Yellow-Haired Woman

talk about pure JOY!

2009-11-11T09:51:00.001-06:00

For those who read my photography blog...sorry. This is the exact same post. :)

Does it get any better than this...?

Oh how I miss the joy of swinging.

A few weeks ago Jonathan and I got the privilege of babysitting three joyful children for 6 days. It was a busy time but it was a blessing to us. We spent a Saturday afternoon playing outside. I grabbed my camera. These are the results.

This one makes me smile really BIG.

"How are you?" His greeting of choice...it'll melt your heart, especially when you haven't seen him in a while.

Even the dog joined in on the fun...

Disclaimer: Sorry for the extreme grainy-ness of these pictures. I was in such a hurry that I forgot to reset my camera settings from my previous photo shoot. It works in some of the pictures...not so much in others ;)

missing in action-but I'm still here...

2009-09-14T21:14:00.003-05:00

It has been quite a while since I've written on here. I haven't left blogging by any means--I just haven't updated my own blog. I've even caught myself getting frustrated with other bloggers who don't update enough but then I realize it's been three months since I have! Last time I updated I was feeling miserable with stitches in my mouth. It felt like I was never going to feel normal again back then--and here I am feeling completely normal. Rather than write forever I'll just update in bullet format about a few things. I'm not gonna lie--this might be a pretty dry post but I wanted to update nonetheless!

-I've started a photography business! It has been a whirlwind-a roller coaster of emotions. I never thought I could really create a business around something I enjoy doing so much. It has taken time, and still is taking time, but I'm having fun. It definitely reminds me of the complete reliance I have on God. It constantly puts me in battle with sin and I have to submit each day to God's will and not my own. It's also given me so much joy to hear people excited about the pictures I've taken for them. I want to give all credit to God because he has given me this gift to bring Him glory!
Read my photography blog LMP Blog
and visit my new website LMP website!

-Jonathan and I are looking at houses! I never thought I'd be saying that! We haven't looked too much but we're excited about hopefully find a great starter home. The housing market is kind of different here in Midland (compared to places like Houston) so it's been interesting figuring it out. One house we were kind of liking just went into contract--bummer. I like even more now that I can't have it! I'm excited to be on this adventure with my best friend and husband. Some of the houses we've seen have cracked us up! People are so funny...and weird with the way they live. One person had 4 fridges!! FOUR! Really now, is that necessary??

-A couple of weeks ago we can became members of our church, Christian Life Center. We are so thankful for our church home for so MANY reasons. God's word that is preached there faithfully each week by Pastor Billy, our new friends who have loved us so well, Pastor Billy himself for embracing and loving us (I saw him at HEB today and it made my day!), but most of all everything that God has taught us while we have been there. I thank God that he promises to sanctify us continually. Where would I be if it weren't for God's grace and mercy?

-This week the Petroleum Museum (where I work) is having it's annual birthday party! It's going to be a long night but fun at the same time. It's western themed so I'll be wearing my new boots and hoping they don't kill my feet! I'll be sure to post pictures of the party.

Okay, it's 9:30 and since I take about 20 minutes to get ready for bed I better get off this thing. Yes, I go to bed early-don't judge!

I've missed blogging...sorry I've been so bad.

a year ago today...

2009-05-31T16:44:00.004-05:00

Happy Anniversary John and Laura!

I can't believe it has been a whole year since John and Laura's wedding. It is just unreal. The memories of that day...the memories of the weeks leading up to it and everything else are so fresh and real. I feel like I'm still getting over the excitement of the whole thing. It was a whirlwind weekend!
John and Laura got married in Dripping Springs, TX at a bed and breakfast. It was a perfect Texas hill country outdoor wedding.
It has been a joy to have Laura in our family. I only wish we lived closer together so we could spend even more time together. I'm thankful for the time we did have in Austin before I moved away...
Here are a few of their engagement pictures and bridal portraits I took last March and May.

**Update**
the pics will have to wait till I have the energy to get on my other computer. I just got my wisdom teeth out so the energy isn't really flowing...
That's another thing...when I look at these pictures from their wedding...I never thought I'd be sitting at home, miserable, with stitches in my mouth a year later! I would much rather be dancing at my brother's wedding right now ;)

Okay I just got them off Laura's facebook instead...

