The start of the weekend..

First of all, I just have to say that it always seems like the weekends go by quicker and quicker, why is that? I always say that when I become president there will be a mandatory work two days, off five, haha!! President Lauren, like the sound of that ;0)

I went to go see this stud last night :)



This is my sweet Grandpa! For awhile now he's been in a nursing facility. He's in the early stages of Dementia. So I sat with him for awhile and visited.

These are my grandparents dancing at the Christmas party this past year where my Grandpa is staying!


You will find no two greater dancers in the world then them. They use to be professional ballroom dancers and instructors back in the day. I love hearing them talk about it. Please pray for my Grandma, during the midst of dealing with all the stuff going on with my grandpa, she found out she has cancer. She had surgery and the prognosis is good but she's going through radiation and it's uncomfortable for her. So just keep them both in your prayers if you would.

So after I went to go visit him I ate and went and saw a movie with my good friend Tonja...


I know this is a Christmas picture, but the only one I had on my computer, haha!! We went and saw...



It was a pretty good movie and I can totally see why it won the awards it did, but the theater was FREEZING so I had a jacket over me and was curled up in the seat in a comfortable position to keep myself warm, so found myself almost wanting to nod off (it was a dark theater and I was comfortable, and if you know me well you'll know that I'm notorious for falling asleep during movies, not in the theater though usually), haha..But it was a movie that I was so glad I took the time to see because the story was great and it wasn't the typical movie I'd watch, so I was glad I stepped out of the box. I don't know if you all are like this too... but I'll go months without seeing a movie, but then when I do I hit them all up, haha!! I LOVE IT! And then I'm good for the next few months, lol :)

So I thought this was funny. I received an e-mail from Pottery Barn saying they missed me and it was an e-mail for a discount.... My only confusion is, what exactly was it that they missed when I haven't been in their store in ages, not that I don't like it, just haven't been in there, and nonetheless, have no idea how I even got on their mailing list. That's advertising I guess for you, haha!

I'm off to a baby shower this morning for my good friend Carina. I think I might have shared this before but I'll share again. Kind of an interesting story with Carina and I. We went to the same high school but didn't run in the same social group, and really only knew her through my cousin/best friend Melissa who was good friends with her. So of course we hadn't seen or talked to each for a long time. Then we got connected through the social networking and began talking and sharing and she's such a beautiful person and has changed so much (I guess being a wife and mother can do that, huh? ha). Anyhow, we have gotten together a couple of times and was excited to receive an invitation from her. I won't know very many at the shower, and sometimes it's weird in those situations, but I'm sure it will be a good time and all you have to do is mingle, right??? :) She's having a girl and already has a son. So she's set now, ha! I'm sure there will be pictures to come.

Is everyone excited about the Superbowl? What are everyone's plans for the weekend? :)

Lady in Waiting!

That would be me, the Lady in Waiting. I’m 24 and single and in a world where it seems like everyone around you is getting married or having kids, that can be kind of hard. God has really been convicting me for quite some time now that I don’t include this area of my life often enough in my prayer life, and I know that I don’t. And how many of you out there can say the same? Can I get an amen?
So I came across this at Barnes & Nobles this week…



I remember hearing about this book and so I decided to go ahead and buy it. I know it’s not the cure all, but I’m really looking forward to reading it and making this an active part of my prayer life. God cares so much about this area of our life. And as the bible says, we’re not meant to be alone. Sometimes it’s so easy to think that God has forgotten about us in the midst of our singleness, but that’s hardly the case. At this very moment he’s preparing my husband for me, and preparing me and my heart for when that time comes. Good things are always worth the with, but how often do we tell ourselves that in the midst of the waiting? So I encourage all of you that might be waiting for that godly husband, the best is yet to come, and in the meantime, be content while you’re the “Lady in Waiting.”

The day in the life of a Kindergartner :)

I had a wonderful day yesterday reliving my childhood memories. I remember those days when all I had to worry about was asking someone to tie my shoes for me, what color crayon should I use, telling everyone to look at my cool lunchbox, and asking the teacher when we can go out for recess... So this is the day in the life of a Kindergartner...


First of all, I had to bring them some goodies for breakfast, they loved it!!!


Peace out!


They were all dancing, so cute!!


Reading time!


Okay, don't get jealous of my artistic abilities. It's a gift from God, what can I say. Melissa needed help in coloring some things. Why not? Might as well put my talent to use. Beautiful, huh? haha!!


