What's going on?

I usually tell myself that I don't blog more because there isn't much to blog about... but then I read some other blogs where people post about what they are eating, literally. Then I usually think to myself.... well, I COULD blog, but I choose not to because, really, I think people are strange that think someone wants to know every detail about their life. haha :)

So I will just give a brief description of whats been going on:

We went to Last Man Standing, the new sitcom with Tim Allen last month to be in the studio audience. I didn't expect much, but it turned out to be an awesome date night. Tim was hilarious and I had fun seeing the sets, even though I'm pretty sure I'll never look at TV the same again. Its all so fake! (Yes, I knew this before going... but I liked to pretend that some characters were real at times) They gave us pizza and we even won a tool set signed by Tim Allen, and Boyd tried to laugh really crazy so that he could hear himself in the taping. hahaha It was an entertaining night. Also, Nick Jonas guest starred and I was sure that some girls there were going to hyperventilate from touching his hand.

Also, we are speaking in church on Sunday. I'm pretty sure the last time I spoke in church was when I was about 17. I'm also pretty sure I still have the talk that I gave then on my computer... and I'm a little bit tempted to print it out and read it on Sunday. I was a fairly mature 17 year old and I doubt anyone would notice! :) (Don't worry, I won't really though.)

We spent Thanksgiving in Fresno with my family, including all of my sibs and niece/nephews. We had so much fun! We thought we might wear our welcome out because I think we were there for quite awhile... but if we did, nobody said anything! :) I had a lot of fun, especially pretending like we were all in high school again by playing Commando in the neighborhood. I read recently about how having a sister is supposed to be good for your mental health; I'm pretty sure I reap this benefits from having my 4 sisters. I love how unique we each are, but we've learned to really get along, and it makes me happy!

We are looking forward to the Christmas break. Ok, let's be honest, I feel like I've been on a vacation since school started. Classes have been somewhat time consuming, but nothing like I expected. I feel like I'm still waiting for vacation to be over. Its really nice :) But I think (and hope!) next semester will prove to be busier, as I just got a new student job and have an internship in my field. However, it has been nice to gradually move into grad school and have that be my focus for the last few months.

Well, I'm off to a Relief Society Christmas dinner!

Good Things

If you don't appreciate "churchy" messages, you shouldn't read further. I just can't help it today! Amid the changes that come with life, the gospel is my foundation that I can always rely on.

And this message has touched my heart and reminded me of all I know to be true in this life.

http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages-gallery?lang=eng#good-things-to-come

"Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."

Welcoming Fall

We are grateful for the simple things that life offers us right now. Its been a time of adjusting to a new place again, which can get a little difficult at times, but necessary.

One thing that we've enjoyed is exploring nature around our new home. We've gone on a really beautiful hike, visited Redondo Beach pier, been on lots of walks around our neighborhood, and enjoyed spending time in the gorgeous LA temple. Life is so much easier for me when there's a temple nearby!

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now." - President Monson

We are doing our best!

Travelogue: DC, LA, Seattle

As you know, I have been applying for Grad School. It is something that I've wanted to do for a long time and I feel like I would be incomplete without it. However, it has been somewhat of an uphill battle. I guess that since I am married, I feel like some people think I should just stay home... but I have been so grateful that I married a man that believes in me and pushes me to achieve my goals - even when they aren't convenient for us. He knows that I would regret it if I didn't take this great opportunity that I have to get a higher education and develop the skills that the Lord has blessed me with.
:)

I have been pleasantly surprised with the schools that I have applied to. Not only have some of them let me in (which I doubted at times would happen), but they offered to fly me out to visit the campus, which I jumped on the chance of doing.

Before I get to that though, a few months ago, we visited the east coast (N Carolina, DC, Virginia, and Maryland). It was so much fun!
Boyd served his mission in N Carolina so we got to visit a few places that he lived.

We got to Capitol Hill early in the morning because we heard that it would be pretty crazy with parking and traffic. Umm..I think we saw everything we wanted to before lunch and didn't know what else to do! haha. Our favorite things were the Washington (mine) and Lincoln (Boyd's) Monuments. They were majestic.

We contemplated what it would be like if we decided to go to Georgetown. We could be like the early morning runners we saw who run around Capitol Hill in the morning with their well-groomed dog...




Because blogger is taking an hour to upload my pictures, this will have to be continued at a later date. I promise it won't be too long :)

Love you all!
Hayley

Forced to update

You know that you haven't blogged in awhile when you can't remember your password to your account...

I have become quite the seasoned traveler (not really, but sort of) lately. This is a preview for my long post where I will detail the recent trips to DC, LA, and the upcoming Seattle trip. Basically, I am posting this so that I will be forced to update about said trips.

:)

Thanks for visiting and be sure to return when I update, which will hopefully be sooner than later! -Hayley