I had to break out the crockpot today. Oh how I love the crockpot! Whoever invented that thing is amazing! I have been on the search for good crockpot recipes because our stove runs off gas and obviously, gas is not cheap! I have been doing entirely too much baking because of the holidays and I need to lay off the stove/oven a little bit.
I had tons of things to do today. We all know how the day after Christmas can be so busy! The house was a wreck, I needed to meet a friend to exchange gifts, I needed to visit my cousin, his gf, their baby, and my uncle, and I needed to go feed mom's cat since she is on vacation. Of course, the day that I have tons of things to do involving things outside of my house, it pours down rain! It was such a nasty day! I did get everything done and my little suede boots got soaking wet too! That's ok because my feet didn't get wet! I hate when it's raining and your pants leg gets wet and it starts spreading up the back of your pants.... that's so annoying to me! Lauren chooses boots on rainy days.. rain boots, snow boots, suede boots, leather boots. I don't always think about the wetness on the boot and if it will ruin them. I guess that's not my concern.. I don't know.
Buutttttt, I was able to throw, yes THROW, some frozen chicken into the crockpot before I left the house around noon. I needed some flavor to go with it, so I found this recipe on pinterest! I love pinterest! I'm hooked and I find all kinds of recipes on there, which lead me to more and more recipes. I haven't always been too big of a fan of plain BBQ sauce. There's something about it that just doesn't suit me. This recipe calls for mixing some other ingredients in with the BBQ which makes it a not so BBQ sauce. It's like a sweet and spicy flavor! For me not to really care for BBQ sauce, I loved this!
Sweet Baby Ray's Crockpot Chicken
4-6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used 7 cause I'm odd like that and my chicken was small)
1/4 C brown sugar
1/4 C vinegar
1 bottle BBQ sauce (My bottle was huge so I used about 3/4 the bottle)
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic powder (I substituted with garlic salt)
Directions:
Mix BBQ sauce with all ingredients listed above, besides chicken.. DUH.
Place chicken in crockpot (defrosted or frozen)
Pour sauce over chicken
Cook on low for 4-6 hours
That's it! How easy is that! We had leftover vegetables in the fridge. This made for such an easy dinner for me! It's nice not to have to stand over the stove and stir something constantly or try using every eye to make sure things are all hot when it's time to serve! I will be making this again!!! Chicken is a decent priced meat and we get it in bulk from Ronda's work. So I love to find different chicken dinners!
Try this recipe and tell me how you like it!
Lauren
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Recent Activities!
Sorry guys, once again! It's been a while since I've been able to update! I am in the midst of taking 24937530 tests for school and then working 45384620 hours! okay okay.. those numbers are a little exaggerated, but still. I've been extremely busy!
It's Christmas time and we all know what that means: finals for class, much Christmas shopping, hectic roads, and busy work schedules. All of these have existed for me. Thankfully I was able to do a lot of Christmas shopping last month and I can just grab little things here and there right now. I've also took on the hobby of crocheting and I'm trying to give gifts through doing that since it's much cheaper. That sounds horrible, but as a college student, I am one broke girl!
Hectic roads, well... the Flowood area has been crazy here lately. Dogwood mall is packed and Lakeland Drive needs to expand! The Mississippi Dept. of Transportation needs to figure a way to widen Lakeland Drive in that area because dernit It takes me soooooo long to get to school in the morning, and it's going to be worse when I start radiology school since it's much further than where I am now. I guess I'm being a little selfish asking for them to do that, but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks like this! If you live around the same area I do, you understand! This is the time of the year where many wrecks happen and the Police motor home takes up 2 parking spots at the mall!
Finals start on Thursday for me, but some brilliant teachers of mine have decided to give last unit tests on Wednesday... and then my finals on Friday. Isn't that just the sweetest thing in the world?! Not! I'm totally stressed and ready for it all to be over with! Thankfully, I was able to take off of work for the week to give myself some studying time, or else... those grades would not be looking too good. I'm the type of person who has to have at least SOME sleep. Doesn't always have to be a full 8 hours.. Sometimes even 3 will do the job, but I can't go a whole night without sleep and function properly. I don't know how some of these kids do it! Yes, I have done it.. but it has resulted in a paper that was written with jibberish, or some reading I have done that I don't even remember what I read. Funny, huh? Well, that's how it happens. So, if I add it all together, I have 6 tests this coming up week and one on the following Monday and then I am done! Thank you, Jesus! I have decided to take a semester out of school because I need no more pre-requisite courses and I need a break! If you know me, you understand. I'm constantly on the go and super busy. I need to take some time for myself and slow down a little bit. I'm going to be working as much as I can during this time and saving up money for when I go to Radiology school in the fall. I will need all the money I can save up because I won't be able to work much during those years. Thankfully, I have a wonderful guy in my life who will help me through it all!
