Happy Birthday!

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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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. 

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.
I guess he has never heard me say that which is the point of this post....

We love you, Husky Bear! And are absolutely thankful for all you do! Happy Birthday! Prayers for a wonderful and blessed year ahead!

A couple of things

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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!

Happy Rest-filled Weekend!

January 2013

my parents' house almost every weekend in January

January is the quietest month in the garden. 

But just because it looks quiet doesn't mean nothing is happening.

- Rosalie Muller Wright

When I was younger, before I had years of memories of winter and time passing quickly, January made me a little down. The build up, excitement and busyness of the holidays being over followed by dreary weather and open schedules would make me antsy and unmotivated. A few years of this feeling gave me anxiety come January 1 of the looming winter blues. I would go overboard planning events and staying active to avoid the inevitable quiet of the short days and long winter nights. But further into adulthood, I relish this quiet time. I've found that I enjoy the holidays for the exhausting celebrations knowing that we will soon turn the calendar page into a time of rest.
And did I ever need January this year. I resolved that I would use the empty space on my calendar to rest, to listen, to prepare for the year ahead. I wouldn't get bent out of shape that there weren't festivals to attend or packed schedules. I would stop. I would take this season for what it is--just a short season in life. Good thing I did since week one of 2013, the whole family came down sick keeping us housebound for days. But it's as if by resolving in my heart to be thankful for this slow time; the Lord poured out blessing. Because though little happened from a "family album, blogging perspective," BIG prayers were answered and so much time was spent just relishing in family. We took time to think about the past year and what we wanted to change in the year ahead. We prayed about the growth of our family, about our health, about our business. I'm not saying that after days of being stuck inside and way more days of wearing rain boots than I would have liked, that I wasn't going a little stir crazy. I just think that the cold, housebound quiet is needed because that's were rest and listening occur which results in growth and development and most importantly answers.
So that's where we are for the beginning of 2013.

January 2013

- Rang in New Year with friends

- Spent a lot of days inside fighting off colds and catching up on Downton Abbey (obsessed!), and coercing Loulie into taking medicine
-Bridget Bojangle's 6th birthday

- Said good-bye to Bert's airplane, an answer to years of prayer to keep or sell

-Loulie's Class Holiday Concert where she performed front and center

- A friend field trip to Charlestowne Landing

- Mr. Rob came to visit from New York

- Good news from our neighborhood school and my first PTA meeting

-Movie dates with Loulie, girls' nights with Aunt Meme, and lots of family time
-Attended our first Journey Together ministry meeting & met so many wonderful families

- Closed one GAL case and picked up another

Ariel

It will not always be this way but it just so happens that the beginning of preschool, first day of ballet and Loulie's birthday fall within days of each other. I know she gets older/bigger/more grown up everyday but having all these tangible reminders at once kind of sends me into an emotional tailspin. I may have been the only mother who cried in the hallway the first day of school while my child happily walked right in. The difference this year is that we've done most of this before--I felt seasoned. I wasn't the new kid on the block anymore. And Loulie--she inherited her mother's nerd genes and loves school! I hope it stays this way and that she's always so excited to see her friends and teachers.

 Beginning about 6 months ago, Loulie started asking about her birthday party. EV-E-RY-DAY. Her main requests: 1) that it be an Ariel party at the beach, 2) that she have an Ariel cake and 3) that all her friends be there to sing her happy birthday. She talked about this so much that I began to get a little nervous that our plans would not meet her expectations. Then I remembered that she is just 3 and to keep it low key. So we had a little beach picnic with a few of her little friends at my parents' house. Bert's landlord lent us his golf cart to shuttle tired kids back and forth.I packed sandwiches and fruit in sandbuckets for lunch. I am no party planner and entertaining a pack full of littles kind of scares me. But thankfully mother nature cooperated and the day went off without a hitch.

 Another of Loulie's requests was to BE Ariel (WTH!) so we found some mermaid fabric to make her this dress and headband. I may have lost my fingerprints in the process but she felt so beautiful so whats a few burns?

