Lynsie's Life

Love

2012-02-16T15:58:00.000-06:00

The topic of love has been weighing on my mind for a while now. I have been observing other people in their relationships and there are a few things that I feel I must get off my chest. Now, I will never claim to be an expert on love and I was not trained in analyzing relationships, but I do see failed relationships on a daily basis and I myself am in love and want to say the following things.

Many people around me are claiming to be in love, but somehow I just don't believe you. I know that love can come in many different forms. Not everyone will have the type of love that I share with Chris. Relationships are not always the same, but I can say a few things that I know are not signs of love.

~ Love doesn't try to control your life or try to tell you what you should do
~ Love doesn't try to change you into something that you are not, rather it encourages you to be the best version of you
~ Love doesn't try to take you away from your family and friends with whom you share a close relationship, rather it should want to be a part of that relationship
~ Love isn't something that you hide from those who care about you, but rather something you want to share with those around you
~ Love isn't physically, verbally or emotionally abusive, EVER
~ Love isn't lying to one another about what you are doing or who you are with
~ Love also isn't encouraging your mate to lie to friends, family or each other
~ Love doesn't cheat nor encourage you to cheat
~ Love isn't disrespectful - to you or others you care about
~ Love doesn't ignore you or your needs
~ Love doesn't care how much money you have nor does it ask others for money

One thing I dislike is when people say "oh, you should support me because I am happy". Most people saying this are reminding me verbally daily about how happy they are without being asked. The more you tell me how happy you are, the more I question whether you truly are happy. I feel more like you are trying to convince yourself that you are happy instead of convincing me. I'm not buying it. Happiness is something that can be shown through your behavior and actions, not always something you have to say.

Lastly, I will leave you with this final thought. There is this great book called the Bible that tells exactly what love is supposed to be like. The following verses are quite commonly spoke, but not everyone actually thinks about the meaning behind it. Although we had read the words many times, Chris and I were tasked to read them during pre-marriage counseling and were read during our wedding ceremony. We were told that anytime we had issues/disagreements, we can go back to these words and help us through whatever troubles we may encounter. We often go back and read these words. They are marked in each of our Bibles and these words are hanging on our bedroom wall as a reminder. So I ask you this, if you think you are really in love, is is the kind of love that God created for you?

Love suffers long and is kind;

Love does not envy;

Love does not parade itself;

Is not puffed up;

Does not behave rudely;

Does not seek its own;

Is not prevoked;

Thinks no evil;

Does not rejoice in inequity;

But rejoices in the truth;

Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

And now abide faith, hope and love, these three;

But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8; 13 (NKJV)

You Had Me at Hello

2012-02-07T11:38:00.000-06:00

Although we don't celebrate the special holiday of love, this little love survey sounded fun. Head over to From Mrs to Mama to play along.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
Our first night hanging out/date was October 18, 2003. We have been together every since. Crazy how those 8 years have flown by

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
Chris and I grew up in the same small town, so we knew "of" each other for years before our actual friendship/dating began. During my sophomore year of high school, I had been dating a close friend of Chris. Due to their friendship, Chris and I became friends as well. We were always together, hanging out on weekends all together, double dates, etc. We found out years later that we each developed a crush for each other during that time. After realizing previous boyfriend was bad news, I broke up with him in September 2003. The night of our school's homecoming dance was October 18, 2003. I hadn't felt like going, so I was in town cruising with my sister. Chris was in town with his friend Anthony. After thinking Anthony flipped my sister off, she flagged them down in a parking lot. We all began talking and decided to hang out that night. We cruised town, did some dirt roading, shared our first kiss, etc. At the end of the night as we said our goodbyes, Chris asked if he could call me the next day. He called the next day and has called me every day since!

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}
We recently got married. Our wedding was September 24, 2011 and it was the greatest day of my life. We waited so long because we wanted to wait until I had graduated college and law school and took the bar exam. School was over, long distance was over. We were then ready to actually begin the new chapter of our lives together. He was every bit the man I hoped to marry. He is my soul mate and my perfect match!

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?
We were married at the First Baptist Church in West Plains with a reception following at the historic Opera House. Our guest list was around 200, so not too small but not huge either. To us, it was perfect

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
He calls me Linz or Linnie. I occassionally call him Critter. No real nicknames we call each other regularily

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
1. He has always been there to love me and support me through everything and I couldn't ask for a better best friend
2. He makes me want to be a better person
3. He loves his family and mine. He is willing to do anything for anyone

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?
Nothing romantic here. It was August 19, 2005, the day that I left our hometown to attend college 200 miles away. He picked me up to take me to breakfast (having only decided he was going to propose about 1 hour before he left the house). As we were driving to the resturant, he stopped at a car wash to wash his car. I guess he couldn't wait any longer, so as I was getting back into the car, he took my hand told me he loved me and didn't want me to leave for school without knowing how he felt about me. It was adorable.

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?
We actually do not celebrate Valentine's Day. We are one of those couples who believe that we express love for each other every day of the year and not just one. I prefer the little things all year round that remind me he was thinking about me during the day, like a text, buying my favorite candy while at the mini-mart, etc.

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
We are homebodies for sure. Most nights we can be found cuddled up on the couch with a good movie or TV show. We do enjoy the occassional date and time away, but nothing fancy for us.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
This may sound cheesy, but I would just like to raise a family and grow old with Christopher. It wouldn't matter where we went or what we are doing, I am happy so long as he is by my side. We talk about vacations occassionally, but nothing fancy (Chris won't get on an air plane). We talk about long term plans - building houses, having farms, etc. But those are just part of our life together

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.
Again, we don't celebrate, so nothing. We will come home from work, have dinner together and cuddle on the couch with our two pups, Dozer and Boots

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?
Nope

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
I am going to give two, just because I feel like being a rebel today.
Thing 1 - One of the things that I think helps us the most is being 100% honest with each other all the time. We never try to hide things or feelings or desires from the other person. This tactic may not work with every relationship, but to us it does. There are days I am being irrational and I need someone to make me see that I am wrong. If I want him to do something or if he has upset me (or vise versa), we are open and honest about it.
Thing 2 - Do things together. At the end of the day, all that will matter is your relationship and the time that you have spent with your mate. We make it a point every night to have dinner together in the kitchen and just talk. Then we have devotional time together. On the weekends, we try to do as much stuff as we can together. Sure sometimes, I don't want to go cut wood, but I enjoy being with Chris and he enjoys the company/help. Don't get me wrong, there are times that we do have apart. We aren't together 24/7. But we are a team and vowed to be as one, therefore we spend the time together.

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Again, I will be a rebel and show several pictures. Love to me means Chris and Lynsie and the life we share together.

Hope you enjoyed learning more about Chris and I!

Happy 2nd Birthday Dozer!

2012-01-25T15:57:00.000-06:00

Well, it is that time again - time to celebrate the birthday of our little boy Dozer. It is still hard to believe that it was two years ago that we found this little guy and even a year since his last birthday. Life has been so hectic over the past year, time has just flown. I remembered writing a lot last year for his birthday and you can find that post here.

I feel so blessed that I moved home almost 6 months ago and am able to see this little guy every day. No matter what, he seems to bring joy to me daily. He is still a momma's boy but does love his daddy too (I think that is mostly because he goes to work with Chris; daddy = rides in the truck). He just loves to go at all times. He will ride on anything that moves - lawn mower, 4 wheeler, motorcycle, car, truck, etc. He loves being outside and running the farm. He plays with his brother Boots and his sister Sammy (the cat). Although he loves to play hard, he still loves to cuddle up in the evenings to watch TV and snuggles real close when it is bed time.

There has never been anyone or anything as excited to see me daily as this little guy, sure knows how to make me feel loved. He follows me at all times and always wants a treat if you go anywhere near the kitchen. He truly brightens every day.

So happy birthday to our little fella! Here are a few pictures of him throughout the year.

Loving My Husband

2012-01-21T08:28:00.000-06:00

There is a quote that I have been searching for all morning about how when you pick who to spend your life with to choose someone that you enjoy talking to because when you are old conversation is all that you have. I feel that Chris and I have this part of our relationship. I love talking to him. Every night over dinner we are talking non-stop, then we have devotion time which continues conversation. Last night we spent most of the evening visiting some family. Once we got home we sat down to do our devotion then stayed up past midnight just talking (totally losing track of time - we are losers and never stay up that late). So after eight years of dating I still love talking to this boy and we never run out of things to talk about!

Just thought I would share!

This and That

2012-01-12T16:01:00.000-06:00

Nothing new or major to report, but a few developments.

~ We had a busy weekend like usual. I ran errands with my mother and sister Saturday and handled grocery shopping and cleaning the house. Saturday night we hosted a birthday party/dinner for Chris's dad. The nice and warmer weather has afforded us the opportunity to grill during the month of January. We had a nice visit. Sunday morning was church as usual. We are discussing family values and it is pretty interesting. Next Sunday starts with Chris's favorite verse about wives submitting themselves to their husbands who are the head of the house (he always forgets to read past that verse to find out what it says about husbands). Then we got home to do fence work. Chris is always wonderful about helping around the house so I headed outside to help him. Since the cows are gone, we are tearing down some old/rusty/torn barbed wire to make new cross fences in the field. We got several fences taken down, but the harder part is putting new stuff back up. We have gotten into the habit of having Sunday night dinners with my parents and that seems to be working well. Sunday was another day for a cookout.

~ My sister has made the official decision to move. She has lived in our home town her entire 26 years of existence and I cannot even imagine the fact that she will actually be gone. At the first of the year, her husband was transferred to Lincoln, NE for work. She decided to wait until the end of the school year so her oldest child didn't have to transfer mid year. This decision is heart breaking for myself and the rest of my family. We love Stacie and her three little boys tremendously. I will not give my opinion on her husband, but let's say I wouldn't support her to move down the street to be with him. That is a whole different issue though. I have been trying to spend as much time with Stac and the boys as I can because I know in a few short months they will be over 8 hours away from me.

~ We finally have some snow. It isn't a lot of snow, but it was enough to make my drive to Court this morning unpleasent. At our house this morning, it was fluffy snow, but when I got to work, the parking lot was like ice and I slid into the parking space. The highways were a mess and parts not cleared at all. I heard from other attorneys that even part of the Interstate 44 was closed. It has continued to spit snow all afternoon but no accumulation other than a light dusting.

~ We are loving our couple's devotion book. In November, we bought this book:

We bought the 365 day version (which I guess this year we are shorted a day). We have a Bible verse and reading daily and then we are assigned weekly dares to better our marriage. I cheated and read ahead on some of the dares just to see what it coming. Some are actions to do, some are areas to talk about, etc. A few of them we have already done or they are things already implemented into our household. It is a fun experience anyway. We are loving it! We typically do our devotions immediately after dinner. We always have dinner together and always eat in the kitchen and not in front of the TV. It is a good tradition we started and frankly dinner time/devotion time and talking with my hubby is my favorite part of the day.

~ Our pups are turning two shortly. Dozer will in just a few weeks and Boots will in about a month. Where did the time go?

~ Since it is a typical question I get asked on a daily basis, married life is great. We are loving every minute of it. I do feel like I have been married for far longer than I really have, but maybe part of that is that Chris and I were together so long before getting married and the only thing that changed is actually moving in together. Everything just seems to work so it is a stressfree life most of the time.

~ We are starting to do some car shopping for me. I currently drive a 2 door Grand Am. Its been a good car (I've had it since 2005 - all through college and law school), but I need more room. We are looking into SUVs now. We are mindful that whatever we decide to buy now will be what we have when we start a family (still a couple of years out, or that's the plan anyway) so we want to buy something with babies in mind. I did over my break test drive a couple of vehicles, but we still aren't entirely sure what we want. We know we want something with either 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and at least a 6 cylinder, but other than that we aren't too picky. I don't need a lot of crazy features though I would like bluetooth connectivity to my cell phone. Do you have an SUV that you love and would recommend?

I think that it is for updates today. Work is just about over and I will head home to a crock pot of roast (cannot wait). Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Update

2012-01-06T12:43:00.000-06:00

As I sit in my office during lunch break, I realized that I hadn't been so good at updating my blog. Christmas came and went as usual. We had 6 separate family Christmas celebrations and we each had a work party as well. Talk about a hectic few days. I made 6 dozen cookies in one day in addition to the many other items of food. We had good times with our families, but Chris and I agree that since the passing of our three grandfathers and my one grandmother, things just are not the same. I know the true reason for the season of Christmas and knowing that keeps in the holiday spirit most of the time. I do have a feeling though that all around holiday cheer will not return until we have kids. We just go through the motions now and enjoy the time with family.

My work closes the week between Christmas and New Years. It is a great opportunity for me to get done the extras that I need to. This year included numerous trips to the vet with three different animals and errands. I didn't get as much deep cleaning done as I wanted to, but spending time with my family was so worth it.

New Years Eve for us was low key. We aren't really drinkers or partiers. Plus we attend an early sesson of church (8 am). We went to the home of Chris's cousin Jackie and her husband. A few other cousins showed up. We ate and visited for hours. It was a great night. We hadn't planned to stay out til midnight, but time got away from us. We shared our midnight kisses and headed home. Things like that make me jealous of Chris. He grew up with numerous cousins around his age. There are always people to hang out with and everyone gets along. I am enjoying those relationships now.

Looking back on 2011 makes my head hurt. I cannot even believe all that we went through and survived without killing each other. Between graduation, studying for the bar, getting married and beginning practice, 2011 was the biggest year of my life. I often wonder how I did it all (and I worked all during that time) and maintained Dean's list status, had a beautiful and stress free wedding, and actually passed the bar. I owe Chris a lot of credit. He has always been wonderfully supportive to my dreams and goals in life.

This week has been hectic with the week off. I feel like I am finally to the point of being caught up, with work. Home could still use little work. I do not dust nearly as often as a should. But with Chris's job, 2 dogs and living on a dirt road, I could dust every day and it wouldn't be often enough. No big resolutions or changes in the Upton house for 2012. We have started doing daily devotions. We do a couple's one called "Love Dare" which seems wonderful so far. Then we each have a separate individual devotion. Although it is only day 6, we have not missed a day yet. I think it is good for us.

As the phone continues to ring during my lunch, I suppose that is a sign I need to get off the internet and get back to the papers on my desk. Hope 2012 has started wonderfully for all of you!

