Hailey & Jonny Maloney

11 Months old and busier than ever!

2011-09-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Molly is now 11 months old and so busy! She is happiest when she is active (which means she's not a fan of sitting on our laps quietly at church :/ but she does love to smile and wave at everyone there! ). She is a very fast crawler and climber. She pulls herself to stand, but doesn't stand or walk on her own yet.

We have recently "retired" her favorite song ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. It used to be one of our favorite songs, too, but then we listened to it a few too many times in the car! Now we've moved on to a Baby Einstein CD...and will be looking for a replacement for that one soon too. :-)

She loves it when daddy will turn on music for her to dance to, especially Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Shakira. Her favorite before bed is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Funny kid!

Molly has recently discovered cheerios and blueberries as new favorite foods. She loves her fruit, and she loves to be able to pick up small pieces and feed herself. She's a big "helper" to me, and often unloads the laundry basket faster than I can load it.

Jonny has been enjoying the nice weather to go golfing with his dad or brother-in-law. He's refined his golf equipment collection and will be sad to see the season end! He's enjoying his early schedule at work so he can spend the afternoons and evenings with us. :)

I (Hailey) am almost finished with my first 12 week series of childbirth education classes that I've been teaching at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. My blog/website is www.birthutah.com. Teaching the class each week is something that I look forward to and really enjoy. The couples in my class are so wonderful to work with, and the information I have to share with them is so important.

Our big news is that we made an offer on a house here in Bountiful! Hopefully if things go well we should be moving in around the time of Molly's 1st birthday (towards the end of next month). Keeping our fingers crossed!

10 months!

2011-08-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, time is flying by! and so is Molly...she's totally mastered crawling and is now all over the place and in to everything!

She loves to stand, but hasn't figured out how to walk yet. She still loves to clap and has just started pointing with one finger, which is super adorable.

Molly enjoyed our trip to Bear Lake with my parents and my sister's family. I enjoyed going on walks with my mom and sister (this picture was taken towards the end of one of the walks, when she FINALLY fell asleep).
Big, independent girl...but she loves to cuddle up when she's tired.
Baby mohawk hair! It's getting longer, but not quite long enough for a pony-tail.
Molly is an awesome side-kick. She accompanied me to lots of events to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, including Latch on America, where this photo was taken by Timbra Wiist of Landslide Photography.

I'm so glad to get to watch her grow, laugh, and learn. It's going by so fast! I love you, baby girl!

9 months!

2011-07-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

9 months old...and a whopping 23 1/2 pounds!

Our little Molly is just more fun to be around all the time. She is now a "real" crawler and keeps me chasing after her daily. She loves to be around other kids, especially her cousins. This month she enjoyed swimming lessons, a trip to visit the great-grandparents in Idaho, watching her first parade, her first rodeo, and fireworks (well, she was asleep and woke up for a few minutes of the fireworks...she seemed a bit unimpressed, but didn't cry!).

8 months! First trip to Lagoon

2011-06-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Molly turned 8 months old! It was a fun day, starting with a surprise party for Jonny's 30th birthday. We went to Lagoon Amusement Park with Jonny's dad and brother. Molly did so well. We took her on the Wild Kingdom Animal Ride and she seemed to like it. Mostly she loved watching all the people and snuggling with her grandpa.

At 8 months, Molly is getting more talkative (babbly) all the time and is still working on learning to crawl. She has a very sweet personality and is so friendly and happy. Morning is the best time with her, although she's happy most of the time. We love to make her giggle.

7 months old!

2011-05-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Molly is 7 months old today. Here are a few current pics.

She sits up very well, rolls over all the time and really wants to crawl, but can only scoot a bit so far.

Molly has two bottom teeth and loves to give toothy grins. She has recently tasted her first solid foods (we're trying the "Baby-Led Weaning" program): carrots, green beans, apples, sweet peppers, watermelon, broccoli, etc. It's hilarious to watch her face as she explores tastes and textures!

When we sing, she loves to sing along (and dance).

