Three's Company

Aggie Football games are great. 

Especially with these two girls.

But do you know what is even greater?

Leaving the game early to get Sonic Slushes.

Talking about life.

Having people who understand.

And all falling asleep while watching Sleepless in Seattle.

Too Cool for School

Big news.

College started!!

wait you knew that already??

I'm still attending Utah State University and am a sophomore this year.

I am an Elementary Education Major or ELED but am not in this program until after this year. 

Due to Prereq's and failing Math 1010 last semester.

I suck at Math.

Sue me.

I've almost finished my first week of classes and it's actually going really well.

I've seen and read a lot of cool things this week that gave me a ton of motivation or just made me think and wonder. 

Ready?

First is this video. 

I'm sure some of you have seen it and whatever.

I had already seen it when I watched it in my...

Science, Technology and Modern Society class.

Mouthful, I know.

But still every time, I am amazed.

Go ahead. Watch it.

That part about preparing students for the future with technology that doesn't even exist yet? 

Blows my mind.

And somehow our society still succeeds.

Amazing.

In other news, my ELED 1010 teacher treats us like kindergartners and I love it.

I really do.

Except today when we had stretching time.

You know why?

Well, I'm taking an Aerobics class. It's a 1010 class so nothing too crazy hard. Just your basics.

Well yesterday, we had our first workout. 

We warmed up with some squats, lunges and those kinds of things.

We went over to the closet to get mats and

My legs were jello.

Seriously. 

AFTER THE WARM UP!

The rest of class we had circuits with weights, the balls, mats, you name it.

We had to do everything pretty repetitively for 3 minutes each.

Today?

My legs hurt so freaking bad.

I took other routes to my classes as to avoid as many stairs as possible.

No joke.

So when my teacher asked us to get up and do some stretches and  get the blood flowing,

everyone jumped out of their desks.

I slowly got up from my seat, holding onto the desk for support.

And it took me twice as long to get up then everyone else.

Well played Aerobics, well played.

But for my ELED class I get to go observe a 5th grade class in two weeks for 2 hours, 3 days a week. 

I'm so excited! 

I haven't been in an Elementary class in well,

I'm bad at math so,

a long time!

I'm thrilled.

Then for my mouthful class, remember that one?

We read an article called 

Becoming a Learner.

It was everything I needed to hear and more.

It was exactly how I felt.

It was all about college students feeling like they were here to learn the skills for life basically. That college would do all the preparing we need for our lives, to be successful.

But he stated that in fact it is for us to be able to learn the skills once we are in the real world.

College teaches you to be a learner.

That education and college is a unique experience for everyone.

You can either be a student.

Someone who expects the teacher to tell them exactly what we need to do

does what is expected,

basically how to get an A.

Or...

You can be a learner.

Someone who asks for challenges,

for hard classes,

assignments

and goes above and beyond.

Who learns things for life,

not just for the tests.

Someone who takes responsibility for their education.

I completely knew what this article was saying.

I was a student.

That is why I wasn't getting things out of college I always thought I would.

College was making me into the person I needed to be.

After just one year, I've changed so much.

I've grown.

Learned new things,

studied,

did the bare minimum for a passing grade,

not even an A.

This is my year to be a Learner and take responsibility for my education.

For my Life.

In other news, Aggie Football begins tonight. 

I believe that we will win.

Dear Me,

Dear 5 year old self,
It's okay that you want to take your blanky with you to kindergarten. Enjoy that moment when you longed to just be at home so much that you just wanted to take it with you.

Dear 8 year old self,
You don't need to get attention by looking down on yourself. You may by one of 4 Haley's in your class and that cute boy didn't know which one you were, but you were you and that was enough. And you are special. Take the time to spend time with Grandma Dixie, for this is the oldest she will ever see you get.

Dear 12 year old self,
You are a sixth grader. You are on the top of the world without any cares in the world. Enjoy that and soak it in. Because that is the last time you will really feel like that. Oh, and it's okay that you are moving. It's time for better things. And you meet some of the most influential people in your life. Your life is about it change for the better.

Dear 13 year old self,
Enjoy 7th grade. You are going to meet your best friends this year. Have fun. Don't worry so much about being part of the in crowd. You'll get your shot. You don't need any hints for this year. You do a good job adjusting and staying true to you.

