30 Things: Day 25

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

I would LOVE to be able to sit down and have a meal with past Presidents. Probably more so those in the last 20 years - George Sr. & Jr., Bill Clinton, and of course, Barack Obama.

I find the entire presidency so fascinating. I don't even know that I would want to delve into the deep stuff. But I would just love to have their inside, personal view on what it was like to run the most powerful country in the world, at the turn of the century.

I don't care what we eat. I have never turned down food. But seriously, I would want to be at the White House with the personal chef. What he serves is up to him....

Or maybe at Disney World. With all the characters in attendance as well. That'd be a party for sure!

Thirty Things: Day 24

Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

I don't think our family dynamic has changed THAT much, quite frankly. My sister was ten years & thirteen years older than myself and my brother. She has always been in a much different life stage. I have always been very bossy and maternal. My brother has always been very outgoing and the life of the party. My parents have always done everything they could to keep us all happy, grounded, and most importantly - loved.

My childhood was a typical, Mayberry-ish, television sitcom childhood. Although both of my parents worked, I never felt "abandoned" or that they didn't have time for me. Weekends were spent together, playing in the yard or with friends. I always felt an immense amount of love for and from my family. 

None of that has changed. Although we have all grown up and now have lives and families of our own, I still feel that love. Weekends are typically spent, at least in part, with my parents, siblings or niece and nephew - or a combination of all the above. 

So I guess this was kind of hard for me to answer. Because while the dynamic has changed as we've grown, I still have the same loving, caring and wonderful feelings today.

30 Things: Day 23

List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

This is hard for me! It didn't used to be - but once I started law school, and life became a roller coaster ride, I stopped having hobbies. I just didn't have much free time at all - and what time I did have, I didn't want to "do" anything.

Now, life has slowed down. Somewhat. So I have picked some hobbies back up. Some I actually participate in more than others - but they are all activities I really enjoy.

1) Reading

During law school, I think I maybe read a handful of books for pleasure. Even when I did have the time, I was SO tired of reading and thinking - I rarely did it. Now, I am slowly getting back into reading. I got a Nook a couple of years ago from my in-laws, and have just started really using it. While we were at the beach, I finished three books - and on our honeymoon, I read two or three.

I have a stack of "real" books too that I have been reading. There are some books (ie: the ones I just read on fertility & baby-making) that I want to have in actual print. I like to bookmark and fold pages and write and take them in the bathtub. It freaks me out to take a bath and read on the Nook - or get in the pool and float and read. I don't want to mess it up or get electrecuted.


Reading was my outlet for years. As a child, I read constantly. I read hundreds of books and completed so many series of books it was insane. I am hoping to rekindle that passion. 


2) Crafting


Again - I used to do this so much more. But every once in a while, I get the urge to make something. I am by no means an artist. But I like doing projects. It gives me a creative outlet. Hopefully I do more of this, especially as we have children.


3) Gardening/Yardwork


Especially in the spring and fall, I LOVE to be outside working in our yard. I love looking for flowers, picking the colors, arranging them just so. I think it is amazing to see the fruits of our work when our flowers are all in bloom and our yard looks so pretty! 


4) Napping


Hahaha. Seriously, though. I love me a good nap. There is nothing like a nice, refreshing mid-afternoon nap. Or a good lunchtime nap. Or the "I am too lazy to get up and go to bed so I fall asleep briefly on the couch" nap. Just what you need sometimes.


5) Working Out


This is new people. Very new. But, I have been actually working out at least four times a week for the past three weeks. <--- Like I said, new. But I also really enjoy going for walks with Justin and riding our bikes. Generally, just getting out and moving. My job is fairly sedentary. If I am not at court, I am sitting at my desk working on the computer. So I have started to somewhat enjoy - or at least make a priority, getting off my hiney and moving about!

30 Things... Day 22 - The Future

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

Let me start by saying - I don't really make "plans" that far into the future anymore. Life has taught me that they never pan out anyway! So I have goals and ambitions, but I am under no false sense of security that everything will turn out just the way I want it. Sometimes, God has better plans that you can't even fathom.

5 Year Plan

In five years, I hope to be more comfortable and established in my career. I hope that I can go home at night and not be convinced that I will lose my bar license at any moment. I would like to have more confidence in the courtroom and be more assertive with my clients and peers.

