We are alive!

Well few, faithful readers of Charles and We, a lot has happened since I last blogged. During school, blogging was one of my favorite ways to procrastinate studying. However, while I studied for the bar exam, I found myself so mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted that I didn't even have the energy to procrastinate. So without further ado, here are are few of the high points of the Houston household's summer and beginning of fall:

1. We passed the bar exam! and when I say we, I mean we as in Kevin and I passed the bar exam. Studying for the bar exam was a character building experience and one that I am oh so grateful never to have to do again. It was also a family affair. I really do not know what I would have done without Kevin's companionship, patience and support. My law degree and law license required just as much blood, sweat and tears from Kevin as they did from me.

2. I am employed! While finishing my career as a professional student has been bitter sweet, I can honestly say I am embracing the new kind of stress that comes from having a job. It sure is nice to not have any exams to study for and to bring home a paycheck after a hard day's work. I am excited to begin my legal career and excited to see what doors may open in the future.

3. Anniversary- Next Monday we will celebrate one year of marriage. I can honestly say it has been a whirlwind year, and I fall more in love with my sweet husband each and everyday. Marriage has taught me a lot about Kevin and a lot about myself. I still find myself waking up most mornings wondering what I did to deserve all I have been blessed with. Our first year of marriage has been wonderful, and I am looking forward to many many more.

We celebrated early with a little trip to the Grand Hotel in Mobile. The weather was wonderful, the food delicious, and the company even better. A little weekend of R and R was much needed, and I'm already ready to go back.

4. Sally- In the midst of finishing the bar exam, waiting on bar results and becoming a full time lawyer, this little squirt fell into our laps

We weren't really actively looking for another dog, but when the opportunity presented itself, we decided it was a good time to get Charles a little sister. I would like to say that the second one is easier, but we had definitely forgotten how exhausting having a puppy is, not to mention the fact that none of the lessons we learned with Charles have been applicable to Sally. We are all adjusting to the new "baby," but I am sure it is just a matter of time until Sally learns her manners and is as polite and well behaved as Chuck is.

Don't let her innocent looks deceive you, she is quite the pistol!

While they may look like best friends, Sally's arrival has been an adjustment process for the entire family, especially big brother Charles.

Sally and Chuck got to spend the weekend with my dad at his hunting camp. I'm not sure my better-half much cared for the new outfits their grandfather so generously picked out for them :)

You might be studying for the bar if

In honor of having only one more week of this "blessing" of an experience, I thought I might reflect on a few of my favorite indicators that one has been studying for the bar exam

1. You have a complete and total come apart when the cable goes out
2. You look at the clock, realize it is 5:00 p.m. and all you have eaten all day is a banana and a pot and a half of coffee
3. You can't really remember when you have worn an article of clothing other than gym shorts and a t-shirt
4. You have spent over $100 on note cards and highlighters
5. You wake up screaming because criminal law questions are playing through your mind
6. You get extremely and unjustifiably agitated when you see a grown woman in the grocery store who has a towel wrapped around her waist
7. You research the possibility of suing the internet service provider for breach of contract and potentially intentional infliction of emotional distress
8. You have an emotional breakdown when the tv goes out on Monday night when you studied all day long so you could take the night off and watch the Bachelorette

Seven. More. Days. I think I can. I think I can

Wednesdays are for laundry

Miscellaney Monday

1. and....Countdown to the Bar Exam...14 days. I think I can, I think I can

2. One- Number of door frames my husband has removed from our master bathroom. Let the Honey Do List Projects commence

3. Bob Goff- I think I was meant to find this book at this time in my life. I was browsing Donald Miller's blog and came across this book. So far he has made me laugh, made me cry, and restored my faith in the legal profession. He has such a refreshing outlook on love, life, and what it means to be a Christian. 

4.  Tasty Treats- This weekend we made our own bruschetta and a cherry limeade bundt cake. Recipes to come, but for now here is a picture and a recipe from Mix and Match Mama

Cherry Limeade Bundt Cake

5. Sweet Corgi- Charles was so tired after having Kevin's parents over for dinner and a nice long walk Saturday, he couldn't even make it to his little bed! We won't mention the two vindictive acts he committed this weekend nor the Corgi games he engaged in at bedtime last night.