Her hair is just getting long enough to have "hat hair" and "bed head." It's pretty cute!

She is starting to go to bed earlier (and waking up pretty early, too) since she's usually too busy for many naps during the day. She is a very happy baby, and we love having her around!

My 6 month old!

2011-04-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been six months since our little Molly was born. In some ways, it seems like the time has flown by. In other ways, I can't even remember life before she was part of our family. To celebrate her 6 month birthday (and out of guilt I haven't posted pics of her on here before), I will attempt a photo timeline of the last sixth months.... I love you, sweet girl!

Born October 25, 2010 at 7:48 a.m.

This picture is from her birth at Great Expectations Birth Care
From the very beginning, she loved to suck on your finger!

Her favorite place to snuggle & sleep was on Daddy's tummy.

One month old- Nov. 25, 2010 (Thanksgiving)

Her first visit to Santa at the Ogden Festival of Trees.

Wearing her bear outfit while visiting the Lights at Temple Square.

Two months old- Dec. 25, 2010 (Christmas)

Surrounded by her Christmas presents, not really excited about toys yet...(but she loves them now!)Molly was blessed by her dad and relatives on January 2, 2011.

Three months old- Jan. 25, 2011

Bathtime is fun! And a good chance to see those chubby arms!

Four months old- Feb. 25, 2011

Getting ready to teethe....loving chewing on Sophie!

Five months old- Mar. 25, 2011

Six months old- Today, April 25, 2011!
At six months, Molly is just barely cutting her first tooth. She is a very happy baby and smiles at everyone she meets. She is so excited to be sitting up on her own and can focus on playing with her toys for quite a while. While Molly can roll over and spin, she can't crawl yet....and we're okay with that! Happy half-birthday, baby girl!

Happy Birthday Freebies!

2011-04-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, life with a new baby is busy...and changing careers on top of it doesn't leave me with a lot of time to keep up with the blog (I do have new website at http://www.birthutah.com/ for my childbirth education endeavors).

I just had a lovely birth-day with my family! There are so many fun freebies available for your birthday and I thought I'd list a few I enjoyed so others can sign up for them.

First, here are a few tips:

1. Many offers require you to sign up by email. I'd suggest using an email service with good filters, or even creating a separate email address for ads and offers so your real inbox doesn't get flooded. Just don't forget to check it!

2. It seems that many offers are automatically sent either at the beginning of your birthday month or week, so try to sign up in the month prior to your birthday month (or earlier....sign up NOW, while you're thinking about it!!).

3. You'll need a printer for most of the offers!

BIRTHDAY FREEBIES

Del Taco- Free Shake (I'd recommend Strawberry) when you sign up for their raving fan e-club (you also get free food just for signing up!)

Baskin-Robbins- Free Single Scoop Ice Cream Cone ...what flavor? too many choices!

Fuddruckers- Free 1/3 lb. burger (or they'll let you choose another menu item and pay the difference) when you're a member of the Fudds club....on a homemade bun!

Red Robin- Free Gourmet Burger if you join the eClub...if you aren't a member of the club I think they might give you free dessert instead if you just tell them it's your birthday?

Marie Callendars- Free Pie and $5 off your meal

Ben & Jerry's- supposedly a free ice cream cone (haven't verified this one)

IHOP- Free meal (plus other freebies during the year)

Chilis- Free brownie sundae (plus other offers during the year)

Jason's Deli- Free $5 Gift Card on your birthday

Mimi's Cafe- Free meal (when you sign up for the e-club)

Noodles & Company- Free meal (e-club)

Buca di Beppo- Free appetizer on your birthday (free dessert for signing up for the eclub)

Sephora- Free birthday gift (a delicious smelling body wash pictured above) for being a "Beauty Insider"--warning, they do send LOTS of ads to your inbox...this is where you need a good email filter (or a separate address....)

Aveda- Free haircare product on your birthday, plus a gift for signing up

Shopko-10% off an entire purchase during your birthday month for being a "rewards" member

What birthday freebies have you gotten that I've missed here? Feel free to add ideas in the comments sections! Also, let me know if any of the links don't work anymore!

