Picture of Myself

Today at Katies 30 Day Challenge is a picture of yourself. I just looked through old facebook photos and had myself a good little laugh. I found a rather amusing picture of me too good to pass up...

This is from my sophomore year living in the sorority house. Everyone always tells me I look like a "who", a gnome, and a monkey. (if you really know me...this face is "me"- this is my personality)

And then to prove I can clean up...two of my favorite bridal portraits.

Have a wonderful Monday y'all! Weekend catch up tomorrow afternoon!!

Nicknames

Catching up on Katie's 30 Day Challenge

Oh my nicknames....because I have a very common name I was RARELY EVER called Lauren. I have had so many nicknames over the years....

The most common one is from my daddy and he still calls me this to this day and I wouldn't want it any other way... "Boobear" And he always calls me and leaves me messages that say, "Boobear Boobear spinning around spinning around" so boobear is my number 1 nickname and has been since birth.

My mom calls me gooey, and my sister calls me boob. (ya I know, don't ask). My whole life I was called "Hardy"- my maiden name and people still call me Hardy even though I am married. I am "Hardy" to pretty much everyone I know. Its weird to meet people who don't know me as Hardy.

I am also snackshack (Justin is the "lunch box"). But Top Two Nicknames are Boobear and Hardy.

Something I Miss

Catching up again at Katie's 30 Day Challenge...

What do I miss...there are a lot of things I miss like Saved By the Bell College Years, sleeping in on the weekends, having my own classroom (not a closet- but I do LOVE my job), having all my friends live across the street from me, being able to eat everything I wanted and not gaining weight, going on regular family vacations each year, mom doing my laundry, etc.

But people wise I miss my family that lives far away. I rarely get to see them and I love spending time with them so it is sad to me that they live so far away. It is crazy to think how much we could do together if we lived closer. I also miss my grandpa's. Both of my grandpa's have gone to a better place but I wish I had more time with them and listened closer to their stories.

Praise God

Got this email from my dad today...too good not to share. so true.


So many times I’ve questioned certain circumstances
Or things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
And my frustrations get so out of hand
It’s then I am reminded I’ve never been forsaken
I’ve never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories, the Spirit rises up in me
It’s through the fire my weakness is made strong

And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered victory without fighting but He said help would always come in time
Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the hand of God, He’ll shield the flames again

And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again

The Crabb Family- Gaither Homecoming- "Through the Fire"

My Best Friends Wedding

Saturday was the day Elissa & I have talked about our whole lives. Last summer was my wedding and last Saturday was hers. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and everything was sooo "Elissa." I got up Saturday and headed over to their house to be with her on her wedding day. Emily did my hair and we hung out until Elissa had to go get her hair done before heading to the church. I ran home, ate some lunch and headed to church to get ready for the big day. We did makeup, touched up my hair, put Elissa into her BEAUTIFUL wedding dress, held back a mirage of tears, took pictures, took some more pictures, ate some chicken nuggets, made lots of memories before getting in our places to walk down the aisle. As much as I cried on Friday night, I cried harder on Saturday during the ceremony. When Same saw Elissa and his eyes filled with tears- my immediate reaction was cry like a little girl. I tried to only sort of sniffle through the whole ceremony. They really need to come up with a way for tissues to be hidden in the flowers or something- I needed them!!

After the ceremony- there were more pictures before heading to Redstone Golf Club for the reception. It was amazing. The food was good, the ambiance perfect, everything went according to plan. We got there, got introduced, ate dinner, cut the cake and then it was speech time. EEK! I was one of her matrons of honor and was chosen to speak Saturday night instead of Friday night. I had three main points to my speech. I knew it was the only way I would be able to get through talking about my best friend was if I had it done to memorization. The three points about Elissa are her christian spirit, her loyalty and her sense of humor- all three important in a marriage. granted I got off track a little and cried a little but over all I stayed on track. Elissa & Sam are perfect together and I could not be more happy to see Elissa has found someone who makes her life complete and completes her.

Of course there can't be a family wedding without the "cousin photo." In our family on my Dad's side there are ONLY girls. I have 8 girl cousins. 7 of us at the wedding, the 8th just had her first born and couldn't travel with him. She was missed. We even took a picture with her spot open and her missing. We are in order from oldest to youngest. I should do a post one time and post the pictures of the 8 girls from over the years...it used to be a step ladder- now we are all the same height! haha! We have done this photo at almost all the wedding. Erin & Heathers wedding are the only two we didn't take it at. 6 down, 2 to go! : ) Had to add this one of my hunny & me after dinner. : )

Once Elissa gets her photos I'll post some of those. It was a wonderful wedding and a good time was had by all. Congratulations Elissa & Sam! I wish you a lifetime of happiness!! Love you!! I guess I'll share Elissa with Sam : )

Friday Night

Friday afternoon was over before we knew it and I rushing to get ready for the rehearsal and dinner. We got to the church and I cried when Elissa walked down the aisle. I tried to get all my tears out Friday night so I wouldn't cry like a baby on Saturday. We practiced before leaving church to eat at Pappasitos. Click here to read about Justin surprising me. We ate and ate and ate. It was so good. Here is my favorite picture from the Rehearsal Dinner.