...and they're tiny, oops! Eh, I'll fix it later!

-L

forgive

2009-05-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

A quote from the book I'm reading right now...

To forgive someone means to release from liability to suffer punishment or penalty...forgiveness is undeserved and cannot be earned...forgiveness requires that you absorb certain effects of another person's sins and release the person from liability to punishment. This is precisely what Jesus accomplished at Calvary. He secured our forgiveness by taking on himself the full penalty of our sins. Remembering what he did to purchase our forgiveness should be our greatest incentive to release others from the penalties they deserve.

I don't think I've ever understood what forgiveness means...especially in my marriage. I hope that God will grow me in this continually.

My life these last few months...in pictures

2009-05-03T18:05:00.006-05:00

Okay. I always have things I want to post. In fact, I write the post in my head...but then I never find the time to do it and then before I know it's just too late. So since I really don't have that much time right now I've decided to post a few pictures to just show you the things I want to talk about. I hope you enjoy!

Jonathan and I have been babysitting our sweet Abigail (niece) every other Thursday (more or less). I must admit she gets a little spoiled over here...although we do try to lay some ground rules ;)

Back in March we all (me, Jono, Jeff, Jenni, Jim and Peggy) went to a ranch outside of San Angelo that my father-in-law's company owns. Charlie and Michelle drove out from Dallas to join us as well. It was so much fun. This picture is just after we got back from a late night "mule" ride to go star watching. It was quite chilly!

Here is a picture of our new friend Haley. She has a counterpart too...Justin...but this is just of the girls :) We've been hanging out with Justin and Haley a lot lately. In fact I think she's coming over in a bit while the men are being "manly".

Of course, I have to post these pictures... but do they need a caption? See previous post if this doesn't make sense.
By the way, he was so kind and so familiar. I felt like I've met him 10 times before. He was completely gracious...

Easter! A happy girl chasing bubbles and hunting for eggs.

OH MY GOODNESS. This girl is precious. Last night was her very first recital (!!! she's so old!). She might seem old to us but she was by far the youngest dancer there. The picture of all the legs is not mine (but I'm tempted to say it is). Apparently during the recital the little girls need to be entertained...they're watching a movie in this picture. Abigail is on the far left. This picture is PRICELESS!

Hall of Fame 2009

2009-04-23T07:50:00.002-05:00

Today will be long...

Hall of Fame at 6:30 tonight. 900 + people...and I'm a hostess. I'm looking forward to getting dolled up, greeting people...
There will be a lot of Midland money in this room...a lot. I hope my 3 1/2 in. heels don't kill my poor feet...who am I kidding? They will! But hey, they're RED!

Will I get to see George W?? Hmmm?

The inductees are... George W. Bush, Ted Collins and Herb Ware (team), Jim Henry, Johnny Warren. Three of these are alive.

It will be exciting but I'm really looking forward to the weekend!

-L

"Mom...it's no big deal, it was just a photo shoot" -Chloe

2009-04-09T17:24:00.008-05:00

Jonathan and I went over to the McKnight/Lawless household for dinner last night. It was a fun evening and RELAXING...even though Kristi and I road around the neighborhood on a tandem bike! I didn't see that coming! It was an easy little workout and the weather was PERFECT.

Here are some cute pictures of her girls...

sweet Kayleigh

2009-03-27T08:04:00.008-05:00

This is going to be super fast! I wanted to give you a sneak peak, Shawn. I'm going to be out of town this weekend with family so I won't be able to edit the pictures and get them to you until next week. But I've been playing around with them before work this morning. I had to post some of them for you to see! These are some of my favorites...

Satan cowers

2009-03-12T16:47:00.004-05:00

I have a list of things I need to be getting done right now. But I need to post this. My best friend, Emily, was in the hospital exactly a year ago. It was life threatening. It was really scary and it took a long time for her to recover. She just wrote this post as she remembers this time of her life exactly a year ago. It's a post that glorifys God. I love it and I just want more people to read it. I hope you don't mind Emily...

