New Year's Resolutions

1. Read more new books
- I read and reread Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and The Hunger Games. I need to branch out, although I never will turn my back on Percy, Harry, or Katniss
2. Write more for pleasure; More Fanfics, and maybe even start my own story.
-I wrote a fanfic this week and enjoyed it; and I've always thought I could make up my own story.
3. Go to the Beach
-Because It's fun
4. Drink Less Soda
-So I don't get kidney stones

I know they're lame; I felt obligated to post them though.

2012 Harry Potter Reading Challenge

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2012 Harry Potter Reading Challenge!

The challenge:

Read all seven books in the Harry Potter series during 2012.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

• The challenge will run from January 1st, 2012, to  December 31st, 2012. Books read before or after this time frame do not count. You can join anytime until the challenge ends.
• Books can be in any format: Print, ebook, audiobook, etc..
• You do not have to review the books to participate, although you are more than welcome to. If you choose not to review, you can also do the following and still be eligible for prizes:
• Answer the discussion questions each month
• Create a post talking about each book after you finish (any topic)
• Just update your kickoff post after each book
• Those without blogs can leave a comment with their thoughts/review/review link.
• Because this is open to those who have already read HP, old reviews will be accepted. Whether you have read the books within the challenge time frame is on the honor system, so please be honest!
• Harry Potter Reading Challenge!

Boredom (Hunger Games Spoilers in this!!!)

The Hunger Games 30 Day Challenge

Day 1: Your favorite character: Peeta, Haymitch, or Finnick
Day 2: Your least favorite character: Gale or Coin
Day 3: A character you hate that everyone loves: GALE lol
Day 4: A character you love that everyone hates: Snow
Day 5: Your favorite fight/battle scene: When they fight the monkeys
Day 6: A scene that made you laugh: Do you find this distracting?
Day 7: A scene that made you cry: When Peeta choked Katniss. I felt like the whole series just fell apart from underneath me.
Day 8: The character you are most like: I wanna say Haymitch because I am snarky; But then again Peeta because I love and protect fiercely.
Day 9: Your favorite quote: I just want to spend every minute of the rest of my life with you -PM
Day 10: Peeta or Gale: PEETA
Day 11: Something you hate about the series: That Peeta was hijacked
Day 12: A character you wish hadn’t died: FINNICK
Day 13: A character you wish had died: Gale
Day 14: Your favorite tribute (aside from Peeta/Katniss): Thresh
Day 15: Your least favorite tribute (aside from Peeta/Katniss): Clove
Day 16: A question you wish had been answered in the book: WHAT WERE THE KIDS NAMES????
Day 17: The worst death:  Finnick.
Day 18: A song that reminds you of the series: Um , I have a few. Bait a hook- It reminds me of how Gale feels about Peeta; I wouldn't be a man- It reminds me of how Peeta feels about Katniss, and God gave me you- It reminds me of how Kat feels about Peeta
Day 19: Your favorite pairing:Peeniss!! Lol. I ship PeetaxKatniss
Day 20: Your least favorite pairing: GalexKatniss or FinnickxJohanna
Day 21: A pairing you don’t get: HaymitchxKatniss
Day 22: Your favorite book of the three: Catching Fire
Day 23: Your favorite secondary character: Prim or Madge
Day 24: Your least favorite secondary character: Mrs. Mellark. Evil Witch
Day 25: Your dream cast: I like the one it has now.
Day 26: Your favorite scene in The Hunger Games: Either the cave or the reaping.
Day 27: Your favorite scene in Catching Fire: Beach. Obviously.
Day 28: Your favorite scene in Mockingjay: Hmm, when Kat kisses Peeta to bring him back
Day 29: Your favorite thing about the entire series: That Katniss freed Panem and ended up happy
Day 30: A book/series that you would rec to fellow fans: Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, etc

