How was your week?

Well, it's crunch time. Technically, we have a week left. Realistically, we won't know until Monday. As of today, we will be really, really pushing it, but we are keeping the faith. We received our adoption approval from the US Embassy, but we still need the Philippine passport and then the US visa.

The process has been nerve-wracking. So much so, I am absolutely convinced hell consists of three parts.

Part 1 involves clowns, spiders, snakes, whatever scares you... This is just to set the tone.

Part 2 leaves you with all of these spiders, snakes, etc, but then brings in a huge crew from TGI Fridays or Chili's to sing Happy Birthday again and again for eternity.

Part 3, while surrounded by snakes, clowns, and the Happy Birthday patrol, you will be handed the paperwork to complete an international adoption from the Philippines.

Thank heaven for Christy. This woman is amazing. She is steady, solid, and my anchor. I love her so much it hurts. She has done everything and has made things happen. She has called in favors, turned on the tears, guilted bureaucrats, schmoozed politicians... whatever it takes. This woman does not take no for an answer!

This last week was crazy... we lived our lives in parallel. Let's start with Christy:

Monday- Spent the day getting a birth certificate from Natalie's birth city. She used a lawyer, our foster agency contact, and an inside source in an effort to get this document in less than the promised 30 days.

Tuesday- Guess who got her document? Yup. She sure did. Now she's on to the passport and the American Embassy.

Wednesday- Problems with the passport... The passport guy says it is not printed on the "right paper." What the hell does that mean? Doesn't matter... Christy's on it! She calls her army and they go after the problem.

While Christy's Army works on documents, Christy is moving out of the house. Without me. She is leading a team of movers to pack and load the entire house. Without me. She supervises them from 8 am - 1 am. Still not done. Without me.

Thursday- The passport issue seems to be resolved. The movers finish up. More errands to run. Did I forget to mention we have three kids?

Friday- Bryce is back. We spend the morning getting documented policy from the social welfare office to prove to the guys in the passport office Natalie should be given a passport. We get the policy, but it takes 3.5 hours. Now on to the US Embassy. It's 11:35, we need to be there by 12 and traffic is bad!

We make it with 15 minutes to spare. The guard calls upstairs, but the line is busy. More sitting, more waiting, more wishing, (more cursing). Eventually, the officer answers the phone and comes downstairs, handing us the approval document from the US government. This just might work!!

In the space of 5 days, Christy cut through 60 days of red tape. No laws were broken, no one was bribed (but we did pay special expediting charges), no one was hurt. Christy rocks!

Meanwhile, in another part of the world...

Monday- I took a 7 am flight from Manila to Beijing. After 5 hours, me and my immediate boss land in mainland China. We had a little open time, so we went to see the Forbidden City (We could have seen the Great Wall, but someone promised Christy he would not go without her. It was the least he could do...). The complex was huge and went on and on and on. We walked at least 4-5 miles.

At 6 om, we met with executives from a company we hope to partner with in China. This is a traditional business dinner, so it was 5 hours long. That said, the length of the meeting was nothing compared to the menu... I had (willingly!) donkey, dog, duck tongue, pig ear, and more. Funny thing, I kind of liked it!

Tuesday- My best friend Garrett took me to the Temple of Heaven, where the Chinese Emperor's prayed. This was my favorite spot. It is set amongst ancient trees and is the most well kept monument. Awesome.

In the afternoon, more Chinese food. This is not anything you get at P.F. Chang's... No Lemon Chicken here!

We have more meetings, then flew out at 11 pm from Beijing to Shanghai for more meetings the next day.

Wednesday- In Shanghai, my boss and I were met by our company CEO and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. To put this in proper perspective, the chairmen of our company is one of the 100 richest men in the world. He's here to review the deal we have set up and either say go or no go. In my career, this might ultimately be the most defining moment. As for my personal life, remember Christy is at home. Without me.

The meetings go very well. We meet with the company executives, the head of the communist party in Shanghai, the governor of Shanghai, and dozens of company leaders. The chairmen actually has to excuse himself to go meet with the Premier of China that night... Big stuff.

More dinners (where I crack a crown on a bone in my Peking Duck- OUCH!), more meetings. We get home at midnight.

Thursday- This is the negotiation day. The chairman is back. More meetings. After lunch, the negotiating begins. Back and forth, up and down, it's a good negotiation. Sadly, I have to get back to Manila. Christy and I have to be at the US Embassy the next day and if I don't leave by 4:30 pm, I won't make it.

