FREE... FREE AT LAST!!!!

The bar exam is OVER! Thank heavens! I never want to do that EVER again... It was the most miserable experiance of my life...

Tuesday was 12 essays. They were manageable. I by no means wrote perfect essays, but I do think I did well enough to pass that portion of the test. There were four essays that I knew like the back of my hand, so that really helped my confidence.

Yesterday, the multiple choice was tough. I mean REAL tough. I have been doing well on the practice questions, but that was nothing like I had ever seen before. I was soo time crunched, which is strange because timing has never been my issue.

I honestly don't know what the end result will be, but I can say that I did everything in my power to pass. The rest is in God's hands.

Even though it was such a rough experiance, I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family. I got so many encouraging texts, facebook messages, cards, even care packages and home cooked meals. It was such a good feeling to know so many people were praying for me...

I felt so loved...

Wanna know whats REALLY exciting?? My 1 month vacation starts TODAY!

Had to share this...

One of my favorite professors is also my "bar prep coach." Every day for the last 70 days she has emailed me a little piece of encouragement to study. She has had some GREAT insights and words of encouragement....


This is what she had to share this morning and it made my heart smile....


Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
Come to the edge!
And they came,
and he pushed,
and they flew.

-- Christopher Logue

The crazy things studying for the bar does to your brain..

Some people have compared it to "pregnancy brain"....Over the last 70 days I have...

(1) Put my keys in the refrigerator
(2) Washed my phone in washing machine
(3) Ordered a "Bojangles biscuits" only for the lady to ask, "um... what kind of biscuit..."
(4) washed clothes without detergent
(5) put a milkshake in the refrigerator
(6) could not figure out why the cheese grater wasnt working, only to realize i was doing it backwards...

And those are just the things that immediately come to my mind....

Back to Contracts! Do something fun for me and keep me in your prayers...

Hot Mess

I'm still alive.... But this studying 14+ hours a day is wearing me out!

Ya'll should see me.. I look like a HOT mess! I cant remember the last time I dried my hair or put on make up... I realized at about 8 o'clock tonight that I never even got out of my pjs today. Which wouldn't be quite as gross if they weren't the same pjs I wore all day yesterday... haha. Ahhh.. the joys of cramming for the bar. Yes, thats right cramming.. I'm past the point of studying now.

On a postive note: 9 more days of studying... 2 days of testing and then it is sweet summer time for this Carolina girl....

I have to admit that my mind sometimes wanders to the "what ifs"? (the what ifs being, the what if i fail this test?) I mean I know its just a test. But I am so ready to put school behind me. (not to mention the student loans... AHHH!!!!) I'm ready to just have a normal schedule and life with Brian. I have been in "crazy law school mode" for all three years of marriage. This is sad, but I seriously don't know what married couples do when they are both at home at night... I feel like all I have done is study... And Brian fills his time with church softball, coaching, tv, and the occassional playstation game. I'm going to have to get some hobbies...

Did I mention I am taking the WHOLE month of August off????

AHHHH... HEAVEN I CAN'T WAIT.

I'm already making a to do list:

(1) sleep
(2) get all this bar prep weight off (p.s. I dont want to talk about it.)
(3) clean my house, I mean DEEP clean...
(4) make a "gift wrapping" corner in our bonus room
(5) a highlight/eyebrow wax and cut(Tiffany, if you saw my roots right now you would die!)
(6) organize my office
(7) get a massage
(8) get a facial (did i mention that at 25 I have acne for the first time in my life?)
(9) buy or borrow a sewing machine... (this just might be my new hobby...)

i'm sure there is more... but this girl is too tired....

night ya'll!

5 Things that made me smile today

Things that I am loving today.... In no particular order:

(1) A care package from one of the sweetest friends in the world, Brittany

(2) lunch with this little fellow, who "sang" me the I Love You Song (from Barney, hehe) complete with hugs and kisses and then said "again" ... "AGAIN"...

(3) HAVING THIS BOY HOME!

He just got back from taking 22 youth to World Changers in Chicago, Ill... Oh I have missed his sweet face... this picture is not from today, (its actually at the Westin) but accurately depicts how he spent most of the day... (Check out that Farmer's tan.. gotta love my country boy!)

(4) listening to Jack Johnson's Better with You

(5) A grilled steak and homemade potatoes complements of the hubs

Okay, enough proscrastinating....