101 in 1001

1. Get into the TEP here at AU
2. Graduate from college
3. Find a wedding dress
4. Get professional pictures done of Michael, me, and the dogs
5. Move out on my own
6. Own at least 5 pairs of Miss Me jeans (3/5)
7. Have an iPhone
8. Go on another cruise
9. Learn how to change a tire
10. Learn how to french braid
11. Start Couponing
12. Find a venue
13.Get a tattoo
14. Learn to make Mamma's pineapple cake
15. Read 4 new series of books (3/4) (Maze Runner and Divergent, Sword of Truth)
16. Plant flowers on Bruce & Spike's grave
17. Go to World of Coke
18. Own a pair of real diamond earrings
19. Own a pair of real pearl earrings
20. Ride the train in the Mountains
21. Own a real Ralph Lauren Polo shirt
22. Make pumpkin muffins
23. Go back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
24. Get Married
25. Go on a honeymoon
26. Make a scarf
27. Learn how to make marinara sauce
28. Get a new sewing machine
29. Learn to crochet
30. Get a Macbook pro.
31. Conquer my fear of horses.
32. Make Hayden something with said ability to crochet or sew
33. Go to the melting pot with Alex and Mel
35. Eat a whole platter of mezzaluna from Carraba's all by myself.
36. Start a recipe book for when I get married
37. Go camping with Michael
38. Buy something off of Craigslist
39. Keep a journal at least 3 months
40. Drive a Mustang
41. Learn how to drive a manual transmission car
42. Actually make something I pinned on Pinterest
43. Fill up a photo album with pictures
44. Do Project 365
45. Buy a dozen chocolate covered strawberries
46. Sell something on Craigslist
47. Watch all the Harry Potter movies back to back
48. Read the Harry Potter series at least ten more times (4/10)
49. Make Kaylee a dress
50. Write a letter to my parents telling them how much they mean to me
51. Read Percy Jackson & The Olympians & The Heroes of Olympus at least twice more (1/2)
52.  Babysit Hayden on my own
53. Make another Build-a-Bear
54. Read the Hunger games at least  3 more times (2/3)
55. Write a Hunger Games Fanfiction (I ship KatnissxPeeta)
56. Write a Harry Potter Fanfiction ( I ship HarryxGinny, RonxHermione)
57. Write a Percy Jackson Fanfiction (I ship Percabeth and ThaliaxNico)
58. Write a fiction story all of my own creation
59. Have something in my wedding inspired by my three main series of books (HP, HG, PJ&O)
60. Go see The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay in theaters (Mockingjay won't come out at the end of this list)
61. Bake homemade cupcakes
62. Bake homemade bread
63. Get something embroidered with my married intials
64. Fast for a day
65. Go swim in the ocean with Mike
66. Be able to swim 500 yds. again.
67. Pick out a wedding cake
68. Go up to someone and start singing "Harry Potter, I'm Harry Potter"
69. Learn to make jelly
70. Be able to run 1 mile in 9 minutes minimum
71. Have my own gun
72. Own a pair of Tony Lama boots
73. Finish this list
74. Pick out names for our children (3/4) (Maysilee Anne, Thomas Alexander, Michael Brock) (note: She will go by Maysilee and he will go by Brock, and Alexander)
75. Get a bow and arrow
76. Buy a brand new outfit and donate it to goodwill.
77. Actually weigh enough to give blood (102/110)
78. Put Michael in an arm bar without him helping me out
79. Go Hunting
80. Buy a new comforter for when I get married
81. Own a watch
82. Offer someone sugar in exchange for their secrets
83. Give $50 to a charity that I like
84. Run all of the hot water out of the shower
85. Learn to play at least one of Mike's idiotic video games
86. Go visit my family in Tennesee at least twice (0/2)
87. Buy something from The Charleston Candy Kitchen
88. Make the President's List
89. Make the Dean's List throughout my whole college career (3/8)
90. Try Indian Food
91. Watch at least 10 UFC PPV's (0/10)
92. Write a letter for Michael to give to him on our wedding day
93. Pass Praxis II and PLT
94.Own at least 5 scents from Victoria Secret or B&BW (0/5)
95. Buy Ed Hardy perfume
96. Get a new Coach Purse
97. Pick out & finalize wedding colors
98. Make a scrapbook
99. Paint something on canvas
100. Eat a dozen chocolate chip cookies in one sitting
101. Own something embroidered with my maiden intials (got a decal for my car)

I'll be posting updates as I get these things done :)

Percy, Harry, Katniss

Anyone who knows me knows I love, love, love to read. I love the thrill of finding a new series. When I read a series that I love- such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson & The Olympians and the continuation of it, The Heroes of Olympus and The Hunger Games, I get really attached to the characters. Reading is my only escape from everyday life- when I'm entranced with Katniss and Peeta or infuriated at Umbridge, I don't have to think about anything. I don't have a bad life, don't get me wrong, but it is such a relief to escape into a world that's entirely make believe.

I tend to favor fantasy books, obviously. Something about the magic (no pun intended) of them always keeps me invested.

I love that Percy is brave and reckless and that he's fiercely loyal to his Annabeth, to Grover, to Thalia, and to his mother. He is dedicated and protects his father, Poseidon. Even though Poseidon wasn't there for him growing up, Percy loves his father- and does everything that he can to protect him from the titan lord, Kronos. His family and his friends mean more to him than anything. Percy is loyal- he's the friend that everybody wished that they had.


I love that Katniss has such a will to survive, and to protect her beloved from harm, without being sappy, and disgusting (I'm looking at you, Stephenie Meyer). Katniss is a strong woman and she finally gives into love- when she realizes that Peeta is the only person for her. Katniss and Peeta are such a stronger, more beautiful couple than any sparkly vampire could ever convey. They are the epitome of I'll love you through anything. And that's the most important quality in any sort of love, for me.

Harry, my Harry. I don't know what I would do without him. I can't really talk about without a lot of raw emotions popping up. Harry showed me what it was like to stand up for what you believed in, and who you loved. Ron showed me the importance of not taking myself too siriusly....(ha, ha) and Hermione showed me that it's okay to be smart. You many not have everyone, but you'll have some one who will love you and befriend you. Sirius showed me that it's alright to take a walk on the wild side. Ginny showed me how to not give up on someone you loved. Fred and George taught me anything is possible if you've got enough nerve.

When I read a series, I get attached. I get attached to the characters. They are there when I need them, and shut away when I don't. I'm so happy that I have a love of reading. My life wouldn't be the same without it.

On their First Birthday

On the first birthday of my puppies that I love so dearly, I don't know whether to be happy, sad or a mixture of both. Of course I'm happy that my miracle, Duke, is still here with us and still just as temperamental and funny as he was on the day he was born; but I wish he wouldn't have had to go through all that pain in his first year. I love him more than he will ever know, and sometimes, it's his big, fat head and goofy puppy grin that keep his mommy going when she doesn't really feel like it. He truly is a miracle; in more than one way. I love him so much and I am so happy that the Lord saw fit to let me keep him longer than he let me keep my BooBoo.

