So pretty much everyone knows already, but I had to make it "blog official." I'm engaged!
We went to downtown St. Charles (a historic town, just right outside of downtown St. Louis - the streets are made out of brick and all the shops are in old houses. It's the cutest!) - we just went to look around and maybe eat, but Blake had intentions of proposing there! It was so adorable, he was so nervous!
The ring was my great grandma's, from around the 1940's, I think. My grandma kept it in the original box with the wedding band in a little glass case with all of her mom's teacups, and so I've walked past it many, many times in my life. I've had my eye on it for quite some time! Finally, on Easter, I worked up the courage to ask her if I could try it on - and it fit perfectly! I think Blake knew that I loved it A LOT, so he took my grandma out for dinner and asked her if we could have it! And yes - he asked my dad for permission (!) and he even asked my best friend, Breigh (!!!).
We are so excited! We don't have any dates in mind just yet, but we have a timeframe we'd like to go with. My mom just asked for at least a year's notice so she can look hot at my wedding. ;)
Thank you for all the kind words when we broke the news yesterday! You all are seriously the. best.
We love you!
xo Haley
Oh, and PS - yesterday was just an exciting day all around! Right after we got engaged, we met little Amelia (and I finally met Janel's husband, Adam, after all these years of knowing her!), then we ate at Hooters (real classy! But Blake had never been there, so of course we had to go). We also went to a Florence + the Machine concert at the Peabody Opera House (gorgeous, gorgeous venue), and .... We MET her. No joke. More on that later. :)
On Haley: dress, oxfords, ring - Forever 21// sunglasses - Red Velvet// tights - Target
On Blake: shirt - H&M// shoes - Urban Outfitters// sunglasses - Ray Ban// jeans - Hot Topic
This weekend has been so eventful!
Friday, Blake and I went to Worship Night at our church, which was incredible. I invited Breigh along and we had a blast. Afterwards, Blake and I saw Don't Be Afraid of the Dark... which was slightly disappointing (except for the end, surprisingly enough). But it wasn't in the least bit scary because they left the theater lights on during the entire thing. Laaaame.
Saturday, Blake and I went shopping (had to return one of the two perfumes I got... silly me, I bought two of the same kind), and he bought me this pretty new dress! He's such a good boyfriend. Later that night his band, The Midwest Indies, had a show at The Front Porch, so that was a fun conclusion to our day.
Today we went back to Marshfield to visit my parents and see my grandma. I haven't seen them (with the exception of my dad) in nearly 3 weeks! Crazy talk!
I'm pretty excited for the coming month, though.
Blake and I have a very special date coming up soon, and then towards the end of September, grandma and I have a date to see Gone with the Wind at the Gillioz Theatre! We're mega excited because Gone with the Wind was always our favorite movie to watch on snow days while playing board games. :)
I wear his band's t-shirt (you should get one too, they're mega cute) and indulge in way too much McDonalds.
On second thought, I'm pretty sure I eat too much McDonalds every day...
Anyways. Mr. Blake is on his way to hop on a big boat to go on a cruise.
And I am in Springfield. In my apartment. Alone. Watching Sex and the City & eating ... McDonalds. I did, however, come up with a to do list for a week without Blake.
*Go back "home" to stay the night with Breighann, so we can watch the Bachelorette together.
*Chill out with my papa, talk him into finally getting some Krispy Kremes with me (I've been at it for about a week now. Apparently his diet is getting in the way. Bah).
*Watch the rest of Season 3 & possibly most of Season 4 of Sex & the City, and maybe even some Mad Men... (too much tv via the internet...)
*rearrange my bedroom (for the 3rd time in a month)
I have been on a huge smoothie kick lately. The new coffee shop downtown that I blogged about recently, Boca Mocha, has the most wonderful peach smoothie. Sadly, it's closed on Sunday's, so I resorted to the new mango/pineapple smoothie at McDonald's. Mostly because I had a $1 off coupon and today was the last day to use it. #imjustlikemymom
The upside to that, though, was getting a free redbox rental. So in the end, it's all good.
So, my week without Blake is starting today, and tomorrow afternoon, all communication ends until Friday or so. Blah, blah, blah. No bueno.
But I'll be fine! I've got Sex & the City and lots writing to finish up.
Be sure to check out After Your Heart - a lot happened this week!
