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???"