Life lately.

Happy Friday, friends! I hope you've all had an awesome week. Ours has been a little crazy, and I wanted to apologize for my super sporadic posts lately. I can't promise things will ever be "normal" around here! ;) I figured with a really quiet page lately that I'd give everyone a quick life update!

Last weekend we celebrated our sweet friend, Greta, who graduated high school, and also just turned 18 yesterday! Talk about a big week for her! It was a great time eating delicious food, playing corn hole and hanging out with our church family!

Also the cutest puppy I think I've EVER seen made an appearance...

Monday, we took our own advice and FINALLY got some photos done! My new friend Alex and I swapped services by trading photo shoots for each other! She sent us a few sneak peeks that same night and I was basically in tears. She crushed it! :) these are super low resolution since they were texted to me.

Wednesday we went Downtown for a fun date night! He took me to dinner and then to watch our first FC Cincinnati game! They are a new soccer club as of last year and I don't think we could've picked a better game to go to if we tried. First of all, our seats were incredible, we scored some cheap new shirts, the atmosphere was amazing... OH and I met my favorite NFL player that night, Tyler Eifert (#nobigdeal)!! He was so friendly!

This weekend we'll spend a little time with family, but spend the majority of the time cleaning, doing laundry, and packing for CIY! Next week we'll be out of town with the high schoolers for a youth camp! We'll have a chance to worship, stay up way too late, and grow in our relationships with each other! Caleb and I are so excited to attend for our 3rd year in a row and can't wait to see how God changes the lives and hearts of these students! If you're a praying type of person, we'd love any extra you could send our group's way!

Have a great weekend, friends!

Free weekend!

I know, who blogs about their weekend on a Wednesday? *hands up*

Friday we had one of our last weddings for a while, and I have to say, we're thrilled. I've said it before and I'll say it again; we LOVE photographing these huge moments for people, but we are due for some time off to enjoy life!

Ashley and Brandon couldn't have asked for better weather, but it was definitely WARM!

Saturday we woke up and had an ADORABLE family session with some of Caleb's cousins. They have SEVEN kiddos and while you'd think it would've been a crazy hot mess, it was the polar opposite. Their children were amazing! We had a great time.

After that we headed to lunch at Five Guys, then went to the Star Wars Costume exhibit in our local museum. It's currently on tour in Cincy and it did not disappoint! Very cool to see some original costumes/drawings from the movies!

We spent the late afternoon at home, then had a spur of the moment hangout with Erin & Jared at their house! Lots of fun board games were played, and just catching up on life.

Sunday after church we took my Dad to Red Robin for Father's Day and it was great to spend some time with him and Amy!

I had such an amazing Senior Session on Monday after work with a gal who is basically family. Emilee is my Aunt's niece and so we've known each other for years! Isn't she stunning?? And can we talk about the SUNLIGHT!?

Last night we had another young adult hangout and I'm pretty sure I made the best s'more in the world. Seriously! A reese cup with TWO marshmallows! We all had a great time hanging out, playing backyard games, and catching up on life.

Hope you're all having a great week so far!! :)

Time for a photo dump!

I don't know about you, but I take a LOT of pictures on my phone. It's kind of ridiculous. I go through once a month or so and try to delete a ton of photos that aren't relevant/etc.! It's refreshing, and also ridiculous that I take so many in the first place ;) I figured I'd do a total photo dump of randomness that maybe wasn't worthy of it's own blog post from the past month or so!

My sweet co worker got a package and when I delivered it to her office she turned right back around and said it was actually for me. So random! She said she saw this on a website and it "screamed my  name". It's a miniature air plant and I'm hoping I can keep it alive. Is it not the cutest thing you've ever seen!!?!?

Last month Caleb found some INSANE clearance deals at Kohls and he got himself a new suit/shirt combo. I was trying to convince him it didn't really match, but after I took the photo, I wasn't so sure anymore. LOL! Regardless, he cleans up nice ;)

We had a consult on Monday at the big Starbucks inside our local Kroger, and it was super convenient because we actually needed groceries, too! SO while it made for kind of a late night , it was worth it to stay healthy/on track this week! PS - those little Sargento snacks were on sale and they are the perfect little midday treat!

We have the most adorable, entertaining, silly nephew in the world and cannot get enough of him.

I picked up this book in Columbus last time we visited some friends and the back summary intrigued me. As I'm trying to get back into a much healthier lifestyle, it's been really neat to read how our brain forms habits, etc.! Definitely an interesting read so far.

