Day 16: Dream house

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

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!!!

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

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?

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

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

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.