Christmas Prep

It is almost Christmas time in my casa. Of course I haven't prepared at all... until today. Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the entire year. It is the day the company I work for gives presents to the school we sponsor. The kids TOTALLY love it. Completely. This year I wanted to share the love, so I gave presents from Luke... so here you go, honey, these are the gifts you picked (the little boy requested puzzles, super heros, and/or a motorcycle).

and this is how pretty the turned out... I love wrapping:

Those are little reindeer with winter clothes... they're super cute and happy!

I also took this opportunity to throw a few decorations up. I wanted to put up my Christmas tree, but I haven't. Maybe I will this weekend. After all I live alone so I can leave it up as long as I want.

I think these little trees are the bees' knees:

This is the BEST Christmas present I've ever gotten. Seriously. Luke got for me in Europe last year. I've always wanted one and he didn't know it. BEST GIFT EVER....

I made this ornament for next year's Christmas tree. Exciting:

iLove

This is how I spent the last few hours of my evening... do you know why I love this? Obviously I love Coke, that's no secret. I haven't read a book for fun in ages and John Grisham is pretty much my favorite (half way through since I left for Cincinnati - yay!)... but the thing I love here that you can't really tell is...

iOS 4.2 for iPad... oh my goodness gracious. There are 2 things I really wanted for my iPad... the ability to connect to a 3G network (I have the WiFi only iPad) and multi-tasking... iOS 4.2 allows multi-tasking (in other words I can listen to Pandora AND play solitaire) and my new iPhone (a work upgrade) allows tethering (I can plug it into my iPad and use my 3G connection).

I can honestly say this is the most fun I've had without moving a muscle for 2.5 hours.

Life. Is. Good.

(Can't wait for Luke to come home, so it can go from Good to Great!)

So Exciting... Slumby!

A friend I made while at Baylor... well kinda, we were room mates on a study abroad program for part of the trip... just started a new business.

http://slumby.com/

She's an awesome Christian gal with great ideas and the cutest family. Check it out! You can also "like" Slumby on Facebook. =) 

Thankful

It's that time of year again. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It's what I call a "no pressure holiday"... no gifts to buy, just tons of food to eat and 4 straight days of work. It happens during Fall, or we as all know it, The Best Season of the Year. It's also a day where we focus on what we are most grateful for. What a fantastic idea....

• God
• His presence
• His peace
• When you can't articulate what you think or feel, He just gets it... soooo good
• Luke
• Particularly hearing from him everyday
• His sweet little soul - there isn't a square inch, inside or out, of him that isn't wonderful
• Getting to spend my life with my best friend, the person who has taught me so much
• Family
• Friends 
• You are the family God let me choose and I love you so much for it
• Running
• It is my "me time"
• Hot showers / baths / etc
• Really great Bible studies / books / movies
• Nicole C. Mullen CDs
• Coca-Cola 
• The volunteer organizations I've been a part of and the lives that have blessed me from there
• Bamboo Sheets
• super soft and it is an easily renewable resource
• Aprons from Anthropology
• Granola with Raspberry Kefir in the morning
• Cows
• Golden Retrievers
• The Clay Pot restaurant
• USPS Flat Rate Shipping 
• My Blackberry / MacBook / iPad / Shuffle
• mostly the fact that they have Off switches I've learned to use this year!
• New luggage
• Dried Cranberries 
• Sephora Body Wash
• Ojon Hair Care Products 

That's the greatest hits list anyway. There are a lot of other "things" and specific people I am grateful for, but I think "God, those I love and Coke" would pretty much be a good summary. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Animal du Jour

As most of you already know Luke and I went on a cruise in August. I'll post more about that later (lots of nifty pictures and of course dear friends... always a good story).

One of the interesting/fun things Carnival does is fold towels like a different animal every day and leave them in the guests' rooms. I made it my goal to be each animal and have my picture made with it. (You are all still in shock that he proposed aren't you? Maybe what you think is "weird" Luke sees as "lovable")

Enjoy!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I Always Make My Family Proud

(God has a special place for anyone who claims me)

I don't know what I was doing... but please

note that I did not have the heart to remove the

monkey from the first day. 

