What the "Hales"

I Hate My BLOG!

2011-02-01T13:58:00.003-06:00

I will pay money to anyone that can come fix my blog and not lose anything.....This is the reason why I have not been posting...because for some reason that is unknown...my blog setup is completly different from everyone elses! I keep thinking of all these post that I want to do but everytime I get on I remember how irritating my blog setup is and I just give up! Hence the no posting! Sorry to everyone who might still be out there looking at my blog! (who knows I might be typing to crickets!)

Good things to come....

2010-06-27T18:50:00.002-05:00

This was EVERYTHING I needed to hear! I know my last couple of post have been unsure and a bit unstable. But after hearing this talk from Bro. Holland, I was overwhelmed with the spirit! I know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and not all my blessing come when I want them to come. He has a clear picture of everything and I know that I need to put my trust in Him to see me though ALL my hard times. I know that my pride and stubbornness are my constant reasons for not falling to Him. I know that He is hurting with me and ready for me to come to Him for comfort. I am grateful for my faith in Him and the love that He has for me.

http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages?v=8nczw6xHJ0I

I am sure that if I were to hear Heavenly Father speak it would sound simlar to Jeffrey R. Holland. He has one of the most powerful, sweet, and comforting voices!

Time for a change....(i think..)

2010-06-24T20:32:00.000-05:00

I feel that itch and I can't seem to scratch it. I need SOMETHING in my life. Not sure what it is...but I just know that I feel the bug to have, see, want, ( I don't know) something different! Does this make sense to anyone? Anyone at all? I might sound a bit crazed to some people, but trust me all is well up in the big noggin! Hmmm, Maybe a vacation with just JIMMY? I always want that. Never done that before. Will I get it? Probably on our 50th anniversary. Who knows? I feel like I might want to move? Maybe? (I'm still deciding on that one.) Lets see...a new couch might make this itch go away! (random right?) Oh well I will figure it out at some point..until then I think I will just sit tight and stop complaining. (maybe)

I Guess I Should Write.....

2010-06-13T01:32:00.000-05:00

The tears are still around, llurking in the wings of my eyes and at a moments notice they spring on me! I know some might think that I'm OK with crying, but I'm not.. not at all. I hate HATE hate it with a passion. People say..."its OK to cry, just let it all out." Well don't worry I do. And while doing it I hate it. You might ask why do you hate it so much? Well I will tell you. For me crying is like putting on clown make-up. My face is all splotchy and red. My lips inflate like balloons. My nose gets a crease in it from sniffing and wiping so much. My eyes look like I have not slept in days..... And when I'm good and done crying...does it go away? NO! It stays around for the next hour or two. So then I have people asking me if I'm OK when I have been done for hours! And then the headache comes....enough said! Another question you might be asking yourself is "why is she even talking about this?" Well all I have to say about that is...I'm just done crying but my mind won't tell my eyes or my heart!

My blessing are great in number, I know that I am not with out. I do try and remember what I do have. I know that many have it worse than I do. But my heart is still broken. It still hurts. When I'm alone with my thoughts everything aches. I feel alone even though I know I am surrounded by people who love and care about me. I feel alone in my feelings, though there are many who know what I'm going through. I feel confused and guilty, embarrassed and sad, angry and lonely.

I remember after having Chloe I felt this extreme sense of LOSS. I didn't understand why I would feel like this. I had a baby right in front of me. So why would I feel like I had lost something. It's like my mind could not tell my heart that we just had a baby. And yet my heart ached for the child in my hands. It knew it was there and fine, but what was the loss? I have that same feeling again. Only this time no baby to have my heart ache for.

Jimmy gave me a blessing the night before I went and found out. In speaking he was having trouble finding the right words. He could not get the words out that I needed, hope, pleaded for. After the prayer I knew in my heart that it was not going to be good news. And some where through out my short term of pregnancy I knew it would not last. I felt it over and over again. So why was I so surprised and so hurt? Why had this not softened the blow?

I guess I write this, not because I am depressed or crying our for help. But just as a way to heal. I write to make it known to myself. I know that in TIME everything will heal.

One Day.....

2010-05-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

One day I'll come back to this thing called blogging....I mean,.. I really do have a lot to write about. There has been so many things happening in our lives and it should be blogged about! We are all still alive though.. and all doing well. But one day I really will come back...maybe tomorrow, who knows...

Are you sure those are my Kids!??

2009-12-31T14:50:00.006-06:00

As a kid you wonder if your kids will ever look like you! Well I'm pretty sure we can all agree,...these are mine! (all between 5-6 months!)

Mandy
Adalynn

Sophie

Chloe

Our Nerdy Halloween!

2009-11-03T15:08:00.000-06:00

One day I looked at Jimmy and I just knew what we were going to be for Halloween! We had a blast dressing up and I think that our girls make pretty darn cute NERDS!!!

Sophie's little Photo Shoot!

2009-10-29T13:53:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Sophie didn't want to take a nap and so we had a little fun together. She is always wanting to put on some of my make-up so I decided one day would be fine!...I always like to see how much her hair has grown because its soo tight in those curls..you just never know. So after that what better way to document the fun we were having, but to do a little photo shoot! She had sooo much fun doing it! I'm glad that we were able to have that fun time together just me and her!

The bestest Daddy a girl can have....

2009-10-16T15:21:00.000-05:00

I just love how these girls love their daddy. He can pretty much get them to do anything...unless its 2:00 am...then he's useless. At least I know I'm good at something in this family...You have a crisis in the middle of the night, I'm totally your gal!

They are puddy in his hands!

2009-10-16T15:13:00.000-05:00

This is how he makes them "daddy's girls." He molds them into what he wants and then they are his forever...I'm a lost cause in this family...jk!

Sad/Mad Content Happy

2009-10-07T15:42:00.003-05:00

I know she looks kinda scary...right?

But really she is a content little bugger.

And you can pretty much guarantee she will give you this smile if you just talk to her.

Adalynn Update

2009-09-14T13:58:00.004-05:00

Stats:

Age: 3 Months (on Sept 24Th)

Weight: 11 lbs

Length: 24 inches

Eyes: she is our COUGAR BLUE EYES!!

Hair: Bald as Bald gets!

My little Lovie is getting so big! I am just so in love with this little girl...(maybe because she is a mama's girl right now, but that might change once she finds her dad.) She is such a good baby. She is just what I needed for a third child. She is loving and smiley. She eats and sleeps well. The only time she cries is when I have forgotten something like feeding her or a dirty diaper. Maybe if I was more on top of things she would never cry. She comes with us to the gym and is Mommy and Daddy's little workout buddy. (child care won't take her until she is 6 months.) She has already done a cycling class (riding with dad on the bike) and she really likes our P90X classes. She has been such a joy to have in our family. Her sisters adore her and usually are ready to help her with anything she needs.

A toast to READING!!

2009-08-05T00:05:00.005-05:00

......I love reading!(As most people do.) Reading is where anything you thought was not possible, becomes possible with a few simple words on a page.

I feel like when I first open a book my body and mind decide together if they want to invest time in this book. If they do, my body feels this gravitational pull to its pages. Like at any moment my arm or leg might very well be pulled into the pages. Once inside I step behind the curtain of words and watch my very own movie unfold before me. If at any moment I am pulled back to reality, my mind is never too far from the book, and then I feel the pull once again.( And so the cycle continues...) I feel as though once I'm back in the movie that's playing before me, I am in this position to watch the Hero and Heroine tell there stories with out my interference. My feelings are the same as the characters, but mostly my main feeling is just exhilarated. My mind sometimes runs faster than the story playing before me and so then I get anxious. I can only sit by and hope the story ends well. And then when the story is at its end I feel a huge sense of loss, but yet still excited that I got to be apart of it.(It's all very conflicting on the heart.) Then soon I will have to step back into reality. And when my foot steps back out of the pages and the book closes, I look up to see the poop on my tile floor, because my 2 year old kept trying to tell me that she had to potty and couldn't seem to get through to her mom. So she took matters into her own hands and went.

So here is to reading books and dreaming big with them...just remember to toast reality too because if you don't remember that its there you might find a big surprise...and sometimes it's not so pretty!

~One SPECIAL Day~

2009-07-23T18:26:00.004-05:00

Today was SPECIAL...Jimmy stayed home from work today..helping me adjust to the CRAZY life. He made a special dinner for us. Top Ramen and Juice! It was fantastic! We had great dinner music thanks to Blue October. The girls are even starting to sing along with the songs. Sophie dressed up in her fanciest dress. (Snow White costume) We toasted to a fabulous day of going to the Children's Museum, eating at the Chik-fil-A and then again returning to the Museum. The girls had a late nap and Jimmy and I watched a movie together.(IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY ...unheard of!)

I love my family. To top it off we are heading now to get some BerriPOP. (frozen Yogurt on the waterway..YUM!)

~The Roller Coaster~

2009-07-05T18:54:00.004-05:00

Well the last couple of weeks have been just that...a roller coaster. Defiantly more ups than downs. I think I have experienced every emotion there is... happiness, sadness, annoyance, anger, surprise, content, grief, pain, loneliness,and many more. I sometimes feel I can't wait for the future to hurry up and get here, and in the same moment I want time to stand still and never move again. Or... I want to return to the past, just to experience the same moment again receiving the same amazing feelings. The thoughts that go through my head can never reach my finger tips fast enough to type them, nor my tongue to speak them. I'm finding that with the ride I am starting to anticipate the next turn instead of wanting to jump off. Tomorrow I might not feel the same way, but as for right now I am loving this roller coaster.

