Fabulous Find...and other musings...

Between not being able to have a computer during the day for MONTHS and Andrew leaving me without a car the past 3 days, I've spent a little time catching up with the old cpu (as andrew calls it) aka-- I've wasted a lot of time catching up on craft blogs and other mindless things. Which leads me to this amazing website I stumbled on today....

Pattern Cooler.com

I may be late getting on that bandwagon- but this place is a poor and amateur digital scrapbooker/designers dream! I even customized my blog background for the occasion!

look it up!

In other news, I was bound and determined to do something outside the walls of our house today, so B and I pretended our

Chicco travel system stroller was a four-wheeler and we forged up a long snowy driveway to take a walk. Once we got to the street and Bauer's neck stopped hurting from all the sudden stopping due to ice or a rock, it was actually very enjoyable! ;)

Of course I'm not super excited to not have a car when it's so snowy outside (Andrew's car is super crappy in the snow and since he drives so much for work and my SUV has snow tires, he takes my car when it's snowy out) but on a brighter note, Andrew's work is really picking up. ;) ;) We were talking about it again just a couple nights ago, expressing our gratitude to our Heavenly Father and to each other for where we are right now. Some days (it's getting less and less, but still some days) are really tough. I'm trying to figure out what to do with this insane about of boredom. I know Bauer is bored many days too! We can only play and read in the same little apartment for so long before we both need a different t0-do list. But opportunities are coming up and I'm learning and growing a LOT! I can honestly say i LOVE living out here even though I don't like it some days. More than anything, Andrew and I both know that this is where we're suppose to be. Great things are happening with our marriage and our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It's amazing what relying on each other (all 3 of us) can do with your hearts. I hope and pray that Andrew's job will start making us some money. I know it's exactly what he's been wanting to do, he's happy and so I'm happy, but the financial stress is killing him and I hope so much for him to be rewarded for his hard work, for following the Lord even when it didn't make a lot of sense (OK no sense at all) and for giving all that he has to being a great husband and father. (both of which he does sooo very well!)

In yet some more news....

I don't talk about this often, but the thought of writing about it now won't leave my head so bear with me.

One of my friends from college posted today about her adorable daughter turning 2 today. This friend and I found out we were pregnant about the same time, I was due just a few days before her. As you could probably figure, however, we lost that baby at the end of the first trimester. It was amazing to think what would have been and how life could have been different. I can remember that day very well looking back. I felt empty and scared. Knowing what I did about my condition, I wondered if that was as far as I could carry any baby. Mostly though, I felt a loss of a tiny member of our family. I remember praying earnestly to my Heavenly Father, questions about whether a baby that early in pregnancy would really be a part of our eternal family. An overwhelming feeling of calmness and reassurance came over me. I look forward to a time where I will meet he/she and see the amazing work they've been doing in the spirit world.

I know everything happens for a reason. That experience truly made me stronger. I am sooo grateful to my Heavenly Father who has an eternal plan, who made my family extend beyond this life and who I know knows me personally and loves me.

On a brighter note: 25 days til I head to this place...

No need for snow tires there!!

a VERY VERY VERY Merry Christmas!

I hope your Christmas was as Merry and Bright as ours!!!

Our precious time with family, the amazing food and the giving and receiving of WONDERFUL and generous gifts was a perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to celebrate our many blessings. Of course the blessing we love most is this little boy! He was a blast, keeping everyone laughing and keeping me continually thanking my Heavenly Father for letting him be a part of our little family.

Christmas morning:

Bauer's first Daddy Dunk on his new hoop!

giving his Yammie big kisses thank you!!

as you can tell, he never stood still long enough for a clear picture.

He's sporting his blazer jersey and showing off his power tool.

We already can't wait for the batteries to run out of those things! haha

It truly was one of the best Christmas' I've ever had. My mom made each family a full queen sized quilt, which is just amazing!!!

(Ours, already on our bed although i have no shams or anything. We LOVE LOVE LOVE it!)

she also made my dreams come true by making me this lap blanket that I've wanted for years! She made one for all my other siblings before I was married but the process is such a headache she swore she'd never make me one. I've bothered her about it lots since but I also got the "dream on lady" look. Well when I opened that box, you would have thought i just won a million dollars! I am soooo excited and have already used it so much. It's very special to me. Thank you Mom!! You're truly the best.

And last (well last one I'll post about to save you all from being tempted to come rob us!) but certainly not least--

My name is Haley, spelled S P O I L E D!!!