 

 Loulie and her friend, Madison in the picture below, are fourth and third generation Sullivan's Island neighbors. So fun to have all of them there!

 I'm just going to go ahead and make the most biased comment ever--these four are the sweetest girls you will ever meet. They partied long after the other guests left, pretending to be mermaids. Below is a shot of them resting on the beach after just being saved from a fisherman's net. I don't know where they come up with this stuff but it makes my heart glad for Loulie to have sweet girlfriends to play with. I am so thankful for them and their parents.

 The actual day of her birthday we made cake batter pancakes (pinterest fail) and had a few presents all set up. She didn't ask for anything but we had hinted at a kitchen. Bert and I were all excited with cameras ready to see the look on her face when she walked in. She walked right past it, sat down and started eating. Finally, we we like 'So, um, do you notice ANYTHING?!" Completely surprised, Loulie goes "That's for ME?" Best money we've ever spent. She has logged hours in her little kitchen that is no so little. I think I am about to move the kitchen table out to accommodate Loulie's furniture. (Never say never--I always promised I wouldn't let children's toys take over my house)

There aren't really words to express what it's like watching someone grow up. The gratitude I have to God for making us her parents, for loaning us His child--it's overwhelming. I wanted Loulie to feel loved and special and appreciated for  the kind daughter she is and for how proud she makes us. I think we accomplished that.

The fastest long weekend

Warning: I am about to post an absurd amount of pictures of Loulie Bug.

I apologize. If it bores you, just skip this post but I honestly can't help myself. We had one of the best weekends in a long time and I just had to post some pics of my girl having fun. Lovey and GDaddyBoy were here this weekend and we packed it in.

First haircut

Dinner with cousins

First birthday party for a classmate

Sewe Wildlife Festival

Dinner for GDaddyBoy's Birthday

and unfortunately ended it with Loulie's First Sick Visit to the Doctor (although I feel fortunate we've made it this long)

You can tell from the pictures how much Loulie is growing up. She was so proud of herself doing all these big girl things this weekend. We have been looking forward to this weekend and my parents visit for a while now so it went by pretty fast for what was supposed to be a long weekend. Luckily, we spent most of today at home trying to help Loulie get over her sinus infection. I'm starting to panic looking at the to do list for the next four days and it is already past midnight. Not much time for an in depth post so hopefully I'll be back again this week.

I hope everyone had a relaxing long weekend! Back to the grind tomorrow. :0

May the odds be ever in your favor...

3-0ne
As of yesterday, I am officially in my early thirties. I do not believe in horoscopes or superstition, I know I have a heavenly father that has already numbered my days. However, I have noticed a pattern in those days over the years. It has become somewhat of a joke with my family and friends. I first noticed when on my 18th birthday I did not get into the college of my choosing. Talk about a sucker punch to the nose!
From then on, it has been that every odd year has brought contentment, surprises and adventure while most even years are a little more hit and miss. I would never say bad years because I have been so very blessed and we all know that times of trial draw you closer to the Lord. So I can look back and say it was ALL good! But if I were a gambler, I would up my stakes during an odd year. The year I turned 27, I jokingly told Bert that I felt like good things were coming my way. A few months in, I had a new car, my mother surprised me with my first trip to Europe and I was offered a great job. Bert told me he was ready for a year to be about him :) I ended that year with the best present ever--the expectation of Loulie Bug! Which followed me over into 28--all I remember about 28 is a lot of morning sickness, even more sleepless nights and a lot of excuses to my boss. See--point proven!
But as I roll into an odd year and an odd decade, I am not thinking about what good things may happen but that I have been an official adult for 13 years. That my 20s were about what I was going to do with my life, who I was going to spend it with, would I have a family and where would I end up living? Most of that has been decided by now--I've been blessed with good jobs, incredible friends, a husband who is my perfect match, a healthy child and I live in a beautiful place! So the question is no longer--what's next? What am I going to do? The question is how do I want to be seen? Am I  living each day fulfilling my Heavenly Father's purpose?
I was watching Easy A the other night because I may get older but will never outgrow a good teen drama. And Emma Stone and her friend were talking about mnemonics--basically if you were described what would be the first word the person said. Her friend's was big boobs--not mine. Her other friend's was that gay guy--again, not mine. So I asked Bert and he came back with something ridiculous and not worth repeating;) But it got my wheels turning.
So thats my plan for my 30s--work on my mnemonic. So that when someone asks, "Who is Lauren Dasher? Do I know her?" That person will respond with "you know Lauren, that girl who loves Jesus." or "oh if you don't know her, you should. She's a great friend--the kind that will give you the shirt off her back." or even better "Is that the kind lady with the polite children?" Friends, I am a loooong way off from a good mnemonic. I'm pretty sure right now that it's "that short girl that's hair is sometimes blond and has the kid with the weird name."
So as my friends and family, I am letting you know that is my business plan/ my check list/ my proverbial vision for the next nine years. Because they will go by too fast and I don't want to be wishing that I had spent more time helping others and with the people I love than on petty things or worry.
Hold me to it!
In other words, right now would be a great time to ask me for something--HA!