Christmas time is always hectic at work! I work in a banquet hall and all of the businesses around the area like to book their business Christmas parties through us. Of course, I love my job, but during this time there are some pretty crazy shifts. Sometimes this includes 15 hour work days. I mean that literally. LOL! I do enjoy it though, I will say that. It is very tiring at times, but it suits me. It certainly gives me an opportunity to meet several people and allows me to learn of all the companies around hence most of our events at work are business meetings and things of that sort. We do have Wedding rehearsal dinners, receptions, breast cancer luncheons, etc... at times, but for the most part, it's business things that take over. We have also had proms! Such a fun time to work! I never attended my prom in high school. I was always so shy and I definitely can't dance. I do regret that now, but that's okay. I still don't like to dance and can't, so my friends have to drag me out to the floor every now and then.
anddddd on a good note, I have received a letter from the radiology department at Hind's Community College. It was not an acceptance letter, but it was a letter asking me to send in something showing I have worked with a radiologist for four hours by January 31st. For some reason, this letter has given me a good feeling! I've been super excited about the whole thing and praying that I can get in. I would much rather go to UMC Radiology school, but if I'm not accepted there, then I will settle with Hind's.
You will most likely not hear from me again until after finals! Enjoy your next couple of weeks!
one busy,
Lauren
It's Christmas time and we all know what that means: finals for class, much Christmas shopping, hectic roads, and busy work schedules. All of these have existed for me. Thankfully I was able to do a lot of Christmas shopping last month and I can just grab little things here and there right now. I've also took on the hobby of crocheting and I'm trying to give gifts through doing that since it's much cheaper. That sounds horrible, but as a college student, I am one broke girl!
Hectic roads, well... the Flowood area has been crazy here lately. Dogwood mall is packed and Lakeland Drive needs to expand! The Mississippi Dept. of Transportation needs to figure a way to widen Lakeland Drive in that area because dernit It takes me soooooo long to get to school in the morning, and it's going to be worse when I start radiology school since it's much further than where I am now. I guess I'm being a little selfish asking for them to do that, but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks like this! If you live around the same area I do, you understand! This is the time of the year where many wrecks happen and the Police motor home takes up 2 parking spots at the mall!
Finals start on Thursday for me, but some brilliant teachers of mine have decided to give last unit tests on Wednesday... and then my finals on Friday. Isn't that just the sweetest thing in the world?! Not! I'm totally stressed and ready for it all to be over with! Thankfully, I was able to take off of work for the week to give myself some studying time, or else... those grades would not be looking too good. I'm the type of person who has to have at least SOME sleep. Doesn't always have to be a full 8 hours.. Sometimes even 3 will do the job, but I can't go a whole night without sleep and function properly. I don't know how some of these kids do it! Yes, I have done it.. but it has resulted in a paper that was written with jibberish, or some reading I have done that I don't even remember what I read. Funny, huh? Well, that's how it happens. So, if I add it all together, I have 6 tests this coming up week and one on the following Monday and then I am done! Thank you, Jesus! I have decided to take a semester out of school because I need no more pre-requisite courses and I need a break! If you know me, you understand. I'm constantly on the go and super busy. I need to take some time for myself and slow down a little bit. I'm going to be working as much as I can during this time and saving up money for when I go to Radiology school in the fall. I will need all the money I can save up because I won't be able to work much during those years. Thankfully, I have a wonderful guy in my life who will help me through it all!
Christmas time is always hectic at work! I work in a banquet hall and all of the businesses around the area like to book their business Christmas parties through us. Of course, I love my job, but during this time there are some pretty crazy shifts. Sometimes this includes 15 hour work days. I mean that literally. LOL! I do enjoy it though, I will say that. It is very tiring at times, but it suits me. It certainly gives me an opportunity to meet several people and allows me to learn of all the companies around hence most of our events at work are business meetings and things of that sort. We do have Wedding rehearsal dinners, receptions, breast cancer luncheons, etc... at times, but for the most part, it's business things that take over. We have also had proms! Such a fun time to work! I never attended my prom in high school. I was always so shy and I definitely can't dance. I do regret that now, but that's okay. I still don't like to dance and can't, so my friends have to drag me out to the floor every now and then.
anddddd on a good note, I have received a letter from the radiology department at Hind's Community College. It was not an acceptance letter, but it was a letter asking me to send in something showing I have worked with a radiologist for four hours by January 31st. For some reason, this letter has given me a good feeling! I've been super excited about the whole thing and praying that I can get in. I would much rather go to UMC Radiology school, but if I'm not accepted there, then I will settle with Hind's.
You will most likely not hear from me again until after finals! Enjoy your next couple of weeks!
one busy,
Lauren
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Pumpkin Flavored Yummies!!