I made the Shanghai flight with 15 minutes to spare. All the running has really st off something in my stomach (maybe it's the donkey coming back to haunt me). Then the flight was delayed. When I got to Hong Kong, I had 30 minutes to make the flight. Ultimately, after running with my Chinese escort, I made it to the plane, but my bags spent another night in China. Thankfully, the contents of my stomach stayed behind as well...

Friday- I'm home, but the meetings continue in China. Ultimately, the group reaches a tentative deal. I don't know what this means just yet, but this is a major win for us. I'll update that later. You already read how Chris and I spent Friday, but there is an additional item involving the kids...

While Christy and I were running around, the boys were shooting a TV commercial for a Filipino Amusement company. From 8 am - 10 pm, the boys (and a few of their friends) drove bumper cars, went down slides, rode on rides, ate pizza, and had a great time. Here are some pictures of all of the events.

This was, without question, one of the most stressful, crazy, exhilarating, depressing weeks ever. While we saw and did new things, I hope never to combine so many crazy events into 5 days ever again!!

You know I love you guys right?

I made this just for you guys!

Lets all Celebrate! Bryce and Christy are coming to the main land...

Bryce,

This is for you! I'm so excited to see you guys!

RIP Puff the Magic Dragon

In memory of our dearly departed puff we write this memorandum in his memory and life as a true friend and devotee to the Hayes Family.

Born in 1978 and living a short life until just 2008.

Puff lived a good life which started out pretty lonely until he found a friend where they enjoyed countless memories together by the sea.





Too bad the little boys family was total white trash and tried to hurt poor puff, but he survived.





Puff will live on in our hearts and on those T.V's in which the household can stand watching it.





RIP puff- you have been removed from the play list!

The Petersons go to Paris-----KY.

On Memorial Day, we had a very memorable day, we drove out into the country and took silly pictures in a little town called Paris. It's a lovely little town, and we thought we'd share a few silly pictures we took while we were out an about!

Looney "Tunes"--Foghorn BRYCEhorn

I love to get on the family blog and just turn on the music, because it makes me think of our family, some of the songs remind me of mom, some of them remind me of our crazy childhood. Yes, there are many stupid songs on there, but they have sentimental value. I think that since Bryce was the first to bring it up, he should go first with the playlist rotation.

We should each make a playlist, one that really describes us, our family (immediate), and where we live blah, blah, blah. That way, when we get on, we get to think of you. Every couple of months we'll change the playlist. So, Bryce, go to http://www.playlist.com/ and make your playlist, then we'll take this one off, and post yours. Justin, you're next, then Chance. Niesja and I will go after you crazy boys are done playing your tunes.

Can't wait to get all the Hayes' on one continent! Love y'all!

Good to hear from you Poochie! Congrats on learning to use your compoopter.

the word blog is stupid!

So, for the first time in my life my family actually cares what I think....that almost makes me cry! wait I know what this is about, you all just want Dante news and who could blame you, but really to get me thinking my thoughts count for something in this family is rude! rude! rude!

Well mister handsome is a walking treasure hunter. a lover of dirt and all things found in nature. He makes me happier than everything but his mom. I am sorry for thinking you all turned into pansys when you had kids.... I understand and I agree with you all. I am a pansy (thanks Dante).

Just so you all know, I made a personal vow to never blog. I have betrayed myself so feel honored that it was for you.

So there it is.. a thought and oppinion from me. yup I did it...bye

love chance

Mexico Adventure Pictures!

I'm back!

Hola' everyone! I just got back on Saturday from Cancun, Mexico and was able to see all of the amazing archeological sights there that deal with the Mayan people and a lot of the Book of Mormon. I wrote a lot on my page if you would like to read more about it. Also, I wanted to share my slide show with all of you which I will add later ,and to comment on all of your LISTS over the past few days.....

I'm going to make a list of things that I hate about each of you!

Dad- You are taller than me

Mom- I don't hate anything about you

Bryce- You are taller than me

Justin- you are taller than me

Julie- You are taller than me

Chance- You are taller than me

Any questions?

chance is here

i am at chances house and i showed him how this works so if he dosn't post soon call him and yell at him.

Wanted: Chance's thoughts and opinions

Someone please teach Chance how to use a computer...

Things I don't like

I decided to make a list of things that I don't like about life here in Payson so that all of you out of staters will know what you are missing

1 - Onion days. Who in their right mind would have a day about onions (besides mom I mean) I have seen so much emotion at this thing that it's pathetic....streaming tears....choking...etc but it could be from the onions.

