eight things

Y'all where has this month gone!!!!! Next week is Thanksgiving. Life is flying by way too quickly.

I'm just going to post a little quick update on life....

First, thanks for all of the love about Sarge. He is 100% better and we will not be running 4.5 miles ever again. It was such a scare, but such a lesson- YALL DONT RUN  WITH YOUR DOGS!

Second, my cousin is getting married this weekend and I am so excited! I've been counting down since our wedding which was exactly 8 months from theirs on Saturday. I'll also be in my college town and I haven't been there in two years!

Third, this Beachbody challenge is the greatest thing I've ever done. I've already seen pretty awesome changes and I am trying to recruit as many friends as possible. I have about a week left and I can't wait to see how many inches I've lost. I will tell you I cheated on Saturday and measured myself and WHOA- its impressive. I also feel amazing- thats what it's all about!

Fourth, this past Friday was my 25th birthday. Tyler and I had a delicious dinner at a tapas restaurant and my work friends spoiled me! My parents came to visit and we had lunch at another place downtown we'd never been. And Saturday night friends of ours hosted an oyster roast in our HOA clubhouse and it was so much fun!! Courtney was so sweet and turned it into a birthday party for me!

Fifth, some exciting things are happen to this Law family and NO it has nothing to do with babies! Hopefully I can share it soon with you!

Sixth, speaking of BABIES, I am surrounded by pregnant people. Two coworkers are pregnant- I have a baby shower for one tonight who is due on Dec 12 and another coworker is due in April. ALL of my friends in my Bible Study from home either had babies this fall or are expecting and one of my old coworkers had a baby last week! College friends are starting to announce it and family friends, too! I'm surrounded. But here is the thing: I am not interested in babies. There is no such thing as baby fever in my mind and the thought of a child right now gives me a stomach ache! Just not ready. End of story.

Seventh, I am just really loving my fall TV shows: Revenge, Blacklist, Biggest Loser (new favorite show), Chicago Fire, SVU, and Greys. Thank goodness for DVR!

Eighth, I think thats it for now. I need to be more regular about posting but I honestly don't have time and its easier when Tyler is out of town for work like he has been this week!

taking a break

It just seems right to take a little blog break right now... There is a lot going on and sitting down at night writing just isn't in the card this week....

Until then, here's life:

• Friday night a high school friend was involved in a car accident where one girl was killed. That girl happened to be celebrating my brother's birthday with him on Thursday. It has been very hard on everyone. My friend Barry is still in the hospital and has a long way to go mentally and physically, so if you'd say a prayer for healing, I would really appreciate it. The Quattlebaums and Comers especially need the prayers.

• Work has really stepped up as I have gained responsibility this week. It's a good thing..... A great thing actually!! I like a challenge, but it just makes me more drained at the end of the day.

• I'm currently on mile 32 of 50 for my #50milesseptember. I hit halfway on Sunday. I can do this!

• My heart is also so heavy for the tragedy in DC and the flooding in Colorado. Why do bad things keep happening? Our world is just surrounded by terrible things lately! Luckily we are not in control!

• Tyler's dad is driving down from PA to our farm to hunt this weekend and I'm really looking forward to seeing him again! I also have a wedding shower and baby shower on Sunday.

• This commercial for Chipotle really upset me this week. I take farming/agriculture articles very seriously and I can honestly say Chipotle has lost my business. Here is a response to the video. Y'all farmers aren't out to "get" anyone and I promise you they care about the land and about their livestock.  This video makes it seem like they are only out to make money. Of course they want to make money but this is just a really unfair depiction of agriculture. If you ever have questions about farming or agriculture or organic or "natural" and my thoughts, please don't hesitate to ask. I love talking about it and learning more!

• Sarge had his yearly checkup and passed with flying colors except for fleas! Those pesky suckers are driving us crazy! Our neighborhood is covered with them and he attracts him on his walks. Thank goodness for Advantix and Capstar!

• Speaking of my neighborhood, we made the front page of the paper when we had 38 cars broken into on Monday... Joy! Luckily I park in the garage and Tyler is anal about locking his truck so we didn't lose anything but people are so disgusting and disappointing!

• My mom has been in Paris for a week and is headed to Belgium next week. Who is jealous!?! This girl.... But super happy this is her time to travel with her girlfriends!

• Next week begins season premiere week for my favorite shows!! Chicago Fire, SVU, Grey's Anatomy, Revenge... BRING.IT.ON!

