he's exceptional too

I guess my last post glorified another man too much and husband was a tiny-weeny jealous. His response, "An exceptional man? I could be a Navy SEAL." This I know. Did you know he was enrolled in the Airforce ROTC before I came along and selfishly took away his flying wings because I wasn't strong enough to be a military wife? True stuff. But only an exceptional man could be this exceptional of a father to this smiley little girl:

Do you see that dimple in her right cheek?

Good, just wanted to make sure you saw it.

Thank you all for your book suggestions! I'm ready to tackle all of 'em!

the waiting game is FINALLY coming to an end

Wow. We feel like we have been on hold forever with this whole grad school thing. Jared and I both took the GRE last August, with plans for him to attend grad school first and then I would have the option to in the future if we had the means. So applications started in October and were turned in by December. It has been a long time coming but within the last week we FINALLY heard back from 2 schools - and both were a YES! Jared's the surprise type of man, so when he got in to NCSU he called me up and asked me if I would like to live in Raleigh. At first I didn't catch on, but then it hit me that he was asking me because that would potentially be our new home! I was ecstatic! I would love to live in NC!

Then yesterday he came out from the grocery store with an orange rose. That seeemed random, but I willingly accepted it, of course. I thought orange was a weird color for a rose until I realized that he was giving me the colors of Syracuse University! We couldn't be more pleased. Still waiting to hear from 3 more. No matter which school we ultimately decide, we'll be east coasters starting in July!

why i fell in love at 16

Need I say more?

I think that was probably the best day of my life - well, my highschool life.

I guess he topped himself with the proposal 5 years later, wedding and giving me a baby.

[Jared, dear, I hope you're not upset that I just blasted your awesome-ness for the world to see.]

He could model.

The other night Jared was gracious enough to be my model for the evening. I have so much to learn about photography, lighting, my camera, so we went out after work for an evening shoot. He makes it easy on me because every angle/lighting works towards his advantage with that chiseled jaw. Last night we watched wipe-out. I'm not an addict of that show and I would never make it my ritual to sit down and watch it except Jared likes it. And I also like listening to his giggly laugh when the contestants face plant. [Actually, last night was pretty funny. I think we both were gulping for air at one point.] I just really like being with him.

I have this journal that I titled "OBSERVATIONS." It's where I write down my observations of life, if you will. A lot of quotes, inspiration, self-realizations, improvements, etc. I got my OBSERVATIONS journal in Scotland, and it is dear to my heart. I mentioned in a whisper to Jared on Sunday that my journal was getting full - that means we better plan a trip to Scotland! On Monday night I came home from work to a hemp journal sitting on my bed, complete with natural papermill sheets, the kind where the woodchips are dried into the pages and smells of cut wood, and the journal was line-free. Just how I like it. I couldn't help but tear up over this simple gesture. He is amazing. Did I also mention that he saved us $70+ in car repairs by changing the break lights by himself? What a stud.

24 REASONS.

Today is my husband's birthday. #24.

Here are 24 reasons why I get a kick out of having him around.

Let's get the physical ones out of the way, shall we?
1. His smile. It's killer.
2. His wake up face. It is so pouty, its adorable!
3. He has a bubble bum, which looks incredible in slacks [ truth must be told!]
4. His broad shoulders. They are so masculine.
5. So he may have some chest hair, and I may be the biggest fan.
[now the stuff that really counts]
6. He appreciates my cooking.
7. He's a pretty organized guy, never leaves a mess behind.
8. Extremely dedicated hard worker.
9. He picks up on the little things, like my watch needing a new battery.
10. He'll watch The History Channel "The Presidents" with me.
11. He is always up for learning.
12. He's musically talented and is a fantastic bass.
13. Jared is a very patient man.
14. We share the same humor. Laughter is so important.
15. He served a mission faithfully.
16. I have a pretty great imagination. I mean GREAT. He never shuts me up when I babble on about our future kids, house, travel plans, etc.
17. Although I might hate it at times, he helps me monitor my sweets intake.
18. He takes out the trash without me having to ask.
19. He has ambition.
20. He's always down for an adventure.
21. He's frugal.
22. He doesn't play video games or watch sports.
23. He loves the gospel.
24. He's solely mine. We are sealed for time and all eternity.

President Hinckley said that marriage is "the stuff of which your dreams are made."
It truly is.
Happy 24th Birthday Jared Oakden, Sir!