More pictures of Baby Hoppy!

2010-07-07T19:12:00.001-07:00

We started calling our baby Hoppy at the very first appointment because she was jumping all over the place (and since we didn't know if it was a boy or girl). This week we got to go back to the ultrasound place and get a better look at our baby! We know for sure now that it is a GIRL! Everything looks really good. We'll get more details at our appointment next week... almost 3rd trimester now!

Usually we think the 3-D images are kinda creepy looking, but I just can't resist this one...look at that nose! I'm counting the days til I can kiss that nose and the cute little toes, too!

Baby Maloney

2010-05-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to post for months about this new baby, but had to keep it private for a while (which is why I've made the blog "invitation only" at the moment).

We are so thrilled to be adding to our family! My due date is October 18 and we can't wait to see this little one in person....

Yesterday, we had the unexpected opportunity to have our ultrasound (we thought I might be having gallbladder problems, so they sent me for an ultrasound and looked at the baby while we were there).

The million dollar question, of course, is, "girl or boy?" Our answer: stubborn! The more we tried to get (her?) to move, the tighter those knees stuck together and then finally the baby crossed its legs! too funny! maybe we'll find out next time?

And a few more shots...love those little fingers and toes already!

Hopefully this will become public knowledge in the next day or two and I can start posting pics, etc. on facebook....

Happy 2010!

2010-01-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

I realized I'd never posted an update during the holidays. We enjoyed a relaxing and fun winter break, spending time with each other and our families.

A few pics:

We decided to go for the cheaper option and purchased this 6 foot, pre-lit Christmas tree during the Black Friday sales! It was fun to use many of the ornaments that had decorated our reception last year. Happy memories!

We took advantage of lots of the fun winter activities around town, including the zoo lights, which we were both really impressed by.

Christmas Eve was spent with the Maloneys and Christmas afternoon was spent with the Forsgrens. We feel so blessed to have both families so close by!

Dec. 27th brought our first anniversary. We are grateful for our marriage and had a relaxing, enjoyable day. We each took a bite of our wedding cake (stored in the freezer) and despite appearances, it was actually pretty delicious.

We wish everyone the best for 2010!

Meeting Mykayla

2009-10-31T10:14:00.001-07:00

Last night we were able to go to my sister's house and finally meet baby Mykayla (now 5 days old!). We also loved seeing Aiden, Mykayla's older brother, who modeled his Elmo costume for us. He calls Elmo "tickle tickle." Aiden loved all the attention from his uncle Jonny and latched onto him for most of the night! Aiden is a good big brother to Mykayla.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a nice Halloween! Thanks to my sister-in-law, Jenny, for letting me borrow a costume!

New baby niece!

2009-10-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Introducting..................................My new niece, Mykayla! Isn't she cute? Look at all that hair!

My sister had her baby this morning. She is 8 lb 3oz and 21 inches. We can't go to the hospital because they aren't allowing visitors due to Swine Flu concerns, but all the reports are that everyone is doing well! They say she's a happy, peaceful baby. We are so excited to see her when she comes home!

Am I prepared?

2009-09-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

This past week I had an interesting experience at school. Friday morning, I walked my students down to music class (taught by another 6th grade teacher), eagerly anticipating 40 minutes of "prep time." As I got to the door of his classroom, the teacher raced out and said, "I've had a family emergency. I need to go to the hospital. Do something for music."

It took me a few minutes to gather myself (I had the students listen to a story from www.storylineonline.net--love that site!), but I grabbed some copies of staff paper and started a lesson. By the end of the time, the students had learned some of the basics of reading music--the types of notes and the names of the notes. We had written rhythms and clapped them. Even though it was completely unprepared, I felt like it had been a successful lesson and would help the students when they started learning their instruments this year.