In five years, I hope, more than anything, to be a mom. Of many. At least three. I don't know that this will happen. But it's my hope.

In five years, I hope to be more in love with my husband. I hope to stop worrying about the little things and realize God is always, always in control. I hope that we have a little family that we are building together. 

10 Year Plan

In ten years, I hope to be in a different path career wise. I hope to be established on my own, or headed that way. 

In ten years, I hope to have a houseful of children ranging from pre-teen to toddler/baby running around like crazy. I hope that my husband and I are wonderful, Godly examples of love, humility and patience to our children and family.

I hope to be in a home that we love, that has enough privacy yet feels warm and cozy. I hope to no longer have student loans to pay every month! 

15 Year Plan

In fifteen years, I hope to be settled. Content. Happy. I hope that I have found my niche in the world. I hope that I have given back. I hope my children look up to me, value me, respect me.

In fifteen years, I will look at my husband and say "wow, and I thought I loved you then!"

Superpowers... 30 Things: Day 21

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

I just had to google "super powers" to even find a list of potential candidates for this. I am a loser. 

Welp. If you would have asked me this about two years ago, I would have said fly. That is because I was three hours away from the love of my life, stuck in a miserable place called law school. And I would have given ANYTHING to have just been able to magically fly my miserable self back and forth anytime I wanted to see him.

Now, I am not sure. Maybe still flying. Sometimes I also want to be a "fly on a wall" so I can hear and see all the things that I would find so interesting about other people. That folks, is the true sign of just how nosy I am! I also think it would be fun to see the future. But on the other hand, that would get tiresome fast. Because then, there would be no suprises in life.

I can do without superhuman strength and the ability to throw fire darts from my hands. I don't need stellar night vision, but I would appreciate some good eyesight!

 I think telekinesis would be awesome! Manipulate things with my mind. Oh yeah. And also, the ability to heal others. How sweet would that be?

--

I don't know what I would do with my superpower first, honestly. I guess it would just depend on my mood and the situation. If I had the ability to heal others, though - there is a whole list of people who I would gladly lend that power to!

Childhood... 30 Things: Day 20

Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

Yikes. This is hard for me. I don't really know what to put down as "significant." I had a very wonderful childhood, and was very sheltered.  I really didn't know that bad things happened. And I think most of the significant points in my childhood happened when I was very young, so I don't really have a true memory - more like a memory formed from the various stories that have been told over the years.


I vaguely remember my Papa, who was my mom's father. I was only three when he passed away. But I can still remember him sitting in his chair in the corner of the living room, and the LOVE that radiated from him. I always felt so safe and happy when I was at my Nanny and Papa's house. He would let me sit in his lap and play for hours. I think I remember him sitting me on the kitchen table and letting me eat icecream out of the gallon Schwan's bucket. I say think, because sometimes I can't tell if I actually remember that, or I have just remembered people telling me that.  But what I DO remember is the feeling of pure JOY it was to be with them both. I was fortunate enough to have my Nanny until about two years ago - and I can say the same for her. She just radiated LOVE for me.

I also remember kindergarten. I was really scared to go and leave my Mom. I had terrible, terrible separation anxiety to the point where I was convinced something would happen while I was away and I wouldn't ever be able to see/get to my Mom in time. But - I remember something happening. I quickly came out of my shell and was the bossiest kid EVER. I would sit on my teacher's lap and do lunch count and the calendar and word of the day. Every. day. And I loved it. I gained so much confidence! Kindergarten was good for me.

The last significant memory I have is when my little brother, Zach, shot me with his BB gun. It didn't even break the skin, but I remember the look of absolute panic on his face. We were down in the neighbor's driveway (where I am almost positive we shouldn't have been - there was a line my Dad spray painted on our road we couldn't pass, and the neighbor's was WAY past that!). I have no CLUE why he had his BB gun OR why/how he shot me. But he did. And he ran as fast as his little legs would carry him to go get our parents because I was crying. I knew then, that he would always be there to save me - even when he was the cause of the trouble!!

Thirty Things: Day 19

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Hum... I am honestly not sure about this! Quite frankly, I am pretty content right where I am.

I know I DON'T want to live in a big city. Been there, done that (college + law school) and I was miserable.

