Happy Fall Ya'll!

 I almost titled this post as "Life according to my phone," but then I decided not to because that would imply that I take pictures for my blog with something other than my phone. Also, it might imply that I take pictures with an iphone... which is also inaccurate.

 Anyway, onwards! I feel like I have been such a lousy, self-proclaimed lover of fall this year. I haven't gotten out and admired the leaves and I haven't even drank some hot cocoa for crying out loud! But this past weekend I felt better about getting my fall fix. I got to go to Hee Haws with my mom's side of the family (Chris was out deer hunting), carve pumpkins, and have a Halloween party with my Gourley side of the family :) So here's another picture dump because what else am I good for?

^^ my after-church attire.... cute, right? Also, does anyone really enjoy carving pumpkins?! I don't think so. We all know it's just  for the pictures ;) 

^^ easiest costume ever. All you need is a buttload of bronzer, white paint, eyeliner, headband and twigs :)

Happy Fall Ya'll! 

Let the holiday food comas begin...

Throwback Thursday

We took these pictures at Thanksgiving Point's Rose Festival on June 21, 2012--the day that I fell in love with Chris and didn't even know it (exactly one week later, we said "I love you" but that's a different story for a different day). I remember looking at the picture of us and being a little bummed out--two (non-intentional...I think?) photo-bombers, my purse put in one of the most awkward places I could have put it, and the fact that I still hadn't mastered the "skinny arm pose."

But looking at it now, I can see how giddy and infatuated we were with each other (still are! no past tense over here!). I remember walking around the gardens hand-in-hand and kissing whenever we got the chance. Yeah, we were one of those couples. Sorry not sorry. But in all seriousness, I remember just having this overwhelmingly peaceful feeling that whole night. It just felt...right. 

That night ended up being one of our most romantic/memorable dates ever, and what I consider to be one of the most important dates we ever went on. You see, me and Chris had decided to "take a break" that week  and agreed to not call or text each other while I figured out my situation with "my missionary" (we barely made it over a day before we caved. ha!). I'm so so grateful that night happened, because I honestly don't know if we would have ended up together without it. Plus, how can a girl say no to walking around a garden with thousands of roses AND watching Tangled outside in front of a waterfall?! ;)

....is anybody still here reading? This turned out a little more sentimental than I intended it to be, but that's what happens when you're waiting for lives on Candy Crush and you venture deep into the archives of your phone pictures...

inside my head on a Wednesday morning run.

Where should I run today?

I'm sick of going right, I'll go left this time to spice things up.

I should have went right.

Freak it's cold!

Good thing I wore a long sleeve shirt today.

Okay, I'm not going to look at my watch this time.

Timing doesn't matter.

I've only been running for five minutes?! 

I hate running.

Oh no, here comes another runner.

Should I say hi, smile, or nod?

I'll do all three.

Rude. She didn't even smile back.

She might be rude, but wow she had nice legs.

I need to run a lot more to get legs like that.

Or just eat better...

Meh, I'll just run more.

Why am I so picky about my legs? At least I have the ability to run.

You're right, Lady Gaga, I am beautiful in my own way!

Ugh, I should have worn a tank top.

Man, Utah is beautiful. I hate when people from Utah say that they hate Utah--just leave then!

WATCH OUT FOR THAT DOG POO!

Who let's their dog poo on the sidewalk, anyway? Smh.

Are there any cars coming? I need to pick my wedgie. 

....no wonder no one wants to run with me.

Please let this stop light be red, I need a rest.

(green light) Dang it. This must be a sign that I'm not allowed to stop.

You're right Biebs, never say never!

I wonder what people would say about my running playlist.

I'm so tired.

One more road until you're home Shay.

I did it!

I love running.

It's amazing when you get to see what your body is capable of.

534 calories burned!

Bagel and cream cheese? Don't mind if I do!

Lately...