Later that weekend, when I finally had a quiet moment during stake conference, I reflected on that experience. It reminded me of the quotation by Thomas S. Monson, "When the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past." I thought back to the many hours, days, and even weeks I'd dedicated towards becoming a musician. My mind brought up memories of waking up early to practice before school, going to rehearsal after rehearsal, and the money my parents had invested in lessons. My hard work (and the dedication of so many teachers through the years) had brought me to this point, where on the spur of the moment I could teach basic music skills.

Then my thoughts wandered to the spiritual side of this lesson: If I was called upon spiritually without notice (a new calling, a friend in crisis, a new challenge in life....even death), would I be able to say that I felt somewhat prepared? Have I spent the time and dedication "practicing" and developing--reading my scriptures, praying, attending the temple, serving others? This was a humbling thought. I'm grateful that the atonement allows us to improve, because I certainly know I can. In my hectic day, I want to make sure I'm putting in the time so that, line upon line, when the moment arrives, I can feel more prepared. It can't happen all at once. It takes daily devotion. Now is the time...

P.S. I've also gotten the opportunity to work with a small group of flute players at school. It is so fun! I'm grateful for these chances to share my enjoyment of music. This week I'm teaching music again, but I'm prepared this time!

MaryKay blowout SALE!

2009-06-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Since getting married and moving, my life has gotten so busy that I've neglected my Mary Kay business. So, I decided it's time to take a break from MaryKay.
Lucky for you, that means a massive sale! These prices are 50% off retail--you pay what I paid! You may make arrangements to pick the items up or I would be happy to ship them to you (you pay the small shipping since it is 50% off).

You can read about these items at www.marykay.com (just search by the product name).

Supplies are limited to stock on hand. I do have some items that are not pictured, so if you are looking for something specific, please contact me. My email is hcomet19@aol.com or phone is 801-702-7292.

MaryKay Mineral Eye Color- fits in the new compact, great long-lasting color

Usually $6.50 Now $3.25

Subtle Tanning Lotion- get a nice look for summer without damaging your skin

Usually $16 Now $8

Facial Highlighting Pen- Gives that "fresh, toned" look

Usually $18, Now $9

Eyebrow Pencil

Usually $10 Now $5

Brushes for the compact
Usually $2.50 Now $1.25 each

MaryKay Lip Color and Nourishine LipGloss- both offer great looks for summer and will keep your lips looking and feeling great all day!
Colors: Sunset, Pink Diamonds, Coral Rose, Sugarberry, Berry Sparkle, Pink Shimmer, Sheer Blush, Mocha Freeze, Tanned

Usually $13 Now $6.50

Foundation (Full-Coverage and Medium Coverage): goes on smooth and offers even skin tone all day!
Shades: Ivory 100, Beige 300, Ivory 104, Bronze 607, Bronze 708

Usually $14 Now Only $7

Fill your compact with blush, highlighting powder, or pressed powder! All mineral based, all great looks.

Blush: Usually $10 Now $5
Highlighting Powder: Usually $12 Now $6
Pressed Powder: Usually $16 Now $8

Satin Lips Lip Mask and Lip Balm- This 2 step system exfoliates and softens lips!
Usually $18 Now Only $9

TimeWise Eye Revitalizer- Reduces dark circles and undereye puffiness with its cool rollerball design.

Usually $35 Now Only $17.50

MaryKay compact (unfilled)--you can fill it with blush & eyeshadow, highlighting powder, or creme-to-powder foundation. It's up to you! Nice black design- perfect for the purse.

Usually $18 Now Only $9

Mineral Powder foundation (Ivory 1)-- a great mineral powder that makes for a light summer foundation but will layer to give you the coverage you need. Comes with a free bag!

Usually $18 Now Only $9

Mineral Powder brush-- Awesome quality brush that is perfect for applying the mineral powder foundation. Apply using circular strokes.

Usually $10 Now Only $5

TimeWise Targeted Action Line Reducer--Amazing! Watch the video at marykay.com. A click-pen that lets you reduce lines in forehead and crows feet areas.