I have always dreamed of owning a large lot (lots of acres) with a huge cottage-style home plopped right down in the middle. Maybe a lake or pond close. Lots of open room! Somewhere peaceful, quiet and serene.

I love my town. It has it's downfalls, of course. But bottom line - it is an amazing place to grow up and raise a family. That is what I want for my children.

Maybe I just need a vacation home!! Somewhere on the beach I do believe. Still quiet, serene and peaceful but with the ocean in the background. Oh! And then I need a vacation home in the mountains. With lots of snow. YES!

That is entirely possible. HA!! I am sure my husband would agree!

But you know what? I don't really care where I live, as long as I am living with him. God will provide a way for us, whatever is His will. So for now, I am content in my tiny little town, with my cute house and small pasture (but an acre lot is still pretty big), with my husband by my side. 

Forgiveness.... 30 Things: Day 18

What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

I can't really say that I've had to face any huge challenges with forgiveness. I have lived a very blessed life full of kind and loving people.

Of course, there have been plenty of minor occurrences that have needed forgiveness. Both forgiveness of myself, and forgiveness of someone else. I am FAR from perfect. I ask for forgiveness every day of my life. Both of others around me, and of God. So I am careful to throw out that someone has wronged me so I can't (or won't) forgive.

There have been a small number of persons in my life that I have a hard time letting go of some of the comments, thoughtless actions or rude remarks they have made. I think what makes that "the most difficult thing to forgive" is the fact that these particular people tend to re-offend quite frequently.

There is always that one person who will forever remain a thorn in your side. I work daily to let it go. To quit harping on the past and live in the present. But sometimes, there is just something you can't quite forget about.

There is always that one person who, no matter what you do, will always find some fault. The person who makes snide remarks that make you feel about an inch tall. The person who refuses to see you as the good, kind-hearted, loving, spirited person you are - but, instead, a threat. An obstacle to what they really want.

This is the person I find the most difficult time forgiving. The person who uses me for what is convenient and then discards me like a dirty towel as soon as I fulfill whatever commitment they wanted from me. The person who REFUSES to treat me like a human being most of the time, but instead, a pesky fly who won't quit buzzing in their ear.

I can think of one time that someone has truly offended me so that I almost couldn't forgive. The time that, the remarks were so cold hearted, mean spirited and full of contempt that my heart was crushed. I can recall sobbing uncontrollably. Calling my best friend and being unable to really explain how badly I was hurt.

I don't know if I have ever forgiven that, really. Which is very unhealthy, spiritually and emotionally. God calls us to forgive. He forgives ME every day for my sins. So I strive for that. I pray for that. My relationship will never be complete with any person until I can just forgive and realize we are human. We make mistakes.

Each day, I think today is the day. Today is the day I just let it go. Start over. Forgive.

Maybe that will happen today. Or tomorrow. It will happen. God has a plan. He's heard my cries and He's working on me. I just need to open up my heart and listen to Him fully.

I Wish... 30 Things: Day 17

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

I think there are a lot of things in life I wish I were great at. Cooking, sleeping, smiling, laughing, sewing, painting, crafting.... The list could go on and on. However, I believe the thing I MOST wish I was great at is living a life that is free of constant worry - to just learn to "go with the flow" and stop second-guessing myself.

Justin is very much this person. He rarely stresses or worries. He has this since of calmness and peace. I wish I were great at that. I  am so uptight most of the time! Seriously. It's beyond my control. Ha!

Between my job and other stresses, I just have a hard time letting go. But when I do - whether it is through prayer, a massage, or just having fun - I am a completely different person.

I need to laugh more. I need to smile more. I need to giggle and tickle and wrestle and roll around and play fetch with Oreo and appreciate the little things in life.

I need to remember this day and WHY I have a million reasons to let it all go:

THIS is the look of pure JOY. No worry or stress here!

-----

PS: If you are visiting from Kelly's Korner SUYL Friday - hello :) If you want to read more about my beautiful rockstar of a husband and I, start here and check out our wedding posts telling you about what happened before the first look, when I saw my husband the first time that day, walking down aisle, the ceremony, the biggest after-party ever, and the little details. If you are interested in the 30 Day Challenge, start here to read from the beginning. This blog is a mis-match of thoughts, pictures and life. Poke around and hopefully you will enjoy a little glimpse into our world.