I have been in a cooking mood a lot lately! Well, when I say that, I mean one that requires me to cook things out of thought! I was working and attending school all this past week and that didn't allow me to do much cooking, so when Friday came around I hit the kitchen! I was off Friday night, Saturday, and today!
This morning I woke up and went to church at 8am and then when I got home I was surely up for some baking and using a pumpkin that we didn't carve for halloween fun. I got online and started searching for some ideas and then I thought, "hey! I can make a pumpkin puree!" So I did!
I have never been extremely good at fully homemaking things, but I wanted to try something different today. My Gigi has always taught me to never waste anything, so I try my hardest not to waste things.
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
*I used a small pumpkin just because it's easier to deal with and that's what I had!
Cut the pumpkin in quarters
Scrape all of the seeds and stringy stuff out
Get a cookie sheet with slight edges and pour 1 cup of water in it
Put the pumpkin pieces on the cookie sheet (cut part down)
Bake for 45 mins
scrape all of the pumpkin out of the skin and mash with a potato masher
Mix with an electric mixer
I added sugar, all spice, and cinnamon to mine to give it flavor!
wha la! You have some pumpkin puree! Not hard at all to do, just makes a total mess!
Now it was time to make dessert with this. I didn't want to have to make anything too hard, so I kind of made up my own recipe, but it turned out like a pumpkin pie, except in a cake shape! So... we will call it
Pumpkin Pie Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup pumpkin spice creamer
1/2 cup oil
1 package of pumpkin spice instant pudding
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp vanilla
That's all I remember putting in there. Bake for maybe 35-40 mins. I didn't time it. Let it cool and then eat it! It tastes just like pumpkin pie! I don't know how that happened, but it did! I tried putting a cinnamon pecan glaze on top but it didn't stick to the cake, so i just took the cake out of the pan and put in plastic containers so I could refridgerate. You may add some pecans to your cake if you'd like. I just thought pecans would sound good with the pumpkin!
That Is it for now, I am falling asleep as I'm typing on the computer. Sorry I don't have but one picture, I was trying to cook dinner in the midst of trying to make pumpkin puree! Have a happy Monday everyone!
xoxoxo
Baker Lauren :D
This morning I woke up and went to church at 8am and then when I got home I was surely up for some baking and using a pumpkin that we didn't carve for halloween fun. I got online and started searching for some ideas and then I thought, "hey! I can make a pumpkin puree!" So I did!
I have never been extremely good at fully homemaking things, but I wanted to try something different today. My Gigi has always taught me to never waste anything, so I try my hardest not to waste things.
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
*I used a small pumpkin just because it's easier to deal with and that's what I had!
Cut the pumpkin in quarters
Scrape all of the seeds and stringy stuff out
Get a cookie sheet with slight edges and pour 1 cup of water in it
Put the pumpkin pieces on the cookie sheet (cut part down)
Bake for 45 mins
scrape all of the pumpkin out of the skin and mash with a potato masher
Mix with an electric mixer
I added sugar, all spice, and cinnamon to mine to give it flavor!
wha la! You have some pumpkin puree! Not hard at all to do, just makes a total mess!
Now it was time to make dessert with this. I didn't want to have to make anything too hard, so I kind of made up my own recipe, but it turned out like a pumpkin pie, except in a cake shape! So... we will call it
Pumpkin Pie Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup pumpkin spice creamer
1/2 cup oil
1 package of pumpkin spice instant pudding
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp vanilla
That's all I remember putting in there. Bake for maybe 35-40 mins. I didn't time it. Let it cool and then eat it! It tastes just like pumpkin pie! I don't know how that happened, but it did! I tried putting a cinnamon pecan glaze on top but it didn't stick to the cake, so i just took the cake out of the pan and put in plastic containers so I could refridgerate. You may add some pecans to your cake if you'd like. I just thought pecans would sound good with the pumpkin!
That Is it for now, I am falling asleep as I'm typing on the computer. Sorry I don't have but one picture, I was trying to cook dinner in the midst of trying to make pumpkin puree! Have a happy Monday everyone!
xoxoxo
Baker Lauren :D
Monday, October 31, 2011
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Did I ever mention that I love holidays? Especially Halloween! It's nice to see all the little kiddos dressed cute, some scary, and some mommies and daddies walking the neighborhoods with them! Halloween is awesome! It's so much fun!
I remember when I was still dressing up at the age of 13 or so, I was a clown! My mom and dad always went out of their way to buy my brother and I a high priced costume! Of course, now looking back on it I regret ever having them spend so much money on something that I would only wear for a little while, but it was fun for the time being! I remember being a kid and it puts me in a happy mood!