Usually $40 Now only $20

I'd be happy to answer any questions or confirm if I have products. I also have some awesome makeup bags!! Supplies are limited--first come, first serve! Thanks for looking!

2009-06-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

Our favorite bridal picture! almost been six months...

Spring Break

2009-04-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring Break has finally rolled around (I LOVE year round school) and I'm finally getting to update the blog. Life is so fun! I love spending time with my husband and our wonderful families. Last week Jonny and I got to go to Costa Rica (thanks for the connections, family!) and we had an awesome time!! We got to zipline through the forest, slide down a 1600 foot river waterslide, ride horses to mudpools and hot springs. We also had a great time snorkeling in the ocean (aside from Jonny getting stung by jellyfish on his first time ever in the ocean) and saw some cool puffer fish and moray eels.

We learned an important lesson about diving with dive boots on....watch out for the sock tan sunburn!!

This weekend I was able to attend my mission reunion in Provo. It was wonderful to be reunited with friends and our mission president and his family. Saturday I drove to Ogden to hang out with my family and adorable nephew Aiden while we watched Saturday's sessions of General Conference. We also got to attend the Sunday session of General Conference. Such a neat experience! I love listening to the inspired messages.

Speaking of inspired messages, I recently discovered Mormon Messages on You Tube. Visit www.youtube.com/MormonMessages to view official videos from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love one from President Uchtdorf called Create.

Recently, I've started reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning again. I got new scriptures for Christmas and I'm noticing that having unmarked scriptures is helping me to recognize some new insights. I'm so grateful for our scriptures! There is nothing else that can make a day improve faster than feeling the Spirit and the scriptures are a great way to do it!

Some thoughts on 1 Nephi 10:

I admire so much those righteous people who lived before Christ had come but had such faith that he would and lived accordingly. I guess faith is faith either way--we have faith that he came and did what he said, despite critics and unbelievers, and we also have faith that he will come again (and be ready!) They knew about when he would come and had signs to recognize him when he came. We don't know when he'll return but we do have signs to recognize that he will!

My favorite part from this chapter, though, is part of verse 17. After Nephi listened to the revelation his father had received, he writes, "I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." I think that's admirable that Nephi didn't just believe his father but desired his own spiritual experiences. I am so grateful that the Lord gives us each the opportunity to receive revelation and confirmation through the Holy Ghost, (finishing verse 17) "which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men."

Nephi understood that receiving personal revelation through the Holy Ghost was important for them (before Christ had come), but that it would also be important for those who lived on the Earth during his ministry and after (like us!). God has not left us alone, nor does he only allow his Spirit to communicate with a few chosen people. He loves all his children and will allow his Spirit to be with all those "who diligently seek him." So, the question I ask myself is, "Am I diligently seeking him?" If yes, then I have probably had recent spiritual experiences where I have seen the Lord's hand in my life, felt his love, and received direction. If no, then I know what I need to do to have these gifts!

It's been forever!

2009-02-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

It has been WAY too long since I've written on my blog. I have lots of pictures of my bridals, wedding, and reception posted on Facebook (so become my Facebook friend!).

It has been so long that I am not even going to think about trying to catch up with life, but I will just say that I have a wonderful husband and I am very happy we got married.

I've been thinking a lot about putting priorities first. So...even though I have a massive to do list, I need to study my scriptures!

I wanted to look up some of my favorite scriptures on charity.

1 Corinthians 8:1- "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth." The footnote for edifieth says "buildeth up." I like building in contrast to puffing. Building seems much more lasting, and much more unifying. A question to ask myself, "Am I puffing myself up or building us up?" Charity is not about me.

1 Corinthians 13- This is the phenomenal chapter that could be many days study just by itself. I like verse 5, "seeketh not her own." The footnote to that is, obviously, selfishness. This is a hard concept for me at times, especially as life changes. Is there a point when you need to be selfish to take care of yourself? Is that being selfish? I am always amazed when I meet people who "seek not her (or his) own" and are so concerned about people around them. I'd love to be more like that (while not neglecting what Heavenly Father has given me...). It is complicated, for sure.
Verse 7 always lifts me as it reminds me that charity "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." That verse makes me think about so many people who have suffered and endured so much and still have charity (of course, the Savior is the ultimate example of that. He is Perfect in His Charity).

