Top 10 of 2010

Here they are guys! NOT in order except the first one really is number 1 =)

1. Marrying the man of my dreams on May 1st, 2010

2. Inheriting the best new family in the world
THE RYANS! My picture disappeared!

3. Going on the most perfect honeymoon to Playa Mujeres, Mexico

4. Moving into the most adorable new house

5. Spending the entire semester with this awesome 3rd grade class

6. Watching the Auburn Tigers totally dominate the SEC and getting ready to watch them play for the National Championship.

7. Going on the Ryan family beach trip as a RYAN for the first time!

8. Spending lots of awesome times with my best friends... this picture is of my and Miley spending a relaxing couple's weekend at the Girls' Ranch

9. GRADUATING from JSU with an Elementary Education Degree!

10. Spending our first Christmas as a married couple was pretty special!

There are a million other special things that happened in 2010 but these are some of the main things. Hope you all enjoyed! See ya in 2011!

What was your best memory from 2010?

A very wordy post

And just like that... Christmas is over. SO. WEIRD. It is amazing how much we anticipate this time of year and then it is gone so fast (often without an adequate amount of time being spent on the REAL reason for the season).

Christmas eve was great. We had a late lunch at the in-laws, followed by a fantastic church service. It was very different from the typical "Christmas Story" and I LOVED IT! He talked about how you cannot focus on BIRTH of Christ without thinking about his LIFE of service and his DEATH on the cross. Pretty cool point. We got home from church and went on our secret Christmas Jar mission (we take a jar full of money and a bunch of house hold items to a local family in need). You better believe we wear camo and sneak around and ring-and-run and all that good stuff. We opened our traditional "brother" present and called it a night.

Hubby and I went home and celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple. We decided that one of our traditions is going to be playing guitar and singing carols together before bed. We would like to say it was quite special (first recorded white Christmas in the HISTORY of Alabama). It snowed and snowed and snowed! SO COOL! We awoke early and exchanged our gifts (he gave me a HUGE canvas wedding picture- it is awesomeee). We came back to my parents house and made it just in time for the boys to be lined up down the stairs, waiting to burst through the tape. Yes, my Dad literally tapes it where they cannot enter until 7:30. Haha. Santa gets tired after a long night of setting up presents for TEN!

After a beautiful morning playing with brothers, in the snow, and with my NEW CANON REBEL XS, we packed up and headed to Mimi's in Dothan.

Going to Mimi's on Christmas is one of my favorite things in the world. We arrived to a house full of family, presents, and delicious food (There are usually about 20 in attendance). We all make it a point to stay for atleast 2 or 3 days and really enjoy time with each other. Thank goodness one aunt/uncle/cousin set live in the same town so the cousins can stay over there in order to spread out the madness lol. I am VERY close to my cousins- and we could not live without our "Cousin Sleepovers". This is something we will continue to do forever... no matter how many of us are married or have children.

Now we are back- back to the real world of work, job searching, cleaning, and getting ready for a new year.

Pictures to come tomorrow! xo

Christmas Movies

Today has been a lazy day. Hubby and I decided to have a date day and watch Christmas movies. So far we have watched...

AND...

LOVE them both! We decided to continue our date day and turn it into a date night. We are about to go eat dinner at Asahi and then go to "Christmas at the Falls". Should be fun. Be back later with pictures?

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

Featured on...

My Happy List was featured on the Enjoy Yourself Blog! Thanks, D!

Busy busy bee

Pardon my absence... I have been a busy lady. From my college graduation and party Friday night, our taco dinner celebration and intense Quelf game Saturday, Ryan family Christmas on Sunday, two nights in Birmingham shopping, and a brunch this morning- I am ready to settle!

Graduation day was just a great day! We had practice bright and early and then my sweet friend Katie kidnapped me and took me to get mani/pedis! She is the best. We walked to Firehouse with our snazzy salon flipflops on with boots in hand. Haha.

I rode out to the ceremony with hubby and we got there just in time for me to run in and get in my seat. He did manage to snap this photo of me on my way in.

