Reflecting on my life.

As my 10 year reunion rapidly approaches, I'm forced to look back upon my life and wonder where that 10 years went. I realize that for nearly 8 of the 10 years, I've been a parent. I'm not sure where the 2 years in between went, I think maybe dating and work and that was it. I lived at my job then. As I look back I realize just how much I have changed. When I was in high school and even when I was pregnant with my son, I HATED kids. I never wanted any and for a while contemplated adoption. I believe God prevented that from happening for a reason. I'm truly blessed that he did. When I told my family that I was keeping my baby, I was told over and over that I was going to fail. Here I am with his birthday approaching realizing that not only have I not failed, I've learned that I can admit to my son when I make a mistake and earn his respect. He admits his mistakes with the same humility that I do. It's great to see that he does what he sees and not necessarily what we say. That can be good and bad in so many ways. It keeps you on your toes. During my son's life, I've had to fight to survive. I tend to make decisions based on what I feel is best for my family, but God has so often reminded me that only he knows what's best for my family and that we should always consult him first. I've learned that life is what happens while I'm busy planning. Thankfully Ryan's Dad and I and my husband all get along great. The guys both coach Ryan's soccer team and they get along great. We are truly blessed. I know that most blended families don't have the kind of relationship that we do. I've learned also that I can make it through the valleys and come out on top. Every fall that I've taken, I get back up, dust myself off and try again. I had an old teacher tell me that shows how much I've matured. She said that 10 years ago, I would have walked away the first time I fell. I thank God for teaching me how to get up, and continue on my way.

  It's cool to look back and see that what I've done is the last thing I ever thought I'd do.  I became a mom and a few years later I became a wife.  I'm glad that God knows far better what's good for me than I think I do.  Even though we've had our ups and downs and valleys, I'm so thankful for the love that surrounds my life every day.  I'm thankful that God has chosen to bless me in ways I don't feel I deserve, but that he wants to give me anyways.

So here are some pictures to highlight some of the milestones since senior year.  I haven't changed in looks, (at least in my opinion) but I have changed on the inside.

It's nice to look back and see how much I've changed and grown over the last few years.

This was Senior Prom Spring of 1999

This was taken just days before Ryan was born.

September 1, 2001

This was taken just hours after Ryan was born.

September 9, 2001

This was the day we became the

Halley-Warner Family

April 10, 2004

This was taken July 4, 2008

The rants of She Halley.

What on earth is in the water??????

So far 2 couples that we are in small group with are preggers.  That is totally awesome and we are so happy for our friends.  One of them is having twin boys.  Super cool!!!!  Well on Friday afternoon I found out my cousin Chloe is going to also be having a baby.  Awesome.  This will be her second child.  I'm so happy for her and her husband Rob!!!!!!

So Friday night We are at a dinner with some former classmates so that we can start planning our 10 year reunion.  While we are getting ready to leave, my BFF Nickle (that's what Ryan calls her) calls me.  She hems and haws a little before I finally get her to spit it out.  She's 6 weeks pregnant with her husband.  The boys are so excited too.  They are going to be big brothers!!!!!  I'm so happy for them.  They have been trying for a little while.  

Now if you guys can send me some of that water that you have been drinking that would be great because I am so ready for it to be my turn.

Congratulations to all you new and repeat parents to be.  You guys are all in our prayers.

She Halley

Ryan, The High Dive, and a Fight with the ground.......

Ok so the apartment pool is not working today for some reason.  So we packed up our pool gear and went to Alan Bolden Pool.  That's where my mom took me as a kid.  That is where I learned to swim, dive, and how NOT to dive off the high dive.  Overall things went great...............UNTIL..................................

Ryan decided to get into a fight with

the concrete earth. Needless to say, he lost.

Just before Ryan decided to slam his 

face into the earth, we had talked him into 

jumping off the high dive.  

At this point and time, he had already 

jumped off the low dive several times.

This was a lucky shot that I happened to get.  He asked me to count to 3 for him to jump.  I did w/o pausing and he jumped on 3 with no hesitation.  Jim and I were both shocked out of our minds.  We both expected him to hesitate and take a few minutes once he got up there, but he didn't.  He even went back and jumped several more times after I put up the camera.

This is one of the last times he jumped.  

He gave us a thumbs up sign right before he jumped.

This was taken right after his first jump off the high dive.  Jim stayed in the water....just in case.  Ryan came up with this gigantic smile and proceeded to jump off the high dive several more times.  I just couldn't believe how much he enjoyed it.  I jumped twice and that was enough for me.  Jim however only jumped once.  And that was on a dare from Ryan......hmm.....