1 Peter 4:8- Peter teaches, right after a chapter about marriage and redemption and brotherhood, that "above things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins." I'm sure we would be much slower to judge and much quicker to forgive if we have charity. I'm sure other people's charity has covered my multitude of sins many times!

2 Nephi 26:30- "and except they have charity they were nothing." Wow...that pretty much says it all. What was important that I did today? Did I have charity? If not, then not of it was very important after all.

Moroni 7:47- "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." And the next verse teaches us how to get charity- by praying to the Father to be filled with that Love. That's how we can know if we are true followers of Christ...if we have Charity. And Charity is what makes us like him. Someday I hope I can get there....

Moroni 10:21 To continue that thought, "and except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God..."

So I guess I better get there!

and finally, click for a great Visiting Teaching Message about Charity.

and there are many, many more, but that's as far as I'll get tonight.

Who knew life could be this good?

2008-10-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

*Sigh.* I love my life. I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet. My fiance is amazing and we can't wait to get married! (We're quite pathetic and I do feel sorry for our roommates, workmates, families....basically anyone who has to spend time around us as we always talk about each other!). Then again, we've lived through this with roommates many times before, so I guess we feel justified now that it's our turn. ;-) Honestly, though, I just didn't understand how happy a person can be! We are so good for each other and so excited to live life together!

Lots of exciting things going on--my old roommate Britta took our engagement pictures last night (I should have some proofs online by Wednesday and I'll definitely post on my blog!), we're narrowing down our home search (seeing a few more properties tonight), and getting more of the details for our married life figured out. The to do list just evolves...

The great part is that we can have a huge long list of errands and have the best time just running errands together (although we are looking forward to life calming down in the New Year).

I also love life because I'm on fall break (the school I teach at is Year-Round schedule, so I get two weeks off in the fall) and still have four days off of school! Yippee! The time off has been great to work on wedding stuff, relax, spend time with my fiance, and get to see my adorable family. My brother in law, John, was running the Bocce ball games at Special Olympics over the weekend so I got to spend long days with him, my sister, my mom, and my adorable nephew on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I love that kid!!

On Sunday, Jonny and I went to his niece's first birthday celebration. They had an Elmo themed party and she was so cute! Her cake was an Elmo head--VERY bright red. By the time she was done she was covered in red (it was a little gruesome looking but adorable). We love our niece and nephew!

Well, hopefully I'll use my time off for many productive things today...like the homework I've been avoiding all week. :-) I'm also going to try to work on my address list for the wedding--so PLEASE send me your address (I seem to have lost my address book...bad timing). Thanks!
Off to another blissful day!

loving life!

2008-10-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, I haven't posted this week because I don't really feel like I have much to say most days (and I seem to be a bit busy). I am completely, fully, and blissfully happy to be engaged. Jonny is an amazing fiance and he's perfect for me. We went on a walk this afternoon and sat in the park and just talked. It made me realize how lucky I am! He's so considerate, kind, and fun to be with. (I know, I know....we've been engaged less than a month and I'm already sickeningly happy!). Our wedding is December 27 at 11:30 am in the Jordan River Temple. The reception will be January 3 (probably 5-7pm?). We're excited for everyone to come celebrate with us!

This weekend was General Conference (a meeting with the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...check out www.lds.org). I loved the great advice we received, especially considering the turbulant times we're living in. I feel better prepared to face the world this week with optimism and faith. How lucky we are to be able to listen to the words of prophets and apostles in our time!

Okay, time to get going to bed....busy week. We're looking for a house to buy, lots of stuff going on at school, etc. Good things! My life rocks. :-)

Blessings of Being Sick

2008-09-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind! As of tonight, it'll be one week that we've been engaged. I feel so lucky. Jonny is going to be a great husband. And he got another opportunity to demonstrate that this weekend when I woke up early Sunday morning with some sort of stomach bug. He did a great job of taking care of me (even typing my lesson plans for today while I dictated them to him last night).

