So, we've been getting a lot of snow... 

Besides the fact that I have to chisel the two inches of ice off of my car every other day,

I wear sweats, mittens and five blankets to bed,

all the streets have been reduced to one lane only,

school has only been in session for half of the month, 

 and shoveling seems to be a new hobby around here,

the snow has been an absolute joy. Even if it tends to be a pain, it is beautiful!

BBQ anyone?

this is the bench in the backyard!

Oh, did I mention that we're going to be getting two more feet of snow/ice in the next two days?! Awesome. Dean Park pictures to come!

*This also serves as an invitation for all of my friends in Utah, who feel that Winter is just horrible and can't stop posting FB status's to prove their distaste, to get over it. Go sledding!

In case you were wondering, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was a complete success. I couldn't put it down and completely ignored Reed for several hours while I finished it up. Consider it my next recommendation. As for your suggestions, thank you for all of them! I'll get started on them, I promise. But where to start... I'll let you know how it goes and if I liked your suggestion or not.

Isn't reading great?

A Story for Your Soul

Would you like to hear the pathetic story of the century? Ok, I'll tell you.

Two days ago Reed's nurse gave Reed a big pile of tiny bags of chips. I love chips. I love them. Reed is really a nice guy and so obviously he was willing to share his chips with me while we were eating our lunch. But later.. when read was asleep I wanted some more chips. I didn't want to wake him up to ask him for more and I knew he wouldn't mind so I just took some. I took the cheesy Doritos because there were still two packets left--so thoughtful.
Well, Reed really likes chips too. When he woke up the first thing he shouted (it wasn't actually a shout but he sounded angry) was "hey! did you eat my bag of chips??"
"NO!" I replied. "It must have been your mom. She didn't get dinner. Are you sure you had another bag? Maybe you're just imagining things..."
It was just like that Brian Regan moment where I could hear the words coming out and my brain was screaming for me to shut up and tell the truth but my mouth just kept moving and there was nothing I could do. Reed was still confused. He has a super brain and he can remember everything perfectly. He knew there was another bag of chips before. He also really likes to be right so he was bound and determined to figure out what happened to the bag of chips. Meanwhile, I was just shutting up in the corner and letting my guilty conscience swallow me up. It was horrible. So horrible that I haven't been able to sleep. I felt so ashamed when I would say my prayers and I had been lying to Reed about the Doritos--those delicious Doritos.
So, last night when I went down to help Reed, I promised myself I would tell him the truth about his precious chips. It was horrible. I was so embarrassed. He just laughed of course. He didn't care about the chips at all. I knew that. I just couldn't get it off my mind! How could someone trust me if I couldn't even be honest about a stupid bag of chips?! So, we're friends now--my conscience and I, I mean. Repentance is a wonderful gift.

Anyway, the main thing that was like "Ahah!" for me was that I finally figured out this quote. "It's easier to keep commandments 100% of the time than it is to keep them 98% of the time" by Elder Christensen. My ward has been really focusing on this lately and I was kind of confused about it. But now I get it. It would just be easier for me to tell Reed that I ate his chips and be honest than be honest about some things and lie about others. 


Curse my parents for teaching me not to lie. (by "curse" I mean "bless" but man, if only I didn't have to have that embarrassing moment)


Moral: Liars get their pants on fire. Amen.

Ok, Kids

I'm a really, REALLY picky reader. Usually, if I'm not satisfied with a book within the first chapter it's a no-go. But...I realize this is a horrible habit and I need to break out of this historical fiction feminist novel never-ending cycle I'm in and just read something new. 

 I faithfully read a blog of a girl whom (who? I never know) I have never met and, truthfully, don't even know her full name. She is starting a book club. You can meet with her in person (in New York) or discuss via her blog. But, because I don't live in New York and I'm too chicken to comment on her blog for fear of her discovering my little secret, I'm reading the book on my own and I suppose I shall keep my comments to myself. For book club, they (those who were actually invited) are reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I got it today and I already love it. I'll admit that it doesn't exactly get me out of my comfort zone when it comes to genre but the whole thing got me thinking...