I am so happy that my bright, vivacious Daisy is here with us. She never contracted the virus, thankfully; She is just as much a puppy as she was one year ago. She brightens up my life so much, I couldn't imagine my life without her! I love her more than she will ever know, and am so glad that I still get to see her almost everyday!

Of course I am so sad that my BooBoo and Spikers didn't make it to this monumental birthday, the first one they would have had of many, but it was robbed of them by a mean, cruel and violent virus, and vet that didn't tell me that it was a booster. Of course I blame myself, a lot. How could I not. But I could play the blame game all day everyday and it wouldn't bring either of them back. I think of his sad eyes and his floppy ears,and while it brings a smile to my heart, there is a pang of longing there too. A pang of longing that can never, ever be filled, because I won't ever get to see him again on this earth. It hurts to think about it, but I'm glad my BooBoo and Spikers don't hurt anymore; they play all day and watch over their brother, Duke, their sister, Daisy,  and their Mama, Roxy. They watch over me and Michael. Everytime I see a rainbow, I can almost feel that sandpaper tongue against my face and those big, sad eyes looking at me saying, "But Mama, I'm hungry! Can't you see I'm starved!"

I love you Duke, Daisy, Bruce, Spike & Bentley!
Happy Birthday!!

God gave me you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say
It's true
God gave me you

Thanks to the Lord for all the people that he has given me <3

Christmas Wants

DUDE, I feel totally selfish that I'm even posting this.

Numero Uno: An engagement ring. :) I feel like I've paid my dues to the relationship gods and it's about that time. No, I'm not going to run off and get married the day after i get it. We are planning to have a two year engagement so we can get our feet firmly planted and have a place to live and be a family all on our own.

Dos: Another pair of Miss Me Jeans

Tres: iPad keyboard. I need this, it would be so helpful for my classes.

Cuatro- A booklist- seriously, this is free. Someone make me out one so that I can have stuff to read.

Cinco- Bath and Body Works stuff! I neeeeed some!

Seis- A planner, one of the big, good ones.

That's all for now.

What do ya'll want for Christmas?

My Life Sucks.

Yeah, I went there. Yeah, I said it. I understand that I live in America, I have food to eat, blah blah blah, but sometimes ya just gotta say how ya feel and this is how i feel.
Except for Hayden's birth, this year has been awful. We've been through heath scares with my dad and papa, Hayden himself, and it's just been crappy.

Even though it's been 4, almost 5 months, I'm still grieving the death of my dogs. I miss them so much everyday. I blame myself a lot for that because I didn't know that parvo was a booster, and if I did, they would have had it.

I've got so much school work I have to do. I get it, I signed up for this and blah, blah, blah. That doesn't mean it's not stressful. I just want to pull my hair out half the time now days.

I've had to watch pretty much everyone that I know get married this year, and I can't even get a ring on it. I feel like punching something half the time because it really gets to me. Most of these relationships are less than half a year and I'm like, WTH are you doing? YOU CAN'T LOVE SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW. Geeze o Petees. I know it's dumb or what ever but I've spent the past 3 years and 11 months trying to build a strong foundation for my relationship, and then people go out and do stuff like this. It really makes me lose all faith I once had in humanity.

People just aren't nice anymore. What happened to that?

And, on top of everything else, Michael had a wreck last night. Being that his truck is a 2008, It's going to cost a pretty penny to get fixed. Thankfully, He's okay, and the truck is still drivable. But don't talk to me about faith. Or happiness. Because I really don't have any right now.

So bleh.

So over all this school work. Like seriously, my teachers are trying to kill me. 2 Lessons, 2 summaries, a 10 page paper, field reflections, and a quiz all in one week!

Ugh! I'm so ready to be done with school and out in the real world.


On the brightside, I love my placement. More to come when I have time.

Ten Facts Thursday

1. I'm five foot one, with heels on. Mike is six foot four, no shoes. That's over a foot and three inches difference. We get weird looks in public a lot.
2. I love Duke, Roxy, and Daisy so much. Have I mentioned this before? And I miss my boo boo and the Spikers.
3. November is my favorite month, & fall is my favorite season.
4. I want to name my sons Michael Brock and William Finn. I haven't picked out any girl names cause I just have the feeling that the four or five children that I want will all be sons.
5. I apply for Benchmark I this semester, and I already passed Praxis I. :)
6. I love Pinterest, Pottermore, & Facebook.
7. I love PINK.
8. I work at the donut stand at the Jockey Lot, and I love it.
9. My nephew is the best.
10.  I'm hungry, atm. lol.

Just Because I feel like it.

Attn: This post is going to be all over the place. Get ov-ah it.

Michael and I have been together for 3 years, 10 months, and 12 days.

Michael is also joining the National Guard. Go ahead and shoot me now!

I am totally at that stage where if Mike doesn't propose to me soon, I will be put in the loony bin. My patience has worn thin and I'm sick everyone around me getting a ring on it, when I don't have one. Judge me if you wish, I don't particularly care.And a disclaimer, if you have been dating your fiance less than a year and comment on this post, I reserve the right to tell you off. Not joking, not even a little. Don't push me.

