The Other Side to the Story

I recently had to read a book for my history class. It's called Generation Kill written by Evan Wright. My teacher occasionally adds it to the list of books we had to read this semester, she said it was somewhat of a controversial book, because she receives many complaints about it. Overall, I did not see the controversial part, I enjoyed the story of these brave men.

Before reading the book I had not been familiar with the Iraq War or military in any way. I have no friends or family serving, so it is a world away from me. This book opened my eyes in so many ways. The author did such a good job at painting the picture of the war and the setting that the men were in. The harsh weather, the horrible conditions, and the lack of supplies. There are many not so positive things I could say about the war, but I was amazed at the soldiers in the story. Wright again did such a fantastic job about depicting these men. He illustrates their physical features and how built they were. He shared about their personalities during combat as well as off the field. Throughout the book, I truly felt like I knew these men and my heart went out for them every time they had to go up against a tough situation where they were usually being ambushed or just struggling with missing their families.

I also saw the other side to the war. Wright also described the Iraqi civilians and what they were going through. They are people just like me. They are scared people trying to provide for their families who are struggling with so much. It broke my heart to hear about the conditions they have to live with. To think that they live in a war torn country day in and day out while shots and bombs falling are an everyday occurrence. I am truly blessed.

Whether my teacher knows it or not, my eyes have been opened to what is really going on across the world. My prayers are now filled for those brave men and women who are trying to fight for what is right and for the poor, hurting, sick, and scared civilians.

I highly recommend this book to others as well. It is an amazing book to get an inside look at this war that we all seem to be consumed by, but may not know as well as we think. There is a lot of profanity in the book...so it may not be for the easily offended. Enjoy reading!

Halley

Christmas has come to our humble abode!

It's that time of year and we are up and ready for the busy season. We have been stuffed with turkey and are now looking towards the hustle and bustle of the next couple of weeks! We have put up the tree and hung the stockings with care. Now all we need are some presents under the tree. We're looking to all this great season will come with, cold air, the season of giving, good friends and family, and all the cookies we could ever want!

We have also had some exciting news as of late. Amy is finally an aunt! Gavin Mattingly Jernigan was born November 18th, 2008, a little after 7:00 pm. He was born 9lb., 8oz. and is as cute as a button. Amy is a very proud aunt as are Ashley and I. We all can't wait to see him grow up.

Here are a few pictures of Santa's little workshop in our house.

We Moved....

Yes...We know we haven't posted anything in awhile, we're not too up on the whole blogging thing. :) We do have an update though. We moved about a month ago out of the house and into an apartment. We have finally have gotten settled in. Sara, sadly is not in the apartment with us, she is in Tempe. She is closer to school and work, what could be better than that! Our little apartment is a 3Bedroom and we have been getting used to living in an apartment, going up and down stairs and the neigbors... We are enjoying it though! Here are some pictures:

O We Love Weddings!!!

Our Wonderful friend Heather got Married on July 12th!

Heather Dawn's Big Wedding Day finally came! Amy and the Bridesmaids had a very fun bachelorette party the night before her big day!

We took her to Axis

She is Happily Married and back in Seattle! Here are some pictures from the Wedding!

Here is Heather and her Hubby Brian

Her dress was gorgeous

Amy and Heather

Halley and Ashley on the Dance Floor!

Amy and Brandon showing everyone their moves!
Sara and Ashley
We all had so much fun and Amy did a great job on being a wonderful Maid Of Honor!

J.J was also at the Wedding and was an AMAZING D.J!!! We all love him so much!

Here's Us In A Nutshell

So we (aka Halley and Ashley) decided to give a little update on what all four of us girls have been up to.

To begin with, Sara has been loving life! She is a very busy girl working a lot and just got a NEW job! We are all excited for her! Here are some pictures for you to see! Sara still has her Blonde moments that make us laugh but she keeps us entertained!

Here is all of Us at Dave and Busters!!

Amy has also been a very busy girl! After working at Texas Roadhouse for 5 years she finally decided to take a new direction. She is now working at Central Christian Church and is loving it! She is a MOH (Maid of Honor) for our close friend Heather's big wedding day that is coming up this Saturday!! Amy and her BF Brandon have been dating FOREVER! No Joke! They enjoy spending every moment they can with each other! Also Brandon has adopted 3 sister since Amy has been living with us! We enjoy hanging out with them!

Amy with the soon to be bride Heather!

Amy J with her Man!

Amy and Ashley got to go to Mama Coffey's and Dr Coffey's Beach house for the summer!

Miss Halley has had a very exciting year! Halley was able to go to Spain for a short term mission trip for worship. She had a great time and learned a lot. She has a passion for traveling and jumps at every opportunity to go anywhere. Someday she would like to be in the tourism field getting benefits to travel for CHEAP! She also had the opportunity to go on a week long junior high trip as a coach to Malibu, California. She had six very crazy, but fun girls to take care of for the week at Pepperdine. She is currently not employed, but looking for something and enjoying summer! She is also looking forward to family vacations to Michigan and California and maybe even a trip to Australia to visit a favorite friend...Tara!

This is the entire team that went to Spain

This is the team in front of the famous Plaza Mayor (as seen in Vantage Point)
The coolest group of 8th grade girls and their awesome leader!
Tara and Halley

Last but not least, Ashley has been enjoying her summer very much so! She is working for her Dad and loves having lunch with him! She is going to ASU for Nonprofit Management and is ready to be finished! Living with these three girls has taught her so much and loves every moment she gets to spend with the girls! The girls had many parties such as a ROCKBAND! party that was a hit!

Us Girls dressed up for our RockBand Party!
That's all Folks!

How It all Began!

The Happy Couple!

Well on one quiet little day, know as June 24, 2008 Halley wanted to have a blog. Ashley said she would only get one once she was married. Well, next thing you know Halley comes running to Ashley with a "rocker/pirate" ring and asked the FOUR most important words to a girl. "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" So to keep this short we now have a blog! Here are some pictures of our romantic moment! Enjoy!