009-10-07T21:12:02.948-07:00I have a list<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15KV64TwBPon3s5u55RmsHn37ArOGFEN-ITo6fe6DW2SJLF7q0L5cc9dTNC9ACHxAqYGw_-NEe_HLMJCOrQcgJQONjURPkwVI5_fG5il-Vee6oQCKx7GtRDddn-YLYyINt9k_pvJTZpQ/s1600-h/List.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15KV64TwBPon3s5u55RmsHn37ArOGFEN-ITo6fe6DW2SJLF7q0L5cc9dTNC9ACHxAqYGw_-NEe_HLMJCOrQcgJQONjURPkwVI5_fG5il-Vee6oQCKx7GtRDddn-YLYyINt9k_pvJTZpQ/s400/List.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390076781090053010" border="0" /></a><br /></div>25 does not sound appealing. Not right now anyway.<br />I don't feel ready. Good thing I have a year.<br />But a year will go by FAST.<br /><br />There are things you are "supposed" to do by the time you are 25.<br />I haven't done them.<br /><br />Yes, I have "done" things, but I haven't accomplished much. Not the things that are important.<br />I don't have complete control.<br />I don't like that.<br />So I made a list.<br /><br />A list of things that I want to complete by 25.<br />You might say some things on this list are "not important" but they are things I feel are necessary.<br /><br />What's on this list?<br />Well, you will have to wait until I report on each of the items as they are completed.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-68981110550993260552009-09-27T11:01:00.000-07:002009-09-27T11:02:39.630-07:00Infinite Power of Hope<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UbsU3b2srQA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UbsU3b2srQA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-43930504501509755212009-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:002009-09-06T13:35:18.211-07:00Miss Livi is here!<div style="text-align: center;">a week late but...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC5lKDj5iRpX14h6Z7g4As-H0yt1iQxvXevrr-t_QHKFHDoz1GD8CWlNvKKMQiVOWVgSYs4anmT6AMO5ZQNMQ1BkqVP38q7dnfx43drHHOBIYBh50L_lLbAoQubfgANOo5KVwg13SX6E/s1600-h/IMG_1757edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC5lKDj5iRpX14h6Z7g4As-H0yt1iQxvXevrr-t_QHKFHDoz1GD8CWlNvKKMQiVOWVgSYs4anmT6AMO5ZQNMQ1BkqVP38q7dnfx43drHHOBIYBh50L_lLbAoQubfgANOo5KVwg13SX6E/s400/IMG_1757edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378452814168601794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Miss Olivia Jane was born on August 30, 2009 at 2:42 AM<br />Weighing in at <span style="font-weight: bold;">only</span> 8 lbs. 1 oz.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(pretty average size but tiny when you are expecting a good 9 or 10 pounder)</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">and 21 inches long.<br /><br />Her parents couldn't be more blessed.<br />She couldn't be more beautiful.<br />She couldn't be any more perfect.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh44Ci_rE9n0_ObXsMoQ1fXC-m8b209KS0zBn6cx77MXkdjSgx3JDqZPSUFYxrWBu2ZdFznXI2CpPZupew4Iu9NEwpU-Brfl1lrlIggwmbT8wjshSgpaIY2Yxupn4IoRC-0nQrg4p-qg/s1600-h/090905_131218.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh44Ci_rE9n0_ObXsMoQ1fXC-m8b209KS0zBn6cx77MXkdjSgx3JDqZPSUFYxrWBu2ZdFznXI2CpPZupew4Iu9NEwpU-Brfl1lrlIggwmbT8wjshSgpaIY2Yxupn4IoRC-0nQrg4p-qg/s400/090905_131218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378452821942374738" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We couldn't be any more excited!<br />This little girl couldn't be any more loved!<br /></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-24821824906178193132009-08-11T12:07:00.000-07:002009-08-11T12:28:18.863-07:00This man...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q893ojaYHVZhTLikNuDPTKR_PBqcBlQ72iWJMGs5I12AHHZJk4ZKeX3ahNhlzoXBi-Se8wsX75iRFXILBP-j9An5iztSEOZ59PpkTe4Xy_agf_q37PwbMuANl3GDs9ELWmDYAshJ1Ns/s1600-h/DSCN0285.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q893ojaYHVZhTLikNuDPTKR_PBqcBlQ72iWJMGs5I12AHHZJk4ZKeX3ahNhlzoXBi-Se8wsX75iRFXILBP-j9An5iztSEOZ59PpkTe4Xy_agf_q37PwbMuANl3GDs9ELWmDYAshJ1Ns/s400/DSCN0285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368785450973596274" border="0" /></a><br /></div>brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. He has been on my mind a lot lately. He is struggling and he is in pain. I hate the thought of what he is going through. I hate the C word and I hate that it keeps coming back to torture our family. It is ugly. It is mean. It is not fair.<br /><br />This man is a fighter and I hope he will keep fighting. He is an important piece to our family puzzle. He makes time spent together that much better. His love for life and adventure is infectious. He has been counting down the days for Leslie to be better so he can go on another cruise. I hope that it does not have to be postponed for long.<br /><br />This man is the most gentle, hard working, simple, and loving man I have ever known. He defines the phrase Hark worker, it shows on his strong and gentle hands. He delights in many small things that often would go unnoticed. He could stand outside for hours just looking at his beautiful garden, watch as the water is pumped onto his green grass, or enjoying every bite of his cinnamon roll.<br /><br />I love this man and I am so grateful for the ways I have seen him grow and open up as our grandpa. I love sitting next to him holding his hand as we watch all that is going on around us. And I always look forward to hugging him and hearing him say the words "I love you Hay bug".<br /><br />I love you Gramps and we are all fighting with you and for you! See you soon!Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-47817542489840992902009-08-04T14:10:00.000-07:002009-08-04T14:13:32.943-07:00If...