Portland for Thanksgiving!

We had soooo much fun in Portland with my family for thanksgiving! I didn't take a ton of pictures-- but enough to give you our break in a nut-shell.

We started out with Sam and Bryan's Wedding Tuesday-- SO BEAUTIFUL!!! Sam looked amazing, Bryan was glowing, and the sealing was awesome. Thanks Kariya fam for letting us be part of your special day! Then we took off early Wednesday morning for Portland-- Thanks to Holiday Inn Express we stayed the night by the airport so we didn't have to drive all the way back to provo just to turn around and come back at the bum-crack-of-dawn. They also let us keep our car there the whole week for juts $10 with a free shuttle service to and from the airport! Shoutout to our friends at the Holiday Inn!!
We were so glad that Andrew's brother Mike was able to come with us!!! He's so much fun, as always, and the more the merrier at the Silliman house!
Highlights in Portland:
1. Elmers German Pancakes!
2. Baja Fresh Chicken Fajita Burrito
3. MOM AND DAD of course!
4. Fresh CLEAN air
5. Burgerville
6. Blazer game
7. Seeing Greg Oden
8. a DELICIOUS thanksgiving spread-- thanks mom and girls!
9. Wii
10. lots of REALLY CUTE KIDS!!
11. Mom and Dad! (did i mention that already)
12. Helping mom set up the Dickens Village and solving the lighting problem
13. Shutting Andrew and Mike in the sport court and letting them act like kids again!
14. Making Gingerbread houses with the WHOLE family!!
15. Watching Xander walk!
16. Brinley asking for the "pancakes" haha
17. Gregg torturing Andrew with the gingerbread frosting
18. Celebrating family birthdays
19. Andrew getting lots of help from little hands to open his presents
20. lots of great family that we love so much and feel so grateful for! Thanks everyone!

It's November...

It's that time a year again and I can't help but think about how grateful I am for the life I lead and the blessings that Heavenly Father pours upon Andrew and I. Happy Holiday Season everyone. I hope we all can find a quite moment to reflect on the precious things of life!

Halloween at Mt. Loafer!

So I teach with this awesome woman Nicole out at Mt. Loafer and every holiday, she uses a book as the inspiration for her party. So this halloween she found this book of camp songs and old songs everyone knows that changed the words to be about monsters. It was such a cute book with awesome illustrations! It was calling Sipping Spiders Through A Straw.
So we put our heads together to create a Monster Campfire. (If you weren't already aware, I teach Resource, so we pretty much do 30 minute pull-outs all day.) Our situation is perfect for this because we can deck out our room and it's really not in the way of any other activities for the day! So we hung lights on the ceiling like lights, built a fake fire, invited my awesome brother-in-law mike to come play the guitar for us around the "fire," and made some smore's treats. Did I mention that Nicole and I were full-on Monsters? It was so much fun, especially for Nicole and I- we were having a blast! Anyway-- here's some pictures to make you all jealous you aren't in Mt. Loafer's Special Education Class!
(Did I mention we made Mike dress up like the Purple People Eater?? What a trooper!!! Thanks Mike!)

All about Andy!

I saw this on someone's blog and although I wasn't tagged persay, this post idea was just yelling PLEASE POST ME. I thought andrew deserved some attention on here! And besides, I love to brag about my awesome man!

1. Where did you meet?
In portland. He was selling for Jeff's friend Ryker and he was also living with Jeff's little brother. Plus, he went to the singles ward where my parents are in the bishopric and my mom tried to set him up with all the cute girls in the ward (it's ok, no hard feelings, she was magnifying her match-maker calling!) I was home for the summer working. We were both BYU students so we started dating late July or August and just went back to school together and continued to date in the fall!

2. How long did you date before you were married?
We dated about 5 1/2 months before we were engaged and then we were engaged for a little over 6 months. so we'll round that to a year.

3. How long have you been married?
1 year and 4 months!

4. What does he do that surprises you?
His random dancing suprises me-- who knew he could shake it!?

5. what is your favorite feature of his?
hmm... i really like his hands and of course his matt damon smile.

6. what is your favorite quality of his?
I love that he's such a hard worker. He's also a great listener and he may just be the funniest, wittiest man on earth. I'm always laughing at him!

