It's Not Goodbye... It's See You Later

What does adoption really mean? The dictionary says 'To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child'. I don't think anyone really knows the true meaning of adoption until they have experience it themselves. My family has been through hurdles in our lives that were tough to get over, but these past few months have been the toughest hurdle for all of us.

I have blogged about my family, and have even had a few blogs just mainly about my sister. We are a strong family, even though we are seperated, but were still a family. These past few weeks have brought us together to be even stronger. I can't even explain how strong my sister is. She is my hero, she has been through so much more than I have in her young little life. I look up to her for all of her actions, and her strength. She is a wonderful, selfless, strong willed person who I am proud to say she is my sister. She has blessed two wonderful people with the gift of life, and I know they will be eternally greatful for her. I personally think she could not have picked a better family to give our little baby to make their own.

Little Hayden Jordan Housley was born March 25, 2010 at 2:13 a.m. He weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces, 18 1/4 inches long. He is absolutly perfect. My family, Joey and I had the pleasure of getting to know and be with him for a few days. He doesn't like to be cold, he loves to be wrapped up. He eats sooo much, and he smiles every time he lets out a toot. When he cries it sounds like he is laughing, but he does not cry much, only when he is cold.

I'm looking forward to getting to know Erin and Jordan, Hayden's new parents. We look forward to getting pictures and knowing what they are up to in life with their new little baby. I know he will have a great life with them and get everything he wants, needs and more. He will know that his mommy and daddy love him, and also his angel mommy and all of her family love him just as much.

We love you little Hayden :-)

A Taste Of Spring

Spring is FINALLY here!! I know the weather is going to tease us a little more until Spring decides to stay, but this weekend was so great! It was so nice being out in the warm weather, it just brought up both mine and Joey's mood.

My Dad sent me a message early Sunday afternoon saying he thought it was a good day for a bbq at his house with the family over. I was so excited, good food with good company in the sun sounded like a great idea. We had typical bbq food, burgers, hot dogs and potato salad with some chips... tasty!!

Joey's family gets together a few times a month at his mom's house and she makes dinner for the family. Its nice having a good home cooked meal, but my family likes to do things a little different. We enjoy going out to eat together, be loud and have a good time. We used to go out about every other week, but lately we all have been so busy with our own lives that we have not all been together for a while, so it was nice to stop and joke around with everyone.

I could not think of any other people who I would want, they are crazy fun, you never know what to expect from any of them. Its such a treat being together.

My dad LOOOOVES to tell stories, and each time he tells a story it gets more extravagant. Its great, I love it! So besides Dad telling stories about funny things that have been happening in his shops, the big talk at dinner was the Salt Lake City Marathon that Joey, and my uncle Doug and his girlfriend, Sara are running. Its a half marathon and I am so excited for them! Its going to be April 17 downtown, it will be a great accomplishment for all three of them. I kidded myself for like a month thinking I was going to do it too, but no... that wont happen. I feel like Rocky when I run a solid MILE without stopping. So good luck to Joe, Doug and Sara, its going to be a great day!!

Jazz Game

Last night, Joey, Brit, my dad and I went to the Jazz game, it was SO much fun!! It was sort of a last minute thing... about a month ago my dad had mentioned that he had some Jazz tickets for sometime soon. He just happened to look at the tickets yesterday afternoon and realized those tickets were for that night!! So we all worked it out so that we could all go. It was so much fun! We had a quick bite before and we were on our way.

As we all know.... Joey is not a fan of basketball, but he still always enjoys going to the games. He told me that he was super excited to go, but mostly for the company. Joey loves my dad, he has so much fun with him where ever they go together.

The Jazz sadly didnt win... they played Atlanta, it was a really good game anyway. Funny how they were on this winning streak and as soon as we get to a game, they lose.

The times where its just my dad, sister and I are rare and I embrace every moment of it. We lauged and joked together all night long, everyone forgot about their worries and just had a good time. Its something I think we all needed and I cant wait until next time. :O)

Last One Ever!!

So this week Joey and I started our last semester of college!! Yes! I feel like I can breath a little... We have each had a long journey through school. We are both pretty lucky that school is not a total challenge for us... I mean, what do you need to know for plumbing? 3 basic rules: poop runs downhill, dont chew on your finger nails, and payday is on friday :-) Just kidding, plumbing is actually a very challenging trade. I'm so happy for Joey that he will finally be a Journeyman this year, he has worked so hard and I am very lucky to share his whole journey with him!!
I, myself have had a pretty easy time getting through school, even though I knew Cosmetology/ Esthetics was my calling in life, I was pretty excited to go into an easy profession..... NOT! Oh my gosh, sitting in class the first day I remember thinking... What have I gotten myself into?!?! It was a challenge to learn everything. Next time you think hairdressors are dumb.... think again! Its so fun, but there is a LOT that goes into everything. But never-the-less I'm still obsessed with it and I dont think I work a day now. :-) I'm also very excited to get my Master Esthetics license. I think it will be amazing working for a doctor, I just love it and I am so excited!

Our next step.... Get a house! Cross your fingers and hope for the best :0)

Great Start To A New Year!