2 - We just got 2 new street lights so we are becoming a regular metropolis if the intersection lights exceed 10 we just might have to move.

3 - Having Chance live within a mile of me......Just kidding its rather nice.

4 - Having to deal with all of the idiots who don't understand that no stop sign at a 4 way intersection means yield not just floor it and hope no one else is going through...geez

5 - Commuting. This part I hate because on a busy night I have to drive back to orem several times good thing I have lots of long audiobooks to keep me company.

anyway that is my list of things since i have been focusing on lists lately I also made a list about each of you

1) Bryce, for trying and succeeding in being a friendly, happy, successful and loveable brother

2) Julie, for putting up with me all those years and still taking the time to make sure that I know she cares

3) Niesja, for always letting me know that she cares about me and appreciates everyone.

4) Chance, for always caring about others (WHERE IS MY PEPSI MACHINE) (inside joke) and helping all the time

5) Mom and Dad for always caring more about everyone else than themselves and giving more than is needed and making everyone feel loved and wanted.

6) Michele - the most beautiful women I know. The one I wouldn't change for all the world and a wonderful mother to our 3 little estrogen charged children.

Love Justin

Mental Disorders

It took you 30+ years to figure out I have a mental disorder? Of course I do... I'm a Hayes. It's in our DNA. Our family coat of arms has a sword, a beer can, and a cowboy hat on it. I was doomed from the start.



I suppose your abiliity to read me isn't so bad... It took Christy about 10 years to learn I was psycho. Thanksfully, Nathan hasn't figured it out, but Camden has known since the day he was born. We'll give Nat another year or two.



As for Puff, so long as he dies, I don't care how it happens. Put him in the car, tell him you are taking him to a nice farm, then take care of business. I'm ok with it.



As for the Earl issues, it seems you are all convinced I have the most to apologize for... You may be right, but rather than call out your abundant and deeply personal issues, here are the things I love most about each of you.



Justin- You may be one of the smartest people I have ever met. You are good at whatever you decide to be good at. The question is making the decision. Don't doubt yourself. Anyone who can pull boxes of cookbooks out of a radio station dumpster and sell them up and down the neighborhood can do aything he wants.



Julie- Your greatest weakness is your greatest strength. You are a stubborn, stubborn, stubborn woman. You don't take no for an answer. You have a drive that blows me away. You march to your own drummer and that sets you apart from the crowd. You just keep improving and making it happen. Congrats again on your graduation.



Niesja- You might be stronger than all of us. You are easily the most dramatic of the Hayes' clan, but you have never been afraid to take a chance. You are willing to put your money where your mouth is. You just make things happen. You were the first one to really leave the state, the first one to take chance.



Chance- I did my best to kill you growing up, but you survived. I threw you off bikes, tried to kill you in the car... you just won't go down. Somehow, even amidst my idiotic behavior, you still looked up to me. You have an ability to look past people's faults and support them. You just seem to know how to love and care more than most.



Love you all,



BH

Reply to My Name is Earl

I would like to share with y'all my list of things for each of ya.

Bryce:
1-Being so cool in high school that Justin and I were instant losers.
2-Laughing when mom got mad at you and chased you around the yard.
3-Moving to the Philippines and taking your kids with you.

Justin:
1-Eating all the hot dogs with potatoes and cheese on them.
2-Locking me in the closet.
3-Taking a bath and not locking the door when I was having a sleep over--yep! they saw you in all your glory my dear!

Niesja:
1-Posting that picture of us jumping on the trampoline--are you sure that's really us??? yuck!
2-Calling me Precious Jewels.
3-Peeing the bed when we had to share one.

Chance:
1-Being a really mean teenager!
2-Not sharing more pictures of Dante.
3-Telling Ali she was a brat.

Dad:
1-Flyswatter
2-Black Socks
3-Rub my feet for a quarter, ooh! gross!

Mom:
1-Not spanking Niesja when she clawed me:)
2-Working too darn hard!
3-Taking care of everyone, all the time, and leaving no time for yourself!

Ha! Ha! Ha! This was fun Justin! Thanks for the great idea! You all know I love you, right?

Check out my Slide Show!

