I'm getting married in the morning. . .

. . . and I can't wait!!

(P.S. I've always wanted to say that. Gotta love My Fair Lady)

Elder Harris x 2

Big news! Adam has also received his mission call. He will be serving the people in the Hamburg, Germany mission. He leaves April 21st!

So Kyle will be in Phoenix, Arizona and Adam will be in Hamburg, Germany. Can you get any two more different assignments? :)

I am so very proud of my brothers. They have grown to be strong, righteous young men and are so excited to serve the Lord through missionary work. I know that the Lord has prepared them for there they will go and that there are people there that need what they can offer. Watch out Satan, Elders Kyle and Adam Harris are about to shake up your world!!

I had the opportunity to go with Kyle yesterday as he went through the temple for the first time. What a wonderful experience! The spirit of the Lord was SO strong! I am happy for him. And, on a selfish note, I am so excited that he can now attend my temple wedding!!

So many blessings have filled our lives lately. It has really strengthened my testimony in the goodness of God. I have learned that as we wait patiently through the hard times, enduring the best we can, the Lord brings us the blessings when we have learned what we needed to learn. Heavenly Father loves us so much. He is so merciful and good to all His children!

Travel Thoughts

After packing, cleaning, moving boxes, hauling heavy things up a flight of stairs, unpacking, putting furniture together, cleaning some more, and repacking to go to Oregon, we are finally moved in to our new apartment. Hooray! Joe drove from Salem to Provo Thursday in a Budget truck with all our stuff. Thankfully, he made it with no weather problems. Daniel Clark and Val Summers helped us move in. I couldn't be blessed with better friends. Thanks guys! I have to say, I LOVE our place. It's adorable!

Last night we finally made it home to Oregon. Now Christmas can really start. I love airplanes, and get excited every time I fly. I was a bit nervous because I needed to take my wedding dress on the flight and I didn't want any problems with it. Britt Hunsaker told me this story of a girl who checked her wedding dress and it got completely ruined, tire tracks from being run over and all. I was NOT going to let that happen. Luckily, the stewardesses were nice enough to let me have a bin to myself, just for the dress. It all worked out.

I learned something interesting on that flight. Do you know why airplanes always have the cabin lights on bright during the day and then at night they keep them dimmed low? It's because in case of emergency, they want your eyes to be adjusted to the light outside so that you can see. If the plane has an accident at night, they can't have people waiting until their eyes adjust to the darkness to get moving. Interesting eh? Just a little trivia tidbit for you.

By the way, have I told you how AMAZING my brother are?!?!?! It's the first time I've been with them for several months as Kyle has been at BYU Hawaii and Adam at BYU Idaho. We had a great time talking and laughing last night. Honesty, I am so proud of them. They have grown into the most wonderful, righteous young men. Oh, and we have some news at our house.

Kyle got his mission call . . .

. . .

. . . to the Phoenix, Arizona Mission!!

He will be teaching the people in SPANISH!!

WAHOO!!

I am so excited for him!! I know he will be an amazing missionary. Adam has his papers in and we are still waiting for the call, but hope it will come sometime this week. I am so excited for him!!

My heart is full of gratitude for the multitude of blessings that have come into my life. The Lord has been so good to me.

The first semester of law school. . .

. . . is DONE!

Hooray!!

Two down . . .

. . . Two finals to go!

By the way, I go the keys to my new apartment yesterday. You don't know how excited I am to have a place for US. I know this sounds domestic, but can't wait to make it a home.

One down . . .

. . . three finals to go!

This pic came from here.

I woke up this morning at 5am, unable to get back to sleep. I was so nervous! Since attempting to fall back asleep proved useless, I got up, showered, made myself some yummy blueberry pancakes, and studied until it was time to go. When I got to school, the tension was so think. I swear, you could touch it. At least I wasn't the only one nervous! The clock struck 8:30AM and then I sat there for three hours, basically typing everything I knew about contract law. It was a hard test, and I don't know how I did. But it's over. *Sigh*. Hooray!

To celebrate the completion of our first final in law school, the girls and I went out to lunch. I got a turkey sandwich and a salad and it was SO yummy. They restaurant (ZUPAS, one of my favs) always gives you a chocolate covered strawberry. Isn't that nice? I guess they are feeling the Christmas spirit there cuz they've started putting candy cane pieces in the chocolate they dip the strawberries in. WARNING: Candy cane chocolate dipped strawberries DO NOT taste as good as they look! Oh well, it was still a good time with fantastic friends! Then I got to talk to my sweet finance on the phone. Goodness I love him. He always knows how to make me smile and feel better about life. And then Kandis and I decided we needed a Diet Coke with Lime to help us face the rest of the day. I got to drive around in her Mini Cooper. Can I just say, it's the cutest car ever!