I love this one of mom & dad. : )

Sadly, I didn't take any of the bride & groom. They were up talking to everyone and didn't get a shot of them together. : (

Friday was a great day and night. A wonderful brunch with family & friends- followed by some pampering getting my nails & toes done, watching my best friend walk down the aisle with her dad, eating some good Mexican and getting surprised by my hubby- perfect friday.

The Weekend Begins...

**This is the beginning of catching up on everything wedding from last weekend**

Thursday 10/21 after school I rushed home to take Pip to get his haircut so he would look nice for the wedding weekend. : ) I came home and packed while I waited for him to be ready. I went and picked him up around 7:30 and we drove to Kingwood. I got there and everyone was ready for bed so we didn't stay up too late before going to bed for the night.

Friday 10/22 morning we got up and got ready for Elissa's Bridal Luncheon. It was beautiful and super yummy!! We ate a Cafe Du'Bouis. After lunch we went home and changed before meeting back up with Christie, Whitney & April to get our nails & toes done for the wedding. Here are some pictures...

Grandma & Aunt Joan (our host)

The Beautiful Bride & Myself (Besties for Life)Sissy, Mommy & Me : )

It was a beautiful bridal luncheon. Elissa was a very special bride. : )

Regrets...

Honestly, I would say I have no regrets. Each mistake and bump along the road led me to where I am today. I really try to live my life with no regrets. I try to think before I act and think before I speak.

The only thing I can think of is my hair. I have had some hairdo's I regret. Like white highlights which then turned into white bangs that started half way down my head and I curled everyday with a curling iron. or the "Mrs. Brady" hair do- that was also a classic mistake.

I live my life with no regrets. You only get one shot at life so might as well make it a good one.

I'm looking forward too...

I am looking forward to this weekend (Aggie Football, Halloween, Friends)

I am looking forward to next weekend (my best friends from college will be reunited at my house for the weekend & some more Aggie football)

I am looking forward to the day when Justin goes to a regular schedule(...ya know four days 9-5 then two day weekends...not 10 day 24 hour shifts then 4 days off.)

I am looking forward to the rest of my life with my husband.

I am looking forward to the day I will become a mom.

I am looking forward to holidays with family.

I am looking forward to the arrival of my newest niece/nephew. (almost here...)

I am looking forward to a weekend where J and I have nothing to do and its just the TWO of us.

I am looking forward to carving a pumpkin with hubby tomorrow night.

Dream House...Closet

Day 16 at Katie's 30 Day Challenge is your DREAM HOME!! I don't have just one...my style changes often and what I like normally Justin dislikes...I do however have a dream closet.

I have a large closet now but nothing compares to a closet like this...
I would love to have a dresser inside the closet...like an island in the kitchen but instead I could fill it with jewelry and scarves and how could I forget...my hats!

And of course there would have to be space for shoes...I feel like I don't wear half my shoes because I can't see them all. : )

Voice of Truth

Oh to pick just one would be impossible..there are so many favorites and so many stories behind why different verses are my favorites...each time about the Lord providing and being my refuge but currently a story I would like to share is about the time I was in the hospital.

I got very sick last January and ended up in ICU and ended up moments away from death. (A young girl actually passed away from the same thing-complications from H1N1- GO GET YOUR FLU SHOT) The Saturday I was in ICU I remember being in and out of consciousness and not really with it. I remember J, Mom & Dad coming into my room for my visiting time and I couldn't really open my eyes to see them. (All the other times I had been excited to see people come see me, but by this time I was too tired and felt too bad to open my eyes very long.) However, when I did open my eyes I saw CONCERN. I remember Justin being next to my bed, holding my hand and mom and dad holding each other at the end of my bed. All three with tears in their eyes. They didn't stay long and they didn't have to for me to know I WAS NOT DOING GOOD. That night was terrible. I fought and fought with the thought of dying. I cried that I hadn't told Justin my funeral songs or where I wanted to be buried. I thought about how life would go on without me. Oh it was a terrible terrible night. I was exhausted and tired of fighting. Looking back, how scary! But suddenly in the night, I heard something. A voice. So clear it could have been in the bed with me. And all it said was...

Be Still. I will not leave you or forsake you.