We treated ourselves to Chipotle after our service project w/ church on Sunday and it was so fun convincing Caleb and repeating "treat yo self" 100x.

My sweet friend Becca had baby #2 on Monday (he came a little early!) and I decided to hop in the car (I left work a little early) and make the nearly 2 hour drive to go see them. His name is Hudson, and he stole my heart. Call me crazy, but we only live once, and I figured why not go get some baby snuggles and visit with an old friend? ;)

Hope you all have a fantastic hump day - I still laugh thinking about that silly Geico camel commercial ;)

Currently {April}

It's a new month and that means a new Currently link up with Anne and her co-host Jess! April has so much fun jam-packed in it, I'm excited to get it going!

I'm currently...

Accomplishing || a LOT of editing. I hunkered down last night and got a lot done, and it feels good to be on top of things!

Feeling || better. I've finally kicked that nasty cold and my headache is clear. Also this week I've really focused on eating better, and it's amazing what a few days of that and being more active can do for you!

Needing || a manicure. Like BAD. If you know me at all, you know I never have my nails painted - but once (sometimes twice) a year I'll get them done and I think I'm about due. Maybe I'll do it right before vacation!?

Practicing || getting more sleep so I can wake up earlier than usual and get in a good workout before I start my day!

Pinning || these adorable flower pretzels! How CUTE are these for Easter?! Every year (since we have hardly any Spring decor in our home) I'm trying to make a new Spring themed candy and pass them out to friends/family at church! These easter popcorn bars are in for a close 2nd place recipe, though!

link

Caleb and I have a couple of consultations tonight after work, so while it's a long day for us, I'm excited!! Hope you have a great Wednesday!

Confession session

I confess...

 ...that I cannot wait for This Is Us to come back in September. I keep hearing mixed reviews of the season finale. Some people loved it, some didn't at all. Personally, I loved it. It was just so honest! I think people just expected it to be more of a tear-jerker because that's how it ALWAYS is. I'm excited for season 2!

...I miss my mom. We were talking yesterday and she said she may extend her trip (she's a traveling nurse) in Maine through the summer! I'm happy for her, but I miss her and her goofy self.

...that Caleb and I have been watching a LOT of movies lately. We've been putting together movie nights w/ people from church/friends and there is always at least 10 of us going to see a cheap movie on Tuesday nights. We're trying to keep up with it once a month.

I miss summer. End of story.

...I'm sick of this cold weather. We had 70 degrees just days ago and now it's 18!? My throat is starting to feel sore. I'm ready for Spring!!

...that as much as I love Joanna Gaines, I found a necklace that was basically a glorified shoe string on their Magnolia Shop site for $48. Come on, guys!!

...I didn't wash my hair today. Whoops.

...that I suck at waking up early to work out. My friend and I have made a pact that begins next week to start working out BEFORE WORK again. Because lets be real, once you're at home and you see that glorious couch, it's too difficult to NOT flop on it for the rest of the night!

...that I have the best husband in the world. He's truly my happy place. I'm also feeling really thankful for the awesome family I married into.

...that we're in the home stretch of our debt payments. Only a few more months until financial freedom! That feels amazing to say!!

...our house is a mess the majority of the time, and by "mess" I just mean there is constant laundry to be done. I don't get how it never ends!?

...that I am SO READY for a vacation. Sandy beaches, warm weather, SUNSHINE! Ahhh!

Hope you all have a fantastic Thursday. We're almost to the weekend!

Underwhelmed schedule.

It's no secret that Caleb and I, for the majority of our marriage, have been pretty busy people. With each of us juggling full time day jobs, a photography business, church commitments and a young adult ministry, it's a lot! That's not even to mention keeping our marriage and social calendar alive! A lot of that had to do with the fact that we knew it was temporary, which is key. We knew that in order to get out of debt quickly (within a few years), we'd have to hustle - work hard - take on a LOT of jobs. While this was true, we also didn't realize what a toll it would take on us. I knew it was getting bad when before anyone would ask us to commit to something (even a social event) they'd preface the sentence with "now I KNOW how busy you guys are, but...", and that broke my heart.

Last year is when we knew it was time to make a change. As I mentioned before, we started our own photography business, and that gave us a little more freedom to run our own schedules. I decided for my own mental health/sanity that it was necessary to only allow ourselves X amount of projects a month, no matter how much money we may lose out on.