Dear 15 year old self,
Watch your ego this year. Yes, it will be very successful for you. You get the lead in the school play and one of the top 3 guys in school. But remember who you are and what you stand for. And it's a good thing you never kissed that boy. But it's a good thing you dated him. He taught you about heart break and you needed that.

Dear 16 year old self,
Stop being dramatic. Your dad didn't ruin your birthday but it was important that you got that cry in. New York is going to change the way you see the world and you are going to be convinced that it's the most perfect place in the world. You are going to get kissed this year. Good job for waiting until after you were 16 though! You are going to be self conscious that you are a bad kisser. You're not. He attacked you and it wasn't fair. Be careful with your friends. Include everyone.

Dear 17 year old self,
Getting mad at Mike and Alicia is really not going to do you any good. It creates a lot of drama and breaks up a lot of friendships that will never be the same. You do however meet some people that you need to. Just be careful and don't take so many things for granted. You get your first boyfriend too. It's nothing like you imagined. So don't get your expectations up too high.

Dear 18 year old self,
Senior year is going to change your life. You are going to realize that even though you wanted to fit in with the cool people and be popular, you were in your own way. Choir is what makes you happy. The people in there, the friendships you make and even the leadership position that you hold. San Francisco is exactly what you needed to see. The bustle of the big city has you on cloud 9. Don't forget how much you loved it and how much you want to live there one day. Breathe in every moment because it is gone too fast. Everything is easy and planned for you even though you may not realize that. You may be ready to get out of there but you only get that once. So use all of it up. You handle graduation very well. You even remembered to take it all in for once and feel completely happy. It's bliss. You did it. Congrats.

Dear Freshman year self,
Moving out will be all too easy for you. You were ready to go. But only because the people closest to you were going with you. Your roommates are everything you needed. You will fall in love and you will fall in love hard. Remember to make time for some other people. You'll need them later. Be sensitive to the feelings of those around you. And be careful. Be careful in everything you do. It's okay to break the rules sometimes but realize when it's too far. Have some courage. Appreciate this year. For it is absolutely perfect.

Dear Sophomore year self,
This year is when it all begins. And ends. You are thrown into a whole new situation. Where you feel completely alone but those around you seem to have it all figured out. Be you though. You have to meet new people this year. You don't have a choice. It is going to scare you. You don't know what kind of people you'll meet or what role they will play in your life but be open to change. You may not be destined for the life you have planned. Find yourself this year. Take chances. Good Luck.

Dear Future self-
I hope your life is everything you've ever wanted and more. That you've figured out a career, graduated college, traveled, that you are married, maybe have some kids. Mostly, I hope you are happy and enjoying yourself. I hope you haven't taken anything for granted, that you've made it gracefully through your trials and stayed true to what you believe in. Let me in on any secrets you can or just some helpful hints.

Love,
Haley

Jiggity Jig

And here I am back in Logan. 

Home again, Home again.

Yesterday, I was so nervous. This was a whole new experience for me. I was going with no one and the people I did know won't be here for one more day.

So I knew today would be different.

But I feel better today. I know this is where I need to be and it will be a great year.

Last year on this day, Jenna and I spent all day setting up our room, laughing our heads off, visiting friends and seeing their new homes, we even found a stray cat.

This year, I drove up by myself, with Mal following in another car. 

I came inside my new home that I had never seen before. 

No one was here and I had no idea where I was supposed to go. 

I decided that my room must be the only one that was empty. 

Hopefully I was right. 

Because I'm not moving now.

We figured out we should park in the back and carry my load of crap through the back door.

Good idea.

We unpacked everything and were amazed by how much space I had.

And all to myself.

I'm loving that.

I have a full dresser for the first time in years.

I have a desk to do all my school-ish things on.

I have all my Pintrest crafts done that includes my pictures-frame. 

And my paint chip calendar.

And everything is put away, organized and ready for another school year.

And I have the most fantastic couch in the universe.

Now I just need everyone to be up here.

Then I'm set.

Oh. Did I mention that we have a puppy?

I had no idea.

Then I opened the door and the sweetest puppy jumps over his kennel and into the house.

I still don't know his name or if he is staying but I sure hope so. 

He's adorable

Not to mention my only friend tonight.

Adventures next stop

I move to Logan tomorrow.

The day is finally here.

I remember being here last year and being thrilled out of my mind.

I had been looking forward to moving out for months.

This time not so much.

I'm excited don't get me wrong.

But this year is so much different.

I've been there before, had the experience.

I moved up with my best friend to be my roommate, so what is there to worry about?