School is so ugh. I wish my placement teacher would email me back. I have like a bajillion things to do and I don't feel like doing any of it :/

I miss my doggies, and my nephew, so much.

I want to kick something.

I need a new book.

And new music.

And a new attitude.

Love,

Haley

I

Have had an awful week and I promise I will get back to posting soon!

Truth Thursday

Truth #1-  I am so over Math. OVER.IT.
Truth #2- I can't wait to see Hayden. Tomorrow.
Truth #3- I can't decide if I want to start project 365.
Truth #4- I can't believe I still have money and it's thursday
Truth #5- Turning in crochet is unbelievably frustrating.
Truth #6- My boxers are HILARIOUS
Truth #7-  I NEED for The Clock to open back up ASAP. mmmmm...fried chicken.... mmmmm.....
Truth # 8- I need an umbrella.
Truth # 9- I love love love shopping, too much.
Truth # 10- I can't wait to get my new purse from Intials, Inc!

On the loss of Spike

It's time for me to write Spike's post. Ever since He & Boo Boo left us, I've been really trying not to think about it. It hurts too much. He deserves every bit of the post Brucey got, and now it's time for me to do it.

I've never seen a dog to be the clone of another until Spikey came along. He looks just like his dad, Samson. He acted just like Sam did too. He was often the aggressor when they played, and he was extremely rambunctious. He was hard to keep up with  when he got going. He loved to pull and tug and play hard all the time. We even decided to keep his tail instead of getting it docked, because he looked so much like Sam. He was a beautiful fawn, not quite brown, but not white or red. He reminded me of the color of coffee. I miss him nearly as much as I miss my boo boo. He and Bruce were such opposites, it was so funny to watch them play. They were always buddies. Spike would be one of the only ones to play with Samson when Duke and Brucey were to scared to do it. He really had a fearless personality, and that was one of the things that I loved most about him.

Spike fought his virus till the very end. We even thought he was getting better before he turned for the worst. He was such a great, beautiful, playful dog, and he didn't deserve to go like he did. I know he and Brucey are in heaven playing now, keeping watch over me, Michael, Duke, Daisy, Roxy, & Bentley. They saw their brother through his virus, I honestly believe they were the reason that Duke kept fighting. I loved Spike so much, and I shouldn't have waited as long to post this as I did, but it's still just a hard thing to cope with.  He nor Bruce deserved this, but they both fought as hard as they could, and they fought it to the end.

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

Rest in Peace Spike "Pikey" Bearden

11-22-10-6-16-11  

Disclaimer: I wrote Bruce's post before Spike & Duke got sick, just minutes before I got the call. So those of you that feel the need to say something about how long it took me to write this- Just don't.

Favorites :)

Truth.

My nephew > all other nephews

Isn't he just the cutest :)

Win.

You'll always be in my heart, Boo Boo 

 Precious Spike, I love you buddy

Top Ten Tuesday!

My top ten favorite things are:
1. My boyfriend, Mike
2. My fur babies
3. My awesome family, especially my baby nephew
4. Lemomade
5. Reading Harry Potter
6. Game nights with Melody and cheatin' Alex
7. Chocolate covered strawberries
8. Looking at wedding junk
9. Pink nail polish
10. Learning crochet

:)

i kinda...

Fell out of the blogging hobby; but I really want to get back into it. It's such a great release. A friend of mine recently got a blog, and it made me realize how much I miss mine. So, while I probably won't be able to blog daily (too much going on with school) I'm going to try to keep it updated at least twice a week.

Updates: Michael and I are great; He's the best. I'm really hoping that we can get engaged within the next year and start really planning our wedding. Duke is doing so much better and has gained all his weight (plus some) back. He's my baby boy; as he always has been. Don't know what I would do without my Duke. Roxy is still our baby girl (duh) and she's great and heatlhy too. Hayden is getting so big. I cherish the moments I get to spend with that little boy! I love him so much! He is growing into a baby, not a newborn. I feel like I will wake up and he will be, oh, like ten.

Well I'm stealing this survey (ish) thing from my friend Haley Hudiburgh's blog, Shear Class;

Full Name: Haley Christian Davis

Nicknames: Haley Bug, Hay Hay, Wubby, Auntie

Hometown: Williamston, SC

Croutons or Bacon Bits: Bacon Bits

Favorite Salad Dressing: CREAMY POPPYSEED. YUM.

Have you ever gone skinny dipping? Nah, which is funny considering I used to swim.

Do you make fun of people: I really try not to, I know what it's like to be on the receiving end.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?:I haven't

One pillow or two?:Husband & Regular Pillow

Pets: 3 dogs; Duke, Daisy, & Roxy & My Angel Bruce.

Favorite Type of Music: COUNTRY. nothing else.

Hobbies: I just learned to crochet. whee.

Dream Car: BMW M3. but it'll never happen. So, a Mustang.

Type of Car you drive now: '05 Honda Civic

Words or Phrases you overuse: Dumb, Idiot, Marriage<-----LOL

Toothpaste: Colgate Minty ish.

Favorite Food: Cube Steak. Steak. Chicken Marinara.

Most romantic thing that ever happened to you: When Mike gave me my promise ring.

Do you get along with your parents: Yes. I love them.

Favorite town to chill in: Anderson, SC

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate.

