tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80181225971363454042024-03-21T09:23:13.343-04:00 ** TWO LOUs**Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-24983563811212606242017-01-24T23:54:00.000-05:002017-01-24T23:54:00.063-05:00Servant's HeartI've been fighting a fever and body aches for a few days now. Not something that makes caring for a two year old easy or convenient. This morning I sat in the rocking chair and told Tad we would take it easy, that I wasn't feeling well.<br />
<br />
"Okay mom, we just play some puzzles."<br />
<br />
He left the room and returned with blanket that he placed over my legs and then left again. Half way down the hall he turned around.<br />
<br />
" I can have some 'nola bar, mom? You want one too?"<br />
<br />
We spent the next hour in the chair reading while he patted my arm.<br />
<br />
This age is just the beginning of seeing their hearts, their gifts and go to reactions to certain situations. It's becoming clear that Taddy has a servant heart like his dad. He quickly checks on Loulie when she is upset and offers band aids like candy. It doesn't matter what the tears are over, tad is there administering a Star Wars band aid.<br />
<br />
I thought of my future daughter in law again today and that I hope this servant heart is something she recognizes and appreciates. I pray Tad finds someone one day that he loves deeply enough to care for in sickness and health. I hope when he goes off to school that he will continue to care for others, notice their pain and offer encouragement. I hope that this servanthood is something that God will continue to grow in this little guy. He made me feel better!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JQOvlxsaDxgzrQftKsxkKy1KBbiSCYBY4THw3D2XRbrNaVCpghXsPy8gbhju1WXOmVWj05rZDKUD4nLdVngMl1F84JTI2fZGaUgtwrO5Vubz2sF7BAqMynfRM-DKdpL6fOS9RXIckZw/s1600/IMG_7364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JQOvlxsaDxgzrQftKsxkKy1KBbiSCYBY4THw3D2XRbrNaVCpghXsPy8gbhju1WXOmVWj05rZDKUD4nLdVngMl1F84JTI2fZGaUgtwrO5Vubz2sF7BAqMynfRM-DKdpL6fOS9RXIckZw/s400/IMG_7364.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-76085497511360543442017-01-24T23:15:00.000-05:002017-01-24T23:24:20.683-05:00Who are we asking to witness?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394VoF_WJD0jypI4-ONEYyuhnph9iH4GAO87VDjpWD_8GnI2xhqwmPwjnmL3CjucGdvdOylkHLF2E7ET_BoBd_Ym5EWn_dlU6CWG50jlz0rzbl1WGTt_Gtxyfu2KoDMrs97yyGljt2v8/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394VoF_WJD0jypI4-ONEYyuhnph9iH4GAO87VDjpWD_8GnI2xhqwmPwjnmL3CjucGdvdOylkHLF2E7ET_BoBd_Ym5EWn_dlU6CWG50jlz0rzbl1WGTt_Gtxyfu2KoDMrs97yyGljt2v8/s400/IMG_7279.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
There are things I have lost in the years since social media made its way into everyone's lives...presence, margin,white space, time...shall I go on? I log on to be inspired but rather than being spurred on to some creative process, I find myself just deadened by all the white noise and overstimulation. What was at first entertaining has now become loathsome and detrimental. How many "obsessions" do I have to read about before a blogger becomes content with what they have and uses their platform to promote a lifestyle of gratitude? Granted I have no time to shop so I appreciate the links for cute sweaters but multiple links a day, everything just being "to die for"--it has all become too much. And then the political posts--everyone thought they would die down after the primaries, then the elections. If you don't believe in the sinful nature of (wo)man, you will after witnessing people tear each other apart on a post about whether or not an elected official's child has a disability, all with the protection of a computer screen and keyboard. No opinion is valued, no experience sacred. It has my brain churning on where I stand on all of this. Do I share my thoughts in hopes that someone might see some light or feel validated or reach out as a friend? Probably not--my skin is not thick enough for the barrage of people waiting to tell me all the reasons I am wrong; to believe in life or Christ or family or public school or climate change. And then if I take the stance of not getting involved, am I chickening out? Am I not engaging? What news coverage will I miss? What breaking news? What knowledge will I not gain by logging off? The internet has also given me so much.<br />
<br />
I've been convicted since the start of the new year to withdraw and set boundaries within social media. I love the articles and education I get through plugging in online but mostly it creates anxiety and a desire to draw inward. I find myself engaging less and less with friends that post frequently. I think if we had a talk about religion over coffee, it would be a loving exchange where an all caps post on "why evangelicals are ignorant" seems to be a sign in their yard telling me I am no longer a part of their friend group, online or otherwise. It is a strange new world and yet there is nothing new under the sun. But I know that I am tired of knowing people based on what they share online. I want hugs and coffee dates and real life exchanges. I want kids running around the backyard with sweaty drink glasses in hand discussing meal planning, new shoes and heartaches of the last week. I want to be a witness to my friends' lives in real time. I want to know what their children are up to because they tell me. I don't want the highlight reel, I want my front steps to be a place where stories are told and lives are laid bare.<br />
<br />
I've thought about why I post pictures to IG or Facebook--it is all about creating an image or selling something or sharing knowledge. When I find myself thinking about something to post or crossing boundaries in time spent on social media, I have come to realize it stems from the desire for someone to witness my life. I think we must all have that desire. That it must be innate. We post so that others will see us--what we are doing, what we are about. Validation. I think we must have this desire because there is a witness to our lives. We have this innate desire to be seen because Christ created us as His own. He does see us--He created us for relationship with hHim. He loves us and wants to share in our struggles and pain and joys. I think of the mirror image of Christ's relationship with the church, marriage and how the greatest part of marriage and friendship is that you bear witness to each other's lives. You are not doing it alone. I love when Bert and bring up something from our children's babyhood that only we know and laugh about. We were there--we did it together. I find comfort knowing that one day our family will have secrets and memories akin to our time together. We are in relationship and bear witness to each other's lives. I want to challenge myself in the coming weeks to find rest and pleasure in being a creation of God--that His witness is all I need. I don't want to cultivate situations or pictures or videos in the hope that my followers will think of me a certain way. Because they are all looking through their own lens. What I say and do will look different to them no matter how I try to present it. I would like to set some boundaries and find validation in my everyday existence--as a child of God, not in the next comment or picture posted.<br />
<br />
Not a single person reads here and I do still want to document my children's lives in a space that can't be deleted, lost or crashed--learned that one the hard way. I am hoping to create some space for creativity, for worship, for presence. I hope I can come here to write and share without the criticism of other social media. Without having to see the tearing apart of communities and friends and political parties. I don't want to go viral or share. I am hoping to log off more often and shed the desire to share moments with the world but more with those close enough to see the moments in real time.<br />
<br />
But I will keep this as a memory keeper. Sadly the kids' quote books are pretty slim but I hope I can share a few thoughts about their day a couple times a week. Because the present is too good and should be documented to preserve the memory of its witnesses.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-24382210921220488662016-01-03T23:39:00.003-05:002016-01-03T23:39:56.532-05:00That same old feeling<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another holiday season has come and gone. A month of my birthday and a trip to NY and Christmas and New Year and school performances and gift buying and cookie making. It came and it went. Now a blur. It's the eve before the actual new year starts for us, the REAL start of schedules and school and work. Bert went to bed early because yea...let's get a good start to the new year. But there lies the difference between mothers and fathers. He is sawing logs and I am pacing the house. Anxious. I have both the dishwasher and the washing machine going simultaneoulsy. I have paced the house collecting shoes and sorting coats and setting out water bottles and lunch bags. Another semester starts tomorrow at our new school location no less. And I am excited for what the year will bring but as usual it comes with sadness. I love it when everyone is home all day and we are on a schedule of our own making. I like the coziness of Christmas break and family gathering and friends getting together and eating too much and singing silly songs. The passing of the holiday means the passing of time and I will never again have a 6 year old and 17 month old at Christmas again. I'll admit, I have some regret. I was a little more about errands and logistics this year than I wanted to be. And I yelled. I have never been a mama that yelled, really--never. But the 5 year stretch isn't enough to keep little hands from touching and antagonizing and I found myself having to raise my voice more than I liked. I hate that. </span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But as I type this, I already feel something that sounds like forgiveness. With fun there has to be discipline, it's part of my job as a parent. And I read some really wonderful things today about keeping the magic of the holidays and vacation alive in the everyday. I'm anxious tonight not because I think that the Lord doesn't have everything under His control because I know he does. I'm nervous because it's my job as a mom--to be intentional about sending my baby out into the world again tomorrow. To know we can't keep sleeping in and eating cookies for breakfast and staying up watching movies. It's disheartening and sad for something to end when it was good. And I guess that isn't regret but instead accomplishment--we did it, we had a wonderful holiday. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">January has started and I have decided I love January. I used to dread it as a let down after so much fun. But with the busy schedules of this season of life, I love how slow it is. It is usually a month of catching up...on rest, on reading, on family time. The first week of January holds a lot of sad memories for me but happy ones too.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tomorrow morning I will (hopefully) get up early. Crack open the first few pages of our devotional--a fresh start. And then walk Loulie to her new school. Prayers for all the mamas that will be back at it tomorrow with expectations and goals. Ideas of what they want their year to looks like. I have picked three words that I hope will set the tone for our 2016...adventure (even in the mundane), presence, and margin. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As this old feeling creeps in, I am reminded of how thankful I am that I already long for the goodness of my present life and the blessing I have been given. </span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-16221654718705921722015-05-29T08:57:00.000-04:002015-05-29T08:58:07.402-04:00Little Stinker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2jiUp8GGW7kvWNhTNFh0kLGfjR3iF1wtNziAFTvGJazbXgoR-ZChHoYuM3S3P6GGCLXA_79w14Rino7qGYzDveJ9PoD-Ws1hcWofbGpMKU696QM93h8RevdGW13sdOQSpo7Vn6aP74M/s1600/IMG_8911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2jiUp8GGW7kvWNhTNFh0kLGfjR3iF1wtNziAFTvGJazbXgoR-ZChHoYuM3S3P6GGCLXA_79w14Rino7qGYzDveJ9PoD-Ws1hcWofbGpMKU696QM93h8RevdGW13sdOQSpo7Vn6aP74M/s640/IMG_8911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">TaddyCakes Dasher:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10 months old, just shy of 20lbs, can't walk, can't hold a cup, has never had a bottle</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and yet......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he can open the storm door to let Bridget in and somehow let himself out. I looked over and there he is outside with this look on his face.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In addition to this adventure, he got his head stuck in the door today, climbed on top of the stepstool and couldn't figure out how to get down and unshelved an entire row at the library. This guy is a live wire....</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-48292419962365497502015-01-31T23:38:00.000-05:002015-02-01T00:18:27.350-05:00Loulie-isms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABEoggZF_wcGQYhFAYSMRqejkHmP23tRT3MeubB1P17inUd6LRcakSDaQufTDdmS6_eOf6clIKYzcnRcfAxFOC7xywdxVf_dwQZ7Jlo2FfLUUC9w71vdvEjXYOT_2ILV-4ugd9rKeVFY/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABEoggZF_wcGQYhFAYSMRqejkHmP23tRT3MeubB1P17inUd6LRcakSDaQufTDdmS6_eOf6clIKYzcnRcfAxFOC7xywdxVf_dwQZ7Jlo2FfLUUC9w71vdvEjXYOT_2ILV-4ugd9rKeVFY/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just when I think that age 5 has taken a turn for the serious....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I came downstairs ready for church. Really just showered and dressed for apparently the first time in a while...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Mama, you look so beautiful!"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Thank you, Loulie"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I've never seen you look like this before. Really! You look like the girl from Annie."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Ms. Hannigan?!"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"No, Daddy Warbuck's girlfriend. You look as pretty as Daddy Warbuck's girlfriend."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Friday night I walked into the den..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Whatcha doing Loulie?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Drinking kombucha and reading non-fiction."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie asked to please watch our wedding video. While we were waiting for it to load...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Is this movie going to be in color or black and white?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After watching the wedding video and asking if she can have my wedding dress...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I'd like a cape too. Can I get a cape like yours to wear over my bun?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(she meant a veil)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reading Loulie a book that quoted MLK...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jumps up "I know that human.I know that human. He was a peaceful human and he had a dream. Martin Luffer King Junior!"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She also knows most of the words to "Uptown Funk." Let's hope she doesn't share at school beyond "uptown funk, i'm gonna give it to ya"</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-47530593357364526562014-08-07T08:43:00.000-04:002014-10-02T08:45:04.510-04:00Things I am loving...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Date night! Hallelujah! Never was I able to take colicky Loulie out at this age but Tad slept through the whole movie...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYY_mwHdtvFfDSGBguXg39x-ewemRwI5eu_Lia4PT6z0GqSDpa7bnQ8PDqIq0va7wQrseN-QjsgqsJEA0iPH39WdEzVpgTQ8kZPdLcJ0JdzopbuB5XesjKgC1DjCxBVhZy0Ra_rGeOjE/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYY_mwHdtvFfDSGBguXg39x-ewemRwI5eu_Lia4PT6z0GqSDpa7bnQ8PDqIq0va7wQrseN-QjsgqsJEA0iPH39WdEzVpgTQ8kZPdLcJ0JdzopbuB5XesjKgC1DjCxBVhZy0Ra_rGeOjE/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Begin Again--excellent movie and even better soundtrack. Loulie and I have been dancing to it All week...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uTRCxOE7Xzc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tad's alfalfa sprout...