TADAAA!!!

2009-06-27T18:11:00.006-05:00

**In no particular order**

Enjoy!They look so much alike now.

This is right after the whole event. Jimmy was awesome and I think we laughed for an hour after everything that just happened. I love that man!!

This is my amazing doctor, Dr. Tracy Turner! She was doing everything she could to get this baby out when I wanted her to. Too bad she missed the actual event. But she got there to do all the dirty work.

My Cheerleaders..and nurses assistants.

This was right after we got in and all hooked up.

I'm falling in love with her more everyday!

Adalynn Rae Hales

Born: 6/24/09

Time: 8:56 p.m.

Weight: 8lbs 9oz

Length: 22 inches

And so the REAL story begins...and let me tell you it was a fun and exciting for me. (WARNING: THIS IS KINDA LONG)

On Monday I went for my 40 week and 2 day apt. I decided a couple posts back to change my attitude and so it was not so bad heading back into the Dr.s office. I went in the office at a 3 dilation and came out a 4. My doctor had stripped my membranes and was hopeful she would come that night. She then also called me about an hour later and told me that she moved my Thursday (3rd in line) to Wednesday (4Th in line) scheduled induction. I was still trying to not get my hopes up because I was a DEFINITE, FOR SURE, ALL GREEN LIGHTS FOR A GO on Monday.

So Wednesday rolled around and I knew I still had to call for the small chance that I might get in. So I called at 6:30 in the morning and was told to call back at 9:00. (I have heard that before and then the let down usually follows after.) But the women was nice enough for me to ask her if my chances looked good. She told me that my Doctor had written a note on mine and had said to get me in as late as 5:00 pm. And most likely I would be getting in. Anyways I called back and they told me to call at 11:00. I called at 11:00 and they said to wait until they called me, but that it was probably going to be around 1:00.

1:50 I GOT THE CALL! I was so excited! I was there in 15 min thanks to Breana Smith and Elizabeth Chappell. Jimmy was there in 10min (and that was from Greenspoint) Needless to say we were a bit overly excited. Anyways I was hooked up to the pit by 2:30...and my water was broken at 3:30. Jimmy and I pretty much just hung out and talked. Then at around 5:30-6:00 my Cheerleaders came and then the fun started...Sierra Griffin, Sima Eggett and Elizabeth Chappell were there to watch the show. (And boy did they get a show) For the most part we just were chatting away as my contractions started to get harder. They were a great distraction from the pain. My nurse came in and I found out that we pretty much new each other from the 2 times that I had gone to hospital before during this pregnancy. She was the same nurse that took care of me in Triage and we got to know each other a bit. She had even made the comment the last time I was in, that maybe she would see me in a couple of weeks. Sure enough she was my nurse that night, her name was Linda. She was AMAZING and since my mom could not be there, it almost felt like she stepped in to that role. She really gave me her full attention while being there.

Moving on....at 8:40 I told my nurse that I was starting to feel the need to push. She told me not to since I was only barely at a 7. 8:50 I kept saying to her "I think I really need to push."At 8:55 I finally told her "I AM PUSHING..UMM SHE'S OUT!" mean while she says to me hold on just let me check you first..she pulled back the sheet and low and behold Adalynns head was out. I had stopped my push midway through in fear that I would get in trouble for pushing her all the way out.

It all got a little crazy right then. Jimmy was asked to go get more nurses..(since my doctor was not there) and Elizabeth, Sierra and Sima jumped up to do what ever the nurse asked them to do. I think Sierra pushed over the doctors table to the nurse and Elizabeth ran to get help as well. ( sorry Sima I'm not sure what you did considering I was trying not to push at the moment.)

Anyways..That is pretty much all that happened..my doctor made it in to deliver the placenta and to stitch up the small tear I had. By 9:30 it was just Jimmy, Adalynn, and I in the room. I had the best nurse care the whole hospital stay and was barely interrupted by people coming in. Jimmy and I slept pretty well considering it was a hospital. And I never thought I would say this but I wanted to stay as long as I could. It was so nice to just be there with piece and quiet for the majority of my stay. Adalynn so far is a great baby. She eats great and sleeps great so far... she had blond hair and I think looks like Jimmy. We are so excited that she is finally here and can't wait to get to know her.

p.s. Thanks to all the people who helped. Brad you Rock! Thanks for being awesome. Thanks to Joe and Travis for letting their wives be there. It meant so much to me to have them there. You three are GREAT HUSBANDS and AWESOME DADS!!

LET IT BE

2009-06-21T13:17:00.002-05:00

**Listen to Brooke Whites version of Let it Be on my play list.**

The guilt of feeling sorry for myself has started to seep in. In all honesty I should be looking at my positives and not my negatives. After finding out again yesterday that I was not "getting what I wanted" I cried and cried and was just mad at everything. I was feeling so sorry for myself, when Jimmy called me in the room and reminded me of how good we have it. There is nothing WRONG with me. As far as I know my baby is healthy and strong, and I have had a great pregnancy. Many women go over there due date and maybe they are sad about it but in thinking about it..I didn't hear one complaint from any of them. I also realised in saying my prayers.. I was not letting the Lord take over..I was trying to control the situation. So now I am going to just LET IT BE..I am going to let the Lord take over and stop trying to control what I can't. One way or another she HAS to come out. I need to take comfort in the fact that my Heavenly Father loves me and my baby and I think the two of them will decide when she needs to come out. My control will start after she is born...lol!

So let the pity party end. I will TRY to be as positive as I can. I mean I'm not perfect so I might slip up here and there..but I will make a hard effort.

Thank you to all you Lovely Ladies with all your support and great advise. I truly love you all.

SCREAMING

2009-06-20T12:24:00.002-05:00

THIS IS ME SCREAMING! I AM HATING LIFE AT THIS MOMENT. All I want is just to be done..

I have always said that Luck has never been on my side.....

Its not going to happen today...or tomorrow or the next or the day after that...pretty much I just have to wait until she wants to come out. Something that I am having a hard time dealing with. Pregnancies should never last more than 40 weeks. I feel like I'm going crazy.

Here is the situation now...its 12:30 and I got a call from my doctor saying that she is sooo sorry, but she doesn't think its going to happen today. She said that they are under staffed at the hospital and they don't have enough nurses for all the patients. I totally understand the situation..but here is my dilemma...what if ( and I really don't think this would ever happen) but what if I were to go into labor...are they not going to have enough nurses for me then? I know that's a dumb question.

I hope that soon I will be able to post something that is happy and good news, but don't hold your breath...remember I don't have such luck!

UUUURRRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!

WAITING

2009-06-20T07:22:00.003-05:00

Well its Saturday morning and we called at 6:00 am to see if we could get in. We were told they would call us...So we waited...Jimmy gave them til 7:00am before he decided to call back. When he did call back they said that my Doctor wants me to come in when ever the hospital has bed space. So I think I will get in today..I just have to wait! Let me tell you...I am done waiting!!!!! I've never been a very good patient person to begin with but now this is truly torture!

I don't think I'll truly be happy until I am in the hospital and my water is broken. I feel like screaming...

OK OK I'm done complaining for this post. I feel like my blog is beginning to become my own personal pity party. But for now I'm done...

CANCELED!!!

2009-06-19T11:10:00.002-05:00

So I got a phone call yesterday saying that the hospital is canceling my induction because they are too full. I thought someone was playing a mean joke because the girl on the line just sounded too happy and her accent sounded a little fake. (I really did believe this.) Anyways...usually they do not schedule any inductions on the weekend, unless they are an emergency. But I guess my doctor talked to them and told them that I HAD to get in. She also will be working this weekend so they said that it would be OK. This still is NO GUARANTEE that I will get in, but I do have a better chance.

So here is hoping for tomorrow (raising a glass in the air, and rolling my eyes)!!!

Proof

2009-06-17T19:09:00.000-05:00

Here is the proof! I am still very much prego!! Yes yes people...I'm wearing a tank top...I had just got back from taking the girls to the Splash Pad.

This one is for you Lesley....

2009-06-17T19:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks to our lovely friends the Larsons, we now can hide away our TV. Since this baby has decided never to come, I felt it was a good time to start up a project. I forgot to take a picture of how it originally looked but here now is the finished look! It was fun, but seriously I thought somehow this would put me into labor...however...it did not. I will put up more pictures later.

Thanks Lesley...I'm so happy I have this!

The Flu has hit with Force and Bad Timing,,,,,

2009-06-15T07:52:00.002-05:00

Lets start last Thursday the 11Th.

(Tuesday, two nights before this my girls were up all night with the stomach flu. I thought it was food poisening, boy was I wrong!)

I was stranded at home with a dead car. The battery had died on us the day before and we couldn't do anything about it until the next day. Thursday my mom came in from California to help for when the baby comes. Jimmy picked her up and everything seemed to be going well, especially after he got the car working again. As the day progressed, I started to feel achy and sick to my stomach. But I had been feeling that every night so I didn't think much about it. That was until it started to hurt so bad that I actually started crying "like a child, cause my tummy hurt." I was begging Jimmy to just take it away some how. He gave me a blessing of comfort and soon after I threw up..(I have not throw up since I was 18. Not even once during my other pregnancies.) All day Friday my mom took care of me and the girls while Jimmy was at work. Saturday came around and I was feeling a little better, but still weak. Then Sunday I got ready for Church feeling pretty good only to find out that my mom has the stomach flu as well. She ended up staying in bed for the whole day just feeling miserable. As the night came Jimmy started to feel a little nauseous. Sure enough he was up all last night just feel horrible.