Accomplished. 30 Things: Day 16

What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

graduating from undergraduate, graduate and law school in 7 years

Those were seriously the seven hardest years of my life. I went non-stop and was exhausted before it was all over with. But now, I have THREE awesome degrees and such a depth of knowledge and understanding that is what sets my apart in my chosen career. I worked my tail off. I went through summers, and got my MSW and JD AT THE SAME TIME. It was crazy. But I am proud, and I know it really is a huge accomplishment.

nurturing a loving marriage

I am by no means saying our marriage is perfect. What I will say is that I think in this day in age, being married to a loving and faithful companion in a relationship based off love, communication and respect, is a major accomplishment. I am very proud of the fact that my husband is my best friend, lover, biggest cheerleader, shoulder to lean on, and head of our household. While we haven't been married a year yet - we have been together in a committed relationship for a very long time. We have made it through some major trials, and lots of minor trials. And we have never turned away from each other :)

never losing my faith

 I have always had a deep-rooted faith in God. Even through the most trying of times, I have never lost that faith. I may get upset, and begin to ask the "whys" like any other human being. But - I am a sinner saved by His abundant grace, and for that, I am beyond proud.

working in a (very) difficult profession & keeping my passion

Not a lot of people can do this job. That's why I am one of only TWO in the entire state of Missouri that work through the grant that I receive, in the type of setting I work in. This job is extremely emotionally and mentally taxing. I am new, young, and sometimes confused - but, I chose this. Or rather, God chose this for me. So I listened.

passing the bar 

Those two months of studying for the bar were pure heck. I studied anywhere from 8-12 hours EVERY day, give or take maybe five days. I was petrified and convinced I had failed. I remember seeing the results pop up on the computer screen - I couldn't even read. Justin kept saying "you passed, you passed! There is your name!" and I was crying "I CAN'T READ MY NAME!!!" I eventually printed it off so I could see it on paper and make sure it was real. I was never so relieved!

Animals.... 30 Things: Day 15

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?


This is a tough one for me. I really don't know WHAT type of animal I'd be. I mean, other than Oreo, I am  not generally a fan of animals.


So if I could live the sweet life like Oreo, I guess I'd be a dog. He has got it made. In fact, as I type, he is snuggled up on the couch between his two cousins. That dog does nothing but eat and sleep all day, with the occasional stroll around the yard.


I wouldn't be a snake, or any other reptile, a bird,  or a bug. I wouldn't be a squirrel. I wouldn't be a zebra or a lion or a tiger or a bear (oh my). Maybe if I go through every animal in the animal kingdom, by process of elimination, I'll know what I want to be?


I was asked this question in an interview once. I can't remember what I even said. But I know it had to be something more creative than dog!

I Am Woman.... 30 Things: Day 14

Describe 5 strengths you have.

I am very passionate.

I am a very passionate person when it comes to anything I support. I will give whatever the task is my all. It can be something little or minor, to a huge feat. I will jump in and never look back if I know it is something that I am supposed to do.

I am very compassionate.

I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I have a lot of compassion for others. That is probably why I do the job that I do. I feel for anyone who is hurting, sad, or in pain. I want to fix everyone's problem and "make it all better." This strength definitely costs me though!

 

I am a good listener.

Again - probably why I do the job that I do. But I think I am a very good listener. I also have a lot of training in this area with my social work/MSW background. But I can listen and help people process, which I feel is a great quality to have.

I am very loyal.

Once you have me on your side, I am there. Full throttle. When I make a promise or love someone, I do it with my entire heart and soul. If you are my family - I will do anything you need. I will always support you.

I am bossy.

See #5 on the previous post. It's both a blessing and a curse!!!

Weaknesses.... 30 Things: Day 13

Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

I react instead of respond.

In any type of emergency situation, my initial response is usually a very panicked reaction. I can't control it. It takes me a good while to calm down before I can be rational. I dread to see how that goes with children. Hopefully the good Lord helps me to realize when I respond with immediate prayer, my reactions are much calmer. I try to remember this. But I tend to be the one who runs in circles flapping their arms - well, at least if the situation directly affects myself or a loved one. Case in point: Oreo ran into a vehicle while it was flying down the road. I say he ran into it because the vehicle didn't really run over him. But I digress. I called Justin in a PANIC and couldn't even talk I was crying so hard. I scared the living daylights out of him, only to say - but don't worry, Oreo is fine! Which he was, but later on, he gave us a little scare, so we "rushed" him to the vet. I sobbed uncontrollably the entire way. Justin may or may not have threatened to put my out on the side of the road.... On the bright side: If I am an outsider to the situation, I am much more adept and responding appropriately.  