My name is Earl

So have you ever watched this show? It is very funny and talks about how he it trying to correct all the bad things he did in his life so Karma will be nice him. So he has this list of things and he is trying to make up for them so I decided to help you all become better people and make lists for the top 3 things you should make up for

Julie
1 - Taylon
2 - Taylon
3 - Taylon
Just kidding Julie he is a great kid

Niesja
1-Not actually knowing what her real hair style is
2-Living where it is warm while we freeze during the winter
3-Having to deal with you and Julie when you are together and you can't get a word in between because you are both laughing so hard

Chance
1-Working for Pepsi
2-Getting me hooked on get fuzzy comments
3-Not getting me my pepsi cooler instantly

Bryce
1-Being Bryce need I say more

Well anyway that is my list so that Karma can let you win a 100,000 scratch lotto card and you will have a start on your list.

Love Justin who dosn't have any of his own failings............right.......

In Defense of Puff

Bryce,

After having thoroughly reviewed your disturbing last entry, I have come to the conclusion that you are suffering from a rare, but very real mental disorder. This disorder stems from a very real fear: "Puff-a-phobia." It also stems from lack of emotional well-being, and an innate fear that you may not be able to communicate--a strong link to little Jackie Paper; who also could not communicate. For years you must have suffered from your inability to express your fears, and now, thanks to Puff playing each day for you, it has uncovered these emotions and made it possible for you to be open and honest with your family. Look deep within yourself Bryce, find your little Jackie Paper, let him talk to you, become one with your Jackie Paper! You must have had a very disturbing childhood, this is most often preceded by one parent, or both, going by the same name; most commonly George, or sex-fiend. Also, a common parental trait, is one or both parents wearing stiff, black dress socks. Do you have repressed memories of those socks being shoved into your face while being tickled by your parent, and laughing hysterically? Often times, if the socks are not stinky enough, many parents revert back to the tried and true fly swatter. It's not Puff that's making you feel this way my brother, it's your inner-self trying to break free from the years of being bound in chains of disgust toward Peter, Paul and Mary, let your inner-self bond with you, embrace Puff, become one! Forgive your father for his stinky feet, it wasn't his fault, he didn't know what he was doing. Let us all know how your struggle works out!

(I'll take Puff off, party-pooper!)

(We just chose songs that were silly that reminded us of mom, if you want to pick some songs, I'll send you the link)

Love ya lots!

Yeah! I finally made it!

Puff must die

Bad music is painful. Sure, we all have guilty pleasure songs, but some music just sucks. I freely admit there is music on my iPod that would give you reason to tease me for years, but since I am unlikely to cough up my player, you're all left to guess what secrets lay hidden.

Keyword here? Hidden.

I usually log on once a day, just to see what everyone has been up to. Unfortunately, everytime I log on, the stupid music player starts up with the gag inducing Puff the Magic Dragon.

Just in case you couldn't tell, I hate Puff. I don't care about his magic or where he lives. Moreover, I don't give half a damn about where he frolics. I can't stand it. I can live with Fraggles, Cookie Monster, weird country music, etc, but Puff sucks.

So, as a request, a plea, whatever - whoever has access to the music folder, please kill Puff. Don't make me hack this site...

ye-haw

Hey all, I'm going to be gone for a week to Mexico and wont have access to my Internet or phone! If I don't return that means that I was stolen by some Mexican physco path and they have taken my hair and made it into a wig or something.....

So don't worry if I don't respond or don't post anything for a week, I'm not dead... I'm taking a break!

Love you all and I will let you know all about my adventures in Mexico when I return.

Niesja

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

Hey there Linda Loo, just wanted to wish you a Happy Mothers Day and to let you know that your are the best darn Mom, costume maker, operetta writer and music writer, accordion player, piano player, Messing with Dad's head player, has the pretties blue eyes that none of your children got, best teacher, best romance novel reader, 2nd best tetris player (I'm still the first) ha ha, best clam chowder maker, best at playing the entertainer on the piano, best at waking your children up at 7 AM to teach piano lessons, best at keeping everything for the longest period of time and then forgetting you have it, best at smiling, best at doing the right thing, best at loving all your kids no matter what torture they put you through, best at having 3 brain surgeries, gall bladder surgery, hysterectomy, I think you got your appendix out, and that you are still incredibly normal still. Best at making me really mad when when I was 16 and stupid, best at helping me know I am being an idiot in a really nice way, fastest computer typer in the world, best rock hunter and making Dad go on weird trails. The list could go on and on but as my child continues to pull the back of my chair and I can hardly see what I am typing because it's in yellow, I'm sure I have misspelled a number of things, so I better end here and try to be as good of a Mom as you were to all of Us. I cherish you, love you and could never ask for a more wonderful person to guide me through this life other than you!