Hi, blog world! This is Blake, Haley's boyfriend, and I am taking over this blog for just a moment. Haley doesn't know this, but I figured out her password and I totally jacked her blog. It's 2:30 in the morning and seeing that Haley is fast asleep, I just wanted to use this to surprise her and wish her a happy birthday on this special occasion! I'm going to do my best to not make this some sappy cheese-fest for you guys (or should I say ladies?), but I just wanted to take this time to tell you guys what all Haley means to me. And please bare with me on this. I'm not the world's greatest writer and I have a terrible time explaining myself, so if it get's a little rough at times I apologize in advance! You guys, the reader, are truly amazing! You have no idea the kind of impact you have on Haley's life. She's even stated at one point that her blog friends are better than her real friends. So I just wanted to thank you guys for having such an awesome impact in Haley's life.
Haley and I have been together for a little over 7 months now. 222 days to be exact. And I couldn't be more happier than I am right now. I knew from the first moment I saw Haley that she was the one meant for me. She looked at me with those intense, beautiful eyes and showed me that amazing smile and it completely rocked my world since that moment on. Nobody has ever shown me that kind of affection or made me feel like I truly matter to them in such a way that Haley has. I've never been the outgoing kind of guy. I used to spend all my time listening to music and going to see movies alone. Basically, being a loner. But Haley completely changed all that when she came into my life. She completely saw through everything that typically drove people away, and wanted to be closer to me. She made me feel like I was actually special, like I was something that was worth fighting for. I hadn't ever experienced that in my life until we started dating. Haley gives me purpose and a reason to strive for a great future. Besides music, Haley has been the biggest inspiration in my life. Everything she does from her paintings to her devote relationship with Jesus, to even her blog that you guys read every single week inspires me like you wouldn't even believe. I have the best friend in the entire world. Haley is someone I've completely given my heart to and my life is completely devoted to making her happy in everything that we do. The joy she brings into my life is so overwhelming. Nobody has ever made me smile more or given me such an intense purpose with my life. I know that everything I do in life, I was meant to do it all with Haley by my side. I couldn't get by through a single day without her. I love her more than anything in this world with my entire heart and more. I'm so incredibly lucky to be apart of her life every single day. Haley is the most unique, most gifted person I have ever met. She can take a completely ordinary thing and turn it into something all her own. It's incredible being able to see her thoughts and ideas come to life. I wish I had one ounce of that talent and creativity that she carries around. She's just an incredibly special person and I just want everyone to see that. I can't wait to spend my life with her. She makes me happier more than anything (as if you can't tell) and I'm excited to see what our lives together will be like in the next twenty years! I love you, Haley Tyson. You're the most important, most incredibly special person to me in my life. Don't go changing, pretty lady! No matter what anybody may tell you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Happy birthday, cougar mama!
Here are some of my favorite pictures of us together throughout our relationship so far. But I think you guys have already seen them before:
Since I'm such a music nerd, I wanted to show you guys the top 5 songs that make me think of Haley:
1. The Knife - "Heartbeats (live)"
-- I remember the first time I played this song for Haley. She gave me the weirdest look and told me this song was so strange, and she doesn't know if she can like it. Weeks later, I come over and I'm creeping on her iTunes and low and behold, I find that she has downloaded not just this song, but this entire album by The Knife. This is what Haley does. I play her a song I think she'll like. She'll then act like she hates it. Then weeks later, she's in love with it. I've got my girl completely figured out. And if you're curious as to how much Haley likes this song. Well... it's going to be in our wedding someday and Haley wants to walk down the aisle to it. That's how much she likes it!
2. Beach House - "10 Mile Stereo"
-- I don't think Haley listens a band more than Beach House. It's constantly playing when I go to her house. CONSTANTLY. It's as if this is all she ever listens to. She has a freaking playlist made entirely out of her favorite Beach House songs. It's crazy. But I love Beach House as well, so I can't complain.
3. Smith Westerns - "Imagine, Pt. 3"
-- Smith Westerns was the first concert Haley and I went to together back in February in Kansas City. Besides two terrible opening bands and a really late start, it was an incredible show. I had already seen Smith Westerns the previous year, but I know Haley really enjoyed it. She has already told she wants to see them again. This makes me really happy because I do too. The drive home after sucked though. It started raining and on the way home I missed our turn off, so what was supposed to be a 2 and a half hour trip became a 4 hour drive because I drove us half way through the state to Joplin, and then back home. That was such a long night, but a truly fun one. It was completely worth it. That is something I will never forget.