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBNx-cL_L4n3cRc-I0fJgnU6dd6uE0I_g14zmvex5UFpmdMcVwp0J2rH-sYfnM74gFgLnBKZ64psTQ9ITpFSL3Eo_Sr_VbC5XrhIRgo2rbBG-bImMbozh8kLz32xG6oHbK8OZzhLn7mM/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBNx-cL_L4n3cRc-I0fJgnU6dd6uE0I_g14zmvex5UFpmdMcVwp0J2rH-sYfnM74gFgLnBKZ64psTQ9ITpFSL3Eo_Sr_VbC5XrhIRgo2rbBG-bImMbozh8kLz32xG6oHbK8OZzhLn7mM/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie's VBS performance Sunday night...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8BoZTBvzbpqLFaVNV2Xod3W0FXmdkiV1WmiC5MD40hTntDXxRrvxWUO3JJZyoLcHq8cV4XAuPsStYDT9qIWcq9h9K-aBXfIn2gFFls_rxgpLR_5cg16JgiTlMt-5AHbQ5CJFYWrzOlI/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8BoZTBvzbpqLFaVNV2Xod3W0FXmdkiV1WmiC5MD40hTntDXxRrvxWUO3JJZyoLcHq8cV4XAuPsStYDT9qIWcq9h9K-aBXfIn2gFFls_rxgpLR_5cg16JgiTlMt-5AHbQ5CJFYWrzOlI/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" height="450" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How much Loulie relishes being a big sister...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-lGmh_U3OeHrH0uiR7AjtHDR7yJUdJOjSEKaFZpDK2H-z62OGATc0nAYr0l2BwP8tJ-tgd5EUYYS5eEnf71SchnZEBl23ksyfF_vyH2RUMdOIYn3W4BOYAPpXkI16SbkkiIe37Z0W0k/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-lGmh_U3OeHrH0uiR7AjtHDR7yJUdJOjSEKaFZpDK2H-z62OGATc0nAYr0l2BwP8tJ-tgd5EUYYS5eEnf71SchnZEBl23ksyfF_vyH2RUMdOIYn3W4BOYAPpXkI16SbkkiIe37Z0W0k/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She can't keep her hands off him (I can't either for that matter). And the other day she said (in her gush voice) "It's impossible not to hug him, he's just so sugary."</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbiL8cwszMUVMyFgsREUSAzU7ffSZtMj_7HhRReGG6GLUQn1QwTOcpZ329oRuKSO3s777-6LxVD42walCZIiFM7HS67SbFNFoPo_CXFr86JJoF_-JxUiUpDQLSlHHfr1LUJUL3fD4_DQ/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbiL8cwszMUVMyFgsREUSAzU7ffSZtMj_7HhRReGG6GLUQn1QwTOcpZ329oRuKSO3s777-6LxVD42walCZIiFM7HS67SbFNFoPo_CXFr86JJoF_-JxUiUpDQLSlHHfr1LUJUL3fD4_DQ/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Babies who sleep...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r6Vtc9uyo4tWxTznxmVds1SDAxnkHil2nJs2ILrhaKj4QBVzy2fpkG2uQkjNr1DsZtD36AcYClibUNqH5_Dmtzypwx-gspjqA2nTW-MP9cPrtwjCBFI8UwkA5gzjmkhwFPhUmSB0LEQ/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r6Vtc9uyo4tWxTznxmVds1SDAxnkHil2nJs2ILrhaKj4QBVzy2fpkG2uQkjNr1DsZtD36AcYClibUNqH5_Dmtzypwx-gspjqA2nTW-MP9cPrtwjCBFI8UwkA5gzjmkhwFPhUmSB0LEQ/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Family nap time...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYCLaXTY6iB-DRg79D0FOcerd8U-wa_fqA0xFnT6suQV1SyQbc8LAEIGDKpjUrF8EgtegDDyV0JNiGzth4sQQe-68ZPiV4EqGgOZ5SNKR5uNfp9opx1mXzDimNa9v8PIGYF7iQwf-tP8/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYCLaXTY6iB-DRg79D0FOcerd8U-wa_fqA0xFnT6suQV1SyQbc8LAEIGDKpjUrF8EgtegDDyV0JNiGzth4sQQe-68ZPiV4EqGgOZ5SNKR5uNfp9opx1mXzDimNa9v8PIGYF7iQwf-tP8/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-50656835954207203242014-08-01T15:11:00.001-04:002014-08-03T12:19:30.881-04:00My biggest problem...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I basically do this to Loulie at least once a month and poor Tad suffered the same scene at about 5am this morning...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vlKzyKlnxxI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-64959915101531985382014-07-29T05:30:00.000-04:002014-08-01T09:13:15.229-04:00Tad--One Week<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTbQvz7aEWOVy_99MbHbYSrbuq3X4cE4fpwc6HImuohVipulluYhwUVRW1ORw1ztO3HKmuJ5x2fTpW2y-SLwm6ffj31WF_wJ6E6txZdBp59-DY9EjSC3ujUsssz_CPzBY4kij3n15ObQ/s1600/IMG_6420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTbQvz7aEWOVy_99MbHbYSrbuq3X4cE4fpwc6HImuohVipulluYhwUVRW1ORw1ztO3HKmuJ5x2fTpW2y-SLwm6ffj31WF_wJ6E6txZdBp59-DY9EjSC3ujUsssz_CPzBY4kij3n15ObQ/s1600/IMG_6420.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm lying in bed rocking back and forth with sweet Tad pressed in close. I wish I could go back to sleep but I've found that staring at him is actually much more fulfilling. Besides, the advice "sleep when the baby sleeps" seems a little insane; like I have a switch that I can flip to immediately hit a deep REM cycle. And after being woken up 3 times in 6 hrs, my body has decided it's a new day. So here I sit in the morning twilight contemplating how I can smell like old milk and vomit while Taddycakes still maintains that sweet new baby smell. And though there is no sleep switch, there is a maternal switch that I believe the Holy Spirit controls. Because how did I go for years thinking more children would be a bad idea and now I hold the most perfect little blessing? It is God's timing and His will because I would have never gotten here on my own.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I told a friend today that all the things I worried about or didn't want to give up in having another baby seem so insignificant and ridiculous now. Once you are on baby time, life just seems to flow and you forget what it used to be like until you are there again--sleeping through the night, wearing old clothes, going out with your husband again. But until then, I am relishing this newborn stage even more so than I did with Loulie. I can't believe I already love him this much!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So here is a rundown on Tad's first week in the world...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCm46qHVgOCLeHXYkG6P4FTleheJW2Ztk1CYUEHSKp9OhiTl1oKbY3SE15B0y4xXmO2Zaj7d0H2tG4szeANNw2ADLsl7NBJTcAVpZnRF6r1BGJzXZ3HcO8BmuBtrJmM3tG0C8j8HwbiU/s1600/IMG_6392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCm46qHVgOCLeHXYkG6P4FTleheJW2Ztk1CYUEHSKp9OhiTl1oKbY3SE15B0y4xXmO2Zaj7d0H2tG4szeANNw2ADLsl7NBJTcAVpZnRF6r1BGJzXZ3HcO8BmuBtrJmM3tG0C8j8HwbiU/s1600/IMG_6392.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRKneO6shgSjMrjQK2CAcwKNvnbB4oaxBNDhOau4GT6_yK9U0dZdsg4UhHHnkfQFdB8cn_j3tTziHcVXuyxS6IqBrI9DWbbOTOO9N5mkz1DpFNYOMGDFCrCOgm7p19M-p2lzDNUm_DI8/s1600/IMG_6441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRKneO6shgSjMrjQK2CAcwKNvnbB4oaxBNDhOau4GT6_yK9U0dZdsg4UhHHnkfQFdB8cn_j3tTziHcVXuyxS6IqBrI9DWbbOTOO9N5mkz1DpFNYOMGDFCrCOgm7p19M-p2lzDNUm_DI8/s1600/IMG_6441.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>on Tad</b>: He's an angel! Basically, the antithesis of his sister, he sleeps all the time. When he is not sleeping, he's eating. The only thing I kind of hope for is some awake time where he is not crying and hunting for a boob. He lost 9 oz in his first week and then gained one back, making him 7lbs 2oz at one week. He doesn't really like quick movement (swing, vibrating chair, dancing) but just likes to be cuddled close to his mother. We've stuck pretty close to the house but Loulie and I did take him out to the beach for a quick stroll Friday evening. It was breezy and glorious and I look forward to a 1000 more beach walks with them. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6r-X5u_OF9BpK3-rJsBhLvG1HkgmpenlgSTnigfxB1ixR_ZFSlYAW3yLf192Qmmr60rONYQLYskW8OhMBJYfpYPyygJv6Nn4rtcylITXyqum-l9tp7E01arhBPRVPCpE73sWvxOPyBw/s1600/IMG_6386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6r-X5u_OF9BpK3-rJsBhLvG1HkgmpenlgSTnigfxB1ixR_ZFSlYAW3yLf192Qmmr60rONYQLYskW8OhMBJYfpYPyygJv6Nn4rtcylITXyqum-l9tp7E01arhBPRVPCpE73sWvxOPyBw/s1600/IMG_6386.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o8rrpUlpO3pB5qdOo_DYnADw81ueh7cBJYoQglloSjloU-oXULERywN9vdCg6uOsja11UoqMrnpQUpvsW9_UilDT5oBvbmWdxRY6XL2XjiDkKYiRZfp72JNc8NjDpyja4GgaU-fIemI/s1600/IMG_6411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o8rrpUlpO3pB5qdOo_DYnADw81ueh7cBJYoQglloSjloU-oXULERywN9vdCg6uOsja11UoqMrnpQUpvsW9_UilDT5oBvbmWdxRY6XL2XjiDkKYiRZfp72JNc8NjDpyja4GgaU-fIemI/s1600/IMG_6411.jpg" height="640" width="465" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeBbJSicXspGYg2RCB_O5-K2rnHY0wqwfaPy0f7V3gtfCsfXpDTwfzlONrXi6cGCAFGEZ9g-a5ZjrIiHW_r1DdQ9j2d5BPYaGjuu74dBk7sVh8pOmGHDs09aRYGfN9MLuZ4fXvlc730A/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeBbJSicXspGYg2RCB_O5-K2rnHY0wqwfaPy0f7V3gtfCsfXpDTwfzlONrXi6cGCAFGEZ9g-a5ZjrIiHW_r1DdQ9j2d5BPYaGjuu74dBk7sVh8pOmGHDs09aRYGfN9MLuZ4fXvlc730A/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>on Loulie:</b> She is such a help and revels in finally being a Big Sister! She had a few moments after he was born of wanting to stick close and being kind of snippy to other caregivers. I think her occasional sassiness has more to do with almost turning 5 than with having a new brother. She initially didn't want to come to the hospital afraid of what I would look like and how they got the baby out. But once she discovered I have a lap again, she was okay. S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he's now just obsessed with breastfeeding and mimics me all day. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>on Me:</b> I cannot believe that just one short week ago, I was miserably pregnant. While I do see pregnant women now and envy them seeing their baby for the first time, I miss NOTHING about being pregnant. It did take a few days for my rib to stop hurting and of course I am still healing but I feel great! It was beautiful outside yesterday so we took an hour walk. Nursing around the clock still hurts but less this go round and I basically inhale food when I get a chance. But I feel almost back to my old self.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE13ISFuqVKvbkQjLSaFw45SCJzQpi3ZiHUcLpIeBfLHHVO5oNMCXCB7ZexZP_KOXiwUiO27sjJGRwvpA6_wi0Wwfmi6DoU1-wI98_-04ydBqaKB1rJpYL3RH6c3eOolqVF8FJDNDzW4/s1600/IMG_6422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE13ISFuqVKvbkQjLSaFw45SCJzQpi3ZiHUcLpIeBfLHHVO5oNMCXCB7ZexZP_KOXiwUiO27sjJGRwvpA6_wi0Wwfmi6DoU1-wI98_-04ydBqaKB1rJpYL3RH6c3eOolqVF8FJDNDzW4/s1600/IMG_6422.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>on Friends:</b> We have been so incredibly overwhelmed at the kindness of friends. My whole pregnancy, I was just showered with friends giving maternity clothes and hand me downs and praying for me and the baby. That has not stopped--friends have come to visit and brought meals and offered to take Loulie. It makes me want to be more intentional about helping friends. I used to not really understand the whole bring a meal thing--I mean why not just order take out, etc. But it really is the BEST gift when you are nursing a newborn on no sleep is to have friendly faces bring you a warm meal. Since I am not a very creative cook, I have on my to do list to master two meals to take to friends.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>on Having Two:</b> Everything people have said about having two children is a total lie! I will never know if it is having a boy or knowing this is my last baby, but I have already taken at least 1500 pictures. I refuse to put him down. Bert jokes that he has held him a cumulative of 2hrs. I spend a good majority of my day and night just looking at him. It doesn't really aggravate me when he cries. And I am about 1000 times more neurotic and protective. I was protective of Loulie but also didn't know better with her. I basically went along with my life as best I could, carting her everywhere. I have stayed much closer to home this time knowing that this is just a small window. I'm actually enjoying being at home and not having much expected of me. It's nice being in the bubble. I also don't have the hormone surge I was so scared of (knock on wood)--I'm really blissfully happy rather than sad or overwhelmed--I truly think this is God's protection. August us always a rough month for me so I am praying that this will continue.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hope I can continue to update and stay on top of pictures, etc. Advantage of the second born--live and learn.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bubbles, Tad, TaddlePup, TaddyCakes--I love you so much my heart might burst. Don't grow too fast on me (just enough to sleep through the night ;) )</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-46077665914260156332014-06-04T06:30:00.000-04:002014-06-04T06:30:13.999-04:00Happy Birthday!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I haven't blogged much (well any) this year because it's been an unusual one but I couldn't let Bert's birthday go by without putting something "in the books" about his 43rd year. Mainly because it becomes more and more apparent every day what an amazing man I married.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He's selfless and hard working, loyal and kind, loving and never begrudged. He puts his family first always and never hesitates to meet our immediate needs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I could say a lot about Bert but there are 3 stories from this past year that I think speak volumes to the kind of man, father, husband and lover of Jesus that he is. Three stories that I think set him apart and make me so thankful that he is ours.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first started early last fall. With Loulie in school every day this year, I thought I would have the time to take a women's class at church that I have been interested in for two years now. After signing up with several good friends, I found out that Loulie's release time would not give me a chance to finish the study and get back over to James Island in time to get her. I was frustrated but mostly just disappointed to miss the opportunity to spend time with friends and grow in the Lord. And without much thought and never a complaint, Bert started rescheduling his day every Wednesday so that he could pick Loulie up and the two of them could have a lunch date. I choke up every time I think of this--that he was willing to stop his work day to spend time with his daughter and take a responsibility off my plate so that I could do something for myself. I don't even think he realizes what a gift that was and what it spoke to both me and Loulie.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The second came in February. I was out of town on a women's retreat and it was Loulie's first school dance. She obviously had no expectations at the age of four and I simply reminded Bert to maybe dress up a little and show her how "dates" work. His only reply--"have fun, I've got this." Later that night I received a photo of Bert in full out tuxedo with Loulie holding a bouquet of pink roses. He told her to wait in her room while he ran around to knock on the front door. I know daddies all over the country do the whole daughter dance thing but I was just proud of Bert that night for planning it all on his own and making her feel so special.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The third is just a small story but I hung up the phone shocked with his selflessness. I had just a small meeting to attend a few weeks ago. WIth Loulie being so sick lately, it has been rare for me to get out for anything. Bert called and asked what it was I had planned that upcoming Thursday. I reminded him and he said okay. After badgering him for a few minutes as to why he wanted to know, he finally confessed that he had been invited to hear Willie Nelson and Allison Krauss in concert but was going to turn it down so that I could go to this simple dinner meeting. This is a guy who never goes out. Thankfully, my mother had just told me she was coming in town early and could hang with Loulie so we were both able to go to our events. But I couldn't believe he was willing to miss something so fun and such a rare opportunity so I wouldn't have to miss mine. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I tell the story of our dating, people always look at me a little shocked and then I kind of can't believe it myself--that I married someone after only knowing them a year and even then only seeing them on weekends. Let's just say it was a leap of faith. And after being married for 7 years, I'll confess there were several things that we didn't know, almost none of which have really mattered. The main thing that I never expected was what a wonderful husband and father Bert would grow to be. How I hit the jackpot 8 years ago and how 90% of the time I am so thankful for how well he loves us. It has been a mostly stressful, work concentrated year but there is absolutely no one I would rather go through it with the one God gave me. I am thankful every day for the relationship Bert has with Loulie and for the confidence he instills in her through his love. He asked me last night if I thought he would be a good "boy dad." I tell people all the time that though our sweet boy is an unexpected blessing, God's plan doesn't surprise me that much because if anyone will raise a good man, it will be Bert.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I guess he has never heard me say that which is the point of this post....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We love you, Husky Bear! And are absolutely thankful for all you do! Happy Birthday! Prayers for a wonderful and blessed year ahead!