7. does he have a nickname for you?
hmm...he has lots. It's Haley when he's being normal (times few and far between), Honey when he's being sarcastic, Diaper Rash when he's being totally and completely out of control silly, and Hun the rest of the time, with crazy random ones all mixed in.

8. what is his favorite food?
Roast and Potatoes

9. what is his favorite color.
blue.

10. what is his favorite sport?
He watches ANY sport, i think he likes playing basketball and football best. You should probably know he use to do gymnastics in high school. haha. I love to bring that up. He claims it was only to "keep him in shape"... but it's really ok Andy- i don't judge you. haha

11. when and where was your first kiss?
I think at my parents house when we were watching Armageddon haha. I was really nervous! haha.

12. what is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love going to any type of sporting event or going outside and throwing the football around (the peewee one of course because my little hands can't grip a real one. haha)

13. do you have any children?
Not yet!

14. does he have a hidden talent?
Andrew is a wayyyy good dancer but you'd never know unless you've saw him at some crazy BYU party (haha) in his earlier years. He can shake it, let me tell you!

15. how old is he? 25, he'll be 26 next month.

16. who said i love you first?
I think I may have actually--- I'm not sure.

17. what is his favorite type of music?
He likes most everything except for country, much to my dismay. Thrice is his favorite band but he's cool with anything.

18. what do you admire most about him?
He has a super gentle heart-- he's really kind to others and always seeks the best in people.

19. do you think he will read this?
He looks on here once and a while, so yes probably he will.

LOVE YOU ANDS!

Horray for October!

October has been one fun month-- but hasn't left much time for keeping this blog up to date. It's bad when Andrew was the last person to post! haha.

So the first, my mom and sisters (Mandy, Jyl and Erin) plus the newest edition to the Silliman Clan, Jensen Cowart, came for a girls weekend over conference weekend. IT WAS SOO FUN! So fun we didn't take really any pictures! We ate, shopped, laughed, and were just girls! Thanks Barty for the initial idea!

Next, my way good friend Ashely from my frosh and soph. years at BYU, came to visit from South Carolina. It was sooooo much fun having her around! I sure didn't want her to leave! It was soo fun to hang out like old times and act like we were frosh again. She is so awesome and I just adore her! Hopefully she'll come back REALLY soon (hint hint ash!)

Finally-- this past week, my dad and mom came for the PLC meetings at campus and stayed the weekend with us. We have very stocked kitchen cupboards, a storage room full of holiday decorations for Tai Pan and some big smiles~ They were soo fun and we were sad to see the weekend end.

Perturbed in Provo

So I (Andrew) don't know how this whole blog thing works, but I have something to get off my chest. I was recently a little bored and maybe even a little lonely so I decided to take a look at "The Ellis Family" blog. As I perused I noticed a section entitled "What Disney Princess Are You?" I won't lie I was interested, so I took the test. The fact that it accurately pointed out that I am most like Pocahontas has nothing to do with this post. I just think the thing is rigged.
Some examples:

1.You're going on a date.. Which of these would you enjoy doing the most?
A: Being under water for hours on end never needing to come up for air while singing with some gay crab and a fat fish.
B: Taking a romantic walk with Jon Smith to some tripped out tree that talks too much all while being followed by some ridiculously happy grinning bobcat.
C: Flying to the nearest drive-in on some over-priced Persian rug while yelling at Abu to get the h*ck off your ride so you and "The Prince" can have some alone time.

2. What is your style?
A: You have loose morals so first your midriff better always be showing, you loved Hammer back in the day so parachute pants are a must, and you're embarrassed by your 4'2" 200 lb. dad who wears friggin elf shoes so you over-tan in the hopes that people think you're adopted.
B: You don't even have legs so who the heck cares what your style is. You do however collect a whole bunch of useless crap that you then write songs about.
C: You live in the woods, you probably stink to high heaven on account that soap hasn't even been invented yet. Your favorite activity, other than hanging out with raccoons and humming birds, is shuckin corn. But you look good while you do it.

Do you see what I mean people? Can you understand why I would be a little upset? I'm gonna write Michael Eisner!

Haley and the Chocolate Factory...