"I just had a moment. This exact time last year was a Tuesday/Wednesday. And this moment exactly 365 days ago I was lying in a hospital bed praying and pleading with God that if this was going to be the end of my life that he would just take me and not make it drag out any longer because I was done. The phrase I used was "I'm finished fighting." I remember beginning to cry and wishing that someone would wipe the tears off my face because my joints were arthritic and swollen and my body was toxic and I couldn't raise my arm to do it myself. I remember thinking, "God, truly your will be done because I don't know what else to do," and that was the last coherent thought I had for the next 3 days. It was a Tuesday. And the next twelve Tuesdays after were all some of the worst Tuesdays of my life.

But God showed me that He is faithful. And God showed me that His hand is not too short to deliver. And God showed me that his will is good. And it is pleasing. And it is perfect.

And I cried a lot. And I was angry for a little while. And I just plain did not understand.

But God showed me through my brokenness that His provision was perfect.

And even though I felt like the world was moving on while I was frozen {literally, with swollen shoulders and no range of motion; and the pain in my back so intense that I could not get out of bed by myself, wash my hair, face, hands, or eat by myself},

God showed me that His strength is perfected in weakness.

And His love is abounding. His timing? Flawless.

I have night-horrors every now and again where the memories of pain and frustration are so real that I wake up crying. Sometimes the fear is so strong that my mind recreates it and my back will begin to tremble with spasms. I fear it. In the last 365 days there is not a single one I can remember where I did not remember the last year.

But then I have a moment, and God just says, "Beloved, Who am I? Did I not carry you through that? Did I not fulfill my promises? Did I forsake you though you doubted me? It was My hand. It was My will. I am. I will always be."

And then I remember. And I can lay down the burden and the fear. I can walk by faith because it was He who taught me. Is it appropriate to raise an Ebenezer here? Let me declare, "Look what God has done. God and none other."

None other."

I think this illustration by John Piper describes wonderfully what is happening in response to this post and Emily's faith...

In time God's wisdom will be plain

2009-02-27T07:47:00.001-06:00

Valentines

2009-02-14T10:33:00.008-06:00

Happy Valentines Day :)

It's valentines and we woke up to rainy, cold weather. Usually this would make me cry (literally...maybe) but today it made me excited! I love when I have no where to be but it's rainy outside...especially while watching a movie. I feel like I haven't done that in forever! :)

Jonathan is off getting milk...for his cereal and THEN waffles for lunch. He's taking a while....hmmm....

--EDIT--

Today has ended up being such a beautiful day. The rain cleared and now it's sunny again. I always like the sun...even when we're in a drought (does that make me a bad Midlander??).
Jonathan took forever at the grocery store! He came home with hydrangeas, wine, chocolate and a gift. He had gone to his parent's house to get everything. Instead of explaining everything...I'll just show pictures:

My mother-in-law got me these sweet glasses that we saw about a month ago at an estate sale. I had no idea she bought them! If you come visit me I'll make you lemonade :)
Notice the daisy stir stick?? CUTE.

I got Jonathan peanut butter! Don't worry, it's not going to kill him. We watched a show about the best sandwiches in America. There's a peanut butter restaurant in New York that only sells PB sandwiches! You can order their peanut butter online at ilovepeanutbutter.com
He loved it!

Jonathan got me wine, chocolate, hydrangeas (not pictured) and a book with love letters written by famous Christians in history (i.e. Martin Luther and Martin Lloyd Jones). I loved it!
The wine bottle is really cool...

Then we made breakfast!

On a none Valentines related note...for those interested (mom, Laura) here is a picture of my teacup cubby! I am so glad I bought this thing (even if they didn't go as low as I wanted). It's not quite complete yet. I eventually want to fill each corner with a different tea cup (all four of them are the same). I need another unique and different one from anthropologie...you know to keep it looking young. I really love it! Mom, notice the center, left mug...that's the one I just ordered. In the picture above of our bfast table you can see the rest of the plates on the other side of the table. I LOVE them!

-L

the things of this world

2009-02-11T20:07:00.002-06:00

“If you give your soul up to anything earthly, whether it be the wealth, or the honours, or the pleasures of this world, you might as well hunt after the mirage of the desert or try to collect the mists of the morning, or to store up for yourself the clouds of the sky, for all these things are passing away.”