So now I have a problem...I had a scheduled induction at 6:30 in the morning on today. ( I was fourth in line, so I felt there was a small chance that I would get in. So I started to prepare myself for Tuesday instead of Monday.) Well I called in to the hospital this morning to tell them that I would not be able to come in because EVERYONE was sick. Before I could say anything the woman told me that I could get in....I was shocked. Here was my chance to get in and go have my baby TODAY and I WAS THE ONE CANCELING! Now my chances have gone way way down for this to happen Tuesday. There is already four people on the waiting list for Tuesday and most likely I will not get in. The farther and farther this gets pushed out, the faster my moms day to leave approaches.

People say that I might just go into labor myself, but listen....I am not that LUCKY people! Anyways..that is where everything stands at the moment! I guess you win FLU! I hate that you have impeccable timing. You know how to ruin everything!

MONDAYS!

2009-05-18T17:52:00.003-05:00

I don't know about any of you, but I feel like the hardest day of my week is Mondays!

Its about 6:00 pm here and I just realized...it's still Monday. I still have the rest of the week to get through....sigh....No matter if I have the whole day planned and everything is great, I still remember that the rest of the week has to happen til I can get to the weekend. Another day that I have a hard time with is Thursdays...they are like a teaser. (your almost to the weekend, but not quite yet..) Sometimes I forget and I think it's Friday and then I have a rude awakening,.... nope it's still Thursday. All the other days of the week are totally fine. I have no problem with them. I don't think much about Tuesdays ,but Wednesdays is the half way mark..this gives me hope that the weekend is near. Fridays are one of my favorite days....I can plan a date with my husband, or I can have a night where I don't have to worry about doing anything that I don't want to do the next day. It's the night where I know I can sleep and actually get a great nights rest. Saturdays are just fun. I have my family with me and usually everyones spirits are up. We can do whatever we choose on this day, like spend time with friends, or have another date night with my husband. The choices are limitless. (with the exception of the cost of things) Sunday's are great because it's the day that I can rest from EVERYTHING. It's a day that I know I will have a spiritual uplift. Sundays are the most relaxing day of the week.

And then your back to Mondays.....and so my life goes on but I know certain days makes life just a tad easier to deal with. How about any of you??

Photo Shoot

2009-04-26T16:54:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the ever talented Koni.. I now have great pictures of the girls. She really captured their true personalities! I love them! These are just a few of our favorites!

Working Out The Kinks!!

2009-02-27T16:29:00.006-06:00

Kink # 1- Working on Jimmy's back...

Kink # 2- Keeping the bathroom door closed so they can't get into the soap and rub it in their hair, that was just done not five minutes before this picture...uuurrrgggg.

Kink # 3- Finding it hard to get rid of our kids..Even the garbage men won't take them. (disclaimer: We truly do love our children)

Kink #4- Cutting Sophie's Kinks for the first time ever!!!

Normally her hair has super tight curls but we had to brush them out, but you can still see how long her hair truly is.

She absolutely loves to check herself out in the mirror. She thinks shes so pretty and loves to flip her hair.

Before

During

After

We took about an inch off and she absolutely loved getting it cut! We have many more kinks that we are all still working out but I thought I would just share a few.

Big POOP News!

2009-02-02T09:12:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday we were all in our bathroom getting ready for our day. Chloe came in took off her diaper and said poopy....I'm not sure why, but I walked her over to the toilet and sat her on it. She sat for a few minutes and I asked her if she was done, which she replied with a nod. When I went to get her off, I looked inside only to find there was actually a poopy inside. I was kind of shocked and for a moment I didn't think it was hers, so I asked Jimmy if he didn't flush. He gave me a look like ...come on Mandy....I can flush a toilet! But sure enough it was Chloe's!!! We were so excited and we sure let her know it. Now I know that is great news for me, but it is sort of biting me in the butt. Chloe has since realized that now every time she is already poopy, she proceeds to take her diaper off leaving a nice poopy bum for all to see. She just so happened to realize that she was poopy in nursery yesterday and so decided to take off her diaper in the middle of the room. There just happened to be alot of men in the nursery and they really didn't know what to do. So being the awesome person that Lesley Larson is, she walked Chloe down to me and told me that she was nice and bare and poopy. We have since had her take her diaper off about 5-6 times and she has peed twice now in a corner and in my closet. ........I think that it might be possible she will be ready to be potty trained in the near future...So it would be great if I only had to deal with my 3 year old and my newborn in diapers. ( I think its supposed to be first Sophie then Chloe but whatever I will take it how it comes.) Sorry if this was alittle to graphic....

The WORD is out....

2009-01-26T10:32:00.002-06:00

For some people this will just be added news but for others this is their first time... I guess it's about time I just let everyone know .....that.....I'm pregnant! Surprise! And I'm about 5 months along....and we are having............a...........GIRL! Yes that's right another Girl! I was so sure it was a boy that finding out it was a girl was a shock to say the least! So there it is...our big news!

SisterS!!

2009-01-25T18:55:00.005-06:00

Sisters.... Always in some sort of trouble....

Following and shadowing......

Similar interest.....

They know each others language.....

They encourage each other.....

One of the best playmates....

They cause the same messes...

They are both princesses to the extreme....

But they will always have each other though good times and bad. These two are the funnest, craziest, love able, drama queens you will ever meet.

I don't know what happens, but I really just have to be in the mood for blogging. I still get on and read everyone Else's but I can't ever seem to just do one for myself! So here is yet another post and maybe someday I will get back into the swing of things!

Houston has everything even SNOW!!

2008-12-13T13:15:00.005-06:00

For one whole evening here in the big beautiful state of Texas we were all blessed with what looked like snow falling from the sky! The crazy part is NOT the fact that it snowed here in Houston, but the fact that the day before it was 70 degrees outside...in one hour it dropped about 30 degrees. Which then brought the cold and then the snow. It only lasted one evening but we all have proof that it was here and it stuck (for a while). The next day it was back to 60 degrees and has not dropped since. It was fun while it lasted!

These are the kids I watch after school. Rylee and Cody! Sophie kept asking the next day if the snow could come back and stay!
See see it did stay for a bit!!

When it needs to get done...ya getta done!!

2008-12-09T09:09:00.003-06:00

Since Jimmy is crippled at this moment, I took it upon myself to finally show that we have some Christmas Spirit! Last year around the same time, Jimmy was on crutches and so we never got to put up our Christmas lights. That was not going to happen this year! I braved my roof and my roofing ( That stuff cuts up your hands like you wouldn't believe, maybe I should use gloves next time.) I'm not afraid of heights but there was one point when I thought maybe this was a dumb idea. But its done and I am totally proud of myself! Good thing we don't have a two story!

A Moment to Complain

2008-11-25T15:40:00.004-06:00

Sick, Tired, Sick, Broken, Sick, Cranky,Tired, Tired, Tired , Tired!

Did I mention that a couple of weeks ago Jimmy broke his hand and needed surgery on it. Yep it was almost exactly a year ago this time that he had his knee surgery done too. I think he's just a fragile boy. At the same time this was happening, the girls have both been sick with colds that seemed to seep from every hole on their face. And then Last night after finally get off this blog at 12:50 in the morning I went to bed, only to be woken up a hour later with Chloe crying. I made Jimmy go and check her out. (which she was fine) Then just as she stops crying I hear Sophie start crying. Then I hear "IT" the infamous sound of throwing up. Needless to say both Jimmy and I are tired to the max right now after staying up with Sophie all night with her throwing up every hour. Luckily she is starting to feel better, but that doesn't mean anything for Jimmy and I. We still have jobs to do and there is no rest for the weary

Get Ready for Some Twilight Talk!!

2008-11-24T22:03:00.008-06:00

Ok just a little review of the Movie......

To start off with...I liked it and the second time I saw it I liked it even more. Definatly better the second time. Now I know what some/most people are saying out there,..but like I said before this is my review.

Favorites:

-Charlie....they did a great job on picking the perfect Charlie. He was everything Bella's father was in the book and more.

-The baseball scene.....I LOVED It! I wish they could have spent more time here. One fav part is when Edward and Emmett are both jumping up in the air and they collide and hit the ground and they both just start laughing...I loved it. Second fav when Jasper is flipping around the baseball bat. Can we say talented? Third fav when Bella calls Rosalie out at home plate...If that was me I would have been like ...uh no you are safe, completly safe...no outs for you. (With a cheesy scared grin on my face.)

-The kiss scene....mmmmmm yess I loved this scene. Fav part when (giggling while writing) Edward says to Bella ..."Just Don't move......Don't Move" Something about that line just gives me the giggles. Second fav is when they are kissing and he says "No" and flys back ward and she's just sitting there all stunned.

-Esme...( I know some people didn't like her that much but I loved her) I thought she did a great job playing the motherly role and how she was just so excited for Edward to have someone he loved. It definatly showed in her performace.

