OTH

Last night I was laying in bed, and I thought to myself, "I wanna be great."

And I know I can be. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I know I have potential.

I'm done being mediocre. I don't want to end up looking back on life wishing I could have lived a better one. I WANT TO BE GREAT.

  

"I’ve come to the conclusion that if having things turn out the way you wanted them to is a measure of a successful life, then some would say I’m a failure. The important thing is not to be bitter over life’s disappointments. Learn to let go of the past. And recognize that every day won’t be sunny, and when you find yourself lost in the darkness and despair, remember it’s only in the black of night you see the stars. And those stars will lead you back home. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble and fall, cause most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most. Maybe you’ll get everything you wish for. Maybe you’ll get more than you ever could have imagined. Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end, the journey is the destination." -Coach Whitey Durham

Alexis Victoria Morris

Goodbyes are hard. And I'm definitely not good with them. 

So here's a letter to Lexi. A letter that will go unread.

Dear Alexis,

First off I just want you to know that I was so thankful to have gotten to know you. I remember when you first came to our ward. You had this glow about you. I think we were all drawn to you from the start. And then as we grew up I got to know you better. And I loved watching you grow up. I loved hanging out with you and Ali. You both have this great spirit about you. I loved seeing you up at camp. And I enjoyed the opportunity I had to be your "5th year." You were such a beautiful girl, and you were always there to cheer people up. We were never super close, but I knew I had a friend in you. I know I will never comprehend the internal struggle you fought, but I hope that you will find great happiness in the presence of your Heavenly Father. We will miss you. And most of all, we love you. Always.

I'll see you again someday,

Mallorie Hakanson

Asher

This morning on my way to work I was all upset because it was early and I'm lazy and I didn't really want to go to work. So I was all bitter. And then I walked in the front door into the lobby and this beautiful little boy gave me the biggest smile and I wanted to hug him, because he made my bad morning a great one. His name was Asher.

Since I'm not an RDA (registered dental assistant) and I just do sterilization, I don't get to interact with the kids all that much. But I was really drawn to this little guy. He was just so cute. And as I was restocking the drawers under his chair he was excitedly showing me all the tools that were going to be used to clean his teeth. HE WAS THE CUTEST LITTLE GUY. And when I showed him that water squirted out of one of the tools he about lost it. All he kept saying was , "more, more!" So cute.

FUN FACT: I've always wanted to adopt a baby boy from Africa. And I don't care what anyone says. I want to do it, so I will.

Anyway, Asher was adopted from Africa with his baby brother about six months ago and today was his first time going to the dentist. He's 2 and full of life. He was so genuinely excited about being there that we all were wondering what his parents promised him if he was good. Haha. His parents told us that in Africa, children enjoy going to the doctor because it means that they are going to get some extra attention. So when they told Asher that he was going to the "tooth doctor" his eyes lit up with excitement. They also said that the reason he was so excited about the water is because he never really had much of it growing up. Water is a rare commodity where he is from. 

I think it just really goes to show what we take for granted here in the states. Thanks Asher for making my day. I hope to have a little boy just like you in the future. You're adorable sweet boy. 

Where feet may fail

For the days that are tough. Like today.

Oceans (Where feet may fail)- Hillsong UNITED

"You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine"

Sharp Tooth

I HATE BEING THE BAD GUY. You know? Like the bearer of bad news, or the one that has to tell someone something that will probably end up hurting them. hate it, hate it, hate it. And I feel as if I am that person today, well actually this week. And it makes me literally go insane. I make up these scenarios in my mind that maybe if I do this I will end up feeling this way and then I wont have to tell them that. I seriously would do anything to not have to be that person. Sometimes it seems as if I make myself unhappy trying to find a way to get out of being "bad news Barry."

And as if one bad thing isn't enough to tell someone within the week, let's all just give a great big round of applause to Alyssa for calling me into work forcing me to tell the same person even more bad news. 

Sorry I'm dramatic. K. bye.

P.s. on a lighter, much happier note...aren't they cute? hard hat and all. 

Starry Night

Sundays are so good. They always have been. The past few have been especially great. I love my friends. And I love the Gospel. And my Heavely Father. And my Savior, especially my Savior. Thanks dad for converting mom and being good examples. I love you for that. 

Today was just a great day. Smiles all around. 

(This came on while I was getting ready today. I love it.)

"Jason drew me even closer to him, 'you care about me, don't you?'

'How do you know that?' My lips were practically touching his now-

'Because I care about you too.'"

-The Secret Journal of Brett Colton

A letter to Lanth

Dear Lanthan,

Today marks the tenth day since I saw you last. I miss you a lot more than usual. It's weird being home with you not here. Mckennah has been taking up a lot of your time lately, and deep down I understand. But I'm not gonna lie, she's not my favorite person right now. I hope you know that I love being your sister. I'm glad we figured out how to get along, cause you're my best friend. Forever. I miss you like crazy. Sometimes I think about how great summers were before McKennah. I loved staying up late and watching dumb shows with you every night. Those will always be some of my favorite memories. But I'm also happy that you found her. She makes you happy, so that makes me happy. I love you dude. And like I said, I MISS YOU.

Love always,
Mal