If this girl, that I do not know in the least (although at this point I may as well have known her her entire life) could recommend a book that I am thoroughly enjoying, maybe other people (you--my readers, I mean) can suggest books for me to read. And maybe, just possibly, I will read them. The whole of them! And maybe, if you can suggest books that I like, I can also suggest books that possibly you will like! It could be a big circle of book suggesting love!

And so, I suggest my first book. Admittedly, I'm a little biased because of my recent obsession with all things Africa, but this one really is a good one. The Poisonwood Bible has recently graced my life. Try it, you might like it. Either way, let me know what you think. And please, please, please! What book would you suggest for me? When I finish The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I'll let you know what I think and then get started on your suggestions.

Three cheers for reading.

What's Your Deal, Reed?

If you've ever hung out with me, you probably know that I love to play a little game I made up all by myself called "What's Your Deal". It's where one person has to stand up on a chair and everyone gets to ask them questions to get to know them. It's such a great game. If I've never played it with you, I apologize. So! Considering the fact that Reed is a pretty big part of my life--make that biggest part of my life--I thought it would be a good idea for me to let you get to know him. He acted like he wasn't that interested but I know he was way excited about it. Obviously, I didn't make him stand on a chair, but I think we got the same effect.

Ok, Reed, what's your deal?!?

Me: Color?

Reed:Forest green

Me: Fruit?

Reed: Fruit?? Ughh probably a peach

Me: Nicknames?

Reed: What was that last thing you said about nicknames? (he was still waking up from his nap at this point) Well, uh. I’ve had a couple. Reedo Mosquito, my uncle came up with that one. That’s about it. Some people called me Tex. But that didn’t last for long.

Me: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Reed: I don’t know if I have one. My biggest pet peeve is uhh, uhh, uhh that people don’t do things in the right order. I have a lot of ‘em. (arguing occurs over whether he has pet peeves or not)

Me: Best childhood memory?
Reed: (long moment of pondering over whether he has any good childhood memories or not) climbing trees, I guess.

Me: Most embarrassing moment?

Reed: You’ll have to come back to that one. Probably… How about… Oh.. When I was in third grade, in the school play, I was supposed to be Little Boy Blue and I forgot my lines. I only had four lines. I remembered when I was supposed to talk but I didn’t know what to say. The little girl whispered to me my lines.

Me: What song best describes your life?

Reed: The song that best describes my life? (weird snorting noise escapes him) Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ Raw Hide (he made it up himself)

Me: What is your favorite mineral?

Reed: Were you prepared for this? How did you come up with these questions? Amethyst. It’s the first one I ever had.

Me: Describe your most successful date.

Reed: (tells some sort of punny joke and proceeds to be confused about what I’m trying to ask him and then is distracted by the football game going on) My funnest date was the Winter Ball with Amy Mosher, it was fun.

Me: What is your favorite thing about yourself?

Reed: I’m very personal.. I mean personable. You can say my sense of humor, sure.

Me: Most embarrassing moment?

Reed: You’ll have to come back to that one. Probably… How about… Oh.. When I was in third grade, in the school play, I was supposed to be Little Boy Blue and I forgot my lines. I only had four lines. I remembered when I was supposed to talk but I didn’t know what to say. The little girl whispered to me my lines.

Me: What song best describes your life?

Reed: The song that best describes my life? (weird snorting noise escapes him) Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ Raw Hide (he made it up himself)

Me: What is your favorite mineral?

Reed: Were you prepared for this? How did you come up with these questions? Amethyst. It’s the first one I ever had.

Me: Describe your most successful date.

Reed: (tells some sort of punny joke and proceeds to be confused about what I’m trying to ask him and then is distracted by the football game going on) My funnest date was the Winter Ball with Amy Mosher, it was fun.

Me: What is your favorite thing about yourself?

Reed: I’m very personal.. I mean personable. You can say my sense of humor, sure.

Me: What historical figure would you invite over for dinner?

Reed: Abraham Lincoln. Because of all the situations he was put in.

Me: What is something most people don’t know about you?

Reed: (looks around the room as if someone might hear his secret) That I got top 10 in the Nation in DECA.

Me: Which TV game show do you feel you would dominate at?