Overall, it wasn't as horrible as it could have been and I am feeling better about the whole law school thing. :)

Now on to study property. . .

"You were an exceptionally interesting class."

Those were the last words our contract professor told us.

Thanks, I think?

Oh The Insanity!!

I am officially scared. All last night I dreamt I was answering contract law problems. Then I woke up to am email from my professor telling me that this test is 100% of my grade, but not to worry. This isn't the most important thing in life. AH! The knot in my stomach has grown to the size of a watermelon and I haven't even taken my first test yet. That's tomorrow by the way, at 8:30 AM. I just might have a nervous breakdown before then.

I also had the strangest dream that all the men in my life were telling me I was stupid for going to law school. It's so weird because my biggest supporters have been my Dad and Joe. I'm telling you people, I am going INSANE.

Also, did I mention that it's snowing? Yeah, OK it's pretty. Feels like Christmas bla bla bla. (It actually doesn't feel like Christmas to me, having grown up in Sacramento where it was always sunny and 65 degrees on Christmas). The problem people is that I can't drive in it without having a freak out attack and considering that I am on the edge of my sanity already, it might not be a good idea to venture behind the wheel. I would probably die. so basically I feel helpless and trapped in my own home. I know that's lame, but it's better than dying OK?

Oh, and one last thing. I'm on the LGN diet, which means basically all I eat are veggies, with an occasional fruit, healthy soup, or lean meat. Drastic times call for drastic measures. I've been keeping my calories around to about 1500, but to be honest, I rarely make it that high. You can only eat so many veggies. It's sad when spoonful of peanut butter is a treat. Maybe this isn't the best time to be doing this, but considering I'm getting married in 21 days and I've hired a photographer to take pictures of me that (hopefully) I will treasure my whole life, I need to do this. At first it was awful. My body rebelled and my stomach hurt for three days straight. But yesterday, as I was sitting in the library for 9 hours, I realized how good I felt. Imaging that! Anyway, I hope I can stick to this through the holidays. Although I know my mother's biscotti is going to call my name. I still crave sugar everyday. So that adds to the current insanity.

Please pray for me people. I need all the help I can get!!!

Let's Dance for Hope and Awareness

Here's something to brighten your day. St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland, Oregon made this video to bring awareness to breast cancer.

Fast Car

I've been missing my dad a lot today. I'm so grateful to have a good relationship with my father. He's one of my best friends and has been one of my greatest supports in life. This song reminds me of him. He would listen to it a lot when we were kids. I don't know why. I guess he likes Tracy Chapman's voice (I thought she was a man for the longest time). It's actually a really sad song when you listen to the words. I really grateful for a father who took care of our family and made sure I didn't have to live the life that Tracy Chapman sings about.

A Country Affair

This is where we are having our wedding reception. It's a barn made into a fabulous dance floor. Don't you just love the lights? They are so dreamy. I can't wait for the party!

Showered. . .

I think the reason they call it a shower, is cuz you are showered with love. I certainly felt the love at the bridal shower my friends threw for me. Val did a great job! It was so wonderful to see so many good friends, many of them that I haven't seen in a long time.

What's in the bag?

Don't you love this idea? Instead of making the dress out of paper, we made little brides out of pipe cleaner. They turned out SO cute!

Some Thoughts

1. Turned in my memo yesterday morning. It's worth 80 % of my grade for my writing class. I've been working on it for months. It was terrifying, yet liberating.

2. I love sweats. I've never had any before. Now I understand why people like them so much. They are soooooooooooo comfy. I bought two pair last week on sale at Old Navy. If I could, I would wear them every day. But don't worry, I am agianst being frumpy.

3. I have some the of greatest friends ever. God has really blessed me with wonderful people. My roommate Britt is the best. She makes me laugh on a daily basis. Jen also cracks me up, and brought me dinner on Saturday night after I have been in the library working on my paper for 10 hours. Val went and got address label for me cuz I haven't had time. She also put on the best bridal shower ever! Camille found me an apartment. Lauren let's me look at her property notes when I can't keep up, or can't pay attention. Kandis would be my surrogate if I couldn't have children (so she says). Heidi is just sweet. Kalli is taking me to the airport. I mean, aren't I so lucky! These are just the things that have happened this last week. I am so freaking blessed with good friends.