So last Christmas my mom put this chocolate lava cake mix in my stocking and I've really been itching to try it. BUT-- i needed 3 things, 1. ramekins 2. an occasion worth its excellence, and 3. the perfect people to share it with! Of course those people were none other than our great friends Josh and Laura Hawkins, but Josh has been gone on an internship all summer. So we waited and then the occasion was just right, a welcome home dinner!
I'll be the first to admit, Laura and I were a little skeptical of the whole "lava flow" business, but we live to tell. It tasted great too!!!

Much to Andrew's dismay-- i had to have a picture 'cause we're soo glad to have the Hawkins reunited (and baby Hawkins too!)

Thanks Josh and Lar for a fun night! We're glad your back!

OREGON!

A bit to our dismay, we're back from our WONDERFUL vacation to visit my family in Portland. It was so much fun and we were so grateful to be able to take some time away from our little life and be with family! Here's some pictures from our adventure:
This is the beautiful place I grew up in:

We did lots of playing with very ADORABLE children!:




We went to the beach to welcome in sister Mandy who walked in the Portland to Coast Relay!:


And we went on the Wilamette River on Jeff and Jyl's boat: we hit up the wakeboarding and the rope swing:






On this vacation I realized just how bad we are at taking pictures! We'll have to work on that.

THANKS SILLIMAN CLAN FOR AN AMAZING TIME~! WE LOVE YOU ALL!

TAA-DAAAAA

I did it! I got through my Law final...and actually did quite well!!! Now the only thing standing between me and Oregon is a couple lousy shifts at work!

Today I Feel....

- so EXCITED because I found out yesterday at the Urologist that my kidney stones have disintegrated! I can stay off my medication and don't have to worry about them passing! WOO-HOO for modern medicine and for miracles!
- Slightly UNMOTIVATED...real unfortunate since I have a final tomorrow
- ANXIOUS to go home to Oregon on Friday for a whole week!!!
- GRATEFUL that I'm almost done working at Tucanos and smelling like smoke + sour floor on a daily basis.
- Now that I'm sitting here, I'm starting to feel a little LAZY because I should be running at the indoor track.
- GIDDY about the Summer Olympics. I just can't get enough!
- JUBILANT at the thought of football starting up again soon.
- NERVOUS that Andrew will come home from work today and see that I didn't do much!

What Disney Princess are you??

You Are Ariel!

Headstrong and fiesty. You have a mind of your own that's full of romantic dreams about the world around you. Exploring exotic places is your ultimate dream, and although you can be a little naive you'll realize that there is something to be gained from your family's wisdom.

MY FIRST TAG!!!

I've blogged for quite a while now and have dodged the tags (well actually now that I think about it...Jyl tagged me but I never did it... sorry jyl-o!) Anyway, this is for Tara (I'll try not to use words that end in -ie OK? haha just kidding tar!)
Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog. List 3 Joys, 3 Fears, 3 Goals, 3 Current Obsessions/Collections and 3 Random/Surprising facts. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

NOTE- i'm going to do the "first things that come to my head" game. So if you think i've sorely looked over something, it would have come up if I had more than 3 listed!

JOYS
1. Laughing with (mostly at) my wonderfully witty husband. Especially when he tries to act like he's Scott Stewart on Sportscenter! (mind you he may actually hate this joy of mine because I can't get rid of my hiccups for hours!)
2. Teaching TurboKickBoxing at BYU. Laugh all you want but it's seriously a rush standing up on that stage (mic and all) and seeing 80 women pushing themselves and leading them for an hour to a healthier life.
3. Making a good tasting and good looking meal. The combo of those two things are hard to come by in this house- but those moments are precious! It helps remind me that I have hope as a domestic goddess!

FEARS
1. That I'm not trying enough new things. Sometimes I hesitate to use that new machine at the gym when it really could be fat shedding miracle worker and I'm missing out on it just because i'm too afraid to #1 ask #2 look stupid...and that's just an example!
2. That no matter what I do, my kids will be absolute hellians!
3. That my husband will never learn to make the bed.

GOALS
1. Write a children's book! (no i will not be doing the illustrations!)
2. Pass my Special Ed Law final in a few weeks
3. Learn to make gravy like my mom!