I have very low self-confidence.

I am my own worst critic. I make myself physically ill worrying about all the things I have "done wrong" in one day. I put way too much pressure on myself, and never believe I am correct when it comes to important issues. It's crazy. I KNOW I am very well educated and highly trained in my job, but yet I constantly stress I am doing something wrong. For the first few months, I was convinced multiple times a day I would loose my bar license. Which, by the way, is extremely hard to accomplish :)

Food.

I have a weakness for food. I am kind of addicted. I love food. Seriously. I love to eat. And every day I struggle with making good choices so that I am healthy and have a good body image. But man oh man, I am addicted to anything that tastes good!

I am a people pleaser.

I worry constantly about what other people think of me, when I should be worrying about what GOD is thinking of me. I have really taken this thought to heart here lately. I even had a little sign printed and framed for my office that says "Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it?" At the end of the day, all that should matter is that in God's eyes I was doing HIS will - whatever the outcome of that should be.

I am bossy, opinionated and headstrong.

Sometimes this gets me into trouble. I am not the best at keeping my opinions to myself, hiding my feelings, or just going with the flow. But I've been trying to be better about this. Really. I have.

Typical Day... 30 Things: Day 12

Describe a typical day in your current life.

Weekday

 Alarm goes off at 6:30am. Roll over, groan, hit snooze. Alarm goes back off at 6:39am. Roll over, hit snooze again. Alarm goes off at 6:48am. Roll over, hit snooze again. Take basil body temperature and record. Alarm goes off one final time. Make myself get out of bed. Let Oreo out if Justin hasn't.

Stumble into bathroom, put in contacts, pee and brush teeth. All at the same time :) Stumble into shower. Try to take a quick shower since I am already running late. Get out, put on robe, do make-up and hair. Feed Oreo. Make some type of breakfast that I can bring to work with me. Get dressed. Running very late by now. Rush out the door and get fresh water for Oreo if Justin's hasn't.

Run into work. Make my coffee, check email, messages and snail mail. Start the crazy day. Some days I have court in the AM, so I will look over my files and make sure I have everything I need. Take lots of phone calls and work on paperwork, letters, discovery. Meet with clients. Head back to court in the afternoon some days. Try to get a lunch in there somewhere. Pray I get out of here by 5:00pm.

After work, I usually come home and pick up the house if I didn't get to do it on my lunch hour. Now that it is so nice, we will either go for a walk or work outside for a while. I'll cook supper most nights, then we will watch some TV. Sometimes we change things up and may read or go visit the parents, in-laws, or BIL/SIL and our precious Sophie.

We normally get into bed around 10:00pm or 11:00pm. Too late really. Which is why I hit the snooze button about 15 times in the morning!

Weekend

Try to sleep in on Saturday. Usually I wake up before Justin, and then I roll over and pester him until he gets up, too. Some mornings I will get up and cook a big breakfast. Sometimes we are just lazy and will eat lunch later on. Most Saturdays we have something to do. We may go to Cape and shop/eat/hang out, or work in the yard or around the house. We almost always eat out at some point on Saturday. Although now that it is nice and we can grill, I have a feeling we will grill most Saturdays at some point!

Sundays we always get up around 9:30 and start getting ready for church, which starts at 11:00. And we are always late. After church, we usually swing by the grocery store for sundried tomato turkey :) We eat lunch, then usually take a nap! We are old (or maybe just wise) beyond our years. Sunday afternoons we usually just take it easy and hang out. Gotta rest up for the work week!


Since it is just Justin & I, we have a lot of flexibility. Oreo is old enough to stay by himself (hehe), so we can do whatever we want on a whim. We don't often make plans ahead of time, but just do what we get the urge to do. And though we both cannot wait for the moment God gives us a little baby, we are enjoying this time together while we can!