Happy Mothers Day!

Love,

Niesja

AGING

George Carlin's Views on AgingDo you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions."How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the keyYou get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead."How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .. . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!HOW TO STAY YOUNG1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.4. Enjoy the simple things.5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.10.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,but by the moments that take our breath away.

The Parents.....well at least thats who they claim to be

You know I was up at mom and dads house today and I came to realize that they have a lot of weird stuff in there. Like picures of all the kids but me. I decided that I was going to mow the lawn because dad was out of town and is only going to be back for a day or so tomorrow so I called him up to ask him where the bag for the lawn mower is. You may or may not know this but dad does not believe in using the bag when mowing the lawn I guess he likes the nice trail of cut grass that is left in a neat row behind the mower. Any way after convincing him to tell me where the bag was and using some of his covented garbage can space (my heck you have 2 garbage cans and only 2 of you live there!) I was able to tame the front lawn. After this I had to call him again to find out where the wire was for the weed eater. After a 5 minute lecture that it was tough to thread and don't worry about it I will do it when I get back I finally convinced him to tell me where he hid it but only after threatening to sick mother on him. So after viciously attacking the enroaching weeds and grass with the weed wacker I had to call him AGAIN about where the edger was. Of course this very impotant lawn implement that should be stored in a garage is of course in storage in another city. This prompted me to really look around the garage.....bundles of romance books mixed with 5 different types of armour all and a few single swimming fins made me realize that what needed to be put into storage is the entire garage. Anyway other strange things that live in that house.....an electric organ that could very well blow up next time it is plugged in is stuffed under the stairs (how did you get that thing under there anyway?) A very nice stereo system hooked to a large TV and surrounded by nice white couch recliners that I belive mom and dad have only sat on once in this year. also my favorite in the downstairs bathroom a bottle of lavender lotion that has hermetically sealed itself to the counter because it has not moved in so long. As I look at all these strange things I come to ask myself.....this really explains everything I mean look at Bryce, Niesja, Julie and Chance they are the weirdest people I know they had to come from something like this. As always remember they are our parents and there is nothing in that house that a good fire won't fix.

Love ya all
Justin

PS you know I did not know that Natalies middle name was Lorraine. That is Ivy's middle name also.

PPS Thanks for reminding me Niesja I always feel better when I write something.

Look Dad!

They are coming out with a new movie called IGOR! I just thought this was super funny as that is what you call Ethan!

Precious Jewels

Congratulations to Julie! I call her precious Jewels! After everything that you have been through, having 3 kids, raising them and going to school full time it has finally ended! I'm so proud of you for graduating! You are such an inspiration and a completely amazing sister! I look up to you so much and can only hope to accomplish the things you have done already in your life time! I hope you know how much you are loved and how proud we all are of you!

love you and congrats you stinky monster!

Niesja's challenge....

Hi everybody! I'm taking the 5 challenge.... It's to lose 5 pounds! There is really no time limit or way to do it, I'm just wondering if any one wants to do it with me to motivate me. I always have these thoughts, "oh, I need to lose 20 pounds or more." But if I have someone that is doing this with me I can do 5 at a time! What do you guys think? I can't do this alone but I think it would be fun to do it together!

Let me know if you want to do this with me and after we lose some weight maybe we can have a party or something... wa-ho0oh!

DERICK'S LOVELINESS

THIS IS A PICTURE OF DERICK'S EYE BALL. HE WAS DRILLING WITH A DREMEL TOOL AND A SLIVER OF METAL FLEW INTO HIS EYE. THEY HAD TO TAKE A SMALL DRILL AND DRILL IT OUT OF HIS EYE! THIS WAS QUITE AN UNCOMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH OF US, FOR DERICK TO ENDURE AND FOR ME TO WATCH! THIS IS A PICTURE AFTER THEY REMOVED IT AND YOU CAN SEE HOW BIG HIS PUPIL IS FROM THE MEDICINE THEY GAVE HIM AND IF YOU LOOK REALLY CLOSE AT THE TOP THERE IS A GLARE FROM THE HOLE THEY CREATED FROM DIGGING IT OUT! ONE OF HIS PUPILS IS BIGGER THAN THE OTHER AND IT STILL HASN'T GONE AWAY, IT'S FUNNY! SORRY THIS IS ALL IN CAPS, I'M JUST TO LAZY TO PUSH THE BUTTON TO TAKE IT OFF!