CURRENT OBSESSIONS
1. SWIMMING! I'm currently obsessed with putting on the speedo suit (the brand, don't worry) goggles and jumping in that lap pool for my workout! Refreshing, Remarkably difficuly and Reshaping. I hope I see the fruits of my labors soon!!
2. Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (see below for the post)
3. V-8. I think i'm growing up because I can seriously down a can and love every second of it.
3 1/2 Andrew being on the grill at work because he sneaks me garlic sirloin and teriyaki beef! yumm.. I'm just glad he only works the grill once a week or so because otherwise it would be bad news! i had to add that in there!

RANDOM FACTS (ok this one is hard!)
1. I'm a second away from making a paper chain to count down the days til Andrew and I get to spend over a week in OREGON!!!
2. You should probably think twice before letting me plan you or your child's college class schedule, I just figured out today that I filled my letters requirement three times without knowing...and i have 3 other requirements left to fill that I should have had done already! Looks like I'll be squeezing in more classes than i thought the next 2 semesters!
3. I crave the cookies from Whole Foods every darn day!

I tag: Jyl Coward, Mandy Dickson, Laura Hawkins, , Aubrey Sotutu and Mykol Warner
Every post needs a picture right?? I know- we're SOOO cute. Wondering about the background? Try the Children's Section and Barnes and Noble. Yes- we read for date night

Everyone Should Try....

HEALTHY CHOICE FUDGE BARS...

I know what you're thinking...when it only has 90 calories, how can it be good right? WRONG. These little buggars are my new favorite! They not only give you that chocolate fix (yea the one I've been longing for far too much lately) but they taste great, they don't create dishes and they're cold! I call that the perfect recipe for summer dessert greatness. Thanks Mandy for helping me rediscover them in the grocery store today!

Cookie Bandit

So I have loved this first year of marriage until this moment. My wife, who I have recently begun to call my "bucket of dreams", with whom I share everything; every laugh, hope, and dream, stole my dadgum cookies. Now if you talk to her she may say "No they were mine, someone gave them to me." But can you really trust a gypsy thief? The answer is an emphatic NO! Well that is all I had to say, I was told that blogging was a great way to get things off your chest.

Sincerely, Sleepless in Provo.

Lots to be happy about!

Ok so it's not Thanksgiving (nor even somewhat close to it) but I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude that I can't help but post some of them... in list style of course! (note: this is merely the beginning of a list-- all of my blessings can't possibly fit in this text box)

1. Andrew: Never did I think I would be lucky enough to be walking through this life with the most compassionate, most incredible man in the world. He truly is the love of my life and everyday with him gets better. He is my best friend, my greatest example and my better half.

2. Perspective: The gospel brings more comfort, more understanding, and more peace than I can even begin to be worthy of. In recent events, I've gained an even stronger testimony that even when things seem so out of control are the same moments when Heavenly Father is in the most control. He knows me, inside and out, and I'm glad he's in charge.

3. Trials: Hard as they are, you always come out with a deeper understanding of their purpose. The trials Heavenly Father puts in my life are perfect, truly are for my benefit, and he truly gives me the tools and strength I need to get through them. The best moment in a trial is when you have the "A-ha" moment when you realize their purpose and commit yourself to a better you.

4. Family: It truly is the most sacred institution in this life. The unwaivering love, support, and prayers are the most powerful instruments we can use and my catalyst for change, for growth and for the courage to keep going!

5. The Plan of Happiness: The knowledge of the plan is such a great comfort. I'm so glad to be sealed to my husband and to our children no matter what if we live worthy. I'm grateful for special spirit who bless our lives but who have a purpose greater than this earthly life.

6. Teaching: Since I've had to take a few days off, I've been able to see how much I miss being with my little rascals. I love being with them, learning from them, and trying to get them to learn something from me (which is no easy task might I add.) Especially my special needs kids, they have so much love and life to give. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father placed me (and kept me) in this major much to my dismay at times. I can't wait to feel their hugs around me tomorrow morning when I see them again.

7. SAMonila: Since my first day in Ecuador, Sam has been blessing my life more than I can even begin to explain. She is the best friend any girl could ask for and I even dare to say I would trust her with my life. I'm also grateful for Bryan who goes above our busy schedules and forces Sam's visits to Provo. In all seriousness, she is the best and I appreciate her love and friendship more than she will ever even begin to know.
(this is where I insert a slightly embarassing picture of Sam and I in Ecuador. (warning: we probably hadn't showered for multiple days in a row-)

Just wanted to send thanks and love to all of you who have been there for us through everything (you know who you are.) These last couple days have been a testimony yet again to the amazing family and friends we have and the support we have behind us. Andrew and I are eternally grateful for your thoughtfulness, your prayers and your kindness. We felt every ounce of it and it pushed us through. We could never thank you enough.
With all our love,
Andrew and Haley

finally an update!

