Hey...so i can't believe its already November!!

But it is...

Its been awhile since i've blogged, and i have an abundance of legitimate excuses...but since i have been so busy, there should be quite a few things piled up for me to write about...so really, its a good thing. :)

I'm thinking i can probably come up with at least ten things...here i go:

1. our new neighbors moved in across the street. Which is particularly awesome because i grew up with this family. The previous owners were a sweet old couple who were like grandparents to me. Over the years, my older brother and i got to know their grandkids, who are now our neighbors... they have nine kids in their family...and that automatically makes them cooler. So i'm pretty excited about them moving in...

2. It was Yonas's birthday Friday! This was his first birthday ever...because there really are no birthdays in Ethiopia. Well, naturally there are but they just don't recognize them and/or party it up on that day, as we Americans do all too well. :) But anyways, that was very exciting. He was so happy. He's definitely the best little brother i could have ever asked for. He is so sweet and kind and loving. It was a great day. I love him so much. 

3. Yesterday was Halloween.  We went out to dinner with some really really really cool people... :) Then went to Bethel Vespers. It was an a.m.a.z.i.n.g. worship service...It was an awesome way to spend Halloween night.

4. Hmmm. okay so, i am really, really, really, really, really, really, excited for the Lecrae concert on Sunday! Its gonna be awesome!

5. I watched Avatar for the first time the other night. Its a dumb movie. Granted, there is some pretty amazing animation...but the story line was all messed up. 

6. I did some photo editing a week or so ago...here's a couple of the pictures:

  Didn't really edit that one...but he's just too cute.

 That's Yonas's eye. Gorgeous.

shes funny. 

                        Thats me, with the lyrics to I will glory in my Redeemer.

                     One of my favorite verses.

                                She's kinda cute. 

Hahaaa....i had fun. 

7. I've been revisiting some of my old music, like, that i used to listen to a million times every day...:)

    A few of the best ones:

The Cut by Jason Gray

Believe by Britt Nicole

Definitely by Cheri Keagy

The Word by Sarah Groves

Healed by Nicole Nordeman 

Trust in Me Now by Cadia

    F.Y.I. every one of those artists have written some of the most influential music on my life...all of their stuff is excellent. Listen to it! :)

8. I have reached the point where sometimes i just need to listen to happy music. 

But, there is a line that most civilized teens would never dare cross...because if you do you will most definitely reach an unacceptable level of nerdom and teenybopperness. (if that is even a word..)

But i have definitely crossed that line. 

Three words(and a few random letters and digits): PureNRG, Tsquad, Jump5.

Don't know who they are? Probably because they were at their peak of fame 5 years ago, and probably because their primary audience is kids ages nine to twelve. 

Nonetheless, sometimes i do listen to their music. It just makes me happy, okay? 

Oh, and in my defense, Cole (my 18-year-old, highly masculine brother) was singing a high school musical song tonight. in public. 

So...we all have our moments of regression. :)

9. I did a lot of math today. Lets just say my mind is stuck in "find the value of 'x'" mode. 

I also did a lot of science. I like science...usually. But it takes serious skill to enjoy learning about the eating habits of bacteria. 

10. Well, i can't really think of a big grand finale...except for maybe that Owl City covered In Christ Alone...and it is my new favorite version of the song. Definitely made me cry. It is such an amazing song. Just pure, authentic praise to our Savior....i could sing it all day. 

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a lifes first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

hmm...well...goodnight world. 

hailey <3

P.S. I love my mom. a lot. just saying. ;) 

P. P. S. another good, good, good song is Like a Lion by David Crowder...