We also decided to say no to some church commitments here and there. As much as we hated to say no when it came to volunteering, I realized that it didn't make us bad people. No one expects anyone to say yes to everything, so why was I setting this unrealistic expectation for us that we HAD to?! What was so freeing is when we actually began to politely decline, people surprised us with answers like "that's totally fine!" or "hey, thanks for at least considering!". There were no hard feelings, and my soul felt a little more free each time.

I began to see how much more available I became to not only my friends and my husband, but to Jesus, most importantly. I was able to spend my mornings in prayer, instead of rushing to get out of the door. I began to have less "clutter" on my calendar, and more intentional hangouts with my friends. Nights that used to be filled with rushing around after work were now being spent in comfy clothes and a messy bun, actually making a good dinner and spending time at the table with Caleb. 

Lysa Terkeurst is one of my favorite Christian authors/speakers and she wrote a book called The Best Yes where she said "If I really want an unrushed life, I must underwhelm my schedule, so God has room to overwhelm my soul". DANG!

I'm amazed at how much I've changed in just the few years we've been married. Not in some dramatic, life altering way, but just in the small things. I'm waking up everyday asking God to help me be the best ME I can be that day, to not get caught up in the hustle of hard work, and to just be.

I hope you can take some time this week to slow down, and be more aware of how you spend your time, and how it makes you feel. We all have the same amount of hours in our days, let's make them count! :)

Attitude of gratitude.

This morning was another crazy one! Our power is still out. There were confirmed tornadoes right in our town, which is insane to think about - over 110mph winds! I can't even fathom that! This was an uprooted tree near our neighborhood that one of our church friends captured - most of the streets were blocked and our town/surrounding towns had severe damage.

So while I could sit here and gripe about having no power, no heat, a ton of spoiled food we have to throw away, and having to take a cold shower again; I won't. Today, I want to focus on the positives.

I'm so thankful for my in-laws who insisted we come stay with them last night, prepared us the biggest chicken and dumplings meal and kept the treats coming all night.

I'm so thankful for an air mattress and blankets and warmth last night.

I'm so thankful for a husband who tells me how to get to work when every normal route you'd take is damaged/closed/not an option.

I'm so thankful for a roof over my head, even when there's no electricity/heat inside.

I'm thankful for an employer with electricity so I can keep my devices charged so I'm not driving around town with a dead phone.

I'm so thankful for our incomes - even though we lost a ton of food in our fridge/freezer, we have the means to head back to the grocery store and restock when necessary.

I'm so thankful for the clean up crews in our town who are trying their hardest to make everything back to normal!

I'm so thankful it's almost the weekend and there is lots to celebrate!

I'm so thankful for YOU all, who come back to read day after day. This blog may not be as interesting as it once was (back in the wedding planning days, lol) but it feels good to still keep up with it and write whatever is on my heart that day.

Have a great day!

Currently {March - already?!}

Well this morning was the exact definition of crazy. Both of our phones jolted us awake around 3:00AM due to severe weather in our area (flash flooding and the spotting of a tornado), so of course we go our main level to turn the news on. The meteorologist says to take cover if you live off of a certain main road (which we do), and then our power went out! So we sleepily went down to our basement and just stayed down there for about an hour. Around 4:00AM we were able to go back up to our bedrooms and fall back asleep. Fast forward to Caleb going to work. Since so many roads were closed Caleb's oldest brother couldn't pick him up at our house (they all carpool sometimes) so I had to drop him off at a local gas station, and we had to convince the traffic cops to let me cross through a barricade to come back home - luckily they were nice and understood our situation was unique! Needless to say, I'm tired. It was interesting taking a shower in the dark this morning and driving through a storm so bad I could barely see out my windshield but hey, I'm safe. Our families are safe. That is what matters! Let this Wednesday begin!

Phew! Now that that's out of the way - here we are with another month, which means another new Currently prompt from Anne and her new co-host Carrie! This is one of my favorite link ups because it always leads me to finding some fun new blogs to follow!

Currently I'm...
Watching: The Office (per the usual), The Man in the High Castle (we're only 2 episodes in since they are about an hour long each), and a lot of our Golden State Warriors since they are back from the break and have had some 7PM EST games! Woo

Eating: healthier foods! It's crazy how just a couple days of being healthier really makes your body feel so much better!

Saying: more prayers. The last month or so I've used my morning commute to unwind and talk to the Lord. It's been a great way to start my day!

Wearing: Lots of black pants. I have about 3 pairs that look identical, so I'm hoping no one in my office thinks I'm just not washing my clothes ;)  but really - the weather here has been so back and forth, and they are such a staple in my wardrobe (and real talk, I never feel like shaving my legs)!