Favorite Soft Drink: Coke & Mtn. Dew

What’s your bed time: Too Late here lately

Adidas, Nike, or Reebok:Sperry?

Favorite Perfume/Cologne: Vera Wang Princess... mmmmmm.

Favorite Song at the moment: God gave me you.<----me too
…..

Favorite Website: Facebook.

Least Favorite Subject in School: Math. Ugh

Favorite Sport to Watch:MMA.

Most humiliating moment:hmm, I busted my butt at work in front of a whole line of customers.

Loudest person you know: Huhh. Depends on the Day.

Craziest person you know (or silliest): Mellllllieeeeeeee

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

What do you look for in the opposite sex?: Humor, Honesty, lack of criminal record :)

Things I’ve learned from life: The longer you wait for something, the more you appreciate it.

Favorite number:30

Favorite Color: Pinkkkkkk

Greatest experience in your lifetime: Holding my nephew for the first time, Real love

Why are you here on earth?: To teach, to be a great wife to mike, to be a mother, and to serve God

Who means the most to you?: Mike & Family

Drinking habits:I don't.

Windows/Macintosh/Unix: Windows.

Favorite Quote: If you want the true measure of a man, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals..

Would you rather use platinum, gold, silver or tungsten wedding bands? I'd love platinum, but it's wayyyy to expensive. So white gold :)


Off to Mrs. Rish! Yayyyy :/

I love my dogs.

A lot. More than what most people would consider acceptable. There's five of them that I love with such indecency. I would fight over any of them, and they are my most prized possessions. I don't care if people think it's crazy, I love them as if they were my children. I'm going to tell you about them.

Samson.

Okay, Okay, so Samson's not technically mine per-say. Mike had him when we started dating. He was a little over a year old when we started dating, and he's almost five now... (HOLY! We really have been dating that long, guys.) Samson is aggressive, if he doesn't know you. But that's what makes him Sam. He will love you to death once he knows you, though. He's the dog that got us hooked on the boxer. He loves squeaky toys, ropes, biting people (JK, JK, sorta). He absolutely loves to ride; if you even say the word ride he jumps at least three feet in the air, no joke.  He's a guard dog.. but he's a baby. Hims precious and I love him. There's really no other way to describe Sam, other than well, he's Samson. It's going to come to a fight over him when Mike and I move into our own place.

Roxy.

My baby girl! She was a gift from Mike. She's just over two years old and I couldn't imagine my life without my precious precious baby girl. She's timid. She's laid back. She's loving. She will defend her puppies to the death I believe. She's such a daddy's girl. She loves Mike.  She hates water, and I mean HATES it. She is scared to death of loud noises. She wants to be held, even though she's almost as big as me. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for my Roxy. She's such a good dog. She likes to think she's still a baby, even though she's had babies herself. She's the queen of jumping over stuff, she can clear an five foot fence without any problem. She's smart and she's funny. She'll always be my baby, and her mommy loves her so much!!

Daisy May

She's one of Samson & Roxy's puppies. She's probably got the most vivacious personality of all of them. She always makes her presence known. She's loving and rambunctious. She loves to play, more so than any dog I know. She loves going on walks, and playing with beating up the neighbor's dogs. She loves to bark at her brothers when she gets to play with them. Daisy is FAST. Woe betide me the day that I have to chase after her, cause there's no way that I can keep up. She loves to eat and eat and eat. She loves bacon, cheese, and chicken. She won't eat bread unless there's peanut butter or jelly on it. She's stubborn, and I still can't get her to shake. I love my Daisy. From wet nose to little nub.

Duke

Duke. Dukeasaurus. Dukers. DukeDuke. My miracle. My big ol baby. My heart outside my body. Duke is shy. Duke is known around here because he is HUGE. I've even been asked if he was a Great Dane mix. Duke loves his mommy, his aunt Kendall, and his daddy. He loves going on rides, but he's gotta sit in the front- or it will be bad. Duke contracted parvovirus and lived through it. He beat it. It took everything out of him to do it, but he beat it. He's my miracle, my love bug, and my baby baby. He's a whole head taller than any of his brothers, his mom, and his dad. He still thinks he weighs 4 lbs, even though he weighs 70. He knows how to make me smile, and he knows how much he can get away with. He is mischievous, and then acts innocent. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my Dukers. I've loved him from one pound to seventy, and nothing can ever, ever change that.

Bruce (My Angel Puppy)

Boo Boo. Oh Boo Boo. What mommy would do to have you back. Bruce also contracted parvovirus, but he didn't make it. He was the sweetest, most loving dog you would ever meet. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter dog. He was so beautiful, too beautiful for this earth. He loved everyone he met, and everyone loved him. He was so unique. He always wanted his belly scratched. He loved his mommy, and let me hold him like a baby whenever Duke got too big. Bruce was my baby boy, and I love him more than he knows. I want him to know that I did everything I could to save him. Fly with the angels, baby boy.  I miss you so much. Look down on your mommy & daddy and smile baby boy. You're always in our thoughts and on our minds. I love you.

We also lost another dog, Spike, to parvo, blog about him coming. I didn't include him in this one because I have to locate a picture. RIP Spike.. Love you buddy.

My Beliefs.

I have totally been dropping the ball on my blog. Today, however, I have decided to make blog post about all the things I believe. Some are serious, some are meant to be funny. So, here we go.