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9paaK3QFKuh_2aGMmM-bkhDHF1X86N5YXg7OT5VAKekAmOpV0HpRYoh8W1nvs2WUkkB6KrjeoFYyaHQm7CFx0-SzPDM2UmG3MMdMhpQrf_A7CCvlNDDqBeKLXs5g9HCYZ5Re5a2htYs/s1600-h/3198323549_1fd13824b6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9paaK3QFKuh_2aGMmM-bkhDHF1X86N5YXg7OT5VAKekAmOpV0HpRYoh8W1nvs2WUkkB6KrjeoFYyaHQm7CFx0-SzPDM2UmG3MMdMhpQrf_A7CCvlNDDqBeKLXs5g9HCYZ5Re5a2htYs/s400/3198323549_1fd13824b6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366219548824736258" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You break a mirror into a million tiny little pieces<br />and manage to piece it all back together<br />will it ever be the same?<br /></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-42799685934404902912009-07-25T18:34:00.000-07:002009-07-25T18:52:14.608-07:00Team 50<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBOCAFzVvVaQD_boJEyXg8MiK7Q1AJ9nboxpltHxDTgsFRcn53beGFCnHx5an5Sog3Lx5oDeIAkab7e-ie1IKWTL_Tuhd46eH-CzHfbFCh87SbOJXqt0bFS5OZVKvieDCGkxAD2491vU/s1600-h/DSCN0252edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBOCAFzVvVaQD_boJEyXg8MiK7Q1AJ9nboxpltHxDTgsFRcn53beGFCnHx5an5Sog3Lx5oDeIAkab7e-ie1IKWTL_Tuhd46eH-CzHfbFCh87SbOJXqt0bFS5OZVKvieDCGkxAD2491vU/s320/DSCN0252edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362549822001817138" border="0" /></a></div>There was no better way to celebrate Lester's 50th Birthday<br />to celebrate her strength, courage, and hope than at the Relay for Life.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWPspwH5HwPuVLKk9PToTWE-HhQDtoKIANctmsW3MKqqawAmvkxp3alJVqC9YuvvnYYh3BB6ykYipXP7dEH0DQFR-lxTSx-2FOV3OR-UN9uacClchpvL1ottVJq6zvUDaCZOesNpabSA/s1600-h/tent+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWPspwH5HwPuVLKk9PToTWE-HhQDtoKIANctmsW3MKqqawAmvkxp3alJVqC9YuvvnYYh3BB6ykYipXP7dEH0DQFR-lxTSx-2FOV3OR-UN9uacClchpvL1ottVJq6zvUDaCZOesNpabSA/s320/tent+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362550198175733042" border="0" /></a><br />There was so much excitement in the 3 weeks of preparation for this party.<br />And with the help of many of her closest family and friends it was a HUGE success.<br />There were times that we were certain she knew that something was going on...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFrBztSBNJDSEIlWSEWt5hlmFJxJ_0Tn7LS7eNTPQhiLcodwzDeFa6A4RAOg3cg1A92-RqO6P-7zOIgpHRNwkKe40nXLrG05_BnK8Mnzq9nsKsxHqArlO5kj1I0MUXbo9htrgbZRU5Fc/s1600-h/survivor+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFrBztSBNJDSEIlWSEWt5hlmFJxJ_0Tn7LS7eNTPQhiLcodwzDeFa6A4RAOg3cg1A92-RqO6P-7zOIgpHRNwkKe40nXLrG05_BnK8Mnzq9nsKsxHqArlO5kj1I0MUXbo9htrgbZRU5Fc/s320/survivor+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362550196601350098" border="0" /></a><br />But as she rounded the corner and saw over 100 black t-shirts waiting to wish her a happy birthday it was clear that it was indeed a surprise.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g1vusjt9uH75VjjeiRxsqMMrebXl_tvRy2TfP4J9jbTULBC7XzsW18tUl9MBHKcvmJtPjLpi5pXDwLdsopdQ8Ibp7AHGPj4jyxskFlBsu5DkTIArTPbFJD-6JVKlcY0f8JmLF_UvtWs/s1600-h/DSCN0235edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g1vusjt9uH75VjjeiRxsqMMrebXl_tvRy2TfP4J9jbTULBC7XzsW18tUl9MBHKcvmJtPjLpi5pXDwLdsopdQ8Ibp7AHGPj4jyxskFlBsu5DkTIArTPbFJD-6JVKlcY0f8JmLF_UvtWs/s320/DSCN0235edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548949610776530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL-QhnR3_hcuUrMZ0VGN-BFC4-vnTVBAajFlnUWEiyN0XoC4AQ3qtYzAvhY56_plUpWS6-8zM88ECOqPG0-kUTuGaqTvLG9fV_H3rjhUDgAxYwhxrFNVKi49E5buZeEx2J0EdUKjwPVQ/s1600-h/DSCN0236edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL-QhnR3_hcuUrMZ0VGN-BFC4-vnTVBAajFlnUWEiyN0XoC4AQ3qtYzAvhY56_plUpWS6-8zM88ECOqPG0-kUTuGaqTvLG9fV_H3rjhUDgAxYwhxrFNVKi49E5buZeEx2J0EdUKjwPVQ/s320/DSCN0236edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548954904714658" border="0" /></a><br />Grandpa met Leslie with open arms and together they finished the Survivor lap.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHWEje-kcOQj64X6FVgZtsDHg1JTG2DgM-UNGXZ_eLnImWoFPWeBp3ShyK4ucSIyeOWwp_uxoAdSCirq0l17EcZvuydo5I3IjXHEV3KGQ7Sk9EilCCUr6Udpm6qUVeKamjXV7DVojtsw/s1600-h/walk+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHWEje-kcOQj64X6FVgZtsDHg1JTG2DgM-UNGXZ_eLnImWoFPWeBp3ShyK4ucSIyeOWwp_uxoAdSCirq0l17EcZvuydo5I3IjXHEV3KGQ7Sk9EilCCUr6Udpm6qUVeKamjXV7DVojtsw/s320/walk+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362550204145681586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c65mg0NhBKsMdY3lrS0_gacRLG270buyZyi-emf9dpyBZIPvaW5vFEZ0DhiCehnVmZkrCGm3sZVgQqN22Lz_ViiQWGKOxMHWX2RJlm_AQhzX0AbVQ43tUb32P0Px14IXPCx53becVrs/s1600-h/DSCN0247edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c65mg0NhBKsMdY3lrS0_gacRLG270buyZyi-emf9dpyBZIPvaW5vFEZ0DhiCehnVmZkrCGm3sZVgQqN22Lz_ViiQWGKOxMHWX2RJlm_AQhzX0AbVQ43tUb32P0Px14IXPCx53becVrs/s320/DSCN0247edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362549810948350002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHWEje-kcOQj64X6FVgZtsDHg1JTG2DgM-UNGXZ_eLnImWoFPWeBp3ShyK4ucSIyeOWwp_uxoAdSCirq0l17EcZvuydo5I3IjXHEV3KGQ7Sk9EilCCUr6Udpm6qUVeKamjXV7DVojtsw/s1600-h/walk+collage.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKGZqDjL8n-ybJz1a8Kc5kkD8AQJo7J0oQ2pfqEGd-LSnW4LexxgtHsM3xyea0StTtXUxbooMrhJoy4AWpV5HIjksLrv3St-2IX42YMa16HdFVFEWhqgoeoDVPHS2eGgJ-V8aYhyhhII/s1600-h/DSCN0226edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKGZqDjL8n-ybJz1a8Kc5kkD8AQJo7J0oQ2pfqEGd-LSnW4LexxgtHsM3xyea0StTtXUxbooMrhJoy4AWpV5HIjksLrv3St-2IX42YMa16HdFVFEWhqgoeoDVPHS2eGgJ-V8aYhyhhII/s320/DSCN0226edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548931266125762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRljaQ2rhHa5fE5Axq3Q-6rJe81rQFywpamxx76e6R8xg2YJzJ_tOa-8NORr7OVPo2d39gaLZzMxorltOlc2DCCYQ4nWukTna9NLguM2TpVV_p7eFxOrN_7r7wub9k3nc3kiVmW4zlSI/s1600-h/DSCN0230edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRljaQ2rhHa5fE5Axq3Q-6rJe81rQFywpamxx76e6R8xg2YJzJ_tOa-8NORr7OVPo2d39gaLZzMxorltOlc2DCCYQ4nWukTna9NLguM2TpVV_p7eFxOrN_7r7wub9k3nc3kiVmW4zlSI/s320/DSCN0230edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548939915848706" border="0" /></a><br />at 11:45 PM Team 50 got on our party hats and walked the Birthday Lap.