We have set the date! Our wedding will be at 11:30 on December 27 in the Jordan River Utah temple. As of now, we're planning to have a luncheon afterwards and then have our reception on January 2 or 3 (depending when we can get the building reserved for). I'll continue to post updates as decisions are made. We welcome any suggestions, though! :-)

One benefit of being home sick is the opportunity to catch up on things that I've been slacking on (the things I meant to do on Sunday but instead slept the entire day!) like writing on the blog. I'm trying to read the whole Book of Mormon during my engagement (to go along with a challenge given to us in Relief Society at church).

Here are some thoughts from my reading today:

1) September 22 (today) was the day the plates were given to Joseph Smith. I feel so grateful to the Lord that he preserved this book for us to have today! I wish the whole world would read it.

2) 1 Nephi 2:12-- Laman and Lemuel have such a reputation for being complainers (murmuring). And in this verse we understand why--because they didn't understand what God was doing. So many times this happens in my life. I get frustrated or upset simply because I'm the one who isn't clued in to God's plan for me. All it takes is some faith...and prayers... I have a feeling I may have to learn this lesson again and again. Its a humbling one.

3) 1 Nephi 3:7-- This is a classic one. The Lord will not give us a commandment without providing a way for us to accomplish it (even though it might seem challenging or even not logical....He always knows more than we do).

4) 1 Nephi 7:12-- God can do all things for his children if we have faith. So let's have faith! :-)

I love my life! I am so grateful for my wonderful family. My mom and my sister, Myrica, (and her adorable son Aiden) came with my roommate and me to go wedding dress shopping on Saturday. I'm so glad they're so close by and so supportive through all these decisions to make! So blessed!

P.S. Even though we won't have invitations out for a while yet, I am starting to make our address list, so if you could send me your address, that'd be great! Thanks!

Breaking the news...

2008-09-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today was fabulous! As soon as I got to school I found every teacher I could to tell them about my big news. There was much screaming throughout the building (much more than is usually heard on a Tuesday morning at 7am). I decided that I would just wait and see how long it would take my students to catch on. About 9:30 I got impatient and when we were talking about our vocabulary word "ecstatic" I told them that I was very ecstatic and they started guessing why. Eventually someone noticed the ring and I said, "I'm ecstatic because I'm getting married!" The students started screaming and jumping up and down. We spent the next thirty minutes talking about the wedding. My sixth graders want to choose the wedding cake, be the flower girl/ring bearer, ride in our limo, come see me get married, choose the colors, etc. My favorite was the kid who requested we do a fake wedding in our classroom (with me in my real wedding dress) in case they couldn't come. It was really fun! I've also had lots of fun text and voice messages (sorry if I haven't gotten back to you yet...its been a bit crazy! But amazing). I feel so blessed and I can't wait!

p.s. and supposedly I was on Fox 13 news (for having allergies of all things tonight). Random. Fun day!!

I'm Engaged!!!!!

2008-09-16T05:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen...the day has finally come! Jonny asked me to marry him last night and I said YES! We're very excited to be engaged. :-) More details to come... happy happy life!

Miss Forsgren will be Mrs. Maloney! (Jonny said he'd help me relabel the hundreds of books at school with "Miss Forsgren" inside. ;)

We feel overwhelmingly grateful and blessed! We're thinking December/Jan...I'll post when we've made any decisions.

My list of reasons for not updating my blog

2008-09-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

I fully admit it. I am 100% fully and completely pathetic at updating my blog. So sorry friends. I didn't realize anyone was looking at it. I've been called to repentance....so I'll try again.

Life has been crazy and wonderful.

Here is my list of reasons for not updating my blog:

1) Since my last post my roommates and I got in a dramatic car accident on I-15 going to work....good times for all. We're just barely back to 100% and almost done with rehab (this week!!). But out of adversity come good things....