Religiously, I consider myself a Christian, and I believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and will one day come to rapture the church away. Denominationaly, I grew up Church of God (Pentecostal) and I pretty much believe most of the things the Church of God doctrine says. (http://www.chog.org/AboutUs/OurBeliefs/tabid/66/Default.aspx) <---- You can read it there if you so desire.

Politically, I am CONSERVATIVE. Think Glenn Beck. Or Bill O' Reilly. Sean Hannity, and the like. I hate, desipise, loathe, and abominate big government and most social programs. That being said, I totally support the military, law enforcement, and public education. I'm finally old enough to vote in this election so it'll be very interesting to see who the Republicans put up to run against Obama. However, I think this Congress is acting stupid- both Democrats and Republicans- they need to shelve their pride and start working together for the good of the country.

Boxers are the best dogs ever.

GSP is the sexiest man alive.

Weed shouldn't be legal. Neither should alcohol. Or abortion. Or same sex marriages. (Just call it something else)

People should be required to date at least two years before they get married.

Public education is going round the twist. If we don't shape it up soon, it'll be so broken that we CAN'T fix it.

My nephew is the prettiest baby to ever live.

Harry Potter is the greatest work of literature ever written.

Kids shouldn't be allowed to wear clothing with characters on it.

Cats shouldn't be allowed.

Bees are the most pestilential thing to ever live on this planet.

I <3 the Duggars!

Can I catch my breath?

Woah, a lot has been going on the past few days. We changed vets for Duke & Roxy. Hopefully, we can get the care we need for a lot less money; because I've spent over five hundred dollars, and every time I turn around its something new. Also, while Michael and I were out of town, Duke escaped from his fence and proceeded to gallivant around the neighborhood for three hours. Ugh, he IS plotting to kill me. I just know it. I think he knows he's the baby and can get away with anything. Not joking at all.

Hayden is so precious! I love that little boy. I can't believe how much I do love him; I never thought it would be this much! He is the greatest nephew that any auntie could ever ask for.

This Casey Anthony business really makes me mad. How can you not report your child missing for thirty days and not be at least guilty of criminal negligence? or aggravated child abuse? anything. She is such a lousy person and really deserves to rot in prison because of what she did to that little girl. Ridiculous.

Later Gators!

Wanting to start REALLY couponing

I've always been thrifty, frugal, cheap- whatever you want to want to call it. I wanna start couponing cause it would occupy all my free time- and save me money in the process. I really would appreciate some pointers from anyone who actively coupons. Thanks in advance :)

On the Birth of My Nephew.

I've never felt a feeling like when I saw his face. I felt as if my heart would explode with love. I know it's probably minimal to how my sister and Chase feel, but I love Hayden Luke more than I could have ever imagined that I would. I know right now that he will be one of the greatest joys that I could ever receive. He is such an adorable baby, precious beyond all reason. He is cuter than should be allowed. When I held him in my arms, it seemed like nothing else really mattered, because he's in the world, and as long as he was in the world, the world was a much better place. As for my personal world, He brightens it up like the sun warms the Earth. I've never felt a love like that before, like I did with Hayden.

It's like he was always a part of our family. He fits in perfectly! He's such a blessing on me, my parents, and our whole family. I've never been so thankful for anything as that beautiful, healthy, chubby, baby boy. He is more than I could have ever asked for. God knew what this family needed as soon as Ashley conceived him. He is the perfect thing for us. We are all so thankful for that baby boy!

It goes without saying that he will be spoiled, by me and everyone around me. I am so glad that he is welcomed into a family with more love than he will ever know.

Hayden Luke Rapien

6/26/11

8lbs 3oz

20 inches long

9:09 PM

Busy

I've been so busy lately. Duke got sick Monday and I've been busy taking care of him. He's a lot better now but I'm still really worried about him. I think he's going to be okay now though. I don't know what I would do if I lost him too. I can't wait until he's better and we can take him out places again.

On the Loss of my Baby Bruce

This past week has been the worst I've had in a really long time. Most of you know that Michael and I have boxers, and I also have a boxer at my mom and dad's. On Thursday, one of our dogs, Bruce, got sick. He didn't make it through the night. It was honestly the most pain I have felt in a really long time. It was awful watching him suffer, and then getting that call from Michael, well it felt like someone had stabbed me right in my heart. Anyone that knows me knows that my dogs are like my babies. I know that it hurts to lose a pet. We have had Duke, Bruce, Spike (Deanna's dog) and Daisy since they were born. I love Roxy more than she will ever know, but having them from the time they were born forged a special type of bond with them. It's taken me a couple days to even be able to write this; and I'm crying as I even start.