<br /></div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdUJsm0XpwxXxD9FOgEWxFHICkWToRb9jVVas1UEZbENxeJ5GGpiu0l3oTAZOQcc57rPnOVjvtYKrJc6jz87qUMyXKEdsB4RH8vQsWNtup82cOTfc6o5XFaYVCM0WdnZDwUZOdVWUUmI/s1600-h/DSCN0272edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdUJsm0XpwxXxD9FOgEWxFHICkWToRb9jVVas1UEZbENxeJ5GGpiu0l3oTAZOQcc57rPnOVjvtYKrJc6jz87qUMyXKEdsB4RH8vQsWNtup82cOTfc6o5XFaYVCM0WdnZDwUZOdVWUUmI/s320/DSCN0272edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362549826512935970" border="0" /></a><br />I had never participated in Relay for Life and it exceeded all expectations.<br />It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.<br />It was happy, peaceful, exciting, you could feel the strength from all the people there showing love and support for their loved ones in the battle. It was devastating to see how many lives in one small community are effected by this ugly thing. It was great to see everyone come together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLy-dx6_RSKNcyzcquHduD9IMFivYxuHYpIRrm9EYyN1XE6HZN5scSXDdqmqJ3wzBR1ycQB_c-Tnu_Xq9nDkvvOey6W-OX1Q3KyCf9U66mtaeTODucmrIKOlkAaeheKld81Xpb2-N7To/s1600-h/DSCN0243edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLy-dx6_RSKNcyzcquHduD9IMFivYxuHYpIRrm9EYyN1XE6HZN5scSXDdqmqJ3wzBR1ycQB_c-Tnu_Xq9nDkvvOey6W-OX1Q3KyCf9U66mtaeTODucmrIKOlkAaeheKld81Xpb2-N7To/s320/DSCN0243edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362549804048944546" border="0" /></a><br />Leslie deserved to have a great day and I think that is what she got.<br />She needed to see just how many people are fighting with her, who love her and believe in her.<br />No one is more loved or more deserving.</div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-86136253130221798982009-07-08T21:13:00.000-07:002009-07-08T22:09:15.181-07:00Friends, the Fourth and Fireworks<div style="text-align: center;">I had a great time in LA, celebrating birthdays and Independence, playing like children and eating great food, laughing and reminiscing, watching the sunset and fireworks, sailing and pirate names, sun burn and sunscreen, eating frozen yogurt and funnel cake, ski ball and face painting.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first night was the big surprise. We had planned to keep my visit there a secret since I was coming the day of Amy's birthday. We thought it would be fun to have me show up to dinner without her knowing I was coming. That morning she decided she would just meet Tiffany for frozen yogurt early before heading to have dinner and spend the evening with her family. We called to let her dad in our plan and it all went down hill from there. After too much confusion and frustration we opted to drive to her dad's house to surprise her and it ended up working out alright. Amy was surprised.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMJdmAe77o9BDCBQlZ1hEAuxkdFCOEs9kmYFbwe8cvsP5y-4MJBbxaq9ImAT_q7UjIPSeEPsU7au8kWCfkrqq4StFwmjl81Vs2Cah1w88pqVn6qU8lTm8H-Mb7OFLSQhFWZJ_t4yCPdU/s1600-h/Buca+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 76px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMJdmAe77o9BDCBQlZ1hEAuxkdFCOEs9kmYFbwe8cvsP5y-4MJBbxaq9ImAT_q7UjIPSeEPsU7au8kWCfkrqq4StFwmjl81Vs2Cah1w88pqVn6qU8lTm8H-Mb7OFLSQhFWZJ_t4yCPdU/s400/Buca+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356309599977268770" border="0" /></a><br />We started her "27th" birthday celebration with dinner at Buca di Beppo in Santa Monica.<br />After dinner we headed down to the pier for a little ski ball and funnel cake.<br /><br />The next day we headed to Hermosa Beach for a day in the sun.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocjA5LGFjftdBVA2kLMNaQUoM_Z1VWha7g8tD_Dag0xdNdgmnRQdQTCjYajvvymnMHOqmXNjBkcTRuQNUqGTHdGtVB40EVK2GyIkUJjf7VfAZfd6EDZLy4Vm9q4xM6z6_9G0n7ZyQ9yw/s1600-h/beach+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocjA5LGFjftdBVA2kLMNaQUoM_Z1VWha7g8tD_Dag0xdNdgmnRQdQTCjYajvvymnMHOqmXNjBkcTRuQNUqGTHdGtVB40EVK2GyIkUJjf7VfAZfd6EDZLy4Vm9q4xM6z6_9G0n7ZyQ9yw/s400/beach+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356309592691794946" border="0" /></a><br />We didn't let the lack of sunshine stop us from having a good time.<br />We swam, did crosswords, flew kites and made sand"castles".<br />We were glad we had taken a picture of our sand castle because not 5 minutes after stepping away we watched in horror as a little 5 year old stomped it to the ground.<br />Sad Day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQh91cUPQzIuvv03ONfHLNeMDJo7SSPV8WN2y-XNynkcaWBo5ZYYoJX59wkin3eaGCHA-LQttZjSnx8g7_jOasSgQVBFxz8SAK7liU4JIE7dtYNwlja5kdGuEef3TmqL77wOhjCT5v2g/s1600-h/Shells+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQh91cUPQzIuvv03ONfHLNeMDJo7SSPV8WN2y-XNynkcaWBo5ZYYoJX59wkin3eaGCHA-LQttZjSnx8g7_jOasSgQVBFxz8SAK7liU4JIE7dtYNwlja5kdGuEef3TmqL77wOhjCT5v2g/s400/Shells+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356311021541937698" border="0" /></a><br />These are the sweet shells Amy received in her Bag O' Fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83AoYgncFzQN541ET0qN0HHCY_PFVgi1bqlt97e_3GZzRQxS4aWClQogpHgEzvMlMvN5GfwkHc7m8Lky4Bnej3HatQQSdjW0eP9KP4HqK0vVKj3WypxbgcuFwkfbY-7x3zU15ZvZgpyE/s1600-h/P7040019.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83AoYgncFzQN541ET0qN0HHCY_PFVgi1bqlt97e_3GZzRQxS4aWClQogpHgEzvMlMvN5GfwkHc7m8Lky4Bnej3HatQQSdjW0eP9KP4HqK0vVKj3WypxbgcuFwkfbY-7x3zU15ZvZgpyE/s400/P7040019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356309618823282370" border="0" /></a><br />We woke up bright and early to head to the 4th of July parade in Huntington Beach.