Show us your life

Proverbs 31:8-9 (New International Version)
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

My first year of undergrad, I really struggled with what God wanted me to do with my life. I was so overwhelmed by thoughts of choosing a major and a career. I had NO idea what I was being called to do.

I came across this bible verse while in small group and I immediately felt like God was telling me something. I went back to my room that night, found the verse again and prayed over it. I was moved to tears. I wrote it down on a hot pink note card that I kept pinned above my desk all four years of college. I read it over and over and still have it almost 8 years later.

God not only used this verse to lead me to major in social worker, but it was ultimately one of the reasons I felt like the Lord was calling me to a career in law.

I know lawyers have a certain "stereotype" that isnt exactly in line with my morals. So I really struggled how I could feel like this was a calling... but God was persistent and opened every door along the way... And here I am 3 weeks from the Bar Exam...

Even as a student, God has already allowed me to use my voice to speak up for orphans and vulnerable children both locally and internationally. Although, I'm not sure what his plan for me is in long term. I am going to continually trust him.

It could be worse

Instead of studying for 13.5 hours today I could have been doing this....

I took this picture last July on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania.

Break down

today. i. finally. did. it. . . i broke down....after 8 weeks or so of being eerily calm it all crept up on me.

I mean dry heaving broke down...and let me tell you. IT WASNT PRETTY.

I cried for a good 15 minutes. you know the kind where you chest feels like its cramping and it about to explode...ya. that kind of break down. NOT GOOD.

However, I pulled myself together. Reminded myself that God has brought me this far. And that even if I cant do this, HE CAN!

I heard a blurb on the radio yesterday morning, that sometimes God allows difficult things to happen because he wants us to learn a lesson. I really think my lesson in this journey of prepping for the bar, is PEACE. I'm a high stress, type A person...and He has over and over again reminded me that I just need to have faith and peace...

So faith and peace it is!

Any who... enough reflecting and procrastinating.. back to the books. Property Law is my bedtime story this evening...

Here is just a tiny glimpse of what my week holds in store for me..

Let Freedom Ring...

I see America, not in the setting sun of a black night of despair ahead of us, I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God. I see great days ahead, great days possible to men and women of will and vision. -- Carl Sandburg

I'm not going to quit. Why should I quit? This country is worth fighting for. --Hillary Rodham Clinton

America is a vast conspiracy to make you happy. -- John Updike

America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens. -- George W. Bush, Inaugural address, 2001

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
Emma Lazarus

When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect. ~Adlai Stevenson

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.
George W. Bush,



There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. ~William J. Clinton




From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
~Samuel F. Smith, "America"

God Bless America! Happy Fourth of July!

Ramblings

Hello Blog World,

I'm still hanging in there... A little FREAKED out that I only have three more weeks to cram all this material in my little brain. I am a little too frazzled to really write something cohesive that is not a legal essay so its going to be bullet points today folks.

Highlights of my week:

• #1 Learning that I am going to be an Aunt to a precious baby boy (again)... No name yet, although my brohter tells me it will be "Jethro Omar" .... pretty sure his wife is NOT down with that...
• #2 My sister-in-love asked my little nephew (22 mos) if he was going to the beach this weekend, and he replied, "uhh huh, with 'Cawwol' and 'May-SEEE.'" Poor babe, he misses his aunt 'cawol' and can't figure out why I study all the time. He is in LOVE with my puppy. Too bad she had to crush his little heart by telling him Aunt Carol would be at home studying
  
  
• taking a practice full length MBE (1/2 of the bar exam) and PASSING!!!!!!
• finding my new FAVORITE nail polish and getting a mani/pedi with my momma..Is this color not to DIE for.. Its OPI's "strawberry margarita"
  
  

Did I mention the lady gave me a 5 minute back massage during my mani!!!!!!! I SERIOUSLY COULD HAVE KISSED HER FEET.... after spending all day every day for the past 6 weeks hutched over reading/taking notes or typing outlines, my back was in dire need of some TLC...

I am taking the WHOLE day off tomorrow and floating in the pool....This fourth of July gives the term "independance day" whole new meaning... tomorrow I will be indepedant from the torture of bar prep.

Happy 4th and God BLESS America. Be sure to keep those fighting for our freedom in your thoughts today, tomorrow and everyday!

Wordless Wednesday

Congrats to my brother, Adam and his wife, Parrish!

