I looked forward to this more than Christmas!!!!

This past weekend was one of the most memorable and special of our lives. Let me back up a little. Ryan started rookie school for the fire dept in August- it is a grueliing five months of intese training as the cadre whip these boys into men. Ryan would wake up (and usually me too!) at 3:30am, get up leave, and come home most days at 6 r 7 at night. Nights consisted of studying for hours, laundry (which I usually stayed up to do) and ironing his uniforms military press style.

Keep in mind I started a preschool teaching full time a week after he started rookie school. I also have a wild one year old daughter to take care of. I was also in the process of handeling the sale of our townhouse, which was tedious and lenghty- and closed the week before Christmas. I also got a calling to teach five year olds (now I teach four year olds) in Primary and visiting teaching. I also ran the entire household- Ryan did not lift a finger the entire academy (don't judge! I didn't let him! His sole job was rookie school because it is that demanding and I wanted all his focus on that- after all he tested for four years and finally got his shot- we were prepared to make the most of it!) I'm not saying all of this to brag about Ryan or myself, but merely to inform some people we haven't seen in months about the crazy schedule we have had. We've missed our friends. Hailyn missed her dadddy- she would see him for a second and wonder why she couldn't play with him because he was studying ect. She would call out for 'addy' for hours most days. She would cry when she saw his car and didn't see him. It was challenging for me to explain to my one year old daughter daddy's still working even when he's at home. She missed her daddy and it broke my heart. It took all my strength to be a patient mommy, to not break down in front of her, to be as loving as I could be, even on nights when she and ryan only let me sleep an hour or two. I'd get up, drink a dr pepper and get ready to tackle the school day.

Luckily, the Lord definately answered my prayers, and we got through it- and well! I have the best students any teacher could ask for, and Ryan did well in rookie school. It was all worth it for him to enter his dream job, the one we've waited worked and sacrificed for and we feel truly blessed that his and our dreams are coming true! The icing on the cake was definately when Ryan was crowned VALEDICTORIAN!! That moment my heart swelled up 20 times, and as he accepte his plaque (yea!! was so excited!) Hailyn, who decided not to nap before the ceremony and I was worried about because it was her nap time- she called out 'addy! addy!' and was all smiles. Then she curled up in my lap and snuggled me, she was so tired (but she was soooo good- it was as if she knew how important this day was!)

Ryan stayed up three hours the night before to write an awesome speech he never gave. He got up there and shortly thanked his fellow recruits who were a huge support to him and each other, the cadre who taught these guys and Ryan and trained them to be the best, and then he thanked his wife,who ran the entie household and took care of our one year old daughter single handedly. I started to tear up- I wasn't expecting that. I knew going in I would run the ship by myself and it wouldn't be easy but just to hear him say how much he appreciated it in front of all those people, that touched me so deeply. I am so lucky to have married my best friend, and a wonderful partner. Nearly all the women in the audience were tearing up, and a lady in front of me turned around and said 'is that you?' and I just nodded. She smiled and wiped a tear away. Gosh I love him! I also got a 'go Lacie!' from Darcy in the audience on the other side of the auditorium! We also heard he was on the news and it showed him getting pinned as the valedictorian!

We then celebrated at Pei Wei's with some family and friends (and a chocolate Nothing Bundt Cake!)and then went to Lake Las Vegas where all the academy (plus one!) went on a cruise and ate dinner and sang karoke. We had such a blast! There was an awesome cake shaped like a rescue engine and Ryan got to cut it, and we just had a blast. The rest of the (Hailyn free!) weekend we enjoyed eating out, relaxing, going to the movies and hanging out- on Saturday I slept eleven hours straight then went back to bed for three more hours- my ody literally had a physical reaction to the lack of no sleep for five months!

I am so proud of all of these guys, they all worked so hard! I am so proud of Ryan for sticking it out and enduring it- and enduring it well! I am proud of myself for surviving. I'm proud of my sweet little girl who hung in there even when she didn't understand what was going on. I am grrateful to family and friends who were patient and understanding of us, who still love us even when we were exhausted, or we didn't see those we wanted to for a while- you guys were always with us in our hearts and we look forward to being able to have relationships again! I am grateful to the Lord, because He definately saw us through this, and we are ever so grateful!