<br />It was a beautiful day. The parade consisted of a billion boy scouts, brave men and women that fight for our country and lots of marching bands.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Kl88AwLwa6ez9jZjl9DEQTe3CpIu54n1WqMvNEMctTMIkYDAert4Ba5_ToN7FRU3lM2fiGxeek8ibe-hpFZzYzugMJPk3a6-DMo5r-1j7yleGYv8Xe8zirG1-THKmxrN0LFtAnmkiA/s1600-h/P7040021edit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Kl88AwLwa6ez9jZjl9DEQTe3CpIu54n1WqMvNEMctTMIkYDAert4Ba5_ToN7FRU3lM2fiGxeek8ibe-hpFZzYzugMJPk3a6-DMo5r-1j7yleGYv8Xe8zirG1-THKmxrN0LFtAnmkiA/s400/P7040021edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356309612433160450" border="0" /></a><br />After the parade ended we headed down to find some good eats and then took a nap on the beach before heading up to Marina Del Rey to go sailing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha06IIb40Lkxq6mbZT00GcL-ojePlu5mqbI3nPMPpAG0UmqmmO7U6KvVTsnv4vDH0zZIuoXt4c3HbKvJRwNCGZAFRkRNK3DgrqTW9Ka0T9rzhJbqJLU9meFy9yOeigg3NYiXkML-hQENQ/s1600-h/sailing+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha06IIb40Lkxq6mbZT00GcL-ojePlu5mqbI3nPMPpAG0UmqmmO7U6KvVTsnv4vDH0zZIuoXt4c3HbKvJRwNCGZAFRkRNK3DgrqTW9Ka0T9rzhJbqJLU9meFy9yOeigg3NYiXkML-hQENQ/s400/sailing+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356311017133259394" border="0" /></a><br />Sailing was everything we hoped it to be and more. It was the perfect way to end a beautiful day. James took 10 girls out on the water all by himself. He was more nervous than we were. We BBQ'd steak and watched the sunset on the water and then tried to keep warm as we waited for the fireworks to start.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lGbauYcPxfSBy2jpw63J3NJsm_z30z2_A3rU8Wnhf8g1tZjF-yCpLOC0_cCiq8ChssN77Tx9ZeEYxLBapwoLc275Fcyqz6vx7VbCOu00PyBYqm22IXpMSAn989fXyd5Aam81UbivK4c/s1600-h/sunset+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lGbauYcPxfSBy2jpw63J3NJsm_z30z2_A3rU8Wnhf8g1tZjF-yCpLOC0_cCiq8ChssN77Tx9ZeEYxLBapwoLc275Fcyqz6vx7VbCOu00PyBYqm22IXpMSAn989fXyd5Aam81UbivK4c/s400/sunset+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356311026773460418" border="0" /></a><br />It was worth the wait. I have never seen a more beautiful fireworks show.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWKgpzxhCV2sB68lSR29uSxoGkfUZsf-46LQTKLUoliBIE5oC2RKghob6yIc9f-IKz6bVrB7TGkHWR-0tMoRwJ8AZTKHrqNtXjcbl9rKDyu94zsw8Rm_Mvb4djc7lbokq8WxNrgrZ4mI/s1600-h/fireworks+collage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWKgpzxhCV2sB68lSR29uSxoGkfUZsf-46LQTKLUoliBIE5oC2RKghob6yIc9f-IKz6bVrB7TGkHWR-0tMoRwJ8AZTKHrqNtXjcbl9rKDyu94zsw8Rm_Mvb4djc7lbokq8WxNrgrZ4mI/s400/fireworks+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356309606683441634" border="0" /></a><br />Cheers to a perfect 4th of July!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLJNYY6sHCyEArwd6UlYOVeGsEO02etqumG_cvKsS1OW8FjxrVEXNCmN-LE7hEMO1BsUa_suGiW0vZbdFpsxOyn9OEFITr5aK7rcEnJH8CrPiP6rs3KKSx7PoQ3ela0Q-o8_g8OBYAio/s1600-h/P7040076.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLJNYY6sHCyEArwd6UlYOVeGsEO02etqumG_cvKsS1OW8FjxrVEXNCmN-LE7hEMO1BsUa_suGiW0vZbdFpsxOyn9OEFITr5aK7rcEnJH8CrPiP6rs3KKSx7PoQ3ela0Q-o8_g8OBYAio/s400/P7040076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356311029819991842" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-20901384087805287522009-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:002009-06-21T12:14:01.876-07:00Happy Fathers Day...<div style="text-align: center;">to <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> the fathers in my life.</div><br />I have been blessed with great men in my life. Men that I know I was meant to learn and grow from. To have around at the times when my own Dad wasn't around.<br /><br />The bishops of my singles wards, such great men. Bishop Brown, Bishop Lamereaux and Bishop Eastland- are some of the greatest men I know. They are inspired. They are uplifting and knew what I needed and just how to say it. I have been blessed by their example and their love. Happy Father's Day!<br /><br />EJ Corry, Allen Olsen, and Brian Seitzinger- other "dads" that have been there for me, setting great examples, welcoming me into their homes, and giving me blessings and guidance when I needed it most. Happy Father's Day.<br /><br />Dan. I couldn't have picked a greater man to walk with us, to love us and to care for us just as my own Dad would have done. He gives unselfishly, wants nothing but happiness for us. He wants to make our dreams a reality, for us to believe in ourselves, and to love ourselves and get everything we deserve.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3nBEudPXoz_9Nwiq9SleYJT5pcRf0XOz170sxQOEd0x5kuBSxN-iDSq4GZFMOqtRru1ZXHN7W9_e2ckvZqDUsTPKQv0zpm9lpkNrKos9s3xcYVU4O2tlS4dynJ4hQW9yqJLKi_p3TNU/s1600-h/Spyder.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3nBEudPXoz_9Nwiq9SleYJT5pcRf0XOz170sxQOEd0x5kuBSxN-iDSq4GZFMOqtRru1ZXHN7W9_e2ckvZqDUsTPKQv0zpm9lpkNrKos9s3xcYVU4O2tlS4dynJ4hQW9yqJLKi_p3TNU/s200/Spyder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349857867442068146" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Father's Day!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My Dad. I still miss you. I am so grateful that I got you for my Dad. Even though it was only for a short while. I am who I am because of you. I am better because of you. I am grateful for your example and that I am not a daughter of a father who's love I have to question. I KNOW you loved me and my sisters more than anything. But I hate that you are gone. My heart aches for you. To feel your arms wrap tightly around me. To hold your big hard working hands. To see your big wide smile across your face every time you saw one of your girls, a little baby or a sweet old lady. To hear your voice belting out songs about bull-legged women. To fall asleep in your arms. To hear you snoring. To hear you say "I love you" just one more time. I need you.