Can't wait for baby Walsburger to be here in November!

My grandma's legacy

My sweet Grandma, went to be with Jesus last Wednesday after suffering from dementia for over 5 years. I miss her so much that my heart physically aches. But at the same time, I am so happy for her. She doesn't hurt anymore, she can speak in clear sentences, tell the most beautiful stories and sing her favorite hymns at the feet of her Savior.

One of the most comforting thoughts this week is thinking that she is finally reunited with the love of her life, my precious grandaddy, after 20 years and 1 week. I don't think the English language contains words to articulate just how much she missed him.

I'm gonna miss her. Oh, am I gonna miss her! I'm gonna miss coming into my momma's house and see her sitting in her recliner... im gonna miss plopping down on her arm rest and fitting perfectly in the curve of her shoulder...im going to miss giving her big ole bear hugs... taking her for rides...and chit chatting over tony's chocolate milkshakes.

But the most important things we shared, I'm not going to miss because they are embedded inside me-- her love for family (we love nothing more than big family get togethers in her den), her passion and dedication to serving others and most importantly her love for our Heavenly Father.

I am so thankful and honored that I was chosen to be her granddaughter. My hope is that I can carry the legacy she instilled in me to my children and grandchildren.


The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

Have a peaceful day

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Show Us Your Life: China Pattern

It's show us your life China Pattern over at Kelly's Korner so I thought I would participate since I havent done one in a couple of weeks!

I adore my Kate Spade Library Lane China Pattern! I picked this pattern mainly because I thought it was a very classic look that hopefully wouldn't be outdated in a few years. While its very classic, Kate Spade has a lot of fun patterns that I want to hopefully mix and mingle with it later on... Aren't these precious? They complement my pattern perfectly!
These are from Kate Spade's Larabee Road Collection. They also some in red! Too cute!

I have to be honest my china rarely gets used. But, I do love it! And it looks pretty in our little antique china hutch.

I also love my everyday china. Its Ralph Lauren's Boxwood. I was really sad to learn tonight that it has been retired. I really wanted a couple more serving bowls and mugs. Luckily, I do have 12 set of this one though.


In case anyone of you are like me and have retired or hard to find sets, I thought I'd tell you about a place in Greensboro, NC. It's called Replacements Unlimited. My grandmother's house burnt down several years ago and we were able to replace most of her damaged china there. We were so excited to be able to still use her china.

Okay. So this has put me in the mood for a dinner party. But that will have to wait until after I pass the bar.

-Carol

The right word

The past 4 weeks have been TOUGH. I have studied alot.. and the more I learn the more I realize how much I dont know.

Those of you who know me, know that I tend to be really good at stressing about school. Throughout this whole bar prep process I have remained really calm, almost eerily calm. I know its because I have people praying for me every single day of this journey.

I had a bad dream last night. Scratch that, I had a nightmare. I dreamed that it was the essay day of the bar exam and everyone else had gotten the answers the day before. I got the test and I knew nothing. I was crying and I remember trying to answer the essays as big ole crocodile tears poured from my eyes. I couldn't think of anything. JNOV?? what was JNOV again??? It was like I had not studied at all. I managed to write something down for all the questions, and when it came time to proofread I realized that not one of my sentences made ANY sense.

I woke up this morning feeling tired and really not wanting to study torts all day.
I posted a message on facebook during my afternoon study break that said, "Carol is really questioning her decision not to become a teacher today..." because it seemed all my teacher friend's status updates said something to the effect of "schools out for the summer." I started feeling really sorry for myself. It didn't seem fair that I was confined to the library 12 hours a day. Is all this work really worth it?

I jumped off facebook and headed over to read some of my favorite blogs. One of my favorite blogs is "Lots of Scotts," written by a mom of triplets. She is an amazing Christian women whose story and daily thoughts inspire and encourage me. I love reading about how she sees the world through the eyes of her three children. I'm not a mom yet, and am no where near ready for that season of my life, but for some reason I am captivated by her stories and how she sees God in the everyday happenings of life.

Anyway, all of that was to say that she had a post today about being happy with the season of life that you are in and she shared this verse--It was exactly what I needed to hear!

Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. 1 Corinthians 7:17

I love the Message translation too!

And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.