-The Port Angeles scence was great, I thought that the way he whipped his car around to get out of there was awesome.

-Emmett......need we say more? Yes...he was perfect.

-Mike Newton and Jessica Stanley were great characters in this movie. They definatly added more comic relief.

- The Van Crash scene was done beautifullly. The pain and shock on Edwards face was pricesless. Fav part is when they are in the hospital after and Charlie comes in and is all protective over her and doesn't even give Tyler Crowley a chance to say he's sorry. So cute!

*** There are plenty more favorite little scenes and I know I could write them all down but I won't. Now lets get to the Not so Favorite Parts.....( these are only the parts that I truely just had to close my eyes because I just couldn't handle watching.)

Not So Favorites:

-When Edward is sucking out the Venom out of Bellas arm...uhh I just couldn't watch, not because it was gross by any means, but because it was just awkward and wierd to see Robert Pattinson acting that way. I just didn't like it. It was much better when I could just close my eyes and listen to it.

-Edward and this Shimmering sweating diamond face. I did not like how they did this at all. I think it just just made him look funny.

-The whole Meadow scene....not that I hated it, but I just felt they were quickly telling us everything that we needed to know in this scene...it was not gradual and it was awkward to see them laying there without touching and just staring at each other. And then some where in there they just have a random scene of Edward playing the piano for Bella...it just seemed to not quite fit in.

-The "I know what you are" scene....like I said before, it not that I hated it, but I just didn't like how he went from yelling to all of a sudden saying " and so the Lion fell in love with the lamb" and all of a sudden they were professing themselves to one other. It just felt odd...they had no development of there relationship.

-No Character development of Alice, Jasper and Emmett. There seemed to be more Rosalie than Alice which is difinatly not the case in the book.

-And one final thing...did anyone catch this....There was NO mention to Twilight and why twilight is so important to there relationship. I know that in books and movies they usually put in at least once. That just seemed odd to me.

**** Anyways I think I could go on for days and have this whole movie completly broken down but my fingers are going a little numb and I still have more to do on this blog...so I will save it for later. All in All I think it was a good Movie...and that is what it is...a Movie. They did a good job following the book with the budget that they were given. Now lets just hope that they get a large budget for New Moon and do this book Justice the way we all would have liked with Twilight!

We had the best seat...right smack dad in the center. In the picture from left to right...Christina, Sima, me, Sierra, and Cheryl. Kim Joined about 10min into the movie. We are so glad she got to make it.Just waiting in Line. We had a blast just hanging out and chatting all night.

We just had to sport our Forks Sweatshirts! The best part was that no one else had one!

Acts of Kindness!!!

2008-11-10T16:15:00.002-06:00

Sometimes life moves extremely fast and everything around you seems to be flying by. It's not until someone stops you and does something extremely nice, that it makes you realize that things don't always have to move at warp speed. Today I decided to venture to the grocery store. (No big deal right?) Wrong......It all seemed to be going pretty smoothly and we only had one tantrum, so we were doing pretty good. An hour later I was at the check out stand and there were not enough baggers so I ended up bagging my own groceries. Mean while Sophie is running around the cart saying " Mommy I want a sticker!" Over and over again. Finally I went back to the register to pay for it all and I look down and realize.....I HAVE NOTHING! No ID, No cash, No credit card, No checkbook. I stood there frozen....I had no idea what to do....After being at the store for what felt like forever and finally having all my stuff in the cart, along with my kids I was completely embarrassed. I soon realized that I had an extra check book in my car, so the check out lady watched my kids and I ran out in the rain to grab it. I didn't realize that the checkbook was useless with no ID! AARRGG what was I going to do...I was about in tears when the Lady behind me turned me around and said "I paid for your groceries." It's not like I had like two things in my cart. My cart was completely full and the total amount was pretty pricey. I stood there ready to cry..This woman didn't know me from Adam, and here she was paying for my Food!! I truly look forward to that day when I can bestow that same kindness for someone else.

***I did write her a check for the total amount and she will be getting her money back. But Thank you to Bethany Smith for being an amazing example of Kindness!!!!

Good-Bye

2008-10-15T10:08:00.003-05:00

I'm saying goodbye to my Blond hair! I will miss the good times it brought me. Jimmy will have to go back to his usual wife of Brown hair! I know you will miss it Jimmy, but have no fear, one day it will be back!

A Blog Hiatus ......Get Ready cause here it comes....

2008-10-12T19:03:00.012-05:00

I'mmmm Baaaaccckkkkk......Where did I go you ask?? Absolutely no where. I was just too lazy to sit down and finally write about everything. But oh how I've missed my blog!! It's been a great thing for me considering that I stink at journal writing. I'm sorry this is coming to you so incredibly late but better late than never right? I will begin back in August and move you up to the present....So here we go........

Back on August 11Th my Twi fan Twin Sima and I set out to Forks WA. We had such an amazing time. We got to meet Stephenie Meyer and get our books signed. We also got the amazing opportunity to hear live in person Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October!! Love Love Love his music. We were able to go dancing...(yes that's right I can dance) it was a blast. I can not wait to head back..because I will and when I do, I will stay right in La Push!! It was beautiful!! There are not enough words out there to describe how beautiful it was there.

After seeing this small little town, I couldn't believe this number was actually correct. It seems smaller that 3,175.

It was like Sima could tell we were close because out of no where we were skidding to a halt and Sima was out the door and running up the hill.

For some reason the doors were locked.....maybe they just didn't want any Nuts named Mandy in there cute little school that is now condemned.

This was Bella's House! I think it matches perfectly!

I saw this kid just standing there and I couldn't believe my eyes....It was Jacob...or close to it. He had the black motorcycle and everything. He was nice enough to let us snap this shot with him.

This is Jacob Black's House. Right across the street was First Beach. And to the left of the house is Jacobs workshop.

This is First Beach with all its beauty and all its driftwood.

Of course Bella Italia....sadly we did not get a chance to eat there but let me tell you it was small and very cute. It also smelled yummy.

This was the theater that was right up the street from Bella Italia. I am actually standing right at the restaurant and so you can see it was pretty close.

Needless to say if you love the books and want a fun trip, head to Forks, or La Push. La Push has a great resort that would be great get away with the Hubby.
And now the Intro to my Twilight Party. I decided since we had just come back from Forks, and my birthday was on its way, why not throw myself a little party! I hope everyone that came had a good time, I know I did. I will posting my quiz another time....lets see who can still remember the answers.

Alice and her party planning inspired this one.

All Twilight inspired food. All Vegetarian.

I wanted to set the mood with candles and Flowers...I think it did the trick!

OK now to the Last Post.....This was our Trip to Vegas. AKA Our major blessing. We left for Vegas just hours before Hurricane Ike hit Houston with full force. It was a trip that was supposed to be just Jimmy going, but at the last minute he was able to bring his whole family. I could not have imagined being in that storm with out Jimmy and completely unprepared.

Sophie was in this position almost everyday at 4:00 pm. Always on Grandma Hales bed.

We had to take Chloe in to the ER while we were there. She had Croup for the third time. She was better after a few days. She looked so cute in her little gown.

Liam Chloe Lance and Sophie

These two are only 6 weeks apart in age. They had so much fun playing together.

We headed to the New shopping center in LasVegas. A lot like Market Street or Santana Row, but much cooler and much Larger!! They had an awesome park in the middle of the shopping center. It was my ideal park for kids!! If you are ever in the neighborhood check it out.

All the Hales Angels together. Liam, Preston, Devon, Sophie , Lance, Chloe

Well now that I have that off my shoulder I am feeling a little lighter.

Under Constuction

2008-09-03T00:02:00.003-05:00

Please excuse my blog and all that it looks like right now. I am currently doing some renovations and I have just about had it up to here with this thing! I need someone who is a blogger genius to come and make it what I want it to be. So for right now it's just going to look like a mess. More posts to come when I can finally get the umph to sit down and post it all. Happy Readings!!

An Elephant Named Guilt

2008-08-29T12:31:00.002-05:00

Has anyone ever met the Elephant named Guilt? I have!! His favorite places to sit are on the shoulders, and the heart. One of his favorite things to do it remind you of many things that you have done wrong, whether it be the past or the present. The only way you can get him to leave is by saying out loud (usually to another person) what he keeps reminding you of. Then usually he will step down.

****When I was in the 5Th grade, I did something that I still feel bad about today. Now it was nothing of a great magnitude, it was small and petty but to this day I can not forget it. I didn't physically hurt anyone or myself for that matter. But I did not stand up when I knew I was in the wrong about something. I will now tell everyone what I did.....I was in the class and everyone was signing a "get well" card for another fellow classmate who had been out. When the card was passed to me, I noticed that the boy sitting behind me did not sign his name. So I took it upon myself to write a little note for him in a RED pen and this is what it said: Dear Jessica, I hope you get well soon! Love William.......And that was it...William had noticed that someone had written his name on the card with out asking him and got really upset. He then proceeded to scratch out what had been written with black pen, leaving a huge black blob of ink on a really nice card. After the card finished going around the class room, the teacher took the card and immediately asked who scratched out the note. William told the teacher that he did not want to write anything on there and so he scratched out what SOMEONE had written down for him. Because I sat right in front of him she knew that it had to be one of 4 of us all sitting at the same table. She asked who had the RED pen. When no one but me had the red pen I knew I was going to be in trouble. She had said to our little group that who ever it was, was going to get a detention and have to stay after and talk to her. I knew I could not have that....a detention was like going to jail for me...it meant that I would have a record. So in that moment I very nicely ask the teacher if I could go to the bathroom. In which I took the RED pen to the bathroom with me and threw it in the garbage , now there would be no traces leading back to me. To this day I know that the teacher knew it was me and was hoping that I would fess up and tell her it was me. But I never did. And so to this day I still feel bad!