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2yOAqAF9eMDdRgkOSkpT_3IVCS28NICsL9PFHVn9KlKUXEZj_u1v4EXD_PA5_eksJ8VEOBXgt6X8Dz1gmdeAbrsDRz841qmHSZ98_pej5zL92YuVy5Dqpvqu2pwtNxij3GnCmUwKTP4/s1600-h/Field.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2yOAqAF9eMDdRgkOSkpT_3IVCS28NICsL9PFHVn9KlKUXEZj_u1v4EXD_PA5_eksJ8VEOBXgt6X8Dz1gmdeAbrsDRz841qmHSZ98_pej5zL92YuVy5Dqpvqu2pwtNxij3GnCmUwKTP4/s200/Field.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349859668729608274" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Father's Day!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-89735579713672418222009-06-11T20:28:00.000-07:002009-06-11T20:29:16.497-07:00Opposition"The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard, not the gospel. 'There is an opposition in all things' (2 Nephi 2:11), everywhere, for everyone. Life is hard for all of us, but life is also simple. We have only two choices (see Moroni 7:15–17). We can either follow the Lord and be endowed with His power and have peace, light, strength, knowledge, confidence, love, and joy, or we can go some other way, any other way, whatever other way, and go it alone—without His support, without His power, without guidance, in darkness, turmoil, doubt, grief, and despair. And I ask, which way is easier?"<p>Lawrence E. Corbridge, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=dd354bb52a73d110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1" target="_blank">"The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 36</a> </p>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-72799878874370399692009-06-07T20:13:00.000-07:002009-06-07T20:42:30.975-07:00My summer playlist<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Kings of Leon<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4ZcBOsZIPQuOzlWaWZfWavFATX3VARdztfAQGaB_jz6yrJkKZg7AAYTUmO_P9j98ChD3iUcGUaWO5RQQ05C58KZhI93oq5jkocNahyphenhyphenf6dc0fD1Lv5oKKyhhjU2uraJFzFv7KygVyuik/s1600-h/kings.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4ZcBOsZIPQuOzlWaWZfWavFATX3VARdztfAQGaB_jz6yrJkKZg7AAYTUmO_P9j98ChD3iUcGUaWO5RQQ05C58KZhI93oq5jkocNahyphenhyphenf6dc0fD1Lv5oKKyhhjU2uraJFzFv7KygVyuik/s200/kings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344790748709619874" border="0" /></a><br />Parachute<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3HPCCPj9bHZr7LJOznhK4OBMB2kidHZaLXibTzFbUdfROmuJ-rQh-3FfyjG9IYJt5-SETdkc5cM4_-SN1nMvVbUddeUEMgvrOaGF1AVjEiITV3sJ1bHGvjg5t_q9tuOZTeT8LBK0LYs/s1600-h/parachute.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3HPCCPj9bHZr7LJOznhK4OBMB2kidHZaLXibTzFbUdfROmuJ-rQh-3FfyjG9IYJt5-SETdkc5cM4_-SN1nMvVbUddeUEMgvrOaGF1AVjEiITV3sJ1bHGvjg5t_q9tuOZTeT8LBK0LYs/s200/parachute.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344791282422556642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mat Kearney<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3K9yjo_TFjaNx3QedXZlLQ6FL8zVGwUWstM6ReGiUwxnfJ9QDl9KTFB859TeK3kcgQjMVRREZgYZdZfYRXLKh77aFpXWJKtXvaLzR4bPpurLWSRMgN_VMbNV3sp3m6Kr94pZML_kqYQ/s1600-h/matt+kearney.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3K9yjo_TFjaNx3QedXZlLQ6FL8zVGwUWstM6ReGiUwxnfJ9QDl9KTFB859TeK3kcgQjMVRREZgYZdZfYRXLKh77aFpXWJKtXvaLzR4bPpurLWSRMgN_VMbNV3sp3m6Kr94pZML_kqYQ/s200/matt+kearney.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344791753256845890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Matt Nathanson<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YRWkaLgga5BThU3VCyPxmSqZp4jJbO44Wfk38TkuPdpd0KK9u4T84ZseOf7OESSw8Jq54-A3gprJdH9Yn-ToCs0gqM8HWLm3qw7eZPvA94LVOALcKgRCceM4QdUOIxOiQSe6FZaeY6Y/s1600-h/matt_nathanson-some_mad_hope_aa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YRWkaLgga5BThU3VCyPxmSqZp4jJbO44Wfk38TkuPdpd0KK9u4T84ZseOf7OESSw8Jq54-A3gprJdH9Yn-ToCs0gqM8HWLm3qw7eZPvA94LVOALcKgRCceM4QdUOIxOiQSe6FZaeY6Y/s200/matt_nathanson-some_mad_hope_aa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344792357805406738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tegan and Sara<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTIsvuSFKnEloIm44TJpVL0YrPawRdLORseY32SGlVMkvbe-At5TfbxaL2MyLqd8kMjckzTB1QxCFOdJNlpTiyLHbkWgad6AtgmGtEvV4rFx01PInSsmKB4mgMI2MkZhUn7lyW5dTjrQ/s1600-h/TeganAndSaraConcert.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTIsvuSFKnEloIm44TJpVL0YrPawRdLORseY32SGlVMkvbe-At5TfbxaL2MyLqd8kMjckzTB1QxCFOdJNlpTiyLHbkWgad6AtgmGtEvV4rFx01PInSsmKB4mgMI2MkZhUn7lyW5dTjrQ/s200/TeganAndSaraConcert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344793378899495554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dave Matthews Band<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11jcWYnW6nWjA1iYfrNnkPn98LzNJ4y9SnoQzbnPDsVl9w7ulCF5eO42bJWU9MZjEZ3AYRxHf4I9no7Clnx1oSJ4-EPBF7-NwcESwO2bJlN8S1XGdeVZ5dOf2XdLjgh6zv56Smu5zNEk/s1600-h/big-whiskey-groogrux-king.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11jcWYnW6nWjA1iYfrNnkPn98LzNJ4y9SnoQzbnPDsVl9w7ulCF5eO42bJWU9MZjEZ3AYRxHf4I9no7Clnx1oSJ4-EPBF7-NwcESwO2bJlN8S1XGdeVZ5dOf2XdLjgh6zv56Smu5zNEk/s200/big-whiskey-groogrux-king.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344794653697299842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shinedown-Second Chance<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5m_KjL4OYkM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5m_KjL4OYkM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /></div></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-45417633589295238552009-06-03T10:03:00.000-07:002009-06-03T12:34:00.355-07:00Jodi Picoult<div style="text-align: justify;">I did something I don't do very often.<br /><br /></div>I read a book. From start to finish. My sisters might joke that I don't know how to read.