Charles Spurgeon

Lord, help me to believe this with all of me, every moment of the day. Help me to treasure you infinitely more than anything in this world.

Kayleigh and Ethan

2009-02-05T19:29:00.003-06:00

I took pictures of my friend, Shawn's, two children. These kids are the cutest kids. I told her that her kids make me want to start a family.

It was so much fun taking these pictures...I had to get used to chasing Ethan around. I'm not used to people walking out of shots! Thank you Shawn for giving me this opportunity!

2009-01-25T17:29:00.002-06:00

oh my goodness...picking out pictures for my wedding album is SO hard!

I originally had 500 favorite pictures...then I was told I need to narrow it done to 100! I thought I was doing good but I still had 230! Now I have 165 and I don't think I can handle it anymore! Every time I walk away and come back to the pictures I find more I love. I just need to remember this is just for the album. I can frame all the pictures I want for the rest of my life!

Just had to share that with my few readers. ALSO, I have to choose a picture for the cover and a picture my photographer will create a "signature art print" out of. Goodness.

It has been fun re-living such a great time though! It makes me miss people though :(

-L

inspiration

2009-01-12T19:52:00.004-06:00

I just stumbled across the website. It's so random. It's fun to come up with ideas though. I like the idea of collecting images of what I like and then reproducing them in real life with a REAL budget! I put this together...it's a representation of my living room...sort of...kind of...

Some of these elements I have some version of. Other elements are part of my plans for the future.
For example...we just got a white armoire similiar to the one pictured except it's shorter, longer, and cooler! But the feet are almost identical. It's where we keep our TV and I'm so excited about it. It's our very late wedding gift from J's parents.
Another example...the red pillow: I love this pattern and actually you can buy this fabric. I want to get it in yellow and recover this retro looking chair we got from J's grandmother. The plate represents all the plates I have in my living room (on the wall, mantle, etc). I am addicted to plates...seriously. The mirror represents the antique frameless mirror I have hanging on our wall. The chaise...well I love them and I want one! I love nesting tables but haven't found any yet. I like the white lamp...the yellow rug (from pottery barn kids!!). I just put the coffee table in there because my design needed one! Ours is so much cooler and one of kind. We're not sure who made it (J's great grandfather maybe). It's long and low and held together with wooden pegs. It's amazing. It used to have our TV on it but since we got the armoire we were able to resurrect it! The only thing missing from this picture is a couch...I just could not find a good one, oh well!

Michaela is the only one who's seen my place! I need more of my girls to come out to me! Read Michaela's blog...she says my guest bed is comfy!

Alright...back to my to-do list. J is at a men's only bible study right now so I have the evening to get things done!

Leave me some love!

LMT by jandl

Nap Eyelashes

2008-12-27T17:18:00.004-06:00

Don't you just love that bent eyelash look you get from taking nap with your face smashed against a pillow while you have mascara on. Actually, no kidding, sometimes it looks good. It's bent just enough to look like I curled it...but only on one side of course.

This Christmas was by far different from any of my other Christmases but parts of it felt just the same. We spent it here with his parents, brother and wife, niece, aunt and grandmother. We had our own little Christmas in the morning (which I forgot to take a picture of!) and then went over to his parents house for the big event. Abigail is about 2.5 so this Christmas was such an event for her! We spent a lot of our time with presents unwrapped at our feet admiring sweet Abigail ripping into her prizes. But we found time to unwrap our own. I got a lot of thoughtful gifts among my favorites...a cake stand (antique), anthro gift card, and these two books:

Radical Womanhood
go here for an interesting video about this book...
www.vinegarhillpictures.com/video/video_pages/video_pages/radical_woman_hood.html

Heaven Without Her
I'm already half way through this one.

Jonathan basically got me both although he "sold" one of them to his mom to give to me. haha.

Jonathan's aunt, Mary Scott, spent the night with us last night. I was so glad to have her and I know Jonathan was too. She thinks Jonathan is precious and just adores him. He made us waffles in the morning and I know she loved it.

Michaela will be the next to stay with us and I couldn't be more excited to have her feet in my apartment all the way out here in west Texas!! Her parents and her are driving through on their way back from an "untraditional" Christmas in California.