Posting: more of our wedding photography now that we've had a couple of weddings already this year! It feels good to be proud of the work we're doing!

aaaand my co-worker just tossed me two free boxes of Thin Mints - DANGIT! Trying to be healthy here lady ;) at least they freeze well!
Have a great day, friends!

Be who you needed

I've been making my way through February just fine. Actually getting to work early every morning, not drinking my extra-sugary coffee too many times a week, and editing sessions like a boss. BUT, wait. We only have 5 more days in the month?!!? UM. How did this happen? I still have so many goals I haven't finished/worked on. Why is it that this month flies by WAY quicker than the rest, I mean, it only has a FEW less days than the rest of 'em!

Sometime last month Caleb was listening to one of our favorite singers and came across a song of his that he hadn't heard before. He texted me right away to tell me about it and said it reminded him of the youth ministry. In the song he talks about how God will never stop pursuing us, our hearts, our lives...and how it was a good metaphor for how we should be with our teens/young adults, and really anyone we love.

Recently, I came across a quote (I must've been very emotional that day), but it really stopped me in my tracks. Disclaimer: I'm totally a sucker for quotes, shoot me. There was something about this one though; it was SO simple, but so profound.

It really hit me because if I had someone constantly loving on me, pointing me in the right direction, feeding me life advice, I can almost guarantee I wouldn't have made so many bad decisions as a teenager. Looking back, I definitely wouldn't change a thing, because it molded me into who I am today, and I'm able to better love on others, and understand what they are going through because of my experiences as a teenager/young adult. It wasn't until I met a friend my senior year of high school, Marie, who changed my life. She encouraged me, pursued my heart and invited me to events (one of which would turn my life around).

I guess I'm just really excited because since Caleb and I started this young adult ministry, it's grown! We've heard some really cool stories, seen some of them step up to tell us what's been on their hearts that week, and most importantly we're building an awesome community full of new friends for them through this weird transition stage of life (not quite a kid anymore, but don't necessarily feel ready for adulthood). We're planning so many fun events, and I'm totally a fan of themed parties (taco party, game night, trivia night, Hawaiian luau, etc.).

I'm not sure where this post is going, but it's all good. I really just sat down to write, which I feel like I don't do much of lately, and this is what came out today. I'm excited to be able to spend so much time encouraging the youth in our community and if you guys ever have ideas for topics we can discuss, or themed nights, we would love your input! This has been such a cool new endeavor for Caleb and I, and we're thankful we get to do it together!

Anyway, hope you have a great day! We're so close to Friday!

2016: a look back, and a little peek forward.

Every year I think I say the same thing; this was the fastest year of my life! But truly, I think this was. 2016 was pretty incredible all in all. Some parts were difficult, others were rewarding, but all in all? I'm extremely happy with 2016. 

This is always one of my favorite posts to write because I get to reflect on the last year and really take at the things we went through, our memories, the things we learned (both good and bad) and to make some loose goals for the new year ahead. I always love doing that!

Here's a look back at the past year:

-We rang in the New Year with our best friends doing what we do best; playing board games!

-Took Emily Ley's Simplified Challenge and cleared up some serious house/mental clutter!

-Found out Erin and Jared were having a BOY! We love that little man to death.

-Becky came to visit me again!! I love that blogging brought us together!

-Angie and I went to visit Lyndsie in Nashville and ate WAY too much food!

-I got into my first car accident (not my fault, luckily) but ended up driving my DREAM CAR for a week, so it wasn't all terrible.

-Celebrated Easter weekend with family and brought treats to share!

-Wrote my first "things I'm loving" post which quickly turned into a favorite prompt of mine!

-Helped throw Erin her first baby shower!! That was such a blessing for me! Being Aunt Kayla is seriously one of the coolest things in the world.

-I found an old letter my Grandpa, who had passed away two years prior, wrote me.

-Ran and finished my 3rd half marathon with my husband by my side!!

-Wrote a heartfelt letter to my younger self that really opened my eyes.

-Watched my brother graduate High School in May! *cue the tears*

-Caleb and I celebrated 3 YEARS of marriage with Mexican food!

-Met our first INCREDIBLE baby nephew and snuck in as many cuddles as we could!
-Successfully photographed another week of our church's annual Sports Camp!

-Enjoyed a couple of obligation free weekends with friends/family over the Summer!