Please vote for a friend

2011-12-21T15:51:00.000-06:00

Dear Readers:

If you could spare a second during the hustle and bustle of the holidays I would appreciate it. I have a friend who has been nominated by a group of gals in a Well Deserving Contest. Amy has been through so much this year. Here is the story of her submission:

• After the harsh realization that Amy’s future husband was not worthy of her love and admiration, she dug down deep to make the tough decision to move on with her life. She knew it wouldn’t be easy to cancel her wedding plans and move out, but she knew she had to do what was best for her and her two young sons. Amy knew it was important that her sons see her strength and courage. It was also important that she only allow good role models into their lives. It was vital that they learned to never settle for less than they deserve. It has been a struggle for her to keep her spirits up. Sometimes Amy thinks of slipping back into that old rut, but she knows her sons deserve better. She deserves better. She’s a wonderful woman, a loving mother, and a hard working individual. I can’t think of anyone else who could use a boost of confidence more than Amy. Every woman wants to feel pretty. But for a woman overcoming a difficult break up, it is even more important. I think the gift of fashionable clothing will help remind Amy White Ivey that she is beautiful both inside and out. And for this amazing mom, that’s a reminder she needs.

If you have a second, please go here, and vote for Amy.

Thanks!

Power of Prayer

2011-12-15T11:36:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for sharing in prayers for Chris's aunt. God has worked magic for her. The tumor that was present last week during a CT scan has disappeared. The scans from Friday clearly indicated a tumor in her pancreas. The primary physician and oncologist were certain it was cancer. Then yesterday, during a MRI, the tumor was no longer there. Poof, gone, vanished. What remains is a gall stone the size of a pin head. She is currently in surgery to handle the gall stone issue.

Our family is thanking God for the miracle to remove that tumor. It is hard to believe. Some just blame the treating doctor for making a mistake Friday. I credit God for saving Laura!

Thanks again for the prayers!

Prayer Request

2011-12-12T09:58:00.000-06:00

We receieved bad news on Friday. The doc told Chris's aunt Laura that he believes she has pancreatic cancer. She hadn't been doing well for a while, but after a CAT scan and some more bloodwork, this is the conclusion reached. It is absolutely heart breaking. We will know more today as she goes back for more tests and to meet her cancer doctor.

Ironically in church yesterday we discussed the power of prayer. I urge you all pray with me. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers today, along with her family. Her 13 year old daughter took the news extremely hard.

Thanks so much!

Attorney Advice

2011-12-07T14:09:00.000-06:00

Not that I ever wish any one to have legal issues, but in case you do, here is a piece of advice for you.

When your attorney gives you specific instructions - be a dear, and follow them. I have two clients right now who cannot follow instructions if their lives depended on it. I tell you to do things for a reason. I am protecting your legal interest. If is really hard for me to do my job when you do things completely opposite of what I say.

That is all.

Playing Catchup

2011-12-02T15:55:00.000-06:00

There is really no excuse for my lack of blogging. Life has been busy in the Upton house and some times during the evens, I just want to cuddle up on the couch with my hubby and relax. But that rarely happens, we are usually running around like crazy. I am hoping to get better at it, and blog regularily again (but I cannot honestly make you any promises). So here is a little update on the happenings in life.

~ Married life is wonderful. I love coming home every night, having dinner with my family, cuddling with Chris and the pups. Chris and I spend so much time together and it has been such a blessing. He has even been helping more in the kitchen. Guess he figured if I was going to be out working cows with him, he could help inside the house. On a side note, I miss wedding planning. It consumed my life for so long and was all over in a few hours. I would love to do that every year, but Chris wouldn't let me. So to satisfy the void, I look at pictures and watch our wedding movie.

~ Work is steady and I still love my job. Incoming clients is slowing some as we are in holiday mode. People want to spend money on themselves instead of giving it to me. After the first of the year, this will pick up again. I have been keeping pretty busy though. I am typically in Court 2-3 times a week. Next week I am in Court every day. The best part - I still love my job. Though people keep asking me if I do. Seriosuly, I have been working in this office since 2005, I knew what I was getting myself into. Sure some of the cases break my heart and make me cry, but I feel like I have a purpose every day that I am at work.

~ Chris and I started attending church. We had talked for years about getting back into church when I moved back. I knew Chris wouldn't go without me here, so it was just easier on him to wait until I was back permanently. We really liked the minister who married us, so we have been attending church there. Chris isn't up for Sunday School yet, but we are working in baby steps. I find him reading his bible all the time. We also got ourselves a presents - "The Love Dare" devotional book. We will start on January 1 and have a devotion every day for 2012. So excited.

~ The house is almost fully put together. Both living rooms are done, all bedrooms are done and the kitchen has been completed for over a year (with exception of wall decorations which are slowing being hung). The only room left to unpack and complete is my office. Problem is deciding on a paint color and decorations. I really wanted to paint the office yellow, but Chris is adamently against that. I think we will likely compromise on a light gray on the walls with yellow accents. I just didn't want to spend a ton of money in there because I don't use my office much. I use my laptop all over the house. This is my current Pinterest inspiration

~ I absolutely love Pinterest. It takes up quite a bit of my free time as well. I love finding new receipes and craft projects. I have made some of both. I realyl should have been makings notes and taking pictures so I could blog about them. (new goal to start doing this). I am making Christmas presents for my co-workers from ideas found on there and decorating our house with ideas. It is a wonderful place, except sometimes it makes me feel unstylish. If you have never been on Pinterest, message me your email address and I will invite you. I only wish that I had known of this site as I was wedding planning. Tons of great stuff. Like the below picture. If we do a renewal, this is what I want.

~ We are shopping around for new health insurance. Neither of our jobs provide it so we have to look privately. The insurance coverage that I have now is super expensive and the benefits aren't that great, so I was looking to switch. New thing since Obama-care is that more private insurance companies do not offer maternity coverage, which is something that we want. We aren't wanting to have kids right away, but the two quotes we have received require you to pay increased premiums for at least a year before you get maternity coverage, so we are just planning ahead. But the search has been a huge pain, made more difficult since I cannot compare things equally. If you have any recommendations for an insurance companies, let me know.

~ Most of our cattle were sold today. We don't usually keep the cows through the winter because they are expensive to keep during the winter. We intended on selling all of them today, but we had one that wouldn't load up in the trailer, and in fact ran through multiple fences and ended up on a neighbor's property. So, she is back in our field, along with 4 of my dad's cows for a couple more weeks. Chris is wanting to keep a few to breed, but who knows. We have so much work to do in the fields, work that is much more difficult with cows running around all the time. But at the same time, we have spent a lot of time with these cows. The herd on our property this year were so wild when we got them. They are more like pets now. just extremely large pets.

~ Speaking of pets, there is a new addition to Upton household. Not another dog, but a cat. An outside cat. Chris is extremely allergic, but nonetheless, we have a female black cat named Sammie. She is just a few months old. She came to us as a tiny kitten a couple of months ago. She is essentially the perfect cat for us. All we havet o do is feed her a couple times a day. She keeps the mice away from the house, plays with the cows and lives in our barn. I do not have any pictures of her, but I need to get at least one taken of her.

In general, at the Upton house, we are just moving along through life and trying to be happy people. We love our life, our puppies, our jobs, our families and our farm. And we are anxiously awaiting the time we can make additions to our family. We are a while away from that, but it doesn't staop me from looking up ideas on babies daily. I promise to start blogging on a regular basis again.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Ofiicially an attorney

2011-10-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

So, as you may remember, the Missouri State Bar announcing swearing in ceremonies were to be held on September 26, 2011. Yup, just two days after the wedding. Chris and I made the decision to push the honeymoon back a week so that I could take part of the process at the Supreme Court. It isn't required, but it is neat and something that meant a lot to me.

So on day 2 of newlywed life, we get up at 4 am, leaving town at 5 with our mothers headed to Jefferson City. Since I was sworn in as "Gabel" instead of Upton, I got in the third ceremony. They only last about 20 minutes so it goes quickly. My boss even met us up there. It was neat to know how proud he is of me too. I doubt few, if any, had their boss present.

Getting sworn into Missouri Bar

Swearing into US Federal District Court - Western District of Missouri

Pictures taken by the school - first me with my Oath of Admissions then with Chris and our mothers

In our wonderful Howell County, there is also a tradition to be sworn in by the Circuit Judge and you sign the book of attorneys. The book dates back til the lat 1800s. I took this Oath on October 17th, my first law day. My entire office was present.

I was given cases to handle on my own on the day returning from being sworn into the bar so I guess I hit the road running. I am so excited about this part of my life. I have gained a few clients on my own and so far I love being an attorney!

Just saying

2011-10-19T13:11:00.000-06:00

It is not necessary to post on Facebook about how you are attending your WIC appointment. You should actually be ashamed that you are on any sort of public assistance instead of bragging about it to the world. Grow up, get a job and take care of your own family.

Thanks,

Some wedding details

2011-10-15T16:50:00.001-06:00

A few shots for your viewing pleasure.

Beginnings of the decorations to reception hall

Favor table - homemade jelly

Memorial table

Wishing well

Maid of honor and I before rehearsal. She also made the best bouquet for me. It was pages from a book to represent our storybook romance

Practicing the walk in

Love this - getting ready

Love this boy!

My girls and I

Chris and his boys

Hair and make up done :)

All dressed up and ready to go

For more wedding shots, you can check out photographer's facebook preview at D Coleman Photography and some shots from our DJ at Just One More Song.

We were so happy with how everything turned out. One minor glitch, but I will tell you about that later. Our wedding was everything that we could have wanted and then more. I wish I could get married every day. We have our video back and I have watched it twice - crying both times. I'm starting to have wedding withdraws though. Hopefully with working on the house and organizing, my time away from work won't be so void.

Next up, Honeymoon.

Playing a little catchup

2011-10-15T16:10:00.000-06:00

Now that I feel that I have a little time to breathe, I figure that I should update on what has been going on, but I will try to go back in chronological order. Back to the bachelorette party - the weekend before the wedding. Nine girls, including myself, traveled to Branson, MO for the weekend. I was so pleased - all my lovely ladies in my wedding party, my great friend and wedding singer and then a few other friends came along.

We went up early Saturday morning. It poured on us half the trip and the rest of the day. When we got to Branson, we headed down to Branson landing. We look a lunch boat cruise. It was fun, even though we were the youngest people there by decades. We even got on the roof of the boat for dancing and a hula-hoop contest.

Then we did a little shopping downtown. By the time we left the landing, we were soaked. My jeans were holding water up to my knees, but we tried not to let the water damper our spirits. We then headed to our hotel to check in and get ready for dinner.

Dinner was at the Dixie Stampede. It was a great show and we got to sit in the front row. I just wish that we could have taken pictures there, but sadly, they do not let you take pictures in there. Dinner was good, including the pre-show. Luckily the Dixie took our picture.

After the Dixie, we hung out at the hotel - eating junk food and having girl talk. It was the perfect ending to the night. I couldn't have asked for a better Bachelorette Party. Special thanks to the bestest maid of honor Maggie for planning it!

Picture Sneak Preview

2011-09-30T07:52:00.000-06:00

Last night, our photographer (David Coleman - D Coleman Photography) put up 41 sneak peak pictures for us from Saturday's wedding. Just thought I would share a few with all of you, but if you want to see all 41 pictures, go here.

This is one of my favorites. I asked for pictures in front of the courthouse since I am the newest member to the 37th Judicial Circuit Bar Association. Love them all though!

First Wedding Picture Preview

2011-09-29T14:02:00.003-06:00

Will have more tonight. Enjoy!

Photo curtesy of David Coleman of D Coleman Photography

It's Official

2011-09-14T06:53:00.000-06:00

Bar results were posted yesterday around 4:30 p.m. and on the bottom of page 4 listed "Lynsie Rochelle Gabel" - such exciting news and a huge relief. My parents, Chris and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate and I have received cake and ballons already this morning from a co-worker.

On the agenda for today - ordering business cards

Sorry

2011-09-08T12:10:00.000-06:00

So I realize that I am a terrible blogger. Life has been so literally crazy that I am lucky most days if I get 5 hours of sleep and 2 meals.
So, what has been going on in Lynsie’s life? In case you want to know, I will share.

~ I moved home on July 29th. I am staying (mainly just sleeping) at my parents’ house until the wedding. All other times I am at Chris and I’s house. We are still trying to get things set up, but it will continue to be a work in progress as we update and decorate rooms in the house. And there are still boxes and boxes of stuff in the basement at my parents’ house that I have collected over the years for the house that need to be sorted. Then on top of that, wedding presents are coming in. We just have a lot of stuff to put away and not a whole lot of room to put it. We have one of our spare rooms just covered with stuff ready to sell. Hopefully after the wedding, my family and I will have a yard sale.

~ Despite the stress of an incomplete house, I absolutely love being home and especially knowing that I do not have to go back to Columbia. I love seeing and playing with my puppies every day. I love having dinner with Chris every night (seriously, it is my favorite part of every day). I love being able to see my parents daily. I love seeing all the rest of my family. I love our farm and have enjoyed being able to sit on the porch and just take in the beauty of the country.

~ The wedding is in 16 days. Wedding prep also takes up a great deal of time. I am finishing up detail work and presents for the bridal party. I’m trying to remain calm, but it is hard. I have lists for just about everything imaginable. I am also getting extremely excited. I see all the pieces coming together and my vision from the past few years is coming to life. I promise that I will work on getting some pictures up of my projects and from my latest shower. We have another session of pre-marital counseling tonight. I have actually enjoyed it and am excited about going tonight. Brother Spencer is great and so easy for us to talk to.

~ Work has been super busy too. I am still waiting for bar exam results (the 13th is judgment day). I have been doing plenty of research, drafting pleadings and even conducted a few hearings under my previous Rule 13 certification. I am anxious to get the results back and continue on in my legal career. The waiting is killing me. At least the wedding stuff is keeping me occupied.

~ My wonderful Maid of Honor, Maggie, will be in town next Friday. I seriously cannot believe that I only have one week left of work before I take off for the wedding. Next weekend is my bachelorette party weekend getaway and I am so excited. I need some time away with my girls. We are heading to Branson for some shopping and fun activities. I think that I am most excited about our dinner – it is a murder mystery.

~ I am currently looking into activities for our honeymoon. To be honest, I am actually really happy that we aren’t leaving for our honeymoon the day after the wedding. It will give us some time to relax at home and deal with post-wedding things before we head out. Plus, I won’t be stressing out about packing while dealing with last minute wedding things. Chris and I are talking about loading up the motorcycle to take with us to Tennessee. I think it will be beautiful over there to ride through the mountains. We will be watching the weather. Chris’s surprise for the honeymoon has officially been booked. You may remember that we are staying in a cabin in Pigeon Forge Tennessee for the trip. Chris thinks we will be at the cabin from Saturday October 1 through Saturday October 8. In reality, we will be leaving our cabin on Friday and heading to Graceland. Chris has talked for years about going there to the Elvis museum. I have booked us a night in the Heartbreak Hotel with tickets to the museum. He is going to love it and I am so happy that I am able surprise him!