All in all we had fun today and I'm glad that our pool wasn't working.  I never would have thought he would love the diving boards the way he did.  It was great.  I just can't believe that he is big enough to jump off the diving boards into 13' of water now...........Where has the time gone......................

Moving Day!!!

We are moving at the end of the month if anybody wants to help.  I'm offering pizza and sodas as a bribe.  Our apartments had an opening for a downstairs apartment so we jumped on it.  We are excited because now my mom can come over and we can finally have some dinners and BBQ's at our place with my family.  The new apartment is downstairs and right behind our current apartment.  Talk about saving gas money.  I can't wait.  We will have to get our W/D from my parents house.  The new apartment has the connections for a set.  If anybody has a truck that can help us with that, then we can pay for the gas.

Here are some pictures of the apartment.  It will be the same floorplan and layout as the old one.

This is the dining room.

We've since removed the table 

and turned it into my office

This is the living room.

We've rearranged a little.

Here's the kitchen. 

Where the pantry is is where

the W/D will be.

This is Ryan's room.  

We removed the dresser when we 

gave Ryan his toybox for Christmas.

This is where the toybox currently

is.  The cubes in the picture are now 

where the dresser was in the 

above picture.

Here's a sideways picture of the bathroom. 

Here's the vanity area.

Here's our bedroom.

Not much here.

Here's our bed.  Thank goodness

we won't have the sliding mirrors.

The new apt. will have a walk in closet.

Here's our dressers.  Not much here either.

So here are the pictures of the apartment that I promised a year ago.  I can't wait until we move.  That means I will no longer have to drag a week's worth of laundry up and down a flight of stairs and over to my mom's and waste a day doing laundry there.  It also means we won't have to change Ryan's schools.  We will also stay pretty central to everything.  I'm so glad that we will be staying here.

Kristina

4th of July

So this year we were on the AHS Alumni Band float. It's amazing to me that after 10 years I still remember all that music and antics. We had a blast getting ready for the parade as well. We were decorating the float until midnight the night before the parade. The joy of that was that we had to be in our spot at 7:00 AM. Talk about memories. We even got a shirt for Ryan. He's going to be class of 2020. I got some cute pictures of him. The coolest part for the band geek in me is that I got to sit right next to Ms. Corey. He husband is the Late Dean Corey. He was the first band director for AHS and he also wrote our fight song. I put some pictures up on facebook, but I will also put them here too.

Ryan hard at work 

decorating the float.

The finished float.  Looking good.

Getting warmed up to play.

I look silly here.

Here we go.  Jim is our 

fearless driver.

We're 21 years apart in school.

Like mother like son.

So we had fun and continued a parade tradition that started so many years ago when I was in my first parade.  I had a friend ask me if I would ever retire from parade duties.  Maybe someday, but as a family we just have too much fun in the parade to stop.  

On another note, this Friday is the first meeting of the Class of '99 Reunion committee.  It will be fun to see where we all are now.  Lots of hard work to come.  I can't wait.

I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Kristina

Sad and Sweet

I found this on a friends Facebook Notes. It brought tears to my eyes.


"One 16 year-old boy Michael, and a 16 year-old girlfriend, Sarah, fell deeply in love since the very first day they met.
They both lived in California but the girl had just moved there a year ago but fell for him so fast.
Michael played on her dad's football team.
He was the best player on the team and her dad saw him as a son of his own.
Sarah was a cheerleader on the team and had everything she ever wanted.
Until one day... her life crashed.

Mom: Wake up honey. Michael's downstairs waiting for you.
Sarah: Oh my gosh. I woke up too late! I still need a shower and everything!

Right when she said that Michael walked into her room smiling from ear to ear.

Michael: No baby. You're beautiful just like that- now come on, I'm starving.
Sarah: Okay.

Sarah got out of bed, put on some clothes, took his hand, and walked out the door to his car and got in.

Sarah: Where are we going? Remember that I have to be home by 1. I have cheerleading practice and you have football.
Michael: I know..

Then Sarah noticed that Michael was really pale-looking.

Sarah: Michael are you feeling okay? You look like you're sick..
Michael: Yeah; it's just my allergies.
Sarah: Are you sure? Did you go to the doctor yet?
Michael: Yeah.. I went yesterday. They just said to take some allergy pills and that I'll be okay.

Sarah turned to look away from Michael.
She knew there was something wrong.
She has allergies and she doesn't look like that.
Then he reached out and held her hand.