4. I LOVE Christmas music! AOL has free radio and when my Pandora runs out I listen to that. I can't get enough. It just lifts my spirits.

5. I'm so glad Allie and Chris live nearby. Every time I go over there, Allie makes me either hot chocolate or an Italian soda. Mmmmm.

6. Down comforters are the best. Every night I feel like I am sleeping on a cloud.

7. I am terrified for finals. I have so much to do.

8. I have yet to feel REALLY cold this winter. That makes me happy.

9. Thank goodness I haven't got the swine flu! I think I am safe as numerous of my classmates have and I've been exposed to the germs. But, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

10. Watched Juno for the first time this weekend. It's so cute. But, I can't watch love stories without feeling lonely. I can't wait for Joe to move here in three weeks!

Word

"Success is not measure by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds."

~Orison Sweet Marden

On The Edge.

About 27 times this week I have asked myself. . .WHY AM I DOING THIS? Why am I inflicting such stress and emotional insanity on myself? What ever possessed me to go to law school? I was sitting in class on Thursday taking a test and the whole time was just thinking about how much I hate tests. I hate them with a passion. Why do I have to prove to you what I've learned, Mr. Professor? Why does law school have to pair you up against every other student so that it's not how well you do for yourself, but how well you do compared to everyone else. Doesn't that just seem sick and wrong? The forced curve is evil. Why am I doing this again?! I feel like I am working as hard as I can, but it's not enough. Someone else is always working harder, is smarter, and studying longer. And you know what, normally I would be happy for them Good for you Mr. SUPER STUDENT. But here, that means my grades are lower. Well, now, that changes everything. Or does it? I don't even know anymore. All I know is I am tired, lonely, feel incredibly lost, stupid, and often humiliated in class. Oh why am I doing this?

Wouldn't have been so much easier to skip this whole thing? I mean, I have an AMAZING fiance who loves me, wants to take care of me, has a great job, house, and lives in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Why didn't I just stay home, get married, have babies and live happily ever after? But no. I moved away, asked him to come with me (which he is happy to do) so I could suffer this insanity! Now I feel like I'm making him suffer as he's trying to find a new job., sell is house, and move to a state that he has never lived in before. WHAT WAS I THINKING?! Do I ALWAYS have to take the most difficult route in life? AH!

The only thing keeping me sane at this point is knowing that GOD wants me here. I can't deny the feelings I got when I asked whether to come to school or not. I can't deny all the blessings he has given me to get me here. And it makes me feel better to know that Joe has had that confirmation too. BUT WHY?! What is all this for? Why does it have to be THIS PAINFUL PATH?!

OK. That's enough for now. Sorry for the rant. Feel free to just pass by it and ignore everything you just read. I'm sure I'll feel better in three years, when it's all over.

I Hate Long Distance Relationships

This is my favorite part of the day.

Hallow's Eve

We may have been festive for Halloween . . .
But I think Val got the real fright of the day!

Catching Up

Here are some pics from Joe's visit last month. We went to Park City, enjoyed General Conference, and hiked Y Mountain among other things. I am always so happy when he comes and sad when he leaves.

Thanks Allie and Chris for the Conference tickets! We had a wonderfully uplifting time!

Isn't he so handsome?!?!

Engagements

Something New. . .

I got my WEDDING dress!!! I would post pictures on here, but Joe checks this sometimes and I want him to be surprised. So, here's just a little peak. It's not like a dress I ever though I would wear. But, it's PERFECT for me. I LOVE it!!

KILLERS

If you don't know Val Summers, you're missing out. This sweet girl is one of the greatest friends ever! And she sure knows how to celebrate. For my birthday this year, she bought us tickets to the Killers concert in SLC. It was a BLAST!! They did an awesome show. . .fireworks and all. I

L-O-V-E the Killers! It was the perfect way to celebrate! Thanks Val!!

We are tired from all the dancing! :)

A Perfect Pair

Law School Musical

Some may think that lawyers, law professors, and law students never have any fun. Boy are they wrong. Just take a look at how these two law professors bring music and the law together.