We're not dead! We're just really busy. With Andrew working 60+ hour weeks, me teaching school half day, going to school at night and working on the weekends we have a pretty busy schedule. But we're as happy as ever and are enjoying the warm weather and summer activities. Here's some pictures of the some of the fun stuff we've found time for.

Oh BO-- we went to Oregon for my Great Aunts funeral and we spent most the time laughing at BO. He has a firecracker personality and one of the many nieces and nephews we miss terribly!


A couple weeks ago we celebrated out one year anniversary. I can't believe it's been a year already! We celebrated at the Orem Summerfest parade, carnival, and firework show. Andrew scattered suprises (like my favorite candy chick-o-stick and a great chick flick) throughout the night and we just enjoyed being together. Andrew is the greatest husband, the best friend, and my better half. I can't wait to see where our journey together takes us. Where ever it is, I know I wouldn't want to share it with anyone but Andrew.
Last weekend Andrew and I actually went in opposite directions. He went to Santa Barbara with his buddies for one of their friends' weddings and I went to OrIegon to pick up and drive back a car. While I was there, I got to watch my nephew Cade's last baseball game of the season. To say he is the star of the team is a extreme understatement. From pitching to hitting, he's got it all-- he makes his father very very proud. Of course I had to take a picture with the star- i'll have him sign a copy just in case it's worth money someday!!

Poor Kids...

After months and months of learning strategies, techniques, and laws they are giving me real kids to mess up on!

They call this short 6-week summer school session is called practicuum...but it has been known to be called h-e-double hockey stick. I don't know the age of these kids I'll get until Monday but i know i'll have 4-5 students with with 3 other teachers teaching in the opposite corners of the room.

We only teach from 7:30-12:30 but they say to plan on 4-6 hours of prep time a DAY! oh did I mention we also have 2 hours of a special ed law class 2 times a week....so to this I say---

please help me get through it alive and not screw up any sweet children.

Heaven help me, and Andrew- hopefully he won't want to kill me by the end of it if! The odds are in my favor- 2/3 of people in the past passed practicuum. The other 1/3 didn't get approved to student teach and was left to wait another year to try again. I better pass cause that's not really gonna work with our plans. WISH ME LUCK and pray for the children! haha

SIDE NOTE: my mom came for Monday and I can't tell you how much fun it was having her here! She's the best and I didn't want her to leave at all-- Dad came for one night too and was a blast! They had a meeting at BYU today then they went home in time for rodeo weekend in sisters, oregon. BOOOOO but hopefully they will be back soon!! I LOVE YOU TWO! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! YOU'RE THE BEST.

Happy Birthday Mandy and Ty!

I wanted to send a birthday shout out to my girl Mandy and my boy Ty! Before Ty was born, Mandy actually got to celebrate her birthday. But when her son was born on her birthday a few years back, she began spending her birthday celebrating her sons. So since Ty probably doesn't check my blog, I'm going to spotlight Mandy on this special day.

Mandy has been the most amazing sister. She is one of the most capable and loving people on this earth, not to mention she's way fun to make fun of! haha. I was trying to think of things about Mandy that not everyone would know. Here's a few things I thought of...

- Mandy use to model gymnastics "gear" when she was in high school. Although only one Silliman girl was blessed with a great body, she put it to work in front of the camera.

- Mandy is really good at singing. If you have to hear it to believe it, ask her to give you her rendition of the old Brooks and Dunn classic "My Maria." (I'm laughing out loud right now!)

- I'm sure it's even worse after 4 children, but Mandy use to pee her pants really easy when she would get to laughing. I'm not saying I'm any better, but this is about Mandy, not me.

- Mandy use to date an Ultimate Cage Fighter. He is frequently featured of WEC WrekCage.

All jokes aside, Mandy is so a fantastic mother, a righteous woman, and an amazing sister and friend. I thank Heavenly Father daily for such a wonderful sister who loves me, teaches me, who is a great example to me, and who makes it so easy to love her and her adorable family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANDS! I LOVE YOU!