Despite how at home I feel here with my husband I still miss my family this Christmas. It's just strange. It's not the same mailing each other's gifts and not seeing each others faces. I didn't even get to see our tree set up in the living room this year.

I thank the LORD for Christ's sacrifice on the cross. I thank the LORD that he has granted me his grace. It is by his grace alone that I have hope in this world and I hope that his name will be glorified! I hope that Christmas will be about Him every year of my life and not just on Christmas day.

-L

my love

2008-12-04T19:43:00.006-06:00

My wedding photographer was wonderful. She captured how Jonathan treasures me...

On another note...things I've learned this week:

1. I noticed in my fridge on Monday a mysterious yellow/white object shaped almost like a giant jelly bean. My first thought was that Jonathan was trying to play a trick on me but he eventually convinced me it was not from him. We seriously stared at it forever! Jonathan smelled it, I poked it, we gave it to the dog (then quickly picked it up again). Then I SCREAMED when I realize I had been handling a RAW BOILED EGG! Rule #1 Don't leave boiled eggs in the fridge (especially if peeled)!! I wish I had taken a picture before throwing it like a mad woman into the garbage disposal (also a minor mistake)

2. No matter what, when making cheesecake, it will always come out different! I made one last week for Thanksgiving and then I cheerfully volunteered to make it for a party at work. Ahhhh! It looked horrible...my pies can look terrible for family, friends...but WORK! This was an appreciation party for our volunteers (mostly elderly women) so I kept thinking these experienced old women are going to scoff at my cheesecake! I'm being slightly dramatic...it was fine. Apparently it tasted fine too. Rule #2 Only make pretty things for work parties

3. I got a pizza stone for a wedding gift. I love these things...I've only used my moms and I really haven't made pizza since because it just makes it so much better than a normal cookie tray does. So this week I was so excited to make a pizza. I pulled my beautiful, perfectly cooked pizza out of the oven and started serving it... "JONATHAN-the pizza is STUCK!"
We had bottomless pizza for dinner that night.
Rule #3 Read the directions and grease your pizza stone! Apparently you're suppose to do that for the first few uses. I kept thinking my mom NEVER greased her pizza stone...well she did!

I had to share all of those things with my few readers! Alright, off to work on my wedding album...

-L

photos by Leslie Gawroecki
goodlightphotography.com

lunch break post

2008-11-11T12:22:00.006-06:00

So I thought I would take part of my lunch break to update my blog since it's been TOO long!

To start out I'll share with my readers (very few I'm sure) what kind of snacks I make! Claire asked what I make so for anyone who is also interested! Seriously, nothing special but I think all of it tastes good togther and it's healthy. It's usually any combination of the following: smoked swiss and cheddar cheese (Hoffman's brand is the only one that makes it), almonds, water crackers, goldish, fritos, pecans...
I usually always have at least the cheese, almonds, and crackers and then I throw in anything else I might have at the time. I feel dumb posting this but it's fun to share!

When Jonathan and I were walking into the house after he picked me up from the airport he had a CHI box under his arm. Strange. Here is how it went:

L: Why do you have that?!?
J: Oh my mom wanted to know if you wanted it...(like it's just nothing!)
L: She wanted to know if I wanted it?? YES I want it! Do you know how much those things are??
J: No.

I proceeded to tell him...I still don't know why she gave it to me. I'll see her tonight and ask her. I know she wanted to get a flat iron but she did and I thought I saw it and knew it wasn't a CHI. Anyways...this is too great of a thing to just hand off to me!
So now I have no excuse to try to fix my hair like in the picture from my last post. He used the exact same thing and even trained me. We'll see...

This weekend I went to Austin to hang out with my Austin/San Marcos friends. I stayed with Emily but I got to see Megan and Liz. It was so good to have lots of girl time. We missed Michaela and Heather so much (the original plan was to have a girls weekend but things came up). I realized on the plane on the way to Austin that I forgot my camera! So I have NO pictures to show for it. I'm disappointed in myself...
On Sunday I hung out with John and Laura. It was fun. Laura and I went to the Container Store so I could spend my giftcard. I got one of those cool salad/salad dressing containers! :)

Alright I would write more but my lunch break is OVAH!