Well, that is it for updating today. Lunch is officially over and I need to get back at it. I promise that I will try to be a better blogger.

I'm back!

2011-08-05T12:13:00.000-06:00

Readers - I apologize for my long absence. It has just been super crazy around here. I survived the bar exam last week (it was terrible, but I survived) and now am anxiously waiting until September 13th for the results. My mom arrived in Columbia on Wednesday to start helping me back. Chris came up Thursday to load up a truck. We left Columbia Friday at 10:30 a.m. It was amazing feeling to cross back into Howell County and know that I am here to stay this time. We spent most of last weekend unpacking and organizing, but we still have lots to do. Combining two full households and deciding what to keep isn't exactly easy. We have boxes and boxes ready for a yard sale already.

This week has been super busy for us. I came back to work on Monday as an almost associate attorney and it feels amazing. My Rule 13 certification still carries through so I have been able to do quite a bit of work. I still have some organizing I need to do in my office but we are making it. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my law degree so I can get those babies framed and hung on the wall too. The weather has hit Chris really hard at work this week. Working 12 hour days in 100-110 degree heat is rough. He comes to the house after work and just collapses on the couch. But we have had dinner together evry night and life just seems perfect now that I am home.

Wedding planning is back in full swing as well. RSVP's are rolling in daily (checking the mail is like Christmas) and I am trying to finish little projects that I had started. The girls and I have our first dress fitting next week and I am so anxious to see my dress again. I have a few meetings set up with my vendors now that I am back. I need to get a hair and makeup trial done though and work on my day-of timeline. Chris and I also had our first pre-marital counseling session last night. Chris and I both really like the pastor who is marrying us. We like the fact that he wants to take the time to get to know us as people and as a couple. He is extremely easy to talk to, even for Chris who is naturally shy around people he doesn't know very well. We received some homework, but we are actaully looking forward to going back in a couple of weeks. We are always looking for ways to improve our relationship.

Centurylink was at our house on Tuesday hooking up our phone and internet, I just haven't had time to plug in the box to make sure it all works. Sounds like a perfect project for the weekend while I try to get everything else in my office unpacked and organized. I'm anxious to share pictures of the house now that we have furniture in every room.

Better get back to work. Have tons to do :)

Greetings!

2011-07-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know I am the worst blogger ever. I just don't really have anything to update you all on. I have been sitting at my house studying for at least 12 hours a day and its miserable. I take a few breaks every now and then, but for the most part, it has been sitting on my couch and floor reading, reciting and practicing on exams. But in just a few days, it will be all over. I head to Jefferson City on Monday evening. Everyone that I talked to said to not take a chance with my car or traffic or anything on the mornings of the bar, so I decided to get a hotel just 1/3 of a mile from my exam testing area for peace of mind. The exam is a total of 6 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday plus a lunch break. I am supposed to be done by 4:30 every day. Wednesday at 4:30 cannot come soon enough right now.

When I get out at 4:30, my mom should be getting into Columbia as well. She will be staying here for a couple of days to help me finish the packing and stuff. Chris will come up sometime on Friday with a trailer to load up and hopefully we can get on the road by lunch time on Saturday. It is crazy to me thinking about the fact that in a week from right now I will be moved back to Pomona permanently. Chris and I were talking yesterday that it just doesn't seem real. Neither one of us can fully comprehend me being home and not having to come back to Columbia. The past 6 years in Columbia have seriously flown by, but I am so happy that it is finally over and we can start our life.

My work calendar is marked with appointments already and getting started in my job sounds wonderful. As pathetic as that sounds. I love my job and I love being able to help people. And to be honest, this whole not working thing is not for me. I am going stir crazy being at the house all the time. My Rule 13 certification (being able to practice law under a licensed attorney) will last until the bar results (September 13) so I am able to start meeting with clients. SP will have to sign all the paperwork, but I am able to take up arguments and hearings myself as long as he is there. It is weird being excited about that too. I have the most adorable little briefcase that I cannot wait to carry. Chris bought it for me a few years back. I think I am going to have to expand my suit collection some. I have several, but I am hoping to get lots of courtroom experience, so I want more.

Besides work picking up, moving home will also cause wedding planning to pick up again. We are down to just over 2 months and I have several loose ends to tie up. Wedding invites are getting placed in the mail this coming Thursday (eeeek, its getting real in here). Being in the same town as my wedding will help a lot. Plus, I will have help from my bridesmaids and family on making projects. I am currently still trying to decide what to do as favors. I am having little activity books with crayons for the kiddos, but cannot make up my mind on the adult favors. I am not one to buy candles with our names on it or something, because who really wants that. They say food favors work the best, so I am thinking about how to do that. My original idea was to make mason jar cookie mixes, like this:

They have all the dry ingredients for a cookie mix in them and are supposed to have a card attached with the instructions for making the cookies. Thoughts? Would you all like this as a gift? Please honest opinions.

We are also in the middle of planning our girls weekend for my bachelorette party. We are going to spend a weekend in Branson. Not sure exactly what we will do yet, we are still brainstorming, but I am excited thinking about getting away with my girls for the weekend. Life has been super stressful and the thought of getting away sounds wonderful, which is why Chris and I are so excited about our honeymoon too. We have dealt with a long distance relationship for the past 6 years and we want to spend time together.

Ok, well I guess that is enough rambling for now and I better get back to the books. I was told by a few attorneys the other day to stop studying completely now because if I didn't know it already, I probably wouldn't learn it now. I just am not comfortable giving it up yet. The thought of failing and being set back in life for 6 months until the next exam is terrifying, not to mention that would be horribly embarrassing (sorry if anyone here has done that - just my honest opinion that I would be embarrassed).

Hope that this weekend is treating you all well! I likely won't check back in until Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Perfect Wedding Invites = Happy Bride

2011-07-15T13:39:00.000-06:00

It doesn't take much to brighten my day these days for studying all day, but today was extra special. I am in love with my wedding invitations.

Here are a couple of photos:

Outside

Inside

Insert cards - please note all three cards have the same design at the bottom

With envelope

Aren't they just wonderful?

Special credits:

Main invite: www.downloadandprint.com
Insert cards: created by my wonderful maid of honor Maggie
Card pockets, bands, envelopes: www.cardsandpockets.com
Printing services: Color Tech of West Plains, MO

Checking In

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-06:00

Faithful readers. I hope that you know that I have not forgotten about you. There has just been a lot going on here. On top of my stress from the upcoming bar exam and packing, I have had to deal with a computer that is on the fritz, air conditioning that occasionally decides to stop working and today issues with my car which estimates to fix are over $700. Luckily Chris and I have some savings set back because I am no longer working. After a mini break down this morning, I feel better. Chris and my dad told me not to worry about anything but passing my bar exam and they will take care of the rest. I love the boys in my life!

In general, there is nothing major going on in life. I sit around and study most days, taking study breaks to pack. I have all my invitations addressed and am just waiting for the insert cards to be finished printing. In other wedding news, our honeymoon has been pushed back a week. It turns out the swearing in ceremony is set for the Monday after the wedding. Although it is not necessary to attend, I really want to be sworn in at the Supreme Court and many people want to see that too. So I talked to our honeymoon location and luckily that week was open. Now we will have a week at home and work as newlyweds before heading off. I am currently working on a surprise for Chris while we are away. Once I decide exactly how to do it, then you will be some of the first to know.

Other that, nothing really going on. Hope life is going well with you and I promise to be back in full force after August 1.

What I am Loving Wednesday

2011-07-06T11:47:00.000-06:00

It has been a few weeks since I have participated in this, but today I needed a study break. I feel so blessed most days so taking the opportunity to list them is always good.

I am loving that progress is coming along on the invites. Here is a sneak preview. Once I get them all together I will post on them.

I am loving that in just 24 days I will be moving back to Pomona permanently. I love this house and our 28 acres.

I am loving that our master bedroom is painted, the new furniture came in and is now set up in the house. I totally blanked on getting a picture of it. I will do it when I move back :)

I am loving that I was able to spend the 4th of July weekend at home. I was productive around the house and on wedding projects. Sunday was great at all our family functions. Didn't get any pictures in Mountain Home, but here are a couple from the Shannon (Chris's family) family reunion.

I am loving having the extra free time since I quit my Columbia job last week. Now I have extra time for studies, packing and wedding stuff. But I do feel weird not going to work. And of course I miss these people.

I am loving that my maid of honor Miss Maggie was able to get off the whole week before the wedding so she can come visit and stay with me. I have felt lost since she left Missouri in May and waiting another 2 1/2 months for her visit sucks. However, I will count my blessings that she will be here.

I am loving that I was able to spend time with my precious puppies over the weekend. I am very much looking forward to moving home and getting to hang out with my kiddos every day.

And most importantly, I am loving my wonderful fiancé Christopher. Just 80 days until we get hitched and it cannot come soon enough.

The pups

2011-07-04T19:38:00.000-06:00

Well, I know that I haven't been around much. Studying for the bar exam takes up so much of my time. I have now quit my job in Columbia, so I may be able to update you all from time to time during the next few weeks.

I was asked a question in my comments last week, so Megan, here is the answer about our puppies.

First, there is Kit-Kat. She is our only dog that we have paid for. She is a registered Pit Bull. She was born January 1, 2006 and Chris bought her just a few months after that. Chris loves pit bulls and would love to have more, but it just hasn't happened again. Kit-Kat is Chris's baby and will always hold a special place in his heart. When she was just over a year, she became experiencing some terrible pain. She was just laying around and crying all day long. Chris took her to the vet. Turns out, she was pregnant - a pregnancy that would kill her. We made the decision to terminate her pregnancy and save her life. She has been Chris's baby ever since.

Next, there is Dozer, my baby. We aren't sure exactly what breed of dog he is as he was a a drop off. We originally thought he was going to turn out to be a bigger dog than he was, but he just never grew. There is apparently a test that the vet can do to tell us his breed, but it is around $100 and to us not worth it. He is only 26 pounds of pure attitude. Last January, Chris and I were driving down our dirt road and found this little puppy crossing the road. We couldn't get him to come to us, but searched the woods for the little fellow. We found him about an hour later buried under a pile of leaves, probably trying to stay warm until he died. He was just three weeks old. Now, he is about 19 months old and full of life. We never know his exact birthday, but we celebrate it on January 25th. He is always on the go and wants to be with people all the time. He is very anxious for mommy to move back to Pomona!

Last, but surely not least, there is Boots (in our house known as Bootsie). Boots came to us last summer. He was our second drop off in 6 months. This time, we were standing outside watering our garden when a truck pulled up in front of our house and pushed the dog out the door and drove off. I never understood how people can do this, but at least Boots was left at a good house. We took him in and he is Chris's buddy. Although we aren't entirely sure on his breed, most people guess him to be a mix between a pit bull and a walker. Boots is just over a year as well. We celebrate his birthday on February 19. Boots is a hunter and wants to be on the move whenever he is outside. He has to be put on a chain when he goes out because he loves to chase cows, rabbits, horses and anything else that moves.

Our life is blessed because of the puppies in our life. They all get along great and play til they fall asleep. We cannot imagine life without these three!

Yay for wedding productivity

2011-06-23T05:23:00.000-06:00

These past few weeks have me consumed with studying. I am still working, but next week will be my last week at that (BarBri recommends studying for the bar 12 hours a day during the month of July). I am still trying to handle a few wedding things while I can right now. This may change as the test gets closer, but hey, right now, I do still need study breaks. As of last night, flower girl dresses and ring bearer tuxes were purchased.

These are what we bought our ring bearers. We decided to purchase from Ebay because they are cheap. The place we are renting tuxes from wanted to charge a full price (close to $100) even for a child's tux. Well, that just wasn't going to happen. So I found some online. They are 5 piece tuxes for less than $40.00. Perfect! I cannot get the picture to work, sorry.

But I couldn't forget my favorite little girls either. These adorable little dresses were less than $25.00 with the headpiece.

Lastly, I got my invites ordered. My maid of honor, Maggie, and I designed them, but I decided they would look nicer if they were professionally printed. I have samples of everything, but I will wait until I get it all before I post a picture of it. I am so excited about them though.

Happy Thursday!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T16:19:00.000-06:00

Today is the first Father's Day that I have missed with my father. My stupid bar prep class scheduled a class for yesterday which prevented me from going home for the weekend. But luckily, he understands and knows that I didn't miss Father's Day for nothing.

I grew up as a daddy's girl. I spent a lot of time with my dad and there was always something we could do together. He made sure that he set a good role model for us. He worked as much as 7 days a week for our family ensuring his commitments to projects at the rock quarry were always met. He always made sure that his family was provided for. He has been my number one supporter throughout my whole life. He allowed me the opportunity to chase every dream that I had and never regretted helping me through anything. He has been the greatest role model to me and I am who I am because of my father. Love you dad!

Customer Service - When did it get so bad?

2011-06-18T21:45:00.000-06:00

Lately, I have had terrible customer service everywhere that I go.

1. Ashely furniture - if you read my blog, you know about my experience with the Ashley Furniture Homestore and ended up buying furniture elsewhere. Well, I emailed the manager of the Columbia store. Her response was crazy. She apologized for my bad experienced but thanked me for being an informed shopper and getting the best deal for myself. She said there was no way the guy told me their prices were the cheapest and ended the email asking me to shop there again - too bad for them, that won't happen

2. Dry Cleaners - I bought a special dress just for graduation. I took it to the cleaners to get it pressed. I apparently made the mistake of not looking at the dress when I picked it up. I got ready to put it on graduation morning and realized that the black color in the dress had bled all over the white part. I took it back this week. They offered to clean it again to try to get it out. I asked what happens if the stain comes out. Her response was for me to take up the issue with the manufacturer since they clean the clothes according to the label. I have a feeling we will have major words when my dress comes back still with stains on it

3. Sherwin Williams - My sister in law (interior decorator) is going to the the painting in my master bedroom. Due to her business, she gets a super discount at Sherwin Williams. She is going to paint for us in the next couple of weeks so I needed to pick a paint color. I walk in and there are three employees behind the counter talking amongst themselves. No one even greeted me when I walked in the door. No one asked if I needed help. When I went to the counter to ask for a second opinion on a color, the employee acted like I was inconveniencing her. Good thing I didn't need paint in Columbia.