Sarah: Michael your hands are so cold. I dont think you're okay tell me what's really wrong.. do we need to go back to the house?
Michael: I promise you baby; everything is okay.. they told me to go back tomorrow but I'm not going because there's nothing wrong with me.
Sarah: Michael you need to go! If they told you to then there is something wrong!

Michael let go of her hand and turned back to the road and didn't talk to her the rest of the way.
Sarah just looked at him.
They finally pullled up to the resturaunt and ate breakfast.

Michael: Did you bring your cheerleading stuff or do we have to go back to your house to get it?
Sarah: I have it.. do you really think you should go to football practice like that ?
Michael: Yes Sarah. I'm fine.
Sarah: If you say so..
Michael: Sarah, baby, would I lie to you?
Sarah: No...

They got back in the car and went to the field.
They got out and started practice.
Sarah was practicing a new cheer, but then out of no where she heard a boy yell,

"HE'S NOT MOVING SOMEONE CALL 911! HELP COACH!"

Right when she heard that she turned around and saw Michael on the ground just laying there, not moving.
She ran to him but her dad pushed her back.

Dad: No honey. You shouldn't be right here.

Sarah started to cry.

Sarah: Daddy. What happened? Is he okay?
Dad: Honey. Please just go back with your coach.

Sarah walked back and sat on the bench with her head in her hands while an ambulance came and took him away.
She got in the car with her dad and they went to the hospital.
When they got there his mom was already there and talking to the doctor.
They walked over and listened...

Doctor: You may want to sit down for this.
Michaels Mom: Is he okay?
Doctor: Ma'am.. your son has lukiemia. We can put him on treatments, but he might not make it because the cancer has already spread too much.

Sarah was shocked and began to cry on here dads shoulder.

Michaels Mom: Treatments?
Doctor: Well the treatments would cause hair loss... but it will help slow the cancer down.
Michaels Mom: But he's certain to die?
Doctor: Yes.. but we have had this surgery to clear out the clogs.. but it's possible that he will not make it.
Michaels Mom: I will have to talk to him about this. Can we see him now?
Doctor: Yes. One at a time though.

Michaels mom looked over at Sarah and hugged her tight she knew that Sarah loved him with all her heart.

Michaels Mom: You go first sweetheart.
Sarah: Are you sure?
Michael's Mom: Yes honey.

Sarah walked slowly to his room and turned the knob.
She just stood there, looking at him lying there weak.
He was so pale and he had tubes surrounding him.
It was painful for her to look at him.
Michael looked at her and weakly smiled at her.
She went over and kneeled down beside him.

Michael: Did they already tell you?
Sarah: Yes...
Michael: I'm sorry Sarah. I didn't want you to find out like this.
Sarah: It's okay; I understand Michael.
Michael: Baby I love you so much.

Michael reached up and slowly ran his fingers through her hair.

Sarah: I love you too Michael. With all my heart.. and I will be here for you 'till the end.
Michael: Im going to be okay Sarah.

The nurse walked in with Michaels mom.

Nurse: Its her turn now.

Michael looked at Sarah.

Michael: Bye baby.
Sarah: Bye.

Sarah kneeled down and softly kissed his cold lips.

Months went by and Michael lost his hair, but they were still deeply in love and Sarah was by him everyday.
Michael was getting worse to where he couldn't even play football, and the championship game was coming up.

Michael was sitting on Sarah's porch with her and her dad.

Michael: Coach.. I wanna play tomorrow.
Dad: Michael I know you do.. but I can't let you do that.. you'll get hurt.
Michael: No, coach. Please. This might be the last time on the field for me. I want to be able to play one more time.

Dad looked at Michael and then at Sarah.
Sarah nodded her head.

Dad: You're a strong boy, Michael, and very brave. I think we can do this.
Michael: Thank you so much coach.

Sarahs dad nodded his head.

Dad: So what are you two doing tonight?
Michael: I wanna show Sarah something if that's okay.
Dad: Of course; you two be careful.

Michael took Sarah's hand and lead her to his car.
It was completely dark outside when they pulled up to the football field.

Sarah: What are we doing here?
Michael: Follow me.

Michael grabbed a blanket and laid it down onto the field.
They both laid there looking at the stars.

Sarah: This is so beautiful.
Michael: I do this often. I wanted to show you the place I love.
Sarah: Do you remember the flowers you gave me on our very first date?
Michael: Sure I do; I gave you lillies; your favorite.
Sarah: Yeah... I'll never forget that day.
Michael: I want you to always remember something Sarah.
Sarah: What is it?
Michael: I will always be with you.. and I will always love you.. you're my one and only..