Oh my goodness. Even writing this now brings tears to my eyes. We serve such a mighty God. I have never heard his voice like that and I shake thinking about it. As soon as I heard those words, I was calm. My heart just rested and I was no longer concerned about dying. I knew God was holding on to me and if it was my time, then so be it I was going home. However, I pulled through Saturday night and was moved to a regular hospital room by Monday morning. I firmly believe that the only reason I survived my call with death is because the God I serve is NOT through with me yet. He has brought me through the valley and has shown me the joy that follows. He continues to amaze me and bring me joy.

So many times since then I think...Lauren...BE STILL! If you could be still and trust the Lord when you lay in ICU dying then you can trust him now when it comes to the silliest of things. Words can not describe the feeling that the Lord can put into your heart. Oh my! It is a unbelievable, indescribable feeling. If the Lord has pulled me from the pit of death, then the least I can do is live my life for him.

Picture I Heart

This picture is my current favorite because of the story behind it. This weekend which I will catch up on after I catch up on the 30 day challenge was Elissa and Sam's Wedding. It was beautiful and wonderful.

This picture is at the rehearsal dinner. On my way from the church to eat I kept telling myself not to get excited. Justin had to work and I didn't want to make him feel bad for not being able to come so I was just sending him messages letting him know what we were doing. Well, he had said he would try to come on Saturday but that it wasn't likely he would be able to get off, it all depended on how the job went. The whole way to eat I kept imagining I would pull into Pappasitos and see his white Halliburton truck...well I got there and no such luck. I was okay even mom said Lauren you can't expect him to be here tonight...maybe tomorrow. So I took pictures and ate dinner. After eating they gave a few speech's and Justin is texting me. I told him they were giving speeches and I would call him after they were done. Well I went outside to call him because the Yankees and Rangers were playing in the bar area so it was SUPER loud. Well I get out there and tell him about dinner and the day, etc. not ONCE asking about whether or not he could come because I didn't want him to feel bad if he couldn't. And then I said, well mom said you should see me tonight because my outfit is really cute. His response, "Well I am in the parking lot of the Pappasitos" I freaked out. I started balling. My heart was just overflowing with joy.

Goals

Short Term:

1. Save money
2. Work out 2x's a week
3. Cook healthy dinners even when J is gone
4. learn to live stress free
5. take more weekend trips- the weekends Justin has off are precious time we could spend together so I want to take full advantage of the time we do have together and do fun things while we are still young without kids
6. Monthly dates for Justin & I- whether it be movie night, out to eat, sitting by the fire pit outside- I just want a date night set aside where it is just Justin and I and we can enjoy each other
7. Get the house decorated
8. Join a church...Central
9. Join a Sunday school/bible study

Long Term:

1. Travel to Las Vegas, New York, Austin, London
2. Get a new car
3. Have a baby or two
4 Get in shape (this one will have to come before #3)
5. Grow my photography business more & learn the ends and outs of the camera so I can be confident shooting on straight manual instead of program. (which you choose ISO and it fixes the rest)
6. Get involved in the Central Childrens Ministry (Once I have babies, I don't want to work anymore (until they go to school) so I feel like working for the church would be a perfect way to still be around children and serve the Lord at the same time)

I Believe

I believe that God has a purpose for my life.
I believe that God is not through with me yet. (or I wouldn't have survived my close call with death)
I believe that the word of God is the ABSOLUTE and ONLY truth.
I believe it is my responsibility to spread the good news of the saving grace given us through God's plan of salvation. (Matthew 28:19-20), to cultivate a growing fellowship with God, our church and the people of the community, to unselfishly seek out the needs of all people and to give aid and service to those needs in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. (Matthew 25:35-40)

After last years hospital stay in ICU my favorite is...



I believe you're my healer...
I believe you're all I need.
I believe you're my portion.
I believe you're more than enough for me...

DVR

DVR is such a life saver. How did I ever watch TV before it? Granted, I still watch some shows "live" but rarely. And I have become a DVR snob. I don't like to watch tv in our bedroom because it doesn't have a DVR. I hate that I can't pause it when the phone rings when in all actuality what does it matter if I miss 5 minutes of the little couple? I mean come on, is it really going to affect me THAT much!?

Anyways, my ALL time favorite show was:

LOST (OMG- that was like the best show ever!)

