Five Years

Five years ago Jake and I were starting our college years at Utah State University.

Sometimes I dream about the autumn afternoons spent lounging on the quad
or the cold mornings I consumed white hot chocolate at the Merill-Cazier Library. 

Thanks USU for bringing Jake and I together!

Those four years were the best yet.

to read about how we met click HERE

idea (via)

One year ago.

A year ago I put on one ugly black synthetic gown
and an awkward cap,
held my husband's hand and climbed the stairs to a stage
to celebrate the end of my college years.

I remember hating college. I hated the classes.
I hated the pressure.
Now, a year later, I wish I could go back.
I learned so much and met some amazing people in those four years.
Including my husband.

I miss the days of walking the quad and seeing the mountains in front of me.
I miss the silly conversations in the costume shop about reality TV.
I miss that sense of belonging and continuous learning. 

So for all of you students who pine for the day that you can take that diploma
 and flip Blackboard the big one, take heed.
You will miss it.

Desperately.

Graduation

Well the day I've been dreaming about for MONTHS finally came and went. It was such a huge fantastical deal in my mind and now it's gone and I'm supposedly some sort of college grad. Hah. That's a good one right? 22 credits this semester with a whopping 3.74 GPA. No idea how that happened but I'm okay with it :) Here are some photos to prove it happened.

 so excited!

 pinning on them buttah bars

 2nd Lt Jacob Kearns!

 Troopers.

 Baby Tay!

 Showing off...

 Bae Mae

 At least someone likes that hat.

Ohh we're such grown-ups! 

Now the blissful summer is here, I'm now a primary worker and I start my job back up tomorrow!

This is exciting stuff people.

Butter Bars and Leaping Lizards

 

Our last military parade has come and gone... can't believe how much little Jakey has grown up! He's graduating ROTC and becoming a legit officer! 

 They're the three best friends that anyone could have...

 They're lovely aren't they..?

don't know why I'm looking so awkward and chubby, but we'll ignore it. The end of college is here everyone, and these two suckers are headed off into the real world. Well, soon enough... Last day of college, here I come.

Job Well Done.

Jakey is a happy clam. 

This boy is finished with all of his class projects! 

Next step... graduation and commissioning:)

So proud of you darling!

Dreaming...

Ohh another gloomy week... Yesterday was rather nice. We had jacket free weather! But I'm afraid that is gone and it looks like snowy skies ahead. I wish I was in Vegas with these kiddos and little Taytum. Wish we could go lay out by the pool.... Bask in the sun... That would be nice. Instead I'll just push through these last few weeks of college. The closer it is, the more weight I feel coming off my shoulders. Maybe its our cap and gowns that are hanging in the closet. Either way It's rather exciting :)

Tacos and Jarritos

Ohh I love college. The last 2 weeks have been devoted to making this hat I like to call... Satan. It's left my fingers red and swollen. So glad it's done.

I am so grateful for this crazy man I call husband. As cheesy as it is, I still can't believe I found such an amazing guy to spend the rest of my life with. He is by far the funniest man on this earth, he is annoyingly good at everything, and the most handsome and loving man I know. He's going to make an incredible father and I am so excited to have eternity to grow up with him. And those eyes...? Dang.

P.s. I highly recommend that you check out Costa Vida's Twilight Tuesday Tacos. They are fantastic. I would also suggest you pick up a Guava Jarritos from your local Smiths to wash them down. While watching Toys Story 3. Yuuummmmy.

I knew it!

What a weekend! Jacob was full of surprises... I mean, I was hoping it would feel like my birthday all weekend long but had no idea it was going to be this much fun. Friday I came home from class to find mysterious food on the counter top. I immediately asked who's it was, and saw Jake's eyes widen. I knew something was up. But I casually just sat down and waited... eventually he told me to go check the extra bedroom and what did I find...?  My two best friends! It was a wonderful surprise. We all went to Firehouse and the football game, which was a shocker to say the least. It was the first time we've beat BYU in football in the last 17 years! I left the stadium with mixed feelings, wanting to be happy for my school but feeling bad for my husband who is a big cougar fan. Ohh football. 

It was jam packed to say the least.

bored.

How our boys felt about the score board. 

Burfday

You know... why can't everyday be my birthday? All the facebook postings... the presents, the excuses to skip class and eat/buy whatever I want... Normals days just seem lame now. But I'm making the most of it :) Here's the one picture from my birthday, a lovely moment in which I destroyed an obnoxious scene painting project. What a great gift.  Hope you have a fantastic weekend!