This season of my life may not be what I consider the "best," or even enjoyable, but I believe that God has placed me here for a reason and I will continue to "live, obey, love and believe." What a beautiful reminder that I am where I am suppose to be. God assigned ME to this place, so in him I will "rejoice and be glad."

- Carol

my boring summer.

I haven't blogged in a while. I know. To be honest if I blogged everyday it would sound like this or some similar variation:

8-8:30-9:30 Arrive at school/study for 1-1.5 hours

9:00-1:00 BarBri

1:00-1:30 Lunch

1:30-5:00 Outline class lecture for the day

5:00-5:30 Go for a walk

5:30-8:00 Practice problems or essays

8:00-9:00 Drive to apartment/dinner

9:00-9:30 Shower

9:30- facebook/read my fav blogs, review note cards/practice problems, talk to Brian for a bit on the phone

11:00 Bed

Boring... I'm probably studying too much, but I'm obsessive. At least I am honest that I am obsessive, right? I really just want to pass the first time. Not only do I have a job on the line and student loans to be paid, but more than anything I'm ready for this season of studying to be over. I want my life back. I miss having weekends. I sacrificed so much my three years of law school. Yes, I know work will be hard, stressful and some long hours. But, I think it will be rewarding and if its not having a little $ in my pocket will be. And did I mention there will be weekends? I love me some weekends.

I included some graduation pictures in this post since I haven't done that yet...

One of the whole W gang! Thank you for supporting me on this crazy journey. My three brothers and my father are probably to thank for my awesome ability to argue my way out of anything :)

I would never be where I am today with out my amazing parents who made so many sacrifices to give me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. They have always believed in me and encouraged me in whatever I have set my mind to do.

I'll have to add more later.. for some reason my picture uploader thingy is messing up.. Oh well gives me something else to blog about...

Whirlwind...

I haven't posted since my last exam.... yes, I survived. In fact, I had my best semester yet! And.... I am graduating (drum roll please....) magna cum laude...

I have been busy enjoying (soaking in) every last second of freedom.... There is so much that has happened in the last, what two weeks?? that I could write about or post a few pictures of. Since I probably won't have a whole lot to write about all summer (other than I studied. alot.), I'm sure I will have time to catch up.

I crammed a trip to Raleigh in there, a trip to Carolina/Wrightsville Beach and a graduation party in my honor at my parent's house. I will blog later about these adventures...

So, today was my first day of "official" bar prep class. 9:30-4. Not to bad. Our school gave us basically an hour by hour schedule for us to follows. So far this week I have followed it to a T. It's only been about 7 hours a day. But, all that is about to change next week.

Tonight was "MEMORIES and MOCKERIES" at my law school. Basically, students "spoofed" the professors. I spoofed one of my favorite professors, pink suit/leopard shoes and all. I got lots of laughs. I laughed so hard tonight that my stomach hurt. You know what I am talking about-- the kind where your chest gets tight and your cheeks feel like they are about to bust.
Oh, did it feel good. I can't remember the last time I laughed like that. And, boy did I need it.
I think laughter is one of the best things on earth. I hope that over the next 69 days of bar prep that I can keep a smile on my face and even belly laugh every now and then.

WHOOOO HOOOOOO

Today is the day! I can hardly stand it! I take my last final at 6:00 tonight. And then I am officially done with law school... I have a week off, then its 10-12 hours a day of studying for the next 10 weeks.

I have a lot to cram in the next week... I am going to Raleigh tonight with my husband and then the beach this weekend with my law school gals. I'm moving to Charlotte sometime next week.

Okay, back to Elder Law...

Derby Days

The hats, the dresses, the parties... For those of you who don't know, in some parts of the country the first Saturday in May is way more imporant than the 5th of May. It's the long awaited Kentucky Derby --"the fastest two minutes in sports."

My dad grew up in Louisville so of course the Derby is extra special to him. I have actually never been to the Derby, but it is on my bucket list (wow, i really need to do a post on my bucket list). As a kid, I went to lots of races when I visited my grandparents in Louisville. The last race I went to was in 04, Brian and I were dating at the time and he got to come with me. Since I have been in school every May for the last 20 years, I have never made it to the Derby. Maybe next May I should go since it will be my first not in school.

I really like horse races. My husband would say its because its the only sport that can keep my attention as each race lasts two minutes. But I think my favorite part is the HATS. Sure the spring dresses are precious, but oh something about those big hats with even bigger flowers, bows and feathers just make me happy! (sigh...)