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArTlYTQ2d6bD4F3PGephUu9b60vVH0QJT4vXIi-UPLjHqr_7Tkt7C7KC5Cy1fe0iCPvAOte_-_TGfo21BzHRmx1XrfjS7wFyPtDICshDfpIcEcOy1J_zLreSVyc5NDDK35lL9ItJLPU0/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArTlYTQ2d6bD4F3PGephUu9b60vVH0QJT4vXIi-UPLjHqr_7Tkt7C7KC5Cy1fe0iCPvAOte_-_TGfo21BzHRmx1XrfjS7wFyPtDICshDfpIcEcOy1J_zLreSVyc5NDDK35lL9ItJLPU0/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX3CradZqou18O5JDfmpZsN809jX5HFVoPBnMpbCpe9pT34IfNEq68k_5cykRx7HKor-L6u-fkchF9n5iFcbEgWhJ51DaGPCaNhRY6juBnb82FJyuIc6Q4SBDVCj3skBcBeqondJ9RhQ/s1600/DSC_0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX3CradZqou18O5JDfmpZsN809jX5HFVoPBnMpbCpe9pT34IfNEq68k_5cykRx7HKor-L6u-fkchF9n5iFcbEgWhJ51DaGPCaNhRY6juBnb82FJyuIc6Q4SBDVCj3skBcBeqondJ9RhQ/s1600/DSC_0922.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-91641716540997201892014-02-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-05T08:04:58.111-05:00January Reads<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've decided to stick to last year's goal of two books a month and hope to update each month on the blog. I've run into the the very first world problem of what to do with all our books. It would be lovely if I had an unlimited gift card to B&N and an entire wall of built in shelves but until then I'm checking out from the library and hoping to store good quotes and favorite reads here. I think this will work much better than my current method of stacking books in piles along my closet wall like a hermitted english professor. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sparkly-Green-Earrings-Catching-Light/dp/1414371713" target="_blank">Sparkly Green Earrings</a></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Melanie Shankle</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't read The Big Mama Blog but this book came highly recommended by several friends. I finished it in a few days. Honestly, I feel like I could have written this book. That is how closely parallelled I felt my life was to the author's--from her career in pharmaceuticals for the "flexible schedule" to the wacky home improvements to the one daughter family. I loved it and found it so funny and relateable. Luckily, she came out with a new one last month. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Duck-Commander-Family-Dynasty/dp/147670354X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390913478&sr=8-1&keywords=duck+commander+family" target="_blank">The Duck Commander Family</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Willie Robertson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyone that knows me at all, knows how much I love to hear other's story. I'm fascinated by how people got where they are, what makes them tick, what drives them, etc. This family is pretty eccentric and has been in the midst of lots of controversy lately, but what I thought was going to be a cheesy was actually really sweet. It's obviously not written beautifully but the story of the Robertson boys growing up is fascinating and I can't not love a family that puts Jesus first and then their family second. I took away a few tidbits and enjoyed it overall.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>The<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fault-Our-Stars-John-Green/dp/0525478817/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390913638&sr=1-1&keywords=a+fault+in+our+stars" target="_blank"> </a></u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fault-Our-Stars-John-Green/dp/0525478817/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390913638&sr=1-1&keywords=a+fault+in+our+stars" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Fault in Our Stars</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by John Green</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I read this in about two nights while Bert was out of town this month after almost every 2013 reading list recommended it. Love, love, loved it! It was different and beautiful and the characters were so lovable. Though sad, it didn't leave you feeling weighted. The movie comes out this year which I doubt will do it justice so be sure to read it before then. I'm planning on going down the John Green list and have already picked up Looking for Alaska. I hope he isn't a one hot wonder because I would love another author to follow.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Respect-Desires-Desperately-Needs/dp/1591451876/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390913714&sr=1-1&keywords=love+and+respect+by+emerson+eggerichs" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Love and Respect</span></a></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Emerson Eggerichs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This book came highly recommended by several people so our Bible study chose to read it this season. Meh. If you have never explored your husband's need for respect, then you might find it interesting but I have read other in depth studies on respect in relationships that I liked better. It brought up good discussion but I hard a hard time focusing on the actual writing and felt like the author used a lot of verbage for what could be a quick point.</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-20918058452209157622014-01-29T20:41:00.000-05:002014-02-03T08:42:41.688-05:00Snowmageddon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm adding Cruise Director to my resume after this week (month really). We have already had a lot of days inside these past few weeks and then school has been cancelled today and tomorrow due to icy conditions. I have managed to entertain Loulie going on 12 hours without any internet or television! We have baked to the last of the flour, crafted with every supply available to us, done every possible yoga pose, listened to the Frozen soundtrack I lost count of how many times, made breakfast lunch and dinner from scratch, read, put on plays, done make overs and kept the home fires burning while Bert went to work. Who says mothers don't do anything? (I'm referring to that lovely piece floating around the web titled "Stay at Home Mothers Don't do Anything") I'll answer that since I haven't had my own mind to myself since about 7:30 this morning. Literally, I have moved from organizing one form of entertainment to the next minute by minute. My girl hates the cold as much as I do so inside it has been. Needless to say, I am exhausted. But a few times today, Loulie has looked at me and said "You are my favorite mama. I'm so glad you had me." or in one instance she looked at a picture and said "You are always such a pretty mama. I gone be like you when I get big." Talk about a rejuvenator. To even it out, I will admit that she also looked at me at one point and said "Are you going crazy?" Guess I don't have that great of a poker face because yes, I thanked God 100 times today that I live in Charleston and not Minnesota. How do all those northerners not go crazy?!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So we'll be back at it tomorrow. I am determined to style it up like Ralphie's brother and get a good walk in. Bert said some kids were sledding down Wappoo Cut today. I think it might be fun to walk somewhere that is normally too trafficky tomorrow so you might see us running down the middle of Folly or up the James Island Connector ;)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">--We made these <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe.html" target="_blank">homemade pretzels</a> tonight. Delicious! And quite a feat since I normally warm up Trader Joes or Whole Foods. They were a perfect little dinner with a side salad and different dips. I made cinnamon sugar for Bert and LB likes salted. I also saw a variation with rosemary that might be fun now that I have my herb garden from my mom for Christmas.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFcwPAwqeKbinjm2C1Fy-2CKt1J5NFxnbNMC330-k4pl0dvceGOyMDN-D6vGyBvO8vy6NyZX0kebNQAcnyug6zmOEM22VVzdEfLKmuS2t4a1ZZ9WxyTqE5iN3uTGURCiQbMTHNMZ00E8/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFcwPAwqeKbinjm2C1Fy-2CKt1J5NFxnbNMC330-k4pl0dvceGOyMDN-D6vGyBvO8vy6NyZX0kebNQAcnyug6zmOEM22VVzdEfLKmuS2t4a1ZZ9WxyTqE5iN3uTGURCiQbMTHNMZ00E8/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">--In other news, our company sold a whopping 8 bags of ice today. What the what? If this weather keeps up, the Dashers might be homeless. Bert compared himself to Kristoff which was Frozen reference #4568 today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">--Speaking of Frozen references, it is all Loulie can talk about. The other day she was hiding in a rack at a store and told me that she had to hide her frozen powers from people so they couldn't see her. When she woke up this morning and Bert told her that the white on the ground wasn't snow but ice, she said "told you I had the power to freeze things." Ya'll, we're obsessed. Elsa is hosting a tea party at a local store in a few weeks. I CANNOT wait to surprise Loulie!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">--One last thing in case you too are going nuts and need a little laugh. My friend sent me <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1cFt2tWsI4" target="_blank">this video</a> last night. There is so much truth in it, you have to laugh to not cry.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I'm dreaming of warmer days and regularly scheduled programming but also enjoying this time at home making memories with my girl. From all the facebook and instagram pictures it seems like we are all doing the same. My heart goes out to all the kids stuck in Atlanta. I cannot imagine being away from Loulie over night or stuck on the highway. I'm thankful we live within running distance of Loulie's school. I know it's false security but I like knowing I can get to her in minutes if needed. Prayers lifted for all the families that didn't get to cozy up together tonight.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG808_gAPwnenxk1BtgnnbdljMjWwzldTy7YoAv8bmvkuELy5x-fNkyKTaYtPVdSxZodfqnIzKWI_8s93i9OPfxix_hoLLX0M-RV8scq_b-XyaFfuhv0I8Hdo8s1z3xJdyxdPmnSX-gXQ/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG808_gAPwnenxk1BtgnnbdljMjWwzldTy7YoAv8bmvkuELy5x-fNkyKTaYtPVdSxZodfqnIzKWI_8s93i9OPfxix_hoLLX0M-RV8scq_b-XyaFfuhv0I8Hdo8s1z3xJdyxdPmnSX-gXQ/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicncKyFWqWVb-6qjqTGkahg0uNuoWVizDRTocrxmedxsJPGq7Jtk_JHCCkHvjVeQerwxF3SEof37seZG617_aOkY4WSCVGFBdiRQEVD9py6brxeI3VhOVoCUDHWDD5ivxKtIT50q60KMg/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicncKyFWqWVb-6qjqTGkahg0uNuoWVizDRTocrxmedxsJPGq7Jtk_JHCCkHvjVeQerwxF3SEof37seZG617_aOkY4WSCVGFBdiRQEVD9py6brxeI3VhOVoCUDHWDD5ivxKtIT50q60KMg/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG808_gAPwnenxk1BtgnnbdljMjWwzldTy7YoAv8bmvkuELy5x-fNkyKTaYtPVdSxZodfqnIzKWI_8s93i9OPfxix_hoLLX0M-RV8scq_b-XyaFfuhv0I8Hdo8s1z3xJdyxdPmnSX-gXQ/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" height="200" width="150" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfWG611bFq9impZK8vQWnoMxxdv9G_ZbsE_oNp5iRkfSgCi2D54Yh4Ymv40wDdksnnB-WZS5rGxHoV3a1i4bra_Gs836U9DzCIW4Ahtw6yAtT0z1xtVOyeg_cgILL2PY6ELmgJfEgKXQ/s1600/IMG_0613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfWG611bFq9impZK8vQWnoMxxdv9G_ZbsE_oNp5iRkfSgCi2D54Yh4Ymv40wDdksnnB-WZS5rGxHoV3a1i4bra_Gs836U9DzCIW4Ahtw6yAtT0z1xtVOyeg_cgILL2PY6ELmgJfEgKXQ/s1600/IMG_0613.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicncKyFWqWVb-6qjqTGkahg0uNuoWVizDRTocrxmedxsJPGq7Jtk_JHCCkHvjVeQerwxF3SEof37seZG617_aOkY4WSCVGFBdiRQEVD9py6brxeI3VhOVoCUDHWDD5ivxKtIT50q60KMg/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogStiYgXNkQ95ZfStjdqPe6SYr5_D0_bEKJ9whXxRpDI-jP3zoKDSId6pMTSp9XTurCITaYOgUumrn5dCAzJYJWSK60nnT4X260Zw_VkT0UPhzLYJvSuWdGgpyws7cQiyPm3sCnsT65U/s1600/IMG_0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogStiYgXNkQ95ZfStjdqPe6SYr5_D0_bEKJ9whXxRpDI-jP3zoKDSId6pMTSp9XTurCITaYOgUumrn5dCAzJYJWSK60nnT4X260Zw_VkT0UPhzLYJvSuWdGgpyws7cQiyPm3sCnsT65U/s1600/IMG_0637.jpg" height="640" width="480" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZE6l9GFnfEoXJDIv7SD4KjHBcOgxr8daLPlU_kBXvxmZXpvZmDR8zZgFXl2byDPRmrlhWx2HrjHeEZIi9_h06z8eG3UK0x64ztXjAChdz5gNdJgmEC3TeewJ70BjTqx_tpsTHU1msog/s1600/IMG_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oMCOLzpCnHlMku2fYZFp4XTe29dTV2sJcwHK_1MwlDj5PxoAMYRyyCC5M9EoXxqIM-5TpvLjM-hZ97C5sYe-l-PKb4bjBUDCy6pROt_AMpy1cwS3t6TNSiZ0kt5EXckJHy4qahfMeTA/s1600/IMG_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oMCOLzpCnHlMku2fYZFp4XTe29dTV2sJcwHK_1MwlDj5PxoAMYRyyCC5M9EoXxqIM-5TpvLjM-hZ97C5sYe-l-PKb4bjBUDCy6pROt_AMpy1cwS3t6TNSiZ0kt5EXckJHy4qahfMeTA/s1600/IMG_0632.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZE6l9GFnfEoXJDIv7SD4KjHBcOgxr8daLPlU_kBXvxmZXpvZmDR8zZgFXl2byDPRmrlhWx2HrjHeEZIi9_h06z8eG3UK0x64ztXjAChdz5gNdJgmEC3TeewJ70BjTqx_tpsTHU1msog/s1600/IMG_0623.jpg" height="320" width="240" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkLnUCGYYqw_-8zknyjv7NijH7afZelCRfkWKOSnnJ9h6H1A5BZ_4GW7UV_dvzn1-MhTR_sJnqwURMS918ifNVR8WPSqGAAQ3HBKfU-eHsi1dOwqYT2TN4idr20SgwCo_PuZ80_HcGXM/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkLnUCGYYqw_-8zknyjv7NijH7afZelCRfkWKOSnnJ9h6H1A5BZ_4GW7UV_dvzn1-MhTR_sJnqwURMS918ifNVR8WPSqGAAQ3HBKfU-eHsi1dOwqYT2TN4idr20SgwCo_PuZ80_HcGXM/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-18712317244955217722014-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-04T11:45:28.565-05:00One Part Rest/ One Part Fun: A Week One Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This week has been the perfect combination of rest and entertainment. It is exactly what I wanted the last week of the year/ the second week of Christmas break to be. Although, I am still not ready for school to start back on Monday, I do always like getting back on a schedule. The irony of school is that the first few years of Loulie's life I just really wanted a few hours a week to get things accomplished. Now that she is in school (albeit only until 11:10), I really would love her being home with me almost all the time. She is so independent and fun and easy now.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We spent a lot of time this week sleeping in and staying in pajamas until the 4th hour of Today ended. We did experiments and crafts, made art and put together Lego sets for hours. We read our Christmas books for the last time before boxing them back up for next year. It was sweet and relaxing and fun. Now my home is a disaster with a Christmas tree still up, I haven't cooked a healthy dinner one night and I have only been to the gym once but you can slack on all these things when you know your child is only home one week and in a few days it's back to 6:30 wake up calls.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSTfCM9iTmdewlpnrbDagIS7pEdgajfr1LmXvNnQWvnQNnynm7VvflvM_8vdvRAI58IvmITj95U1cCdqoEpcwY-f0U4a8McXeYLk64heoJPlq_NoQM_Fj_1YazdsJ64TJAkVPiv7RF74/s1600/IMG_5310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSTfCM9iTmdewlpnrbDagIS7pEdgajfr1LmXvNnQWvnQNnynm7VvflvM_8vdvRAI58IvmITj95U1cCdqoEpcwY-f0U4a8McXeYLk64heoJPlq_NoQM_Fj_1YazdsJ64TJAkVPiv7RF74/s640/IMG_5310.jpg" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bert and I went out New Year's Eve for the first time in 5 or 6 years. We kind of joked ahead of time that we may not really know what to do at a party without children anymore. It was a surprise party for a friend and ended up feeling a lot like a new year's eve in high school huddled around fire pits listening to a DJ. Bert even came home and heated up a frozen meal and then proceeded to fall asleep on the sofa fully clothed while watching Juno, just like a 19 year old. My sweet sister kept Loulie under the premise that if she went into labor, I would be there in 15 minutes. She texted me this picture of Loulie at 7:15 with the caption "Rocking New Years."</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3wccjFaEPnVYo2-1PzD1SsK9t28HG6LpPOnGE6RsJD7_c9f7Q6L1bNe2NEVR11-MZtA8-donBT3cKTZ8Q4jqmP_qzTHxuuC36tUUSQ3kKnuPVF3UKzOviHHSDrTJaeuwMJtPIRJIOWg/s1600/IMG_5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3wccjFaEPnVYo2-1PzD1SsK9t28HG6LpPOnGE6RsJD7_c9f7Q6L1bNe2NEVR11-MZtA8-donBT3cKTZ8Q4jqmP_qzTHxuuC36tUUSQ3kKnuPVF3UKzOviHHSDrTJaeuwMJtPIRJIOWg/s640/IMG_5316.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately, this year we were not able to throw our annual Post Plunge New Year's Party. The beach house was rented and the whole day ended up being very anticlimactic. The weather was less than desirable, I forgot our costumes and when we arrived at the Plunge, I realized my camera battery was dead. I really hope that isn't an indication of the year ahead. We persevered through though. We still went despite botched plans and some friends threw a "Plan B" dinner where I made sure to stuff myself with collards. Loulie had a ball and we all decided if there was ever a year to play it low key that it was this one.