**** OK so there, its out there and if there was ever a way that I could go back and apologize for writing that note on that card with that red pen, I would. I am sorry to William and I am sorry to my 5Th grade teacher, Ms. D!

****Now for the real reason for all of this.....Stephenie Meyer had planned to write the book Twilight from Edwards Perspective calling it Midnight Sun! Well after Stephenie so trustingly lent out her unfinished Midnight Sun transcripts, someone has gone out there and posted them on the Internet. She is now considering not finishing the book, and as of right now it is on hold indefinitely. She has been betrayed by someone she has trusted and now we might not get a great book because of them. I hope for that persons sake that they feel the Guilt and comes forward and apologizes.

My New Goal!

2008-08-04T00:50:00.003-05:00

Someone once shared a story where the Lord had come to there home and he was pleased to see and nice and tidy house...and then he went and opened the closet and everything fell on top of him. The Lord would never allow this in his own house so why should we allow it in ours.....

....well because I am a lazy person when it comes to cleaning. And so now my new goal is to not just have my house picked up and clean each night, but to also have some organization in our closets and cupboards. I have a great friend who was an angel to come an help me get on my way. Elizabeth just came in and started moving things around..throwing things away that didn't need to be there and wha-la....we have a clean and tidy house! Thanks so much Elizabeth...I'm not sure this would have happened with out you!

BREAKING DAWN IS HERE!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-03T23:35:00.004-05:00

Alright alright listen up.....for all those who don't already know my secret (which most of you do) I, Amanda Hales am obsessed with TWILIGHT! WOW that feels great to get it out there....Now really people I am truly an obsessed fan! I love love love everything that has to do with Twilight! To my great happiness I have found a dear friend who shares my same obsession! Yay Sima!! I love her...she gets my obsessions through and through!! She gets me so much that we are taking a fun trip.....Guess where..........Yep that's right people, I'm heading to Seattle WA to meet Stephenie Meyer herself. And then we are off to good ol' FORKS WA...Yaya! We are going to head to La Push, down to First Beach and then to Port Angeles to eat at La Bella Italia. Can you tell how excited I am.....YAYAYAYAYAYA.....can you? OK OK....on to other great things that I love to talk about....

Breaking Dawn....absolutely and 100% in LOVE with this book! Being the fan that I am, I had to go and show that I wanted that book more then any 15 year old out there.....and so.......I did! I showed all those screaming teenagers and tweeners just how smart I am. We went to the Borders midnight party and played a Twilight Trivia Game. And do you know who won.....yes that's right ME!!! ME ME ME ME!!! Yay...(thanks to Sima *wink*) My prize was this: a Breaking Dawn t-shirt, a reading light, a journal, a $10.00 gift card, and 2ND place in line to receive my BOOK!! It was awesome. (Since really I had no plans on buying it that night, I had already pre-ordered my book) The girl in Blue was first(costume contest winner) She is wearing her mom's prom dress...uhh all I have to say is Thank You for the changing times in fashion!! Anywho.. Its a good thing I got that book though...I have yet to receive my book in the mail. Bottom line is.....I love Twilight and I don't care who knows it! GO TEAM SWITZERLAND!!!

They were just right there in front of me..the whole case full of books...I wonder what would have happened if I would have just took it and ran....Jail??...a mob of screaming fans...or...Sima ready and waiting in the get a way car?
The Gals we went with...

These were just some of the fans dressed up...Obsession...what it will make people do.

This is just another crazy obsessed fan...OK I'm not that obsessed.

Happy Reading Everyone! ** If you want a great song to listen to...go to the bottom of my playlist and play Calling You by Blue October....if it doesn't remind you of Edward and Bella..I don't know what will.

Just a few pictures for My Main Man!!

2008-07-15T20:46:00.001-05:00

News updates to come...

2008-07-04T17:58:00.002-05:00

Since I have not blogged in a while, I thought I might just leave a short message to all my lovely blogging friends. I am currently still in California,(which I'm sorry to have to tell you but the weather out here is beyond perfect. I will try to bottle it all up and take it back to Houston with me.) Anyways while we have been here we have done so many things and lots of things have changed but since I can not get my pictures downloaded, you all will just have to wait to see all the changes. I hope everyone is having a great summer. I know this summer for me will definitely be a memorable one.(wink wink Sima!) Oh and Tami thank you so much for making my day, it really was a pick me upper!! So anyways stay tuned for more blogging in the future.

Man complex!

2008-06-20T02:36:00.004-05:00

This is for all those husbands out there that have obsessed wives of twilight. I'm sorry that Jimmy has to be one of them.
Check this Link out!

Mermaid Triathlon

2008-06-18T18:39:00.006-05:00

My brother n law Scott Made this great little video! I hope by watching this someone will get inspired to do one. Enjoy!!! This video is not in High Def. But you can go to the link and choose the option to watch in HD. You can't read the captions otherwise.

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-17T19:09:00.002-05:00

I know I'm kinda late with this but I just wanted Jimmy to know that he is the best dad ever. We love him very much for all the great things he does for his girls. They miss you and we all can't wait to see you! Only 4 1/2 weeks left! Three short squeezes!!!

Team PINK!

2008-06-17T18:40:00.003-05:00

This is Becki and I running in together....it was nothing like "Baywatch"!!

This was the team of girls that we did the race with. They kicked some trash out there. And that is my sister so I'm allowed to touch her butt!

It was kinda fun to have people cheering for us by name! Moral booster!

Our own Team pink...except Maya forgot to get her pink on!

I love that they were there and being so good while mommy was running straight past them over and over and over.

Well I did it again! My sister Becki and I did the Mermaid Triathlon here in Fremont CA. I got in on Friday and Saturday morning we raced! Just like last time I got sick. Can you believe that? I think I am allergic to racing or something. Anyways..This was alot of fun having my family there cheering me on. Having supporters really makes a difference. Like last time I thought I was going to die in the swim, but thankfully I stuck it out and completed all three. My sister and I decided to run it in together so we finished at the same time. I'm not sure when I will do this again, but if I do I will maybe try something that I don't have to swim in. One thing about this race is that when you get out of the water you have to RUN UP a HILL!! Can you believe that? And then to make it even worse, when you run in you have to run through the sand. Definatly not the sexiest run on the beach. Anyways we did it and and we feel great!

Who wants to party at midnight??

2008-05-29T14:06:00.003-05:00

WHO US??

This past Monday, Jimmy was on the phone with his sister, helping her with math homework. And I was on the ground trying to change diapers and get PJ's on. We were all tired and just wanted to end the night early. It had been a long and fun day, everyone should have been pooped.
Since Jimmy was still on the phone, and I was getting tired of my girls screaming at me. I decided to just put them to bed. It was about 8:30, a little earlier than normal, but nothing they haven't done before. I was thinking...we went for bike ride in the hot sun, then went swimming, then went to a fun BBQ, they will just crash! Well I had another thing coming to me.
We put them down and a few min later we hear Sophie playing and Chloe was crying. (Chloe was running a fever and I could tell she wasn't feeling well.) So we decided to split them up so that they both can get to sleep with out one of them waking the other.
Chloe never did end up falling asleep. So then we start thinking, "OK did we forget something? Has she eaten enough? Did she get her bottle? Did we give her Tylenol? Does she have a poopy diaper?
So we get her up (its like 10:30 now) we feed her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (her favorite) we give her a bottle. I put her in different PJ's. I checked her diaper and made sure we were good on the Tylenol.
We put her back down and....she continues to cry.
Then we decided to put Sophie back in her room now that she was asleep. (Usually nothing wakes her up after she is down.)
Jimmy and I can still hear Chloe but it's just a quiet cry now. So we start to get ready for bed.(11:00)
Jimmy wakes me from a deep sleep...."Sophie is Singing!!"
WHAT??????? (12:00)
Jimmy and I head down to the room to find the light on in the girls room, clothes every where and Chloe jumping up and down in her crib. We look over and Sophie and she is sitting on her bed singing..... BUCK NAKED!!!!!! The first thing she says to us is...."Oh hi!"
Needless to say we put Sophie back in the front room for the night and left her there. So you might be wondering if Chloe finally went to sleep after all that fun! No she did not. The first time she finally crashed was at 6:00 in the morning. She ended up sleeping until I had to wake her up at 11:30am.
Well there you have it folks...we know exactly what type of teenagers we have in store for us! The kind that likes to Party all night long....

The Cruise!!!

2008-05-26T00:10:00.003-05:00

Jimmy and I finally went away together. It was our first trip together ever, and we had a fabulous time! We were able to just relax and just spend time with each other. And that is what every marriage needs in order to stay alive. I will just keep this short because its late and my brain is going to bed soon. We were able to leave from Galveston and head to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. In Cozumel we were able to rent a scooter and a jeep to get around. We ended up finding a beach and going snorkeling there. In Progresso we headed off to the city of Chitza Nitza, to see the Mayan Ruins. Very cool but very hot! Like I said this is going to be short so I will just have to post more when my brain is functioning properly!