-L

Look at that HAIR!

2008-10-28T16:21:00.003-05:00

I got a haircut. It wasn't drastic at all but I was so HAPPY to get it! My hair just felt old, heavy and boring. That's what happens when I go too long. I got it cut right before the wedding but not much because my hairdresser wanted my hair long for the wedding "do".

Anyways, my mom wants to see the pictures Jonathan took on Saturday after I got home. I got my hair cut at 8 AM saturday because my guy (Elias) is in high demand out here. So I took these pictures before I took a nap at 1! I'm glad I remembered because it sure didn't look like this when I woke up...

I know...it's a little wild. But I loved it! It was fun! He did all of that with a skinny little flat-iron. It was like a magic act...he showed me how to do it (he even made me do it with him!) but you know I won't be able to do that again. Maybe, maybe.
So, mom, you better be reading this because this is all for you!

Well, I started my new job last Wednesday and so far I've liked it. I'm getting used to being gone during the day. Yesterday was terrible though because I went to the grocery store during rush hour...which I usually avoid at all costs. No more avoiding, I'm a working woman now! Today it was freezing at work...it's always freezing but I wore the wrong thing today. I could barely stand it by the time I walked out.

Anyways...I need to go get a "snack" ready for Jonathan before he gets home. I've got him addicted to my snacks. I make good snacks (and healthy). He always thought it was weird before we were married but now I got him on board! We're addicted to cheese that costs $4 a chunck...we're giving up cereal to buy it! I found the cheese at Walmart on sale 2 for $5! I was too EXCITED!

-L

FOOD!

2008-10-21T09:53:00.007-05:00

I couldn't decide which recipe to share with my (very few) readers so I decided to post two. One is my old favorite and the second is my new favorite. Both are good for the fall...even though it's not really fall- only in the morning here in Midland. Both are for the crock-pot but the first one can be done on the stove also.

Taco Soup

I LOVE this stuff. It's one of the only things I make that I actually crave and savor...usually these feelings are only for things I don't make myself. You know how it is...you always like things that are made for you or that you order at a restaurant more than what you've made yourself. Although, for me, this is starting to change since I got my panini press! That's a story for another day-back to the soup.

This can be made in the crock-pot but I actually have done it on the stove more often.

1-2 lbs. ground beef (1.20 is usually what I can find at the grocery store without buying more than I need)
1 medium - large onion, diced
1 can green chiles (the really small can/store brand)
1 can mild rotel tomatoes
3 cans diced tomatoes (sometime I buy the "petite diced" if I want a less chunky soup-or a little of both kinds)
1 can ranch style beans
1 pkg ranch seasoning
1 pkg mild taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups water
1 can sliced olives
Fritos (this is a MUST!

Brown beef, do not drain. Transfer to a warmed crock-pot. (If making on the stove just brown beef in a large soup pot and add ingredients to that). Add all ingredients--do NOT drain any of the cans. I just realized I don't know how long to cook it in the crock-pot! Oops! I will be consulting my mom on this and I will let you know! BUT...for the stovetop: Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 1 hour. Stir often. Serve in bowls with chips, cheese, sour cream, avocados, etc. This soup is hot and I often burn my tongue so be warned. Remember, the Fritos make this soup...in my opinion it's boring without them and not as good with tortilla chips! Next time I make this I'm gonna buy the store brand b/c Fritos are expensive!

Harvest Lamb (Beef) Stew

I love this ALMOST as much as Taco Soup. It's my new favorite. Peggy (mother-in-law) made it for us and then I made it...pretty easy and such a Fall meal! I halved the recipe which was plenty for two but doesn't leave as many leftovers--which are great too! So if you want to, make the whole thing and enjoy it for a couple of days. I made it with beef...I have no idea how it is with lamb but it's probably great!