Just to give you a little background, Professor Lee and Professor Fee (yup) are singing about two cases dealing with the right to loiter. In 1972 Papachristou v. Jacksonville came before the United States Supreme Court. Jacksonville had passed a law making it a criminal offense to loiter on city streets. What is loitering you ask? Well, walking around downtown after dark of course. Or, if you take a drive late, you're loitering. Oh, and if you were a man who was supported by his wife financially or if you were seen leaving a place that sold liquor, you're a loiterer. You were breaking the law. Basically, if a police officer thought you were up to no good, they could stop you and arrest you. There goes any social activity for persons ages 16 to 30.


The problem is that that statute opened the door for all kinds of discrimination. Men and women (predominately of African decent) were being arrested for merely driving late at night or for going on a nightly stroll.


The Supreme Court found the statue unconstitutional. It took away a persons basic right to travel. Also, the law was so vague that a reasonable person would not be able to tell when they were breaking the law. We can't have that no can we?


So what does this mean to you? You can move around freely without worrying that the cops will arrest you. So, go ahead and take a stroll on those sleepless nights. Go for a nightly drive with your honey. The Supreme Court's got your back.

DON’T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE
(Papachristou/Morales Version)
Musical Talent by John Fee, Lyrics by Tom Lee

Miss my vagabond ways
Juggling I adore
But-with no purpose apparent
Don’t get around much anymore

Play my horn at a club
Was strolling home until 4:00
Policeman said that’s “nightwalking”
Don’t get around much anymore

May it please the court I guess, my mind’s not at ease
I’ve no clue I confess, when the cops are displeased

I would go wand’ring all night
My lady won’t leave me poor
But if they know they’ll arrest me
Don’t get around much anymore

[Solo]

May it please the court I guess, my mind’s not at ease
I’ve no clue I confess, when the cops are displeased

Now my due process rights
Have just been squashed on the floor
So until Papachristou
Don’t get around much anymore

Link by Link

I came home the yesterday to a package from Joe had come for me. When I opened it, I found this:

The letter that came with it said that there were 100 links to this chain; one for every day until we are to get married. Also, on each link I would find a reason that Joe loves me.

Needless to say, I melted on the spot. How did I get so blessed with a man who is so sweet, and knows how to make me feel so loved? For me, it's the little, thoughful things like this that really mean so much. I couldn't have asked for a better gift! I promptly put the chain above my bedroom window so I could admire it every day.

It's been so fun to tear of a chain fo each day and feel so valued and loved.

Only 94 days left until I get to marry my best friend!

Happiness is . . .

. . . getting an "I Love You" text form Joe during my contracts law class.

. . . eating a Dreyers strawberry fruit popcicle bar. YUM!

. . . going for a Diet Coke/Cheese-it run with my law school girlies.

. . . finding out I got 100 on my first law school midterm!!! :)

. . . waking up to hear Joe's voice every morning when he calls. He's the BEST alarm clock!

. . . getting facebook messages from old friends.

. . . buying my WEDDING DRESS!!

. . . laughing till it hurts with the roomates.

. . . SIMPLY Orange orange juice!

. . . talking to my mother on the phone. She always makes me fell better.

. . . running into old friends on campus.

. . . Webcam dates with Joe.

. . . Sunday family conference calls. It's almost like being at home with everyone!

. . . Going on a sister date with Allie.

. . . BYU Football!

. . . breaking out the sweaters. I love sweater season!

. . . red high heel shoes.

. . . saving $25 bucks on my cell phone bill.

. . . when good friends ask me how I am doing.

. . . feeling God's love.

. . . knowing my Dad is only a phone call away.

. . . Autumn and the changing leaves!

. . . knowing that everything will be alright.

A first...

Today is my first law school exam. I've spent all week memorizing the principles of property law and land inheritance. We'll see how this goes!

Wish me luck!

How He Asked

It was July 23, 2009, the night before Joe and I would be leaving for a 10 hour roadtrip to Sacramento, California for a family reunion. It had been a LONG day at work and I still needed to do laundry and pack and get some sleep before we left at 8am the next morning. Joe told me he needed some help with packing, and although I thought that was wierd (I mean, he's a grown man for goodness sake), he made it seem like it was really important. So, he came and picked me up and we headed to his house. When I got there, he had already packed and I was so confused and to be honest, a little annoyed. I mean, didn't he know I was exhausted and still had so much to do to prepare for our trip?