Here are just a few pictures of our fun Vacation!

Acting 23.....

2008-05-11T10:07:00.007-05:00

As most of you all know I am 23. Now I do not feel 23 because I have two kids that make me feel older. Not that I should put an age to the way I feel or anything, but I do feel....Just Older! There are times, few and far between, that I get to act my age.

For just one night I felt my age. It was exhilarating! Jimmy and I were fortunate to be invited to a Mitt Romney Reunion with the Beach Boys Party! We were able to meet Mitt and his wife Ann, and have a live concert with the Beach Boys (all 2 of them that are left). Needless to say we had a blast! There was food, fun and dancing. My favorite Combination!!! I even got JIMMY to dance with ME!! (fast and slow dancing) I was impressed!

Here is good ol' MITT ROMNEY!!
Look at us TWO kids!!
There was mini Hot dogs and Mini Hamburgers, Pretzels, Popcorn, Ice cream bars, Fruit kabobs with a Choc. fountain.
We got to sit right next them.
Just showing how close we really were to them.
Me and Ann Romney! She is one tough cookie.
Yay the Beach Boys!!
They were so old!
Just acting 23!!

Time out for Chloe

2008-05-06T22:50:00.004-05:00

Chloe was put in time out today. It was really cute how seriously she took it. I love that she is catching on so quickly.
You might think that it is mean to put a 10 month old in time out but it's the only punishment that works for us. We start them young so that they are used to it before they really start getting out of my hands. So enjoy this video its really kinda cute and funny! We just love our little drama queen

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Not to TooT my own horn or anything but...... TOOT TOOT!

2008-05-03T15:08:00.012-05:00

It's OVER, Finished, Fin, Finito, Done with,.....and all I have to say is thank you to my lucky stars I am alive. (And I will explain to you why I am happy to be Alive.)
So most of you know this weekend was a big weekend for Jimmy and me. We have been training for this day for a couple of months now. I can't say that the training prepared me for what I was going to expect in the race, but it did make me feel more comfortable in knowing that I have done these three things before individually, and I survived. There were alot of nerves leading up to this day. Most of them came out last night and prevented me from getting a good nights rest. (As to be expected)Also to make matters worse, I got SICK! I couldn't breath and was coughing all night with a bad sore throat. Perfect for racing, don't ya think?

And so now I will give you a little run down of how our day went:

5:00 am- Jimmy and I get out of bed...( I would say woke up, but we were not even sleeping) I felt horrible.. and so the morning went on...
6:00 am- Jimmy and I show up at NorthShore Park. We set up at our bikes, and lay out everything so that we don't forget anything thing during that crazy transition time.
Early morning, don't we look nervous?
Yep 909!
Sexy Leg Hair!

6:45 am- We have a long wait outside the bathrooms
6:50 am- Everyone gets ready for the first wave/group to leave
7:00 am- The horn blows and they are off into the water.
7:15 am- Jimmys wave takes off in to the water.
7:30 am- Mckenzie's waves leaves
7:36 am- All by my lonesome I leave with my wave/group. We were the last to leave.

THE SWIM- Jimmy and Mckenzie did great of course. I on the other hand was dealing with the fact that I couldn't breath. Not just because we were in the water, but also because I REALLY couldn't breath. I started to panic, I started to fear that I would drown or that I was going to have to give up. My internal dialog was this: "mandy if you give up, I am going to be so mad at you. And if you drown you might not be noticed.(there was so many people out there) So if you give up now it will be pointless. Just stay calm, go at your own pace." So I pushed forward. I listened to myself. As I was heading for the dock, where we were to run to our bikes, my fears were suddenly rocked. As I was coming out from the water I was shocked and horrified to see a lifeless body on the side of the dock. Rescue workers were working hard to save this life. They were doing chest compressions until the paramedics arrived. To me it looked like a woman I had seen earlier. But later I had heard that a man had had a heart attack in the water and soon then after lost his life. Hence the remark I made up at the top about being happy to be alive. I am still having a hard time with the images that I sadly had to see today.
If you look close you can see the course we swam. Its just one big triangle.

The Bike- After the swim, with my head still reeling with what had just taken place,and still the race went on. I headed for my bike and took off. The bike was a tad easier, only because I knew I was not going to get kicked in the face by flailing arms and legs. It was still hard, with the wind blowing and knowing that I was one of the last few people out there still truckin along. Each new street was a mile stone for me. It meant that I was that much closer to coming to the end. Even though I still couldn't breath, I kept my legs moving forward and headed for the transition area, ONLY to begin...

The Run- "Why do people do this? They must all be crazy" My internal dialog was talking to me again. It does that when you have no one around you. Jimmy and Mckenzie were done of course! I still had a 3.1 mile run ahead of me. My legs were like lead. They did not want to move forward anymore. My lungs (what I had left of them) were screaming at me to stop! I still could not breath and I needed water bad! I thought to myself " no one will know if I just walk." But then I realized the faster I went, the faster I was going to make it to the finish line. So yet again I pushed forward. There were volunteers every couple of yards throughout the whole course and they would give me boost of confidence in there hoot and hollers. I thank each and everyone of them for every clap and holler they could expense for me. It really did help the pychy. And then there it was......(angels singing and bright lights) THE FINISH LINE!!!! I knew I had done it. I had done everything I said I was going to do. I was FINISHING! Up a head I saw a great face...it was Mckenzie coming to run with me into the finish line. (Something you might not know but, Mckenzie was great for me. When we would run she would always push me harder then I thought I could go) And there she was running next to me telling me to push and to sprint it in hard. Thanks to the Pews, the Harveys and My Husband all cheering me on, I ran across the finish line on cloud nine.
If you look close you can see that both my feet are off the ground. LOOK IM FLYIN!
I can taste it!
YAY!!
We are Done! And we still have smiles!

** A Special Tribute **
I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to some great people. The Griffins and the Harveys! If it weren't for them, Jimmy and I would not have been able to participate. Thank you for watching the girls on such short notice. You guys are awesome!!

A tribute to My Playlist....

2008-04-30T14:32:00.005-05:00

So ever since I can remember, I have put memories with such things like music or smells. (Most people do. ) Like, a can of hairspray that I might have used in high school. Or a perfume that I thought was the best smell when I was twelve. Since I can not put smells on the computer and take everyone down memory lane with me, I decided to put music instead. Every single track that I have on my playlist takes me back to a great or not so great memory. I would like to think of them as my personal journal. I can listen to a song and go back to that time and remember things that were going on in my life and how I felt. Even if the times were not so great, I love to remember what got me here today. I feel like great songs have had a major impact on my life and have help me hurdle some obsticles in my life. As lame as that just sounded, it really does hold true for me. I wish I was musically talented,..had a good voice or played an amazing instrument. But one thing I do know...I do have a good ear for music. I know some might disagree, but remember the music on my playlist is my journal. I love all styles of music. I love what music can do for a person. I love that with our church meetings we always open with song ( and prayer). It just has a power that is incomprehensible. So I say to all those artist out their, thank you for providing such great memories for me.

*** Now here is a song that I LOVE!! It just reminds me of the LOVE of my LIFE! I think it explains him to a T!! Enjoy

I'm Still A Guy Lyrics

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of...........

2008-04-24T08:58:00.002-05:00

.........Child Development and Human Relations."

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is, " explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a .?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,"
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid air and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out). I 'm working for my
Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
( any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and
Human Relations"
And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?"
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."

**** But if we all have this fancy name with this career, then we should have a punch out card right?? Well no luck yet...I still haven't found it. I am pretty sure I will find the Clock on the cruise we are heading for in a couple of weeks.

Oh what the out doors can do for people.....

2008-04-22T10:26:00.011-05:00

As most of you know Chloe has not always been the easiest baby. From the time that she was in my belly to almost present day, she has been a fighter. She would cry for everything and anything. Jimmy and I had such a hard time with her. Who knew that all we had to do was put her in the great outdoors.

This past weekend we decided that it would be fun to go camping and so we headed to a little place about an hour away called Double Lake. Who knew the changes we would see when we got there. While driving there Chloe was in the car crying and needing a bottle. Upon arriving the Griffins were there setting up camp, and they had Hannah in the Pak n Play. We decided to set Chloe in there...........And our lives have not been the same since.

It was like she transformed into another child. She sat in that pak n play the whole time we were camping and she could not have been happier. She took naps when she needed and slept through the night. (even though we were freezing the whole night) I loved it. All she needed was the great outdoors to make her the happiest baby ever.

Ok Ok I'm kinda excited for this......

2008-04-22T09:08:00.004-05:00

Check THIS out! For all those who aren't nuts like I am and check Stephenie Meyers website out way to much, I think you might enjoy this for all who like the Twilight series. OK OK OK I am a looser too, I just finished Twilight for the third time. My problem is that I am too lazy to go get another book so I just keep reading the same books over and over again.

Updating photos

2008-04-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

They are moving so fast and growing so big, I feel I can not capture every moment. But I sure will try!

Over worked and under paid!!

2008-04-08T11:08:00.005-05:00

Does anyone know where the punch in/out clock is? I keep looking for it, but it seems to be missing. Maybe someone is hiding it. I'm holding on to my time card and I have already punched in but it seems I can't punch out. I promise to punch back in!