Yesterday I had Morgan and her sister over to carve pumpkins with Aidan and I. We had so much fun! I heated up some frozen soup and made grilled cheese! It was perfect for the weather. I also picked up some pumpkin cupcakes! Needless to say, there isn't many cupcakes left! Not because of Morgan or her sister or I, Aidan is to blame! 14 year old boys can eat like they haven't had a meal in over a month! I can never keep food in the house for too long. I don't look forward to having 14 year old boys of my own later in my life! I guess it's just that age..
It's hard to label all of the pumpkins! We did not use a stencil and poke holes in our pumpkins. In my opinion, that's cheating!!!!! Lol. Of course, those kind always look nicer, but that takes all of the fun out of it! Besides, those are always general pumpkin carvings that everyone has because you can just buy the kits at wal mart and what not. We found our pumpkin carving ideas on google! Maybe one year I will grow pumpkins and we won't have to buy any! Wouldn't that be nice?!
I searched all over town for pumpkins yesterday. Thankfully my mom had bought one about three weeks ago and hers was pretty and perfectly round. I went to wal-mart yesterday and they were out, to Liberty Baptist Church, and they didn't sell on Sunday, and then to the farmer's market where they were dollars a piece only to watch Aidan completely ruin his and then throw it and smash it! It was overall a good night though and ended with lit pumpkins on the porch and me watching the Twilight movies on TV!.. and then passing out early!
xoxoxo,
Lauren
I remember when I was still dressing up at the age of 13 or so, I was a clown! My mom and dad always went out of their way to buy my brother and I a high priced costume! Of course, now looking back on it I regret ever having them spend so much money on something that I would only wear for a little while, but it was fun for the time being! I remember being a kid and it puts me in a happy mood!
Yesterday I had Morgan and her sister over to carve pumpkins with Aidan and I. We had so much fun! I heated up some frozen soup and made grilled cheese! It was perfect for the weather. I also picked up some pumpkin cupcakes! Needless to say, there isn't many cupcakes left! Not because of Morgan or her sister or I, Aidan is to blame! 14 year old boys can eat like they haven't had a meal in over a month! I can never keep food in the house for too long. I don't look forward to having 14 year old boys of my own later in my life! I guess it's just that age..
 |
| Aidan, eating a cupcake |
 |
| Morgan carved a kitty cat pumpkin! |
 |
| Payton carved a ummmm... pumpkin! |
 |
| and I carved a silly pumpkin! |
I searched all over town for pumpkins yesterday. Thankfully my mom had bought one about three weeks ago and hers was pretty and perfectly round. I went to wal-mart yesterday and they were out, to Liberty Baptist Church, and they didn't sell on Sunday, and then to the farmer's market where they were dollars a piece only to watch Aidan completely ruin his and then throw it and smash it! It was overall a good night though and ended with lit pumpkins on the porch and me watching the Twilight movies on TV!.. and then passing out early!
 |
| My pumpkin lit on the porch! |
 |
| Aidan's pumpkin on the porch before he threw it. |
 |
| and a sweet sleeping Bella! |
Lauren
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Weddingggg!
I went to a wedding back on September 24th to help with decorating and everything that morning before the wedding. Lord knows how I love to decorate and do arts and craft stuff. So I was dragged along for the fun! ...and of course to watch the wedding later on that day! It was Justin's Mom's good friend! Tiffany's wedding was just beautiful and in a perfect place! I believe that she enjoyed every bit of it!
The bridesmaid's dresses were just gorgeous and I absolutely loved the colors she picked out. Perfect for September if ya ask me!
I have always loved doing jobs that require much artsy thought! I work in a banquet hall where we prepare beautiful settings for fruit layouts, cheese trays, crudites, etc, so I thought maybe I could help in that area. In the midst of this all, the place we were at did not provide any utensils or things like that. I had to use a pocket knife to cut a watermelon! Guess what? I did it! :P Don't ever underestimate the power of LAUREN! We didn't have a lot to work with on the other hand, so we made due with what we had!
I've always loved old-fashioned type weddings. I love when people use old fashioned traditions and layouts.. etc... The whole riding up in a buggy behind a horse is becoming more and more popular as the years go by. Tiffany and Brad rode away in a nice old truck that was just perfect for the occasion! I loved it!
These were pictures from their parents weddings.
Lastly, you know there's always a throwing of the bouquet. I always love this part thinking I'm going to catch that dang thing and it never happens. Seems like these bride's purposefully throw that bundle of flowers at someone. What happened? I did not catch it.
I had a wonderful day and some great experience working with the decorating and stuff. It turned out to be a beautiful day with the sun shining thoroughly. Tiffany and Brad are now happily married with many years to come!