Maybe I will have to take a quick break from cramming for my elder law exam tomorrow and watch the race...

TTFN,
Carol

Not quite "Wordless" Wednesday

When I got home from school today, this was on my steps... (wow, i really need to sweep the pollen off the porch)

Now normally I LOVE getting mail... But, when I saw the words "BarBri" I knew what it was--25LBS of law to learn this summer....It's going to be a LONG summer....



But on a more positive note... I did pick these up from the invitation place today. It's the announcement for my graduation party. I really like them! I didn't want them to scream graduation or law school. (the yellow labels are to cover up all the "identifying info.") I think they came out nice. (yes, they say bring a fishing pole-- my mom and dad insisted that some of the guys might wanna fish, I kinda think not..but, since they were paying for them...)

Thinking of Africa

I often feel like I have a hard time articulating the impact my trips to Africa have had on my life. Sometimes I feel like the English language simply doesn't contain the words to describe it. I find myself almost daily reflecting upon the images of suffering, starvation and orphans, but more than that I find myself thinking about those I met with indescribable hope, courage and indomitable spirits. I ran across a video tonight and wanted to share it with you. The songwriter sings about her recent trip to Rwanda... She has found words to tell the story that I often struggle with. I can't get it to download, but here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPy2l4FYabU

Here are the lyrics:

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
And what I know of love

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it
We are what we are and it's more than enough
We have what we have but it's no substitution

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm made of
And what I know of love

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dreams inspire
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
Your courage asks me what I am made of
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
And what I know of God


Until Next Time,
Carol

Green Goodness

So I have been on a health kick for a couple of weeks now. The first two weeks, I did amazing. I actually lost 5lbs following a strict weight watchers diet, not drinking sodas and not eating fast food.

The past couple of days I havent been doing quite as well. But, I have started drinking these very nutritious smoothies for breakfast because I realized that I am not getting enough essentials vitamins and minerals. They are super yummy.

Its 1/2 c. of fat free vanilla yogurt, 1/2 c. skim or 1% milk, 1/2 c strawberries, 1/2-1 whole banana, and 1 c. of fresh spinach. Just put all the ingredients in the blender and there ya have it!

Here is a picture of my green goodness before I mix in the spinach... it really looks pretty...

Post spinach... yes, I know it looks disgusting. But it tastes the exact same with or without the spinach.

Here is my smoothie in my new Tervis Tumbler--- which I love, by the way. Cute, huh? It was my graduation gift from the law review party on Saturday. Keeps drinks hot or cold and is perfect for my smoothie.

Lauren at http://lifelite10.blogspot.com/ encouraged me to add the spinach... She has named her smoothie the green monster.. check out her recipes on her blog. She uses 3-4 c. of Spinach and lots of other really healthy things. :) One of which is flax seed, which I am going to have to try very soon.

This baby has 300 calories, which yes is a lot.. that is why as soon as I run out of this gallon of milk I am going to by skim milk and eventually the even a lower calorie version of yogurt. Tiffany (my best friend + dietitian), correct me if I am wrong, but these are considered "good calories" right?

It has 7.7 g of Fiber, Potassium 1,341.9 mg and 12.8 g of Protein. These are its daily values of the following vitamins/minerals: Vitamin A 65.8 %, Vitamin B-12 19.5 %, Vitamin B-6 40.2 %, Vitamin C 182.7 %, Vitamin D 15.8 %, Vitamin E 7.7 %, Calcium 42.3 %, Copper 14.0 %, Foliate 33.3 %, Iron 16.2 %, Magnesium 27.5 %, Manganese 53.6 %, Niacin 10.1 %, Phosphorus 34.2 %, Riboflavin 41.6 %, Selenium 15.2 %, Thiamin 12.7% and Zinc 14.2 %.

I dont remember a whole lot from my nutrition class in college, but this sounds pretty nutrient rich to me. I have a hard time getting a lot of Iron in my diet -- I am anemic, so I am suppose to eat alot of Iron rich foods. I also have a hard time with calcium because I dont drink enough milk or eat enough dairy products.

Spinach is considered a super food in a lot of ways because it has so many benefits: (1) its high in lots of vitamins/minerals (2) its loaded with antioxidants which are thought to have cancer preventing effects, (3) its heart healthy, (4) good for your gastrointestinal health, (5) it has anti-inflammatory properties, (6) its thought to be good for your brain and memory (7)protects against eye disease and (8)its also an excellent source of iron.