Reed: Family Feud.

Me: If you were a country which would you be?

Reed: (repeats the question several times with confused voice) United states because there are lots of different environments.

Me: What is your favorite thing about being quadriplegic?

Reed: (slight chuckles) sporting tickets! Easy to get seats.

Me: If you could have different parents who would you choose?

Reed: Uhh I don’t think I would.

Me: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Reed: Probably just watch sports. It’s what I do most. So it’s pretty good.

Me: If you could be any professional athlete who would you be?

Reed: I would be a professional baseball player. I’d be my own! I’d be me! I’d like to play third base in baseball.

Me: What would be your dream job?

Reed: I think a financial planner would be fun. I think…

Me: Favorite quote?

Reed: “Running is life. Go the extra mile.”

Me: Please, sum up your life in three words.

Reed: Service, Patience, Enduring

Me: Final words? Speak your peace. What’s your deal?

Reed: Uhh. Hee hee hee. Any final words? Let’s see, let’s see. (eyes get extremely large and begin staring at ceiling) no, I don’t have any final words. (tries to make me spell antidistablishmentarianism but he couldn’t say it and therefore I couldn’t spell it)

Oh, Reed. Just love this guy. If I could give everyone in the world a gift, it would be that they could have their own Reed. I feel extremely blessed to get to spend every day with him. He's so positive and inspiring and hilarious. We have so much fun together and he's my best friend. I'm going to be really sad when I have to leave here. Seriously, everyone should meet Reed. This post doesn't even begin to describe his awesomeness. 

Reed Loves the Celtics

 I Love Rondo

I'd say it was a good night for both of us.

Oh, and these guys came, too! So fun to have Rob and Katie here. 

HELP

Dear Readers,

I have this really, REALLY amazing opportunity to go to Africa this summer! I'm going to be spending three months in Uganda with a non-profit organization called HELP International. We'll be implementing programs to help the people there to be able to provide for themselves and to find their way out of poverty. Some of the projects I'm hoping to be involved in are building adobe stoves and square-foot gardens and helping out in the local orphanages. I'm really hoping that the experience will be rewarding for the people that I'll be meeting there and for me as I learn from people who live completely different lives than mine. The problem is that it's actually quite expensive to make this happen and I need to help to fund raise all of the money. If you would be willing to donate HERE I would be extremely grateful. You can donate as little as $3 and every little bit counts. If you want to send a check or cash, you can send it to HELP Headquarters (you can find the address at their website listed below). If you want the donation to go towards my account, just be sure to include my name and the country (Haley Eldredge--Uganda) in the comment section or leave a note in your envelope. Even if you just help spread the word for me, I would love you forever!


2010 Impact:

       8410 served with visual health through screenings, eyeglasses and cataract surgeries

       5424 people taught Nutrition, Hygiene, Sex-Education and general Community Health lessons

       4036 helped through AIDS advocacy activities

       Construction of various Health and Sanitation Facilities, Classrooms, illiterate-friendly Hospital signs, Mushroom Homes and Chick Farms benefitting thousands

       872 involved in improved Literacy and English campaigns

       836 students empowered through Music, Drama, Art and Soccer Camps

       674 taught skills related to Leadership, Computers and Conflict Resolution

       465 school children taught Drug Education

       293 trained on Square-foot Gardening and Vermicomposting with 158 Gardens built

       160 trained, 58 Adobe Stoves built

       148 trained for improved Micro-Finance loaning and Business Consulting

       69 Special Needs Children and teachers engaged in therapy and learning activities as well as 17 empowerment themed wall Murals painted

       38 Lepers given care and attention

       29 trained on Bee-Keeping ventures

       1 Recycling Program implemented

Thank you so much for your support! 

Love, Haley   

HELP International

455 N. University Ave.

#212

Provo, UT 84601

2011

i love this year and i love the new start.
i'm not excited because i've made a list of resolutions,
because i haven't.
it's just that suddenly so much seems possible! 

The Bomb Christmas Continued

Ok, kids. This holiday season has been busy so I'm sorry I've slacking on my blogging duties. But who has time to blog when there's so much excitement going on?! 