I figured with the economy the way that it is, businesses would do anything and everything to make the customer happy and ensure that they got my business. What happened to "the customer is always right"? Chris and I are so picky any more who we give our business to. I hate dealing with rude people but I am sure that they hate it worse when they deal with an angry Lynsie.

Well, I am off to bed. It is about to storm, so hopefully it won't keep me up.

100 days

2011-06-16T05:26:00.000-06:00

Well, its official. There are only 100 days left til Chris and I get hitched. Most days, it just doesn't seem real. Chris and I have been together for about 7 1/2 years now and talking about getting married for almost that long. I am so excited that we are finally at this point and things seem to be falling into place.

That is all for this morning. Time to finish getting ready for class. Happy Thursday everyone!

Invite Mock Up - Thoughts?

2011-06-15T20:16:00.000-06:00

Well, Maggie (my wonderful maid of honor) have been working on these for a couple of weeks and I think they are finally ready. I printed a rough draft tonight just to see it all together. We will have them professionally printed.

What do you all think?

Weekend Recap

2011-06-12T21:19:00.000-06:00

The weekend was wonderful. Class on Friday lasted a little longer than I had anticipated, but it all worked out. I got on the road about 12:45 and headed to Versailles. I had to pick up Chris's grandma from his mom's house. Granny had been staying with Cheryl after her surgery, but granny was ready to get home. It took my trip home from 3 hours to 5 hours, but it wasn't bad at all. And I was glad to help out the family. It saved someone else from driving all the way up to get granny. We had a nice chat and it passed the time of the drive quickly.

I got in town Friday night just in time to see a t-ball game. It was the only weekend that I would be home during t-ball season. Three of my nephews played on the same team and it was great to see them all. The boys had a blast and it is always great to watch.

I came home to have dinner with Christopher and my parents. We then spent the rest of the evening looking at wedding stuff and picking out photos for our picture slideshow. It is crazy to believe that we have 8 years of photos. The childhood pictures were my favorite though.

Saturday morning, I was up early for my morning exercise. Dozer and I went for a walk in the field and down to the pond. It was so peaceful and despite that Dozer doesn't converse with me, it was nice to have some company on the walk. Mom and I spent the entire day running errands. It was very productive. I picked tuxes for the wedding, did a little clothes shopping, met with our videographer, had my sister's birthday lunch and did some furniture shopping. I had looked at furniture at Ashley Furniture Homestore, but that store made me angry. They acted like it was an inconvenience to measure pieces for me. Then they told me that the don't offer discounts for large purchases. They claimed to be the cheapest place around, so they couldn't offer any more discounts. Well, one of our local stores in town carries some Ashley pieces. Chris and I would prefer to do our business locally and I am so glad that I went in there. First off, the local store (Brown's) could sell me the living room set cheaper than Ashely Homestore. Then they offer a 6% discount for picking up the furniture instead of using delivery, which is a plus for us. Then they offer discounts of 3% for over $2,000 and then 5% for over 5,000. We are looking for new living room and master bedroom furniture. So, from what I picked out, we are cheaper than Ashley with a higher quality master bedroom set (solid oak) for way cheaper than Ashley and with a 9% discount. Chris approved everything that I picked out and I think we are making a purchase this week.

Bedroom stuff

Couch

Except all our living room will be this color

I am pretty excited. I hope that some of it is in before I come home next on the 4th of July. I am just so ready for our house to be all set up and finished. Too bad that won't happen til the end of July when I move all my furniture from Columbia to Pomona. Saturday night was date night for us and it was wonderful. We went out to eat, took a visit to his aunt's house and then headed home to relax with our pups. Life is pretty good for us.

Today was a pretty busy day. Chris and I moved from furniture around at the house to make sure spare bedrooms were set up and moved the furniture from our master bedroom downstairs so I could have our master carpet cleaned and the walls painted before moving in new furniture. Chris's dad came to visit for a few and then my sister and two of her boys came to see me as well. I feel so blessed for the family that we have. I couldn't ask for more. Now, I am back in Columbia for 3 weeks. 4th weekend will be my last visit home before the move. I cannot believe that we are this close.

Well, it is about time for bed. I hope that you all have a fantastic week!

What I am Loving Wednesday

2011-06-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

I am a little late in getting this up today. There has just been so much going on that I barely have time for much anymore. But with all the stress and drama, I think it is good to remind myself of the wonderful things in my life.

1. I am loving that Chris's mom is recovering so well from her surgery a week ago. The best part is that the tumor they removed was not cancer. We were blessed. I am supposed to have lunch with her Friday on my way home.

2. I am loving that I was able to spend some time with my favorite Columbia kiddos last night. Won't be too long and I won't be able to babysit them ever. Here are the pictures the kiddos drew for me last night.

3. I am loving how my DYI projects for the wedding are coming along. So far, table numbers and programs have been designed. I'm not overly crafty but I am pleased with what I have done.

3. I am loving that I will be going home to visit this weekend. (Visits left before moving home - this weekend and 4th of July). I love our little piece of property!

4. I am loving that I have been losing weight again. I have been getting up and running in the mornings and when time allows running through the 30 Day Shred in the evenings. Running makes me feel better throughout the whole day. It hasn't been much, but people have noticed and that makes me happy.

5. Most importantly, I am loving Christopher. He has been so amazing as I study for the bar exam (not surprising though, he was great all through school). I cannot wait to move home and start our new life together!

Alphabet of Me - taking a much needed break

2011-06-05T21:01:00.000-06:00

I needed a break from wedding planning and studying for the bar so I decided to get on here. I saw that Tyler at Rants, Raves, Ridiculous posted this fun little thing, so I thought that I would play along.

Ambition: Be a good attorney, wife and mother
Bad Habit: Not filtering my mouth
City: I claim two homes currently, Columbia and Pomona - both in Missouri
Drink: Minute Maid Juice
Education: B.A. and J.D.
Food: I love me some fried chicken and mashed potatoes
Guilty Pleasure: Tacky TV shows
Hometown: Born and raised in West Plains
Ice Cream: Chris and I love to share twist from Dairy Queen
Jonesing for: August 1st
Kryptonite: my 28 acre farm - love that place
Look-a-like: no one really
Movie: A Time to Kill is my favorite
Nickname: Linnie and Lynz
Obsession: currently anything wedding :)
Perfume: if I remember to put come on, it is usually my Mary Kay Bella one
Quirk: I have so many, I could not even being to start listing them
Regret: None, I am one of those people who believe all things happen for a reason, I have learned from all my mistakes
Starbucks: I just drink their hot chocolate and caramel apple spice - I don't do coffee
Thrift Find of the Year: Still looking for it!!
University: University of Missouri - Columbia M-I-Z-Z-O-U
Vacation: In September on the honeymoon
Wine: Nah
X: now this one is just impossible...
Years: 24

Needing some opinions

2011-06-05T12:24:00.000-06:00

I am working on making some programs for our wedding. I have two options that I am debating between and am seeking opinions. See picture below.

Left: Hot pink writing saying the wedding celebration of Lynsie and Chris.

Right: Black writing with a hot pink ribbon

Please note I am aware that the demask borders are not centered. I have fixed that.

Weekend Recap

2011-05-31T20:45:00.000-06:00

Well, the holiday gave me a 4 day weekend at home in Howell County. It was a great weekend too and the fact that I had only been in Columbia for 5 days made it even better. Now, I am stuck here for two weeks.

I had Bar Prep class til 3:30 on Friday which left me leaving town a little later than usual. When I got in town, dinner had already started. Mom planned a little birthday party for my nephew Brody. He turned 3 on Sunday. It is hard to believe. We had homemade tacos and ice cream sundaes - great birthday!

Brody has really taken up with Chris. Brody thinks they are best buddies and it is adorable to see them together. Makes me really excited about starting a family with Chris some day (way in future). Kolton and Brody ended up staying at the house Friday night, sleeping in my bedroom floor. They played for a bit, jumping from my bed to theirs and Chris and I sat in the bed and read them bedtime stories (my mom loved this and thought it was so cute. She is so ready for us to have kiddos too).

I was up early on Saturday. Brody got up with me. We watched some TV and drank chocolate milk. He went with me to wake Chris up and check on the cows. I spent the day running errands and shopping with my mom. We took flowers to her parents and sister's graves. I go with her every year and every year, it is still hard. I just wish that they were here to share in these special moments with me. We had steaks with my parents for dinner. Chris and I then headed to town to visit with his aunt and uncle.

Sunday and Monday were productive days for me at the house. I spent the majority of each days painting, cleaning and doing laundry. Chris hates painting so he spend the days outside building fence, mowing the yard and cutting trees. I didn't get the bathroom all set up yet. I don't really trust Chris with a beige and white shower curtain when I am not there. It would end up with grease and oil all over it. Only room left to paint is the master bedroom and it will be a pain in the butt. Honestly, I have thought about paying to have it done.

I left town today around noon. Tomorrow I have to go back to bar prep class. Luckily this week classes are only til 12:30. My thoughts will be distracted tomorrow though. Chris's mom is having a hysterectomy tomorrow morning. The docs found a tumor on her ovaries about a week ago. We were blessed to find out that the tumor was not cancer, but due to the fact that she has had cancer before, the doctors decided to do the full surgery instead of just removing the tumor. If you are the praying kind, please be thinking of her tomorrow.

Time to finish my grocery list for tomorrow and get in bed. Hope that you all had a great weekend too!

What I am Loving Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:43:00.000-06:00

It is break time during BarBri right now, so I thought I would share a few of my blessings for the day.

I am loving the fact I have been able to communicate with those I know in Joplin to ensure their safety. Still praying for the families that are still unsure about their love ones and the families that have lost loved ones and everything else in their life.

I am loving that I got my first proof of our wedding invitations yesterday. Although I didn't care for them and we are making major changes, it was still pretty exciting to see it in black and white.

I am loving the fact that in just two days I will be back home in Howell County for 4 days. I think since I ran off to college, this has been the shortest period of time I have been away from home.

I am loving the big plans for the weekend, even if it all involves paint. I plan to paint a spare bedroom, our master bath and our shepherd hooks for the wedding. I need to paint our master bedroom, but I cannot do the ceiling by myself and Chris till be building fence.

I am loving the love that I have in Christopher. He is amazing to me and the past seven and a half years have been great with him. Looking forward to a lifetime together - just 122 days til the wedding.

Sorry for the lack of pictures - our breaks aren't that long.

Back and now officially a graduate

2011-05-23T20:09:00.000-06:00

Well, first off, I would like to apologize for my absence the past couple of weeks. Graduation weekend was crazy busy. There were 35 people of my family and Chris's that made the trip to Columbia to see me graduate. Graduation weekend was full of activity. Saturday night the 14th, mom had reserved a room at Lonestar Steakhouse.

It was a fun night. After dinner, I drove my dad around campus so he could see where I spent the past 6 years of my life. It had been decades since he had a visit to Mizzou. Most of the guests went back to the hotel to swim. I stayed up for a while talking to Chris and my grandma and playing with Dozer (yes, the dog came to visit too).

Sunday morning I was up super early with Dozer. People started showing up at my apartment at 10. It was pretty hectic having lunch for so many people and getting dressed, but we left to make it on time. Graduation started at 1:30 and it was seriously one of the greatest experiences of my life. Attorney General Chris Koster was our guest speaker and his speech was fantastic.

My nephew Kolton just graduated from preschool so of course we had to show off tassels together. I just didn't have my diploma yet. I had a wonderful week at home. It was relaxing and perfect. Saturday night was the big graduation party. There was so much family that didn't get to make it to Columbia, so my mom and Chris's mom hosted a party for me. Several members of our families made the food and I had the coolest cake. 91 people came out to celebrate with us. I stood there looking at all the people just before dinner started and thought about how blessed Chris and I are to have such great families. Entertain was provided by the sheriff himself and other friends and family.

I am working on thank you cards as we speak. My bar prep class started today and luckily this week we do not have homework. I thought I would try to get thank you cards out while I had the time. I better get back at it. Hopefully, I will get better about being in the groove of blogging again. It is time to start worrying about the wedding more too. Hope that you all have a good week. If you are the praying kind, please say an extra prayer for those in southwest Missouri, specifically Joplin, who were hit pretty bad with a tornado yesterday. The pictures are devastating and I wish that I could help more than I can!

What I am Loving Wednesday

2011-05-11T09:13:00.003-06:00

It is time for a small study break, so I thought that I would take a few minutes to share what I am loving today. If you are interested in sharing yourself, don't forget to tag up here.

I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures. My study break isn't going to be that long!

~ I am loving that at approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon I will be completely done with law school!!!

~ I am loving that so much of my family and Chris's family are coming up to attend my graduation/hooding ceremony on Sunday. I cannot wait to see everyone!

~ I am loving that I have received 3 facebook messages this morning cheering me on as I face this last exam - I feel very loved and very blessed.

~ I am loving that I get a week off between finals and the bar prep class (last year's graduates did not get this break)

~ I am loving the warmer weather that we have been having. I enjoy sitting in the house with all the windows open smelling the fresh air.

~ I am loving my Nook that I received from my parents on my birthday. I cannot wait until this evening to spend more time with it!

~ I am loving my dearest Christopher. He is has been amazingly supportive as I chased my career dreams 200 miles away from him. He is my rock and I am so thankful that he is in my life!

Ok, back to the books. Hope this Wednesday is treating you all well!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T21:12:00.000-06:00

Well, it is a little late in the day, but I have been a busy gal. I need to update y'all on what has been going on here, but it might be later in the week before I get around to that unless I take a study break in the next couple of days.

Well today is mother's day and my father's birthday! Last year I wrote a great piece on my mom last year. If you want to read it, go to here. I am more than ecstatic that this is the last year that I have to be away from my family on this special weekend. I am thankful that my parents understand why I am not there.

It is late and I won't go on and on about my mom this year like I did last year. I need to review my notes some more before going to bed. But I will write a little something about two very special ladies in my life.

Joyce Ann - My God given mother

I cannot explain the appreciation that I have for this woman! She is one of my best friends and I never go a day without having a conversation (some days multiple times) with her. She is supportive of everything that I do! I cannot imagine my life without her. I seriously could go on and on about her!

Cheryl Diane - My inherited mother

She came into my life about eight years ago through my dearest Christopher. She has been supportive of Chris and I from day 1 and took me in as a part of the family. There was no doubt that we would have a special relationship. There are many horror stories about crazy mothers in law, but I got lucky!