I use to say, i'm not spoiled, my parents just love me more than yours love you. But I can admit it now. I haven't had a computer since we moved to Sisters but I wasn't expecting this!!! I can never thank my mom and dad enough for all they do!

It truly was one of the greatest Christmas' I've had. And not just because of the gifts, but because of being able to be with Andrew and Bauer and my extended family, being able to reflect on my Savior's birth, life and mission, and being able to gain 2.5 pounds in a matter of 3 days.

We're "Knee Deep" in snow!

I mean seriously-- there's a ton of snow on the ground! Bauer loves it!

In other news, this is seriously the place we call home!! I know I post scenic pictures a lot, but I am in constant awe! Wednesday was the most beautiful day-- here's the morning and night shot. And don't worry, this is from inside my house-- the front wall of our family room is all windows...this is why!!!!

Not only did we get 3 huge boxes of presents from Grandma and Grandpa Ellis this week, but we put the boxes themselves to good use as our nighttime family activity! I don't know who had more fun, Bauer or his parents.


I've also been thinking a lot about my time in Ecuador. I can't believe I'm coming up on 4 years since I went. It seems like just yesterday. I wanted to post a trillion of the most precious pictures and memories, but we don't post pictures to protect the privacy of the orphans and the nuns. I am soooo eternally grateful for that experience. And as I reflect on the blessings of my life during this holiday season, I will never be able to forget or dismiss the amazing affect those amazing children had in shaping who I am today. I don't talk about it too often now, but I think about them most everyday, wondering where they are, what games they're learning to play, what trouble they're finding to get into ;) and what their future may hold. They have so little, but love so much. I'm grateful for the volunteers that continue to go--to love those children as much as I did and do. I know my Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of them, and he knows and loves them. I can't wait to meet up with them on the other side, to embrace them, espcially my precious little Chio and to see them all be embraced in the love of a family.
If you or anyone you know is willing or looking for an opportunity to serve in orphanages oversees or are interested in sponsoring a child or orphanage, please contact me or go to orphanagesupport.org

this painting by Del Parsons depicts the Savior with our host family (the Roseros) and many of the orphans I had the privilege of loving.

OSSO is changing the lives of so many kids, and as you get involved I testify that it will change your life as well. I am eternally grateful to OSSO, to my parents, and to my then fiance Andrew who gave me the opportunity and support I needed to be able to meet and love those children.
To my OSSO girlys who keep up with my blog, please know how much I love you and cherish the time we spent there together. I miss you all!!

if Bauer could talk he would say...

"Easy ladies, there's enough of me to go around..."

"Mom, sitting still was soooooo 2 months ago!"


"But seriously, how can you tell this face NO???"

Snowy Days and a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

The snow is here in Sisters and Bauer has had a blast out discovering what it's all about. I love to get him all bundled up and watch his little body truck around outside. He loves to eat snow and then his hands get too cold and he wonders why he thought that was a good idea...he's sooo busy and is ALWAYS on the move!



My family decided to come our way this Thanksgiving which was sooo great! It was a blast packing into my parents home in Black Butte and enjoying the holiday together. I even upgraded from the pickle and olive tray to the homemade rolls this year-- quite a jump if you ask me! (and yes, my rolls turned out, phewwww)
The fire was going all weekend, the snow fell, and the kids loved being together and outside. Mom put an amazing meal together (suprise suprise) we took a family walk/sledding adventure and then finished the night off with our traditional family bingo and pie. A perfect thanksgiving!


I have sooo much to be thankful for, I don't even know where I would even begin. I thought about blogging about something every day, but I decided to try to really express it more out loud, looking that someone into the eye and trying to express to them my complete gratitude for them, the qualities they hold and teach me, and the support they lend me. I found it started with expressing more detailed and specific gratitude in my prayers, then making it even more a part of my everyday conversation--it quickly became very powerful. I think it was contagious and it definitely brought me more joy and helped me smooth out feelings of frustration throughout my day. So I hope the people in my life don't have to read it, but really know how I feel about them. And of course, all things I have and all things I am have come from my Heavenly Father. I pray that I can show more gratitude in obeying the commandments, serving others, living up to my temple covenants, and magnifying my callings I hold here in the branch here. I'm so grateful for my faith, for my family and friends, and for my Savior, who loves and knows me and who makes it possible to become better every single day.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

Yes We're Alive

I can't believe I haven't blogged since we've been in Sisters. Actually I can considering I haven't had a computer for a LARGE majority of the time. We finally got internet just in time for our desktop to crash. Andrew takes the laptop to and from work so that leaves me with nada. And no, I'm not cool enough to have internet on my phone.