THE Engagement Story, Part II

Okay, okay, the long awaited story...

Luke suggested we go to Lake Placid. I agreed. Did I mention we love it there? And this story only makes it that much more dear to me??

So we headed to Lake Placid and stopped at Lake Cranberry for lunch where we took a few photos...

When we got to Lake Placid we decided to go for a hike. We enjoy doing stuff like this, so I didn't think much of it still. First we hiked near a waterfall and took lots of pictures (all of which Luke is always patient for... even when I try to crawl between stairs to get pictures of mushrooms)...

I distinctly remember thinking "man

he is so patient to wait for me to take 

another stupid picture and pretend

to be interested in it when I'm done"

Next we went to some trails near Wilmington... we had a trail map... a color coded one. The kind that tells you the trails level of intensity... which we ignored. Which of course means the intensity level was "strenuous"...

So we set out to hike! We walked and walked and walked and chattered. Still, no clue on my part... then it started to get really steep... then steeper and steeeepppeeerrrrrr and then... I threw up. Seriously. Gross right? But I just have to say, any man who proposes after a girl throws up (twice) really loves her.

Anyway, I'm sure Luke will be thrilled I shared that part, but since when do I keep things from all of you???

So as I'm hoping for the top of the mountain to come soon... a very elderly couple strolls down and tells us "when you get to the .5 mile marker it just goes straight up, but the view is worth it!" While I appreciate their enthusiasm my gastrointestinal system felt a bit mocked. But we pressed on!

Once finally atop the mountain the views were incredible...

Even our feetsies are best buddies

Luke says "lets setup the camera and get a picture" to which I eagerly agree. This picture isn't great but it is the best non-sweaty one I have (or least sweaty perhaps). I look nervous because we are alarmingly close to the edge. ALARMINGLY close to the edge.

I call this one "Unsuspecting Haley"

After the picture was taken Luke gave me a great big hug and just kept hugging me. I thought he was being a little snugglier than usual and thought "awww, he's probably thinking about the deployment and just needs a few extra snuggles" (I am so clueless)

Then he says, wait for it ladies, this is smooth...

Luke "So what are you going to do with all your free time now"
Haley (because we all know she's never serious) "tehe - probably all those things I didn't do this year so I could see you!"
Luke "After that what are you going to do with your free time?"
Haley (furrowing brow) "I don't know - I'm always busy - I'm sure I'll come up with something..."
Luke "What about the free time for the rest of your life"
Haley (utterly confused and still terrified of falling) "uhh what?"
Luke "I want to ask you something"

:: super cute part of the story where Luke gets down on one knee and I shreek "don't make us fall!" ::

Luke "Will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?"
Haley "Oh! Whaaaa... Seriousl..... YES! But wait, are you serious?"

:: then he gave me a snuggly hug around the middle and I was still scared of falling so I patted his head ::

Luke "Oh and I have something for you..."

:: Luke pulls a beautiful ring out of the side pocket of his cargo pants ::

Haley "Ohhhh! There's a ring too?"
Luke "Of course there's a ring! I'm not a hack."

(I am NOT making that up... he really said he wasn't a hack!!! I LOVE that part!)

We headed back down the mountain. Here a few snippits of some post-engagement conversations I think you'll enjoy...

Haley "Are you really sure about this? I mean I get that you're a prize but I can really be a pill" (he still said he was sure-- and I asked three times)

Haley "Oh I don't even remember... did I ever actually say 'yes'? Because I meant to"

As you can see this was a fun day for poor Luke. HAHAHAHA... that man really loves me... and I really love that man!

THE Engagement Story, Part I

To really appreciate the beauty of Luke's perfect proposal you need a little background information...

Luke and I first met in Fall 2006. He quickly became my best friend in 2009. One of our first solo trips was  chronicled here. To save you the trouble of re-reading that blog, I'll just say we went to Lake Placid, NY.

We have returned one other time since that AWESOME first date. So, when Luke suggested we head to Lake Placid I didn't think anything of it...

On our first trip we went on a long hike. A hike where one of my all time favorite conversations took place... no, not the deep ones about life and God... this one... the one where I knew I could love this guy (seriously)...