 -Got a little frustrated that we're still in debt but realized we're still making serious progress and to be proud of wherever we are in life!
-Turned 25; Caleb threw me the most quaint little surprise party ever! He's the best!

-Spent an amazing week with the teens in Cleveland, TN for CIY! Hearts were changed!
-Stepped outside of my comfort zone BIG TIME and visited my first Tuesdays Together meeting (where I knew no one) and WOW, it's made a huge impact on my life! So thankful!

-Hung out with the Bengals on field, NBD!

-Photographed one of my favorite weddings to date and made some new friends!
-Had a ladies night with two of my favorite ladies!

-FINALLY GOT A NEW CAMERA! Haven't put it down since ;)
-Celebrated Caleb's 28th with a week off of work and lots of tasty food and good movies!

-Spent Halloween handing out candy with family! No fun costumes this year, sadly!
-Enjoyed a fun paint night with the ladies!

-Photographed our first out of state wedding, in Nashville, TN!
-Caleb and I followed God's quiet whisper to start a young adult group in our church and it's been a HUGE success!

-Enjoyed an incredible Thanksgiving with all our family and then decorated for Christmas. YAY!
-Got spontaneous dinner with my bestie because she was in town and I miss her way too much!

-Successfully photographed 31 whole weddings this year. WOW! We're exhausted, but feeling SO proud!
-Tried to soak in as much of the Christmas decor as we could. Feeling so thankful for our tiny town home, even through the days of annoying maintenance, noise complaints, etc.! We're grateful, especially this time of year, to have a roof over our heads and warm feet before bed.

STARTED OUR BUSINESS!!!! Omg. Still amazed at this one!
Celebrated Christmas together!

Caleb and I have quite a few big goals and big wishes for 2017, which (hopefully) include...

getting out of debt (finally)...
beginning the process of finding/buying a home...
spending a LOT more time in prayer...
saving more money...
...truly enjoying every bit of free time that comes our way.

Next year isn't near as booked up as the last few have been, and I have to say that was pretty intentional. Caleb and I are so excited about our new business, and can't wait to book up like crazy in the next few years, but next year we're REALLY trying to enjoy the time we have together more intentionally. More unplugged date nights, more cuddles on the couch, more time with friends. I am excited to have a better workflow system in place to cut time down behind my computer screen. After all, I didn't pick up a camera in the first place to be stuck behind my computer half my life.

I hope 2017 is amazing for ALL of us! Any big moments from 2016 you want to relive? Any fun goals for the New Year you have? Tell me about them!

On a more positive note

You ever have one of those days where everything seems to be going going wrong? You didn't prep your lunch for the day, your folded laundry is still not put away, the dishes seem to be everywhere, you're running late, you forgot to fill your gas tank, you spill coffee on yourself, etc.? Am I painting a crazy enough picture for you? ;)

 It's in those moments that we (I) say things we (I) don't mean, we do silly things we shouldn't, and just wish that the day would end already. This happens to me all too often, and I thought to myself, what good will it do me by complaining even more about it!? Make your day turn around, Kayla! You have that power to change your attitude.

Instead of complaining, or wishing your day away, have you ever thought that maybe your mood could change by doing something sweet for someone, for absolutely no reason at all!? Well, it can. Try it...I dare ya.

Today is actually perfect because I get to volunteer with my company, just in time for Veterans Day! We are going to 3 different homes in the community and raking their leaves, cleaning out their gutters, power washing their homes, etc.! Basically things that elderly people should not have to worry about. I'm so excited to give back, it really does bring so much joy! Here are some other ideas on how to brighten someone else's day...just because!

A random act of kindness. Bake a pie for your neighbor, leave $5 on a co-workers desk with a note that "lunch is on me", bring in donuts for the whole department, fill someone's cubicles with cute balloons, pay for someone's coffee, compliment that girls outfit, send some snail mail just because, you get the point.

Volunteering. I know this is kind of the same thing as above, but hear me out! Whether it be with your local church, a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a library, anything...giving of your time is so, so rewarding. Yes, sometimes it can be exhausting, but when Caleb and I teach those little kids at church, or help out our church's youth group...half the time, they are the ones who end up teaching us something. Or when I'm able to devote a week of my summer evenings to photographing our church's annual Sports Camp? By the end of the week I am overwhelmed with how full of love I feel.