I have been changing poopy diapers, wiping green goopy noses, and in and out of the doctors for the past month. Every time I leave the room, whether it be to go to the bathroom or take a shower, even to just sit quietly on my bed. It seems like a radar goes off in a certain little someones head and it says " YOU MUST FOLLOW MOM AND WHINE!!!" Every time I am in the kitchen I am tripping over either children or toys. My house is messy and every time I pick it up, I blink and it is back to being messy. I know, I know, many people have the same problem. And I am well aware that I really don't have it that bad. But come on people everyone just wants to punch out once in a while.

So if anyone knows where I can find the punch out clock I would greatly appreciate it.

( I was not in a bad mood writing this, just so everyone does not get the wrong impression. ALL smiles here, no worries.....but I still want to punch out! HEHE)

One month from tomorrow......

2008-04-02T12:22:00.002-05:00

Yep...only one month to go until the big race begins. We are excited but all still very nervous to even be doing this. Are we crazy?? Probably, but I hope to continue this style of staying in shape. I always need goals and I think this is how I can keep them going. I think it is interesting that with all the exercise that I have been doing, I thought the weight would just fall right off..but it hasn't. But I haven't felt this good in a long time. I can run father than I ever thought. Swim fast and longer, and ride a bike with out stopping to take brakes...So I think I'm doing alright.

Yesterday McKenzie and I went swimming for yet another one of our workouts at the YMCA. And in her lane (she swims in the fast lane) was this woman who taught one of our spinning classes. We soon found out that she is a nationally ranked Tri Athlete. And here I am in the lane next to her and I am just paddling away hoping to make it to the other side before dying. Can we say intimidating? She just did a triathlon in Galveston last weekend and came in first for the ladies and overall 6th...That means only 5 men beat her in the whole entire race. It is times like these when I am asking myself, "Why the heck am I doing this??"

So now it is down to the wire and all I can do is train my best and hope not to die in the end.

What a whirl of fun and stuff........

2008-03-18T22:19:00.015-05:00

Here is just a little run down of what has been going on:

-My parents came to town last Friday at noon.

-Friday night we went to the Rodeo. (lots of fun) We did this last year and will be going again next week. But it was a good chance for my parents to see some good texas..and eat some great food. I feel that all my hard work in training is slowly slipping away with the rodeo here. The food really knows how to hit those hips if ya know what I mean. We played at the carnival and saw all the steers. Sophie again rode the big Golliath Slide with both mommy and daddy! I love her she is fearless. Sophie also just walked right up to those cows like they were a friendly little kitty cat. A little scary for her mom, who already has a fear of cows. (bad childhood experience) All in all it was a long but very fun day.

Here is my little cowgirl! Once again hardly any expression.
Testing out the equiptment. I hope to get this picture every year.
Now this was more her size....but mom was still afraid it would hurt her so we quickly moved along.

-Saturday we drove all the way over to Brenham, to tour the Blue Bell Factory. When we got there we found out it was CLOSED...well for the tours. We were not going to leave with out some ice cream. And oh we got some! Let me tell you it was great..they have a new flavor called Centennial Cupcake. Yum Yum! When we got home, I went right out and bought some. It all really turned out to be a great day. The weather was nice, and so I think it always makes for a nice day. When we got home we made some healthy BBQ and watched a movie.( Dan in real Life...love that movie)

-Sunday of course we went to church and it was great of course. Then after Church we had dinner. A yummy BBQ pulled pork. My parents loved it and so for the next couple of days that is what we had for lunch...I don't know about my parents but I think I am a little pulled pork out.

-Monday.....Oh monday...wait...did monday even exist? It went by so fast for me. By the time I realized it we were already heading for bed. We spent all day preparing for Sophie's Big Party!! We decided to celebrate on St.Pattys day because my parents were leaving the next day. Anyway...we spent all day making cake and cupcakes and running back to stores for things we forgot. By the time we realized it people were showing up. We had a ton of people show up and lots of Sophies little friends. I think it was a big success.

-Tuesday we just sorta hung around the house. I was able to get a little project done while my mom was still here. I found a mirror at a garage sale and decided to paint it and hang it on my wall. Thanks to my mom she helped do laundry and get it all folded. (I hate doing laundry..it never stops) Then we ate our Corn Beef....I think we should have this meat more often. The flavor is just so yummy and I could probably eat it all day if it wasn't going to do anything to my figure. Then it was off to the airpot to drop my parents off. We had a great time with them and Sophie was sad to see them go. Both Jimmy and I wish that we could live closer so that both sets of grandparents were more apart of there everday life. We sure do miss them alot.

-Wednesday......We are expecting Jimmy's brother Aaron and my new sister n law Rachel to be coming to town around noon. I am excited for them to come because the only other time that I got to meet Rachel was at her wedding. It will be fun to get to know her and really feel like she is apart of our family. As for the other days..well we will just have to wait and see.

Edward and Bella

2008-03-05T14:53:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my sister n law Shar, I finally now have a some what good feeling about this guy being Edward. Thanks to this picture we finally have some hope for them.....

Friends Friends Friends

2008-03-05T14:35:00.005-06:00

A fun little picnic at Northshore park. We even got to see free live entertainment. It was interesting to say the least.
I love how my girls just have dead panned faces. Especially Chloe!

You know making friends when you are a kid is a breeze. All you have to do is start playing together...then all of a sudden your best friends. I love that these two beg to play with each other and when they finally do they usually end up fighting over some toy. But when it's time to go home, the tears start flowin and the only thing that will calm them down is telling them that they will see each other the next day. Then after they leave, the whole rest of the day they talk about them non stop. I just can't wait until all four are all playing together and all fighting and crying at the same time. And when they get older they will still be fighting and crying, but probably over some cute boy.....

Here's some for the grandparents.....

2008-03-04T12:49:00.003-06:00

The girls were just having a blast. I can not believe how fast they are growing. I feel like I can't capture enough of them in this short period.

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One whole year later...

2008-03-04T11:54:00.005-06:00

So I haven't had the desire to post lately, but I still constantly get on and check everyone elses...so I feel it is finally time for me to post again. Not much to write about. So lets see, um well...We are all excited to be going to the Rodeo this year. I can not believe it has been a whole year since it happened last. So as long as we live here in Texas we will be going to the Rodeo every time it's here. Last time we went Jimmys brother Aaron was in town and while at the Rodeo he would be on the phone with his (at the time) very new girl friend, Rachel. And now I am happy to say that they BOTH will be here for the Rodeo, now that they are married. Just looking back...I can not believe that Sophie was that small. She seemed so big at the time.

Dermatologist Are Like A Really Fancy Restaurant

2008-02-18T12:14:00.008-06:00

So I have been calling around all morning trying to find a dermatologist that takes my insurance. It's like going to a stupid fancy restaurant. You have to call months in advance to make a reservation ( or appt.) And then once you are in, it's like being excepted to the Big Wigs Club. You get special treatment that they would never tell you until after the first initial appt.

See the problem is that I have a problem now. Who knows if I will have the same problem in June.( that is when my appt. is) JUNE!!!!! My legs have been breaking out in hives everyday now for the past week. And when I finally go, I'm sure that the problem will probably be gone by then.

Why are they so special that it takes months for them to see anyone new? I can't stand that..its like they are cool doctors or something. It almost makes me want to be a Dermatologist, so that I can have patients get into me sooner and start a new trend. OOOOOOOOHHHHH THIS MAKES ME MAD!!!

These are kinda gross but these are my problem. And some of you might know, I have already been though WORSE. But dang it, I'm not pregnant so this should not be happening to me.

ONLY 6 MONTHS AWAY!!

2008-02-18T10:10:00.003-06:00

I did it!!! I pre-ordered my Breaking Dawn. I am so excited to see what is going to happen. So I guess it sounds like Stephenie Meyer will be publishing Midnight Sun. I loved the first chapter of this book and so I will be excited when it comes out.

POOPIE PROBLEMS!!!!!

2008-02-15T16:18:00.002-06:00

Sophie has had some poopie problems...I welcome any ones advice.....

Sophie will hold in her poop for days, sometimes alittle over a week. And then the time comes and she stiffens up and hides. Then all of a sudden the hysterical screaming starts. It is happening, she is finally letting it out. Obviously this is hurting her, but I can not help her. She is one strong kid, I can not for the life of me bend her legs or help her get it out.

So the question WHAT DO I DO?

Just Add Water And She Grows!!

2008-02-15T15:07:00.005-06:00

I can't believe how fast babies grow these days!! What are we putting in there food??? Chloe has hit her cute prime...This baby is so funny! She loves to get a laugh out of someone and so she really does things to just make you crack up. Her dad was giving her rasberries the other day so she has decided that she would give some back. She gives kisses, lovies, and now rasberries!! I love me some loves!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Tribute To Someone I Love!!!