Okay, you see that big ball of red near the cabinets? I had to get a picture of it. This was a kid in time-out and he curled himself up in his shirt. What a mess he was and such a prime example of why you might want to rethink having kids.


Melissa's cute classroom.


Had to get a picture with the kids :)


The wonderful teacher with her kids!


So after our wonderful, fun-filled day we went to see Bride Wars. What a GREAT movie!!! I really suggest you go see it and preferrably with your BFF!!! Such a wonderful movie about friendship. So the movie theater was on one of our local squares which had music going on and for some reason they were singing the Star Spangled Banner, and everyone had their hands over their heart and we were oblivious and as we were driving by there was this one lady that was just belting it out and being very dramatic and we had the window down and my cousin screamed out "Get it lady", haha, little did we know at that moment we were screaming in on a very patriotic moment until we figured out what they were singing, haha! Again, maybe was one of those "you had to have been there moments", but it was hilarious!!!

Then we ate at...


That place is sooooooooo good!!!!! I was in flat bread heaven!!! It was just a wonderful, wonderful day!

Okay, on a sadder note, is anyone else devastated by the fact that they might do away with Saturday postal mail delievery? Being the mail lover that I am, I'm beside myself. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I live for the mail and for checking out. There's just something about opening that box and not knowing what's going to be in the inside. My heart will always belong to snail mail. Okay, I'm sounding a little bit tad on the freakish side, haha :)

As you know I've become very involved with the bloggy world these days and even got myself a blog makeover, I've become just a little but overwhelmed in trying to keep up with everyone's blogs. Has anyone else had that problem when starting off, and how to you help it, haha??

Bloggy Makevover!

How cute is the new blog makeover ya'll?? All thanks to Danielle!!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!!!! Go to www.blogsbydanielle.blogspot.com to check out her stuff :) :)

Update tomorrow to come on my day as a Kindergartner :o) Boy did it bring back some memories!

P.S.
If all my bloggy friends would please let me know if you have the "follow" application on your blog page, if I haven't already selected to follow you, because would love to as it would be easier to keep up with you by just clicking on your link in my list versus having to go through my comments to find you and of course I can't add every single friend on my blogs I love list, as much as I'd love to :) Thanks!

Back to the days of old....

Today I am taking a day off work to spend it with my cousin/best friend Melissa. She is a Kindergarten teacher and I am spending the day in her classroom with her and her kiddos. Although, some of you might think, you're taking a day of your vacation to do that, but every since she's become a teacher a couple of years ago I've always wanted to do this and see her in her element. She loves what she does and she's such an amazing teacher, and I love kids, so it should make for a fun day. And I'll just hang out and help her around in the classroom.

Then since school gets out early because it's early dismissal day, we're going to go see ...



and then we're going to go eat at Urban Flats, yum yum. They have the best flat bread ya'll :) The place won't disappoint. So it should be a fun and interesting day. And blog and pictures to come tomorrow!!

Gotta bolt and go to the gym now at an ungodly time of 5:30 am :)

Empty and Beautiful

EMPTY AND BEAUTIFUL:

My past won't stop haunting me
In this prison there's a fight between
Who I am and who I used to be

This thorn in my side is a grace
For because of it the flesh and blood of God
Was offered in my place, my place

You fought the fight in me
You chased me down and finished the race
I was blind but now I see
Jesus You kept the faith in me

Where did my best friends go?
In my defense they disappeared
Just like Your friends did to You, oh Lord

But You were there, You gave me strength
So this little one might come to know
The glory of Your name, Your name

You fought the fight in me
You chased me down and finished the race
I was blind but now I see
Jesus You kept the faith in me

Awaiting, set apart like incense to Your heart
A libation I'm pouring out
Empty and beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

You fought the fight in me
You chased me down and finished the race
I was blind but now I see
Jesus You kept the faith in me

You fought the fight in me
You chased me down and finished the race
I was blind but now I see
Jesus You kept the faith in me
Jesus You kept the faith in me
Savior, You kept the faith in me

Okay, I have heard this new song by Matt Maher alot but for some reason yesterday on my way to school I heard it again and it hit me differently and I just started bawling (good thing my windows are tinted, haha). Isn't it awesome that he never loses faith in us, even at those times when we lose faith in ourselves. And not only that, but he's already gone ahead of us and already fought the fight, how awesome is that? It just brought me alot of peace hearing this yesterday, and so great to know he is constantly persuing us and chasing after us. If there's anything you're struggling with, any circumstance that you might be going through, remember that Jesus hasn't lost faith and he's fighting your fight.