• And I have another prayer request if you are the praying kind. It's unspoken, but I promise you God knows what is on my heart about this. It's pretty big in our lives right now and a hump in our almost 6 months of marriage... But that's what marriage is for! Love and support!

That's all for now.... I'll be back soon! We just need to get through the next couple of busy days and weeks, but you know where to find me on social media! Thanks for your love, friends!!

xoxo

giving.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a picture of groceries on my feed on Saturday.

Lately I've realized that I have been spending too much on myself. Not caring about others, not tithing, not giving as the way Jesus wants us to give. One particular person kept coming back to my mind over and over and it hit me: I really needed to do something for this family.

Miss Hyiat was at my house from the moment that my parents brought me home from the hospital almost 25 years ago. My mom stumbled upon her sister at our town post office when she was posted a "Wanted: Babysitter/Nanny" poster on the local bulletin board. She has been a member of our family ever since. She was at our house when we got home from school. She made us (albeit maybe disgusting) foods like eggs and ketchup (do y'all do that!?), but could make some darn good cornbread and french toast. My dad picked her up at 8 am every morning and my mom took her home at 6pm every evening when she got home from work. My mom worked so that we could have Miss Hyiat.

Growing up, I'm sure my brother and I took her for granted. We were one of the few kids who didn't go to daycare. She would come at us with a spoon (remember this was the 90s so this was totally OK) when we misbehaved, and she made us watch The Bible Network almost daily.

She is the best second mother I've ever had.

So.... back to my story.

Miss Hyiat (who is about 72) has a sister who is in her mid-90s. Perfectly healthy and one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever met. Not only do they live together, Miss Hyiat's daughter, granddaughter, and sometimes son live with her. She's never driven a car or gotten her driver's license and once we grew up, she worked for a few families here and there but not steadily.

Can you believe Miss Willie Mae is 94?!?

Like I said, she and her family had been weighing on my heart and I decided I really needed to do something for them. I've always given her family my hand-me-downs and toys, but as a young adult, I don't have much "stuff" to give them now. I decided the way to help them was to go grocery shopping for them and surprise their family.

Saturday I was at my parents and I called Miss Hyiat to make sure she'd be home. She said yes and asked if I was going by "the store" and if I could get her two liters of Sprite (she only drinks clear liquid -- silly lady) and I said of course! Then I threw in my, "well how do you normally get to the store?" question that I've been wondering for years but too afraid to ask. She said her niece would take them once a month or that someone at church would either drive them or pick up items for them, but their main source of food was from the local mobile food pantry that comes to town every other week.

That was a shot to my heart and I had reassurance that I was honestly doing the right thing. When I got to the grocery store, I filled my buggy with bananas, grapes, bread, peanut butter, cereal, milk, eggs, cheese, rice, oatmeal, hamburger helper, rice, and canned goods. I had tears in my eyes the entire time because I was so excited, but at the same time I was so afraid that she would be upset or ashamed. BUT I know Miss Hyiat, and I knew she would gracious accept my gift.

I pulled up to her house and walked inside, telling her I had a surprise and more than two liters of Sprite. Now, if you've ever heard and older black lady scream, you can totally resonate with the shrieks and screams and "Oh praise Jesus's!" As I pulled the groceries out of the car, they all (four of them) were screaming and ooh-ing and ahh-ing and Thank you Charlotte-ing. I've never seen anyone more gracious and humbled and thankful.

After she got over the shock (and I made her promise not to be mad at me so thankfully she wasn't mad), she squeezed me so tight that I could barely breath. I heard "thank you" I bet a hundred times and my heart fluttered. It was one of the best feelings I've ever had.

Now, I don't want anyone to think I'm telling this story to put myself on a pedestal at all. I just want you all to realize how AMAZING giving is. Groceries that we take for granted can mean the world to someone. I know that this family can eat "healthily" for the next few weeks. I have no idea when they've had fresh break, milk, or eggs! We just take those things for granted and spend, spend, spend on our "things."

As part of the church of Christ, we are called to tithe. But tithing isn't just about throwing a $20 in the basket at church. Tithing can be helping out others and aiding in their need. Jesus calls us to give. 

The Bible says:

Acts 20:35 

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Proverbs 22:9

"He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor."

Colossians 3:17

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

After I drafted this post, I came across this article from the Huffington Post on Twitter about giving: The Giving Habits of Americans May Surprise You.

I urge you to find a way to give back to your community. If you've done something recently- volunteered, mentored a child, taught Sunday School, played with the animals at the animal shelter, etc, let me know! I think it is great to share those things so that we can support each other and hold one another accountable. 