My boyfriend was there.

My sister.

My other best friend.

Now you know what happened?

None of them will be there.

I feel like I should have felt last year.

Nervous to move out and start anew. 

And sad to leave people behind.

So here we go!

Wish my luck.

Home Sweet Home

Well guys, my life has been crazy and I haven't done much blogging but we're slowly getting back into it.

Guess what? 

My family has officially moved.

And, I missed the move while I was in Bear Lake. 

So that was so nice.

I came home and everything was set up, except my room and my bed of course since all that is still at the old house until I move to Logan and take it. 

I slept on the couch until we got a bed that is just sitting on the floor that I sleep on so far.

Except for one night when all my brothers and sister and I slept at the old house while it was completely empty.

And what better way to enjoy your last night in that house then to make a music video of us dancing in every room?

So that is exactly what we did.

I'm going to miss that house but the new one is growing on me.

Enjoy!

Here Comes the Sun

I just returned from one of the most beautiful places on earth. What is that place you ask?

Bear Lake

Ellen and her family brought me with them for this lovely weekend that I've never been more grateful for. It was very much needed. Just to be out on the boat and out on the water and look for miles and just see the sparkly blue water, while the sun beats down on you. It was amazing.

We had so much fun boating, tubing, wakeboarding, skiing, knee boarding, all kinds of things. 

I hadn't been out on a boat in 5 years and it was very much over due. And I loved being at Bear Lake, so close to Utah State, and back where I have so many memories. 

Like this one and we can't forget this one either.

We also went swimming in the freezing cold lake, and laid out in the hot sun.

We got yummy pizza, shakes and I even tried a Hamburger and Steak.

That is a huge deal. 

We loved the Beach and we especially enjoyed each others company.

We had so many laughs, and talked about lots of things. Some fun, some disturbing. 

Just literally everything.

We missed our missionaries but we realized they are where they need to be and we were happy we only have 22 more months.

We watched Disturbia then found ourselves sacrificing Ellen and wondering if we believed in demons when our lights began to flash on and off every few minutes.

It was just Ellen's uncle, flipping the breaker...

Ellen even had her birthday and turned the big 19, finally! 

It was so nice to be able to not only get to know Ellen's family more but also to get to spend the weekend with the girl that had helped me survive summer, whom I have to leave in the next 2 days. I'll miss her but this trip was a fabulous finale to this summer.

Thanks to the Petersen's for bringing me along on this super fun trip! I loved every minute of it!

Enjoy the highlight video from the weekend... Yes I'm still learning to video everything the same way...

Take a minute...

After going to the Hot Air Balloon Festival tonight, I was driving home with the 3 kids I was babysitting and their cousin. The oldest boy started talking and it got me thinking.
He said that he hated his life, that nothing ever goes his way, that his parents loved his sister more than him and his brother, that they spoil her and he gets nothing. That he only had 5 friends and no one liked him and that if he could make one wish, he would wish to be an only child.

I sat in the front seat in silence, not knowing what to say. I knew this boy had more then what he needed, and that his parents did indeed love him very much. And I was actually jealous that you had 5 friends. I thought about this as we got home and started putting our pajamas on.

Then his sister got really upset and started crying and was really sad about what her brother had shared. She was crying and everyone tried to comfort her. So I had all the kids come in so we could have a chat.
A chat I thought the kids needed to hear. But I think I may have needed it just as much.

I reminded the kids how blessed they really are. That even though some have more then us, or better things then us, we still are blessed. That our families love us and would do anything for us. And our parents try and do that for us everyday. That we have more friends around us then we even realize, we just need to take the time to recognize it.

But mostly that we need to be thankful for what we do have. That there is someone else, somewhere we've only dreamed of, that is happy with less then we have.

This really hit me since I'll be leaving my house and family coming soon.

I am indeed blessed.

And I need to be thankful for what I do have in this life, that even though it isn't everything, it is enough.
I have an amazing family that supports me, helps me, laughs with me, deals with me and my moods, understands and that will always be there for me, for eternity.

I have a house to come home to each day. Even though the house will change soon, I still have one. All of my things will be there, and it has all the things my current house has. I even have a 3rd home in Logan that is waiting for me to move into. While it may look dumpy and run down. It will be a roof over my head and serve as a shelter for me for 9 months or more.

I have friends who love me and look out for me. Some are here in Sandy, some are in Logan, some are in different states, some are in different countries but I have them. I have people that are there to comfort me, that I can turn to, that I can confide in.