<br /><br />Might not seem that big of an accomplishment but it is. And I loved it. Although I come from long line of readers, somehow I missed out on that trait.<br /><br />The only book I actually read all the way through as a school assignment was <span style="font-style: italic;">The Client</span>. Since high school I can probably count all the books I have read on 2 hands.<br /><br />Reading just isn't my thing. Once in a while I will "crave" a good book so I will find something to read and I will start. I get easily distracted by other things going on around me or the thoughts in my head. Sometimes I get bored and skip to the next page. Often I don't make it to the last page.<br /><br />I read the <span style="font-style: italic;">Twilight </span>series. The first book was a breeze, I finished the 2nd but I struggled to make it through 3 and 4 and I loved the books and characters. But I struggled.<br /><br />I have seen previews for <span style="font-style: italic;">My Sisters Keeper </span>that comes out in a couple weeks. I remembered seeing the book while browsing Barnes and Noble.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jodipicoult.com/my-sisters-keeper.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37lH31Q6C6b2HYKfmaO-hbhYSqUI9eHn8jJjW4kGa6CiPDrpVtczGxhqI3ZgqCg73ggKD-5vYZCc5U1V0O_3IlsypxqlOzm35uWjcyinQeB0PAhLWgxdguAK8CpJEiY7W-SG9jrF-91E/s200/n83039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343151800321588290" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I decided I wanted to read the book before the movie came out. LOVED IT! I read every work on every page. <a href="http://www.jodipicoult.com/">Jodi Picoult</a> is a great writer. <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.jodipicoult.com/my-sisters-keeper.html">My Sisters Keeper</a> </span>is a great book. And I cant wait to see the movie although, I anticipate that it will not be as good as the book was.<br /><br />I like books that are real. Ones that make you question yourself and your beliefs; Make you wonder what you would do in that situation and open your eyes to issues that are going on in the world. Picoult writes about a lot of different social issues (genetic engineering, suicide, rape, the death penalty, school shootings, wrongful birth, etc.) Her books are heavy, difficult and captivating. I picked up my 2nd book of hers <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.jodipicoult.com/the-pact.html">The Pact</a> </span>I hope this one is as good as the last.Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-1295791458618847032009-05-24T23:44:00.000-07:002009-05-24T23:59:36.485-07:00Today<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wK0T4pVHP28&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wK0T4pVHP28&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I am grateful for those brave soldiers who have sacrificed so much. I am grateful that my Great-Grandma Jensen was an example of a patriot. She loved her country and what it meant to be an American.<br /><br />Today Americans across this great country will join together in remembering those American warriors—throughout our storied history—who gave their lives in defense of freedom. From the blood-soaked beaches of France to the bombed-out back-alleys of Fallujah, the American G.I. has fought—and died—opposing that which is evil and oppressive, and defending all things good and free.<br /><br />Memorial Day is about one thing: remembering the fallen on the battlefield and passing their collective story to the next generation. These stories, and the men who bear them, are the backbone of this American experiment and must never be forgotten.<br /><br />And this day, with America still at war, it is also fitting that we remember the soldiers currently serving in harms way. Because just one moment, one explosion, or one bullet separates Veterans Day from Memorial Day. Soldiers currently in Iraq and Afghanistan are fighting for our freedoms today, knowing it’s possible they may never see tomorrow. These troops—and their mission—deserve our support each day, and our prayers every night. May God watch over them—and their families; May He give them courage in the face of fear, and righteous might in the face of evil.<br /><br />There are no words that can truly commemorate the heroism of these men. But one voice, in my opinion, comes closer than any other. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln had this to say about the men who had fought and died at the battle of Gettysburg. <blockquote><em>“We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.</em><br /><p> <em>But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."</em></p></blockquote> <p><br />Almost 150 years later, the words of Lincoln still resonate. But it doesn’t take being Commander-in-Chief to honor the fallen. This Memorial Day, I hope you remember the brave men and women that have heroically served this nation, and perished on the battlefield. It is the duty of every American to ensure that they are never forgotten.</p>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-89096697980209676572009-04-29T15:54:00.000-07:002009-04-29T15:55:52.425-07:00Now."This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."<p>Thomas S. Monson, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=92764bb52a73d110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1" target="_blank">"Finding Joy in the Journey," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 85</a> </p>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-8442821439317674002009-04-21T20:22:00.000-07:002009-04-21T20:51:17.393-07:00Void<span style="font-size:85%;">i have been back half a year. and i miss it like you wouldn't believe. when i was there i missed home. but i came home to find that "home" was different than i remembered it. my home moved 285 miles. its not the same. i am glad to be back with my family but it's not the "home" i missed. i didn't miss the house. i missed belonging, familiarity and having loved ones at hand. there is a different feeling here. i don't know my place in this town. 5 streets are starting to become familiar but beyond that is unknown. i am "home" yet i am still missing...