For it is in giving that we receive.

-Francis of Assisi

happy monday from the dog.

I was really excited about cranking out some blog posts tonight since I've been so MIA until......

I found out my dog ate my underwear.

Yes, you read that correctly. He ate it, digested it, and then it came out. Is this a nightmare?

Sorry if this is TMI, you can leave now and I promise it won't hurt my feelings.

It's been a little rough lately in this little life here (hence my absence), so I went to get a  mani/pedi after work because my doctor told me I needed to relax and have some "me time." Pedicure? Manicure? Doctor's orders?! Certainly, I will take full advantage of that!

Once I got home and got into the bedroom to change, I saw a "no no" on the office carpet which I JUST vacuumed yesterday. I walk up to clean it up and voila!  a pair of my lace undies.... 

What a pleasant surprise!

Sarge currently hates us because he is being starved after a trip to the vet last week for drinking too much salt water (yes, again). I guess the 1.5 cans of food per day just isn't doing it for him and he thought the laundry sounded appetizing. I could kill him.

I am so thankful it came out all in one piece (yes I know gross), because we could easily go through pancreatitis round two.

So friends, in addition to keeping your dog from drinking salt water, you should probably also keep your hanky pankys hidden.

And this week is off to a fabulousssss start.

what's your daily routine?

As I look ahead to Monday and my first day on my new job, I'm having to examine my daily routine. Since I left my old job on December 18, I haven't had a set routine. 

December 19, we drove back to South Carolina for Christmas. Then it was Christmas, engagement parties, Tyler went back to Illinois to (secretly) finish work, I flew back out to pack his house, he put in his two weeks, and we moved. Just like that. 

But I haven't had a routine. When I was living at my parent's house, I went to the YMCA every morning for workout classes. I haven't joined the YMCA here yet, because I was holding out and luckily my new company gives us a membership (HOORAY!). 

So you can see, I really haven't had a real routine. Just packing, unpacking, organizing, cleaning, cooking, running, all of that fun stuff.

I need your help. What is your daily routine?

Here is my old one:

6:30ish - wake up, shower, get ready, have breakfast 

8- go to work

Noon- lunch

1-5 work

5- come home

Dinner

Gym

TV shows

..... problem is, I don't know where and how to fit in the bottom three. They all incorporate spending time with Tyler, obviously.

Now my hours will be 8:30-5:30 with an hour lunch and I can finally come home for my lunch break! I am so pumped for that because I've always lived at least 20 minutes away from my job. Guess that will be my new time to blog!

Help me out!!! What does your day look like!?!?

In My Bible

I am going to be 100% honest and admit that I haven't opened up my Bible in a long time. I'm ashamed and embarrassed, but not too proud to admit. I've read scripture online or read my devotional, but I haven't pulled out my most important book.

We had pre-marital counseling last Sunday afternoon, so I of course grabbed my Bible to meet with our pastor (the pastor from my parents church, not the one who is marrying us... very confusing). After our session, I started thumbing through my Bible, realizing I had all of these "things" in my Bible. Since I was young, my mom kept all sorts of notes and verses and special things in her Bible and I copied her idea.

I thought it would be neat to open up about some of the things found in my "God's Game Plan: FCA" Bible that has much wear and tear, and will probably be retired when we get married.

Note from my MOH Rebecca from 2004.

Game from Camp Greystone 2009 where we went around the room and wrote nice things about one another.

Elementary --> Intermediate Sunday School certificate.

Ten Commandments... just case they are forgotten ;-)

Devotional given by my uncle on Mother's Day 2003 called "Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from my Mom." This is my favorite thing.

An old devotional on fear.

Card and note from Tyler on our first Valentine's Day.

Sweet note from Ty.

My piano/voice teacher's favorite verses. She passed away last year. She was so talented and taught me so much about life.

A pretty version of the fruits of the spirit.

Note from Rebecca from youth group days.

Bookmark from my high school teacher/mentor.

Note from my friend Emily while I was a counselor at Greystone.

Above bookmark.

Friendship bracelet from one of my campers.

My friend Wesley's sister Kelly's memorial bulletin.

Another note from a counselor at Greystone when I was struggling at camp.

Counselor devotional.

One of my favorites.

So there you have it. Some of the things found in my Bible. I am promising myself and making you keep me accountable for opening it up much, much, much more often than I have recently. Getting married and having a husband (this word is still so weird to me!!!!!) is going to truly challenge me and make me study the Word.