• I've been considering dying my hair back to dark brown again, then Chris chimes in and reminds me how much he loves my hair right now, and then I contemplate going even lighter. 
• Chris has been taking naps on our living room floor and I'm not invited.
• I've had z e r o motivation when it comes to school (what happened to this Shayli?!).
• My back has been aching. Is this normal for a 22 year-old?? 
• Chris and I have been watching Friday Night Lights. Two words--TIM.RIGGINS. Holy goodness. And yes, I am well aware of the fact that we're 8 years behind on the hype of this show.
• I think about having babies. A lot.
• All I want to do is drive around the Alpine Loop and admire the beautiful fall weather Utah has to offer for this limited time.
• Chris has been studying for the GRE at night, while I do productive things like eat ice cream and watch Netflix.
• "Pregnancy brain" has gotten a hold of me, which is weird since I'm not even close to pregnant, but somehow I still manage to forget my keys, forget to turn on the crockpot after I put 5 lbs of chicken in it, and blame Chris for any items I claim to be "missing." 
• Chris and I learned the hard way that there's a reason that no one talks about the burgers at Rumbi's Island Grill. Na-sty. 
• I've been obsessing over my new leggins from Agnes+Dora! Seriously, life-changing (thanks, Ali and Carlee!). Plus, can someone teach me how to take a selfie from bird's eye view without making my legs look like tree trunks?! I seem to be lacking in the art.
• Chris has been going hunting on the weekends while I turn into the neediest wife ever.
• I've admitted to myself that I have a social media problem. So much time is wasted on my phone. But that's the first step, right? Admitting you have a problem? Baby steps...

• I've been writing lame blog posts... I apologize for the bullet point post. Kinda.

I just wanted BOO!

Yesterday, something happened that I don't think has happened once since I've been married-or anytime in my life for that matter-I was actually ready for the day + did a craft (by myself!) + made dinner. I've done all those things, but not all at the same time. Heel click! The fact that I was triple threat-ing it yesterday made me think that I should always act like my classes are cancelled, or maybe convince Chris that I should just be a stay-at-home wife. You know, like a stay-at-home mom? But without the being a mom part.

Since I was busy not going to class, I decided to go to Hobby Lobby and get supplies for a craft that I saw on Pinterest. This craft was perfect me because it required almost little to no crafting abilities. Behold:

                                                                                          

via

Apparently there are a lot of people who think like me and like easy crafts because when I got to the wooden letter aisle at Hobby Lobby, there were no B's or O's to be found! I even lowered my standards and considered getting the curly wood letters that I hate, but nope! No B's or O's there, either. Thanks a lot, Pinterest! After triple-checking the aisle, I just started to walk aimlessly around Hobby Lobby, because let's be honest, who goes in there and leaves with nothing?! Finally, I decided to just make another burlap wreath since that's the only other craft I'm capable of making, but then a stroke of genius hit me--Why not put "BOO" on my wreath?! Another heel click, please! 

Halloween Wreath How-To:

1. Have your aunt Joelle teach you how to make a burlap wreath months in advance.

2. Skip class, and go to Hobby Lobby with no intentions of making a wreath.

3. Lower your crafting standards and decide to make a wreath, even though you already have one.

4. Watch Breaking Bad while assembling wreath.

5. Go to your mom's house to use her hot glue gun, because you don't have one + she made chocolate cake!

6. Hang up your new wreath and be sure to remember to post it on Instagram for validation.

A Friday worth celebrating.

Does this picture make you believe I am one of those crazy runners that runs in the rain or snow? Well, surprise! I'm not. And despite my attempts at trying to be one this morning, after running two miles I just accepted the fact that I'm not one of those runners. Because holy balls! It's cold outside! Ain't nobody got time for rain and hail! 

Even if Utah's weather did cut my run short today, it hasn't ruined my Friday. Now I have the perfect excuse to not wash my hair (again) and shove it under a beanie for the second day in a row + hide my failed attempts of new year's resolutions under a big, fat sweater (Chris is a lucky guy, isn't he?). Cold, rainy weather also gives me the right to put any productivity I had planned aside and just bake and snuggle up in a big, comfy blanket and watch Netflix until I have to go to work. It's a rough life, in case you haven't noticed.

This Friday also happens to be Mama Gourley's birthday! It's her 29th birthday in case you were wondering ;) I'm so lucky to get to call her my mother-in-law! Mama G makes THE best pico de gallo + the dirtiest diet Dr. Pepper this side of Utah county has ever seen. Not only does she fatten me up with delicious foods, but she also goes out of her way to make sure that I'm happy and that Chris is still treating me right ;) She is one of the most caring people I know, and she deserves the happiest of happy birthdays. So Martha (this is me assuming that you actually read my blog?), HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We love you!

My favorite thing about this gloomy looking Friday is that it's almost conference! Which means you might see me in a beanie for at least two more days.... just kidding! But not really. Seriously though, I can't wait to listen to conference this weekend! The older I get, the more I truly look forward to conference. You just feel so happy after you watch it, ya know?

Anyway, I have some un-productiveness I need to get to now... Happy Friday, folks!