I am looking forward to seeing both of these wonderful ladies next weekend and the weekend after! We have lots to celebrate!

Weekend Recap

2011-05-03T06:49:00.000-06:00

The weekend was not a very exciting one. It's finals time here at Mizzou Law and I spend my life studying. I did take a few well deserved breaks.

I had dinner with my sister-in-law Jennifer and her family. They were in town for my niece to perform at State Musical Festival. I had an enjoyable dinner then it was back to the house for studying.

Saturday morning I got up and started studying early (this will be a common trend). I took an early morning break to watch my niece perform with her music ensemble. The all girls group from Houston did a great job! I really wanted to spend the day shopping with them, but knew I needed to be back at the house. I spent the rest of the day studying. For dinner, I did allow myself out of the house long enough to have a joint birthday dinner with Maggie.

Dinner was at Chilis. They give the best free dessert when its your birthday. It was a bitter sweet moment for me. It is exciting for me because I know this is the last time that I have to be away from my family for my birthday. But it is also sad because it was my last birthday I will spend with these ladies. It is starting to sink that Maggie is moving 12 hours away in just a couple of weeks.

Sunday and Monday so far the whole day has been spent with my business organization books. Hopefully by Thursday I will understand it. Today my focus is devoted to Employment Discrimination. That final is tomorrow. One week til it is all over!

Time to get back to the books!

Blessings

2011-04-30T11:02:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked the last day of classes as a law student. Two classes are officially done and that leaves three finals and I'll be done!

I was sitting in my last class yesterday and my professor took some time to give us a little talk about life and it was amazing. When I graduated high school, my chemistry teacher read of "Oh the Places You Will Go" and I felt like I was in that moment again.

Professor Hensen told us about his experience and about getting to where he is now. He had always dreamed about being a law professor but it wasn't until more recently that he was able to do just that. He told us that we should hold on to our dreams and always chase after them. He reminded us that our dreams are the most important thing that we will ever create.

So, I'm sitting in class, trying really hard not to cry. I am overwhelmed with blessings. I feel fortunate enough to be able to chase my dreams for my first job. I don't have to settle for a job that I don't want in order to pay off student loans. I don't have to settle for a job that I don't want because the job market sucks and taking something is better than nothing. I am going into a job that I know that I love and will be able to work with people that I love. I am going to the location that I want - home with my family.

Chris and my family have always been there for me supporting every dream that I ever had. I was never told that I couldn't do something or that I shouldn't do something. I appreciate that more than Chris and my family will ever know.

I just thought that I would share. Please keep hold of your own dreams and chase them with all that you have. I did and it feels amazing to be 2 weeks out from graduating law school!

Weekend Recap

2011-04-27T06:52:00.000-06:00

Well, I am a little late updating you on the weekend, but hey, its finals time here at the law school and I don't have a lot of free time.

Friday, Maggie and I took the 3 hour drive down south to spend our last weekend in Pomona as college students. Maggie will be leaving for Texas in a few weeks and she wanted to have one last visit before she left. Friday afternoon we ran a few errands in Willow Springs while my car was getting its oil changed. We then headed to the house to get started on dinner. We had a few people over and charcoaled steak on the grill. Luckily we got the steaks done before the downpour started. We then relaxed around the house the rest of the night while the puppies played.

Saturday morning, I was up bright and early with the pups. It was a pretty decent morning. Temps weren't bad and the sky was clear. I spent some time outside with the doggies. I also go started making cupcakes for the big birthday party for Saturday night. We all got around and headed to town. We ran a few errands, did a little shopping, had lunch - all during massive rain. We got back to the house early afternoon to finish getting ready for the birthday party.

Chris and I headed to town around 3 for our food tasting at our venue. No decisions have been made yet on the food. Everything they brought us to try was so good. The biggest decision that we have to make now is whether we want to offer our guests 2 choices of meat for dinner. Any of you who have been wedding guests or planned a wedding, what are your thoughts?

Saturday night we had a 6 person birthday party. We celebrated April/May birthdays (Doris, Trent, Bryson, Maggie, dad and myself). The boys also had a small Easter egg hunt. Here are a couple of pictures of the night.

The flooding down south is just crazy. We have gotten so much rain. All over town things are flooded, our fields are flooded, our driveway entrance is gone. Apparently the wind with the storms last night knocked over a light pole in our field and a tree which is now covering the county road ruining both our fence and my parents. Can we just have warm spring now please?

Sunday was a pretty lazy day. I stayed pretty busy on the phone with Cheryl and the family. Maggie and I even stopped by the hospital on our way back to Columbia. Thank you all for your prayers. Rodney is doing some better. They released him from ICU yesterday and he is in the cardiac unit at the hospital. They are still saying no surgery will help his blockage though. We are hoping he will be released at the end of the week.

Time to get back to the books.

Prayer Request

2011-04-25T12:46:00.000-06:00

For those of you who believe, can you please say an extra prayer for me please.

Chris's step dad Rodney had a massive heart attack yesterday morning. The docs have discovered 100% blockage on the left side of his heart, which the right side being okay. The inserted a balloon in order to help blood flow but the blockage was too bad for a stint. As of right now, they are saying the blockage is too severe that doing surgery will not help and they think the damage cannot be repaired. He is in ICU in Jefferson City, Missouri and remains listed in critical care. They will run more tests tomorrow to discover the extent of the damage.

I appreciate in advance you keeping this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Just a thought

2011-04-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

Chris's aunt has been a great help to me the past few weeks. She has been great to talk to amongst this whole wedding ordeal (see previous post about my wedding nightmares). She usually posts a pretty good status on facebook. Today's was extra special for me and exactly what I needed. I thought that I would share it with all of you.

Laugh when you can... Apologize when you should... And let go of what you can't change... Love deeply and forgive quickly..."lifes too short to be anything but happy". Take chances and give your everything... You have to take the good with the bad... Love what you have... Always remember what you had... Forgive... but don't forget.. but always remember.. that life goes on.

Today I am choosing to be happy!

What I am Loving Wednesday

2011-04-20T15:06:00.000-06:00

Seeing as how I am super stressed today, I feel like I need to look more into my blessings in life. So, today I am linking up with Jamie at This Kind of Love for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

I am loving the fact that there is only 24 days left until graduation (aka our hooding ceremony)

I am loving the fact that there are only 100 days until I finally move home to Pomona for good.

I am loving the fact that Friday I will be heading home for my last weekend in the country as a law student.

I am loving the fact that Maggie gets to have one last weekend in the country with me before she moves off to Texas to produce the news in Abilene.

I am loving our engagement pictures. When I am upset, I go back and look at them. (Photos courtesy of D Coleman Photography)

I am loving the fact that Chris has been working such long hours on the farm. Cannot wait to see our new fence (yup, I"m a farm gal loser)

I am loving Christopher. He is seriously my best friend and am thankful for him in my life every day!

Hope that Wednesday is treating you well.

Wedding Nightmares

2011-04-17T16:51:00.001-06:00

Well before I get too in detail about the dreams, I'll start by telling you about why I am having these dreams.

About a month ago, one of Chris's cousin's (Matt) proposed to his girlfriend of about a month (yes, just a month). Well they originally talked about getting married in October, just a couple of weeks after us. Well, things have changed and they are now getting married in August, just a mere 6 weeks before our big day. Despite how upset I was at this (I still cannot believe that a female would do that to another female), I tried to keep my mouth shut. I don't need Chris's family mad at me or going around saying that I don't want them to be happy or have their special day. That isn't it at all. I just want to have my own special time and I think the months before and after ours should have been left alone. Case in point, another one of Chris's cousins (Shay) got engaged just a week after Matt. Shay's girl originally wanted a fall wedding, but happily agreed with Shay about getting married in the Spring of 2012 so as to not take away from our time.

Yes, I am fully aware at this point that I look childish and selfish. I may be and I am okay with that. Chris and I have been together for 7 1/2 years and have endured a long distance relationship for 6. I am about to graduate law school in less than a month. Truthfully, I feel like this should be our time and the families should respect that.

Ok, so when Matt first got engaged, they had even talked to us about using the same venues we did. Right now, they are saying they don't have a venue picked out yet. Granted, they have picked a wedding date. Some people have theorized that the venue is picked but it is being kept secret. I have shared very little details of the wedding with anyone except my mom, bridal party and really close friends. Shoot, my dad doesn't even know what my dress looks like. But the thought of someone getting married just 6 weeks before us and using the same ideas as us terrifies me beyond belief. Despite the fact that Chris and I have been discussing our wedding for 7 years and actually planning details for 1 year, someone using something first in time relation will make us look like we copied. The biggest details (songs, colors, themes) were discussed and I try not to bug them every time that I think about something major that I don't want copied, but thoughts are racing in my head.

I have been stressing about this so much that it is causing me nightmares. Last night I had a dream that I was sitting in their wedding and as she was walking down the aisle, I realized that we had the same dress. Talk about panic. Then as the dream continued, I couldn't find another dress that I was in love with in 6 weeks. It was terrible. I woke up with a pounding heart and tears streaming down my face. It's days like this that I hate living all by myself because I have no one close when I woke up.

Despite being reassured time and time again by everyone, I cannot stop thinking about it. I try to distract myself with school work and focusing on my own wedding. I have tried shopping, eating, exercising, organizing, cleaning. Nothing seems to work.

Someone please help me otherwise I will be crazy for the next 160 days til our wedding!

5 Question Friday

2011-04-15T09:39:00.000-06:00

Well, I had a little time before class started, so I decided I needed to post for 5 Question Friday. I had missed a few weeks, but things have been super busy in my life. Yes, so busy for both Chris and I that we have to schedule time to talk on the phone. So anxious to not have to do this long distance thing anymore. But anyways, onto the questions.

1. What is your favorite sign of spring?

Flowers for sure. I love walking outside and smelling flowers and fresh mowed grass. I love the look of all the blooming trees and flowers on the ground. It just puts me in a better mood

2. What was your best birthday ever?

April 30, 2005 was the best birthday that I can remember. I am sure that I had some pretty fantastic birthdays as a child, but none that really stand out to me that I can remember. My birthday in 2005 was perfect though. My dad sang to me at 6:52 am like he does every year since that was the time I was born. My birthday was on a Saturday and I had taken the day off. Chris told me that he had something special planned. He picked me up just before lunch time with a card in hand. He apologized that he had to go help his dad move something for an uncle but it wouldn't be a long delay. Well, it turns out there was no moving, it was Chris's way to distract me and sneak away to Tingler Prairie (part of the conservation department). Turns out, he had made me lunch (all of my favorite meal), packed a picnic (that his dad set up before we got there) and we had a great little lunch on a deck in the middle of a field overlooking a lake. It was beautiful and absolutely perfect. (Learned later, he was planning to propose that day, but the ring hadn't wasn't in before the picnic. We then spent the afternoon with Chris's family and dinner with mine. It was a perfect day!

3. What is your favorite dessert?

I have many favorite desserts and will be enjoying them again for my birthday in a couple of weeks. My mom always makes me a homemade chocolate cake with homemade chocolate icing and grandma makes me a banana pie. But I also enjoy homemade ice cream and peach cobble (fresh peaches only)

4. What is the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a ticket?

Unfortunately, I have not been able to get out of a ticket. I guess it is not in my nature to cry and play the girly role just to do that. One officer I actually argued with about my speed and even asked to see his radar gun. Probably not the best idea. But hey, I worked for an attorney and have gotten out of both speeding tickets that I have received

5. Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after hitting snooze several times?

I am one of those freaks with an internal clock and I wake up generally before my alarm goes off. If I happened to have a rough night and my alarm goes off, I always get up with the alarm clock. Not getting up is wasting valuable productive time

Hope that ya'll have a great weekend. My weekend will be spent working on outlines and papers - sounds gross, but worth it when I graduate in one month

Starting to sink in

2011-04-15T09:25:00.000-06:00

So, today is April 15, 2011. In exactly one month from today I will be standing in Jesse Auditorium on the Mizzou campus getting "hooded" for our graduation ceremony. Yesterday, I even ordered my gown, cap and hood. It is so hard to believe that this is real.We have been talking about it for so many years that is just really hasn't sank in yet that I am about to finally start my career.

I am so excited about the life that there is to come. There are tons of good things happening in the next few months. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people to celebrate and support in all these events.

Saturday's Bridal Shower

2011-04-10T14:01:00.000-06:00

Although it was a little early since our wedding isn't until September, I had my first bridal shower on Saturday. There are a few people, including myself and Maggie that are graduating in May and won't be around long and we wanted to get a shower in before my Columbia people all scatter across the United States.

Walking into the room, I was blown away. It was everything I could have ever wanted. The shower was hosted by Maggie, my wonderful maid of honor and Sara, a close friend of mine. They used my wedding colors - black and hot pink. There were pictures of Chris and I everywhere. Maggie also made a slideshow of Chris and I set to our song. I walked into the room and cried because it was so amazing.

Here are a couple of pictures. I won't bore you with all the gift pictures though.

And I am so proud of myself. Thank you cards are already done!

Friday Night - George and Reba

2011-04-10T11:03:00.000-06:00

Friday was a busy, busy day. I went to class and then grabbed a protein smoothie for lunch and headed to work. My mom got into town around 3:30 and I took off a few hours early. We got ready to head out to the concert. Sara showed up just after 4. Rumor was that parking would be a nightmare and they were expecting record number of guests to Mizzou Arena. We grabbed a quick dinner at Arby's (it is my mom's favorite and we don't have one back home).

The concert was amazing. LeAnn Womack opened the show. She sounded amazing live. She performed for about 30 minutes which was longer than I expected. Reba was my favorite though. She is a great performer. She played for about an hour and a half. Melissa Peterman (Barbara Jean from the Reba show) even came out to do a little act. LeAnn Womack came out to sing "Does He Love You". Her encore song was "Fancy" where she came out in a cab and a sparkly red dress. George sang great and had a great variety of music from old to current. The only let down is that it was a little on the boring side. The concert was a square and he went from corner to corner singing 2 songs at each. Guess I just wanted more. Anyway, here are some shots from the night.

Perspective

2011-04-06T14:11:00.000-06:00

Well, there is something that has been bothering me from facebook. I have the urge to say something, mainly because I cannot keep my mouth shut, but I feel spilling my feelings here is better than personally calling someone out.