Scene: Luke and Haley hiking, but not terribly close to each other because we weren't sure we would actually be dating...  ((eye roll))

Luke (in a smug voice, which if you know Luke is still really nice and just kinda playful) "Do you know which direction the car is?" 
Haley (pointing aimlessly) "uhhhh ummmm that way"
Luke (pointing the opposite direction) "Noooo, it is that way. You should watch the sun so you'll know that. I mean what happens if you go blind out here and the stumble on another? They could just point me toward the sun and I would know which way to go."
Haley "Ok, you do that and I'll ask them to lead my back to the car"
Luke ".... .... ...."

Then he laughed. That's when I knew he was alllllright in my book. That's also the first time he touched my hand... helping me jump down from a steep step.

So, that was the beginning... I'll tell you about the actual engagement tomorrow... with pictures! But I need the evening to Photoshop the sweat stains out of the pictures... ;)

New Blog!

As pretty much everyone knows by now... Luke asked me to marry him... and OF COURSE I said "Yes!"

I promise to write the much anticipated engagement story soon.

The title of this blog came from a scripture that I sent Luke when he was in Iraq last year. It was genuinely sent as encouragement for a good friend. Turns out he's still a good friend, my best in fact. I couldn't think of a better way to describe our future together. :)

Military Ball

Natalie, you were right... it's a good idea to keep up with the fun stories/memories early on... you always have the best ideas! ((for those who don't know, my sweet friend Natalie is preggers- yay!!!)) 

So, here's the Military Ball... 

**on a side note: I am SO glad I bought this dress because I have gotten several "wears" out of it***

Although this was after our First Date weekend, it was the first time I knew we were dating! To be perfectly honest, I left after that trip to Maine not really knowing if he even liked me. I assumed we were still "just" friends. On Military Ball weekend, we talked about it... as long as I live I will never forget that conversation, but it's personal, so you don't get to know... ok, half of you already know... but anyway... 

So, we arrive at the Ball where Luke introduces me in the following ways... 

This is my friend, Haley (Can you see why I was still confused?)

This is my lady-friend, Haley (Seriously??)

This is my date, Haley (Ok, now we're making some progress!!)

In this picture I've actually been upgraded from friend to lady-friend... I'm happy. Do I even need to tell you that he took my coat? pulled out my chair for me? introduced me to everyone (because he is polite and I matter to him)? 

I'm pretty sure he wasn't purposefully testing me, BUT... Luke and another guy had to go practice their parts in the ceremony so they left myself and a sweet girl named Karen standing alone for a reasonable about of time (ok it was a long time - like half an hour)... turns out Karen and Jon (the guy) had their first date at the same event the year before... and she was just as confused then as I was that night! Boy, did we hit it off!! I had the best time with Karen --- God really blessed my socks off with her that night! 

He actually likes me here. Yay!! Exciting!!!  ((Karen took this photo))

I met a great couple at dinner that night, Matt and Jina. I've since had the opportunity to get closer to Jina --  she's a fantastic lady and a great Christian -- again, God blessed my socks OFF that night! 

There was an "event" we had to attend outside -- by the way, do you know how cold it is in upstate NY in the winter??? In a formal dress?? and little strappy shoes? So, what do you think Luke did? Yup, you guessed it... he did what he does... he took care of me... 

I'm cute in his coat -- an infinitely less cold. Either because it was warm or because I no longer cared - haha! ((Jina took this picture)) 

We had a fantastic time -- lots of new friends, a few awkward situations (never created by us only other people), some laughs, some slow dancing, great conversation, bonding, and a ton of fun... it pretty much sets the tone for all of our future dates. 

Also, I would like to just say praise the good Lord who has been SO good to both of us and given us so much time together despite our insanely busy schedules (and that half of a continent between us). I am constantly reminded of one of my favorite quotes... 

Your circumstances and geographical location

do not hinder God's will. 

A lesson in Greek

I'm all into Greek these days - seriously. The problem is I don't know a lot of it, but everything I do know is biblical so I love it! 


Today's lesson is "catholic", it comes from the Greek word καθολικός meaning "universal"... for you Protestants, see if this new meaning doesn't make the Apostle's Creed make more sense to you... 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.