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwUxvKBQoenOP6n6QYC1CDsPRni9NvMXsALDPtAf14YBrn8bqN-VdlFbnH5Zv87Vy8mQx1kbedUE6k6GjIrqWFVFJiBGtJtS660_jxs8QrTV64QECETVQx1JhiVGNnFoBQXeSP02HUtE/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwUxvKBQoenOP6n6QYC1CDsPRni9NvMXsALDPtAf14YBrn8bqN-VdlFbnH5Zv87Vy8mQx1kbedUE6k6GjIrqWFVFJiBGtJtS660_jxs8QrTV64QECETVQx1JhiVGNnFoBQXeSP02HUtE/s320/IMG_0401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0W-vFC7Qo-TG0xhn5x6v0bEddotp62nKsx37rtZjUDoVojKqJrrViQYwomb4jwuEeN0u1la51SsfZmtRprkzuD-4GxDuDrZQl8BYBnxxr8qTdKzyRfGuu6rGIZgaZH9-sW4etvL7zH4/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0W-vFC7Qo-TG0xhn5x6v0bEddotp62nKsx37rtZjUDoVojKqJrrViQYwomb4jwuEeN0u1la51SsfZmtRprkzuD-4GxDuDrZQl8BYBnxxr8qTdKzyRfGuu6rGIZgaZH9-sW4etvL7zH4/s640/IMG_0410.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I started watching Girls this week. I usually have a few good books and a good show for those dreary January days and long nights. I picked Season One up from the library and have to say that this show is the biggest disappointment so far. I find it so depressing and pretty gross yet somehow mildly entertaining. Somehow by the end of episode 10, I was rooting for Hannah. And I know art, especially TV, is an exaggeration of reality but it kind of panics me that this is what life is like for 24 yr olds. Just gross! I miss the days of Carrie Bradshaw.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And in possibly the sweetest recollection of the week, Loulie has set up a sleeping bag and tent in her room outfitting it with about 5 Lego sets and a stack of books. She insists that Bridget sleeps with her and I can hear them through the monitor until late each night. Last night it was singing and tonight she read Bridget about 10 books before finally crashing. It's gotten to where Bridget waits in the tent during Loulie's bath and sometimes during the day.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MN8sK4Bt9IbSPDZa7MqWIdDudFf46EU96HUCUlgqOvdowIliSOgDv7cbBQivfeDPaY5y1Qf0jyJpTO2uF0uiJnQehqlIE6FyTJ1_DDJtU48hyphenhyphene90rZOD5FBS0vG470uFy7lKr4NXfTI/s1600/IMG_5328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MN8sK4Bt9IbSPDZa7MqWIdDudFf46EU96HUCUlgqOvdowIliSOgDv7cbBQivfeDPaY5y1Qf0jyJpTO2uF0uiJnQehqlIE6FyTJ1_DDJtU48hyphenhyphene90rZOD5FBS0vG470uFy7lKr4NXfTI/s640/IMG_5328.jpg" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizev8FiURTsMT0AN4xSImI4KoBBS6Ah7tqWfpsMg3KSP3kgSOKrP6kCehTHUY46l5Z0floKTCcCxLxELOuYe36vdRMlDBltjBlo_ROzhL5cRG5vOgW_eZk7bmm8PsWk36_q5OanMMXgg/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizev8FiURTsMT0AN4xSImI4KoBBS6Ah7tqWfpsMg3KSP3kgSOKrP6kCehTHUY46l5Z0floKTCcCxLxELOuYe36vdRMlDBltjBlo_ROzhL5cRG5vOgW_eZk7bmm8PsWk36_q5OanMMXgg/s640/IMG_5331.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all, it's been a good start to a new year. Back to the grind soon enough and I'll be paying the piper this weekend for all the sweets I've devoured over the holidays. And in usual fashion, I'm listing out things to look forward to after such a fun holiday. But I think a new nephew arriving this week is enough for now.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy New Year!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-55011146555544248702013-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:002013-11-04T08:00:02.676-05:00Fall Actually (Our Knoxville Visit in Pictures)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bert left last weekend to go sailing for 10 days and after spending a fun weekend at home just the girls, we took off for Knoxville in hopes of experiencing actual fall weather. The drive up was mostly still green but we were lucky enough to drive home yesterday through the most gorgeous colorful mountains. It was such a treat to be up there at the peak and to get to do so many true fall activities. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U8kBCHELuTmdroFOf-YO6RDipkp9wHMyrj_uiGnQIcJQlaqhmVpV9ASxD9jHxwQ9n2FjDmW4ZBdYP7_fOL_tPizloorDCv3yBb2AZJ3t0saTBThy5Wh0L27tRtmlDGCxwBSs1fhEqbk/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U8kBCHELuTmdroFOf-YO6RDipkp9wHMyrj_uiGnQIcJQlaqhmVpV9ASxD9jHxwQ9n2FjDmW4ZBdYP7_fOL_tPizloorDCv3yBb2AZJ3t0saTBThy5Wh0L27tRtmlDGCxwBSs1fhEqbk/s640/IMG_0352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We skipped hiking this time for a trip to Oakes Farm for pumpkin picking, hay rides, a corn maze, farm animals and games. There is just something about looking out over the mountains and changing leaves while picking your pumpkin versus carving it in 80 degree weather surrounded by palm trees that get you in the spirit of autumn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1W32hl7aiY27ATNbsUn3qE8PuGIn2DSLDUZfmiGAxceMlzBzufWfAcBS_SvjgEWkml5bYZQzoiXza7rc8TvSquF-SY35_7mZPtr_Oz9qSgZhnJe88o7jNk01jUdzW39c1Xali0eF4EA/s1600/DSC_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1W32hl7aiY27ATNbsUn3qE8PuGIn2DSLDUZfmiGAxceMlzBzufWfAcBS_SvjgEWkml5bYZQzoiXza7rc8TvSquF-SY35_7mZPtr_Oz9qSgZhnJe88o7jNk01jUdzW39c1Xali0eF4EA/s640/DSC_0631.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2jhUszwTX00-Lm8l_wDMw4d_mOjeGJYEqgsMX0b6jHJDN-XfcaQsIaX22NMpDgCxCrosDvs1QTSyyblKYyVQUvWHQfKjwUf4qmbGc9a7PNdPM0b3fb-ialwbsKUg2fi2CWYnsEFrd4E/s1600/IMG_0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2jhUszwTX00-Lm8l_wDMw4d_mOjeGJYEqgsMX0b6jHJDN-XfcaQsIaX22NMpDgCxCrosDvs1QTSyyblKYyVQUvWHQfKjwUf4qmbGc9a7PNdPM0b3fb-ialwbsKUg2fi2CWYnsEFrd4E/s640/IMG_0283.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8naEXG6lJyE9Apao_NkkrZITudecpLa4vprdXYaIZ6LoOhom_k7OxgZMzBOXBjfQ7BzDhEYMiKrr65fwYublNDd24QZXCzvQ-9nQ_bvQ7ToDIxDCwNnsh52r1Kv01KEvgTbX82h2AYE/s1600/IMG_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8naEXG6lJyE9Apao_NkkrZITudecpLa4vprdXYaIZ6LoOhom_k7OxgZMzBOXBjfQ7BzDhEYMiKrr65fwYublNDd24QZXCzvQ-9nQ_bvQ7ToDIxDCwNnsh52r1Kv01KEvgTbX82h2AYE/s640/IMG_0263.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinx8nPMFWdTt_HsEXlDKF-KDMCQhGhBMpzjRsS28eXA6fpyWzN3FldStb2Wb-YIrvV6W26sbJZwwBO-HtB7SOLFEMcLZjE4omGbA69H1NtIhzuJlxQmEH0zGlJ45B77WotEw8ncFLP_Ng/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinx8nPMFWdTt_HsEXlDKF-KDMCQhGhBMpzjRsS28eXA6fpyWzN3FldStb2Wb-YIrvV6W26sbJZwwBO-HtB7SOLFEMcLZjE4omGbA69H1NtIhzuJlxQmEH0zGlJ45B77WotEw8ncFLP_Ng/s640/IMG_0271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We hit up all of our favorite spots--The Plaid Apron, Tomato Head, Bliss, and of course, Mast General because who can resist store that has a whole section of candy bins? We also found some fun new antique stores and attended a few gallery showing for 1st Friday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom let Loulie do her hair and make up every morning and now she is ticked that I am not letting her wear make up every time she walks out the door. She said between the Paris tea room, the art show and getting her hair done; she feels like Fancy Nancy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel like being back in reality is a little too much after a fun week away. SO thankful that we had a chance to get to the mountains this fall though. It was such a blessing to be with my parents and have a whole week off from school schedules and responsibility. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Monday to All!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yFaUWrOHVaK7Ff3R_R1zpbaOQ-IeRmNDasr2kBP7fv5lSwy6asO5gmXInkhXRfMr10GPwwAhyphenhyphenfFUIngwRP5Fe0_9V7HRGFC2PgysOwxiAzjcWwztqINiGKQ2GWy5sY7JIjfJMh97Lwc/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yFaUWrOHVaK7Ff3R_R1zpbaOQ-IeRmNDasr2kBP7fv5lSwy6asO5gmXInkhXRfMr10GPwwAhyphenhyphenfFUIngwRP5Fe0_9V7HRGFC2PgysOwxiAzjcWwztqINiGKQ2GWy5sY7JIjfJMh97Lwc/s640/IMG_0290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uUAZs4PPpaHETiAV_QCYb-TYbn99s32YyAo2LfLuSSg2RjTb4KaqxHrcfxxR4x2F7EGmR_zKeTjjZZCnqq6lhXRXYWCVKjtPBjojr1CHU1PvwEPEaqmt4DX-XFHs20PvXpePIhVy0F4/s1600/IMG_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uUAZs4PPpaHETiAV_QCYb-TYbn99s32YyAo2LfLuSSg2RjTb4KaqxHrcfxxR4x2F7EGmR_zKeTjjZZCnqq6lhXRXYWCVKjtPBjojr1CHU1PvwEPEaqmt4DX-XFHs20PvXpePIhVy0F4/s640/IMG_0288.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-53149268079133625912013-11-01T10:35:00.000-04:002013-11-03T17:43:55.254-05:00Things That Go Bump in the Night (Halloween at Lovey's)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm almost positive that the person that coined the term "things that go bump in the night" was not referring to ghosts and goblins but to little children hopped up on Halloween candy. Because the clock was chiming 11 by the time my little ghoul calmed down and finally went to sleep. And because I had chugged a little caffeine to keep up with her, I then tossed and turned all night as well. So it's a good thing the coffee is flowing this morning.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie really LOVED Halloween this year and it was fitting that we were in Knoxville. October is my mother's month--she loves all things orange and really plays up Halloween. Our first 20 minutes in Knoxville were spent with Loulie running all over my parents' house checking out all the decorations and talking to her Lovey about candy and costumes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Wednesday we happened upon this crazy prissy store/tea room, <a href="http://www.theparisapartmentboutique.com/default.html" target="_blank">The Paris Apartment</a>. Just as we were laughing over all the over the top decor and about to duck out, this woman pops out of nowhere and invites Loulie to attend their annual "Witches Fly In" luncheon the next day. It was straight out of a movie--I was all apprehensive "maybe we'll be here" and Loulie was like "YES" and my mom was like "An adventure? Put us down!" </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So we show up Halloween morning to an entire restaurant full of old women dressed in the most elaborate witches' garb you have ever seen. You can see in the pictures below how shocked we were--it was quite a production. Loulie's favorites were the "jewelry witch" and the one with orange braids we decided looked just like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FttAmTFbNtw" target="_blank">Room on the Broom</a> witch. I wish I had taken better pictures but like I said, I was in shock. Side note--the food was super delicious and the tea room would be perfect for a birthday celebration or luncheon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last night we trick or treated in my parents' cute neighborhood after a neighborhood cookout with Loulie's friend, Madeline. Loulie decided to go as a unicorn in keeping with her recent obsession with My Little Pony. We teased up a pink mane and made the last minute decision to paint her face. You could tell she felt like a rockstar and was so cute running from house to house. My shy girl was surprisingly outgoing--probably because I threatened to take her candy if she didn't say thank you. But seriously, she had the time of her life and ended the night handing out candy with GDaddyBoy. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So my least favorite celebration of the year turned out to be a hit this year. I'm already feeling a bit anxious about the holiday season. I've spent the morning pouring over my calendar trying to organize the next 8 weeks until Christmas-yowza! I know we say this every year but this year especially, the holidays seem to be on crack! We went shopping on Wednesday and Loulie pointed out that stores already had their Christmas trees up. Really?--we hadn't even carved a pumpkin at that point. I am determined not to get stressed out this year--to really enjoy my family and the traditions we have built. More on that later--I have a few ideas to simplify the season and hope to do a post on that later. Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! Go Dawgs!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Uh0Nw8K0XU0go3izgqeLjslS6EtKNAhD3XEIQTwul2tiophD2CV8YiEHjaIQ4mtZx9vc7vqO_qM30eXG4oCm7C3qcsqiElIyKoUzEgEgYOYafATJRqo374KDoCXDMP7Slt04sZgFyTw/s1600/IMG_0300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Uh0Nw8K0XU0go3izgqeLjslS6EtKNAhD3XEIQTwul2tiophD2CV8YiEHjaIQ4mtZx9vc7vqO_qM30eXG4oCm7C3qcsqiElIyKoUzEgEgYOYafATJRqo374KDoCXDMP7Slt04sZgFyTw/s640/IMG_0300.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyYI05VnBJq70dBGlZm9z0X8JuUaYkGkmyDLmGZ0Fxo4bScibTFb9Ysv2TR5W12oEeOgrpKYhRFC-ZBt9l8CDfxXZt04tWzCu0yQQ83JzDY3Xktv3OstMXzRosg4fOafN2XPUu_iCZ8U/s1600/IMG_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyYI05VnBJq70dBGlZm9z0X8JuUaYkGkmyDLmGZ0Fxo4bScibTFb9Ysv2TR5W12oEeOgrpKYhRFC-ZBt9l8CDfxXZt04tWzCu0yQQ83JzDY3Xktv3OstMXzRosg4fOafN2XPUu_iCZ8U/s400/IMG_0306.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTHjiPBHW-WnUczrh9q211_Ic2n0tjeWLhwWZcyvCmw-7F7CHnZgRDh2y6skrEfb79slW2s1WQYoyaF3XPStIc00TYhsa71DSzxSLE8e7koMFGwz9BuihS3SaWDZHUXLiVgZfGhSbqbs/s1600/IMG_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTHjiPBHW-WnUczrh9q211_Ic2n0tjeWLhwWZcyvCmw-7F7CHnZgRDh2y6skrEfb79slW2s1WQYoyaF3XPStIc00TYhsa71DSzxSLE8e7koMFGwz9BuihS3SaWDZHUXLiVgZfGhSbqbs/s320/IMG_0309.jpg" width="270" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3LUFFE7jAICmr3kw2IkVZ9g3zSQZ8-pu0M-TVD1C6oaLrIyXdyMp6aFRNNMySyziFPTWjTYKHfSPqspIczC7s58Wr5yYIlSj9UvwyGUuPzOnO-XmVK9h5Vivq_-SJls2ifSReTK6f8k/s1600/IMG_0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3LUFFE7jAICmr3kw2IkVZ9g3zSQZ8-pu0M-TVD1C6oaLrIyXdyMp6aFRNNMySyziFPTWjTYKHfSPqspIczC7s58Wr5yYIlSj9UvwyGUuPzOnO-XmVK9h5Vivq_-SJls2ifSReTK6f8k/s640/IMG_0311.jpg" width="561" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu035TUkUcULE9rTGOP6hDiLYT9hTSDUU2fHCOaLeHbvb43ergIEoE5R33sSmcGhBprD1ZGzvput-Mo6CvXSgRd4BLOrF4YX6NYtX9f_MZvyBPeuO4pAanKgcOqtan1lNqRmJAKIbgvu0/s1600/IMG_0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu035TUkUcULE9rTGOP6hDiLYT9hTSDUU2fHCOaLeHbvb43ergIEoE5R33sSmcGhBprD1ZGzvput-Mo6CvXSgRd4BLOrF4YX6NYtX9f_MZvyBPeuO4pAanKgcOqtan1lNqRmJAKIbgvu0/s640/IMG_0318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx1QJYkTf1K8f2C9HB8OlekEJOLNpdLYa6EisA3ZJ8-v1geZWIFfD4-AqkL0QOMhZ-6qwxVDdRBwgVLHdk8-uLLtcbikIWXFAe2VuzZ_g7Gox7vCtJd5KY4R0bDEeWiWhI1Y1fowbGFI/s1600/DSC_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx1QJYkTf1K8f2C9HB8OlekEJOLNpdLYa6EisA3ZJ8-v1geZWIFfD4-AqkL0QOMhZ-6qwxVDdRBwgVLHdk8-uLLtcbikIWXFAe2VuzZ_g7Gox7vCtJd5KY4R0bDEeWiWhI1Y1fowbGFI/s640/DSC_0656.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJi2NERev-iXD4DQMe6xhLkeXTSXRmslj5sEGr-EwU77Rau2oKm5E53cgME1VcTLpiCzh3DrQaK7Db-pyR-nIlSGbzhQ_39X-dKz8XxTzyzB2_oClo3rdoeGR66eXxRo5Unw6j4If3ja4/s1600/DSC_0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJi2NERev-iXD4DQMe6xhLkeXTSXRmslj5sEGr-EwU77Rau2oKm5E53cgME1VcTLpiCzh3DrQaK7Db-pyR-nIlSGbzhQ_39X-dKz8XxTzyzB2_oClo3rdoeGR66eXxRo5Unw6j4If3ja4/s640/DSC_0662.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGViQk2plwzOz8kkNBV5xyKS0n-pa45wXiKJSLcFP_HoQBgpzcJtqNsCjrDWj8HoVZ8x70LR81-zXX5WDx0Y25GQcCAtVUgHrTqyDhtcZRADUbJ3XWylZZCAztLFtmazIIFopL0d4-E3s/s1600/IMG_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGViQk2plwzOz8kkNBV5xyKS0n-pa45wXiKJSLcFP_HoQBgpzcJtqNsCjrDWj8HoVZ8x70LR81-zXX5WDx0Y25GQcCAtVUgHrTqyDhtcZRADUbJ3XWylZZCAztLFtmazIIFopL0d4-E3s/s640/IMG_0328.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglal-1uwIgOc2IpC-7zW2Wl1BpnhfAK0zxsmrTQY_nD5QJAjQAjgBR6VH3TlzrU6yu8ZSoqx8o-YyzD2TeyTfKtmewKkaPq1lse-ov6fGllQxHy8hXopotVhJBjSdfqRjKoxXv1R_0MMU/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglal-1uwIgOc2IpC-7zW2Wl1BpnhfAK0zxsmrTQY_nD5QJAjQAjgBR6VH3TlzrU6yu8ZSoqx8o-YyzD2TeyTfKtmewKkaPq1lse-ov6fGllQxHy8hXopotVhJBjSdfqRjKoxXv1R_0MMU/s640/IMG_0330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-31288546485196625862013-09-13T09:54:00.002-04:002013-09-13T09:54:53.304-04:00A couple of things<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We just got back in town last night after 6 days away in Disney. What an experience--I say that tongue in cheek because even though there were definitely magical moments, I think my child might be the first in history to ask to leave Disney World because she "just wants to be at home." But the trip and her birthday celebration were so sweet and I can't wait to upload all my pictures and relive all that was memorable.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Which brings me to this morning. Since we missed Loulie's actual birthday at school, they celebrated today. Montessori schools actually do a "Life Celebration" where the child walks around the sun the number of years they have been alive. Loulie and I were to make a timeline with pictures and milestones. Since we arrived home so late last night, I did a big no-no and just made the poster by myself this morning. And as I was piecing together the pictures and years and milestone bullet points, I realized there is so much I don't remember about Loulie's second year of life. What were we doing?! She started walking and talking before turning one and started preschool and ballet right before her second birthday. But I cannot remember a thing about that year in between!