<br /><br />i miss living on the 3rd floor of barrington plaza. i miss being greeted by beltus-my crazy stalker/doorman each night. i miss my 4/5 roommates. i miss late night chats with some of my favorite girls. i miss our girl talk and learning from each others experience. i miss smelling floyd and frederick as i walked in the door. i miss our dirty carpet. i miss sleeping across from collette and (brianne, tiffany, doris, suzy, etc). i miss getting ready for church on sunday mornings with my church music blasting through the wall to our non-member neighbors. i miss the boys upstairs. and k-ball, greg and vic. i miss the ward out there. i miss bishop eastland. i miss l-z relief society. i miss the friends i made in that ward. i miss tiff, mehgan and kelly, lise and hannah. i miss riding the metro. i miss the array of smells on the bus. i miss running up to the bus as it pulled away. i miss cms. i miss the crazy people i worked with. i miss the talented people i got to meet and be influenced by. i miss sharing an office with leonard. i miss doing makeup.<br /><br />i could go on for hours listing the things i miss. each thing i think of brings up something else. there is so much there that i will never have here. i can't wait to go back and visit. i can't wait to see those girls. i can't wait. hopefully i won't have to wait too long.<br /></span>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-76463462251252005932009-04-15T18:28:00.000-07:002009-04-15T19:29:42.075-07:00My Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">Learn to <span style="font-weight: bold;">whistle</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Become fluent in another <span style="font-weight: bold;">language</span><br />Buy a '<span style="font-weight: bold;">round the world ticket</span>' to see the world<br />Travel with a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> humanitarian aide</span> organization<br />Work in an <span style="font-weight: bold;">orphanage</span><br />Dive with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Whale Shark<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAMl27WIbJVatI3-d5GyHRQ1RmjP2dv-2I19GYl0RpTL6eIDs9YIDeLrIX504pzGxPoPVurCerRzYlTwkqGgi6hEYML5x7bPCJB_2uR95rFQTgOz-tHu02m_6ZoliSnskdT279iuVP9A/s1600-h/wreck-whale-shark2.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAMl27WIbJVatI3-d5GyHRQ1RmjP2dv-2I19GYl0RpTL6eIDs9YIDeLrIX504pzGxPoPVurCerRzYlTwkqGgi6hEYML5x7bPCJB_2uR95rFQTgOz-tHu02m_6ZoliSnskdT279iuVP9A/s200/wreck-whale-shark2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325109701036650498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skydive</span><br />Step foot on <span style="font-weight: bold;">every continent</span><br />Ride a <span style="font-weight: bold;">horse</span> on the beach<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Adopt</span> a child<br />Drive a car on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">wrong side</span> of the road<br />Ride a <span style="font-weight: bold;">camel</span><br />See a Zebra <span style="font-weight: bold;">in the</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">wild<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaMdaAA4WcaV1dxuyRR982OfokqK2pFZE4xEB88KsfaTsLq_NBPYYZkFMTrbOvsEz1wRDQzaFwg2DjFvaW9c0f9dRForwVB462F5ZEMothtFlen3NRLPlnIhE2CHOIv-NB4XWun-RukY/s1600-h/Zebra_Botswana_edit02.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaMdaAA4WcaV1dxuyRR982OfokqK2pFZE4xEB88KsfaTsLq_NBPYYZkFMTrbOvsEz1wRDQzaFwg2DjFvaW9c0f9dRForwVB462F5ZEMothtFlen3NRLPlnIhE2CHOIv-NB4XWun-RukY/s200/Zebra_Botswana_edit02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325110464274854114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Run</span> a marathon<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Save a life</span><br />Attend <span style="font-weight: bold;">major</span> sporting event (Superbowl, Olympics (not in Utah), etc)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Paint a portrait</span> to hang on my wall<br />Swim with <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Dolphins</span><br />Be in the audience of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ellen </span><br />Cross a <span style="font-weight: bold;">glacier</span> on foot<br />Learn to play a <span style="font-weight: bold;">musical instrument </span>with some degree of skill<br />Grow a <span style="font-weight: bold;">garden</span><br />Find a charity that I am truly passionate about and <span style="font-weight: bold;">get involved</span><br />Scuba in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Barrier Reef</span><br />Go <span style="font-weight: bold;">deep sea </span>fishing<br />Learn to <span style="font-weight: bold;">make</span> sushi<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illustration</span> for a childrens book<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fly</span> a plane<br />Learn to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Surf</span><br />Visit <span style="font-weight: bold;">7 wonders</span> of the world<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH5so4_1lDdcsEmsE0xay1SAQPK6KS_QA6oZteIXYi6ZdJpG_5YXIZCErhYP7D55LpfcGsBR6s32KNDk5-CefSjSQrgP5-SLqkUuHohB9A_ttpS8SJgGYlYMCbs24MAg8BQWxwNnwB30/s1600-h/results_the7_02.