My Weekly Shows include
Monday: Chuck & Gossip Girl
Tuesday: One Tree Hill & Teen Mom (not sure about these new 16 year olds...)
Wednesday: Modern Family, Cougar Town
Thursday: Greys Anatomy (not as in love with it as I once was but I can't abandon a show I've watched for so long)
Friday: watch all the shows I've DVR'ed

Randoms (My Guilty Pleasures): Kendra, Keeping up with Kardashians, The Little Couple, House Hunters, Ice Road Truckers, Swamp People, Billy the Exterminator, American Pickers, Cake Boss, Hoarders: Buried Alive (the last are obviously shows I watch with Justin), Hannah Montana Forever, Wizards of Waverly Place (don't judge the Disney channel- remember keeping up with my 2nd graders- this totally came in handy the other day when I was with some 2nd graders and they were talking about Wizards of Waverly Place- they totally thought I was cool that I knew what they were talking about), Flash Forward

Shows I will ALWAYS love:
Saved by the Bell- I love that re-runs still come on at 6am on TBS
Friends- who couldn't?
Care Bears & Smurfs & The Gummy Bears
okay I could go on...obviously I watch/DVR way to much TV- but thankfully with DVR I can choose when I want to watch it. : )

Head over to Katie's Journey and link up with the 30 Day Challenge!!

Fear

I would like to write this post and say I have no fear because the Lord tells us to not fear and to be still. Anytime I get afraid I was tell myself that if something is going to happen then it is part of God's plan for me. Some things I fear are...

• staying home alone at night by myself (yet it is very common)
• Pip dying
• losing my parents or any loved one for that matter
• Justins job is taking the best of him
• spiders, snakes and bugs
• my future child being allergic to peanuts because I LOVE peanut butter! (sad I know)

Friends

Where would we be without our friends? They are the people you call when you have no one else to call. They become an extension of you and everything you are. I have always been a social person but I like to keep my besties close. I tried to find recent pictures of us all but I can't find any so here are some from my wedding. Of course, my bridesmaids. Lauren, Elissa, Jessica, Megan, and Kimberly. 3 of them are my sorority sisters, 1 is my cousin (whose wedding is this SATURDAY) and one is my sister!! PERFECT! Here is N.A.N.N.N.Y. (It is the last letter of all of our first names) These girls were my rock all of college. We lived basically together. (Chelsea and Me in one house, Kimberly, Megan & Lauren across the street and Jordan two houses down). Jordan has said before that your college friends become a part of your family and it is so true. These girls are my family. Then we have Pamela & Colleen- sisters who let me become of one their sisters. Colleen and I had education together and when Pamela moved here with her baby boy and pregnant puppy...I mean come on, if you know me you know I couldn't stay away. (That pregnant puppy is Pip's mom). Colleen just had a baby girl a little over a month ago and she is PRECIOUS!!

When I decided on my bridal party I wrote a whole blog about my bridesmaids and house party. You can read about all of the girls mentions above HERE.

And of course I have other friends who are part of my life, such as my family. My sister-in-laws and co-workers, other sorority sisters, etc. Everyone is big part of my life so this blog post doesn't even grasp the effect my friends have on me and how much I love them. And of course, my bestest friend in the whole world is my hubby. ; )

A Place I've Traveled Too

On todays challenge we are blogging about a place we have traveled. I had never been out of the country until our honeymoon so this was easy for me...PUERTA VALLARTA, Mexico!!

view from our room

We had such a good time and our place was amazing. We stayed at an all inclusive resort and didn't leave the resort at all except when I swam with the dolphins. (also AH-MAZING) You can read about our trip HERE. It was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon or a better first vacation with my hubby.

A Weekend In Review

Friday I hurried home from school because a special delivery was made. OUR FURNITURE!! They had put it together but I told J not to put the sheets and stuff on because I wanted to do that. I know, crazy but I came home and got busy making our room look like an adult room. I feel like now that we actually have a bed and not just mattress and box springs it looks like a "master bedroom." Justin and Daniel had gone to the movies so I took a little nap, (how could I resist with my beautiful new big comfy bed). When they got home they informed they were leaving to go dove hunting at the lease. HMPH! I HATE hunting season. So they left and I did my Friday ritual of catching up on my DVR. I ordered pizza and relaxed until the boys got home. Once they got home, we moved all the clothes from our old dresser into our new dresser. Now I am on a misson to find throw pillows and accessories for our new adult room. : ) (ill post pictures when its all put together and pretty)

Saturday morning at 5:30 J and Daniel got up and headed to Spence park to set everything up for the tailgate. I stayed behind and waited for Kason & Carla to get here and pick me up around 9:30 so I didn't have to get up at 5:30! J said he was freezing and I would be happy I waited. We finally got up to campus after searching for parking and saw J and Daniel before the went into the game. It was an 11am game so that is why they were all up so early. We hung out at the tailgate for awhile before heading back to the car to get Arby's. We ate and drove back to campus. We sat around the tailgate the rest of the day. After the game was over the tailgate got lively. The whole game it was just a few of us enjoying the pretty weather. This weekend was B-Co reunion so all of Justin's buddies were here and they had a big BBQ in Spence park. I have never stayed at a football game as long as we did. I got there at 10:30 and didn't get home until 8:30 and didn't even go to the football game! I was soooo tired.