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So that motivated me to get on the ole blog again. I have soooo many unfinished posts from this summer, well really the last 6 months. Bert actually makes fun of me. He'll walk by my office, see me slumped over the computer and ask "How many times have you read and edited that post?" He's right though--the type A, oldest child, perfectionist does not always serve me well. I have a ton of posts basically finished by any other standards, except that I think it just sounds a little off. Who really cares though?--I keep this blog for my own memory and outlet, occasionally posting something for the masses that I might share. All of probably ten people visit this thing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Long story longer, I am going to go back and hopefully update posts as well as keep up better. I hated that feeling of not remembering a whole year this morning and this blog is a great way to relive.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Also, it has been a whirlwind of two weeks--school starting, Labor Day, get ready for vacation, 4 hectic days of vacation. Driving home yesterday, I realized the summer is over. I haven't even had time to think about it. Hopefully, a regular schedule will commence although I've found myself wandering the house this morning not knowing where to begin on my "Once Loulie Starts School" to do list.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyhow, I hope everyone has a eventless Friday the 13th. Ours started out with a bang when I unbuckled Loulie for drop off and she leapt over the seat and clung to my neck not wanting to go into school causing me to jump my car over the curb. You should have seen the look on her assistant teacher's face. Geez! Moment to remember. Thankfully, she was fine by the time I showed up for her celebration and she was nothing but proud that her mama was there and her friends were singing to her. So the unlucky morning has already taken a turn for the better!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Rest-filled Weekend!</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-68143633868474838762013-08-13T15:16:00.000-04:002013-08-13T15:16:01.007-04:00Dog Days of Summer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is a sin that we live 5 minutes from the beach and go so rarely. A goal of mine this summer has been for Loulie and I to go more, which we have, but Bert has only been twice (maybe). I decided Friday night to remedy that. Instead of packing up for or usual Friday night at Freshfields dancing, we decided at 6:30 to throw on our bathing suits and head to the beach. Besides, it has gotten so humid here, by the water is really the only place anyone wants to be. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:00 is my favorite time of day to spend at the beach. There were still a good many people there, but if you have ever been to Folly, there is no pretention or reason to be at all self concious. So Bert and I both joined Loulie riding waves and rolling in the sand. We played until dark and then threw on cover ups and walked through the little downtown for dinner. It was a sweet family night--the kind that isn't big plans but that you will probably remember with more fondness than the nights you did have big plans.</span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oKn5W3QsgUBwqyRws3Tiyk8UawcoWigAjaEU-LXfg6R8cxKkJmO2NY5noBSidtMN09z7XLI2tB6ek187VsAf7XzG2sN5KWpbNJeK_kUPiqTL0Xp2AH1rxUVh3kKOSNltlwt-FGx06hE/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oKn5W3QsgUBwqyRws3Tiyk8UawcoWigAjaEU-LXfg6R8cxKkJmO2NY5noBSidtMN09z7XLI2tB6ek187VsAf7XzG2sN5KWpbNJeK_kUPiqTL0Xp2AH1rxUVh3kKOSNltlwt-FGx06hE/s640/IMG_4711.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGS74U-HmvKA0sNAzQ8vJUL1HI02L2ssEFnf4_dwlRbtOtuoe6Uk7yq_tuzST4muoeu2zbWW5XMbSdn260ocTRTDWllVsFXmcRFngMeaq-zLBg9sFkRvr7-BR0KZlpB8SxEhCzk4-NJ4/s1600/IMG_4705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGS74U-HmvKA0sNAzQ8vJUL1HI02L2ssEFnf4_dwlRbtOtuoe6Uk7yq_tuzST4muoeu2zbWW5XMbSdn260ocTRTDWllVsFXmcRFngMeaq-zLBg9sFkRvr7-BR0KZlpB8SxEhCzk4-NJ4/s640/IMG_4705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz2tIG4bn4G2exyd1CeEkQGx2JKTq14DG0Mx8hTlHLK228x6bkrnz27mPNUanr4vrRWK5uyD62U3rLfr3eHF8OwW7H8fZAoUDfFW9uHl5YZrdp239Rzyq2UVi4PpzbRglTe-edXXCLCA/s1600/IMG_4715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz2tIG4bn4G2exyd1CeEkQGx2JKTq14DG0Mx8hTlHLK228x6bkrnz27mPNUanr4vrRWK5uyD62U3rLfr3eHF8OwW7H8fZAoUDfFW9uHl5YZrdp239Rzyq2UVi4PpzbRglTe-edXXCLCA/s640/IMG_4715.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUjuMCJE0BrTzqP-ssIbaJPbAbk37ofNb4OGCXZk4NepkmZMGBA2PigZxY1kpa0iaBqQ-ZVR8xiYRDf53k4TknFTPNCUfxLbA7uJ3a4lwGQ9gpNpdTLXKYiG9iUp75nWsTUH6R3Oj2mM/s1600/IMG_4713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUjuMCJE0BrTzqP-ssIbaJPbAbk37ofNb4OGCXZk4NepkmZMGBA2PigZxY1kpa0iaBqQ-ZVR8xiYRDf53k4TknFTPNCUfxLbA7uJ3a4lwGQ9gpNpdTLXKYiG9iUp75nWsTUH6R3Oj2mM/s640/IMG_4713.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwXxKciIVKD7WKMGeH8w-8f07AxmCg1zAIBX5Rv3hW0lEFUxSksNFcjF26JfqeLG9CTCAcEERmixR8tQbv9KwPArPPNtigFdB0yhRHp0QO4a1pL4rFVbuNudupPwqRR1cowOpUmlPafU/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwXxKciIVKD7WKMGeH8w-8f07AxmCg1zAIBX5Rv3hW0lEFUxSksNFcjF26JfqeLG9CTCAcEERmixR8tQbv9KwPArPPNtigFdB0yhRHp0QO4a1pL4rFVbuNudupPwqRR1cowOpUmlPafU/s640/IMG_4722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The rest of the weekend was pretty low key--a birthday party, church, ice cream date with good friends. Bert and I did have a movie date Saturday night--<u>The Way, Way Back</u>. Loved it! We are pretty particular about movies and always rave when we see something different. It was a dark comedy and we were still talking about it Sunday afternoon. Not giving anything away, I did have a hard time seeing Steve Carrell play the antagonist. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This morning starts a busy week--I am so towing the line between schedule and just having fun. On one hand, I feel like we need to be working on adjusting bed times for the early school time we have coming to us but I also want to pack in as much fun and freedom as we can into the next few weeks. Looking at the calendar though, I think life is beginning to force us into good behavior--early bedtime, eating better and getting organized. I can handle--I thrive on structure. But oh how I am going to miss those late nights at the beach.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-92085121371482972092013-07-11T01:18:00.000-04:002013-07-11T09:58:30.272-04:00Why Cleanse? (Part One)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I casually posted the result of my 9 day deep cleanse never guessing how many people would be curious about it. I have since tried to get back to people individually through email, ramp up my IsaGenix website and send out a few links but I decided this was the best way to include all the information, answer frequent questions, give my first hand experience, and include outside research as well as IsaGenix information. If the thought of a cleanse piqued your interest at all, then I would LOVE to talk to you one on one. I was skeptical at first too but have truly been amazed at the results. After all, this is the type of nutrition our body is supposed to experience--not caffeine, artificial sugars, processed meals and fast food.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Why Cleanse?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In laymen's terms, our body is exposed to toxins everyday--our shampoo, our cleaning supplies, our food, our furniture, even things we think are good for us like anti-aging face lotion. All of them have chemicals that our body is not meant to process. Because of this constant and overwhelming exposure to toxins, our liver is in overdrive and working around the clock. This can lead to weight gain, exhaustion, illness, etc. I watched <u>Forks Over Knives</u> earlier this year in which a physician explained that our liver holds on to toxins because it never has a chance to catch up. These toxins hold onto fat, especially around our organs and midsection. No matter how much we work out, we will never release this fat as long as the toxins are there. (This kind of flipped me out.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you want more information, then rent <u>Forks Over Knives</u> or watch this <a href="http://www.isamovie.com/AreYouToxic.html" target="_blank">short clip</a> (a little cheesy but full of good info).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Typically when you think of cleansing, people immediately think of colon cleanses, diuretics, and juicing. The problem with these is that you are not getting all the nutrients your body needs to function properly. Yes, you are ridding yourself of the bad without necessarily filling it back up with good. Certain cleanses can also lead to stomach problems, hypoglycemia, and dehydration. While juicing can be a healthy way to replace a meal, you still have the concern of pesticides on the fruits and vegetables if you do not have access to all organic. <a href="http://occupymonsanto360.org/blog/omg-that-really-happens-the-truth-about-trying-to-wash-pesticides-off-produce/" target="_blank">This </a>is an excellent article on how our food absorbs these poisons and how it affects our bodies. (More on this later.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Why did I seek out cleansing?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For a lot of reasons I talk about above. I've always loved studying nutrition. With this knowledge can come an almost paralysis though. I found myself often asking "What CAN I eat?" and trying to choose the lesser of the evils or just flat giving up and reaching for my child's goldfish. Having a child though I think gives you extra drive to really seek out what is best for them. That coupled with just always feeling tired, I knew I really wanted to reboot my diet. Being tired can send you grabbing for caffeine and sugar and I crave sugar! So really I did this cleanse with three goals in mind--more energy, reboot my eating habits, and break the cycle of sugar addiction.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. What was my experience?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I ordered the 30 day system but completed the 9 day deep cleanse to get started. The first day I had a slight headache but nothing major. Almost immediately, I experienced an increase in energy. Here is what I noticed:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Increase in energy as well as an easier time getting up in the morning. (I am notorious for hitting snooze and I found myself waking up before my alarm!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Clearer skin by day 4. My sister was actually the one to point this out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Faster recovery from workouts. I take two pretty intense back to back classes on Mondays and always wake up Tuesdays barely able to walk. Since using these products, I wake up much more hydrated, still sore but with the strength to move easily--not a creaky, old lady feel.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Lost 5 lbs and 6 in. This was a bonus I did not expect. What was different from other times I've lost weight was that I didn't look frail but more lean. And I actually had visible stomach muscles for the first time in 4 years. No more "mummy tummy"--that lovely pooch that hangs out after having a baby.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- I really never felt shaky, hungry or craved sugar. Sure I was ready to eat by the time meals rolled around but I did not have a growling stomach. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Did I mention I didn't crave sugar? I have never done a cleanse or fasted or changed my diet where I didn't feel like downing a box of Mike and Ikes at any point in the day. I found the shakes to be satisfying and the protein/carb/fat ratio left me full and satisfied.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am sure there are other benefits that I am not thinking of but these were the main noticeable differences I personally experienced.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Why did I chose this over other options?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- I've tried juicing before. Don't get me wrong--drinking straight fruits and vegetables is excellent for you but unless you can buy all organic and have the time to juice every meal and clean up and drink it all before going bad--I don't have time to do that consistently. That is just me-- a lot of people love doing this and I applaud them for it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Some friends have asked about doing Atkins or low carb to loose weight. These diets consist of a lot of meat eating which can lead to higher cholesterol. You still have the concern of buying organic and worrying about the growth hormones and antibiotics in your meat and cheese. And I really do not like meat enough. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- What about other protein shakes and meal bars? I looked and looked at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Fresh Market trying to find a way to recreate the IsaGenix plan at home. After comparing what I had just finished, I could not find an equal product that had low fat, high protein, low glycemic index, all natural, plus no GMOs at a store. You can see comparison between the shakes and meal bars <a href="http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/file.ashx?id=ee9737b3-d638-4249-9da9-c60684a8e55a" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/file.ashx?id=942e1064-ba48-432a-aba1-328dd8d207a4" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Look at the products.</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The shakes are gluten free, no GMO, organic whey protein from New Zealand (their standards are higher than our USDA), all natural, no artificial stimulants. Once you email me, I can send you specific attachments on products. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Really there is something for everyone! It has nothing to do with weight or athleticism. We can all benefit from higher standards of nutrition (especially in our country). So whether you are an athlete, trying to fit into a wedding dress, hoping for more energy, wanting to assess your current eating habits; if any of this has interested you, please give me a call at 843-566-4391 or shoot an email to laurendasher(at)hotmail(dot)com. If you are local, let me know if you would like to come by for a taste test and further discussion. It can take as long or as short as you like. I would love to talk to you more specifically about what you are hoping to gain or loose by doing a cleanse. If you have already researched this, I can also get you signed up right away. No pressure though--after spending most of my working years at the ADA and selling insulin; I really just love talking about this and have such a passion for preventing long term disease and health decline. Don't think calling means you have to purchase--I really just want to get everyone thinking about our habits and what we are passing on to our kids.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks so much for your time and interest! I appreciate you taking the time to look over all this info.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All the Best,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lauren</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-17188241308460060312013-07-07T09:24:00.000-04:002013-07-10T22:13:36.893-04:001,050 Miles (a recap of our Southern Tour)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie and I finally returned from our trip late Friday night. It really was such a fun time together that I didn't even notice how exhausted I was until I fell asleep sitting up yesterday afternoon. What can I say?--traveling alone with a three year old, no matter how much fun, can wear you down. Here is a little recap of our 1000 mile trek.</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">MILE 265</span></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We ended up stopping in Macon Friday night on our way to Newnan. It was kind of hilarious leaving Charleston on Friday before the 4th. We were the one lone car pulling onto 17 while the opposite lanes were at a standstill with cars pouring in for the holiday. But that is how we like it--get out of town on the busy weekend and out of Bert's hair for his most daunting work week of the year. Not far into our trip, we were hit with a monsoon like thunderstorm. After about the third stop for Loulie to take a break, my sister in law called and offered for us to take a little detour to stay with them. It worked out perfect--we were able to have dinner with them and see my nephew, William who even as a teenager is about the sweetest kid I know. He spent hours playing with Loulie and helped her build quite an impressive Lego replica of an ice house.