There is a couple that I am friends with who have been dating for a relatively short period of time and have since became engaged. These two constantly (I mean like 17 times a day) post about how much they love each other and miss each other. This type of behavior always bothers me. Don't get me wrong, I will give Chris a shout out every once in a while, but I don't send him messages on facebook that should be meant as text messages or phone calls personally between a couple. I have a hard time understanding why you feel the need to do this anyway. This makes you look immature and that you are trying to show off being in love. That isn't what love is about. Trust me, I am all for love. I love being in love, but I do not have to announce it every 5 minutes so that other people know I am in love. It makes me wonder if you are trying to convince me that you are in love, or are trying to convince yourself.

Secondly, it drives me insane for people to complain about being apart for just a couple of days. Sure when you are in a relationship, you want to spend time together. Trust me, I know this for a fact. Chris and I have been doing a long distance relationship for 6 years. I know how much it sucks to be apart. But there are days that I feel terrible for thinking about how much I miss Chris. There are so many situations that we could be in that would be worse. I feel terrible for the military families with one party overseas and you go months and years without seeing each other. I cannot even imagine what that is like. The longest Chris and I have been apart has been 5 weeks. So, to the person who was away from your significant other for 2 days, maybe you should think before you post about how you miss someone so much that it physically hurts.

Come on people. Grow up. If you aren't mature enough to handle the relationship, maybe you shouldn't be dating, much less getting married. I am about to tell you off and de-friend you.

Spring Break

2011-04-04T20:36:00.000-06:00

Spring Break officially ended this morning with the return to work in Columbia and going back to law school. Ah, wasn't ready for that. But the week at home was wonderful but rather busy. Here is a brief overview of the week at home.

I got home Friday, March 25th. It was my parent's anniversary. Chris and I had dinner with my parents. Their celebration wasn't happened til Saturday. We just sat around to visit after dinner. I also made 4 dozen cookies for the family get together on Saturday.

Saturday, March 26th. I got up early and made 7 pounds of potato salad for the family dinner. I then spent some time shopping with my mom. I had lunch with my sister, brother and grandma. Chris bought my first birthday present of the year. He bought me a lovely new pair of cowgirl boots. I love them a bunch and I'm pretty sure that they will be what I wear during our wedding reception (there is no way that I will make it that long in 3 1/2 inch heels). We headed out to the party around 4. It was a joint engagement party for two of Chris's cousins. Here are a couple of pictures from the event.

This is Chris's mom with her two daughters in law

Chris's cousin Shay with his fiancé Hannah

Chris's cousin Matt with his fiancé Tonya

It was a fun night and I always enjoy spending time with the family. There were people there that I hadn't seen in a couple of months.

Sunday, March 27th. I spent the day working around the house. I did some cleaning, laundry and even bathed the puppies. Chris was outside working the whole day. I made a pot chili for dinner since it was still chilly outside. Getting really tired of the cold weather.

Monday, March 28th. I headed into work at SP's office. I love going into work and have things on my desk to work on. I feel appreciated and I know that I am doing what I love. SP and I worked out the details of my employment as an attorney. I cannot wait. Just a few months left. Chris and I did grocery shopping and picked up dinner.

Tuesday, March 29th. I ran a few wedding errands during the morning and then had lunch with my mom and sister. Chris and I headed to Springfield for our engagement pictures. I know I posted them, but I will share with you just a few of my favorites. I am so in love with our pictures. David Coleman of D Coleman Photography took them. I am so pleased and cannot wait to see what he does for the wedding.

Wednesday, March 30th. It was a typical day at work for both Chris and I. After work, we went out to dinner with Shay and Hannah (see above) and then Hannah's son, Mason came along. Here is a picture of me with Mason from the engagement party.

He is a precious baby and it is such a joy to spend time with kids. Chris and I aren't having kids for a while, but we love spending time with kids.

Thursday, March 31st. My office threw me my first birthday of the year. Despite the fact that my birthday is still a month away, I am always away at school studying for finals during my birthday, so they plan my birthday parties early. We had lunch at Hillbilly Junction (great place, except this time they didn't have real mashed potatoes). Got my birthday fudge from there and Jeannett made me a jello cake (yummy). Thursday afternoon, Jeannett came by after work to help make some cry packs for the wedding. I feel blessed to have a wonderful bridal party that volunteers to help and I don't have to harass them to do anything for me. We also had a new pup show up at the house. Boots didn't like her so she ended up at my mom's. Here she is, her name is Molly.

Friday, April 1st. Last day of work was a little slow. SP was gone as well as another gal in the office. I always hate leaving there. Friday night we had dinner with my parents one last time.

Saturday, April 2nd. Chris had wood to cut to get ready to put up new fence. I ran a few errands with my mom. We then met Chris's mom for lunch. Those two wonderful ladies are planning me a graduation party. We then went out to the house of my alterations lady. She is making my mom and Cheryl dresses for the wedding. And then I had to put on my dress to see what needed to be done to it. Cheryl got all teary eyed. It was the first time Cheryl saw it. I love my dress and seeing everyone's reaction to it makes me know I picked the perfect one. I cannot wait to see the look on Chris's face when he sees it. Saturday night we had a birthday party for Chris's nephew Caden. It is hard to believe that Caden is 8. Sheesh, I'm starting to feel old.

Sunday, April 3rd. I got my stuff all packed early (before my entire family got up). I woke up Chris and we spent some time together before I had to leave. It was so nice outside and we let the boys play outside quite a bit. Turned out to be 85-90 degrees. It was amazing. But then today it was cold again. Not cool, mother nature!

Well, that was Spring Break in a nut shell. It was a busy week, but I love my life down there. The past four months cannot go by fast enough.

Today was a pretty crappy day, but that is for another post. Hope that this week goes well for all of you!

Engagement shots

2011-04-01T07:16:00.000-06:00

After only 2 days we were able to see teasers from our Tuesday engagement photo session and I have to tell you that I am in love with these pictures. I have now had the pleasure of seeing all 116 of the proofs. I am so happy with our choice in photographer.

If you are interested in seeing them, you can check out pictures on facebook here, on his blog here, or if you are feeling like you need a little more, you can see all our pictures here.

I just may not be able to concentrate at work today! Happy Friday!

Day 30: the last of the blog challenge

2011-03-30T22:03:00.000-06:00

Well, I have made it to the last and final day. It is crazy to think that it is already March 30th. Time is flying by for sure.

Onto Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge. I didn't remember to have Chris take a picture of my today, so I will do my best and use one taken of my on Saturday.

This is me (left) with Chris's mom and Chris's sister-in-law Stephanie!

1. Yesterday we got our engagement pictures taken. The rain held off long enough to get the shots in. We are anxiously awaiting our teasers to be posted to facebook.

2. SP (my boss) and I worked out the details of my salary and my job expectations as an attorney. That's a weight lifted off my shoulders.

3. I have became closer friends with Hannah (the gal who will marry Chris's cousin Shay). She is a wonderful gal and I am glad to welcome her into the family.

4. Spending time over Spring Break with my family always makes me happy. Life just seems right down here and I am very much ready to move down here for good and not have to go back to Columbia.

5. Graduation announcements have been mailed. It is crazy to think about the fact that graduation is in a month and a half. I have been waiting for that day for so long and now it seems unreal that we are finally to that point.

Well, I hope that the week is treating you well. I am off to bed. Got another busy day in store for tomorrow!

Day 29: 3 Wishes

2011-03-29T05:55:00.000-06:00

I have a busy day planned and I am not sure what time I will get back, so I thought it would be best to go ahead and blog for the challenge.

1. I desperately wish for a cure for cancer. I have seen too many bad things happen because of this disease and would like to never hear of someone suffering from it again.

2. Today, I wish that for once mother nature would cooperate with me.

3. I wish people could learn to act their age. So tired of drama!

Well, time to go get dressed and get this day started!

Day 28: Pet Peeves

2011-03-28T22:34:00.000-06:00

Well, this could be a really long post, but I will try not to bore you with all of my pet peeves.

One that is playing on tonight is jealous people. Just because you cannot have what someone else can doesn't mean they are a bad person or are wrong for doing it. Get over it. If you want more, get your butt out there and work for it!

I hate when people don't know how to drive the speed limit.

I hate people who stand in the middle of the aisle at Wal-Mart to talk when clearly you want around them.

I hate people who stare.

I hate when people write stupid stuff on facebook or excessively profess their love on facebook. Get a life!

I hate when people make love a competition. News flash. We are competing so quick comparing yourselves to us.

Those are biggie ones for me tonight. It's been an eventful night and now I need rest for wedding festivities tomorrow.

Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in

2011-03-27T06:53:00.000-06:00

Since I got a late start on day 26, I thought that I would start early on day 27.

To many of you this won't be very exciting. See, we live in the city of Pomona. Pomona is not exactly a happening town. It is one of those small towns that you drive through on your road trip and probably do not even realize that you actually drove through a town. There are 2 gas stations, a couple of churches (most out county roads) and a small post office. But to us, this little place is home. And what better thing to show you is our place.

We love our life in the country and wouldn't have it any other way!

Day 26: Your Dream Wedding

2011-03-26T23:19:00.000-06:00

Just a few minutes late. It has been a long day and this is the first free second that I have had since I woke up at 5:30.

Funny that today's topic is about weddings when I just came back from an engagement party for two of Chris's cousins.

My dream wedding will occur on September 24, 2011. It is the day that I will finally marry my soul mate. I will not bore you with all the details because as Chris says at the end of the day all that will matter is that we are married. Marrying Chris makes it my dream wedding.

Off to bed. Tons to do tomorrow!

Day 25: Picture of your favorite band/artist

2011-03-25T05:07:00.000-06:00

Today is a big day. Today marks the start of Spring Break. But I had to make sure that I posted today before I left. Today is favorite band or artists. I mostly listen to the radio and wouldn't say that I have an all time favorite. But here are a couple of my top faves.

Jason Aldean

Lady Antebellum

And Kenny Chesney always holds a special place in my heart since he sings Chris and I's song.

Hope that you all have a great weekend. It will be a busy one for us in Howell County!

Couples Survey

2011-03-24T12:26:00.000-06:00

I found this on a friend's blog and thought since I had a little bit of free time in the library (not enough time to go home and pack) that I could play along. I've been in a pretty lovey mood (more than usual) so talking about Chris and I should make me even more happy.

What are your middle names?

Christopher Lee and Lynsie Rochelle

How long have you been together?

7 years, 5 months and 6 days

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
About 2 years

Who asked who out?
Christopher did the asking

Whose siblings do you see the most?
I think we see Chris's brother Chant the most - we love playing with his kids

What about pets?
We have three amazing furbabies - Kit-Kat, Dozer and Boots

Did you go to the same school?
We did go to the same high school

Who is the most sensitive?

Me for sure

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
When you talk just grabbing something it is usually Wendys. But for sit down dinners, we typically go to Colton's

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Arkansas - we clearly don't travel much

Who has the craziest exes?
Um, probably me. Like the one who is still trying to get back with me

Who has the worst temper?
We both have pretty bad tempers, but I think Chris has a worse one

Who does the cooking?
I do most of the cooking, but that is part of our deal. He will help out when he is home or will at least sit in the kitchen and talk to me while I cook. He never learned how to cook growing up, his grandmother spoiled him crazy. Shoot, he eats takeout everynight when I am away at school (well, except for the times my mom feeds him)

Who is more social?
Me for sure - Chris is typically pretty shy unless he is around certain people

Who is the neat freak?
Both of us really. I am probably worse in terms of house cleanliness but organization type stuff, we are both pretty bad

Who is the most stubborn?
This may be a tie, we are both terribly stubborn

Who hogs the bed?
We won't be staying the night together til after the wedding, but I would guess him - unless we can put the dogs in the running, because I am sure they would all win

Who wakes up earlier?
Me again - and I have to call him and make sure he gets up

Where was your first date?
Besides cruising town? Um, dinner at Prima's then a movie

Who has the bigger family?
I have more siblings and thus nieces and nephews, but he has far more cousins than me

Do you get flowers often?
No, honestly, they are a waste of money. But on the rare occasion, he will surprise me with a bouquet or will pick wild ones for me

How long did it take to get serious?
About 3-4 months, not long at all

Who eats more?
Chris generally can put down more food than me, but there have been a few times when I beat him on food consumption

Who sings better?
Eh, me?

Who does the laundry?
I have finally got him to where he does his own laundry when I am gone, but when I am in town, I generally go all the laundry

Who’s better with the computer?
Me, but I am not great with it. Chris just knows how to do the basics

Who drives when you are together?
Chris - he hates riding passenger, which is perfectly fine with me

Who picks where you go to dinner?
Most of the time we just talk about it or do something like one person picks 3 choices and the other person picks from that

Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?
Again, this isn't something either of us are great at, but I would say I am probably a little better at this than him

Who wears the pants in the relationship?
Both - I think that we both know how to work each other to get what we want and we both do things to spoil the other. I am probably more controlling than him (not that I really control him, I am just a control freak) but for the most part, it is pretty equal

Who eats more sweets?
Me, Chris hates desserts

Day 24: Something you've learned

2011-03-24T12:08:00.000-06:00

Well, there is a lot going on right now in anticipation of leaving town tomorrow for Spring Break and there is a busy weekend ahead. Things are so busy, I have been doing my workouts at 5 am instead of the evenings like I had been doing, just to give me that much more time in the evenings. I hope that I can keep up with my blogging during the next few days. There are just a few days left in this challenge.

So the topic of the day. Something that I have learned. Honestly, I think that I have learned some pretty valuable lessons in my life. I will just highlight a few for you today.

1. I have learned that no matter how much you try to be nice to someone because it is the right thing to do, there will be times when it will still be ill received and not amount to anything. Just know you did the right thing

2. I have learned that people are jealous of your successes. Yes, this means even your closest family members and yes, even though they chose the path in life they have (and even pretend that their life is so great)

3. I have learned that no amount of effort you make trying to help someone will do any good until they are ready to help themselves

4. I have learned that there are just some pretty crappy and selfish people out there who will try to ruin your day or life

5. I have learned (and this is still a working in progress) to forget about the negative things around me, especially when they are things that I cannot change

6. I have learned that love and support from family is the greatest gift!

There are so many more, but I don't want to sound like a stupid cliche book.

Career Development

2011-03-23T12:20:00.000-06:00

So yesterday, I received this email from the career development office noting that I had not been in for assistance and asking if I needed help finding a job. Ok, first I am thinking that this is very nice of them. I didn't need help, but it was nice for them to check in on me. Then I got to thinking about it. Graduation is in less than two months. Shouldn't you be checking on people before then. The people who are going to huge firms in St. Louis and Kansas City have had jobs lined up since last summer and fall.