Funny Story- After the BBQ we went back to the tailgate for awhile and then started cleaning up...well I had Pip with me so I just stood out of the way and picked up some trash since I couldn't carry anything heavy (like the TV they had set up). Well one of the guys had a long board and he was telling me thats how I should take Pip for walks...by letting him pull me so I stood on the board and told Pip to pull- he just looked at me. Well Justin was behind me and pushed the board and instead of going with the board- I fell HARD CORE on my left hip. OMG- I couldn't move. All the guys were laughing (they say I really could have been on America's Funniest Home Videos) I however was holding back tears because I hurt so bad. Somehow I twisted and my right shoulder and wrist are also killing me. I feel like I have been in a car wreck. Every part of my body is sore and I have bruises all over me and a skinned knee. Justin still thinks its hilarious. I however, have not found the laughter yet. Maybe one day...just not yet.

Sunday was church, reheated pizza, nap, laundry, grocery store, dinner, movie "Remember Me" (omg-totally didn't see that coming), shower, and bed.

Happiness & Movies

I have had a super busy weekend so I will play catch up from Day 6 and then do Day 7.

Day Six: A picture that makes me happy is this...

Pip is only hours old in this photo. Pip makes me happy. Lately I have realized just how much joy Pip bring me. I am alone a lot due to Justin's work and every day when I come home when he is gone it is sad because I realize I am alone again but Pip is always there to love me and make me happy by jumping on me and wanting to follow me around. Oh how I love pip.

Day 7- Favorite Movies
I love movies but I am not a movie fanatic like some. I have gone to the movies a total of once all year and will go again at Thanksgiving for the annual family movie. We do have Netflix and when Justin is home more we watch movies like crazy...like a movie a night but lately with Justin being gone so much we haven't watched that many. The movies I always fall back on are ANY Disney movie and Shrek. You can't go wrong with any of those! : )

Weekend re-cap to come later today...

Little Mommy- Day 5

Today at the 30 day challenge is Siblings.

I have one very special sister. She is four years older than me and is my polar opposite, which is why we get along so well. : ) Of course, we have had our disagreements but a lot of who I am today is because of my sister. She warned me about all sorts of things and shared her joys with me as well. I was her maid of honor at her wedding on 7/7/7 and she was my matron of honor at my wedding last year. She is a fantastic wife and one day will be a wonderful mother-once she gets over germs : ) She is a wonderful woman of God and I am proud to call her my sister. I know she prays for me and I love that she challenges me to be the best women and wife I can be, not for our glory but for the Lord.

I have so many memories of her being my little mommy. A memory I have is being in my moms room and us playing "pancake." She would put my legs in between her legs and squeeze. OMG! It was terrible, maybe thats why I have no muscles in my legs. haha! Another memory is her demanding I let her pluck my eyebrows and telling me I had a uni brow and she had to do something about it. I also remember laying in the bed with her the night before her wedding and us crying together because of our happiness and change. I probably was crying because I was scared- I don't like to share her.

There is something about having a sister that is amazing. I am so thankful for her. Love you little mommy!!

Prayers Needed

A teacher at my school has had some major family struggles lately. Her sister and brother-in-law had twins 5 months ago. They had to be in NICU for awhile but are finally at home. However, on October 3rd he had a stroke. He is in ICU currently and they are doing everything they can but it looks grim. Please keep this family in your prayers on all levels, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. These are things a young family should never have to go through but we serve a mighty powerful God who has a wonderful plan for this family so be in prayer for a peace amidst this chaos. I will update if I find anything out.

You can look at pictures and get updates at Together for Shorty.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help and you have healed me.

Psalms 30:2

My Day Three of 30 Day Challenge is posted below.

My Parents-Day Four

Today at Katie's is Your Parents.

*I'm at school, so I'll add photos when I get home*

Oh my parents. How many times growing up did I yell and say I would NEVER be like that?! Yet, they are the PERFECT example of how I hope Justin and I can be. I took them so for granted growing up but now I am so thankful for both of them.

My mom-I am the spitting image of my mother. not in looks. i look like my dad but boy oh boy are mom and I alike? Its scary sometimes. We say the same things, we do the same things. Mom and I talk at least 2 or 3 times a day and when J is gone more than that!! She was a teacher forever so she understands my days of success and my days of failure. When my mom was young she was hit by a drunk driver and was never supposed to walk or have kids. She does both. : ) She is such an inspiration. She has a positive outlook on life and KNOWS that everyday is a gift from above and we are here for a reason. She spends her days "looking for God's gifts" Anytime I'm having a bad day, that is what she tells me..."Look for his gifts" Everyone always told me how hilarious my mom is- I never saw it- now I'm just like her! I hope I can be as wonderful of a teacher as my mom was. I keep her Teacher of the Year bell on my desk to remind me to do my best each and every day. She still calls me gooey and thinks she needs to remind me to wash my hands and brush my teeth. My mom is one of my very best friends and I can't imagine life without her.