It was not boring and was actually pretty exciting for a college ceremony. My dad finally did what he has been threatening to do my whole life... yelled out "THAT'S MY GIRL!" as I walked across the stage. He is so sweet =) Here are a couple of pictures oh me and my friends after the ceremony. The good ones are on my parent's camera.

Saturday was a great day! My friends came over to my parent's house for a taco dinner and then we came back to our house for a game of Quelf. If you guys haven't played that game, I suggest you do it ASAP. It's HILARIOUS. It is as random as random gets... but so much fun. This game is NOT for the shy!

Sunday- Ryan family Christmas. Good times with good people. Got some fantastic perfume that I LOVE. Marc Jacobs Daisy is my jammm. After we finished opening presents, visiting, and having a singalong, I headed to Birmingham to stay with my Aunt.

We did some shopping over the next two days. I got everything done and am so happy!! Christmas shopping at The Summit is not an enjoyable experience the week before Christmas. Glad I made it back to small-town, USA.

Off to enjoy Christmas eve, eve, eve with my hubby. Be back soon!

AHHHHH!!!

Can't post tonight... gotta go GRADUATE!!

image from weheartit

I can't believe the time has finally come... after five long years of hard work, I am on my way out the door to graduate from college! Be back tomorrow with pictures! Say a quick prayer that I don't trip walking across the stage in 4 inch stilettos =)

Dear Lord...

Dear Lord,

I realized last night that when we try to plan our own lives and futures, we often don't get what we want. It is hard to see why you do the things you do sometimes, but I have complete faith in you and believe you have a better path planned for us then we could ever plan for ourselves. I am sorry if I ever doubted your actions. I know that you will use us in a way that we can't even imagine. Thank you for opening and closing doors for us and showing us the way. We trust you and we love you.

Haley and Pat

Wish I Was There Wednesday....

I saw this on a couple of blog posts today and thought it would be fun to play along.

I wish I was...

Here! On this bed on the beach by the Sea of Cortez

Here! In this 2,000 square ft suite aboard the Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship... 12 nights all around the Caribbean? YES PLEASE!

But I'll definitely be okay with snuggling up in the bed with hubby.

Makeup Essentials

I have had a few questions about makeup products that I use... so I am going to show you my essentials!!

For the face:

L to R

1. Mary Kay Velocity Moisturizer

2. Cargo blu-ray blush... beautiful shimmer

3. Bare Minerals foundation in Medium

4. Bare Minerals bronzer in Warmth

5. Bare Minerals brushes

For the eyes:

L to R

1. Eyeshadow brush

2. Almay eyeshadow for blue eyes (daily use)

3. NYC eyeliner in black

4. Maybelline "The Falsies" mascara in Blackest Black

5. Sephora Smoky Eyes kit... perfect smoky eye for a night out

6. ELF party eyes palette- love it!

For the lips:

L to R

1. VS Beauty Rush lip balm... feels sooo good =)

2. For red lips- Mary Kay lipstick in Red

3. For pink/plum lips- Maybelline Berry Beautiful

Hope you enjoy! Oh and by the way... we are waiting for news today so I am currently dying of nervousness at the house alone. Say a quick prayer please!

xo

My Happy List

Here are some things that make me happy:

* Waking up in the morning and seeing my sweet hubby's face

* Sweet kisses and I love you's from him everyday

* A nice hot cup of Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut coffee

* Curling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book

* Browsing through blogs and seeing how many amazing, beautiful, and creative people there are!

* Having my toes in the sand and sunkissed cheeks

* Swimming in the Gulf then getting out and having that great beach hair

* College football (especially the Auburn Tigers)

* Fabulous finds at the thrift store

* A nice cardio workout

* Spending time with my family... they are the BEST

* Singing my head off ALL day

* Watching my brothers grow and succeed

* Kari Jobe

* Hearing music that gives me chills or brings tears to my eyes (this happens often)

* Being in a classroom full of little minds that are so sweet and innocent

* Knowing that whatever happens in life I have my savior, my husband, my family, and my friends to get me though

image from weheartit

What makes YOU happy?!