2 1/2 lbs. lean lamb stew meat (about 1-inch pieces)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped sweet onion (or yellow-about half an onion)
3 garlic cloves, crushed
*1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb.), peeled, seeded and chopped
hot cooked mashed potatoes or grits (I love it with grits but not everyone loves that stuff)
garnish: fresh parsley sprigs (I didn't do this)

1. Rinse lamb stew meat, and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Cook half of lamb in 2 Tbsp. hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occassionaly, 10 minutes or until browned. Repeat procedure with remaining lamb and oil. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Add broth, and stir to loosen particles from bottom of Dutch oven. Transfer mixture to a 6-qt. slow cooker.
3. Stir in celery, onion and garlic. Top with butternut squash. (Do not stir to incorproate.) Cover and cook on LOW 4 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over hot cooked mashed potatoes (or grits). Garnish if desired.

I also made dinner rolls (Rhodes frozen rolls). You have to have bread to "sop" up the stew! ;) Jonathan thinks I'm funny about that.

*This is the only tricky part...those things are hard to chop. I read in "What's a Cook to Do?" (Laura's bday gift!) that the best way to cut up a butternut squash is to cut it in half, seed it and then chop into cubes and THEN cut off the skin from these pieces...rather than peeling the hard skin off at the beginning. This was still tricky but I think it's a better alternative. Try looking this up online...I'm sure there's some great advice somewhere! Just be careful...I could see how easily you could cut off a finger!

One more thing...I got a JOB! I know this should probably be a post on it's own but oh well! I start tomorrow! I'll be the archival assistant at the Petroleum Museum. I'm so excited and so nervous. This is such a new thing! I thank God for providing for me. I'll continue to trust him with this job.

-L

cookies

2008-10-16T16:15:00.006-05:00

I baked cookies today.

Before I got married I NEVER baked. I'd only made one batch of cookies by myself. I've just never had the desire. I cooked all the time in college--I just didn't bake. Now I love to do it! It's probably because I have a KitchenAid Mixer and someone to eat my desserts! So if you have any recipes, please pass them on to me! Michaela, I forgot to tell you today that I made your pumpkin bread on Saturday with my mom...it was so good and so easy! :) Oh and thanks for letting me copy your idea of posting pics of your cookies.

-L

It feels like home to me

2008-10-13T11:19:00.003-05:00

My favorite thought/feeling is knowing that at the end of the day I don't have to say bye to my husband...

My parent's were here this weekend and they just left about 2 hours ago. I miss spending time with my mom. It was a good weekend.

But as long as I'm with Jonathan it feels like home to me.

joyful

2008-10-08T10:55:00.005-05:00

My eyeballs are dry...welcome to Midland Lauren! )

I have an interview tomorrow. It's for a part-time position which isn't ideal but I like the idea of starting out slow.

I was talking to my sister-in-law (Jenni) yesterday about how everything seems to be going wrong lately--or interrupting "normal" life. We asked ourselves whether bad things really have been happening more of if we're just now fully aware of them as adults--while before we were unaware of the world around us. I think, for me at least, it's a combination of both...although more of the former than the latter.

In the book, Shopping for Time (review in my last post), they mention that "interruptions" are a myth. In the book they are referring more to interruptions of daily life-like a neighbor coming over when you have 10 million things to do, etc. But it also applies to BIG interruptions--tragedies, sickness, hurricanes etc. A good quote from C.S. Lewis:

"The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's "own" or "real" life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life - the life Gd is sending one day by day: what one calls one's "real life" is a phantom of one's own imagination. This at least is what I see at moments of insight: but it's hard to remember it all the time"

I feel like my world has been rocked lately. Mostly in good ways but also in scary ways.
My mother-in-law's friend got in a car accident two nights ago. She has injuries to her brain, neck and aorta and still has not waken up. Please pray for her.
Jonathan's uncle died about a month ago very unexpectedly and now his aunt is dealing with real life. Please pray for her.
Our friend Sam was taken to the ER last night for abdominal pain...we haven't heard anything else. He's a new Marine and he's scheduled to leave in about a week for more training. Please pray for him.

I need to let go of the control I think I have on my life. More than that...I need to be JOYFUL in every circumstance.

Can't wait to see you tonight Jonathan!

Hi Michaela!

-L

Shopping for Time

2008-10-07T08:04:00.001-05:00

Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I learned a lot from this short book. It offers a lot of practical advice about using your time wisely and serving the Lord. It was really short and easy to get through. One of it's tips is waking up early (5 am!)--I modified this for me (childless, jobless) to 6:30 (eventually 6)!