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86KN5t1DvohOZBs55DX38E4Cq2LAUj3Vyqwf2mWBmzvR5nb-JvEey0lWhAsHW0uwhzjyycVI9chLLAga_vuicQUdWBgGWP52lDQu3NUkU_X53JbUTWUCyoJr4UnXDs83wHFaP3y8bBonf/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86KN5t1DvohOZBs55DX38E4Cq2LAUj3Vyqwf2mWBmzvR5nb-JvEey0lWhAsHW0uwhzjyycVI9chLLAga_vuicQUdWBgGWP52lDQu3NUkU_X53JbUTWUCyoJr4UnXDs83wHFaP3y8bBonf/s640/IMG_4320.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>MILE 355</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After one sleepless night, we packed up again to go to the 3rd annual family day at my college friend's farm in Newnan, GA. You want to talk about a beautiful spot--Heavenly Hollow basically speaks for itself. My friend and her husband are THE most gracious hosts you've ever met and invite all of our college friends and their families down once a year for a full day of swimming, fishing, hay rides, jump castles and grilling. It is like Disney for the kids and such a great opportunity for us to catch up. It has been over a year or more since seeing some of my college friends so getting to spend this time with them and their families was precious. It went by waaay to fast but I'm hoping this is a tradition we will keep up over the years. As we were pulling out, Loulie said, "Man, that was a good time there." I think this little Charleston girl liked her taste of the country. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx6fgl1gb5uKejUYdGIoVWjRFr8pvmk-JdH65dto9gPUAabJEzfhsfebK9zhG9iv4IjHWoEiFD0B5fUm1iW4g6CMjMyL6BArPajKc6phJsZUxfvw6inXamr-Vr4tOIOdVqY0X-gnGB_-5/s1600/DSC_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx6fgl1gb5uKejUYdGIoVWjRFr8pvmk-JdH65dto9gPUAabJEzfhsfebK9zhG9iv4IjHWoEiFD0B5fUm1iW4g6CMjMyL6BArPajKc6phJsZUxfvw6inXamr-Vr4tOIOdVqY0X-gnGB_-5/s640/DSC_0467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7fg79mJpiD8uDSj7plybtXoQw2eDJud9L0BcYvVy9dDPOXCI1Ymbn0QIFDHD7Cb_N_cZDRcmoa38SDAJ2xqleBRGENVMcvZZ7IzNx0igtxhSmdLTPn2CPcOHRh6X-rAKp7YrDy6fByDk/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7fg79mJpiD8uDSj7plybtXoQw2eDJud9L0BcYvVy9dDPOXCI1Ymbn0QIFDHD7Cb_N_cZDRcmoa38SDAJ2xqleBRGENVMcvZZ7IzNx0igtxhSmdLTPn2CPcOHRh6X-rAKp7YrDy6fByDk/s640/DSC_0477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKZ1pNtwQFbFfS_7PYziNjX1Tf_gItpprFfMk5-YPUoHDOav_-j7RUIryaOpclUkQsOYN6OgvZahqyDxLD-pxJQVCu8_RNFjCcP_5kvaJmggIixeuqsv1SDgg6Zp_LwSU3JEfLoJl8tkP/s1600/IMG_4193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKZ1pNtwQFbFfS_7PYziNjX1Tf_gItpprFfMk5-YPUoHDOav_-j7RUIryaOpclUkQsOYN6OgvZahqyDxLD-pxJQVCu8_RNFjCcP_5kvaJmggIixeuqsv1SDgg6Zp_LwSU3JEfLoJl8tkP/s640/IMG_4193.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie kept saying over and over "Mom, I really like our new friends." And each time I would say, "Loulie, these are my oldest friends." I don't know why but that just cracked my up. And it makes my heart practically explode to see our kids making memories together...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON2sPsEu5tD44jybx4OStEas74TLwPGQ92aACkjBfr6jMMiTCMWMmGIDtbih9FIRi7JUFy18poGRVVdr30OcoOjU74DFWagSpcmvdCLcBCP1n3arFvjGvqsm2PTWQQwntU4uumAYDHvct/s1600/DSC_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON2sPsEu5tD44jybx4OStEas74TLwPGQ92aACkjBfr6jMMiTCMWMmGIDtbih9FIRi7JUFy18poGRVVdr30OcoOjU74DFWagSpcmvdCLcBCP1n3arFvjGvqsm2PTWQQwntU4uumAYDHvct/s640/DSC_0486.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>MILE 395</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You don't just drive 300 miles, pass through Atlanta and not stop. So we planned on stopping by Atlantic Station to have a little lunch, walk through IKEA and hit up a few of my favorite stores. It was nice and calm on a Sunday morning and Loulie was a trooper. It's funny how we get used to certain things living in a flat coastal town. The one thing Loulie was fascinated by in Atlanta?--underground parking and escalators! After thinking about it, you really don't see either where we live. It also goes to show it doesn't take much to impress a three year old--it's all exciting!</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89lWvk6UXnRIj99302T464XoMslFHPLPZJIOqNXCF_j2JSuxj-2aCo8eZ_vLmVQ4NFTIbsw-3i-KUKuuQAGqZ2EO9qMgKmTSztffEJX2vz299YCAOZqlamtLhEefroAK2ocEwNGERgZlH/s1600/IMG_4201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89lWvk6UXnRIj99302T464XoMslFHPLPZJIOqNXCF_j2JSuxj-2aCo8eZ_vLmVQ4NFTIbsw-3i-KUKuuQAGqZ2EO9qMgKmTSztffEJX2vz299YCAOZqlamtLhEefroAK2ocEwNGERgZlH/s640/IMG_4201.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>MILE 609</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We finally made it to Knoxville, where we spent the majority of our vacation. My mother's sister joined us for the first two days which was a nice surprise and made for some totally hilarious moments. It reminded me of when I was a kid and we used to do everything with my aunts and cousins. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We decided to spend out first day there out on the river since it was such pretty weather. Not tn minutes before our float down the river did the sky fall out with freezing cold rain. Loulie reenacted Dakota Fanning's scream from War of the Worlds. I really think windows broke in some mountain houses. I don't really blame her--I kind of wanted to scream too if I hadn't been laughing so hard at out luck. We made it up to her with ice cream from this new little spot in Townsend. It is an old train car--you order at the conductor's window and then go to the back of the car where they open a door to hand you your food. Super cute and I would think a big hit with little boys. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most days we spent taking long walks, shopping cute stores around Knoxville and hanging out with my parents. We did try the best lunch spot, The Plaid Apron. All the food was locally grown with original entrees. I splurged on probably the best french vanilla macaroon I have ever tasted. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the fourth, we got to be a part of the Forest Brook 50th July 4th Celebration. Seriously, the cutest, most wholesome all-American July 4th you can imagine. My parents have been so lucky to have moved into this area and been surrounded by such nice people. Loulie and I have more fun each year. I actually got to attend the adult party this year while the most mature 11 year walked over to watch Loulie. I kept begging her to come back to Charleston with us. Louie participated in the parade on her own this year and despite a little crash at the end, was so proud of herself and her decorations. We left the picnic twice only for her to decide that she didn't want to miss out and headed back to the party. My mom and dad finally made her go home at dark. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDWSYeb0uQaVHCezdy8SSqiD8ydPeqk3se9iu8tb-Ewr4wQdkbDXLPYjUSzm1JH787ANWtYe9FnLdjQwWbH4xlHyXjVh_bl4Tur7pHK0nqr0LRjo9fYZIetNTKHhq0vaUMW6EXV4WqwUP/s1600/IMG_4212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDWSYeb0uQaVHCezdy8SSqiD8ydPeqk3se9iu8tb-Ewr4wQdkbDXLPYjUSzm1JH787ANWtYe9FnLdjQwWbH4xlHyXjVh_bl4Tur7pHK0nqr0LRjo9fYZIetNTKHhq0vaUMW6EXV4WqwUP/s400/IMG_4212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTl5PJLIN5EI540YEn0kAKTJFWsuBy72WCaLav-0FFbtlyPo7dU3v47pu3YPhYtxdKsM3Gfl5ZNs85HZlAgTeFYup6rv_SauLXDThyphenhyphenWykitxOA0IaXfi8MvUbuTt7YLc2-UfjmnRJYF7w/s1600/IMG_4217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTl5PJLIN5EI540YEn0kAKTJFWsuBy72WCaLav-0FFbtlyPo7dU3v47pu3YPhYtxdKsM3Gfl5ZNs85HZlAgTeFYup6rv_SauLXDThyphenhyphenWykitxOA0IaXfi8MvUbuTt7YLc2-UfjmnRJYF7w/s640/IMG_4217.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oz8Otk2NFN5YF3DyQrGt40h8RU-ybAUk2rlgl1EPP41PPaKc6NtrMfeVEuqRxCE1_SpLz1Dh24gXH5GAqvuTcMelYfI_eIGsmWb4A2DutFAosmieHcBXRR8VtXS8mahaGfoctLQb3jiK/s1600/IMG_4218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oz8Otk2NFN5YF3DyQrGt40h8RU-ybAUk2rlgl1EPP41PPaKc6NtrMfeVEuqRxCE1_SpLz1Dh24gXH5GAqvuTcMelYfI_eIGsmWb4A2DutFAosmieHcBXRR8VtXS8mahaGfoctLQb3jiK/s640/IMG_4218.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DnuvIqVxvN72CAanBc2nR4GLRE3SvdggnCEccgFDcaao8JjHUcNdd6G0bBqHDV_bqWezeaMpHQV6yrR58o8Q0sA8avMWwamVZTozuPy1BZqFvX86wM5RBQnVyixjHCftN6oYCHm7B81K/s1600/IMG_4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DnuvIqVxvN72CAanBc2nR4GLRE3SvdggnCEccgFDcaao8JjHUcNdd6G0bBqHDV_bqWezeaMpHQV6yrR58o8Q0sA8avMWwamVZTozuPy1BZqFvX86wM5RBQnVyixjHCftN6oYCHm7B81K/s640/IMG_4220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_NSyQYBYxfXqpaf8lw8a0IGPJQs0kTDNo83ovstailb749xjnE7FxPhd19osdXR1ZGIVZALkr9ap3ok6C78VP68U5rVVrcnO_b2YWbFsv-DPuNePUn6xMREddx71gVAEre3Xqjzg6nr6/s1600/IMG_4222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_NSyQYBYxfXqpaf8lw8a0IGPJQs0kTDNo83ovstailb749xjnE7FxPhd19osdXR1ZGIVZALkr9ap3ok6C78VP68U5rVVrcnO_b2YWbFsv-DPuNePUn6xMREddx71gVAEre3Xqjzg6nr6/s640/IMG_4222.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kxYweJ0Jw3v3wwwGZendmuxeZ-QhZi0t8olRIHruOxerXijks0FEI8SxO2DW9YWuVrIVgHG5L18Mfe4JJ9TvQOU5zI3umWYWLSxVSoQTNPG4MRSAzVS4CtIRRE52O7Nb8t3EDVQgan8B/s1600/IMG_4245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyc4Pdq9r8hHplor2K2MwphjlUBGEQlw7I-ij2alXyH2C0DVg6__sy-5aWGWGIZoLd36WJOzAPVYSI5CYxCXrlIWGHYy4MJqKySnIGsHS4u1xlQ9oAnO9ooPVV0AIKJBut0DI8tQcCvVF/s1600/IMG_4246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyc4Pdq9r8hHplor2K2MwphjlUBGEQlw7I-ij2alXyH2C0DVg6__sy-5aWGWGIZoLd36WJOzAPVYSI5CYxCXrlIWGHYy4MJqKySnIGsHS4u1xlQ9oAnO9ooPVV0AIKJBut0DI8tQcCvVF/s400/IMG_4246.jpg" width="298" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kxYweJ0Jw3v3wwwGZendmuxeZ-QhZi0t8olRIHruOxerXijks0FEI8SxO2DW9YWuVrIVgHG5L18Mfe4JJ9TvQOU5zI3umWYWLSxVSoQTNPG4MRSAzVS4CtIRRE52O7Nb8t3EDVQgan8B/s400/IMG_4245.jpg" width="298" /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH0d4mx4aKNz4yGRlhOm-rg9yrndjRD_b-MQ-KVSRnOlXATqU100-YvAR9-1w2qPQCcqET1eEbFsqX57EvwUWKZibjZvOZXVhMX-j5d9Ilqs9u2t04_LcB3FN-9sTstDzmNSvipiH3bzB/s1600/IMG_4249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH0d4mx4aKNz4yGRlhOm-rg9yrndjRD_b-MQ-KVSRnOlXATqU100-YvAR9-1w2qPQCcqET1eEbFsqX57EvwUWKZibjZvOZXVhMX-j5d9Ilqs9u2t04_LcB3FN-9sTstDzmNSvipiH3bzB/s640/IMG_4249.jpg" width="476" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vwxZQS9RtYPsV0iD1dKkN2MkQSw4UhN3PVh9aCq4GZo76Qzn081kxylawBpL3cCh69vYzPHZMdR54l-us1kkt5_OHed0u1FE3Kue4Nqtp36CEF0srjBjXGfTo_AfadmpvhbAsMpcOWhw/s1600/DSC_0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vwxZQS9RtYPsV0iD1dKkN2MkQSw4UhN3PVh9aCq4GZo76Qzn081kxylawBpL3cCh69vYzPHZMdR54l-us1kkt5_OHed0u1FE3Kue4Nqtp36CEF0srjBjXGfTo_AfadmpvhbAsMpcOWhw/s640/DSC_0505.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoocbXzrqQjnOZWCcjBCbANNHSY2hD6BW_aT_aLTbx3ClD6FUy3p83UpqhQoOvJe7hutb41NLstizNWgt05FdhuosqEOevoaMLr8OAHZrBppeHvyo-8zaDzvEoDb5r7qkz2f02CnB5moS/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoocbXzrqQjnOZWCcjBCbANNHSY2hD6BW_aT_aLTbx3ClD6FUy3p83UpqhQoOvJe7hutb41NLstizNWgt05FdhuosqEOevoaMLr8OAHZrBppeHvyo-8zaDzvEoDb5r7qkz2f02CnB5moS/s640/DSC_0510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhjstA0tCjGkPIoLX7Swii_dsbedMf4a1Zf0D-fmr_MPESqTAt74ceCv3FpA14fGABohe4Wrfxryi2xcAfzan2JZae51HQM0PKEGtnFaIjCTdSbQV7Sq9bZkDQoXl2reBJEGokrkLg64E/s1600/DSC_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhjstA0tCjGkPIoLX7Swii_dsbedMf4a1Zf0D-fmr_MPESqTAt74ceCv3FpA14fGABohe4Wrfxryi2xcAfzan2JZae51HQM0PKEGtnFaIjCTdSbQV7Sq9bZkDQoXl2reBJEGokrkLg64E/s400/DSC_0521.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFQHEGrOnWrmBO_ZFId9UpUk2khdxiA6gzCi3LsZk_F4GHj-JabiSqlxfPkFQ7_kf565ltA7mWTQV0aUxRhrmndoBbjb9mYqRk7-iF8aGq_qcmDqrBG3VA2fY8HFHOctlQi_o5qnr0fVm/s1600/DSC_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFQHEGrOnWrmBO_ZFId9UpUk2khdxiA6gzCi3LsZk_F4GHj-JabiSqlxfPkFQ7_kf565ltA7mWTQV0aUxRhrmndoBbjb9mYqRk7-iF8aGq_qcmDqrBG3VA2fY8HFHOctlQi_o5qnr0fVm/s400/DSC_0524.jpg" width="265" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPM7Fd2XL-xkGS1YhPnUO35bg86wCOA86Q8HVZdnQ8dXAhXmAYEyYQn0tX20j7mDQyvgBU_IhdqOM7YP6q17aSExjE91AmrIDq2e4HV_brcTyFULySawOSn8T8B60SQrvDas_7ppBPMtD/s1600/DSC_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPM7Fd2XL-xkGS1YhPnUO35bg86wCOA86Q8HVZdnQ8dXAhXmAYEyYQn0tX20j7mDQyvgBU_IhdqOM7YP6q17aSExjE91AmrIDq2e4HV_brcTyFULySawOSn8T8B60SQrvDas_7ppBPMtD/s640/DSC_0537.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>MILE 841</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately, we had to leave my parents Friday morning. What was already going to be a long and painful drive in vacation traffic became a little longer when I missed my exit ramp in Asheville and drove to Charlotte instead. Our stop here was brief--long enough for me to silently cuss my GPS, buy Loulie and ice cream and contemplate getting a hotel room. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>MILE 1050</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the long run, I decided that unpacking the car again would be more than I could handle so we crossed the entire state of SC to finally arrive home late Friday night. Saturday we celebrated being home by staying close to the water and cool breeze and taking a long walk downtown. It was the perfect family day. It feels good to be home.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHuQAMFt8dSGSHX2DTDOp-IABgRrOxdvYxBg6m9-nGKK2DHaEPY2Qan6H3vWMFUiEO3o-itlJ4TAQ6I6_hSxOpdSpxORbRjJ0XRLJ-jE2VMF4Xx_rIFie14FG5_JcQTyh_B7gqGSt94Fo/s1600/IMG_4298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHuQAMFt8dSGSHX2DTDOp-IABgRrOxdvYxBg6m9-nGKK2DHaEPY2Qan6H3vWMFUiEO3o-itlJ4TAQ6I6_hSxOpdSpxORbRjJ0XRLJ-jE2VMF4Xx_rIFie14FG5_JcQTyh_B7gqGSt94Fo/s640/IMG_4298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-12392050395628437932013-06-27T01:15:00.001-04:002013-07-10T16:02:06.452-04:00I am Loving...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are a few things I am not loving so much right now--this rainy weather, Bert's 14 hour work days, having to give Gillie back this weekend, spending 3 hrs at the vet finding out Bridget has a torn ACL, and that Loulie has gone to bed every night for two weeks at 11 and then woken up at least once in the middle of the night. How is it that I haven't had a newborn in 4 years and yet my sob story is always "I never get sleep." In lieu of my brief complaining (thanks for letting me get that off my chest), my "Love List" far outweighs any negative I might have going on.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Right now, I am loving..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- That we can finally announce that my sister is having a baby!!!!!!!!!!! Not due until Jan 9th so this might be the longest pregnancy ever. Loulie asks me everyday when Aunt Meme's baby is going to get here. Seriously, everyday! I cannot wait to hold that sweet little baby. I am not so secretly hoping for a boy since our family has never had one but obviously, I love girls and really just hope the baby is a big, healthy ball of squish. I'm pretty sure that being an aunt is going to be the greatest thing ever--I get all the benefits of loving on a sweet baby without raging hormones, sleepless nights or saving for college.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- The Office reruns on Netflix. How in the world did I go the past 8 years without getting into this show? Have I really been watching Grey's Anatomy instead of Steve Carrell every Thursday night? A friend posted some comment about the series finale on Facebook and I decided to check out the old shows (there is nothing on in the summer anyway). Obsessed! Jim and Pam are now in my top five favorite couples. Love the dry humor, the sexual innuendos, the random cast, LOVE IT!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- That tomorrow I am leaving for a week with Loulie to go on our annual Southern Tour (SC to Newnan to Atlanta to Knoxville to Charleston). I'm a little nervous about the long hours in the car alone with Loulie but I cannot wait to see my friends and their families and my parents. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- The 9 day deep cleanse I just finished! I tried it at the suggestion of a friend after feeling sluggish and puffy all month. Amazing results--soooo much more energy, lost lbs and inches, and my skin is clearer. Definitely explaining in more detail in another post. I would recommend to anyone.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- A new favorite author, <a href="http://rainbowrowell.com/blog/" target="_blank">Rainbow Rowell</a>. I just picked up her recent book from the library. It is like a John Hughes movie to the Nth. Seriously, the cutest misfit love story set in the 80s. You will love it from page one. The good news is she already has another book coming out with just as endearing characters and apparently as unique a plot. I love finding new authors--it's always nice to have a few favorites that you know you will enjoy their book when you pick it up. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- That I won the $25 Trader Joe's gift card for bringing my own bag this week. I was beginning to think they never pick a winner. I enter every week and have never won. $25 at TJ's will be spent before I can even get past the flower section but there are few places where I would rather have free $!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- That 105 Charleston high schoolers left for Young Life camp this week. It's the first time in years that the number has been this high. We have been asked to pray for a specific few and I would love for anyone to join me in that. I cannot wait to see where God will move this week and how he will work in their lives when they return. We really feel like James Island is home and have started to try to dig more into the community. Of all the things we try to involve our family in, this mission gives me the most hope. That lost high school kids have an opportunity to hear about Jesus because some college kids have decided to commit their time to hanging out with them--it's just awesome! And I am so blessed to get to play some very small part in it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, that's it for now. I have a lot of packing left!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Fourth Week!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-54112248748273020402013-06-25T13:52:00.000-04:002013-06-25T13:52:11.323-04:00Memorial Day Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This weekend was near perfect. Yes, Bert had to go into work everyday but thanks to technology and new monitoring systems, we were given much more time with daddy on a holiday weekend than in years past. I woke up Friday with all the grief of the previous days gone. It was gorgeous weather, unusually cool for Charleston. That coupled with kick offs for all the quintessential Charleston summer events, I couldn't have asked for a better start to summer.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love that we have traditions with Loulie as well as other family friends that we now anticipate. It's a benefit that I didn't realize would come with Loulie getting older and it's a joy to see she and her friends at the same events year after year but experiencing it a new stage in maturity. Friday we packed up our picnic for the first of hopefully many Freshfields Concerts with friends down at Kiawah. I wish I had taken pictures because watching all those girls jam in front of the band was hilarious! Loulie stayed front and center all night and never quit dancing!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Saturday we woke Bert up bright and early. I'm sure after a night of beer drinking, he loved having all three girls jump on the bed to T Swift. He finally gave in and got up to take us to the Piccolo Spoletto Kid's Festival, probably one of my favorite events of the year...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovqc5Zn3xdt0YMX5nn2vv61jX1uZGtUUB8Mf2MJwixCD41lus_drxGYQSYCBSGj8DtjFZbowMYOOvUkEn38cFiUv2JI0JaWvNHDT9iLJ5yMq9TsMuR56prQlOfMLkwIlwWNSZg4AdRdg7/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovqc5Zn3xdt0YMX5nn2vv61jX1uZGtUUB8Mf2MJwixCD41lus_drxGYQSYCBSGj8DtjFZbowMYOOvUkEn38cFiUv2JI0JaWvNHDT9iLJ5yMq9TsMuR56prQlOfMLkwIlwWNSZg4AdRdg7/s320/IMG_3870.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> All the children were mesmerized by this fairy that didn't say a word but sprinkled magic dust (glitter) on all the kids. This would have been Loulie's favorite part had we not then run into the pony rides, wall painting, face painting, a marching band parade and music performances. The downtown farmer's market now has an insane amount of food trucks compared to last year. Loulie is obsessed with Tianna, the Disney princess from New Orleans. She has asked 100 times what "Tianna's man catching beignets" are so we waited in line forever so that she could try that yummy goodness. Needless to say, she didn't really want to share. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vGqiufiTsbHb1G8gH5RyXwc9Jv1N6kgaJBHVC8fXQ_ZGndis5-IXjQfaNj1dP4D2ENsiaglZmjJbZSV05tgPm9oRv_fms6CX5mu7hBJ8nAgURnUiolXnLc0YgMAMy8hLCE4jPeiZQlyV/s1600/DSC_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vGqiufiTsbHb1G8gH5RyXwc9Jv1N6kgaJBHVC8fXQ_ZGndis5-IXjQfaNj1dP4D2ENsiaglZmjJbZSV05tgPm9oRv_fms6CX5mu7hBJ8nAgURnUiolXnLc0YgMAMy8hLCE4jPeiZQlyV/s640/DSC_0865.jpg" width="428" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14SAWzuD0WegaBKMaikCC-hmsJ0CnK5OQn7Li7KkHp0vmdpemTlZX7rBjOto2Cq37ClnrANTpgbRBJJIv-wnYrLWAlqTmDMsQA08efnjs6Tt1H6Ae4ADv6dxFsn91o7EduxmPq_Cn6_Wd/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14SAWzuD0WegaBKMaikCC-hmsJ0CnK5OQn7Li7KkHp0vmdpemTlZX7rBjOto2Cq37ClnrANTpgbRBJJIv-wnYrLWAlqTmDMsQA08efnjs6Tt1H6Ae4ADv6dxFsn91o7EduxmPq_Cn6_Wd/s640/DSC_0889.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67YxcOjIziCcjF6SMip-1U463vrxFXAxFm4B_3KxHLkfs6Z6vsuFwGCcyTTSFMCre_vXpIELMKERfW3CMh0_i8pOZkQ9lWhj8OWMF2TEf0v6ODnqUs8-csWFA4oIqMEsuRvHFGN8lwvCG/s1600/DSC_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67YxcOjIziCcjF6SMip-1U463vrxFXAxFm4B_3KxHLkfs6Z6vsuFwGCcyTTSFMCre_vXpIELMKERfW3CMh0_i8pOZkQ9lWhj8OWMF2TEf0v6ODnqUs8-csWFA4oIqMEsuRvHFGN8lwvCG/s640/DSC_0890.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsFjwmN0ySIJIEW7ReULIwj9jAx1YQdMHYSFxV3_rqhLeQY1bwRWAZBjfMCsATTc6-_gJbPHOrJ31hoa_OpCyH8PguaSZku_tUSprbHLPQ4VrnIX-0WMHbO8FBx_tm9b_tMaxsy1Qa5N0/s1600/DSC_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsFjwmN0ySIJIEW7ReULIwj9jAx1YQdMHYSFxV3_rqhLeQY1bwRWAZBjfMCsATTc6-_gJbPHOrJ31hoa_OpCyH8PguaSZku_tUSprbHLPQ4VrnIX-0WMHbO8FBx_tm9b_tMaxsy1Qa5N0/s640/DSC_0897.jpg" width="344" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iGvQddBLu6jwyRCI6qrAAR5LLgHrsuykZ-u6GgLETmskYvLwY5rR9uFxGCJBZ6leyUq8Zkn6yKU_VF49L_n6GiHO6Ydgz9fG56a-aT2kzS1bjDeF6OJFtY0ptve1r_NtDyumvThPLaa1/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iGvQddBLu6jwyRCI6qrAAR5LLgHrsuykZ-u6GgLETmskYvLwY5rR9uFxGCJBZ6leyUq8Zkn6yKU_VF49L_n6GiHO6Ydgz9fG56a-aT2kzS1bjDeF6OJFtY0ptve1r_NtDyumvThPLaa1/s640/DSC_0898.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF49FsyaQnxta1kg5gFWJd8SiM7EaZP7WuqO178u6Ock_Q3f_jQu7E0OUPdN0LJc_AaIO6rqTkCFF-lX-CibiGyG2sThk3BBvJ6rHob1PJqNkMqLhAddHFbno8u_3X_xgon07pF1A6JqN/s1600/IMG_3874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF49FsyaQnxta1kg5gFWJd8SiM7EaZP7WuqO178u6Ock_Q3f_jQu7E0OUPdN0LJc_AaIO6rqTkCFF-lX-CibiGyG2sThk3BBvJ6rHob1PJqNkMqLhAddHFbno8u_3X_xgon07pF1A6JqN/s640/IMG_3874.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> On Sunday, we played hookie from church to attend another one of our favorite events. The Abominable Feed & Seed Marching Band from Atlanta comes every year and performs a patriotic concert on the front steps of the U.S. Customs House. It is both crazy and heartwarming. There's a part where they play the song for each arm of the military and those that serve(d) stand up--lump in throat moment for sure. Afterwards we headed to Amen Street for lunch with Meme and Bruce.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR2CrwtO486TJkB8HyUBkYheMYPw2p5kgOnGNUjO88iV2Q-3nOZAI1ltnTIIJHTynZAKmmO4vGcXPgrJE_geiivbFgcRwim6sHNQNzBWT9uNZNjxNtmz4UqCf_zQRP4x50ZtUXmOXssV6/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR2CrwtO486TJkB8HyUBkYheMYPw2p5kgOnGNUjO88iV2Q-3nOZAI1ltnTIIJHTynZAKmmO4vGcXPgrJE_geiivbFgcRwim6sHNQNzBWT9uNZNjxNtmz4UqCf_zQRP4x50ZtUXmOXssV6/s640/DSC_0903.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOOSW5qlRxj1imdjNDZ0TBCjekZgsHOLk7zueACWu6TttvmLHdp5Is6sYwEKSCd87K2mfK_q0_1xnIJEkAxXE1KYDejyb1zCXDqoUqN-tHgqvw46lM497P6OBTIhGqXb9XXLzbJIGcO94/s1600/DSC_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOOSW5qlRxj1imdjNDZ0TBCjekZgsHOLk7zueACWu6TttvmLHdp5Is6sYwEKSCd87K2mfK_q0_1xnIJEkAxXE1KYDejyb1zCXDqoUqN-tHgqvw46lM497P6OBTIhGqXb9XXLzbJIGcO94/s640/DSC_0908.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFXf3gAHjXKAmbzESG0LF-HUhLHctNEtNeSPonGBzXqnmz6xVVZ_NnbuSjVTSpA8cY2RNboUz2RYJaY-ushksocrh5Q4JYhgIADEtyPfsoT2q9GS81iMY0ZHClhz0slbOOVs4QazaJesU/s1600/DSC_0914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFXf3gAHjXKAmbzESG0LF-HUhLHctNEtNeSPonGBzXqnmz6xVVZ_NnbuSjVTSpA8cY2RNboUz2RYJaY-ushksocrh5Q4JYhgIADEtyPfsoT2q9GS81iMY0ZHClhz0slbOOVs4QazaJesU/s640/DSC_0914.jpg" width="428" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> And for Memorial Day, we laid low, went to the pool for the first time this year and made a fun dinner. Loulie and I made a berry pie together and talked about how thankful we are for those that served our country and what it means to be free. It was a sweet weekend filled with great memories. I'm super excited about this summer and hoping to make the most of my time with Loulie before she starts school 5 days a week next fall. I'm thinking about making a mini bucket list so that it doesn't blaze by without doing all the things we want to do.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ygG2R7Cb8dcKimAauZVwBHMUNhI3qz-M60Hvu4amvz7vBwEB1za9MHrutm8EGHZR7-t4z4cnbrsLlj5JNT61FIN_U_E02ScvnBSWiwxc1Bu7-NyLq-iXXmlfRinHT-xJzeVAzEDiHNm/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ygG2R7Cb8dcKimAauZVwBHMUNhI3qz-M60Hvu4amvz7vBwEB1za9MHrutm8EGHZR7-t4z4cnbrsLlj5JNT61FIN_U_E02ScvnBSWiwxc1Bu7-NyLq-iXXmlfRinHT-xJzeVAzEDiHNm/s640/IMG_3899.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy June Friends!</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-51612559781280488562013-06-24T22:22:00.001-04:002013-06-24T22:22:42.063-04:00Last Day of School <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, I made it through. I may have cried when children I hardly knew accepted their diplomas for 4K graduation while Bert laughed at me but I made it through. Of course, there were about a million "last moments"--end of the year party, awards, end of the year performance--so that at least you are almost over it all by the time everything is wrapped up. Loulie got the "Best Imagination" award which doesn't surprise me. Anyone who claims to have African orphans living in her playroom, has three imaginary friends attend school with her and announced to all the teachers on Monday that she was going to have a baby completely deserves "Most Imaginative." It was lovely having to explain to everyone on Monday that "no, I was not pregnant," just my delusional child planning on giving birth at the end of the summer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a stellar performance in the church chapel, Bert treated his girls to lunch and then Loulie and I headed to the library to stock up on summer reading (one of my favorite parts of summer--sitting in a rocking chair reading book after book with my Bug).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had a nice distraction that evening. The weather was perfect so we headed to the Harvest Dinner put on by the GreenHeart Project at one of Charleston's Montessori schools downtown. If you are local and not familiar with the <a href="http://www.greenheartproject.org/" target="_blank">Green Heart Project</a>, then follow them on Instagram or check out their website. They are doing amazing things with students in the schools. I partly went to dinner to support the community but I also wanted to check out what they had been doing as we are hoping they will be involved with Loulie's new school next year. It was a truly impressive operation. All the food for the meal was grown by the elementary children and cooked by the Burke High School culinary club. It was seriously the best meal I have had in a while. Loulie didn't dig the vegetables but she was mesmerized by the students playing violin and giving speeches. Her favorite of the night--an indoor bee colony used to pollinate their garden. Students explained the care and use of the bees and then Loulie got to listen to them. It took the away the sting of school ending because it made me so excited for all the cool things Loulie will get to experience next year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And tomorrow, kick off to Memorial Day weekend and summer! Wahoo!!!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5ZcBEKyZSB95SWYKflD82NBKell31qtKGNu5PySBmLZeZoCCnY4wvlpGd2tYAdUniIwYZgy0ZY5jb3nmT4tsI_MosX-sIfOaGpnredbMclAaS43lH_-bK6CvMb-Etut5RZQuYXb-9YUz/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5ZcBEKyZSB95SWYKflD82NBKell31qtKGNu5PySBmLZeZoCCnY4wvlpGd2tYAdUniIwYZgy0ZY5jb3nmT4tsI_MosX-sIfOaGpnredbMclAaS43lH_-bK6CvMb-Etut5RZQuYXb-9YUz/s320/IMG_3838.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlIpnKbob7BBZ-oy64zcsm8iHaMHW6CaIq8pXzw4srdhJhAggLOmd7sKVxiksURLfeC8mUZIWX8KfNGMlgtZfy1Lk1kP6sGa06QAgmo11rW0vA4Up_6oHRNtBJdx_X74AgBYyBxwZ9ijs/s1600/DSC_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlIpnKbob7BBZ-oy64zcsm8iHaMHW6CaIq8pXzw4srdhJhAggLOmd7sKVxiksURLfeC8mUZIWX8KfNGMlgtZfy1Lk1kP6sGa06QAgmo11rW0vA4Up_6oHRNtBJdx_X74AgBYyBxwZ9ijs/s640/DSC_0833.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDg-Osasj9h-jXTNQNMNmvHEQfP3y7d6rEEMskzEz9jHSRNjfKgK8v3clY6tbVxqWSkJ0o9H89562hrMZv5fAuo-jx8BRuNateLhA-LByTGkJhdSDzufa2evsC5LumG6I-17GKf-JJR3L/s1600/DSC_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDg-Osasj9h-jXTNQNMNmvHEQfP3y7d6rEEMskzEz9jHSRNjfKgK8v3clY6tbVxqWSkJ0o9H89562hrMZv5fAuo-jx8BRuNateLhA-LByTGkJhdSDzufa2evsC5LumG6I-17GKf-JJR3L/s640/DSC_0840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvMqWHIMMcNjGzctqAgrk_YQZc3HPYiUI4UdNoGPkwlznomkdVHIEcDsQQaNkeCDpREH3f72kWqLwhtpIwNS0Eiee6F40cKKzHqC6iUZxMQs_05z3qe941QxcvYr39zmC87FgHgaYPWye/s1600/DSC_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvMqWHIMMcNjGzctqAgrk_YQZc3HPYiUI4UdNoGPkwlznomkdVHIEcDsQQaNkeCDpREH3f72kWqLwhtpIwNS0Eiee6F40cKKzHqC6iUZxMQs_05z3qe941QxcvYr39zmC87FgHgaYPWye/s640/DSC_0844.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAS5bgkzS0_bf0s2nUXBqYmSSU7vYYJ452zmWEwbKVPwyVq-qxZKKIUdhqqOeHbt-D2PZnPk13YuEdpbvXc8Y_H0OzAWffpbMF_AB9mnMOADgsbohVjZunXECVoHSELvfkIAZ6KPNfvnp/s1600/DSC_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAS5bgkzS0_bf0s2nUXBqYmSSU7vYYJ452zmWEwbKVPwyVq-qxZKKIUdhqqOeHbt-D2PZnPk13YuEdpbvXc8Y_H0OzAWffpbMF_AB9mnMOADgsbohVjZunXECVoHSELvfkIAZ6KPNfvnp/s640/DSC_0848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4DSN1P5OLZ1W8BYq9UBzy_N0jkzTubjlwtVc8B_iUveOsQpB-vgBfZOSwk8TZC6lR8Mru_yeuh6dySAd2lstjdL3ES9o3XooEFKYnzy4hGsA-HMId2nleqmqq2xTX7rSoFVuxiwVx4DN/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4DSN1P5OLZ1W8BYq9UBzy_N0jkzTubjlwtVc8B_iUveOsQpB-vgBfZOSwk8TZC6lR8Mru_yeuh6dySAd2lstjdL3ES9o3XooEFKYnzy4hGsA-HMId2nleqmqq2xTX7rSoFVuxiwVx4DN/s640/DSC_0854.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj380SvirqFZBiAkHnqo1XtKWeb1KRDvrVGWqKsoILq7sSUirutELZYubh_UToCyM2KLgE1-llo-9G09rljgt-_lnMH3e257MiNs_uZR4iuxZaPoGQJ5kNRXYlbtgxqXJZR7mGC_U72VxCy/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj380SvirqFZBiAkHnqo1XtKWeb1KRDvrVGWqKsoILq7sSUirutELZYubh_UToCyM2KLgE1-llo-9G09rljgt-_lnMH3e257MiNs_uZR4iuxZaPoGQJ5kNRXYlbtgxqXJZR7mGC_U72VxCy/s640/IMG_3854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioZEivxzmXfezCg3gTjIOZatdO_5iYAttqGnvzVxar9rPsdsh0SJ0cE8zWnPPf_oEMyzNcLXCNnoNc0BUiAVO1I2jRDZhfH_IP4wZUt2bd4y_NE6dMuHduvhtyNhwsdJYxPUFuHDG85Vu/s1600/IMG_3857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioZEivxzmXfezCg3gTjIOZatdO_5iYAttqGnvzVxar9rPsdsh0SJ0cE8zWnPPf_oEMyzNcLXCNnoNc0BUiAVO1I2jRDZhfH_IP4wZUt2bd4y_NE6dMuHduvhtyNhwsdJYxPUFuHDG85Vu/s640/IMG_3857.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh8hS6sVHMixX3FORhHEh09Dd650Qlsp0M9IjNvWszF_eQC9gjGHOj7pEgT1231Lkk2lJn70JKxuzL_pYS2qcHTtZ-OEm1cQABF8KRxXLg5_5stGhlbGbMKMWUIIJv2co2B2ihKfQ-d9d/s1600/IMG_3862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh8hS6sVHMixX3FORhHEh09Dd650Qlsp0M9IjNvWszF_eQC9gjGHOj7pEgT1231Lkk2lJn70JKxuzL_pYS2qcHTtZ-OEm1cQABF8KRxXLg5_5stGhlbGbMKMWUIIJv2co2B2ihKfQ-d9d/s640/IMG_3862.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXwFReYEUFSzQlehfxCcLO-dcw8zmXs7UScVfKgO7H_qq7Ziv07-_S8TdzhAVsJh8Ev4dVt1tUYLhCFFqphzan2NRIvm6JaHFRoNMT5Y-7P93B8OCOZO6WeRyQXgS4yiMYjBsIZ5xwG12/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXwFReYEUFSzQlehfxCcLO-dcw8zmXs7UScVfKgO7H_qq7Ziv07-_S8TdzhAVsJh8Ev4dVt1tUYLhCFFqphzan2NRIvm6JaHFRoNMT5Y-7P93B8OCOZO6WeRyQXgS4yiMYjBsIZ5xwG12/s640/IMG_3861.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXpScIYHrwnSVB9_3TNyLDuE2Qp002SXeiIVadFE7ODh-FLStTcofXxf1aO5_nvLXbJcMZeGBBqlIRmqglbSqMyt8g7uQj57TJabgrMWOZ4rg6rBvYMoXqG57RXkJqvIA5wd84vd_v4tI/s1600/IMG_3864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXpScIYHrwnSVB9_3TNyLDuE2Qp002SXeiIVadFE7ODh-FLStTcofXxf1aO5_nvLXbJcMZeGBBqlIRmqglbSqMyt8g7uQj57TJabgrMWOZ4rg6rBvYMoXqG57RXkJqvIA5wd84vd_v4tI/s640/IMG_3864.