Granted I am one of the lucky few who always knew where I was going. I started job shadowing Steve when I was in high school. On my college letter of recommendation, he wrote that he was probably biased on his opinion of me because he was anxious for me to graduate and come back home to practice with him. I knew early on that I wanted to come home.

Career development's response: That is awesome.

Really? Ok, thanks for the help!

Day 23: Favorite Movie - Sound familiar

2011-03-23T06:33:00.000-06:00

I guess whoever made this thing didn't proofread very carefully. This is the second time favorite movie came up.

So rather than bore your for another day, I will just refer you to here.

Hope that you have a great day!

Day 22: What's in your purse?

2011-03-22T05:37:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess the better question would be, what isn't in my purse?

I always carry a huge bag and carry everything in it. Let's see, things that are always in my purse:

Wallet
2 checkbooks
Chapstick
3 lipgloss
Makeup
Manicure set
Perfume
Notebad
5 pens
Camera
Tylenol/Excedrin
Lotion
Bottled water
Snack
Keys
Tissues
Gum (2 flavors)
Mints (2 flavors)
Knife
Taser
Pepper spray
Quicky hair accessories
Flashlight

Those are just the things that I can think of off the top of my head. I am sure that there are more things in there that I cannot remember. There are honestly things in there that I don't even know are there.

Weekend Recap

2011-03-21T20:33:00.000-06:00

Well this weekend surely was a busy one. Friday was just a typical day in the office. We got pretty much caught up on all that we could do and I left early to start on my projects at home. I had to get some cleaning done and do my grocery shopping. Most of this got accomplished. I had to finish some of my cleaning on Saturday. Maggie came over after her dinner date to hang out. We watched some TV and talked. Maggie is a great friend and we when go our separate ways after graduation, I am going to miss all our sleepovers. Granted, she has claimed a bedroom in Chris and I's house, so I anticipate that she will come to visit. I also showed off a new shirt that I got for my engagement photos coming up next week.

Saturday morning we got up pretty early. We left the house by 7 am. We wanted to get in a good walk before things got busy. We went to Rockbridge. We had been having some great weather and it was a nice, crisp fall morning and perfect for a nature walk. Rockbridge was so pretty. Maggie took a few pictures while we were out.

We headed back to the house after the nice walk and made breakfast. Maggie is obsessed with homemade gravy, so I made her sausage and biscuits and gravy. It might not have been so healthy, but we didn't care much. I then spent some time picking up the rest of the house. Maggie got cleaned up and ready to head out. She was meeting another friend to pick up things for my bridal shower. They came back and brought lunch. Molly, my Mary Kay lady, arrived around noon. She wanted to come up one more time for makeovers before I left Columbia. Seven of us got makeovers and it was just a great time. After makeovers, Maggie and ventured out on the town. We were out looking for outfits for my photos and she had to buy a new bathing suit for her spring break trip to Mexico. We had dinner, then went out for ice cream (there is a new ice cream place that serves 70 calorie ice cream). Then it was a little TV time and then bed time.

Maggie left early Sunday. I was left to do some homework and enjoy the day. The weather was amazing! It was upper 70s and sunny. I had the windows open all day. The day went pretty well and I felt productive. I had a little hangup with people who continue to anger me. But I took the anger and worked through it. I ran 1 mile and then did a Jillian Michaels workout. I felt so good after that and I'm trying not to worry about other people.

Today was back to work and school and then home for workouts! 4 days til spring break!

Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?

2011-03-21T12:04:00.000-06:00

Well, I cannot post in full capacity today. My favorite picture of myself of all time is at my mom's house in Pomona. It is a childhood picture and was from long before pictures were in digital form. And my mom isn't very tech savy, so I'll improvise and post one of my more current favorite pictures of myself.

I just always thought this was a good picture of me. It is actually the picture that I cut down to use when I took the MPRE (because you have to present a photo of yourself)

Sorry this wasn't very exciting. I'm currently busy with homework as Spring Break starts on Friday.

Booked the honeymoon

2011-03-20T13:26:00.000-06:00

Well, the deed is done. I officially booked the honeymoon this morning. Chris and I knew where we wanted to go for a few months now, but we were waiting to see what was going on with Chris's job to see if we needed to postpone it for a couple of months. But we finally got the okay from my dad/his boss for Chris to be off the week after the wedding.

We are heading out to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We had to go some place we could drive since Chris wouldn't get on an airplane. We are pretty excited about it. I found secluded cabins for us to stay. Then there are plenty of activities for us to do outside during that week.

We are staying in the Beary Cozy cabin. Check out the link. It looks amazing.

Day 20: Picture that always makes you smile

2011-03-20T07:47:00.000-06:00

Well, before I got too busy today, I thought I might as well post for the day. The morning is beautiful and I am about to go take me a run!

Today's post is supposed to be a picture that always makes me smile. This picture is one of my favorites of Chris and I. I remember the day so well and it was a perfect birthday!

The day was April 30, 2005. Chris picked me up for my birthday. We were supposed to go out to lunch. But he claimed that he had to run an "errand" for his dad to help him move something. So, we are out driving on some dirt road and he finally parks. His dad's car is the only car in sight and there is no house. We get out of the car and walk through a field. There was a deck overlooking a lake with a picnic set up. Chris had made me my favorite meal and cake. His dad took a few pictures for us and then left. We spent a couple of hours out there eating and just talking and enjoying the day. It was perfect and a day I will remember.

Day 19: Something you miss

2011-03-20T06:08:00.000-06:00

Well shoot. I missed a day and I was doing so good. Yesterday was a busy, busy day. Well, something that I miss shouldn't be too hard.

In no particular order:

1. Howell County
2. Christopher
3. My family
4. Chris's family
5. My furbabies: Boots, Dozer and Kit-Kat
6. My Willow Springs work family

Now on to cook breakfast!

Day 18: Favorite food(s)

2011-03-18T07:55:00.000-06:00

Well it is finally Friday. There were times this week that I wasn't sure I would see Friday, but it is here and I am so happy.I woke up this morning in a great mood. I slept with the windows open last night so I woke up to the sounds of birds singing and a smell of fresh air. Then I realized it was the 18th and that means that today is Chris and I's 89 month anniversary. Geez that sounds like a long time.

Ok, so on to today's topic - favorite food. I love food, so I cannot pick just one!

For breakfast, I am a tried and true biscuit and gravy lover.

Lunch I am not overly picky about. It is usually a meal that I eat on the run so it is simple or left overs.

I have two favorite dishes for dinner.

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn and salad

And Steak, baked potatoes and salad

For desserts I have three: homemade ice cream, grandma's homemade banana pie and mom's homemade chocolate cake with homemade chocolate icing (note these are pictures I took, not google ones)

Hope that you all have a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Five Question Friday

2011-03-18T06:44:00.000-06:00

Well thank goodness it is finally Friday. It has been a long week and I am happy to see the weekend. I just wish there wasn't a forecast of rain. I was enjoying the sunny and 70 degree weather. But with some free time before class, I thought I would take some time for 5 Question Friday. If you want to play along, head over to My Little Life and link up!

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

Not formally, but yes. I attend many hearings for work. A couple of summers ago I had transcribed several phone calls for a trial that we had going on. Judge Wiles had to ask me on the record whether I had in fact transcribed them and that they were a true and accurate transcription of the phone calls that I heard

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

Well since I am not married but will be in just 6 months, of course I have my wedding dress. It is hanging in the closet at my moms and it is probably a good thing that it is there otherwise I would be in it every single day!

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?

Most of the time I like to go outside when I am angry or upset. I enjoy being in the fresh air. It can always put me in a better mood

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?

We don't have actual kids, but we have our wonderful furbabies. All the kiddos sleep in the bed. Kit-Kat and Boots are ones who love to get under the covers and cuddle. Dozer sleeps on top of the covers but has to be touching someone. Haven't really thought about what we will do when we have kids. I don't really want them in the bed every night because I think that is a bad habit to get into, but who knows when they are young. Guess we will decide that when it happens

5. Do you watch late night TV?

Nope, not really. The latest shows that I watch start at 9 and end at 10. I don't stay up real late so not a whole lot of late night TV for me. I know, I'm a loser!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Day 17: Something you're looking forward to

2011-03-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

Well, first off, I would love to wish all of you a Happy St. Patrick's Day! I am sporting my green to celebrate, but that is about the extent of my celebrations. No green beer drinking for me.

There are sooooo many things that I am looking forward to in life. This year, I am looking forward to:

Graduation

Taking my Oath of Admissions and signing the Roll of Attorneys

Wedding

Honeymoon

Then there are things years later that I look forward to (in no particular order):

Growing old with Christopher
Having a family
Family vacations
Winning my first trial
Building a house

Aww, life is and will continue to be pretty wonderful!!!

Day 16: Dream house

2011-03-16T12:42:00.000-06:00

I have a lot on my mind, so I am doubting that this will be very long.

For now, my dream house is our little farm house in Pomona. I am so looking forward to the day that I get to move into that house. Just a few months left now.

But eventually Chris and I would love to build a house. Granted that will be several years down the road. We have looked at house plans and talk about it often. I want a HUGE kitchen and he wants a HUGE shop. We have talked about it looking something like the picture below, but right now aren't dead set on anything.

As you can see, we are pretty traditional and country. And if you have seen the inside of our house, we are traditional and country in there too.

But I will be happy wherever I go as long as it is with Christopher!

Great compliment

2011-03-16T12:14:00.000-06:00

One of my classmates gave me a wonderful compliment this morning, starting off my day in the right way. We had done an in class negotiation exercise as we do every week in negotiation. I was told by someone who had been in my room that if she was ever facing criminal charges that she would call me. I was told that I passionately advocate for my fake client that she could only imagine what I am like with real people.

Just another little confirmation that I am doing what it is that I should be doing! Cannot wait til I have real clients!

Great News!!!

2011-03-15T20:35:00.000-06:00

Well we just got some good news. My mom called me in tears. The lady we suspected of stealing our jewelry called and said the items had been returned to our mailbox.

My dad went down to the mailbox and inside an envelope was my ring, my mom's earrings and a necklace that my mom hadn't even realized was missing.

Not sure if it was guilt or threats from the police and probation officer, but I am soooo happy that the items have been returned.

Day 15: Bible verse

2011-03-15T18:07:00.000-06:00

I have kept the same favorite Bible verse for years.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I try to live my life by it every day. Things have been tough in life and I try to think about the fact that God won't give me anything that I cannot handle.

Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?

2011-03-14T12:29:00.001-06:00

Well, it is Monday. I'm still not in the greatest mood and the fact that it is snowing like crazy outside doesn't help my mood any. I was enjoying the 60-70 degree weather. I wish there were more days like that. Anywho, I cannot change the weather so I will just have to deal with it.

On to the 30 day challenge. Today's topic is to show a picture of myself from a year ago and how have I changed.

This picture was taken last April.

This picture was taken just a few weeks ago.

Looks like I haven't changed too much. My hair in that picture looks a little longer than a year ago, but I just got about an inch chopped off, so it is about the same. I have lost about 10 pounds since last year though, not that you can tell in those pictures.

And I really don't think that I have changed too much as a person either. I'm still the same me. Granted now I am one year closer to graduation (just 2 months) and one year closer to marrying my dearest Christopher (just 6 months). But I am still the same opinionated, stubburn, bitchy, loving gal that I was a year ago!

Hope everyone's Monday is going well. We are still awaiting word from the sheriff on the ring. They are currently dusting my box for prints. Eeek!

Weekend Recap

2011-03-13T20:34:00.000-06:00

Well this weekend has been an interesting one to say the least.

Work was semi-crazy late last week. My manager was gone on a vacation to Chicago, so that leaves a little extra work for the rest of us. But I left work a little early on Friday to head home to Howell County. The day was beautiful - full sunshine and great temps - I had trouble focusing at school and work. Plus, I knew that I would be picking up my wedding dress on Saturday so there was a lot on my mind. I brought along my friends Maggie and Sara for the weekend too. We got on the road about 3:30 and got into town just after 7. We had a few stops along the way. We brought pizza and ate dinner at Chris's house. The pups had the best time playing with each other. The wrestled until they were both wore out. We headed back to my moms around 10:30. We sat around and talked for a little while then. I don't think I got into bed until midnight, then I was up at 5.

Saturday was another beautiful day weather wise. It was mid-60s all day and absolutely perfect. We got on the road for Springfield just after 7:30. We ran into Michaels for my sister upon arriving in Springfield, then we headed over to McDaniel's bridal to pick up my dress. I was so anxious to be able to put on my dress again. It was just as perfect as I remember it. I had it on for about 30 minutes and didn't really want to take it off. Plus the good thing is that I don't think there are many needed alterations. I want so badly to post a picture on here to share with all of you, but I don't want to risk any possibility of Christopher seeing it or someone seeing it that will tell Chris all about it. Pretty traditional in the sense that Chris cannot see it or know what it looks like. We did a little shopping after that. I picked up a new pair of boots to wear in our engagement pictures in a couple of weeks. Now if only I could decide on 2 other outfits.

When we got back into town we went 4 wheeling for a while since the boys were working on the farm cutting wood. We then prepared a steak dinner. Granted we had a few mishaps, like when I dumped over the grill, but all in all, it was a wonderful meal and went perfectly with the weather that we had. Dessert was strawberry shortcake. So yummy. My sister came up to visit for just a bit too. Other than that we just sat around to visit and watched a little TV. I didn't go to bed nearly early enough especially since we lost an hour of sleep.

Today has the interesting day. I was kinda lazy this morning. I didn't really have the motivation to get up and going. After letting the dogs out around 6:00, I just laid around on the couch for a few hours. I didn't get motivated until my dad started complaining about breakfast. We got up and made pancakes and bacon. It was pretty amazing. After that, I cleaned up and got packed up. Chris came to see us for a while before we left. Shortly before I left the house, I happened to pick up a jewelry box to look at a ring in it. My mother had been missing some earrings and I was a little concerned and felt I needed to check on it. Well, turns out the ring wasn't in the box where it should have been. I hadn't worn the ring ever and there was no reason for it not to be in the box. New conclusion: someone has stolen my ring and my mother's earrings. So, I'm having a minor panic attack. This ring isn't just any ring that came from the store. My grandmother Bussell (my mom's mom) passed away July 2009. Her wedding ring consisted of 9 diamonds. Grandma had 3 granddaughters and each of use had a special made ring with 3 of those diamonds in it. So, it isn't something that can easily be replaced. The police are currently investigating so we shall see.

I have been back in town for just a couple of hours. School work is coming along, but I am feeling pretty distracted. I have my mind on about 10 other things right now. Hopefully I will be able to sleep well tonight.