CONGRATULATIONS!
xoxoxo,
Lauren
The bridesmaid's dresses were just gorgeous and I absolutely loved the colors she picked out. Perfect for September if ya ask me!
 |
| BRIDESMAIDS! |
 |
| GROOMSMEN! |
 |
| After Tiffany walked down the aisle! |
 |
| My fruit layout |
 |
| The cheese layout |
 |
| The kids with Tiffany and Brad pouring the sand. |
 |
| So sweet! |
 |
| The Bride's cake! Beautiful! |
 |
| The toolbox Groom's cake! How cute! |
 |
| Bad area to pull out at. Needless to say, Brad zoommmeeedd! haha |
 |
| The gorgeous picture layout. |
Lastly, you know there's always a throwing of the bouquet. I always love this part thinking I'm going to catch that dang thing and it never happens. Seems like these bride's purposefully throw that bundle of flowers at someone. What happened? I did not catch it.
CONGRATULATIONS!
xoxoxo,
Lauren
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Kosher Dill Pickling!
I have been trying to get around to making pickles for days now! I have had some over-sized cucumbers that probably wouldn't taste well eaten raw, so I decided to make them into pickles. I didn't want to throw them away! Today I finally had the opportunity to make some dill pickles! I love dill pickles!
As much as I would love to completely home-make these pickles, someone created a quick mix and I love that thought! I'm sure home-made dill pickles would take a lot longer!
It will tell you on the back of the bag how to make! So easy! You can even just buy this at your regular grocery store or even wal-mart. I think it's like $3.54 or something. Not the cheapest for a mix, but it saves time for sure!
You can either slice your cucumbers long ways or slice them into little rounds. Or even if you have baby cucumbers, you can make baby pickles! How cute! Most people have a slicer to make these with, but my old fashioned slicer does not switch the thickness on it and it's far too thin for pickles, so I had to slice with knife.
Kosher Dill Pickles
7 1/3 Cup water
3 1/3 Cup White distilled vinegar
packet mix
Bring to rolling boil and boil until completely disolved
Simply pour in jars that are filled with sliced, or speared cucumbers!
After you pour your liquid over the cucumbers in the jars, be sure to boil your lids for five minutes. Wipe the tops of the rims of your jars and make sure they are clean and then put the lids on! Turn them upside down for five minutes and then turn them back right side up; you should hear some popping going on! That means they're sealed!
The liquid to pour over the cucumbers was a little more yellow than I expected, but I've already tasted some and they're ggooooddd!
If you have lots of cucumbers and don't know what to do with them, try this! It's fast, easy, and delicious! (if you're a pickle lover like me!)
I have wild pears next that I plan on canning. They'll have to be coated in sugar because they are extremely bitter, but they will be good hopefully! I may try and make some pear sauce, or pear preserves, or pear pie filling.. Who knows! Never canned fruit before so it's something new that I will be testing out! Wish me luck! I will have to save that job for another day!
XOXOXO
Lauren
As much as I would love to completely home-make these pickles, someone created a quick mix and I love that thought! I'm sure home-made dill pickles would take a lot longer!
 |
| Hooray for this! |
You can either slice your cucumbers long ways or slice them into little rounds. Or even if you have baby cucumbers, you can make baby pickles! How cute! Most people have a slicer to make these with, but my old fashioned slicer does not switch the thickness on it and it's far too thin for pickles, so I had to slice with knife.
 |
| My slicing job.. worked good enough for me! |
Kosher Dill Pickles
7 1/3 Cup water
3 1/3 Cup White distilled vinegar
packet mix
Bring to rolling boil and boil until completely disolved
 |
| There were these little seed looking things in there. Not sure if they were supposed to go away or not, but I had boiled for at least 15 mins. |
Simply pour in jars that are filled with sliced, or speared cucumbers!
 |
| My little 99 cent canning funnel! |
 |
| Finished product! |
The liquid to pour over the cucumbers was a little more yellow than I expected, but I've already tasted some and they're ggooooddd!
If you have lots of cucumbers and don't know what to do with them, try this! It's fast, easy, and delicious! (if you're a pickle lover like me!)
I have wild pears next that I plan on canning. They'll have to be coated in sugar because they are extremely bitter, but they will be good hopefully! I may try and make some pear sauce, or pear preserves, or pear pie filling.. Who knows! Never canned fruit before so it's something new that I will be testing out! Wish me luck! I will have to save that job for another day!
XOXOXO
Lauren
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
God ALWAYS provides!
I often catch myself worrying about things way too much. Worrying is like torturing yourself except in a mental way. I even wish that things were different sometimes because of the tough life we all live, but then I have to remind myself that God put me where I am in life. We only struggle sometimes just to make us stronger. I learn from my downfalls and pick right back up.
Work has been extremely slow lately which has lead me to less labor. I have worked about 3 times in the past two weeks when I normally am a full time worker. (I work in a banquet hall where business is on and off.) I worry and worry about finances constantly, which has lead me to this post. Obviously, since I haven't been working much lately, bills are constantly on my mind. At the age of 21 you would think that it wouldn't be as hard as it is, but I will say that I am proud of the life I have lived because my parents have taught me to be extremely responsible and independent.