What a wonderful way to kick start the new year!

goals, index cards, and mirrors...

Ok, I have many new years resolutions, I've actually been preeeeeety decent about keeping them- I have a trick- I write one goal on one index card and tape it to my mirror so I'm either forced to look at my goals every day or not to look in the mirror (sometimes option two wins- RARELY though;)it REALLY works! we DID sell our townhouse and move, and there were only two goals at the end that have made headway but are not accomplished yet- (longterm goals people!) one is to tone up and attain college weight again (I did not gain a freshman 15- I actually lost weight and toned up in collge- same for my wedding!) so reach that goal, and to finish my novel which I actually work on quite a bit- that will be done soon (pray for me!) anyhow I digress... anyhow, one of my goals is to organize my house, my photos and my life- in terms of photos and journaling, well this is a stepping stone. I have every intention of online scrapbooking because lets face it- if I get the glue and paper cutters out, they won't be going away for a while and I have an issue with 'finishing' projects. So for now, I am going to catch up on some pics and post a few here and there- I've been told I'm a tad negligent with my blog- so here are some pics!

Hailyn went as Woodstock for Halloween- she has the hair already! my wonderful sister got her a Woodstock Christmas singing toy (that she said 'sorry it sings so much but it REALLY








PS- I find her here often-she loves to hang out in the shower...

The past decade...

So while watching a news special on the last decade in history, it made me think of my own personal history and the events that have unfolded in ten years- here's a BRIEF glimpse:
-Ten years ago, I was in HIGH SCHOOL, getting my license, and trying to understand why boys didn't ask me out! (LAME BOYS!)
-My mom passed away Oct. 2000 from a four year battle with colon cancer
-my stepdad got remarried August 2001 and I inherited five more stepsiblings
-we moved out of my the home I grew up in to a new house
- I graduated high school and made it to collge (barely) alive
- went to college and went out on a lot of interesting dates- confirmed my decision to go on a mission
-met Ryan and started dating
-wrote to Ryan for two whole years
-got an Associates of Arts degree in Dec 2003
-got engaged Dec 2003
-started dating when he got back- totally changed my mind about the mission- I found Mr Right and the timing was meant to be!
-moved back from St. George
-GOT MARRIED!!! (April 24, 2004) and moved into our first one bedroom apt- aww
-went to Hawaii on the honeymoon!
-started working at Montessori school and fell in love- started to get my Montessori certification (sept. 2004)
-STILL working at HDOS (Hot Dog on a Stick- yes I wore the funny hat!) and worked my way up to asst. manager- or asst. to the reginoal manager (OFFICE joke-jk!)
-spent our first thanksgiving in Flagstaff (TRADITION! LOVE IT!)
-bought our dang townhouse in Feb 2005 (big ohhhhhhh insert here!)
-got our precious dog BAILEY
- worked, worked worked
-GRADUATED with a BA in English in Dec. 2005- went on a snowboarding trip to celebrate! merry christmas!
-got our (WAAAY overpriced) English Bulldog
-found new home for said English bulldog (buh bye Mikey!)
-MEXICO anniversary trip!! SOOOO fun!
-quit my job at Montessori school
-goooooot pregnant!
-Ryan got accepted to rookie school and is pursuing his dreams!
- survived 32 excrutiating hours of labor to welcome our gorgeous baby girl Hailyn into the world!
-sold dang townhouse and moved (looooong process!)
- opened a Montessori preschool!