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH5so4_1lDdcsEmsE0xay1SAQPK6KS_QA6oZteIXYi6ZdJpG_5YXIZCErhYP7D55LpfcGsBR6s32KNDk5-CefSjSQrgP5-SLqkUuHohB9A_ttpS8SJgGYlYMCbs24MAg8BQWxwNnwB30/s200/results_the7_02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325109705681521458" border="0" /></a><br />Ride something <span style="font-weight: bold;">bigger</span> than a horse<br />Visit a <span style="font-weight: bold;">real</span> blues bar in Chicago<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy </span>a boat<br />Learn to <span style="font-weight: bold;">sail</span><br />Travel <span style="font-weight: bold;">India by train</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bathe</span> in the Ganges<br />Photograph an <span style="font-weight: bold;">endangered</span> species<br />Travel the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pacific Coast Highway</span> by motorcycle<br />Experience <span style="font-weight: bold;">Love Parade</span> in Berlin<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0idxjrhdvcECXCXvH9bUArd7mi7tzZuuSG_QSbttIadTX0H2V4klzlOTvBaKq2FYzIeAnjktRX3pRpfC8O08-PZ359jgnZqAvP3T0_rXA8yxKqidbMcwsCzjloQYDqCbKo48OY6ZRH44/s1600-h/love-parade-banner2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0idxjrhdvcECXCXvH9bUArd7mi7tzZuuSG_QSbttIadTX0H2V4klzlOTvBaKq2FYzIeAnjktRX3pRpfC8O08-PZ359jgnZqAvP3T0_rXA8yxKqidbMcwsCzjloQYDqCbKo48OY6ZRH44/s200/love-parade-banner2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325109706427955282" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Make a difference</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Win the lottery to make all this happen</span>!<br /></div>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-47875422358628712352009-03-26T22:07:00.000-07:002009-03-28T08:52:22.638-07:00Coincidence or an answer?<p style="line-height: 115%;"> <a style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/ysagems/%7E3/TO3dxp_eAQU/index.jsp" target="_blank">Do Not Take Counsel from Your Fears</a> </p> "I urge you to not take counsel of your fears. I hope you will not say, 'I'm not smart enough to study chemical engineering; hence, I'll study something less strenuous.' 'I can't apply myself sufficiently well to study this difficult subject or in this comprehensive field; hence, I'll choose the easier way.'<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-size:130%;">I plead with you to choose the hard way and tax your talents. Our Heavenly Father will make you equal to your tasks</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span> If one should stumble, if one should take a course and get less than the 'A' grade desired, I hope such a one will not let it become a discouraging thing to him. I hope that he will rise and try again."<p>Thomas S. Monson, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=117bba9ff599b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1" target="_blank">"Decisions Determine Destiny," New Era, Nov. 1979, 8</a> </p>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6724847627275029763.post-89545414062931350692009-03-20T19:05:00.001-07:002009-03-20T22:10:56.691-07:00Not very often...but once in a while, I get angry.<br /><br />Today is one of those days.<br /><br />I am mad that I have been robbed of someone that can't be replaced.<br />I am angry that I have to wait a lifetime to be with him again.<br /><br />I am angry cause I didn't get to say goodbye,<br />I am angry that he didn't tell me goodbye.<br /><br />I am angry that I don't remember the last conversation we had.<br />The last conversation that I do remember having was a few days before, I think it was his birthday. He had just went to see <span style="font-style: italic;">Passion of the Christ</span>. He didn't like the movie. "It was difficult to watch". We talked about the atonement.<br />He said he missed me and he loved me. That is the last conversation I remember vividly.<br /><br />I didn't get to talk to him that last Saturday. I was working all day. He called once while I was at work and didn't leave a message. I wish he would have.<br /><br />I am angry at Kristie for the way she has chosen to handle or rather not handle things since he left.<br />I am angry that it is "too painful for her".<br /><br />I am angry that we spent that last few years so far apart.<br /><br />I am angry because I felt cheated cause he missed my volleyball games, he didn't get to know my friends in high school or dance the "father daughter dance" at my junior prom.<br /><br />I won't ever get a father daughter dance.<br /><br />But I am really angry about the things that he is going to miss out on.<br /><br />I am angry that I won't get to introduce him to the man I marry.<br />I am angry that he won't be there to threaten him when he asks me to be his wife.<br /><br />I am angry that I won't get to call him when I find out I am pregnant with my first child.<br />I won't get to see he hold my babies and look at their toes.<br /><br />I am angry that I won't get to watch him get old.<br />That he didn't get to live a full life and that was his choice.<br />I am angry that he was sick, and couldn't control his actions.<br /><br />I hate that this "happened for a reason"<br />and that "this is the way things were suppose to end up".<br /><br />I am angry that he loved us enough much to leave us.<br /><br />I am angry because anger is part of the "process"<br />Why is this the first time in 5 years that I have felt this kind of anger?<br /><br />I hate that I can't have all the answers now.<br /><br />I have no problem talking about my dad to others, but I am angry that it is so painful to talk about him to the ones that share the pain.<br />I am angry that the only way I feel I can release all this anger right now is on the World Wide Web.<br /><br />I am angry that love can cause so much pain.<br />I am angry that this pain is real.Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578035240594444243noreply@blogger.com5