Papadoodle-
Oh daddy bear. I am the baby of the family so I have always been "the princess" (much to Jessica's dismay- my older sister) I was Dads son. I was a trainer for the football, basketball and soccer team in high school and my senior year we won state in basketball. I got a medal just like the boys. : ) Dad was so proud. He still wears his football shirt with my name on it. Dad was always the one who after we ate dinner each night would get the bible and the Josh McDowel family devotional book and we would have little devotionals after dinner. Dad is such the spiritual leader in our family, just like the bible tells him to be. I know he prays for me and wants the best for my life. Something that sticks out in my head today is recently I resigned from my job as most of you know. Dad called me and told me how proud he was of me for standing up. It made me feel so good. To hear your daddy say he is proud of you. Joyful. And then when God provided my new job, when I called Daddy he started crying and prayed with me over the phone a prayer of praise to the Lord. It was wonderful. I love that I have those memories with my daddy bear. We also watch Disney Channel together. : ) To end on a funny note, last year I am teaching 1st grade and I get a text from Dad in the middle of the day that says, "Stilettos, guess I didn't get the memo...Nodding my head like ya, moving my hips like ya" Yeah that's right...a Miley song text. LOVE IT!

Together they are an unstoppable team. They have been married 31 years and continue to love and cherish each other. Surely they have had arguments over the years but I was never worried that they would leave each other because a bond like theirs can't be broken. My mom's parents were married 52 years before her dad passed away and my dad's parents 61 years before my grandfather passed away so they have a good family track record and Justin and I have a lot to live up too. : )

My First Love- Day Three

Today is Day Three over at Katie's 30 Day Challenge. I figured if I can't keep to a work out routine perhaps I can keep to 30 days of blogging.

Day 3 is your first love.

I have contemplated on this all day. Did I want to write about my first boyfriend? candy? coming to know the Lord? my husband? etc? But the one thing that kept coming back to my mind was a little boy named Austin. He was a pure bred cocker spaniel and was my best friend for 17 years. He passed away April of 2009. I have always loved animals but there is something about having your own that makes it all better. Austin lived to make us happy. He thrived on our happiness. There is no one in this world that will never be mad at you, and is constantly there to be your best friend the way Austin was. He was there with me through elementary, middle, high school and my first three and a half years of college. He was such a good dog. My whole family still cries when we talk about him. I don't like to think about it. He truly was my first love.




I will always remember and love Austin "Bubby"

Austin & Me- I was the spy and he was my spy dog on a regular basis. : )

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Sweet Jamie over at This Kind of Love hosts What I'm Loving Wednesday and I decided to link up today. Kids are at CAMP again and I am all ready for the rest of the week.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

1. It's already Wednesday!
2. Hubby came home three days early.
3. Our bedroom furniture is FINALLY going to be delivered on Friday- (we only ordered it ya know the beginning of AUGUST!- I will NEVER buy anything from Ashley Furniture again- they have lied to us, been rude to us and still we don't have our bedroom suite)
4. Elissa is getting married in two weeks!!!
5. Modern Family & Cougar Town come on tonight!
6. Aggie football is only 3 days away.
7. I got to eat Spoons last night (PTO fundraiser for school so Justin couldn't tell me no) hehe
8. That my sore throat and runny nose are allergies not me getting sick.
9. I got to hold Ava basically ALL weekend long.

and last but not least

10. I AM LOVING THAT TEXAS IS ACTUALLY HAVING FALL WEATHER! It is beautiful. Pip and I go for long walks everyday because it is soo pretty!!

Pumpkins

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin...

God picks you,
washes all the dirt off,
cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed.
Then he gives you a new smiling face and puts HIS light inside of you to shine for all the world to see :)


Thanks Pamelia for sharing!! Xoxo

Challenge

A bunch of blogs I read are doing the 30 day challenge and I decided I would join in!! My weeks have been boring with busy weekends so this challenge will keep me busy during the week as well. Thankfully I am not too far behind.

Day One: Introduce, Recent Picture, 15 interesting facts

My name is Lauren and I am 23 years old. I am a graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Early Education. I work at an elementary school with 2nd graders who struggle with reading and math. I pull small groups all day. Its WONDERFUL. It the joy of teaching without the stress. I got married to my prince charming, my Knight in shining armor last summer and we have one fur baby, Pip.

one: I was born on Friday the 13th; therefore it is my lucky day.