and the craziness continues!!! I left out some stuff for many reasons (yes it was even crazier than that!) but these are just MOST of the major highlights- it's been an exhausting decade! I went from high school to collge to marriage and having a child this decade- I'm exhausted!!! so I hope 2010 is a bit mellower, but through all the changes, losing my mom, to becoming a mom, I have grown so much more than I ever thought I would have to- and for that I'm grateful. I'm ever so grateful to my amazing husband, who works so hard, perserveres, and is just plain wonderful- I'm so lucky to be with him forever! I love him SOOOOOOO much it's crazy! and our gorgeous, amazing daughter who brings so much love and joy to our hearts, we are crazy for her! Through everything I am so very grateful to the Lord, who has known my needs when I haven't, who has blessed us beyond words can describe and who always has a plan, even better than my own, and always provides a way for us. I am truly blessed and grateful for wonderful family and friends, who stick with me through thick and thin, who know I love them even when we can't see each other as often as I'd like. I hope you all have a wonderful 2010, work hard for the things you want but remember if you trust in the Lord with all thy heart He will direct your path toward righteousness (proverbs 3:5) Happy New Year and God bless!

A Letter from Jesus about Christmas...

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them..

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :


I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

* I saw this on Krista's blog and I think it's something to be shared- so share it! Remeber the true meaning of this season, it's to remember Christ ALWAYS and through our actions-they always speak louder than words. God bless and may you all have a Merry Christmas!

Wish List...

So while Santa is making a list and checking it twice, I decided to make up my fantasy wish list- here it goes!

1. Ryan to be done with school(s) this is happening VERY soon!
2. a super duper organized and always spotless house (if you are one of these super organized people and are looking for a gift to get me- come on over!)
3. laudry to always be done and put away
4.The food/fit factor- eat whatever I want and aays look an fel trim and i shape-alo not to age:)
5. my biological father to move Utah
6. to be an expert cook (or at least find healthy meals my hubby will eat!)
7. no debt and a flowig bank acount;)
8. to be rid of the townhouse once and for all
9. finish my novel
10. to be really good at journalig/scrapbooking/documenting events
11. Travel where I want when I want!
Santa- I've been good this year- help a girl out!

(SIDENOTE! I do have MANY amazing blessings- wishes already come true- a gorgeous, wonderful hubby, a beautifu daughter and our health- so this list is rlly fo fun- ad sort of for goals too- many of these will happen in the next few months! Finers crossed!)

Let the Chirstmas Countdown begin!

So, in keeping with my vow to not be a basket case like last Christmas, I kept my promise to be 'more on top of it' this year. I already had the decorations up, a good majority of the shopping done (and wrapped) and addressed Christmas cards today- that's right, this year I'm super on top of things- Christmas wise anyway. In terms of my laundry and picking up toys and clutter, well, that leaves a great deal to be desired.

So all I have left is a few gifts to shop for, assembly and wrapping of said gifts, and put the cards in the mail- and get a few last addresses- if I don't have your address and you would like a Christmas card, please email it to me or leave a comment- that being said I'm excited to 'enjoy' Christmas a little this year...

Let the Christmasing begin!

Lucky 13!

Hailyn is 13 months (plus) old now and she is a BLAST! Along with her 'mowgali crawl' where she walks with her butt in the air, her, gimpy army crawl where she drags one leg behind her this girl is a bonafide walker (ok, maybe not bonafide, but she walks like 50% of the time!) and she CLIMBS on everything and FAST! LIKE REALLy FAST! She also has a rock climbing grip (we learned this when she was hanging on the edge of the dryer- such a daredevil!) and this girl TALKS! 'Hi mama' is her newest sentence:) and she loves to wave and say 'hi hi hi' (yesterday she SHOUTED it to the man sitting behins us in church and he grinned- Hailyn was in HEAVEN!) This little cutie pie keeps us on our toes because she loooooves to climb and explore everything like no one year old I have ever seen, but she is the sweetest thing ever. She just LOVES other kids (hope that sticks for future family planning!) she is so easy, so mellow, so content, so funny, so smart, so clever, so happy. She is the sweetest little girl we could have ever asked for, and I love to see her growing and learning something new everyday. She is still a tall skinny thing. Maybe one of these days I'll get on my game and post videos and more pics, but for today, i'm going to enjoy my little explorer!