Pet Peeves.... 30 Things: Day 11

Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

1. People walking in dirty shoes over my clean floors. I am obsessed with sweeping, mopping and vacuuming my floors. And when people or Oreo mess them up it drives me crazy!

2. When people act like they are owed something that they are not.

3. Loud chewing. HIMYM anyone? Lily? Yeah, that drives me nusto.

4. Outsiders trying to control our life.{Edited to add: And my ability to do my job. There is a reason I went to school for a long time to do this. Because not everyone knows how to be an attorney. And if you aren't sitting in my shoes, don't tell me how to do it!}

5. Not respecting boundaries. I need space (emotional/mental) too!

6. Not using manners. Especially when children don't say ma'am/sir/please/thank you.

7. Jealousy. It's ugly.

8. Rudeness, especially in the face of someone trying to help.

9. Facebook Drama. Who needs that in their life? I don't understand it.

10. Getting the run around when someone doesn't know the answer. Just tell me straight up.

Embarrassed. 30 Things: Day 10

Describe your most embarrassing moment.

First of all, I need to preface this post with one thought: You would think I would learn my lesson on listening to what my Momma tells me to do!!!


Ok... When I was younger, there was an older gentleman pharmacist here in town named Harry George. I loved him. He always said I was his girlfriend and asked if I would marry him one day. I used to think this was so funny!

Fast forward to a few years ago, my Mom and I were out shopping together in Cape and decided to go to Ruby Tuesdays to eat. We pulled up to park, and you could see inside the big windows at the people sitting around tables. My mom looks and exclaims "Look, Claire! There's Harry George! AND HE IS SITTING AT A TABLE FULL OF WOMEN! Wouldn't it be so funny if you walked up to him and asked why he was with all those women?!"

Well, I hesitated, and then thought you know, I bet he'd get a big kick out of that! So we walked in and told the server that we saw someone we knew and wanted to talk to them.

So here I go sauntering over to this table full of strangers and Harry George. I stop at the head of the table, throw my hands on my hips, and exclaim.. "Well Harry George! Are you cheating on me?!"

About that time, my mom takes of running around the corner, all the while yelling back at me "THAT IS NOT HARRY GEORGE!!"

Oh yes, I stood in front of an entire group of strangers + Harry George A STRANGE MAN that I accused of cheating on me.

I was so mortified.  Mortified. AND MY MOTHER LEFT ME STANDING THERE LIKE AN IDIOT. She RAN to the other side of the restaurant.

I just stood there with my hands on my hips, spun around, and took off. Then I asked to be seated on the other side of the building.

That was the day I learned I should never listen when my mom tells me to do anything with the potential of being embarrassed!

Influential.... 30 Things: Day 9

List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

{ok, so instead of listing out 10 separate people, I did some "groups" of people. I didn't want to be listing just to list. To be honest, I can only say a handful of people have truly "influenced" who I am. I can list a lot, though, who I respect and admire!}

My Husband, Justin

This man has been the biggest influence on my life. Considering we started dating when I was FOURTEEN (gasp!!), we grew up together. There is something that has to be said about growing up with the person you love more than anything. We always laugh, because he has rubbed off on me in so many ways - and he finds that hilarious.

He is the bravest, most caring and upbeat individual I have ever met. I stand in awe of him and the way he approaches LIFE. I pray that I can be the wife he needs me to be, because I am just so blessed to have him to influence me.

My Parents

My parents have been hugely influential throughout my entire life. They have been my biggest fans and encouragers. I have always known how much I am loved. Just like I have never doubted that no matter what the situation, they will be behind me.

My parents have also shown me what it means to pray. Any time I feel worried or anxious, I can ask them to pray for me, and I know they will stop everything they are doing RIGHT THAT SECOND and pray. How many people can say that they have that? They have taught me right from wrong, and how to apologize.  I can't say enough good about them.

My Siblings

Both my sister Miste and brother Zach, although they may not realize it, have influenced me. Miste has been there not only as an older sister, but as a friend and confidant. She has shown me what it means to be a devoted mom to wonderful children but still have her own life and personality. I am so amazed at how she manages to do it al.

Zach has influenced me as well. He will always be my "baby" brother even though he is not a baby anymore. But I can't help it! He has taught me about hard work. Zach has never given up on his dreams to play baseball - and he busts his butt every day to be the best he can be. 

