Second Semester of our Second Year

We're 3 weeks into the Spring semester of our second year in Ph.D programs.  We've been in this house for almost 6 months now, and things have changed tremendously in the house, especially considering our lack of time to actually do home improvement things with our schedules for school & work.  I'll post pictures when I get that camera that has been on my wishlist for months now... :)

I knew being a grad student again would be so stressful, but honestly, it is one of the most rewarding things- I get to teach a class on something I love, I take challenging classes, and I get to have a similar schedule to my husband, since he's going through the same thing. 

We probably have a lot less time than others to just enjoy, but as I look out my window at my dogs enjoying this wonderful backyard, I know I'm so incredibly lucky to be here. 


I just have to remind myself of that when I get overwhelmed by all of the grading, writing, revising, ...

one family vehicle?

Since we really only use one vehicle regularly, Andy & I are thinking about just having one family vehicle. Thoughts?
The hardest decision will be deciding which one to keep, or if we should invest in something in-between the two. In all honesty, both Andy & I would love to get a black Rav4 since it's small enough for me to drive but big enough to transport animals and stuff while traveling. I guess I have a few months to figure it all out... fingers crossed that nothing more goes wrong with either vehicle until then.

Happy Bestie Day!

So, I just saw that today is Bestie Day on Hello Giggles  in a post by Zooey Deshanel, who is one of my favorite actresses.

So, I want to dedicate this post to Er, my best friend since 6th grade.  17 years ago? Really?! Either way, I'm so lucky to be friends with someone like her, & I'm so happy she's put up with all my dorkiness & drama over the years. Can't wait to see your new place & see your face!

 Here we are in Nola this summer

This semester is wrapping up, and I'm exhausted! This is us on our last day of classes for our first semester of Ph. D programs:

I have two papers due on Monday and a final due on Tuesday, but after that, we'll be Louisiana bound! I'm so excited to see all our lovely friends! :)

Proud :)

This weekend, my amazing sister-in-law won 3rd place in the Gulf Coast Rising Stars Talent Competition at Tanger Outlets in Gulf Shores, Alabama while on vacation.  This was her first time performing in public!
http://www.youtube.com I must say, though, on Saturday, she performed again, at the Gulf Coast Rising Stars Talent Competition – Winners Live Performance at the Hot Air Balloon Festival there in Gulf Shores, and she placed second place over all of the winners!
My husband and I are so unbelievably proud of her, and I think you should check out the rest of her videos on her YouTube Channel :)

Hearts

 

I have only lived in this apartment 6 months now, but within the first month, I had this place filled with ideas that I came across on Pinterest. 

Here is how I created my own Heart shaped collage for less than $10 with free printables and the Clips frames from Ikea.

Oh, Summertime...

 A free printable from irocksowhat

Actually, I must say we had some awesome adventures so far this summer that are not in the world of academia for a change.