I was kind of nervous for this Christmas because it was my first Christmas away from home and with no family around. My dad had consoled me with stories of his mission Christmases and assured me that this would be one of my favorites. At first, I was kind of offended that he enjoyed his mission Christmases better than all the Christmases with us! But now i understand. I tried to have a good attitude and just enjoy every thing that I was doing with Reed and not dwell on the things that I was missing out on at home. And it worked! We did so many fun things and the Nixon's were so wonderful to me. It was like being with family that wasn't my family but still felt like it. I've just been so grateful that even though this Christmas was so very different and hard at times, I've been able to have a lot of fun and really enjoy myself. I'm grateful that my parents were so supportive of me staying here and for the Nixon's really taking me in and making sure i felt comfortable and loved.

 Reed's brother, Rob and his wife, Katie have been here for the holidays and it has been so nice to have them around. We have been partying like it's 1999. Just kidding. But really. 

We started off by going to The Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House which was incredible! Boston was beautiful, the Opera House was beautiful and The Nutcracker was spectacular. I felt so Christmasy! You should see Boston at Christmas. No one has lights, but it has it's own kind of feeling that makes it sort of magical. And I've never seen so many adorable little girls in their fancy dresses and pea coats in one place. 

On Christmas Eve, Sheryl treated Katie and me to pedicures and manicures. It's not really my thing but I'm thinking it could become my thing. It was wonderful. We had a delicious Christmas dinner and then read scriptures and sang hymns for the spiritual part. Katie and I opened our Christmas P.J.'s (red footies for me-thanks mom!). We finished the night with Muppets Christmas Carol. A successful evening. 

Christmas morning started at around ten thirty which is super weird and super great all at once. We had pancakes and started the present opening at around 12 and finished at 2! I got wonderful presents from the Nixon's and my family. Everyone was so thoughtful. I'm so blessed. 

On Monday we went to the Wang Theater to see the ROCKETTES! in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! and man! It was spectacular! You think the Rockettes are going to be lame because all they do is kick, but they do more. They're actually really cool. And the Spectacular ends in the nativity scene with live animals! They even enter the stage through the audience! Not the animals, just the people. It's always a little creepy when they do that, but it was still a good time. 

The rest of our time has been spent playing games, doing puzzles and watching football. We also saw the movie True Grit. I wouldn't recommend it if you get queasy at the sight of blood. Actually, I just wouldn't recommend it. Unless you're Grandpa Fred, in which case, you would love it. 

Katie and I seem to be the only able-bodied pair of the bunch so we decided to take my day off to go sledding. Well, we tried to go sledding. You see, there aren't many hills in the vicinity and ski ward seems to have monopoly on the only good one. You can go skiing or tubing there! The problem is that it costs $20 to go and I just feel like that's a little pricey, yeah? So we heard of this other ski hill, Jericho hill, that had been closed down so you could go sledding for free. We got directions and headed out but, just my luck, we couldn't find it. We were looking for an hour and a half and actually quite enjoying ourselves. We found this bizarre little diner, The Tropical Cafe. You'd never know it existed unless, of course, you were looking for Jericho hill. We got directions from two people who obviously were not from this country and obviously had no idea what we were saying but felt free to lead us on in any random direction just for kicks and giggles, i suppose. After we'd come to the conclusion that Jericho hill doesn't actually exist, we were out of ideas so we just went back to Ward hill. But! the man there told us of a hill not far away that we could take our own sleds to! great! We headed right over there and there was a great place to sled! It just wasn't covered in snow.. there was, however, a nice patch of snow nearby just big enough to do some somersaults and build a sad, little snowman. We got a little wet, talked, laughed and then decided we had had enough. some might say it was unsuccessful, not i. 

Ward Hill and their money thieving ways. They don't even use real snow.

This is completely irrelevant to Christmas, I've just never had REAL frost on my window before.

Wang Theater. Oh, the Rockettes.

I'd say this has been such a great holiday season. New Years Eve was a little uneventful considering the lack of noise makers, fireworks and screaming children but the idea of it all was the same. Now, onto bigger and better things in 2011. It's going to be a good year. I can feel it.