TWO: I love to read children's books.

three: My husband thinks I am a nerd. (that he loves)

FOUR: I broke my back the summer before college tubing on the back of a jet ski.

five: I have had MRSA staph & had to have a pic line to get rid of it (at one time, I had 18 on my legs)

SIX: I almost died last February when I had H1N1, pneumonia and my body turned septic. I was in ICU for almost a week. God is good and fought my battle for me and pulled me through the valley.

seven: I love naps. (enough said)

EIGHT: God has rescued me and continued to show me his mercy and grace every day. Once I almost died, I realize every day TRULY is a gift. We spend so much time planning for a future that isn't guaranteed.

nine: all my friends have babies and give me a slight baby fever (no worries though- no babies yet)

TEN: A National Geographic Photographer is my DREAM JOB. I have a photography business currently, Knight Photography, but I do it on the side for now.

eleven: I could shop every day, all day. (online) I however, would love to have a personal shopper who could make me look cute without actually having to search

TWELVE: I love wearing hats.

thirteen: I'm allergic to penicillin and sulphur.

FOURTEEN: My closet is colored coordinated and my dresses are color and sleeve coordinated.

fifteen: (Justin's addition) I have a slight obsession with Disney Channel. (don't judge, I have to stay current with my 2nd graders)

Day Two: Meaning Behind Your Blog Name

Well one Sunday, Justin and I were at church and I saw a study for men raising sons and it was called "Raising Modern Day Knights" (actually a book)- well it hit me that Justin and I should be Modern Day Knights in this world full of sin. Knight is our last name so it works perfect. More than one meaning. : )

Miss. Maxey to Mrs. Shini

This weekend Pamela became a MRS. She was BEAUTIFUL!

Friday night I cleaned the house, and caught up on some DVR. Saturday I got up and cleaned a little more before Colleen, Arnold, & Ava got here. We hung out and by hung out I mean I held Ava for about three hours before we headed to dinner at Mr. G's pizzeria. We ate and ate and ate. Sunday we got up and headed to get our hair done at the Hilton at 7:30! We all hung out getting ready till about 11:45 when we drove out to Avalon. We all were ready and took some pictures before the wedding began.

Before long the wedding began and we all walked down the aisle to watch her become a wife. The wedding was beautiful and perfect. The weather was gorgeous for the outdoor ceremony and reception. Pamela looked beautiful and I have never seen her happier. After the wedding we helped clean up before heading home and basically crashing for the night. I held Ava for awhile longer and then we all hit the hay! This morning we got up and took Ava's newborn photos before they left and I got ready for my week. Thankfully I had today off since it was Columbus Day. And best of all, Justin came home!!!! I am one happy wife. However, he came home- we ate dinner- hung out and when I went to take a shower, I came out and he was passed out. (at like 7) Poor baby, he is EXHAUSTED!!! That is all for now...have a wonderful week everyone!! Next weekend is B-CO Reunion so we will have a full house again. B-CO Reunion is one of the first places I met Justin.

Granny

Granny is having a dangerous procedure done today. Her pancreas is swollen and is blocking her bile duct from her intestine, therefore toxins are not leaving her body. Please be in prayer. They are going to go down her throat and see what it is that is blocking. She is supposed to go in at 1pm. I keep trying to call her room but its busy. HMPH! Popular little granny... : )

I'll update later. Thank you for your prayers.

JAKE!

I am at school right now but the kids are at CAMP (Computer, Art, Music & P.E.) so I had to announce...

Kelly is in LABOR!!! Jake will be here soon! : )

Howl @ The Moon

I am finally caught up to this past weekend. I had a wonderful week at my new job and Friday as soon as I got home I packed, showered and drove to Houston for Pamela's bachelorette party. I got there around 7ish and we went to Howl at the Moon piano bar for the night. It was a lot of fun. We had a party package so we had two tables reserved, got a free tshirt, eyelashes, eye mask, drinks, etc. and of course the bride to be had to get on stage at one point. We didn't make her go alone so we all went with her and did the hokey pokey on stage! It was such a fun night.

Saturday morning I got up and drove to Kingwood where I took a power nap before getting things ready for Elissa's Bachelorette party Saturday night. I headed to Elissa's apartment to help Erin & Emily set up and get everything ready. It looked super cute. We had a lingerie shower first, then went to Cadillac Bar & Grill for dinner. After dinner we headed to "The Shot Bar" for a little while where the DJ gave a shout out to Elissa and helped us start a congo line (on Elissa's to do scavenger hunt). After awhile, we walked to Howl @ The Moon. (the same place I had been the night before). If you know me , you know how out of character this for me. I never go to bars, let alone the same one two nights in a row. CRAZINESS! When we got there, the guy at the door recognized me and I found our waiter from the night before as well. It was just as much fun Saturday night as it was Friday night. Both bachelorette parties at Howl @ the Moon were a success. Around 1am we headed back to the hotel where we proceeded to order pizza and INHALE it. LOVE IT! After that we all crashed. I had so much fun being with LACE again along with Whitney-whom I spent every second with my senior year (Elissa, Whitney & I were inseparable)- she now lives and works in Kansas in a lab but came down for Elissa's bachelorette party. I loved being able to be with here. Its like nothing changed at all. I wish she lived closer. We could have so much fun. Whitney & I stuck together most of the night and really enjoyed our limited time together. I can't wait to see her again at the wedding.