4. Bonnie Tyler - "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
-- How could I not post this song? If you guys truly know Haley, then you will know this is her favorite song in the entire world. Besides maybe "Like A Prayer" by Madonna. BUT. She loves this song. And I do too. It's so freaking incredible! I can't ever get enough of it. So when Haley and I listen to it, we generally listen to it twice, just to get the full effect of how amazing it is!
5. Justin Bieber - "Never Say Never"
--Alright, I hate this kid. But seeing that it's Haley's birthday and all I had to post it. She's a belieber. She has bieber fever. She's just a freak. Just kidding! But I know how much Haley and her other (weirdo) blog friends love this kid, so I couldn't leave him out. It's just funny because I'm the one who started it by taking her to see his movie on Valentines Day. Before that she didn't have one care for him in the entire world. And now, she even has that she's a belieber in her Twitter bio (ridiculous). I have to hear about how in love with him she is along with what seems like every other dude in america right now, but whatevs. The kid can sing and is a pop idol. Mad props to him for getting Salena Gomez. GET OVER IT LADIES!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HALEY! I <3 YOU! Also, since I'm on here. You guys should follow my blog. I haven't posted anything in a few weeks, but just do it. Please? :)
Last night the weather was so wonderful we decided to eat dinner on the front porch! It was a nice change of pace, since we're used to eating dinner on my bedroom floor. Plus, all week we've had heat advisories, so the cool(ish) weather was so great! Blake made us a yummy dinner of tortellini with alfredo sauce and crab. So. Good. This was actually the third time we've had this meal this week... We also have this habit of spying on the neighbors across the street..... and then tweeting about it.
Today, I am finishing up some projects for the house (Anna is hosting a bachelorette party at the house, so we gotta make it look totes adorbs). On top of that, I met with a friend from school yesterday who recently got engaged and has commissioned me to do a painting for them! I'm so excited!
Tonight, Blake and I will probably go to Boca Mocha, the new coffee shop in the old location of my all time favorite coffee shop. Sad face. But I'm excited to try the new one!
Blake and I just celebrated 7 months of being together! This is quite a short amount of time, I know. But... seeing as this is the longest relationship either of us has ever had, this is a big deal to us! (Although, in 8th grade I dated a boy for 8 months... but he was a Mormon and we only held hands. I'm pretty sure we only hugged a handful of times. Best memories ever? Yes.)
We went on the most typical date ever: dinner & a movie. This is what we wore... Outfit Details//
On Haley: shirt - thrifted//jeans - american eagle//oxfords - steve madden.
On Blake: shirt - american apparel// jeans - forever 21// shoes - uo.
For dinner, we decided to try out the new creperie in Downtown Springfield. Elsie blogged about it a few weeks ago, and it seriously is just the cutest. I got the most wonderful peach + raspberry crepe, and Blake tried the Nutella crepe. I think next time we go (which should be soon, yes boyfriend??) I'll get the Nutella, because one bite of Blake's was not enough! It was so tasty! After that, we went to Target to buy a bookcase (I had been needing one badly since moving to Springfield), and then we went to the Palace (the home of Timewarp Tuesdays!) to see Something Borrowed, which was so cute. I HAVE to read the book now! Maybe it's time to get a library card...
Sadly, these are not 4th of July outfits... although, they could be. We actually weren't very patriotic on the 4th, and went and saw Bad Teacher instead of watching any fireworks (but when we got back to my apartment, we could hear them.. and on my street, fireworks sound like someone getting shot. Its scary). We actually wore this out yesterday morning for a little breakfast date. It was too cute. :)
It rainy today, which is awesome - but also a bummer. I'm still getting used to being on my own, and during storms... it's not too fun. But I am excited to meet this pretty lady today! Yay for blog friends meeting in real life! (she's my roommates bestie! How cute)
I hope you all have a wonderful day! I'll be back later this evening with a bedroom/house tour!
Like I mentioned yesterday... last night was my first time seeing Blake play with his band, The Midwest Indies. I was so excited! They were actually very good, and I'm super looking forward to their next show in July.
The show was a benefit concert for Joplin, so a ton of people came and donated money and all that jazz. A girl in Springfield that makes clothes was selling them last night at the show, and was donating 25% of her profit to Joplin. All of the skirts she made were so stinking cute.