Some recent happenings,

A trip to Portland (with a short one to Utah in the middle)to...

play with grammy

and papa

hang with the cousins

go to the blazer game (only one of my favorite things to do ever!~ thanks mom and dad!)

And we went to Utah to...

see Ashley and Dan

see "Unca Mike"

see Ben and Amber get married - no pics of their beautiful reception unfortunately
(well that's why my parents were going and since I love Ben and there were extra seats in the plane we tagged along!)

Tonight our branch had a Halloween party and truck-or-treat. It was way fun and Andrew proudly finished 2nd in the adult cake walk. Andrew and I were...scary?? We didn't want to be the new family in the branch that wasn't fun so we gave it our "tried but not too hard" efforts. (ps- i really don't enjoy dressing up so i deserve an A+) Bauer was the cutest monkey on the block. He's been SUPPPPPPER fussy the last couple days (please be the molars and please come in quickly) so he wasn't super into being cute for the camera, or wearing the pants to his monkey suit (thanks Aunt Mandy) but we'll still keep him! ;)


HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Family Pictures

My good friend Annie has done it again! We hadn't taken a decent family picture since...well, our wedding, so I thought it was about time...plus we love Annie and her superb talent so this was our chance before we moved and couldn't pay her in babysitting, treats, or hugs. We LOVE you Annie!!!








In other news, we are moved-- Hooray. And ALMOST all the boxes are put away---booo. It's a cozy little place and I think we both think it'll feel like home in no time! I'll put pictures up as soon as that Almost all the boxes is as ALL the boxes are put away. Or maybe I won't post any pictures as a way to get you all to come see us...hmmmmm

CHANGES....

We've had lots of changes going on in the Ellis Household! Andrew studied, took, and passed the Oregon Real Estate Exam all while loosing 20 lbs with p90x. I started coaching cheer, teaching preschool, and am keeping SuperSaturday planning going (notice I did not loose 20 lbs). Bauer is half running everyone he goes, dancing on demand, being as hilarious as ever, and of course getting cuter by the minute. And guess what else? (I'll give you a hint...)

...and we're moving!! As of next week, we'll call central oregon our home. Sisters, Oregon to be exact. Andrew has a great work opportunity in Bend for real estate and we feel like this is really where our family should be right now-- so we're very quickly packing up and moving to this lovely place! I've loved Sisters for a long time, and I can't believe it will be home in a matter of days! The top picture is a picture of our apartment above the barn/garage. The second picture is actually the main house and you can barely see the apartment to the left, then that is our view out of our family room windows! Can you say breathtaking?!? That's the 3 sisters and Broken top, yes count 4 mountain views from our front room! We'll post more pictures of the inside when we're in a settled but we're so very excited/nervous/anxious/amazed at it all and how everything has fallen into place. Our renters are even wanting us out asap--does it get any better than that?!

More will come I promise-- as for now, I need to go fill these boxing up before Thursday morning!

just something on my mind...

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

My amazing friend Laura introduced me to this quote and have been thinking about it a lot lately. I love my job as a mom, a wife, a member of a church where I hold callings, learn to serve, and am given opportunities to grow. I love my job as a daughter to wonderful parents, sister to amazing siblings, teacher and coach to adorable kids and friends to some of the greatest people on earth! I love being a mom to the best kid on the planet and wife to a husband who I adore!
I love that Sister Hinckley uses the word "want" in this quote. As I look forward to my upcoming fall schedule, it's a busy one for sure. But I look forward with excitement as it's filled with all things worthy of my time and my attention, and giving me opportunities to learn, serve, love and grow- and there's nothing I "want" more!
I know that as I fulfill my callings and obligations, do it with a cheerful heart, with love, and with the Lord by my side, I will be refined, doors will be opened to me and my family, and I will feel the joy that comes from truly living.

South Carolina!

Last week, Bauer, my mom and I headed to South Carolina to go to one of my best friend's wedding. It was a GREAT time full of catching up, wedding fun, and humidity! I could not have done all the bridal party stuff if it wasn't for my mom so I'm super grateful to her! Bauer was a total trooper and loved all the attention! We had a great time and were thrilled we were able to be there for Ashley's big day.

being a goof-ball in the hotel room!

Mr. and Mrs. Gould!! LOVE THEM! can't wait to see them in October!

toooo cute!

My good friend Courtney from college with one of her twin girls!

totally tuckered out!