Happy Bachelorette Party Pamela & Elissa!!!
7 days for you Pammy...
18 days for Elissa...
YIPPIE!!

Smoky Mountains

Weekend of September 23-26th

I already blogged once while I was in the Smoky's but I will catch everyone up. OMG. it is BEAUTIFUL there. I love love love it!! I can't wait to go back and take Justin with me. It was a girls weekend (my cousins, my sister, my aunts, my mom) so no boys were there but I think Justin would love it and I can't wait to take him!!

Thursday night we took pictures in our "Smokin' Hot" shirts mom had made. They were GREAT! The running joke of the weekend became that us young girls could get away with it but the other women needed to write "stop laughing" on the back! HAHAHA it was hilarious!

Friday we got up and poked around for the morning before getting news that Shawn & Kristen, my cousin's car had broken down. So we went and picked them up and went to see the cabin where they were staying. It was AH-MAZING! Justin and I are so going back there.

When their car was ready we went and picked it up and headed to eat at the Mellow Mushroom. Next door to the Mellow Mushroom was a magic/dragon place with a giant door so I went and took my picture in front of it.

After eating we went back to the condo and relaxed for a little while before heading to dinner. Dinner was a good time with family and friends. We were all stuffed and headed back to the cabin for a quiet night in the mountains.

Saturday we got up and showered before heading to Gatlenburg for the day. We got there and decided to do something I have wanted to do FOREVER. Take old fashioned photos. Mom & Kristen refused to do it but Jessica, Verna, Indie & Janice all did it. It was great. We all dressed up like saloon girls and took pictures! Here is a picture Kristen took while watching us.

Saturday afternoon/evening we headed to "Cade's Cove" it is this place where you drive through the mountains and see all sorts of animals. Jessica went on Friday morning and she saw a bear drinking water. When we went Saturday we saw tons of deer, turkeys, and horses. It was soo beautiful. The land, the animals, the peace- such a change of pace from the city.

Sunday morning was here before we knew it. We got up and drove to the airport where our plane got delayed due to bad weather, therefore we missed our connecting flight and had to wait for the next flight. I ended up having to miss half a day on Monday because I didn't get back to College Station until Monday morning with just enough time to shower & go to school.

It was a WONDERFUL vacation with family. I can't wait to do it again. Love you all!!

Elissa's Bridal Shower

The Weekend of September 18-19th

The weekend after the wedding I headed back to Houston for my cousins Bridal Shower. It was a beautiful shower and I think a good time was had by all. Sam & Elissa got a lot of nice things and their wedding will be here before you know it!! AHHH!! SO exciting!!!

Our whole lives (Elissa & I) we have been in church. In middle school we created our little group of friends. "The Butterflies" We did everything together. Elissa was "big mama" and I was "broken wing" because the night we created butterflies (a church GA lock-in during the 7th grade) they turned off the lights and left me in the bathroom and ever since I was broken wing. : ) We all even having matching necklaces from James Avery that are 4 butterflies attached and make a cross. As time went on, we changed our name to L.A.C.E. (Lauren, April, Christie, and Elissa). We all are part of Elissa's bridal party and I am so happy that after all these years we still can be "butterflies" and L.A.C.E.

At the shower, we took a neat photo which probably won't ever happen again. All of L.A.C.E with our moms!! Gotta love them!

So Profesh

Weekend of Septmeber 11-12th

I will begin with almost a month ago I got to photograph a wedding with my wedding photographer. The company that did our wedding photos needs a new assistant and I was the girl. It was so much fun. I was exhausted. However, it was awesome to actually use my camera the way it was made to be used. STRAIGHT MANUAL!! It takes practice and patience but the pictures are 1000% better when not on auto or any of the little picture people. After the wedding on Saturday I spent the night with Kason & Carla. I spent Sunday morning sleeping only to wake up with a terrible headache. I ate some BK, took some advil and went right back to sleep. I woke up and headed to Ragan's to do her maternity photos. It was a lot of fun and Jay (our wedding photographer) came over and taught me some more. Sunday was much more of "studio" where Saturday was in the moment. I'll add a few of my favorites when I get on the other computer.

On Sunday night I headed to spend the night with Colleen & Arnold. It was the first night they were at home and I was honored she would want me there with them. She was sooooo tiny. I love her already. I went to the store for Colleen and then made dinner for them while Colleen bonded with baby Ava, but you know before long this was me...in baby heaven!!

I headed home on Monday morning to get some stuff done before having to return the very next weekend...