Lots of love and from the bottom of my heart thanks to everyone who has made up the last 31 years!

Party Naked

All the cousins (plus their parents and our kids) got together to celebrate my aunt's 60th birthday. Because it was my mother's side of the family, it only makes sense that by the end of the night someone was naked and dancing on a piece of furniture.

Oh, am I in TROUBLE?


Don't judge--I know you you use your children for entertainment purposes all the time. It's why we had them--right?

A nice surprise

In addition to a lovely Friday night spent out at Wild Dunes with one of the cutest families I know celebrating one of Bert's friend's birthdays, we had little surprise on Saturday.
Bert treated his girls to a Saturday morning at the downtown farmer's market since it was one of his first Saturdays not called into work in a while. And when I say treat, he really went over the top. Anytime I suggested that maybe Loulie didn't need an icee the size of her head or maybe one less pony ride, he stopped me with "Lauren, I never get to do this. Just let me delight in being with my girls."
Okay, twist my arm. Who can argue against that?!
While we were down there, my brother in law called and within a few hours he, Aimee and my nephew, William were in Charleston treating us to dinner for a belated birthday celebration for Bert. It could not have been a nicer surprise to see these three and get to have dinner at Bert's favorite, Basil.
I'm not sure if you have had experience with many teenage boys, but in mine, not many are willing to hold their baby cousins hand while walking the streets of downtown Charleston. 

 William has a heart of gold and Loulie took full advantage. If she stole one hug, she stole ten. I'm pretty sure she will be looking up to William for life and I hope he will always be willing to humor her.

4-0!

Last Monday morning; I woke up, rolled over and looked at the clock--date and time. Then, I turned to Bert and said, "Good morning Husky Bear! Happy last week in your thirties. In a few days, we won't be in the same decade again for another 9 and a half years." Then just to add a little comfort to the situation, I assured him that no matter what, I would stand by him through anything this new decade might bring including Depends, a walker, and loss of hearing. He thanked me for my words of encouragement and then said he was going to hang himself from the shower curtain rod!

In all seriousness, Bert had a great birthday. He admitted that 40 actually felt better than 30--that having a family, a job he loves, good friends and his faith have made moving into the next decade more exciting than scary. I decided at the beginning of May that I couldn't let his 40th slide by without some kind of celebration, so Loulie and I moved out to Sullivan's last week to get ready for his party on Friday night. I CANNOT believe I didn't take any pictures, but it was a great time. A lot of friends and family were able to come celebrate. I did all the food and my aunt helped with the flowers. We had a local guy who plays at the farmers market sing--he was perfect for the occasion and I highly recommend him. My in laws relieved the baby sitter allowing us to stay out at the beach which was a gift in itself. For the first time in almost two years, we were able to stay up late and not worry about waking with a baby or having to be responsible. We closed the party down at 1:00 only to stay up talking to Bert's sister until 3:30. It has taken me at least two days to recover from the loss of sleep. I am no longer able to pounce out of bed after a weekend of fun--guess I deserve it after all my teasing of Bert getting old. 