Speaking of clothes.... The Midwest Indies got their new t-shirts in. Seriously, how creative was this idea?! Want one? I'm gonna talk them into letting me sell them on Etsy... ;) I'm super proud of you, Mr. Tucker!
xo Haley
ps. check out Blake's favorite albums of the year so far on his blog!
I woke up not too long ago, did a few things to clean up around the house, and now I'm about to take a shower & go to the gym.
It's grandma night, and these days, the photo above shows what Grandma Night is all about (as of lately, at least). Grandma has book club tonight, I'm pretty sure, which means Grandpa and I are on our own for dinner, which means we're either getting pizza or McDonalds. Healthy choices.
Blake comes back tomorrow. I'm so, so, so excited. These past few days have gone by sooo slowly, but I've tried to fill them with work & hanging out with Breigh. It's worked a little bit. :/
I hope your Monday isn't so bad, and its full of pretty weather!
I'm gonna go work hard at the gym & reward myself with a frozen strawberry lemonade at mcdonalds (seriously, have you had one of those? AMAZING).
-I have to work today, but I'm heading back over to Breigh's as soon as I'm done there. I think she's doing fine, a lot of it is just emotional stuff now. The poor girl, everything is happening all at once. :(
So, we're spending tonight together, and even planning a Biffy Night for next weekend (we want to see Bridesmaids a lot!)
-I have 3 more days of school! Next week is just reviewing for finals, and then all of my finals are on that next Tuesday. I'm so excited to finally be done with this semester. It's lasted way too long.
-I've been looking through my closet, and I feel like I have absolutely nothing to wear to Elsie's wedding. Haha, I feel silly for thinking that, but it's true! So I think a little shopping trip next weekend is in order.
-Blake just informed me that the Home Alone house is for sale. I want it.
-Oh, and... Regarding the Anonymous comments towards my boyfriend: The first one I received (last week, I think), was probably the nicest/edging on a smidge rude comment ever! It sounds exactly like something Breigh would say to me during one of our late night girl talk therapy sessions. Haha. But, I took whatever Anon had to say into consideration, because whoever this person is, did their best to explain what they meant. And then yesterday, I received an extremely rude Anon comment regarding Blake, yet again. I'm sorry, but... this is my blog. I will talk about my boyfriend as much as I want! If that bothers you, stop reading! I don't want to seem rude about it, but he is my boyfriend, he is the man I intend on marrying... I am going to talk about him a lot.
Anyways, Blake's blog is fairly new, so he's still getting into the habit of it all. But at first, I remember him sending me the cutest texts that would say, "I haven't blogged today, I need to!" It was seriously so adorable. Now he can't make fun of me when I feel the need to blog. :)
His blog is all about music. To say the least, he is completely obsessed with music. Like, completely. It's very refreshing to find someone who is so into what they do; he is so passionate about the music he makes, it's inspiring. So.. check out his blog. It's way fun to read, and he does "Song of the Day" posts when he remembers to blog. :)
I've been working on my children's book for Children's Lit a lot over the past 2 days, and it was originally due yesterday afternoon, but right before one of my classes, a friend sent me a message on Facebook that they weren't due until next Tuesday. I was pissed. I worked so hard the night before trying to get it finished. But, the good thing was - I wasn't quite finished with it, seeing I still had to write a 2 page essay on the process of writing my book. So, I took a break from book-making and had lunch with Mr. Colby Kern, and then we snapped a few pictures.
Later in the evening, boyfriend made me mac & cheese grilled cheese sandwiches! He is quite the cook, which I am not, so I'm lucky I have him for the rest of forever. :)
We also watched The Office: sad. I don't like that Steve Carrell is gone, but the commercial for the upcoming episodes look promising.
I'm just excited for this season of So You Think You Can Dance.
Embarrassing: We watched The Bucket List in my Psychology of Personal Adjustment class.
I cried. A lot. I tried to not to make too obvious, but I think the woman next to me was catching on. And then after all that crying, I couldn't breathe. It was just a bad deal.
Have a good day! Its Friday, and I think... that means date night for Blake and I! I'm excited.
Oh, and happy Royal wedding day! Sometimes, I wish I were Kate Middleton. BUT Blake isn't opting out of wearing a wedding ring (like William), and isn't going bald just yet (like William), so I'll just stick with my boyfriend, who is pretty much perfect. :)
We also have this habit of spying on the neighbors across the street..... 
First of all, is he not the cutest ever? I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest girl in the w o r l d. 
