friday favorites

It is Friday, right? I've been so confused as to what day it is this week since my weekend started Wednesday (yes, Wednesday!). I'm currently struggling with some homework, so to make myself feel better, I'm going to focus on the positive ;) Here are a few things that are making me pretty stinking happy right now:

One: The really awkward but really cute movie I saw with the husband and brother and sister-in-law last night. If you liked The Royal Tenenbaums, then this movie is also going to be a winner for you.

Two: This book is FREE on iBooks! Which immediately makes it awesome! I'm only a few pages or so into it, but I'm pretty sure I'll be a big fan.

Three: I love yarn wrapped letters! I've got big dreams for them in our master bedroom (once I do some heavy duty cleaning and organizing).

Four: I've recently discovered Lara Bars (I know, where have I been?!). I'm planning to try out this homemade Larabar recipe from 100 Days of Real Food. Cannot wait!

Let me know what you think of the movie, book, and/or lara bars recipe (if you try it out too)! And if you've got some tips on how to yarn wrap letters, I'm all ears!

Enjoy your weekend!

Until next time... :)

this past year

Today is July 4th, and I have plenty to be thankful for.  The facts that we live in this country and have the blessings that we have are incredible to me and so very humbling.  I am so appreciative of the sacrifices that have been made, by the men and women that serve our country, and most of all, by Jesus.

So with that, I'd like to share some things that have brought me joy this past year {since I was a blog slacker and didn't post a thing from June 2011 - June 2012}:

Completed my Masters Degree!

Enjoyed a weekend with the fam for graduation celebration festivities :)

Celebrated graduation with dessert and sweet Atlanta friends {who I cannot explain how thankful I am for},

Chelsie {she came to surprise me at my graduation, love her!}, brother and husband.

Stood beside two beautiful ladies in their weddings {so honored}

Spent my first Christmas back at home with husband and pup.

Passed my Preliminary Exam!!

{after 3 months of crazy studying and zero life}

Started back to school as a Ph.D. student - NUTS!

Celebrated my brother graduating with his Electrical Engineering Degree {This brilliant kid also just got a job! I'm so sad he's moving, but I'm thrilled for his opportunities and future experiences.}

{Best of all} reunited with this handsome guy.

So much more has happened in the past year that I unfortunately failed to capture in pictures. Not only have I been reunited with my husband, but also my amazing family, my dear friends, and my church family.  Jared is also back to school and doing so well {proud wife!}.  Work is incredible and I am loving it.  And being home is really just so wonderful. 

Life isn't perfect of course {let's be real}.  We are insanely busy with school, work, church, family, etc., and we have our rough days.  We are constantly exhausted and find ourselves neglecting friendships that we need in our lives.  But we are taking steps to find more energy and TIME {more on that another day}, so we foresee less days of exhaustion and more fun things ahead :) 

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th!

Until next time... :)