Supper yummy... thought i'd share.. now enough procrastinating, back to my paper....

Catch up

I haven't blogged a lot lately about the things going on in my life. To be honest with you, I have actually taken time to really enjoy the past few weeks. Knowing an intense summer of bar prep is around the corner has really motivated me to take some time to (1) relax and (2) do the things I enjoy.

I started off the week by reading another Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One. Once again, Nicholas did not let me down! Such a great book.... I am looking forward to catching up on all the ones I've missed while in law school.

Wednesday night was the awards night. It was in one of my favorite parts of town. Very nice. I won the Dean's Excellence Award- for reflecting positively upon the school. I was very honored to receive this award.

Here is a picture of me with my award at Alex's place.

Here is a picture of Alex making fun of me and my nerdy award....

After the awards ceremony I headed over to my friend Alex's condo to get ready to head out for our friend Lindsay's 24th Birthday. We went to Howl at the Moon- a dueling piano bar. This was my very first time at Howl at the Moon. It was soooo much fun. The pianist could play ANY song you could think of, from the Thong song (yes we requested it for laughs)... to sweet Carolina girl.. to the theme song of one tree hill.. We had a great time, but stayed out WAY to late. To be perfectly honest, I had never been out on a school night and now I know why. I didn't bring my camera so I have no pictures of our shenanigans. ;)

Thursday night I helped pack gift bags for the homeless as part of a missions weekend at my church. Such a great idea. They had crackers, vienna sausage, oatmeal cookies, toothbrushes, candy, deodorant, combs, bubble gums and other items.

Last night Brian and I went to a lovely dinner at the Sweezy House- its an adorable restaurant in an old farm home. The restaurant has delicious southern cuisine. I had Chicken Parmesan and Brian had some kind of amazing pork chops, with hashbrown casserole and steamed veggies.

Today, Brian headed to Asheville to go to his college roommate's wedding. I hate that I had to miss it, but I was in charge of our Law Review's End of the Year Party. The Party was at one of our Professor's homes. She lives on one of the local lakes. Her house was so beautiful. We were supposed to spend the afternoon playing on the jet ski's and boat. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. But, dont feel too sorry for us.. she had an arcade game, a pool table and a movie theater with 8 recliners and a tv that literally was probably 9 or 10 feet. Her home was gorgeous to say the least! .

I got to meet one of my friends from law review's wife who also blogs, Lauren. Her blog is very interesting and she always has great recipes... Lauren, if your reading this I bought spinach on the way home and I am going to try a smoothie in the morning. It wont be a "Green Monster," but we will see. I think everyone had a great time today. It was nice to get to hang out and not to have to work on our journal.Here are a few pictures from the day. Once again I forgot to take a picture of myself

How I met Mr. Right

This week's show us your life's topic is "how I met my spouse." I have to say that I love our love story.

The summer I turned 16 was one of the best summers of my life. I had the opportunity to go to a camp called World Changers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I had been to this camp before, but not in PR. I enjoyed doing mission working and construction projects; however, to be honest I was dreading working in the 100+ degree heat. Boy am I glad I went!

The first day of camp we met with our construction groups. I remember coming back to the barracks that night and announcing that there weren't any cute boys in my group. My mom, who was the nurse on the trip, quickly reminded me that boys were not why we came on a mission trip.

I really don't remember meeting Brian that first day. However, the second day I did notice him. I quickly realized that he and the other girl in our group from his church were the most "like me." We got to talking and realized that we lived only an hour apart and our youth leaders were actually related.

What really caught my attention about Brian was the way he interacted with the little girl who lived in the house we were working on. She was such a beautiful little girl and she loved to tease him. He was so playful with her. It was precious. The other thing that really caught my eye was how hard of a worker he was. He did not stop for breaks. I really pushed myself that week to keep up with him. Brian is still really good with kids (even though he swears he is not ready for one anytime soon) and is such a hard worker (borderline perfectionist, which of course I can relate to.

I remember telling my mom after the second or third day on site that I met the kind of guy I would want to marry. I remember her looking at me with bewilderment and asking why I would say something like that. I explained that he was so hardworking, funny and kind--- so different than the guys at my school his age. Looking back, its crazy to believe we had this conversation. I was a kid for crying out loud!