I think all of us worry about finances often, but when the time comes to pay that bill, somehow the money is there. GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES. It's just so weird how this time that I have been out of work ended up around my birthday in which I received money as a gift from some very giving people in my life. Sometimes you just don't realize how generous people really can be until you step back and think about what you have been given. In the end, we have to pay all thanks to the good lord above.
I remember last semester sitting in my marriage and family class and being taught about money and finances inside marriage. I have worked and worked and worked for a little extra money just to have what I WANT and don't NEED. I learned a lot in that class. We often work overtime and extra hours just to buy the things that we want instead of spending time with the people that matter the most, friends and family. Time is more important than money and using that time wisely is definitely more important than money. I think that sometimes we let the thought of money take over our minds and get too caught up in a selfish behavior. We become very materialistic and don't realize the things that really matter. Is it going to matter what you look like in heaven? Are people going to judge you in heaven? Just ask yourself, do you really need all the finest clothes, jewelry, electronics, etc.
In the end, I am very thankful for the things that I have been given in life and the struggles that I have gone through. It has only taught me more and more about life. I have to put my faith in God and he will always pull me through! God is so good!
Just a few pictures to make anyone smile are these three little sweet babies that have recently been a blessing in my family; and of course my sweet brother that I love dearly!
I miss these kiddos so much! I wish I didn't live so far away. It's about a 10 hour drive to Kayleigh and maybe 8 to Jack and Camryn! Sweetest babies alive. My other cousin has one on the way and I am so excited! He lives like 30 mins from me too! :D
He will be shipping overseas around October 5th so please keep him and my family in your prayers! I love you, Lane!
XOXOXO
Lauren
Work has been extremely slow lately which has lead me to less labor. I have worked about 3 times in the past two weeks when I normally am a full time worker. (I work in a banquet hall where business is on and off.) I worry and worry about finances constantly, which has lead me to this post. Obviously, since I haven't been working much lately, bills are constantly on my mind. At the age of 21 you would think that it wouldn't be as hard as it is, but I will say that I am proud of the life I have lived because my parents have taught me to be extremely responsible and independent.
I think all of us worry about finances often, but when the time comes to pay that bill, somehow the money is there. GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES. It's just so weird how this time that I have been out of work ended up around my birthday in which I received money as a gift from some very giving people in my life. Sometimes you just don't realize how generous people really can be until you step back and think about what you have been given. In the end, we have to pay all thanks to the good lord above.
I remember last semester sitting in my marriage and family class and being taught about money and finances inside marriage. I have worked and worked and worked for a little extra money just to have what I WANT and don't NEED. I learned a lot in that class. We often work overtime and extra hours just to buy the things that we want instead of spending time with the people that matter the most, friends and family. Time is more important than money and using that time wisely is definitely more important than money. I think that sometimes we let the thought of money take over our minds and get too caught up in a selfish behavior. We become very materialistic and don't realize the things that really matter. Is it going to matter what you look like in heaven? Are people going to judge you in heaven? Just ask yourself, do you really need all the finest clothes, jewelry, electronics, etc.
In the end, I am very thankful for the things that I have been given in life and the struggles that I have gone through. It has only taught me more and more about life. I have to put my faith in God and he will always pull me through! God is so good!
Just a few pictures to make anyone smile are these three little sweet babies that have recently been a blessing in my family; and of course my sweet brother that I love dearly!
 |
| Little Jack! Ready for football; he's a cowboys fan! |
 |
| Camryn! She is a twin to Jack! She's also ready for football! "I need some pom poms momma!" |
 |
| and my little Kayleigh bear! She's learning to jibber jabber! |
 |
| My sweet brother! |
XOXOXO
Lauren
Monday, September 19, 2011
UPDATE!!!
Man! I feel like it has been forever since I have been on here. I was doing great for a while and keeping you guys updated at least once every other week, well I see I have slacked off a lot on that. So, in return, here is a major update.
Since I haven't been on here in almost a month and a half, there's lots to update you guys on! This post will probably be a little wishy washy since I'm not focusing on one thing!
In the meantime, I have gone to a baby shower, picked veggies from my garden, gone to Pelahatchie Lake, Went to an old high school football game, made cupcakes for company, and went to a birthday dinner at OLIVE GARDEN!
At the end of August, Justin's family rented cabins out at Jellystone park (Pelahatchie Lake) and stayed the weekend for some fun! We visited out there on a Saturday and had tons of fun! We fished, ate yummies, played goofy golf, rode golf carts, and rode paddle boats! Needless to say it was a fun filled day but ended with some very tired people!