I miss him. I miss his sad eyes, his floppy ears, and the way he always smiled when he saw me driving up. He was the only one that would let me baby him. I miss playing with him, because he would fetch and his brother wouldn't. I remember him sitting on my lap. I remember holding him like a baby after Duke AKA Fat Boy got too big for me to hold. He was always my little boy. Seeing him made my days brighter. I loved the fact that he hated to have his picture taken, while his brothers were all up on my camera. He would always sit at the back and wait for me to pet him. He always looked sad, so I just automatically babied him more. He didn't like to ride in the car; he was scared to put his head out. He never was a rambunctious dog, he always wanted to love, rather than  to pull or play. His demeanor was shy, he only would come up to certain people. He was such a mama's boy, he always wanted to love on him. He was his mother's (Roxy's) favorite boy, she always took up for him when his bully brothers were being mean to him. He was a follower, and usually the last to come to the fence when I had table scraps for them, because he was so scared. I loved his personality, it just made him so different from all his playful, rambunctious brothers and sisters. He looked and acted so much like my Roxy; it was that endeared him the most to Mike. I loved that he always looked dirtier than his brothers, because his white would be the same color of his brown back. I love that I've never seen a boxer that looked like my baby boy. I love that he always wanted me to scratch his belly. I love that whenever he was given a bath, he rolled around in the dirt to get dry. I love that I had to buy him a collar with spikes on it to protect his brothers from ripping his hair out. I love that he loved his mommy and daddy. I love that he was my baby. I love that he always stood behind Duke so that I couldn't see him. I love that he could outrun his brothers, and that he loved to hide from everyone.

I wish that there was something, anything I could do to have him back. To see those sad eyes one more time. To rub those floppy ears. To scratch his belly one more time. To pick him up and hold him again. Let him lick me on the cheek one more time. Let him play with his brothers, and get kissed by Roxy one more time. Just once more. Just to let him know that he always will have a special place in his mommy's heart. To let him to know that his daddy loves him more than he will ever know. To just hold him close to my heart and never have to let go.

Run like the wind baby boy. Never hurt again. Never suffer again. Never forget that we love you, never forget that you were my baby boy.

REST IN PEACE BRUCE "BABY BOY" BEARDEN

11/22/10-6/9/11

 

Long and Boring Summer

Michael works almost everyday during the summer, usually 8-10 hour days. Which means I'm at home a lot, with NOTHING to do. Facebook gets old. You can only read for so long. I play with the puppy but she eventually goes to sleep. So what's a girl to do?

Really. I have no idea. I am BORED out of my mind. I never ever sleep late, so I usually have nothinggggg to do after I exhaust Facebook by nine in the morning.

I have a lot of time to sit around and think. Thinking has really never done me any good whatsoever.  Blehhhh! I need something to do. I tried to sew yesterday, but something is wrong with my sewing machine and I have no idea what to do with it. Any sewing machine experts out there, your help would be much appreciated.

On the bright side, Hayden will be here in less than a month, so I'm sure my days will be plenty interesting then :) But until then, does anyone know of any cheapish crafts that I could start doing so I'm not BOREDDDD?

Precious Few

Things have changed my life like Harry Potter has. I have read many other series, and none of them have even compared to it. I don't know what it is about it, but it's probably that I grew up on it. Don't get me wrong, I like Twilight, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians, and most recently, The Hunger Games. But no character, no book, no series will ever replace Harry to me. When I felt like I had no one, Harry, Ron and Hermione were always there. When I needed someone to hate, Tom Riddle filled that role magnificently. Sirius Black will always always always be my favorite literary character of all time, and doesn't everyone look up to Dumbledore? Anyways, I wanted to share some favorite parts of mine from the books (taking a leaf out of my great friend Megan's blog here)



"Hmm, you haven't got a letter on yours, I guess she thinks you don't forget your name. But we're not stupid, we know we're called Gred and Forge." -The Weasley Twins

"Will you look at this? I've got some presents!", said Harry. "Well what did you expect, turnips?" said Ron.

"Kreacher lives to serve the noble house of Black," said Kreacher wheezily, "And it's getting blacker everyday, it's filthy.." said Sirius.

"Kreacher did not see young master.." said Kreacher to Fred; "And there's it's twin, unnatural little beasts they are.." he added in an undertone.

"But they is making a mistake at the store, Harry Potter, they is giving you two the same!" said Dobby, "Ah, Harry, how come you didn't spot that? said Ron (in reference to the socks Harry gave Dobby for Christmas)

"Well Percy wouldn't want to work for anyone with a sense of humor, would he? He wouldn't recognize a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing Dobby's tea cozy" -Ron

"I think I've got an unaspected planet, Professor!" squealed Lavender. "It is Uranus, my dear" said Professor Trelawney. "Yeah, can I have a peek at Uranus too, Lavender?" sniggered Ron. Unfortunately Professor Trelawney heard him, and perhaps it was this that gave them so much homework at the end of the period.

I'm sure there are more; but these are my favorite funny ones. My two favorite quotes of all time also reside within the pages of this series. And they are:

"It is your choices that make you who you truly are, far more than your abilities"-Dumbledore, Chamber of Secrets

"If you want the true measure of man, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals" -Sirius, Goblet of Fire

Many books are in my past and many more will be in the future, but nothing will ever take the place of these. My whole childhood resides on those pages, and it'll be tough saying goodbye.

I've been..

at a loss for words lately. I just can't think of anything to write. I would like to ask everyone to say a prayer for my mom, she's been struggling with pancreatitis lately and it's been really hard for her. I hate to see her struggle this way.

I've also just been feeling kinda yucky here lately. My B12 is really low and I've been having sore joints lately. I just haven't felt good at all here lately. And coming with that is just feeling emotionally drained. Is it bad that Facebook makes me lose faith in people? I just can't believe some of the things I see on there. It makes me sick the way some people behave.