I'm a little sad Bert's actual birthday has come and gone--it is fun doting over the person you love. In our house, you get to celebrate a week so we still have 5 more days of fun (mixed in with work). I'm so thankful that Bert asked me to marry him almost five years ago. After all the teasing, I reminded him that he keeps getting better with age. I loved Bert when we first met but had no idea when we married that he was going to be such an amazing husband and father. God truly designed the two of us to balance each others' strengths and weaknesses and I am so thankful for that. Bert works so hard for our family, is completely selfless when it comes to his girls and always has encouraging words for me when I am doubting my role as a wife and mother. He does a lot of things well but I am most proud of him for how he treats others and manages his business. We have our own business so in the past we have had some times that have gotten a little tight. There may have been some opportunities that would have allowed us more money but would have meant possibly hurting someone else's interest. Bert has always taken the high road, done the right thing, trusted the Lord and waited patiently rather than acting out of greed or impulse. I also love that when our friends talk about what they would take on a deserted island, he is always mentioned--he can fix or build anything! And as the cherry on top, Bert always puts his family before anything making Loulie and me feel pretty good. It took me a while to find someone so special and it was great to celebrate his 40 years on this earth. I love him so much and wish him many more happy (and healthy) decades (with me of course) ahead!

 

                                                 

                                                        

Birthday Bug

So if you read the last post, you know I got pretty sentimental and nostalgic about my Bug turning One last week. Everyone has birthdays but for some reason, all last Thursday I felt a sort of humble pride (there’s an oximoron for you). I knew I had not done anything and Loulie had not done anything but I was so proud of her and that we had made it through the first year. She has become such a sweet, spunky little girl with such a big heart. Bert and I just couldn’t help but celebrate everything Loulie for about five days in a row.

The last day of her babyhood was spent at none other than our favorite spot on Earth--Sullivan’s Island--our haven away from everything stressful, worldly and technological. Loulie, Lovey and Aunt Muffy spent the afternoon basking in the sun, playing in the waves and riding in her new wagon. Of course, Teddi and Sulli joined in on the fun too because no princess would travel without her guard dogs.

The actual Big Day began with a pancake breakfast, phone calls from friends and family followed by a picnic and playtime at the park under the Ravenel bridge.

My hope was to get some great one year pictures with the ocean and Charleston Harbor in the background. Truth be told, it was kind of a cluster--super humid, no wind and a somewhat fussy toddler. (WHAT!--did I just say toddler?)

The result was some very sweaty, red faced pictures--not what I had hoped for but still beautiful and will be a funny memory of the day.

By the end, we were having fun though...

Then we went home for the unveiling of the new play yard and toys (more on this in a future post)--Loulie LOVED here birthday presents...

Friday night, we had a family birthday dinner courtesy of Lovey and Aunt Muffy. Mom made a delicious dinner, Loulie had her first sugar and we opened presents and played with new toys. Loulie picked out a new doll, Emma, while shopping with Grandaddy (who ignored my requests to not spoil Loulie) earlier that day. Emma, seen below, has accompanied us on every outing since.

(Mom, Dad, Loulie eating cake)

(Loulie putting her baby in their new high chair)

The weekend culminated in a bug birthday party for our Loulie Bug!

Loulie had a ball...

We are so blessed by family and sweet friends that traveled near and far to come celebrate with our Bug. I think all the kids had a great time and we did too!

(The one with the most chocolate crumbs wins...)

I loved every minute of celebrating almost as much as I love my Loulie Bug. Thanks to all the family and friends that came to celebrate, gave her such sweet gifts and celebrated in the humid Carolina air!!! We hope and pray for a healthy and happy second year ahead!!!