On another note, my garden hasn't really impressed me much, or either I haven't impressed it; one of the two. The only plants that have really been loyal to me would be my pepper plants. The Jalapenos and habaneros have produced like crazy. I have gotten a few tomatoes here and there and my cucumbers have been alright. I mainly grew my cucumbers to make pickles. My squash plants did not produce a thing. Funny thing, my bell peppers are just now producing; I guess because it has decided to cool off a little!
My high school that I graduated from two years ago (can't believe i'm saying that!) recently played their rivals and of course I had to go. I took Morgan and one of Aidan's little friends. Morgan went to Brandon, so just imagine. Brandon are the rivals! WHOOPS! We had tons of fun and only spent 7 dollars, which was to get into the game! It brought back many of memories and made me wish I were back in high school! YAYYY for a win for Northwest!
The Saturday after the football game I woke up early and attended Justin's Aunt's baby shower in Greenwood. It was a late Friday night and an early Saturday morning for me! Me and grandma had a great day and then went out to John and Hollie's for the rest of the day outdoors! We rode golf carts and spent time with family!
Did I mention they are thinking about naming their baby Olivia, which is my middle name! AWESOMEEEE. :p
This past weekend Justin's grandparents came down for a visit, as they always do! Boy do we love them! I made cupcakes for the company!
Anddddd finally, Friday night I went out to meet a couple of friends at Olive Garden for a birthday dinner! I hadn't been to Olive Garden in a while! Thankfully I received an Olive Garden gift card for my birthday which paid for my dinner and I have money left for more Olive Garden visits! HOORAYYY!
Well, this ends for my major update! I hope you all have had as fun as I these past weeks! God sure provides when there is need for anything! [I'll post something later about this] I've been dying for fun outside of school and work and i've sure gotten it!
Love,
Lauren :)
Since I haven't been on here in almost a month and a half, there's lots to update you guys on! This post will probably be a little wishy washy since I'm not focusing on one thing!
In the meantime, I have gone to a baby shower, picked veggies from my garden, gone to Pelahatchie Lake, Went to an old high school football game, made cupcakes for company, and went to a birthday dinner at OLIVE GARDEN!
At the end of August, Justin's family rented cabins out at Jellystone park (Pelahatchie Lake) and stayed the weekend for some fun! We visited out there on a Saturday and had tons of fun! We fished, ate yummies, played goofy golf, rode golf carts, and rode paddle boats! Needless to say it was a fun filled day but ended with some very tired people!
 |
| My handsome man out in the paddle boat! |
 |
| I caught a bass! |
 |
| Morgan and Trevor on the paddle boat. |
 |
| Look at all of those peppers! |
 |
| What a cool picture! |
 |
| Look at all of those presents for baby Olivia! ;) |
 |
| The table of goodies! |
 |
| Hollie opening her gifts! |
 |
| She's such a silly, cute pregnant lady! |
This past weekend Justin's grandparents came down for a visit, as they always do! Boy do we love them! I made cupcakes for the company!
 |
| Aren't these cute little mini cupcakes! |
 |
| Such a fun group of people! Our waitress was awesome as well! |
Love,
Lauren :)
Monday, July 25, 2011
HEALTHY note.
Today, I have just really been thinking. After all of the Reese's, cake, snickers, and just chocolate in general that I eat, It's time to give up some sweets. All these things are so bad for your body and the AVERAGE American consumes 2-3 pounds of sugar a day! This sounds so crazy, huh? Well, it's true! It's time to make a change!
I haven't decided to cut out all sugar, but I just want to get away from the candy and chocolate for a while. If I could give up sweet tea, then that would be another plus, but it's one thing at a time.
I was watching the Bachelorette tonight and following that show came the season finale of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. I haven't watched the show all season, but was interested to see it! I missed the ending because half way through the show I went a jumped on my treadmill! Yes, I got on my treadmill and ran 1.5 miles. I was running about 2 months ago and got up to about 3 miles... but it has been probably 2 months since I last ran, so I have to get back up to that point.
Also, after Dad passed, I have been trying to make myself a healthier person. I cannot stress to anyone enough how important your health is. I think that a lot of the reason Dad passed was because of his weight. It seems like obesity is just becoming more and more of a lead to deathly situations. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, and eventually a heart attack in some circumstances. I'm sure there are many more effects of obesity, but this is what I found. Isn't that horrible! We all need to make a change and try and create a healthier society!
Sorry for the rambling, but it's just what is on my mind tonight.
xoxo,
A futuristic healthier Lauren!
I haven't decided to cut out all sugar, but I just want to get away from the candy and chocolate for a while. If I could give up sweet tea, then that would be another plus, but it's one thing at a time.
I was watching the Bachelorette tonight and following that show came the season finale of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. I haven't watched the show all season, but was interested to see it! I missed the ending because half way through the show I went a jumped on my treadmill! Yes, I got on my treadmill and ran 1.5 miles. I was running about 2 months ago and got up to about 3 miles... but it has been probably 2 months since I last ran, so I have to get back up to that point.