Sarah started tearing.

Sarah: I love you so much, Michael.
Michael: And I also want you to be happy.. I want you to marry someone, have kids, make a family, just live a happy life for me.
Sarah: No. I will never marry anyone.. im marrying you Michael
Michael: Just don't forget what I told you.

Michael leaned in and kissed her.
She pushed him off and jumped up

Sarah: You still think you can catch me?
Michael: Oh yeah. I'm stronger than I look.
Sarah: Then come get me.

Michael stood up and chaised her around the football feild until he finally caught her.
He laid on top of her and put her hands behind her back and held her there so she couldn't move.
Then it started to rain and they were getting soaked but they didn't care.

Michael looked deep into her eyes.

Michael: Who's the weak one now huh?
Sarah: Me (she giggled)
Michael: Remember what you told me that night when we were at dinner?
Sarah: No.. what?
Michael: You have always wanted to kiss in the rain with the one you love.
Sarah: Yeah?
Michael: Well your wish is my comand.

Michael leaned down and kissed her deeply.
He pulled away.

Michael: You're so beautiful.
Sarah: You're such a good kisser. (she laughed.. so did he)
Michael: I better get you home.

They got into the car and went home.
It was hard for them to sleep that night but they did.
It was finally the big day and they were all at the football field.
Michael had on all his football gear, and Sarah was ready to cheer him on.
The game began.
The crowd was going wild for Michael while Sarah was cheering her heart out for him.
The score was 36 to 36.
All they had to do was make one more point and they would win.
Michael had the ball and ran with all he had to the touchdown line and threw the ball down.
He had made a touch down!
Everyone was cheering.
They had won the game!
But for Michael.. he may have lost his life.
He fell to the ground trying to catch his breath.
Sarah ran to him and kneeled down over him.
He looked up at her gasping for breath.
Everyone was heading to field.
Her dad stood infront of them.

Dad: Back away.. give them a moment please.. that's my daughter's love.

Michael gently raised his hand and whiped her tears away.

Sarah: Don't die Michael.. I need you.. I love you..
Michael: I told you this was my dream to win the championship.. to be in the big game.. to die on this feild.. I made history.

Sarah leaned down and kissed him, knowing this was the last she would ever kiss him, the last time she would ever talk to him.
She had so much to say but had no time to say it.

Michael: I love you baby. Tell Mom I love her too.. and tell coach thank you.
Sarah: I love you Michael. I love you so much.
Michael: I'll wait for you.....

Michael's hand dropped and he let go.
He died that night on the football feild.
Sarah cried for 2 months straight.
Sarah was lying on her bed when her dad walked in.

Dad: Honey, it's been 2 months. Please get up. He would want you to have fun and be happy.
Sarah: I know..
Dad: Guess what.
Sarah: What?
Dad: They are building a new stadium. Isn't that great honey? Come on, I want you to come with me before they tear the old one down.

Sarah got up and went with her dad to the field.
They climbed to the top of the bleachers and looked down.

Sarah: It's like it was just yesterday. He was out there throwing the football, making that touchdown.

Her dad wrapped his arms around her and she began to cry.

Dad: I know baby., I know.

Then Sarah noticed something on the feild.

Sarah: Whats that daddy? Look. (Sarah pointed to the field)
Dad: Look like some flowers are blooming.
Sarah: Oh my gosh, daddy! Stop them! Don't let them tear this down! Please! Michael planted me something.

Her dad ran down there and stopped them.
Weeks later the flowers had bloomed.
Her and her dad went to look at them.
They were lillies that left a message saying, "I Love You".

If you have any heart at all and love someone this much repost this.
(also if you cried)"

Ryan's Home!!!!!!

Well Ryan came home on Monday for the week. He has to go back to his dad's to finish out the month. I can't wait until he comes back. We're pretty much spending the week down by the pool. Jim has been working half days this week and he's off on Thursday and Friday. We're going on a Staycation. Pretty much gas is too expensive to go anywhere so we're staying in Arlington and having fun at home. I don't think our car will really make it too far anyways. We love it though. I can't complain. It has 4 wheels, it gets us from point A to point B. It has a really small gas tank and gets pretty good mileage. When we do get a new car, I still want to keep it. I think I've become attached the the old bucket of nuts. Besides as much as we've had replaced on it recently, it's almost like new again. Sort of........... Well Jim will be home soon. I better get to making lunch for us so that I can get Ryan down to the pool. All morning it's been "Can I eat again?" and "Can we go to the pool now?"

By all,
Kristina