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-71021785439338776212013-06-05T10:21:00.000-04:002013-09-20T10:43:42.254-04:00Over the Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had the pleasure of being a part of the most creative 40th birthday celebrations I have ever heard of last Sunday night. My friend, Amy, is so incredibly talented and really went outside of the box this time. Not only was it a surprise, but I think this was such a meaningful celebration for our friend, Rick. I had to share because it was just too clever not to. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rick was turning 40--"over the hill." And being Charleston, there is only one hill--the bridge. So the two of them went on a boat ride to downtown where a rickshaw was waiting to take them to the bridge. Rick just thought they were taking a walk but quickly realized something was up when Amy handed him a note reminding him of his goal to do the bridge run under 40 minutes by age 40. So he just thought it was nostalgic that they were walking the bridge together after meeting that goal earlier this year. Things got a little more nostalgic as he reached the middle and began seeing all his friends at different points dressed up as significant moments in his life with masks of his face. Our pregnant friend, Lauren, was dressed in 70s attire representative of his mother on the way to the hospital. Another friend wore a wedding dress and you get the idea. Bert and I were 2007 when his first child was born. We had Layna hide behind us and jump out as he was approaching. It was emotional for everyone to just get to be a part of such a kind friend's momentous celebration "over the hill." But I cannot imagine how amazing it must have been for him to literally see his life pass before him. Afterwards we all shared beer and pizza at a local dive. I really can't imagine how we looked to people driving by on the bridge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We also realized how little as adults we know about each other's growing up/college years. Sometimes at dinner parties we'll just pick a topic (college/how we met our spouse, etc.) because it is so fun to learn about each others' pasts--the people we were before being moms and dads and coworkers and neighbors. I love all these friends and celebrating these milestones.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Speaking of milestones, HB celebrated 42 on Monday! Not a 'big' year but isn't every year big?! Each year he always remarks how grateful he is to have a family and girls that are happy when he comes home and a job and a home and his faith and how much God has truly blessed him. I'm grateful to have such a positive and thankful husband. And I really hope we get to celebrate another 42+ years of Bert! We love you!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVSvAiZdPzZECBp6J9l_L2D_ZhwfUYWEio_e_n-0DzLJ5aUzG9iXb9xcglaNsEMeimrPqrcE5QlV1ySwIrT9Y2Ry7-CvIJ_yHLeiDyjlXR9A1BHxjrADJ3Rx81lLOPTd90gaTHSSNocI/s1600/IMG_3537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVSvAiZdPzZECBp6J9l_L2D_ZhwfUYWEio_e_n-0DzLJ5aUzG9iXb9xcglaNsEMeimrPqrcE5QlV1ySwIrT9Y2Ry7-CvIJ_yHLeiDyjlXR9A1BHxjrADJ3Rx81lLOPTd90gaTHSSNocI/s320/IMG_3537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHGtQ5mz2Vw406qLy2EDJ8y-_VvEwBjLfqyp3EJIrTMu1zOKpkKJf5ENY-q1dNYIFTmlwe0QKph0SnDzGohkysjkVdw4IMqQXQJ8mQVezmACX4fx2yxJadV8Fe5oHKxQsrWXywB1BT-k/s1600/myLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHGtQ5mz2Vw406qLy2EDJ8y-_VvEwBjLfqyp3EJIrTMu1zOKpkKJf5ENY-q1dNYIFTmlwe0QKph0SnDzGohkysjkVdw4IMqQXQJ8mQVezmACX4fx2yxJadV8Fe5oHKxQsrWXywB1BT-k/s640/myLife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-7428693914637864662013-05-21T23:00:00.000-04:002013-06-24T16:50:04.349-04:00Tangible Evidence<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's inevitable...come the first and last day of school, I walk around with a huge lump in my throat and can shed a tear at the drop of a hat. It makes me feel completely unhinged and like a total nut! I've noticed this pattern for the past two years. It's the same feeling I had when I went back to work, when Loulie turned one, the first time I dropped her off at Sunday School without her even acknowledging my leaving---the feeling that time is passing to quickly. That I will never get to relive this stage with this child again. That Loulie will never ride past the church that houses her preschool again shouting "schkoul! Loulie schkoul!" I have a hard time with it, this tangible evidence that she is getting older. This date on the calendar that says "you can never go back." It's a strange and unexpected form of grief.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At small group tonight I asked for prayer over this feeling, knowing that the next two days will be difficult for me. I mean who likes feeling sad? I felt a little ridiculous though expressing this grief considering one couple has a severely disabled child and another has a niece diagnosed with a rare disease among other issues. So yeah, Lauren, grief? Over your healthy, growing child moving on up in the world? It's hardly seems to qualify as something to get upset over. But I look at it as a blessing--that this time has been so precious that it is hard to let it go. That motherhood has been such a surprising joy that I don't want it to go by so quickly. I'm so thankful for the friends and teachers and time we have had together this 3 year old year. I know not all school years may go as well and I'm thankful that our last year at John Wesley will be a sweet memory.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My friend, Lee, who thinks so similar to me sent me this <a href="http://www.storywarren.com/time-flies/" target="_blank">article</a> after I got home from small group tonight making me feel a little less ridiculous about these uncontrollable emotions I have going on. I love it! And it speaks to this moment so perfectly. I guess I am not quite alone in wanting stop time.</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Yes, time flies.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I don’t want to stop it. I want to climb on its back and soak up every inch of the scenery. I want to drink in the laughter, the tears, the soccer games, the visits to the ER, the blues skies and the torrential rains that this world has to offer. For when the cosmic clock is finally grounded, I will climb off its back, grateful for the wild and wonderful (full-of-wonder) ride."</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I will tearfully walk her in one last time on Thursday, go early to get a seat for their year end performance and probably take way too many pictures, all the while soaking in the gifts of this good life of being her mother. Thankful for another good year and knowing by Friday that summer excitement will have me far over this momentary grief.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxnZwn6eUJ1zCO3FMyKQx73lRruzsAtofU7HD0tifBOrX6TqN6GOozfxtRoAkYW-hgC4Wa9mc-hfMMhXwbwdyOCUdrPvmOdl6fq-aC1RjjgdqACEtG1f-1ljLU2hsaKOBG7K3o9f2eEpd/s1600/IMG_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxnZwn6eUJ1zCO3FMyKQx73lRruzsAtofU7HD0tifBOrX6TqN6GOozfxtRoAkYW-hgC4Wa9mc-hfMMhXwbwdyOCUdrPvmOdl6fq-aC1RjjgdqACEtG1f-1ljLU2hsaKOBG7K3o9f2eEpd/s640/IMG_3833.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Grown 3Ker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span>
<div style="padding-bottom: 0.1em; padding-top: 0.1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 0.1em; padding-top: 0.1em;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-61314786403045059762013-05-06T21:01:00.000-04:002013-09-14T09:17:44.550-04:00Windy Gap recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There aren't many places you can go to get away where it is cold and rainy all weekend and you still have the time of your life. This was our second year going to Young Life family camp. We have been attending the Young Life dinners and fundraisers since moving to Charleston but it wasn't until a year ago that we were finally able to go to camp. The stories are true--that place is sacred. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie has talked about it all year and couldn't wait for this past weekend. It was especially wonderful this year. For one, we had our own cabin with this breathtaking view. 2) Loulie was able to go to breakout sessions with an older group of kids. Bert and I would try to walk her to her group and she would turn around and hold her hand up for us to let her go alone. It's so safe there, we were able to give her independence. 3) We had a lot of friends there this year, friends that we love seeing in Charleston but staying in the same place for a long weekend as a family allows for more, less stressful hang out time. Loulie had buddies to play and dance with--it was sweet to see all the little girls feed off each other and share in worshipping Jesus at such a young age. 4) Loulie knew the ropes this year so she was less anxious. She knew exactly what to do and where to go and with a slight increase in height was able to tackle the ropes course. She was actually the youngest person at camp to get on the ropes course swing. (I was shaking just watching them climb so high.) When she finished, an older group of girls (9 or 10 maybe) were waiting at the bottom to high five her. The look on her face when those "big girls" were congratulating her on being so brave is something I will never forget. Throughout the rest of the weekend, people would pass Loulie and say "there's that little kid that did the swing." Being pretty shy, she rarely tries to draw attention to herself, but this praise of bravery she just ate up. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mainly, it was just an amazing time as a family relaxing, enjoying God's creation and spending time with good friends. I hope this is something we will always get to do. I think as life gets busier, this weekend is one that I will look forward to and treasure always.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOYqaoQyqLYVw_COOwMxx3NMCBtHF9qoDXOKPPOx_dOFXC1fttHiFsD-YBZY4wY-b-5XpzrUb-GObJHyOQKjBe2RRR-UEJmHICMbV7HASRxIv10U37xYKdXuYWf9ddPNS5dsaT8iYZPA/s1600/DSC_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOYqaoQyqLYVw_COOwMxx3NMCBtHF9qoDXOKPPOx_dOFXC1fttHiFsD-YBZY4wY-b-5XpzrUb-GObJHyOQKjBe2RRR-UEJmHICMbV7HASRxIv10U37xYKdXuYWf9ddPNS5dsaT8iYZPA/s640/DSC_1068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5OQWa3z-iWv2NoDPWE3j5Fl-dNn336PCNkFS1zBjh4JoLJQ4xCn0qfD-6trOzEBm0wZQUUnAmfwwSUzGOxNZDY_bcd7bbPBN65sRHbVv10SxzGD6PbjZmzVQTgA2dylr5FgwO_EarP4/s1600/DSC_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5OQWa3z-iWv2NoDPWE3j5Fl-dNn336PCNkFS1zBjh4JoLJQ4xCn0qfD-6trOzEBm0wZQUUnAmfwwSUzGOxNZDY_bcd7bbPBN65sRHbVv10SxzGD6PbjZmzVQTgA2dylr5FgwO_EarP4/s640/DSC_1076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK-d1B32AxaxUFvGgVuvseIfhfT3W3-Ajt_yMsA_jj4HqzBRi-gVA1KyVweYB9Fmayhja_gLWizU8x1rlTrfTcL_3C4SqFb3_xC1H3MKnbgImoFc73Wed2yfEWVWq7nAAxZDGlbYunrg/s1600/DSC_1082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK-d1B32AxaxUFvGgVuvseIfhfT3W3-Ajt_yMsA_jj4HqzBRi-gVA1KyVweYB9Fmayhja_gLWizU8x1rlTrfTcL_3C4SqFb3_xC1H3MKnbgImoFc73Wed2yfEWVWq7nAAxZDGlbYunrg/s640/DSC_1082.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTOSw1tTBGG6Lyzm2l4NwjOYuayxDzdu49tHIPeIpuCFS_f5-xeLjLY7cZv-JLgGtAZLcdd8gRykUhadrNd9iBLUvUlPzrdeufIzd6PxQwwd-_WJHE2ubOAGFixGSKfB-ogzZC9LbIy8/s1600/DSC_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTOSw1tTBGG6Lyzm2l4NwjOYuayxDzdu49tHIPeIpuCFS_f5-xeLjLY7cZv-JLgGtAZLcdd8gRykUhadrNd9iBLUvUlPzrdeufIzd6PxQwwd-_WJHE2ubOAGFixGSKfB-ogzZC9LbIy8/s640/DSC_1087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABP0Hh42gSAt8Ns-xQyt4vCrz44dZSPBUAuK7GNlFHmO6PBrSuxhLe5hf4sB2dHLPvkfoG6Q1vTdQRqK-LcC2KQBIB6SMu9j5CnTMQa2KZaJCL1OOiETk0oG265ZJdD9Oczx3-DZoTnI/s1600/DSC_1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABP0Hh42gSAt8Ns-xQyt4vCrz44dZSPBUAuK7GNlFHmO6PBrSuxhLe5hf4sB2dHLPvkfoG6Q1vTdQRqK-LcC2KQBIB6SMu9j5CnTMQa2KZaJCL1OOiETk0oG265ZJdD9Oczx3-DZoTnI/s640/DSC_1103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-Asn8-K-QKGqN9gfyut4uCUeOaSNYmMB-RuI1Ua7bKG4N9Y-c5FvolrraCY33tEo0yhUaBl5qH8iKYhgSO5NAcxMwBzNJOZlbYqWd4Fq-hodu42pHdTBi0F03vWVwz_ulT2CRtXUkUM/s1600/DSC_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-Asn8-K-QKGqN9gfyut4uCUeOaSNYmMB-RuI1Ua7bKG4N9Y-c5FvolrraCY33tEo0yhUaBl5qH8iKYhgSO5NAcxMwBzNJOZlbYqWd4Fq-hodu42pHdTBi0F03vWVwz_ulT2CRtXUkUM/s640/DSC_1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzmUP70smttmdLQ-PqEZ43UtkkiFG9tOxB2f7rifkR9jy1KkqDAArdG8vUgm9SP3Z0dO-GgtG2_jWyl8oSRbcZcfmRd__DhklYVfOLbEZpyT9MmboZddx_JCNjylQELQbnOs4DvGvVVk/s1600/DSC_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzmUP70smttmdLQ-PqEZ43UtkkiFG9tOxB2f7rifkR9jy1KkqDAArdG8vUgm9SP3Z0dO-GgtG2_jWyl8oSRbcZcfmRd__DhklYVfOLbEZpyT9MmboZddx_JCNjylQELQbnOs4DvGvVVk/s640/DSC_1125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018122597136345404.post-33648880405888410722013-05-03T08:52:00.000-04:002013-09-13T20:53:01.566-04:00Bucket List Check--Today Show<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have never considered myself a starstruck person. I mean, they put on their pants on the same way we do, don't they? I would much rather meet an inspiring blogger or cancer survivor or faithful leader than some random star. But all that went out the window when my sister found out the Today Show would be in Charleston. 1)--I love Hoda! I read her book last year and think she is a class act. You would never know it because she seems so humble but she has done some pretty amazing interviews in some pretty dangerous places. She loves her family, worked really hard to get where she is, and has survived some rough stuff. So I would put her in the category of people I find inspiring. 2)--I have always joked that a bullet point on my bucket list is to be interviewed by Ann Curry on the Today Show. That is obviously out of the question for a number of reasons now, reality being the first. So getting up at 6:00am and heading to the Cistern was my closest chance of ever checking this off my bucket list. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Loulie wanted to come since we are pretty sure Hoda's name was the inspiration for her <strike>imaginary</strike> friend, Hada. So we trekked downtown, waited in line with our poster and finally got in!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The energy was extremely fun--everyone was excited! The best part though--we actually met Hoda. For just a second, she walked right by us and told Loulie "oh, I just love her." We were all like "We love you Hoda!" And got all giddy and ridiculous and star struck. She is as kind in person as she seems on TV which made me like her all the more.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7KGp3CPwuLVj_TUhyX2PwncmY7TlhST4qP-GH8fTFRAkBOGNRFVzIYLOjYoXGw0EsvfxWLsUrZv8HI2_DMBMUj9rQTl3hHZpQ5aFtuT4gptWbRtZB1Mz2hkQmrn264ezL-4V6qkI0fQ/s1600/IMG_3656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7KGp3CPwuLVj_TUhyX2PwncmY7TlhST4qP-GH8fTFRAkBOGNRFVzIYLOjYoXGw0EsvfxWLsUrZv8HI2_DMBMUj9rQTl3hHZpQ5aFtuT4gptWbRtZB1Mz2hkQmrn264ezL-4V6qkI0fQ/s640/IMG_3656.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp3Ytz4IGjKQlDw1sBHiVQGa68skK_k7MFmsWgD4vXWvCrQmKk9vu4GpEKz41y-aLdRIoMKI9qvW6NOF0YMZL8kMPFu7I1Qbv16IXY0mfVBeVY88IX13wn96EIbwSAj9Yv3c_unXOskA/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp3Ytz4IGjKQlDw1sBHiVQGa68skK_k7MFmsWgD4vXWvCrQmKk9vu4GpEKz41y-aLdRIoMKI9qvW6NOF0YMZL8kMPFu7I1Qbv16IXY0mfVBeVY88IX13wn96EIbwSAj9Yv3c_unXOskA/s640/IMG_3679.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxDJpPRubk-vYLD2XjfdysARLJsc8VLs0kIgLouLKa1gorSaIbzBrr4R_euZPvcIxw-XbyD-NbNF8HLjsML5RppucylUMqoMyaHXYroI8DqFWJ8172yLlrnjyn4_G-hlTKFQBJqRiD_Y/s1600/IMG_3664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxDJpPRubk-vYLD2XjfdysARLJsc8VLs0kIgLouLKa1gorSaIbzBrr4R_euZPvcIxw-XbyD-NbNF8HLjsML5RppucylUMqoMyaHXYroI8DqFWJ8172yLlrnjyn4_G-hlTKFQBJqRiD_Y/s640/IMG_3664.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="384" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We posted this picture on Instagram of Loulie doing a fist pump after Hoda said hello and the Today Show "liked" it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-1NAK3inszA2M8DwNnAXVHbZ2fm_6EIZK0qiAPFStVt4PbkEQVlA2IPxSlTu0q1nYgFdXV2NXhtQT1fxcvP1Ugo_VgsQCmRjtMWmWT3z-h_5WQomgS8txnixeOpDEVFECYbgxtF4cao/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-1NAK3inszA2M8DwNnAXVHbZ2fm_6EIZK0qiAPFStVt4PbkEQVlA2IPxSlTu0q1nYgFdXV2NXhtQT1fxcvP1Ugo_VgsQCmRjtMWmWT3z-h_5WQomgS8txnixeOpDEVFECYbgxtF4cao/s640/IMG_3671.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So there was my moment of being completely ridiculous but it was worth it and will make for a good story down the road. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hope everyone has a great weekend! We are heading to Windy Gap in the NC mountains for Young Life camp. This will be our second year and we have been looking forward to it since we pulled away last May!</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249340543019818023noreply@blogger.com0