Music Monday!

First of all, it's noon and 23 degrees outside in Alabama! What in the world is up with that? Not good for this little Florida-girl's body. Actually, Pat and I diagnosed myself with Urticaria... cold allergies. NO LIE. Last winter I was trying to train for a half marathon (this is when I determined I will never be a "runner") and was running completely bundled up, with gloves, etc. My hands would start hurting SO bad. When I would get in and take my gloves off my hands would be swollen and often had hives. It only happened in the extreme cold or snow or when I was out there for awhile. We looked it up on Google and WebMD and came up with this. I know it sounds like I'm kidding... but I'm totally not. I mean who in the world is literally allergic to the cold?

ANYWAY- I have decided that since music is such a huge part of my life that I am going to start doing Music Mondays. I hope I remember this when I am writing next Monday. haha. I am going to feature a current recording of myself, or a new favorite artist, or a song I currently have on replay on my iPod, etc. With that being said, my first Music Monday feature is a recording that Pat and I did yesterday. I wish I could take credit for the guitar playing and the singing, but it is my wonderful husband on guitar with me singing. Since it is getting close to Christmas, the song is our version of "Oh Holy Night". Just click on the play button below! Hope you all enjoy.

image from weheartit

Lazy Sunday

We woke up this morning and decided to have "home" church. If you have never had "home" church before... you should try it sometime! We started out by listening to some Kari Jobe worship tunes and then got on the Calvary Chapel Gulf Breeze website and listened to Pastor John Spencer talk about the birth of Jesus. He made a point that was so neat. I was talking to my brother-in-law a little while ago about how it is so easy to miss the significance of the wording of some bible verses. When Jesus was born, the angels proclaimed, "Unto YOU a savior is born". They did not say- "Unto Mary and Joseph" or "Unto people of Bethlehem". They said, "Unto YOU". As in all of us. How easy is it to miss the depth of that wording? He went on to talk about how one of the names for Jesus is Savior and how a lot of times people only call on Him when they literally need to be saved from a situation... a car wreck, bad finances, etc. Pretty good sermon to listen to on the computer haha.

Overall, this weekend went by way too fast. I don't want Pat to go back to work tomorrow =( I have enjoyed spending the last few days with him. I always do.

We got our house all decorated for Christmas and had our friends Katie and Corbin over to watch the Heisman presentation and eat some chili! It was SO much fun- especially because Cam won!!

Our cute little Christmas tree =)

My adorable centerpiece creation... I am proud of it! haha

The awesome brownies Katie brought for dessert... yummy

Waiting anxiously for the announcement-

"And the Heisman goes to..."

"Who, me?!"

Yayyy Cam!

Yes, I did take pictures of the TV because I was THAT excited. Oh and don't get me started on the Cam debate because I will win. Don't mess with me and Auburn football.

Ok, Netflix Instant Queue is calling my name!

xo

Currently...

Here is my "Currently" list for today!

Currently reading: 

Trying really hard to get into this book since I keep hearing how good it is...

Currently listening to:

Kari Jobe christmas album... ohhh my gosh so amazing

Currently sipping on:

Obsessedddd... makes your house smell wondeful too =)

Current TV obsession:

Still hooked on Gossip Girl. Love it.

Newest love... such a good show and full of SO much talent

Tearjerker... love this show.

Currently longing for:

Our new camera we are getting for Christmas!

Currently dreaming about:

Being in Pensacola.

Currently needing to:

GET IN THE SHOWER BECAUSE WE HAVE GUESTS COMING OVER IN 3 HOURS AND I HAVE TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE!

What's on your "Currently" list??

Christmas time is hereeee

I love Christmas. For sooo many reasons. People are just in a good mood this time of year, ya know? As busy and "stressful" as it may be at times- somehow we all remain so happy and full of Christmas cheer. It may have something to do with the fact that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, or spending time with our families, decorating, giving and receiving gifts, going to tons of parties, etc. It is just FUN!