I teased him all week by calling him "COUNTRY" -- I had never heard someone talk so country in my life. This too hasn't changed about him. He is southern born and bred.

We really became good friends. In fact, we both had "relationships" back home and werent really on the prowl. hehe. When we returned from the work site, Brian and I would wait in line at the pay phone together to call our significant others. I really just saw him as a friend, although maybe I did have a little crush. Everyone teased us about "liking each other" --- I always defended myself by claiming we just had a lot in common.


I really wanted to say bye to him the morning we left camp. But, I couldn't find him. Apparently, his youth group had taken an earlier bus back to San Juan. I remember being really bummed that I didn't get to say bye. I will never forget that when we got to the airport that morning, I ran into him outside a gift shop. Apparently, they had some car trouble and were just arriving at the airport too. I remember being so glad that I got to tell him bye. I can still picture him turning around and walking down the terminal towards his flight. I remember tearing up a little and thinking I might not see him again-- I remember thinking-- Carol pull yourself together, you are being too emotional, you don't even like him and you have a boyfriend.


Brian and I began to talk on instant messenger through July and August. We were both still in relationships when September rolled around, but were "dumped" the weekend before Sept 11th, 2001. On Sept 11th 2001, Brian and I were talking on the Internet about the events that had unfolded in our country that day. I remember being especially worried because my brother was in the Navy and I had a cousin in the secret service. Brian called me that night for the first time and asked me to meet him at a football game that Friday. His high school was playing a school about 15 minutes from my house. I ended up meeting him at the game, and the rest is history....We officially started "dating" October 17th, 2001 and have been together ever since... Almost 9 years!

Paisley Giveaway

Paisley Personalized Gifts and Paperie is giving away this ADORABLE umbrella. Check it out at: http://paisleymonogram.com/blog/?p=175&cpage=1#comment-233

Dinner Theater

Yesterday was our youth group's annual dinner theater. The kids put on a show each year to raise money for their summer mission trip. This year they are headed to Chicago, Illinois to do construction work for needy families as part of a camp called World Changers.

Since we are currently without a youth minister, my husband and I as well as another couple having been working with our youth. This year much of dinner theater's planning was on our shoulders. It was a job, but it turned out great!

This is one of the drama's that they did yesterday. This is NOT our youth, but I found a version on youtube and wanted to share it because it is such a powerful message. No matter what we are struggling with in life, Jesus is there! You will have to turn off my music at the bottom of my blog, but believe me this is worth watching...

The song is "Everything," by Lifehouse....

Friday Fives

I decided to participate in Friday Five's over at Beth's Blog- Just me and my life. So today's topic is 5 thing you do not know about me.

(1) I am doing this to avoid writing a 25 page paper about preventing adoption disruption. (A paper my professor now wants me to get published in light of the recent adoption story about the little boy returned to Russia by his adoptive mother. stressful!)

(2) I got hit by a car going 40/mph once, while running across the street...

(3) In my next home, I want gas logs in my office and in my bedroom.

(4) I want to become an adjunct professor in addition to being a domestic attorney.

(5) One of my favorite things is getting snail mail! I just love peaking inside my mailbox to find something other than an ad or bill.

okay, so those were totally random.. back to my paper...

Show us your life: Teacher Gifts

I don't have kids, but I do have lots of friends who are teachers. Buying the perfect, thoughtful gift for someone is one of my FAVORITE things to do. Most teachers I know get tons of things I call "setties" - you know things that sit around and gather dust or end up in a yard sale pile.

Here are some of my favorite "non-traditional" teacher ideas:

(1) A gift certificate for a mani ($12-15) or a mani/medi ($40-65)

(2) Personalized Notecards. This is a great idea because you can personalize them to each teacher's style. These are some of my favorites from expressionary.com http://www.expressionery.com/line.aspx?lineid=243. Love them!

These generally run $31.00 but they almost always have a 40% off sale, which makes them around $19.00


3. Movie Tickets- everyone enjoys a nice movie and popcorn. Why not treat your child's teacher to a night on the town?


4. A gift in their honor to a non-profit organization. Some of my favorite are Samaritan's Purse and Compassion International. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Or, maybe you can find an organization that your child's teacher loves. For example, maybe a gift to the WWF (world wildlife fund) for your child's science teacher or a book donation to Books for Africa in honor of your child's librarian. http://www.booksforafrica.org/