After looking over his bags and seeing that he packed everything just fine, he led me into the bathroom. Needless to say, I was so confused.

"Honey, I have a suprise for you," was all he said as he led me into the bathroom. "WHAT?! You're going to propose in a bathroom?!" was what was going through my mind. But, to my suprise there was a gift for me on the sink. I had told him a week before that I had wanted some new shorts for our trip, so he had gone to Banana Republic and bought me some new shorts and a shirt to match. It was so sweet! He wanted me to try them on, but I was in no mood for it. I was tired and grumpy and, I mean, what if they didn't fit? (They did by the way).

So, after kissing him thank you I asked to be taken home. I was just so tired. We got in the car and as soon and he sat down, he stood right back up and said he had to go to the bathroom and would be right back. I thought that was a little odd, but wasn't about to argue. I waited in the car until he came and asked me to come inside agian and help him with one more packing detail. At this point I was too tired to protest.

Instead of leading me to the living room where all his things were, he led me down the hall to a spare bedroom. As he opened the door, I was stunned at the sight. Lighted candles lined a red carpet that led to the cutest table set with chocolate goodies and sparkling cider. There were flowers EVERYWHERE and the roomed smelled like a garden. He even had pictures of our dates on the walls. I was so shocked I just stood there, speechless. I had thought that the clothes he gave me were the only reason he had asked me over. I had no idea he would be proposing!


He led me by the hand and sat me down then got down on one knee and asked me if I would be his wife. Needless to say, I said yes and kissed him like crazy. We ate the chocolate and drank the cider and danced to our song that he had playing in the background. It was the sweetest moment.


I guess I am hard to suprise. Joe had hoped that while I was trying on the clothes he could go light the candles, but when I didn't play along, he had to scramble. Therefore, the bathroom excuse. I'm so grateful that he is persistant and never gives up!

Well, that's the story. I am so grateful for Joe and the love we have for each other and the many years together we have to look forward to!

Currently...

. . . I've been feeling a lot like this.

Today is the day...

. . . that I start LAW SCHOOL.

I've already spent all weekend doing homework and yes, I am SO excited!

The Ring

(I don't know why, but blogger keeps rotating this pic)

I PROMISE to write more about the proposal. But, for now, here is a glance at the BEAUTIFUL ring Joe bought me. I love it! But, I love him WAY more!!

The Big News

Joe asked me the big question...

*

*

...and I said YES, Of COURSE!!

*

*

We're Engaged!!

*

*

We are SO happy.

I love him so much and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with my very best friend!!

*

*

(Sorry for the mushyness, but I really can't help it.)

*

*

I know this is really late (he asked 2 weeks ago), but life has been so crazy and I have been out of town so it has been hard for me to get on the blog. No worries though, the proposal story and pictures to come shortly!

What I'm doing today :)

My Misty Grey Day

This last Saturday, Joe surprised me and took me to the beach for dinner. Isn't he sweet?! It was a typical Oregonian day at the beach--grey and misty. We loved it! He took me to Lincoln City to the yummiest restaurant.

Funny story. This restaurant is the happening place in Lincoln city, so of course their parking lot is too small. As we were going around waiting for someone to vacate a spot, we were stopped on a hill. As we were sitting there, I reached to the back seat to get my purse, accidentally hitting the stick and putting the car into neutral. We didn't notice however until a car came behind us and we had to move. Feeling flustered, I realized what I had done and pushed the stick to what I though was first gear. Joe has a manual transmission. I actually threw it into park right as he was pressing the gas. Needless so say, the engine revved and we skidded right out of the parking lot like a pack of hoodlums. Luckily we found a place to park not too far away. The walk gave us a few moments to recover from laughter.

Kyllo's is right on the beach and has big widows so you can see the ocean when you eat. This was the view from our table. It was beautiful, even with the parking lot!

We both got the salmon, which was SO GOOD. I was enjoying it too much to take a picture. But here is Joe enjoying his clam chowder.

I got a yummy hazelnut salad. Mmmm.

We then headed out to the beach and tested out the waters. It was COLD!!

Someone made this cute sea turtle. So creative!

Isn't it beautiful?! I love the mist.

Joe said he wanted to take a picture of us. Since it's usually just the two of us and I'm the one with the camera in hand, I usually take the shots. Here's his attempt. As you can see, his arms are WAY longer than mine. I could never take a picture from that high!

It was a lovely day at the beach. Thanks for the wonderful day!