Also, wanted to introduce you to my friend who I work real closely with...

This is Miss Nevaeh (Heaven spelled backwords):


Friends for life :)


Obviously I took this picture when no one was looking, lol. She keeps me company at my desk and I talk to her, but not when anyone is around, they would send me to the loony house. She never talks back but oh well.... haha!! :)

Do any of you have those places outside the four walls where you lay your head at night that you call your home away from home??? These would be mine...

This is where I've been receptionist for going on six years. I work with a GREAT group of people. Never a dull moment in the world of law!


This is what's going on across the street from the office. They are putting in a retention pond. I really hope they put in a nice sitting area. That would be great to hop across the street and have lunch and read a good book!


This is where I spend three nights out of the week and what's going to give me the money, ha. Just start calling me Miss Court Reporter!! :)


What's your home away from home??

Love all the blog friends I've made, keep the comments coming :)

Monday news- Hot off the press!

Okay, so my sister decided to do my hair in curlers over the weekend just to see what it would look like, I thought it was picture worthy :)



Don't laugh because you know you all take random pictures of yourself too, haha!!!

Saturday I was able to have lunch with my wonderful friend Holly at Chili's... (She has a blog too.... www.childwithepilepsy.blogspot.com (Go and check it out and leave her a comment). She's a beautiful person, with a beautiful family :)




I always get...



And here's the recipe I found.... Might need to make these sometime myself :)

1 chicken breast fillet
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced green onion
1/3 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 tablespoons diced, canned jalapeno peppers
1/2 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash cayenne pepper
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
five 7-inch flour tortillas


Avocado-Ranch Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup smashed, fresh avocado (about half of an avocado)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
dash dried dill weed
dash garlic powder
dash pepper


Garnish:
2 tablespoons chopped tomato
1 tablespoon chopped onion


Preheat barbecue grill to high heat.

Rub chicken breast with some vegetable oil then grill it on barbecue for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until done. Lightly salt and pepper each side of chicken while it cooks. Set chicken aside until it cools down enough to handle.

Preheat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat. Add red pepper and onion to pan and sauté for a couple minutes until tender.

Dice cooked chicken into small cubes and add it to pan. Add corn, black beans, spinach, jalapeno peppers, parsley, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to pan. Cook for another 4 minutes; stir well so that spinach separates and is incorporated into mixture. Remove pan from heat and add cheese; stir until cheese is melted.

Wrap tortillas in a moist cloth and microwave on high temperature for 1 1/2 minutes or until hot.

Spoon approximately one-fifth of mixture into center of a tortilla. Fold in ends and then roll tortilla over mixture. Roll tortilla very tight, then pierce with a toothpick to hold together. Repeat with remaining ingredients until you have five eggrolls.

Arrange eggrolls on a plate, cover plate with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

While eggrolls freeze prepare avocado-ranch dipping sauce by combining all of ingredients in a small bowl.

Preheat 4-6 cups of oil to 375 degrees.

Deep fry eggrolls in hot oil for 12-15 minutes and remove to paper towels or a rack to drain for about 2 minutes. Slice each eggroll diagonally lengthwise and arrange on a plate around a small bowl of dipping sauce.

Garnish dipping sauce with chopped tomato and onion.

Is it me or does anyone else find themselves getting in a rut and ordering their favorites at all the restaurants and never changing, haha!!! I'm notorious for that. I need to switch it up, after all, variety is the spice of life :)

So Saturday evening, I had to have a good laugh. My mom and my sister both had dates with new people, and I thought to myself, okay, prince charming, where are you?? haha!! But I baby-sat and they were a blast to be with!!

Sunday I was finally able to give blood for the first time in what has seemed like forever. I never use to have a problem but lately my iron has been to low, but yesterday I was fine. I love being able to give back that way and help save lives. Then after that I was able to meet up with some friends for lunch for some great BBQ. Then I had to head to work...



I work there part time and be FOREWARNED people, it should be a sin to work at this place.... They need to post a big sign saying, beware all the money you make comes back to us, hahaha!!! How can you pass up them good deals though, right??? I've been trying to use some restraint, haha!! :)

Okay, on a final note...... I think one of the greatest things God ever created would have to be...



Bare Escentuals is the best make-up in the world. They have a good deal going on right now. This is all I wear. I use to wear clinique but it felt to cakey and this you don't even feel like you're wearing make-up. Do any of ya'll use this??

Okay, I'll shut up now, haha!! :) Good day!!