2008-02-05T11:56:00.000-06:00

I am constantly posting things about my kids or things that I have done or will be doing, or just thoughts that I might have here and there. My kids are my life and so yes, it is easy for me to tell everyone how I think my kids are the best and the cutest and the smartest and the funniest. But in all honestly there is someone else who I love even more then my kids. I think this person is by far the best, and the cutest, and the smartest, and the funniest. This person is the love of my life, forever and ever...most of us would say eternal companions, yes everyone should know who I am talking about... My husband Jimmy!
He made a huge leap of faith when he married me. We hardly knew each other when we got married, and now he is my best friend in the whole wide (wild) world! Some might have thought that we were crazy for getting married so fast, but the Lord had a plan for us and so we just let Him lead the way. We have had a blast in our 3 years of marriage. Jimmy is the hardest working person I know. He has a heart that just melts every time he sees his little girls. He is a rock for many people in his life. He tells the best stories. He loves the Gospel, and is always setting the examples in our home. He is extremely smart! He knows just about everything. I mean it people....just ask sometime about why the sun traps the heat in cars and he will explain to you like you were reading it out of a children's book. Or ask him for help with math, this kid is a whiz at that stuff! Oh and my man is ripped...I have pictures to prove it,though he really would kill me if I posted them. Trust me I have a buff man!! And this is something that most of you might not know about it him..but he knows rap songs from back in the day. He can recite word for word and even bleep out the bad words as he was rapping. (Don't kill me for telling) One little story about him: he was in an English class in high school and the teacher said that if anyone could memorize one part of a play of Shakespeare, she would give them extra credit. So he decided he would do it. But instead of just memorizing one, he memorized two . One from Romeo and Juliet and one from Macbeth, just for the heck of it. To this day he still has those plays memorized, his mind is like a library.
I know that sometimes he checks out this blog while he is at work, so if you are reading this Jimmy, I love you, I love you, I love you! (squeeze squeeze squeeze) And thank you for everything that you do for me and for loving me back!
Here are just a few of his favorites:
-he loves BYU
-Byu Football
-John Beck
-reading
-politics
-foxnews
-playing games
-playing sports
-being outdoors
-his kids
-his family
-relaxing (even though he doesn't get to do it all the time)
-going to sleep
-his bed
-WORKING OUT
-learning about history
-Joseph Smith
-the Scriptures
-Jack Johnson
-having function of his leg
and I know there are a TON more!

Chloe's First Sleepover

2008-02-04T13:09:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was a ton of fun! Chloe had her first sleepover. Her friend Kate stayed with us for the weekend. Her Mommy and Daddy went on a little trip to Florida. It was a like having two 7 month old twins and a one and half year old. There was a ton of diapers and bottles, and lots of moving around. It was pretty easy though knowing that Kate and Chloe did the same things at the same time. They ate, slept, and played all at the same time. And Sophie loved having Kate there, or as she called her "kaytee."

We had a little picnic out on the front lawn. They loved being out in the sun.

Playing in the bath....ok ok more like crying in the bath. Chloe was the one freaking out as she always does, but you know if one baby is crying they all have to...its the secret baby code.
We also did alittle grocery shopping. We had many comments on how cute the twins were...I would just laugh and politly tell them that they were just friends. It was fun watching the two of them sit in the basket. They were so good and content just to sit and watch all the people passing them.
I meant to get some pictures of them in there sunday dresses, but I couldn't find that darn camera. But let me just tell you they looked so stinkin cute.

just want to post some cuteness

2008-02-01T21:14:00.000-06:00

This me when I was about Chloes age.

I think she finally looks like she belongs in the family.

Who's that girl????

2008-01-25T14:15:00.001-06:00

I have been wanting to do this for a long time and finally I got her to sit long enough to do it.!!! She doesn't even look like herself!

Oh Those Sick Days!

2008-01-24T16:59:00.000-06:00

As a child, when you are sick, you stay home from school, your mom makes you soup. You get to watch your favorite cartoons and movies. You lounge around all day in your pajamas. As a child you look forward to these days. You almost wish for them. Sometimes you just fake it to get out of school. And then one day you grow up and you are a parent, and you get sick and guess what..... NO ONE CARES!!!!! Your child depends on you to get them up, get them fed, and to turn on their cartoons and movies. They don't care if the night before you didn't sleep at all because your fever was so high that even the covers on your bed were hurting your skin. They don't care that your head was so full of pressure that it felt like your face was going to fall off. They don't care that with every cry and every whine your ears would pound into your brain!!!!!! Nope they are just spoiled and insensitive little people! OH WAIT....I was one of them.
So to MOM and DAD I say, I am sorry! I am sorry for all the times that I faked being sick. Even for the times that I was actually sick but could have survived with out you doing all sick day expectations.

**** Disclosure****
Someone did care....Leslie Larson and Kristi Harvey! Oh and My hubby!

These are pictures of them at the Downtown Memorial Park in Houston. They were both sick and still we took them out into the cold. We are sorry if anyone thinks that we are cruel for doing this to our children! We thought they felt better. Turns out we all got much worse later that day!

The Triathlon........

2008-01-07T20:19:00.000-06:00

After having Sophie almost 22 months ago, I was determined to get the baby weight off. I soon realized that it was alot harder to shed anything let alone a pound. Then to my great surprise I found out that only after 6 months of having Sophie I was again pregnant. It was extremely hard to get it into my head that, Yes, once again I would be gaining more weight. I thought I was doomed...I had not even lost anything from the first pregnancy,... how was I supposed to put more back on? During Chloe's pregnancy I was determined if I could not get the weight off, I would at least stay active and workout as much as I could. I joined the YMCA and started taking some classes. It went well, I felt great through the pregnancy. Now it is 6 months after having Chloe and there is no way that I am getting pregnant again. So now here I am, over weight and not happy with myself.
A couple months ago McKenzie Pew and I were leaving from somewhere and she mentioned to me that she would be doing a Triathlon in May. She asked me if I wanted to do it with her. HAHAHA In my head I was laughing and thinking "Yeah Right!" Instead of telling her that, I instead told her that I would think about it. Then one day I found myself telling someone (I'm not quite sure who it was) that I would be doing a Triathlon in May.... ( Oh my gosh did I just tell someone that??) I could not believe that I just agreed to do this. I really hadn't thought about it, and now I was all of a sudden committed to doing this. I'm not a very good runner. I know that I am not the best swimmer, and Biking??? What was I thinking?
What I am thinking now is that I have a few poundage's to loose and what a great way to loose them. I have a great goal in the end. I have great friends to do it with. And I get to see how far I can push myself. I am happy to say that I am excited to do this now.
We started training today and I am feeling it all over. The people that I am doing this with are: McKenzie Pew, Elizabeth Chappell, and JIMMY!!! (and anyone who would like to join us)

A quick and cold Trip to the ZOO!

2008-01-02T21:24:00.000-06:00

Sophie wanted to climb over and play with the cute puppies!!

Poor Chloe, she has never experienced that kind of cold before.

As you will see here on your right...a baby nursing on its mom. I wonder if Sophie had any flashbacks.

The years recap!

2007-12-31T09:04:00.000-06:00

Can you believe this year is already at an end? There was so much that went on. Just a little recap... To start off the year, back in January I was already pregnant again. (Lets just say we will not be starting the year off like that again.) In Febuary we found out we were having another Girl. We were excited for Sophie to have little sister. Sophie turned 1 in March. We were able to have a couple parties for her. One while we were in Las Vegas, one with friends, and one just with Mom and Dad. We had many visitors..Robin and Marv...Ron and Jan...Becki and Maya...Aaron...Andrew and Emily Stubbs.. and Greg and Leah Spittle. Jimmy and I were in charge of the serive project for the stake conference, which was a carnival for handi-cap individuals. The only problem was that I was scheduled to have Chloe the same day as the carnival. (June 29th) So we worked it out that I had Chloe on the 26th and was abke to make it to the carnival on the 29th. Both events went off smoothly. Then that sunday July 1st we blessed Chloe Brynn Hales. Ha, she was only 5 days old. She was the youngest baby to be blessed in our ward. In July we celebrated the 4th with Marv and Robin here in Texas. In August, my dad and I share the same day birthday. He was turning 60 so the whole family surprised my dad at a Giants game. (A tradition that my dad and I share.) In Sept. Jimmy left for Angola, Africa and I left to stay in California for about a month. In October we headed to Utah to see Aaron and Rachel get married. (We miss Utah!) It was fun being with all the Hales fam. November was Thanksgiving, we had it with some friends in our ward. Now December is here and going fast...Christmas was a great day with our little family. I Can not believe we will be starting a whole new year tomorrow. Happy New years Everyone!!

Here's an update...

2007-12-31T08:50:00.000-06:00

Well, I know that I have not posted in uhh well...a long time. But Chloe is now 6months and Sophie is 21 months.Chloe is begining to crawl and Sophie can now open all the doors and climb on pretty much anything. It's going to be a mad house when they are both realize what they can accomplish together. Anyways, we had a great Christams here in Texas. Sophie still doesn't quite understand what Christmas is all about, but it was just fun to be all together and playing with all our new toys.

2007-12-31T08:37:00.000-06:00

2007-08-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

OUR fun trip to Dallas!

2007-06-26T12:03:00.000-05:00

2007-06-26T12:02:00.000-05:00

It's Rainin`!!! She'd better come today!

2007-06-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

2007-06-02T13:24:00.000-05:00

2007-06-02T13:23:00.000-05:00

2007-06-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

2007-06-02T13:20:00.001-05:00

2007-06-02T13:16:00.001-05:00

2007-06-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

2007-06-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

She's a HAM!

2007-06-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

2007-06-02T12:49:00.000-05:00

We have no idea how to work these things...so we will try to give a shot.