6. Laundry Detergent- I love the way this detergent smells. Planning to get all our dirty clothes nice and clean, so I can fold them while I'm watching the Bachelorette tonight and not feel like I am completely  wasting two hours of my life.

Happy Monday to all!

Thankful Tuesday

1. Freedom- The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. It was the first holiday Kevin and I shared after we started dating, and it was the first holiday tradition we established as a couple. But as I wait with eager anticipation to go eat dinner in downtown Homewood with my husband and then watch a beautiful display of Fireworks, I can't help but think of how much we owe to the military families who are sacrificing so much so we can enjoy these special pleasures. I am filled with an abundance of thankfulness this year as one of my best friends in the whole world has returned from a tour of duty. I am so proud of her and her drive, ambition, and selfless serving of her country. While I am enjoying celebrating tomorrow, I will remember to be thankful for Kate and all those like her, all those who came before her and all those who will come after who will answer that call. The freedom we have is not one to be taken lightly or for granted and while I am enjoying my holiday traditions, I want to thank those who have allowed each of us to be able to have them.

2. Studying- I am thankful for this opportunity. I am thankful for my education. I am thankful for so many of those who have invested in me along the way. I am thankful for my husband who goes to work everyday and patiently and lovingly comes home to a wife who may or may not have showered today and may or may not have anything in the refrigerator besides a jar of mayonnaise.

3. Hot weather- I'm thankful for this hot weather we are having because even though it may be uncomfortable, this force of mother nature is one we have some control over. I'm thankful for a mild tornado season this year and that even if we can't beat the heat, we can make it a little more bearable with a glass of ice water, a cup of frozen yogurt, or a dip in a swimming pool.

4.  Disagreements- I am thankful for disagreements be them with Kevin, my family or my friends. They say that when you don't care about someone, you won't expend time and energy disagreeing with them. I am thankful for Kevin who has taught me that disagreeing doesn't mean quitting, fighting doesn't mean leaving, arguing doesn't mean walking away and nothing looks quite so bad when the sun comes up in the morning.

5. Bad Corgis- I am thankful for my mischievous little pup. I am thankful for his energy and his playful spirit. I am thankful for his unconditional love. I am thankful to see those two little brown eyes peering out the window, without fail, every time I drive up. I am thankful that he is always excited to see us when we come home, no matter how cranky, grouchy or tired we are or how many days it has been since we took him on his last W*A*L*K. I am thankful for the lesson in tough love we have learned as we worked on training him. Lastly, I am thankful for all the laughter and joy he brings to our lives without even knowing he is doing it.

Miscellaney Monday

1. What's new on my Kindle this week

2. What I can finally see as three weeks from today, I will be about the begin the first portion of the Alabama Bar Exam

3. What is making me laugh this morning because it probably has a lot of truth to it

4. What's for Dinner

Lasanga Rolls ala Mix and Match Mama- I am planning to do a post of all the great recipes we have tried out from her blog when things slow down a bit

5. What I am enjoying watching before bed

I love the Olympics. I can still vividly remember the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and going down to Centennial park and then to watch gymnastics with my best friend from North Carolina and my best friend from Alabama who had come into town for the event. If I remember correctly, I was missing a few teeth, wearing white shorts that by the end of the day had a tinge of gray to them, a red and white checkered shirt, and undoubtedly my hair was a tangled mess. I have fond memories of looking up to Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Dominique Mouceanu, and Kerri Strugg. I may or may not have looked them up on Wikipedia to see what they are up to, and I may or may not have followed this new crop on twitter to keep up with their Olympic journeys.

6.  What I think I will adopt as my life motto

Live Your Dash


Happy Monday!

Sunday Pick Me Up

Because I've been watching bar review lectures for 5 hours this morning (praise the Lord we will be leaving for Montgomery three weeks from today), I needed a little pick me up and nothing picks me up better than a funny Corgi

And our own funny Corgi who brightens our each and every day enjoying a Sunday Funday!