Give away your time or talents, for free. I know, I know. If you're a small business owner, you can't thrive if you're always giving stuff away. BUT! Here and there, for someone who really needs it, I think its absolutely worth it. A lot of you out there who have online shops, who can sew, who are photographers, artists, master Calligraphers (is that a thing!?), etc, and you charge for these services, and rightfully so (trust me I absolutely get it)! However, I challenge you to offer up your services at no charge for a day, or even just once, to someone who needs it. Even if you don't have a hobby like that, just giving your time, and listening to someone who needs a friend is perfect.

Cook for a new mom. I'm not a mom yet, but with my sister in law recently going through this, I know how much she appreciated it when people dropped off a hot meal, so she could just focus on her new babe (aka the cutest nephew in the world) and all that is involved with that.

Drop by your local senior citizen home with flowers. Can you even imagine the smile on some of their faces?!! I am just picturing myself in a home like that one day, and how much it would mean to ME to talk to someone for an hour and have fresh flowers on my bedside!

Donate school supplies. Most of these teachers are buying supplies themselves, out of their own pocket, and that's just not right! How awesome would it be to relieve them a little financially?

I know this post was random, but our world needs more love this week, so I hope you'll put one of these into action and make someone's day!
Have a great Thursday, friends!

Be soft.

Last night it took me an hour and a half to get home due to a huge accident that blocked two of the three lanes on the highway. I was frustrated because I had so much to do that evening that I wanted to get moving! I found myself honking at people who weren't paying attention, stopping not quite long enough at stop signs and just rushing around in general. Then I started playing one of my new favorite songs (seriously, brings me to tears nearly every time) and my focus was shifted to what really matters.

I started to realize how minimal all of this "annoying" traffic was, especially in the midst of all the tragedy going on in our world right now. I saw how blessed I was to have errands to run that evening; that my biggest problem at the moment was forgetting my shopping list on my desk at work and still being a little behind on my edits.

At the end of the day, I have a car to get me to the grocery store, money to pay for our food, and a husband to help me unload the car when I got home. My "problems" were so trivial but in the moment my usual optimistic outlook was clouded by a silly inconvenience like traffic.

Once dinner was through, I had a ton of other obligations on my "to do" list, but Caleb took my hand and we had a nice long walk to a local park and played Frisbee golf until the sweat on my nose made my glasses keep falling off.

No matter how much I worry about anything, he always brings me back to what matters. Thanks for being my rock, Caleb...and for helping me avoid the poison ivy ;)

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday. Make it count, friends!

If we could...

These last couple weeks have been good for my soul. As much as I love serving with my church, Sports Camp week took a lot out of me, but makes me even more thankful for the time at home with Caleb that I do get!

We took a long walk around our neighborhood the other night after dinner, and talked about the most random things. Caleb and I constantly talk about the future, we talk about things we "wish we could do/see", etc. I feel the list is so long that I wanted to make a post out of it...

If we could... {we would}

...move to Hilton Head. That place has a huge piece of our hearts. I've spent so many of my childhood summers there, we got engaged there, and have been back countless times. We long for the day we own a property/land down there! We technically COULD move as young adults, but I know we'd miss our friends/family so much!

...eat vanilla moon pies and donuts for breakfast every day. I suppose I COULD do this, but I don't really want to be 400+lbs.

...hang out with this sweet girl more. It's been months since I've seen her and I could almost cry I miss her so!

...eat crab legs for dinner every night. Well, maybe not Caleb - but I certainly would!

...work less, and play more!

...sell our current cameras and upgrade again. Photography is an expensive hobby/job, friends!

...go to fancy dinners more often (but we're both cheap).

...travel to a new state or country every year!

...lay out all summer long instead of sitting at our desk jobs.

...have a massage every month. We've never had one, I KNOW. Cue the tears.

...give, give, give!! We can't wait for the day we are in a better position to bless others like crazy.

...spend more time at festivals/carnivals with friends. Cheap, fair food is the best!

...run on only 4 hours of sleep.

...also, naturally be considered "morning people". It's not that we're grumpy come 7AM, but we'd both love to sleep in and wake up on our own timing (who wouldn't, though!?)!!

...be more adventurous! We wish we had more time for stuff like this!

Some of these things we absolutely CAN make happen, we just have to put our minds to them, or be a little more patient. So on days like today, where I just want to be outside, I remember why Caleb and I are working hard -- to set ourselves up for better futures! So we can adventure more later, and so we can give like crazy! Speaking of - Caleb and I are still rocking our debt-free plan and we're in the thick of it. It's hard, but with every payment we make, we are one step closer to where we want to be! I may just post a progress report soon!

Happy Wednesday friends!