2) Now I'm dating my adorable next door neighbor Jonny. He's fabulous to me and we have tons of fun together. :-)

3) This summer my dad and I were privileged to go to Uganda with Reach the Children (http://www.reachthechildren.org/). It was AMAZING! Check out our pictures at www.picasaweb.com/RTCUganda2008 and www.picasaweb.com/UgandaRTC

4) Also, I started teaching sixth grade again at Meadowlark Elementary. I have a great class and I love my students a whole lot! They're helpful and hilarious. I just wish I could be a better teacher for them...but I'm working on it. It's so amazing to have a job I love so much!

5) My old roommates moved out and new ones moved in...they're fabulous! Four teachers in one apartment is just asking for trouble....

6) We joined the gym and I'm working out with a personal trainer (wish me luck....I was so sore the first day!!). It feels great to have my body functioning (after the accident) and want to keep it that way.

7) My nephew Aiden is back (and his mom and dad) in Utah (living in Ogden). He's the cutest thing ever and I love it when I get to see him!!! ADORABLE!!!! Love that kid (even though I can't hold him very long because he's so heavy....and even though he's a U fan).

8) We don't have cable so I just watch things on my computer instead of writing on the blog...

9) Hmmm...I'm really disappointed in myself for running out of excuses before I got to 10...oh wait! I'm a procrastinator.

10) need for sleep??

Okay, there you have it! It's an excuse list AND a life update all in one. And they said it couldn't be done....

And along with the excuses comes a promise that I'll *try* to be better about updating this more often because I love finding out how other people are doing so I should do the same for all of you!

You can also find me online:

-on my facebook site

-at my business website www.marykay.com/haileyf (I'm having a sale!! Email me!!)

Thanks for reading!!

Hailey

Mormon 6

2008-04-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, since I'm the only one who reads my blog I figured I could use it as my study journal as well! Today I'm reading Mormon chapter 6 in the Book of Mormon. (Available at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/morm/6 ).

This is such an important part in the book--right before the end! The prophet Mormon (in ancient america) has been trusted with the records of prophets for previous hundreds of years. He knew that the records were in danger from their enemies, so he hid them in a hill. He kept out just a few plates (metal pages) for his son Moroni to continue the record.

The wars then were so terrible that everyone on Mormon's side were killed except 24 people (including Mormon and his son Moroni).

Mormon is so sad for this people. He says his soul is rent with anguish:

verse 17: "O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!"

This is so sad to me! And yet I think often in our own lives, we depart from the Lord. We reject Jesus who stands with open arms to receive us! In our little choices, we choose to reject Christ's open arms. Instead, we find comfort in escapism, in friends, in media, in justification, in physical pleasure/comfort--when all we really need to do is turn to Christ. There have been a few times when I have decided to turn to Christ and fall into his open arms when I have found that I've departed. I know it is the only place to find comfort and forgiveness.

verse 22: "O that ye had repented..." We need to live with no regrets. I've heard that statement and though, "It is impossible for me to live with no regrets because I make mistakes all the time!" But I am realizing that we can live without regret as we repent and receive forgiveness from the Lord.

And the last verse (23): "...the Eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you according to his justice and mercy."

I am grateful for our Heavenly Fahter who is full of justice and mercy! He loves each one of us. He loves me and I am grateful for his patience with me. Time to do better and bask in his love.

And the next chapter is fantastic as well....
I'll be back!
Hailey

p.s.
Great quote from young women general president: when you have standards and virtue, you are free to become what you want to become.

New Blog!

2008-04-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hello! I went to my mission reunion last night. It was fantastic. President Watson suggested we should get a blog. So, here I am! He also told us about some amazing work that he is doing in his job at the Missionary Department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the improvements to the website www.mormon.org. It was fabulous to hear from him!

Today I am watching the General Conference of the Church and loving the opportunity to listen to the prophet and apostles as they teach us! It is available live (or archived later on) at www.lds.org.

More later!