And the winner is....

This was the winner of the movie toss up and it didn't disappoint. Such a great movie. One of those feel good movies you got to love. Although, it's one of those movies that makes you wish you had someone, and left you going awwwwwwwww :) All in God's good timing though, it gives me hope at least! I think that's why romance movies were created, to let us know that there's someone out there for everybody. Go and see it if you haven't. On a funnier note, right as the movie was beginning there was a very quiet moment and then this lady, bless her heart, let out the biggest sneeze known to man, and then everyone in the theater all together at the same time said "God Bless You", haha!!! It might have been one of those "you had to of been there moments", but nonetheless was soooo funny and gave us all a good laugh.

To another change of subject. I don't know if anyone else struggles with this, but I've been feeling really convicted about the amount of time I spend in the word and spending that one-on-one time with the Lord. It's so easy to let things hinder us for taking that time. And I think I get overwhelmed by the bible sometimes, does that make sense? Does anyone else struggle with this, or does anyone who ever has have some advice, or let me know how you were able to get past that hurdle.

Have a GREAT Saturday ya'll :)

Hodge Podge Friday and 55 things :)

Okay... I saw this on another blog and thought it was a great idea. Hope you enjoy learning a little more about me:)

10 Things You Wish You Could Say to 10 Different People:
1) I wish I could let go of our season of friendship that ended a long time ago and move on.
2) Your grace amazes me
3) Your wisdom inspires me
4) When school is done I will owe it all to you
5) Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself
6) Your friendship is God’s love for me here on earth
7) I wish I told you more often how much I love you
8) I wish I picked up the phone more just to say hello
9) I wish we had the kind of relationship I desire
10) Thanks for making me laugh like no other

9 Things About Yourself:
1) I can watch Diary of a Mad Black Woman over and over and laugh just as hard as if I were seeing it for the first time.
2) I have no athletic ability whatsoever
3) I trust to easily at times
4) Sometimes I’m my own worst critic
5) I’m learning and constantly trying to be more comfortable in my own skin
6) I’d do anything for people
7) I’m a giver, love love love to give
9) I worry way to much at times over things I have no control over.

8 Ways to Win My Heart:
1) Passion for Jesus
2) Quality time
3) Be authentic, be who you are and nothing less
4) Laugh with me
5) Walk with me on this journey called life
6) Pray with me
7) Listen to me
8) And simply just love me

7 Things That Cross my Mind A lot:
1) Where will I be in a year?
2) Will I ever accomplish all that I want to?
3) Why do I let people/things have so much control over my emotions?
4) Will I ever 100% love me just for me?
5) The enemy is a liar and a deceiver
6) My Mom and sister are the best and where would I be without them?
7) I am blessed.

6 Things I Want to do Before I Die:
1) Go on a Missions Trip
2) Fall in love
3) Become a Mom
4) Travel. A lot.
5) Have certain friendships restored.
6) Grow closer to God.

5 People Who Mean A Lot to You at The Moment:
1) God
2) Family
3) Melissa
4) Monica
5) I know he’s a four-legged creature but I’d have to say my dog!!

4 Things You Can See Right Now:
1) The computer screen in front of me, haha!
2) All my pictures I have up around my desk of my family and friends
3) The lobby of the office
4) And the front door in which I’ll be walking out of at 5pm, is it time yet??? haha!

3 Musicians You Listen to Often: (As of right now)
1) Taylor Swift
2) Hillsong United
3) Tammy Trent

2 Things You do Before Bed:
1) TV
2) Wait for my mind to shut down :)

1 Confession:
1) Okay, I confess, I'm obsessed with the blog world, what can I say, I love all my bloggy friends :)

So there ya have it!!! You got a little taste of Lauren 101 :)

TGIF!!! What's everyone's plans for the weekend?? There are soooo many good movies out right now that I want to see. These look great...











As you can see there's too many I want to see, so some might have to wait till they come out for rental!

Thank you for those who gave me some cooking tips and advice! I will print them out and keep them with me for encouragement as I go about this endeavor :) haha!! ;o)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Domestic Goddess

The above is a title I currently do not hold and have never been close to holding. I know, I will never be her...



I'm sad to say that I've never been the one to cook. Which is scary to think if I'm one day going to be a wife and mother. So I came across her magazine and snagged it and thought, doggonit, I'll give it a read. I know I would love to cook if I would just take the time to do it, that is all that's stopping me. And I love food, it makes me happy, haha!! I envy those people that can whip something up in a minute and are crafty! So I figured I would make a goal to try one recipe a week. Any suggestions on how to get started? Would love any and all advice you could give me. I really want to give this a shot, now lets just see if I can stick to it ;o)

Giving Back

My motto has and always will be that it's much better to give then to receive!