I have the gospel that brings me back to earth in moments like this where I can see the Lords hand in my life, all working in his perfect time. He has given me things I have asked for and some I didn't ask for but that I always needed. He keeps a watchful eye out for me and will never make me go through anything alone. He has shaped my life and so far it has all worked out.

So from now on I'm going to take advice from Rascal Flatts and;

I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on

And learn how to face my fears

Love with all of my hear, make my mark

I wanna leave something here

Go out on a ledge, with out a net

That's what I'm gonna be about

Yeah, I wanna be runnin'

When the sand runs out

God has given me so many blessings in my life and this is my one and only shot to show him how grateful I am for everything. So I'm not going to take anything for granted. I'll be thankful for my trials and hardships and I will serve. Serve those around me, my family, friends, and neighbors. I will serve the Lord in any way that I can.

I will be grateful for what I have.

The House that Built Me

Summer is racing to a close and I can't believe it has come and gone so fast. I spent all summer babysitting 4 of the most rambunctious kids in my neighborhood. They kept me on my toes that is for sure. But I finished with them on Thursday. I've also been babysitting on and off another family and I finish tonight after taking them to the Hot Air Balloon Festival. I've very excited for that.

After that, I am done babysitting for the summer. Completely done.

I'm spending half of next week in Bear Lake with Ellen and her cousins. I am so excited to be back at that place.

Then when I get back on Saturday, we start moving out of my house.

I move up to school on Tuesday. Into the worlds classiest house, you' be amazed. Get excited. I'm officially a home renter. But I'm excited to be living with Britt again and get to know her better.

This is my last week to live in this house and I don't really know what to do. What do you do somewhere that has been home for 8 years that you won't set foot in for the rest of your life? I don't know either.

Lucky me though, I get to make a different house a home. Two actually. One just up the street from my home now and one in Logan. Where I will spend most of my time. I am excited.

Logan is going to feel weird this year. I went up to Utah State last year knowing that the 3 people that I spend the most time with would all be there.

Jenna who was my roommate. While it was only for 4 months. It was still so fun. I never felt nervous to move out because I felt comfortable with her and knew she would always be there for me. She has found a new life here in Sandy and I am happy for her. But I will miss her in Logan this year. She better come visit.

Mike who wasn't initially a reason I went to USU. It was actually the other way around. But he turned out to be one of the biggest blessings up there last year. He changed my life and my perspective on things. I am happy he is where he is and I know it is more important.
It's been 2 months since he left and I really feel like this is when our real lives are going to start without each other. We are used to each other being gone and only getting to "talk" to each other once a week with letters. Now I am going to Logan and am going to make new friends and make new memories up there that he isn't included in. That will feel weird.


Lastly, Mal. I didn't find out she wasn't coming back to Logan until July. I can't say I was surprised when she said she'd be going on a mission but it was a little surprising to realize she wouldn't be in Logan. I am so happy for her and know she will be a great missionary though.


So really, the next week, my whole life is going to change. I am leaving behind the house I've called home since I was 12. It was with me through my awkward years in Junior high and High School. I'm also leaving behind the 3 people mentioned before, as well as the rest of my family who will all move into a house that I haven't even seen yet without me. That is so weird to me. I'm leaving behind some friends I've come to know much better this summer, Ellen mostly. I'm excited for her to finally start college and working and all the other crazy stuff she does. I'll miss all of our crafternoons and watching dumb shoes and mostly getting to talk about our missionaries with someone who really understands. I can't wait to be able to spend the next Fall semester with her in London!


So here we go, my last week at home, in my home, with my Sandy life.
Then I'm off to make other memories and have other adventures!

"He treats your little girl like a real man should"

Little shout out to Alissa Staten Parrish! Who got married! Finally! I absolutely love weddings. So freaking much. I am so happy for the two of them. They are adorable and I am so glad he makes her so happy. I know Alissa through Dolci, the ladies choir in high school, so it was also nice to run into some of my Dolci girls from the past and get to get all caught up on their lives. I went with Ellen who is still on recovery from her surgery and was having a hard time sitting and everything. So that gave for a few good laughs. And when they played "Mama's Song" by Carrie Underwood and Ellen and I were getting teary eyed. So we had to get out of there.  But Alissa and Jason are officially onto their lives and their happily ever after. Congrats you two! To follow their story, go right here!