On a happier note, Mike and I went to FWA and had a really good time, and we ate lunch a MiMi's. It was really yummy. Even when I feel as down as I have been lately, he brightens my day up :)

Hammer Time

I've been doing a whole bunch of nothing these past few days, because I had to have some tests run at the hospital (yuck).

I'm really really really looking forward to the fight this weekend. My Matty (Matt Hamill) is fighting Rampage (whom I hate). Gulp. My Matty is a serious underdog in this fight :( He's the reason I started watching MMA (Mixed Martial Arts for those of you who are unawares) He's deaf. He's a HUGE inspiration to me. He makes me see that no matter what life hands out to you; you can make the best of your lot if you just try. He never hears (no pun intended) all the remarks about how he never has a chance; no one gave him a chance against Ortiz; whom he defeated by unanimous decision.

I've never understood why people even like Rampage. He's a jerk. He's not even that skilled. He's just heavy handed and heavy mouthed. He knows how to sell tickets.

GO MATT "THE HAMMER" HAMILL!

Also, for those American Idol geeks out there SCOTTYYYYYY!!!! SCOTTTTTTTTTY!

Letter to my Nephew

Dear Hayden Luke,
It's your auntie Haley here! I just want to preface your birth by telling  you a couple things. I used to be an expert at torturing your mom, something that I will take great pride and pleasure in doing once you arrive. I will teach you all my old tricks. I can't wait to take you places with me, tell people that I am so proud of my nephew, because he is just the most perfect baby to ever live! I will spoil you as rotten as I know how; because that's my job as your auntie! Remember, if Mommy says no, call Auntie, she'll hook you up.

Hayden; I just want you to know that I have loved you ever since your mommy told me that she was expecting you. I loved you before I knew whether you were a boy or a girl. I love you even more now, sitting here waiting on your arrival.  I love you more than you'll ever know, and there isn't a thing in this world that I wouldn't do for you. I just want you to know that you have a special place in my heart, and that you always will. I love you, Haybear. I can't wait to meet you.

Love,
Auntie

Reasons Why Men (Under 40) Shouldn't be Allowed to go Grocery Shopping

1. They always grab the name brand product, when you could save some serious cash by buying the store brand.
2. They don't know the meaning of the word "shopping list"
3. They always stray down the chips aisle, especially when you are on a diet.
4. They forget about the use of coupons.
5. They always need a snack.
6. They always need a drink.
7. You end up spending at least 15% more, always.

Life..

Well, my favorite boy  (for now, until my Hayden is born) turned 21 on Sunday. He's all legal now. He'll be going to the police academy soon, and while I'm happy about it, I sure will miss him more than anything. He's the light of my whole life. But I know that he is doing this so that we can get married and have a family. I'm soooo very thankful for my hard working man and all he does for me!

The wedding was beautiful, even though it took FOREVER to decorate, it was worth it, because we got so many compliments on all the decorations. I can't wait till my own wedding now :)

 I have had an allergic reaction, no idea what to, however. All I want is a ring and I get a RASH. How is that fair? LOL. :)

Anyone wanna send me any recipes? I'm working on a recipe book for when I move out on my own and have my own family. Any contributions would be appreciated.

Nothing really is going on right now, and I love it!

Words Mean A Lot.

Well, I'm going to start this post off by saying that LOVE is a serious word. It's not something that needs to be thrown around with every boyfriend or girlfriend that you get. I look on my Facebook feed and I have to say, that I am disappointed with all the people that are like "I love Jimmy" but then a week later, they are like "I love John" or "I love Ashley" then the next week they are like "I love Sarah." Generic names but you get the point. Love is something that takes time to develop and mature love needs a foundation. It makes me absolutely sick to the core that people above the age of  18 throw the word love or the word hate around like it is some crazy thing. Love takes commitment, and it's not a phony commitment, once you really love someone.

Family is a word that means a lot  to me. Not so much the word itself, but all that the word embodies. People who treat their families badly are an altogether different type of scum than anything that I can imagine. When I call someone my family, I put them before myself. I love them with all that I am. I blessed to have such a wonderful family by blood, which is not something everyone can claim to have. They have been my whole rock for my whole life, and I love them more than words could ever really express. That being said, I also count myself blessed to be part of Michael's family. His parents and sisters mean more to me than they will ever know. Family is all you ever really have in the end. 


There are more words that I wish to discuss, but they are best saved for another day and another story.
 

Too Much to Do..

I am so busy this week! Michael's sister, Tiffanie is getting married in Nantahala Village this Saturday. I'm sure there'll be plenty of pictures to come. It should be really beautiful if it doesn't rain. But before we go up we have lots to do. Anyways, someone has to look after my precious puppies, and we are going up Friday instead of Thursday, but someone has to do it.

I made Dean's list for both semesters of my Freshmen year! I'm really happy about it. I have a field placement next semester, and I cannot wait until I'm out in the classroom teaching! I love Anderson, and I'll probably talk about it a lot.

Thirdly, my nephew will be born in 8 short weeks. His name will be Hayden Luke :) I'm very very excited to meet him! He has so much stuff from his auntie Haley and uncle Mike so far :) We love him so much and he is the light of our lives :) Until we have our own, of course. Many Many Many years from now. My sister, Ashley is tickled pink with the birth of her son.

Anyways, Michael and I are off to get haircuts and do a million things before Friday. I'll try to blog at least once every two days. :)