Also, after Dad passed, I have been trying to make myself a healthier person. I cannot stress to anyone enough how important your health is. I think that a lot of the reason Dad passed was because of his weight. It seems like obesity is just becoming more and more of a lead to deathly situations. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, and eventually a heart attack in some circumstances. I'm sure there are many more effects of obesity, but this is what I found. Isn't that horrible! We all need to make a change and try and create a healthier society!
Sorry for the rambling, but it's just what is on my mind tonight.
xoxo,
A futuristic healthier Lauren!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Gigi's Birthday CELEBRATION!!
Saturday, July 9th, my family all gathered for a wonderful celebration.... I bet you're all wondering what the heck we were celebrating..
Isn't that such a blessing? God has blessed her with 70 years of life! I hope that I look as beautiful as she when I reach that age!
My grandpa had been planning the big SURPRISE (Yes, that's right! We surprised her!) for like a month. He was so worried that she would find out, but everything turned out great. She had no idea! He just told her that he was taking her to dinner, just the two of them. Of course you know she asked who all was going to be there, but paw paw sure played it off well!
It was My grandma, grandpa, My uncle and aunt with their four children, My other aunt and uncle, josh, Amanda, My aunt Sue (gigi's sister), My Uncle Francis (gigi's brother), Billy, My brother Lane, his girlfriend Naomi, and me! A group of 19 made it without her even knowing! :D
I had been stressing the whole day because I hadn't gotten a birthday gift, and I was making my Grandma's 70th birthday cake! Of course, I wanted it to be nice!
I have such a sweet family and I wouldn't trade them for the world! I love it when we gather together for family celebrations and wish that we were allowed to do it more often! I must add that our family is spread out all over the south, so it is difficult for us to get together. I have far too many pictures, but tried to get as many as possible before blogger cuts me off! haha! I usually don't take many pictures, but I have been trying to use my camera more often to catch memories like these! AND TO BLOG WITH THEM! :P
There is one special person that is missing from these pictures and that is my daddy! Daddy, I miss you so much and wish that you were here with us, but I know that God is taking good care of you and you were surely celebrating in heaven on that special day! I know you loved each and every one of us as we love you! :)
Lane had to leave early for some military stuff. I hope that you all enjoyed the dinner just as much as I did! We had some great food and a great time! Thanks to everyone that came and special thanks to my paw paw for thinking of such a wonderful idea!
Happy belated birthday to my Gigi! She turned 70 on the 13th! Meant to create this post that day, but i've been so so busy with summer classes being rushed and finals coming up!
xoxo,
Lauren
MY GRANDMAW'S 70TH BIRTHDAY!
Isn't that such a blessing? God has blessed her with 70 years of life! I hope that I look as beautiful as she when I reach that age!
My grandpa had been planning the big SURPRISE (Yes, that's right! We surprised her!) for like a month. He was so worried that she would find out, but everything turned out great. She had no idea! He just told her that he was taking her to dinner, just the two of them. Of course you know she asked who all was going to be there, but paw paw sure played it off well!
It was My grandma, grandpa, My uncle and aunt with their four children, My other aunt and uncle, josh, Amanda, My aunt Sue (gigi's sister), My Uncle Francis (gigi's brother), Billy, My brother Lane, his girlfriend Naomi, and me! A group of 19 made it without her even knowing! :D
 |
| SURPRISE!!! She was so happy! |
 |
| The birthday cake with all of her gifts! |
 |
| My cousins Phillip and Nathan |
 |
| My aunt and my Mom! |
 |
| My Uncle and Aunt |
 |
| My cousin Josh and his girlfriend Amanda! |
 |
| Grace and I |
 |
| Naomi and My TWIN, Lane! |
 |
| Blake and I! |
 |
| Isn't she cute! |
 |
| Aunt Sue, Aunt Billy, and Uncle Francis! |
 |
| My sweet Gigi and I! |
 |
| The special people! My Gigi and Paw Paw! |
 | ||
| The three children and my grandparents! |
 |
| Uncle bill, cousin Grace, and Aunt Lisa! |
There is one special person that is missing from these pictures and that is my daddy! Daddy, I miss you so much and wish that you were here with us, but I know that God is taking good care of you and you were surely celebrating in heaven on that special day! I know you loved each and every one of us as we love you! :)
 |
| The whole crowd. (Minus my brother) |
Lane had to leave early for some military stuff. I hope that you all enjoyed the dinner just as much as I did! We had some great food and a great time! Thanks to everyone that came and special thanks to my paw paw for thinking of such a wonderful idea!
Happy belated birthday to my Gigi! She turned 70 on the 13th! Meant to create this post that day, but i've been so so busy with summer classes being rushed and finals coming up!
xoxo,
Lauren
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)