The last two evenings, I had the privilege to attend some really great parties. Wednesday night was the 36th Annual Ranch Christmas Party. If anyone doesn't know, my parents are house parents at a boy's ranch. The christmas party is one of the only times of the year that EVERYONE from the boy's and girl's ranches all get together. It is a beautiful night with lots of delicious food, visiting, and singing.

Me with the parentals at the ranch party

Me and hubs at the ranch party

The party I attended last night was the Intern Christmas Party. All of the student teachers that just finished from the various programs (Early Childhood, Special Ed, Elementary Ed, etc.) came together to eat and visit. The party was held at the home of one of our most awesome and amazing teachers. It was really great to get together with everyone and talk about our experiences, catch up, and get excited for graduation next week! Here are a few pictures from the evening:

YUM... this is an optical illusion because this cake was HUGE. Red velvet too =)

My best JSU friends, Katie and Ariel.

All of our AWESOME teachers! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My very good friend, Stephanie.

Me and Katie. So excited to be through! If you notice, she is sporting a pretty sweet medal because she won the Outstanding Intern Award! Yayyyy Katie!

My teacher, academic advisor, mentor, and friend- Mrs. Taylor.

I love Christmas parties and can't wait for more! Today I spent the day helping my mom decorate her house and tree. We had a great time chatting and listening to Christmas music. It is weird not living there with them this year! Here is our finished product:

So pretty!!

Anyway, heading out for a date night with my hubby. We are heading to the oh-so-romantic Chick-Fila and back home to watch movies =)

HIJACKED!

So... I can't do the post I planned about the Christmas party we attended last night because Pat hijacked HIS computer! Can you believe he would need and actually take his computer? Haha. The pictures I uploaded from the evening are on it and for some reason won't load onto mine. Oh well.

 I'm gonna leave you with some of my favorite videos from "The Sing-Off" so far. If you are not fortunate to have watched this show yet, I suggest you DO! It is an acapella singing competition that moves me more than any singing I have ever heard! The groups do not use instruments but produce beautiful replications of beats and percussion with their voices! SO amazing. My favorite group is from Huntsville, AL! Alabama represent!!

This is my other favorite group, The Backbeats. The lead singer is amazing and the person making all the percussion sounds is a girl! AHHH! Love it. 

I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I do! It is better on TV and you need to check it out on NBC! 

Heading out for a decorating day with my mom, an Internship Christmas Party, and a sleepover at my parents while Pat is out of town. Be back tomorrow with Christmas Party pictures! 

xo

Christmas Wishlist

Just thought I would share with you guys some things that I am wishing for for Christmas (one thing I am just wishing for in the future haha):

1. Canon Rebel XS- We are getting this for Christmas and I am SOO excited! Blog will be taking a definite turn with some higher quality picture!

2. Fossil Boyfriend Watch- I LOVE this watch and can't wait for it to be on my wrist.

3. Forever 21 Shearling Boots- Soooo cute!

4. P.S I Made This- DIY book by Erica Domesek

5. Ugg Gloves- I would love to have these beautiful leather gloves to keep my hands warm.

6. Catch Phrase- We are trying to build up our game collection around here and Catch Phrase is a classic.

7. Bocce Ball anyone??

8. Gold Michael Kors Boyfriend Watch- This is the one that is really on my "future when I have a job" wishlist.

9. Forever 21 Sequin Top- Perfect for Holiday parties

10. Victoria Secret Long Sleeve Dropwaist Dress

11. Quelf- Another board game. My sister-in-law said it was AWESOME!

12. Daisy by Marc Jacobs- Love this scent

13. Target Rain Boots- I REALLY need some rain boots!

That seems like a mighty long wishlist and I am honestly not expecting anywhere CLOSE to all this stuff! Just thought it was fun to put all the pretty pictures together in one official Christmas list.

What do you guys want for Christmas??