Life in Instagrams

I don't have an iPhone.

Quite the opposite actually.

I used to have this cute little (non-smart phone) touch screen phone, that I liked a lot. And then the battery life on it decided to just..quit. So instead of making an investment and getting an iPhone... we downgraded, and got me a crappy little flip phone. I'm not sure why I'm telling you any of this.

But anyways, boyfriend upgraded a few months from a 5 year old Razr to a brand new white iPhone 4.... lucky. So it's not unheard of for me to steal it and log into my Instagram account...that I also keep logged into on both of my parent's iPhones. I mooch, what can I say.

So here's a recap of my birthday weekend!Not exactly from my birthday weekend, but from birthday week. Yes, I deserved a weeklong celebration ;)

Blake took me to see Fleet Foxes in St. Louis, and it was absolutely fantastic. Blake isn't really a fan of Fleet Foxes, but I have a feeling that this concert made a fan out of him...maybe. :) It was awesome. I want to see them again. Soon.
Blake took me out for a birthday breakfast at Aunt Martha's pancake house, where I ate way too much. It was so. good.
Best birthday present ever! I feel like such a grown up getting new bedding for my birthday and actually being excited about it. Blake got me all of the homey things I've been eyeing on UO for the past forevers. The duvet cover is reversible, so double win with that one, and the owl pillow cases are the cutest things ever. And the yellow pillow... my favorite. Friday night was spent relaxing after a long evening of partying at my parent's. Dad grilled steaks and made homemade ice cream for me, Blake & Breigh. We had so much fun - highlight of the evening was trying to perfect Teen Mom Farrah's cry face. On Saturday, Blake's band The Midwest Indies had a show at a local coffee shop, so we all went that, my parents included (it was their first time seeing them!), and immediately after was a surprise birthday party for me that my sweet boyfriend planned, and his sweet momma kiiiinda told me about a bit too early ;)Blake also got me these shoes, and some floral oxfords. We wear the cutest shoes.
I started on a painting for Mr. Kern. He gave me a list of words to help get me inspired for a type of painting he wants... but in the end, I decided to go with what I wanted to paint. Ha. Lucky best friend! :)
I love going out on little lunch dates with my dad! Especially when I don't get to see him as often anymore. It's always a treat.

Yesterday, my momma called me up and asked me to go to lunch with her and my little brother, so they picked me up and we went to the Bistro Market downtown, before they went to see a movie. I miss them lots!

Also something to mention - Blake and I have rented a plethora of movies from Redbox lately: No Strings Attached, Chain Letter, and Piranha. The last two were outrageously dumb. But No Strings Attached was pretty cute, if not predictable.

Don't forget to check out After Your Heart today! Breigh and I both blogged yesterday!

And speaking of Breigh, she just wrote a great blog about getting your heart & head on the same page! * Breighann, when I say my blog friends are better than my real life friends, obviously that doesn't mean you. Now that you have a blog, you're a blog friend too. Love your biffersss ♥

Anyways, thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes. Love you!

xo Haley

BIRTHDAY TAKE OVER!!

IT'S HALEY'S BIRTHDAY!! SWAG 2 THA MAXXXX!!



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? :)

On my last day of being a teenager..

Just fyi... this post is h u g e.

Tomorrow, I will turn 20 years old.

Not that 20 is the most exciting of ages, but this is a big deal to me.

I have been a teenager for so long - it's weird to think that I won't be one tomorrow.

I've decided to share a little timeline of sorts, just for fun.

And please know that I am sharing these pictures with you out of pure love for you guys... because some of these are embarrassing. Like the first picture below for example. Absolutely atrocious.

In 7th grade, little 13 year old Haley had brace + glasses + really bad curly hair + was a Jr. High cheerleader. I was one big awesome mess. *I'm sorry Breigh* .... 15 year old Haley lost the braces, found the wonders of a flat iron, but kept the glasses. Breigh and I were the best of friends that year...and in all honesty, have been ever since. We're quite inseparable. Colby and I became friends the summer I turned 16. I didn't know he was gay. We were both in our local production of The Music Man, and although we instantly click, we quickly became best friends.I spent almost every Monday night of my teenage years with my grandma. This will forever be one of my favorite memories of Jr. High & High School. I love my grandma so so much.I got my first tattoo. It took 7 minutes, and didn't hurt a bit. So for the people that ask me if tattoos actually hurt, I'm the worst person to ask.

I went to New York, and I never wanted to leave. Although, I'd never been on a plane before, so I was super stoked to get back on one to go home. That was pretty darn exciting. Also, I'm pretty sure I left the purse in the picture above in the closet of our hotel room. Lucky maid who found it - I really loved that purse.

