things i'm dreaming of {august}:

this fabulous lace hoodie.
a bread machine that would do all of the work for me.
comfy pants, even though I'm pretty sure they're maternity pants. Haha.
a cute camera strap in a floral print.
any skirt from this site.
lovely blooms.
this beautiful antique ring.
an amazing bug vacuum that I'm sure would change my life. :)
this whole outfit.
a personalized life planner to keep write all of my notes in.

what we've been up to.

Photo taken at my grandparents' in Idaho.

Life lately has been insanely busy.  And wonderful.  And stressful.  And great.

Ben

// still serving at church as the 2nd counselor in Young Men's.

// just started a new lab rotation/his thesis lab, a new semester, and is a T.A. for an undergrad course.

Lex

// just got called to serve at church in Primary teaching the 7-8 year olds.

// working and job hunting like a mad woman. (Long story: Due to the sequester, research funding is becoming almost nightmarishly sparse and hard to come across. My position ends in 2 weeks.)

We

// put an offer in on a house, but it didn't end up going anywhere.

// are still house hunting.

// are searching for a new apartment to move into until we find another house we like.

// love life and are so blessed.

oh, i love it so.

a wedding to remember. {picture overload!}

The main reason I took off last weekend for a short-notice trip to Utah/Idaho/Oregon, was for my cousin's wedding.  Oh, how perfect was their day!  (Except maybe for the 2.5 hour long sealing delay due to a brother stuck on the freeway an hour away from the temple. ;) Although...it made the sealing just that much sweeter!)  The ceremony was beautiful and full of emotion, and KC couldn't stop staring at Cassie the whole day long. :)

The luncheon and reception were held in KC's backyard in the middle of nowhere Oregon.  The setting was rustic, natural, and literally picture perfect.  It was one of those receptions where you talk to the old ladies about raising chickens, and to the old guys about where they served their missions 50+ years ago.  Meanwhile, little kids ran around playing games and watched horseback riders mosey on down the trails.  The sparkler send-off was fun for all and made for a whimsical ending.

Congratulations, Cassie and KC!  :)

newlyweds (still?).

We've been married for 16 months, so I guess we still qualify as newlyweds...?  At what point are you not a newlywed??  Thoughts?

Missing this guy while I'm in Oregon for my cousin's wedding!  Portland is oh-so-wonderful.

celebrations call for cupcakes. (and apparently alliteration.)

Happy one year of being in St. Louis to us!

peaches and tractors.

Years and years ago, we had a family get-together weekend at my grandparents' house/farm in Idaho.  We spent all of Saturday cleaning out old barns, fixing fences, doing yard work, riding the tractors, mowing the yard, painting the porch, weeding the garden, and picking fruit.

I don't remember how many plums we picked that day, but I sure remember how many we ate!  My goodness, some of us were so sick the next day.  ;)  When we made plans over the weekend with friends to go pick peaches (attempt number two!), my 10-year old self remembered just how sick you can get from too much fruit.  Needless to say, I only ate one peach while out picking.  We did, however, seem to accumulate 10 lbs. of peaches throughout the evening.  Anyone want some peaches??

There's something so alluring about tractor rides through the orchards and picking peaches during your favorite time of day.  Not to mention, something magical about warm peach cobbler and french vanilla ice cream. :)

Long live summer and iPhone photos!

it is sweet.

One of my favorite things about living in Missouri is being asked about Utah and Mormons when I tell people where I'm from.  A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being the first Mormon my hairstylist had ever met. ;) We talked about the fundamental truths of the gospel, temples, and even more specifically, sealings.  As I was telling her about how we believe in being married for time and eternity, she got goosebumps all over and had tears in her eyes.

"That's so sweet!" she kept saying over and over.

And I couldn't help but emphatically agree with her.  It is sweet.  And such a blessing.

Click on a topic to learn more:  Mormonism, temples, sealings

summer night get-togethers.

Earlier this week we had a farewell get-together in the park for our friends who are ditching Missouri for Colorado. ;) We're so happy for them, and will miss them so much!  The weather was lovely, the company was fabulous, and the pavilion was definitely unique, haha.

Happy Friday, friends!

I'll be spending my weekend at the pool, reading and soaking up some sun.  :)

because i'm running out of time.

What's left on your summer bucket list??

volunteer opportunities are the best.

A school for immigrant children--many of which are displaced war refugees--had their back-to-school event this weekend here in St. Louis.  Our church group went to help with registration, handing out backpacks, providing lunches, and just to help curb the chaos.  It was so wonderful to talk to all of the kids and watch waves of euphoria wash over them when they were handed a brand new backpack or even a snowcone! The girl above giving the camera a peace sign told me that I was "sooooo lucky" to have been born in America.  And you know what?  

She's completely right and I needed the reminder. :)