I have never in my life seen the generosity of the human spirit and compassion put into practice more than in these last few days when it comes to the Stamps Family and precious Harper Brown. I am humbled and amazed, and so I can only imagine how blown away they are by this, and my life will never be the same, and never will theirs. The friendships that have been formed through the blog world and the little community of prayer warriors that has formed has left me speechless.

My heart has been for as long as I can reminder to want to give back to my community to make a difference in my little corner of the world....and so I was thinking about it.... and I think this is the way to go....



I feel really led to give back to a cause that has given so much to Scott, Kelly, and Harper as they are going through this time. So I got in contact with the local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House in my area and will be volunteering in honor of Harper. I encourage whoever is reading this to give back to your world, your community, and make a difference, be a light in a dark place where people may not have others there to pray for them and to be there for them, just allow the opportunity for Christ to use you as his hands and feet and watch your life be transformed!

"Father, I am so thankful for the great people You have put in my life. They are so fun, encouraging, interesting and refreshing! I ask You to help me be the kind of person who lifts others. I want to be a breath of fresh air to others. Help me to be good company and focused on refreshing those around me with joy, encouragement and laughter. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

A moment in time

Well, today's the day! The big inauguration day! Whether or not your party is the one that made it into office, you can't help but feel a sense of pride for the history that is going to be made today. I have made it my goal to spend my time in prayer lifting up Barack Obama. I pray that the Lord will direct his steps and that each move he makes will not be made without seeking God first. The office of President is definitely not one I'd like to hold, and know it takes special people to take on this task. I appreciate President Bush in keeping us safe since the events of 9/11 and all that his presidency stood for, whether you agree or disagree, and his presidency hasn't been without alot of backlash. And I know today has to be a bitter sweet day, and I pray for him and his family as well, wherever their path may lead them from hereon out. So will you please join me in praying for Barack Obama and his family.

On another note.... We finally joined the group along with a million others and got this...





Our Wii people, haha :)







We had a blast our first night on it! My favorite is tennis. I'm a pro at it, if I do say so myself, haha... Now if only I could play like that on the real tennis courts, haha!! :) And the second runner-up as my favorite is bowling, again.. now only if I could bowl like that for real :)

Oh, and...


and no...

Recap of the weekend!

First off, let me introduce you to this little girl. This is Miss Harper Brown. Isn't she a miracle? This is the sweet baby I've been talking about and please, please continue to keep her in your prayers. She has a long road ahead of her. But God is faithful and everything is looking up for her and has about a million prayers being prayed her way! Praying for you Scott, Kelly, and sweet Harper!


This weekend was a fun one. To start Friday night off I ate here after work with my Grandma and Mom and then I went off to do a little bit of Friday night babysitting...



And then starting off Saturday I was able to spend the afternoon with my good friend Holly. It's amazing how that all came about. Because we weren't close friends in high school but have reconnected because of the good ole' networking sites and finally we were able to get together. We had a great time and wonderful conversation and was able to spend the time with her two cute little kids. She has a blog site as well, take the time to check it out... www.childwithepilepsy.com. These are pictures of the two of her cuties...








Thank you for a GREAT day Holly!

Then Saturday night when I got home, we got to watch this little cutie. There is no greater title in the world then Aunt (or as my niece affectionately likes to call me, LuLu), and this is why...



And then that brings us to Sunday, and I was just lazy most of the morning and then my mom, sister, and I ate here for lunch...

YUM YUM!!


Then after Red Lobster we had to head over to the mall to find myself some boots for the Acoustic Jam Concert at the Hard Rock Live, check these out ya'll and I got them for an awesome price at Target...



And of course had to stop for one of my new favorites, a Caramel Macchiato. Thanks Holly!!! And it tasted just like yours!!! You should become a Barista...



And last but not least, here are some pictures from the Acoustic Jam. It was a GREAT time but let me tell you, if you have to stand for five hours, WORD OF THE WISE, don't wear shoes that you are just trying to break in. Not going to take them back just yet, I haven't given up hope, haha. Just some useful information for you...












I for the life of me can't remember this guy's names, haha, but he was great!


John Rich


James Otto


Jake Owens


And Emerson Drive


Thank you for being patient with my long post, haha!!!! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Happy Monday!!! :)