What is in your Bible? 

Happy Year 1 to Me!

I cannot believe it! I have officially been in Illinois for one year TODAY!

 

On November 1, 2011, my mom and I packed my car and set out on the 12.5 hour drive from South Carolina to Illinois to start my new life here! You can see that blog post here before I left, here when I got there, and here after a few days in!

 

What a year it has been...

 

Experienced my first road trip with Tyler from IL to PA for Thanksgiving.

 

Lost my white cat Lily.

 

Went to Kansas City and Chicago.

 

Traveled home for Christmas and my best friend's wedding.

 

Took a weekend trip to Chicago in the snow.

 

Traveled to Wisconsin Dells and Minneapolis for work and hit the jackpot at the Mall of America.

 

Finally made my apartment mine.

 

Flew to Atlanta for my friend Mary's wedding.

 

Ran my first 10k race and then started running 5ks.

 

Traveled to Iowa for Cinco de Mayo with friends.

 

Drove to Nashville for a sweet friend's wedding.

 

GOT ENGAGED in Charleston!

 

Lost our family dog Abby.

 

Traveled to Pennsylvania for Tyler's grandmother's funeral.

 

Went back to Nashville for my roommate's bachelorette party.

 

Ran my first Race for the Cure for breast cancer.

 

Flew to Rhode Island for Tyler's brother's wedding.

 

My roommate got married!

 

Took a quick weekend trip home.

 

Started wedding planning!

 

Holy cow. What a list of places, things, and travels.

 

That was an entire YEAR. Can't believe it!

 

Thank all of your for your love and support over this last year! So much has happened, and so much more is in the works! Can't wait to continue sharing my life with you as I document it on my blog. I'm so thankful for the friends I have made on this blog.

 

Happy Thursday!

 

 

Frustrated.

This may be the first post where I "let it all out there." It's my blog, my place, my creative outlet.

In no way am I looking for a pity party, attention, or even a response, but you know those days where you just need to vent but don't know who to go to?? Yes that would be me today and my blog is the place to go.

Lately I've been really stressed. Overwhelmed. A little homesick.

Work, wedding planning 12 hours away, being so far away from my family and friends, and trying to figure out what the future holds. I'm terrible at secrets, hiding my feelings, and acting like nothing is bothering me. I've been exhausted lately. Taking iron supplements to try to give me some extra energy, drinking more Diet Cokes than normal, and taking an extended vacation from my gym routine.

I think it's just a phase. The weather is changing, work is getting more frustrating, and being this far away from everyone is starting to make me feel more and more left out.

Can't say that Wofford Homecoming in the middle of this yuckiness helped any! Unfortunately, it just wasn't smart for me to take off one more day of work and buy one more plane ticket to go for the weekend. As much as I wanted to, I put it off and missed my chance of going. Luckily,Tyler tried to keep me busy all weekend, and bless his heart he had to deal with my sadness and whining that all of my friends were together! He understands that it is hard to be away. Thank goodness!

He really has stuck through this year with me... I can't believe Thursday marks Year #1 of my time in Illinois. I truly can't believe I made it! More on that later this week :)

So with all of this said, I'm going to apologize in advance for being a grump. I'll try to keep some happy things posted, but sometimes your thoughts and feelings just kind of take over the normal Charlotte!

Thanks for following along if you are still reading this. I truly appreciate all of you who read my blog! Again, I think its the cold weather, and the realization that being an adult isn't always fun. I'm making myself go to the gym tonight to get some energy, and hopefully will start to perk up.

And, I must end this post with the funniest story ever. This WILL make you laugh.

Thursday night Tyler was cooking dinner at my apartment.. Sarge was there and was acting a fool as usual. I heard some water running and at first I thought it was Tyler running the faucet, but then quickly realized Sarge was tinkling ALL over the linoleum floor and carpet! I screamed, "HE'S PEEING!!!!" And as Tyler reached out to grab him and spank him, Ty stepped in the pee, slipped, and busted his tail on the ground... Into the pee. I was absolutely dying. It was probably the funniest thing I have ever seen. Tears were rolling out of my eyes! I couldn't contain myself!! After Sarge was thrown outside to finish relieving himself, Ty came back in and we both fell on the floor laughing! Oh Sarge, always making us laugh!

Thank heavens for animals. Actually, thank heavens for Sarge (and Tyler!)... Love that little guy!

Ok, thats all for now! Promise tomorrow's post will be happier!!