Mission Memories - Viva CHILE!!

It seems that in the past few months people from my mission have either found me or I have found them on facebook; including missionaries I served with, people I taught, friends who helped us find people to teach, and families I lived with. It has been so great finding these people who touched my life as a missionary, and whom I will never forget!

About a month ago a girl, whose family we taught in my 3rd area in Villa Alemana, found me on facebook. I was THRILLED to say the least! Her name is Giannina Aguilar. In fact, when I was getting ready to move up to my last area way up north in Coquimbo, I was trying to get rid of a few things that I had because I didn't have any more room for them. One of those items was a stuffed polar bear that I nick named 'Ricky Martin', that my mom has given me. It was a comfort thing for me and I was sad to give it away, but wanted it to go to someone speacial. I gave Giannina this stuffed bear before I left and told her to take care of it. She still has it to this day!

Yesterday a family that my companion and I stayed with in my last area also found me on facebook and posted a picture that was taken of them and me, on my birthday a week before I left Chile. This is the picture I have on here. I LOVE this family!! Miguel was the bishop of the ward. Marcela was so great and treated us so well, and little Ignacio, 'Nacho' for short was the cutest little boy! When I went back after a year to visit I stayed with this family again. Love them!!



So many memories have overflowed my mind lately of the wonderful time I had on my mission. As hard as it was, it was also the best thing I ever did, along with marrying my Ryan.

I'm trying to get a few videos from my mission posted on youtube for you all to see. I'll get those going right away.

I LOVE MY CHILEANS!!!!

Ode to the Olympics

I have loved watching the Olympics this year, especially gymnastics. It amazes me how people can tumble like they do and swing upside down, and do a back flip while on a 4" balance beam. It's almost mesmerizing.

Erin sent me this clip today that I thought was hilarious and had to post.

Photo session with Erin

Isn't she a beaut?! Yep, my sister is just loverly!


Can't decide if I like this one better in balck & white or color.

"Happy you-you to me!!"...

That was Kalin's way of singing "Happy Birthday" when he was little.

Yes, it's true! I'm 31 years old today, and you know, I'm much more willing to accept this birthday then I was last year when I turned 30.

I haven't been sad about turning 31, instead I'm actually kind of happy. It's been a good birthday! The festivities even started much earlier this year. Wednesday my co-workers and bosses took me out to lunch at my favorite restaurant, Macaroni Grill. Thursday my friend Lilian gave me a beautiful peridot ring (my birthstone). I also got two cards in the mail that day, one from by BFF Kristine - which included a pair of peridot earrings (if you can't tell already I LOVE peridot!), and the other from my wonderful Mom & Dad Hadden, with some birthday money. (thank you!!).

Friday I came to work to find my desk decorated with streamers and birthday balloons, courtesy of Erin and Sharon, as well as a bouquet of balloons from Lesli. On my desk were some fun little gifts from them as well (can't wait to get started on decorating my cute frame - and read the double issue of People magazine with the "brangelina" twins). I also received some mulah from Lilian, Sara and Brenda so I can get that pedicure that I've been wanting for a while now (Thanks you guys!). After coming home from work yesterday Ryan asked if I could pick up the house a little - I figured that maybe he was going to invite a friend over to see our place, but no. In comes Ryan with bags of food; Ice-cream, chips, veggie and fruit trays, and my all time favorite chocolate cake from Macaroni Grill,(seriously, if you haven't tried this cake...you really must!! It is heavenly!!). Here's a picture I took of it so you can see what I'm talking about.

Ryan had invited my family, and some friends over for a birthday get together, while watching the opening ceremony for the Olympics (which was amazing!!)

He's seriously the best husband!! He knows how much I love that Chocolate cake, and he was so thoughtful in putting it all together. Thank you babe!! All in all, it's been a great birthday. We still have the whole rest of the day to celebrate. Can't wait!

Finally! We got a calling.

That's right! After almost a year of being in our new ward we just got callings. They called last week, asked for me and wondered if I could meet with the bishop. So, I met with them last week and they kept asking if Ryan was out of town, and I thought "that's silly I wonder why they think he's out of town". So, naturally I said, "nope...not out of town".

We chit chatted for a little bit (me, bishop and both councelors), found out the one of them, Brother AhQuin, is from Laie. Small world! Then they proceeded to tell me that they wanted to give US callings, and that they wanted us to be Nursery workers. My first thought was, "oh dear - I'm guessing Ryan should have been here". Then they ask if we would accept it. So on behalf of myself and Ryan I accepted. They asked if Ryan was going to be ok with it, I said "well, he'll get used to the idea". I go home and tell Ryan and he thought it was a joke. We still can't figure out why the secretary asked for me, after Ryan picked up the phone, and why he asked if I could meet with the Bishop.

So, today was our first day as Nursery workers. I had a blast! Ryan, on the other hand, didn't talk much and still can't get much out of him so I'm guessing he's still in shock after being surrounded by crying kids for 2 hours. He'll get used to it. :)