My dad, Cassie, and I have been to every midnight showing of the Twilight series so far. We've also had a designated t-shirt making night the week before the movie, as well. We're so serious about Twilight. I got my license 3 months before turning 19. To say this was an accomplishment would be an understatement. I took the written permit test 9 times before finally passing, and then barely passed with 71 on the driving test. You need a 70 to pass. I got super lucky with that one. I went to my senior prom with my best friend. I graduated. Breigh and I stayed to go to school in Springfield, Cassie moved to St. Louis to go Lindenwood University & is studying film acting, and Alyssa moved to Kirksville to go to Truman University, where I believe she is pre-med. I'm so proud of my friends. :)
I met some the best women I'll ever know through this blog. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful role models in my life. *love you JanellyBean & Jamie!*

I have the most wonderful boyfriend ever, ever, ever! He's too good to me.

Over the past few years, I've learned so much, and got to do so many things.

I battled depression and cutting for 2 years; I lost a best friend, but gained so many new ones in turn; I snuck a boy into my house at 3 am, and thought I wouldn't get caught, but did; I went through relationship hell, but it taught me some of the greatest lessons I'll ever learn; I had the worst case of pink eye my eye doctor has ever seen (I had pink eye in both eyes and cuts on both corneas. I legitimately had to wear sunglasses indoors. at night. for reals); I went through the application process at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau twice before deciding I shouldn't move away; I've wanted to be a Broadway actress, a journalist, a mortician & funeral director, a mommy, and a record store owner; I went to a My Chemical Romance + Green Day concert at the young age of 14...note to parents: never let your 8th grade daughter see those two bands live; I've gotten to see all three brothers grow into such handsome young men (with the exception of my 12 year old brother, Tucker, who acts like he's 5. but he's still cute); I was with my best friend when she was diagnosed with a kidney disease, a cried with her through brain tumors, and countless stupid boys, all in one year's time; I moved out of my parents home, and actually entered the stress of the real world; I've realized just how blessed I am.

I'm excited for the next 10 years.

And I'm sure that I'll be doing a blog just like this a decade from now recapping my 20's.

I'm thankful for everything I've been through, every breath I've been given, and every opportunity that has been handed to me.

I'm also quite thankful for all of you - I have the best readers in the world. You all are so fantastic & supportive. I'm so lucky to have fallen into the world of blogging. Without it, I wouldn't have made all of these great friends. I love you :)

Today, I'm spending my last day as a teenager reading Harry Potter, watching silly girly movies, and painting. I have an interview later to be a nanny for a sweet family in town *wish me luck* and then Blake is going to make mac & cheese, and we're going to wait for midnight to come, so I can say that I am officially 20 years old. :)

Have a wonderful day. ♥

xo Haley

It's my birthday week!

Finally!

I feel like I have been waiting for this week to come since my last birthday! On Friday, I will finally be out of my dreaded teen years, and be in my twenties. I've never been so excited! Of course, next year when I turn 21, I'll probably say the same exact thing. ;)

This week is so full of exciting things: tomorrow, Blake is taking me to St. Louis to see Fleet Foxes. I'm so, so excited! In addition to seeing Fleet Foxes, I get to see Mr. Max, the cutest little 2 year old ever - I think Blake is more excited about seeing him than going to the show. Haha, silly.

I know 20 isn't a huge deal, but I'm excited - I'm almost finally out of my teenage years. This is a big deal to me! I don't know what I want to do for my birthday though. All of my friends are too far away to do something with... except for Breigh. Breigh, let's hang out! (P.s. Breigh has a blog now!)

Have a good week, and happy birthday week to me! ;)

xo Haley

p.s. Claire and I have some finally planning to do (I promise I'll email you soon, Claire!), but we are going to finally unveil our secret plans very, very soon! Stay tuned for more information. ♥

surprise, surprise.

i'm sorry for my absence this weekend, but we had two surprise birthday parties this weekend!

momma, dad, and my aunt & uncle put on one for my brother, trevor, on friday for his 18th birthday. we had no plans of really doing anything other than having friends over and ordering pizza and playing video games (and when i say we, i mean trevor and his friends would play the video games - not me. haha). but mom & dad came up with a cute plan to surprise him with a party last minute.

saturday was the huuuge surprise for my momma's 40th birthday!

blake came with me:
we had the party at The Dickey House, which is a bed and breakfast, and we also got a room for my parents so they could spend the night there instead of coming back to the house after the party. It was so much fun!
it was a good weekend.

very good weekend. :)

xoxo hay

p.s. i made blake watch The Business of Being Born with me. i think it may have scared him a bit... :)

21.

happy birthday, best friend!

Mr. Colby Kern turns 21 today! He's my best, best friend, and I love him very, very much! :)

My best friend is probably the coolest ever. He loves Madonna, he has an awesome theatre-major boyfriend, we have jammies nights, he bakes amazing pumpkin spice cookies, we both order the same drink at Starbucks, he visits me at work occasionally, he has an awesome eye for photography, he. is. just. cool.

Happy birthday, best friend.

I love you!