My husband is a lawyer.

Once upon a time,
3 1/2 years ago,

We caravanned on a 3 day trip with Aaron's parents and a big Uhaul with all of our stuff from Provo, Utah to Houston, Texas for his Law schooling.

I was a young little thing.
20 years old to be exact.
Little me had never lived outside of Utah. 
( my family lived in Europe for a couple years when I was 6 but I can hardly remember so that doesn't count HA )

The "unknown" of this big move scared me to death.

Leaving my family, friends, and everything I knew was so terrifying.

I remember those first few months feeling so alone.

Aaron had a lot on his plate with school and work so he was gone quite a bit.
Plus we live about 45 minutes outside of Houston so he commuted about 2 hours a day ( with traffic ) to school and back making the days that much longer.

So there I was, all by myself every day just trying to find my way around town.
We live in a forest - But really though. Literally a forest.
There are huge trees everywhere, it's completely flat, and every street looks the same as the next.
It's beautiful but SO hard to know where you are.
For the first 6 months I got lost almost every single day.
( did not have an I-phone yet HA )

I still remember the first day I found the mall ALL on my own and called Aaron in tears, I was so proud of myself!

During his first few months of his school,
I prayed and prayed to find friends and to meet new people.
And by surprise, I got pregnant with Ryan.

He is my angel baby.

A complete answer to my prayers.


Next to my husband, Ryan is the best thing that ever happened to me.
 I know for a fact he was sent to me at that time, for that specific reason.
He sent me a mini clone of my husband.

Ryan got me through every late night and became my best little buddy.

Aaron balanced being a husband, 
a dad, 
going to class, 
pounding 4+ hours of homework a day,
AND working 
and somehow did it all.



 Ryan and I lived for every spare minute we got with him.
We cherished every second.

We celebrated every test, every semester end, and every year end to the absolute fullest.


I remember not being able to imagine what it would feel like to be completely DONE with school.
I can tell you - it doesn't feel real!
I am still waiting for someone to pour water on my face and wake me up from a dream.


Looking back on the last 3 years I can see how much I have grown,
how much we have grown together,
and how much it has strengthened all aspects of life.

It's been a complete blessing and I'm so grateful for the whole experience.



Aaron was sworn in by the Texas Supreme Court of Justice last weekend.


He is finally an official Attorney,
and Fulfilled his dream he has had since he was young.

 I am so proud of him.
He is the hardest worker I know and deserves every bit of credit for this day.


Thanks for all the memories Law School!
For the experiences had, the friends made, and proving that "hard things" are possible,
you blessed our life for the better.

Karina Marie Powell

12 comments:

  1. It sounds beautiful where you live!! But definitely an adjustment! You all really have grown so much! I'm so just so proud, happy and excited for you guys! What a perfect end to a rigorous chapter of your lives! You deserve all the best!!

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  2. What a journey and so amazing how looking back, we can see how everything happens at the right time and for a reason! Such a beautiful family my friend, and well done Aaron - what a huge achievement!

    P.S. Girl, I am green with envy of your beautiful, tanned skin x

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  3. That's so exciting!!! I know it was hard but it was worth it. :)'

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  4. Huge congrats to Aaron and your sweet family! You have so much to be proud of and SO much to be thankful for this season! :)

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  5. CONGRATS!! What an amazing accomplishment!

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  6. Congrats to your family! Your son is adorable :)

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  7. Congratulations to your little family. All things worth having never come easy (:

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  8. Such an exciting time for you guys! And I'm sure you're stronger for it!

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  9. That is so amazing! Congratulations to your little family:) What a wonderful accomplishment!

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  10. CONGRATS GIRL! I so know what it means to celebrate every little thing :) OH and I would have TOTALLY been your friend ;) Wish we lived closer!

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  11. My husband and I are both going to graduate from law school next year, can't wait to be where your husband is at right now! Congratulations!

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  12. this is so sweet! i love the part about ryan being sent to you--gave me chills! what an answer to prayer! it must be such an amazing feeling to be completely done! big things ahead of you! xoxo

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