Hope that you all had a great weekend!

Day 13: Something that means a lot to you

2011-03-13T18:03:00.000-06:00

Just got into town a little over an hour ago. Before I got too stuck in the homework piled up for me to do, I thought I would post for today.

There are a lot of things important to me. I'll just list a few since I don't have times to look up pictures for it all.

1. Although not a physical possession - my friends and family

2. My engagement ring and wedding set

3. My fake rose from Christopher with the tag reading "Like my love for you, the flower will never die"

4. The creamer from my grandparent's cafe

5. My ring made with diamonds from my grandmother's wedding ring - which is currently missing :(

There are many most things that mean a lot to me, but I need to get back to the school work, so these five are all you get. I'll try to post on the weekend later.

Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without

2011-03-12T05:54:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that is is already March 12th. Well today is a very important day. Today is the day that I head to Springfield to pick up my wedding dress. The last time that I came to town to do this, mother nature decided to drop 4 inches of snow discouraging the trip. Looks like we are all good for this weekend. Today is supposed to be in the 60s. Sounds like a perfect day to hang out with my mom and girls during the day and grill steaks out tonight.

Anyway, onto the blog (since really I need to be getting ready). Something that I don't leave the house without.

Definitely, my cell phone. This baby holds my whole life in it: emails, schedules, numbers, facebook, weather, games, etc. It is such an important part of me. It is usually not more than 5 feet from me at all times. Its weird how I have become so dependent on something like this. And it will get worse when I become an attorney and get my legal calendar put in there too.

Other things that I don't leave the house without depends on where I am going.

For work, I never leave the house without my purse, juice, water and a coat. It gets so cold in there.

For school, I always have my computer, my physical planner, books, water and a backpack full of food.

That's about it for this morning folks, I am off to get ready to start this beautiful day!!!

Post #2 for the morning - Five Question Friday

2011-03-11T08:17:00.000-06:00

So instead of working on next week's readings, I think that writing a second blog post of the morning is a better idea. I have been up since 4 so I have tons of energy right now and no desire to read and get tired. So, here we go on Five Question Friday.

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is?

You bet, I have never died my hair. I was blessed with a natural hair color that I have been content with. I started with bleach blond hair and over the years, it has turned darker but nothing that has been pretty terrible. It has natural high lights. Granted I am sure at one point I will get to a point where I have to add color, but for now what you see if what I was given at birth

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?
Most of my summer this summer is planned. My bar prep course starts May 23 and then lasts til about 2 weeks before the bar, the bar exam is July 26-27. After that I will be moving home and getting ready for the wedding and starting my career :) But I am a planner by nature, so most things are planned with me anyway. I'm not good at being spontaneous

3. What is your favorite meal to cook?
I love to cook in general so it would be hard for me to pick my favorite. Chris and I do a lot of fried chicken/pork chops and mashed potatoes. We also love to grill outside.We will be having steaks this Saturday night.

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?
Absolutely. I think it is rude and tacky to not send thank you cards. I don't expect a thank you card for birthdays, Christmas, etc but major things like graduation, weddings, etc you should definitely send thank you cards. You can ask Chris, I still complain about a wedding we attended 3 years ago and never got a thank you card. I don't give gifts to get recognition, but come on, how hard is it to say thank you

5. How did you meet your best friend?
Well, I consider myself lucky to have more than one best friend. There is always Christopher. I can talk to him about everything and he has been there for me for the past 7 1/2 years. We met at school through an ex boyfriend of mine. Then I have best friends like Maggie. In Columbia, I don't have many close friends and I was so happy to meet Maggie and she is now a huge part of my life. We met at work at Faber and Brand law firm.

Well, that is about it for now. School work is calling my name. Hope that you all have a great weekend!

Day 11: Favorite tv shows

2011-03-11T07:56:00.000-06:00

Today is Friday and I couldn't be happier. Before this day gets too crazy, I thought I would post for the blog challenge. I'm actually pretty proud of myself that I am consistently blogged for now 11 days straight. I am going to try to still post tomorrow, but we shall see how busy things are in Howell County.

So today is favorite TV shows. I try not to watch a ton of TV because life stays pretty busy, but there are a few shows that I always have to watch. Sometimes I just have to wait til weekends to watch them or I do wedding stuff while watching. Multi-tasking is a wonderful thing.

So here are my regulars:

Yes, I know that Jersey Shore is a tacky show, but it is a guilty pleasure and one of those things where you get to sit back and think "Thank goodness my life isn't like that"

Day 10: Something you are afraid of

2011-03-10T14:39:00.000-06:00

There are not that many things that I am afraid of. I don't really have the standard fears. I'm okay with heights. I just kill spiders. Snakes we just kill as well. Never really been around big animals. But I am afraid of a few things, granted they are a little more abstract.

1. Disappointment - I have worked my entire life chasing a dream of being a lawyer. Every finals season, I was worried something would go wrong and I wouldn't make the deans list or during the first semester of law school, the fear of failing out. I am proud to say that I am the only one of my siblings who didn't give up on school. I have let nothing pull me off my planned path. I hope that I continue to make myself and my parents proud.

2. Being physically attacked/mugged/raped. Yes, this is graphic and I apologize. But seriously, you should see the emails that the University sends out at least one a week about someone getting attacked. It is literally terrifying to me. This is why I sleep with a loaded gun next to my bed and carry pepper spray and a knife with my on campus. I also memorize license plates of everyone who walks by

3. Not being able to psychically have children. There are many things that I don't understand like why God proceeds to give an abundance of children to people who cannot afford it or don't want to take care of their children, then there are good people out there who aren't able to have kids. Not saying that Chris and I are saints or the greatest people, but I think we will be great parents and we will be financially set when we decide to have kids. The thought of not being able to have my own is scary. Granted, Chris and I have already talked about the alternatives, its just something to think about.

Well, I think that is about all for today. Sorry this was more deep than my past posts and sorry for no pictures.

Day 9: A favorite picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

2011-03-09T07:56:00.001-06:00

There are so many people that I could never imagine my life without, so I will cheat and use lots of pictures.

Day 8: A place you've traveled to

2011-03-08T21:31:00.000-06:00

Today's topic is places that I have traveled to. Well, to be honest, we aren't really travel type people. My family went on very few family vacations. I went to the Bahamas at the age of 5 and remember very little of the entire trip. The pictures from the trip are beautiful and I would love to go back some day. Now just have to get Chris on an airplane.

Most of the time, we stay more local. We go to Mountain Home on the lake or visit the local rivers. As of now, we are planning on going to the Smokey Mountains for the honeymoon. I am looking forward to sitting on the porch of our cabin at night looking over this.

But the greatest place to us is our home in Pomona!

Day 7: Favorites Movies

2011-03-07T19:28:00.002-06:00

Well, it is March 7th, so time for Day 7 of the blog challenge. Today's topic is favorite movies.

If you know me at all, you should know the answer to this question. My all time favorite movie is A Time to Kill.

I first watched this movie when I was around 10 years old. It was in moment that I told my dad that I was going to be an attorney. I wanted to have that kind of power to change the world . . . one case at a time. The movie is amazing and bravo to John Grisham for writing such amazing books too. I thought I would share with you a little scene from the movie too. I know this clip is like 8 minutes, but it is so worth it to watch. Absolutely moving. I can still quote every line in here and it still brings tears to my eyes.

Now, I do have other favorite movies too, mostly chick flicks, but this movie still ranks #1 for me.

Wedding Projects

2011-03-07T14:50:00.001-06:00

This weekend was pretty productive for the wedding. I spent the day Saturday catching up on school work and working on outlines so as to be ready to do nothing school related on Sunday. My maid of honor and close friend Maggie crashed at my house on Saturday night. We got up early on Sunday to work out and then we made biscuits and gravy (yes, then not much benefit to the workout). We then got ready. My other close friend up here Sara met us at 11. We had a quick lunch and then headed to Kohls to do one of my registries. It was quite fun. A couple of things I didn't get to, but such is life. I officially have a registry at Wal-Mart (for our locals who won't shop out of town) and Kohls. I will also be adding one to Time and Talent (a local store with tons of stuff for the house that I love) Just haven't done that yet.

After running to Michaels for them to look at stuff for a shower, we headed back to my house. We finished getting all the parts together for my cry packs. For those of you who don't know what that it, it is a little tissue pack for the wedding. There are different sayings that people put on them. They are totally adorable and I love them and especially love the fact that I made them all by myself. Here are a couple pictures of them. Mind you this is the rough draft (has two stickers on the front and the back sticker isn't centered)

Front

Back

I love them. We made a few yesterday afternoon too. There are 46 made with 154 left to go. I try to make a few every night while I am watching tv and stuff. I hope to have them all done before graduation.

I have also been looking at cake toppers and unity candle sets. All of this wedding stuff is way more fun than school work. This afternoon after class, I will be going shopping with my boss for outfits for out engagement pictures. And then on Saturday I am heading to Springfield to pick up my dress and I can barely sit still, yet alone concentrate on reading.

Hope you all are having a great Monday. I'll be back later to do my blog challenge post.

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy

2011-03-06T18:43:00.000-06:00

Today is Day 6 of the blog challenge. I cannot post just one picture that makes me happy because too many things make me happy.

Christopher always makes me happy!!!

He deserves two pictures!

Family makes me happy - from my immediate family

To my extended family

To Chris's family

Marrying Christopher on September 24th makes me really happy

This is our little piece of heaven on 28 acres - love it

I love my friends - we always have a great time

There is no way that I would survive without these two

Onto the kiddos, Kit Kat

Dozer

Boots

These are just a few of the things that make me happy in life. I feel very blessed in life and could go on and on about it, but dinner is calling my name.

Day 5: A song to match your mood

2011-03-05T19:04:00.000-06:00

Today is Day 5 of the blog challenge. I had been busy all day working of school stuff and cleaning the house, I almost forgot about this today. Anywho, so onto my song. There are so many songs that I feel that I can relate to and most days there isn't a day that goes by that Chris and I's song doesn't pop into my head.

But the way that I feel today is more of "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. Chris went to work this morning and then came home to work on things around the house. He changed out a fan in my office to a light so I will be able to work in there after I move in. But every day, not matter how terrible of a day that he has, asks how I am doing. He reminds me that he loves me and supports me. He has always been there for me from even before we started dating. We have been apart and doing this long distance thing for 6 years and I am so looking forward to coming home for good and not having to say goodbye anymore. Chris is my best friend and I feel so lucky to have found him.

Of course, being the Glee fanatic that I am, had to use the Glee version.

LUCKY

Do you hear me? I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair

Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning 'round
You hold me right here, right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

I'm lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh, ooh

Day 4: Your Parents

2011-03-04T09:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I decided to get an earlier start today on my daily blog. Day 4 is all about my parents.

I feel very blessed to have two amazing individuals as my parents. Here is a picture of the three of us together that was taken 5 years ago.

My dad is am strong willed and hard working person. I have been told for years that I am a lot like my dad. Some people consider that to be an insult but for me I take it as a compliment. He worked really hard when I was younger, working 7 days a week to fulfill his contract obligations and to provide for his family. He stands up for what is right. He makes sure that everyone around him is taken care of. He is hard on people but only pushes you to be a better person. He has a pretty bad temper and lashes out at people sometimes, but we have all just come to terms that it is Gary and we move on. We don't always see eye to eye on things, but in the end, I know we can sit down and hash it all out. I am thankful for the lessons that my father has taught me and the support that he has given me to chase my dreams.

Then there is my mom. She is a soft spoken, especially when compared to my dad and myself. Growing up, I became very close to her and now I consider her one of my closest friends. Despite the fact that I live 200 miles away from her, I still talk to her at least once per day and most days more than that. She knows and understands me and takes the time to listen to my problems, but doesn't have a problem telling me when I am unreasonable. She has been so supportive all that I do, whether it be in my job, school or personal life. She has been a lifesaver on the wedding planning and she takes care of my dearest Christopher when I am away. I look forward to moving home to be physically closer to my mom again!

I love you both very much and am thankful for all that you have done for me!

Day 3: Your first love

2011-03-03T20:51:00.000-06:00

Well, today is Day 3 of the blog challenge and we are talking about first loves (warning, this may be cheesy)

Well, I would have to say that my first love was my dad. I grew up as a daddy's girl and spent so much time with him. I so wish that I was at home so I could show old pictures of us, but sadly I am 200 miles away.

Then there was Zorro, my TV crush. I loved this show and had to watch every day, never missed an episode.

In grade school there were boys that I "went out with" and told my mom I loved: Jesse, Justin, Seth, Charley.

Then in middle school, you start taking things a little more seriously, and even popped the "l" word, not really knowing what it meant, but I said it to Daniel and Dereck.

Then in high school I dated two boys. One was a terrible relationship, but one that lead me to Christopher and allowed me to appreciate how amazing and wonderful he truly is.

Christopher is the love of my life!

Then I hope to look in the eyes of our children some day and fall in love all over again.

Day 2: Something you want to do before you

2011-03-02T13:19:00.000-06:00

There are many, many things that fall into this category, so I will list more than one, not caring if I am cheating.

Let's start with the obvious:

~ Graduate law school (this should be checked off the list May 15)
~ Pass the bar exam (taking the exam in July and should have results late August/early September)
~ Get married to Christopher (this is set to take place on September 24)
~ Have children (Chris and I want 2 but not for about 5 years - we have also talked about possibly adopting a child, even if we are able to have children on our own)
~ Attend church regularly and raise our family in church (Chris and I will start on this in August)

Now, for the not so obvious

~ Participate in Habitat for Humanity. My mom and I have talked about this for years, but the summers when I am home always seem to fly with with busyness. It is something that find to be very important and hope to be a regular on the habitat front.

~ Argue a case at the appellate level (I know I won't make it to the US Supreme Court, so we are shooting for like the Missouri Court of Appeals or Missouri Supreme Court)

~ Sky diving (I would love to go, just not sure who I would go with - Chris wouldn't get into a plane to fly to a honeymoon destination, I highly doubt he will be willing to get in a plane just to jump out of it)

~ Build our own house (I love our little farm house now, but I know that Chris and I will both want something bigger when we have little kiddos - and building is so the way to go and get everything that you want)

~ Travel outside the United States (not sure who I will travel with, but hey, a girl can dream right)

~ Go deep sea diving

~ Raise an entire litter of puppies

~ Opening a wedding planning business on the side

~ Take a hot air balloon ride

I have many more hopes and dream for the future and things we want to get accomplished before I die. But this should at least give you a good sense of what it is that I am about.