Another reason I like Greek... The Alpha and Omega... there is something so comforting about thinking of God as the beginning and the end. 

The Best First Date...

It didn't exactly start out as a first date. We were friends who hadn't seen each other in a while, but had grown very close... he wanted to travel (the bait) and needed a navigator (the hook, line, and sinker I bit into...)

We're on our way to Lake Placid - the first stop (we're still friends here)... 

Lake Placid was quiet and nice... we did all there was to do in an afternoon and decided to take a hike on a local trail... I almost froze to death (totally worth the frostbite that has prevented my fingers from blogging these last few months)... I almost fell, he grabbed my hand (still friends)

We left Lace Placid and went to Albany... dinner was nice (still friends)

The next day I learned something about Luke... he's the nicest person EVER! I was pretty confident of this before the trip, but then he held an umbrella over my head all morning while we traipsed through the rain so I could take pictures (still friends)... 

a church in the center of the city that we both thought was nice (still friends - so I probably thought it was nice and he thought he should be nice - still friends)

The Empire State's capital building. Lovely right? (still friends here too) 

We decided to head to Maine via Vermont and New Hampshire (still friends)... 

we came up with a new slogan for NH -- "Not quite as cool as Vermont"

(still friends)

We liked Vermont a lot (we've since returned)...

We arrive in Portland, Maine but not before stopping to watch a Nebraska Cornhuskers (one word) football game in New Hampshire, which ended up not being televised therefore we got back on the road after eating and I GOT to stream live updates on my BlackBerry (yup, still friends)

Nebraska scored, what Luke would later refer to as an "inconsequential field goal" and I squealed with delight (still friends, but I have a suspicion that this may have been the turning point)...

Portland, Maine... a comedy club and a whole lotta fun... this is where the Good Lord starts really smiling on me... the comedy club was packed so we had to sit very closely... I don't know what the jokes where, but I could tell you how much daylight was between us (still friends)...

it POURED rain, possibly some snow, that night and we walked in it... being helpless I had to hook my arm on his and let him lead the way... (STILL friends)...

We enjoyed a lighthouse and some coastline in Portland (still friends)...

beautiful picture, huh? (still amigos)

aren't the colors rich and lovely? (buddies)

Romantic? (nope- we're pals)

Picturesque! (Still friends)

I've officially started filling out a change of address card to live in Platonic-ville when... 

a

glimmer

of

hope...

I look horrible in this picture because I was going through one of those weird -- I'm not going to fix my hair because if he doesn't learn to like me the way I am it will never work anyway crazy feminist phases.

(I know what you're thinking -- and no, we're compadres here too!)

Once again we hit the road - this time we stopped in Kennebunkport, Maine (because we live like the Kennedys - except that we're friends)

The weather was cool, but beautiful. I obviously love this picture so much I made it my blog title. 

(friends)

He was so nice to let me take all the pictures I wanted and chase sea gulls to my heart's content! 

(buddies)

(pals)

I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I wanted to be friends with him at this point... best friends... like the really really good kind... the really really good kind that date each other... 

(still buds)

beautiful sunset, beautiful beach... (please hold my hand!!! argh, still friends)

The best part of this story is... 

1. We're still friends

2. We're not just friends

3. The fact that he was such a gentleman the entire time made him the most trustworthy person I've ever known. 

4. I love my best friend - I am blessed beyond measure! 

Donkey!

Normal people have normal pictures -- pictures of themselves smiling and happy, usually on a beach or with friends. I, on the other hand, ALWAYS go for the laugh...

Mary's neighbor has a giant Donkey (yes, I do mean Donkey and not donkey because it is Donkey from Shrek) on their front porch...

when you own something like that you're asking for me to make it a photo opp...

Enjoy... (**I would like to apologize to my friends, family, and Luke for being associated with me)

Yes, I do realize if I ever wanted to have a political career this photo would HAVE to be on all the posters.

The Return to the Blogosphere...

I am resolving to be better about blogging. I'm resolving to it so much I updated my background and title. Nice, huh? Both of these pictures are from a trip Luke and I took to Maine... lovely. 

I'll blog more tomorrow - PROMISE!