Last Friday night we had the kids, Sam and Elizabeth sleep over. It was fun, like usual, and it always give Miah and Belinda a night free. We started out with some delicious pizza and went right to the couch afterwards to play Super Mario Brothers for the Wii... which might I add.. it difficult to start with, but with the little rugrats playing running around everywhere, man its anxiety city! But... still fun to see them having such a great time.

When it came to be bedtime, kids being kids, wanted to play with Joey and put on their cute little Ute hats. They both had to get pictures with Uncle Joey.. I personally think it was something to milk the clock to go to bed, but who cares were the cool aunt and uncle right??

Saturday morning, Joey and Sam woke up early and took off to Strawberry with Jereld and Terry, their dad. They went ice fishing... something I dont fancy myself.. I like to be warm =0) They had a great time, not too much action with the fish, Terry caught 2 which was pretty good I guess. They were out there for a while, just being boys, having a great time. Joey loved watching Sam have a great time, he loves that kid!

I'm excited to have memories of our own with our own kids, like we have had with Sam and Liz... that is when we actually decide to grow up...

We're looking forward to lots more sleepovers this year!!

Goodbye 2009... Hello 2010

Can you believe its 2010 already?? 2009 flew by.....

I can say that I am sad to see the year gone, it was by far the best year of my life. We have so many great memories from this year...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My most favorite memories from 2009:

• Going out with friends, all the fun times we had being silly and not having a purpose of doing anything. Those always end up being the best nights.
• Family time, friends will come and go but you will always have family. Out to dinner with the family, laughing at my crazy uncle and dad whom I love very much, living so close to my mom, I see so much more of her now. Spending an obscene amount of hours sitting on my brother and sister's couch, the one Joey just LOVES. If only we could write a book about everything we talk about...
• Getting married to my best friend. This has been the best 6 months of my life with him, and I am totally confident the feelings that I have for him will never lessen.

Both Joey and I are looking forward to what the year brings to us. By the time 2011 comes around we hope to have our own little house and have a cute puppy so we can expand our little family.. and yes i mean a DOG, that's not a hint about anything else :-)

Have a great year!!

Catching Up...

I know I have not been the best blogger... but ever since I moved out of my Dad's house I have not had the internet. Well on this Christmas day I have the internet now for good! Now to catch up on everything.....

We have had many ups and downs in the past 6 months, we have made new friends and lost old ones that we will never ever forget.

I love being married, its been 6 months since our big day and we are still going strong. I love having my wonderful husband there for me when I get home at night, its the greatest feeling in the world. Our little apartment is so cute, its not too big but its something that we have made our own. We are starting to think about when we actually get around to growing up and buying a house, its nerve wracking thats for sure. But I have found that is what makes the journey worth while. I will keep you posted about the house updates, but as of right now that is not an issue.

During our 6 month marriage, a lot has happened. Lots of good things that we will always remember, and some that we had a hard time facing. My cousin, Chris Humphrey died in September, he was an amazing person. It was hard this Christmas to be without him, being that this is the only time of year that we really got to catch up with each other. I was happy that the last time I saw him was not last Christmas, but at our wedding, and he was there with a smile on his face, like usual. I know Chris is in a great place now, that God had a seperate plan for him than we did here on earth. Someday I know we will all see each other again.

I turned 22 on October 16.. even though it was a good birthday I have to say that I was not a whole lot excited about it. There is nothing cool about turning 22... 21 is a different story, you get absolute freedom that day. The next birthday that is even remotly cool is 25.. and that is because I get to rent a car :-)

My cute sister, Britney, turned 18 on November 29. I cant believe that my little sister is all grown up and is going to graduate high school this year. It seems like yesterday she was just starting jr high and was the cute little shy girl that she used to be... ya those days are long gone.. but I love her just the way she is now. I wish her the best luck in life, I know she will do great.

I have had a few friends have kids the past few months, and I have to say... it scares the living bajezus our of me. I know someday I want kids, but right now is not the time. So I congratulate all of my girls who have started a family with their husbands, it will be a great journey for you... I know someday my time will come for that, hopefully later rather than sooner :-)

I am happy to say that both Joey and I have only 1 semester of school left. I cant believe Joey has been in school for almost 4 full years for his plumbing, I am so proud that he has come this far, and I cant wait until he becomes a Journeyman. He is so great at what he does, and I dont think he realizes how talented he really is.

Its true that Joey and I have had many Christmas's together, but this one was different. We got to be together ALL day, and not just a few hours this year. I hardly slept Christmas Eve becuase I was so excited, and we were up at 5:30 opening gifts Christmas morning. We had a pretty relaxed Christmas this year. Christmas Eve we hung out with some of my favorite people, my brother and sister and their kids. We saw the Princess Frog, which was very cute, and ended up that evening with my Mom's family at my Grandma's house with a yummy dinner. Christmas morning we went to my dad's house and spent the morning there, and later that afternoon we ended up at Joey's house with lots of yummy food and too many gifts. Its a busy day but always a nice enjoyable one.

Pictures will be coming soon :-)