 My Nanny

 My Nanny was the sweetest, most loving person. I loved loved LOVED staying with her anytime. As I grew up, even though she would drive me crazy calling and worrying about me, nothing compared to the thought of knowing someone loved you to the ends of the Earth. She helped shape the person I am today. I miss her so much.

My Mentors

I have had a handful of extremely important and close mentors over my lifetime. All of them have contributed to the person I am today. Many have taught me not only important educational lessons, but life lessons as well.

Passion... 30 Things: Day 8

What are 5 passions you have?

1. Serving God

Particularly as I grow up, I grow in my faith. Bottom line is: I want to serve God every day. I will be the first to tell you that I struggle. I am by no means perfect. But what I can say is that I strive to love God passionately. It is hard work, because I am a sinner. Most days I start out great and end up defeated. But I know that the next morning brings a new chance.

2. Helping those less fortunate than me

I don't really know if you would consider this a "passion." But it pretty much sums up what I do every day. And no one could work this job, with this population, if they weren't passionate about what they were doing.

3. Supporting cancer research

I think this is self evident. But I have been passionate about this for a very long time - much longer than these past two years. However, the life experience have cemented the fact that cancer sucks. And research leads to a CURE!

4. LOVING to the fullest extent

I would say that love is a passion of mine. Romantic love, family love, pet love, food love =) Love is a frequent verb AND adjective.

5. Babies & Kids

I am very passionate about children. I want a lot of children, and I love being around children. We often have a kids at our house because we want to. There is nothing more important, I think, than nurturing and loving on any child!

A Girl Can Dream... 30 Things: 7

What is your dream job, and why?

I used to think I knew what my dream job was. Now, I don't have a clue.....

The other day, Jay and I were talking about what we would do if we won the lottery. As in, would we still work at the same place or do the same type of work. I think I would do the same type of work. However, I would love to open my own organization that focused on providing quality legal services to the under-served. I would love to be able to really focus on families. So offering more than just legal services would be key.

My dream job, honestly, would be to know I was making a difference in the lives of people I served in a righteous way. I would also like to have flexibility and be able to raise a family without sacrificing one or the other.

I want to be a mom and have lots of kids. However, I also know I am not the type of person who would thrive as a stay-at-home mom. I need to be doing something to give back to my community, and for me, I need this to be through a job. But ideally, it would be one with a daycare facility full of wonderful staff AT the job so that my kids were always "with me." Plus, one where I could make my hours and come and go as my children needed.

I guess that is why it would be a dream, right? Because I am fairly positive this would never exist in reality!

Bottom line - I want to do something, whatever it is, that God calls me to do. And right now, I feel like I am doing what God is calling me for. I just wish, as I am sure almost every person in the work force does, that some things were different! My dream job would definitely come with less stress, because I can say right now - the stress is seriously affecting my life in ways I don't care for.

30 Things.... Day 6

What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?


I keep typing and deleting..... Because this is so tough to write. Two years ago, I was right in the middle of law school. Law school - the entire three years + bar prep - was honestly the hardest time of my life.

For me, nothing about law school was fun. Yes, I made some wonderful, great friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But other than that, law school was miserable. It was difficult, all consuming, and super stressful.

February of my second year of law school, my now-husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. That threw me for the biggest loop of my life.... My heart broke with sadness and worry for him. I have never been that scared in my entire life. I have also never been that humbled. I was knocked to my knees and prayed breathlessly for hours upon hours at a time.

My husband is a survivor. He is the bravest, most upbeat, amazing human being I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He NEVER - not one. single. time. - questioned this. Amazing. He said he knew, from the beginning, that every little thing was gonna be alright.

Those few months of surgeries and treatment were hard. And I cannot even fathom how hard it was for him. But he never stopped smiling. He never got down. I rarely left his side, although for the first couple months I was sill in school three hours away.

Now, as it has passed, and my sweet husband is two years cancer free!!!! And close to two years post-treatment.... We reflect back.....

My husband told me the night before our wedding that he knew this had happened for a reason. God had shown him how, no matter what the circumstances, I loved him with every fiber in my body. God has shown the both of us what it means to have faith - in Him, and each other.

I am so thankful that the Ultimate Healer laid His hands upon my husband.