It might look like a flaky book but really, it's not.

View all my reviews.

23rd Birthday! 9-30-85

2008-10-02T11:56:00.004-05:00

I've been looking forward to this birthday since Oct. 1st 2007. I knew that on my next birthday I would be married and living with my husband. Last year my birthday fell on a Sunday and Jonathan had to go back to Midland the same day. It was so sad :(
But this year I was with him from start to finish (12 am to 12 am)! He even rolled over at 3 am to tell me happy birthday (which he had to remind me of when I woke up)!

The day started at 7:30 when Jonathan walked in with breakfast on a tray. :) It was weird eating when I hadn't even had a chance to process that I was awake. I must have looked hilarious trying to put food in my mouth with my eyes all droopy!
I had a job interview (kind of) in Odessa so I was gone for about 2 hours during lunch. When I finally got home Jonathan and our pastor were in the apartment installing my new washer and dryer! Jonathan was so sweet...he was trying to have it all done before I got there but it just took them longer than he thought. I was no less surprised and thrilled to have it done! I had so much fun yesterday doing laundry! Today I told Jonathan that I wish I had laundry to do...I wonder how long that will last?

We went to Olive Garden for dinner and split our favorite meal there (baked ziti with pepperoni added). We ordered calamari but after a long time of waiting our food came but no calamari! I felt bad for the waitor....I always feel bad for he waitor...I don't want to embarrass then when they mess up. Anyways, it was awkward but we got it for free! THEN, we ordered pumpkin cheesecake and he said it would be on them! We were a little confused because now we were getting two things free. Confused but happy! Our full course meal was less than $20 and we were so full. I love it when restaurants mess up...I really do! (As long as I'm not with anyone who actually gets mad...)

It was a great first birthday as a married woman :)

My favorite part was eating good food and having my washer and dryer installed. I think I love those things too much. When I was making dinner last night I realized that my laundry doors were closed...I went over there and opened them so I could enjoy my new appliances from the kitchen sink :) I'm sure, very soon, I will never want the doors to my laundry room open!

Well I'm off to find something to wash...

-L

Jane Eyre

2008-09-27T14:55:00.002-05:00

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I first tried to read this book in 7th grade for a book report assignment. I never got close to finishing it or even half way through...I don't know how I completed the assignment. It was too difficult for me then...I tried to read it again sometime in college but I just ran out of time because classes were so demanding. Finally I've had the time and I finished it! I absolutely loved it...it was such a wonderful story. The only thing I would have changed was the fact that I saw a movie version recently so I knew what was going to happen. I tried to forget but I couldn't...

The copy I read was my mom's from when she was young-it has her maiden name printed inside the cover which means she read it before she was 21. I will treasure this book...one day give it to my daughter.

View all my reviews.

-L

failed

2008-09-25T16:44:00.004-05:00

I just tried to make pizza dough...

the Kitchen Aid Mixer might be amazing but it doesn't work miracles!

Now I'm off to HEB to buy a pizza crust...and more flour for my next attempt!

-L

my new life

2008-09-19T15:31:00.002-05:00

I've been pondering writing a new post for a while now but I never seem to feel up to it.
It seems like the theme of my life right now is that everything and nothing are happening at the same time. This is such a new, big part of my life but at the same time I haven't had so much extended free time in a long time. I mean for the last 14 months I've been planning one of the most important days of my life and the last 4 years I've been working to graduate college. Now...I have nothing big I'm working or planning for. It's a strange feeling. I'm learning to live my new life.

Well, I'm officially on the job hunt. It's official because last night I announced it to my bible study (so I guess that makes it real! eek!). I've been hesitant to say that and really vague when people ask me because I didn't want to put pressure on myself...or a deadline. I needed a chance to relax and get used to my new surroundings. I'm weird like that. I started updating my resume today...I got kind of far. But then Jonathan came home with the new MarioKart and I got distracted...
I felt like I was 14 again for a little while there...

A few things I've been doing here in Midland:

Tuesday was our 1st monthversiary! Yes, we celebrated! We plan to celebrate, in at least some small way, each month we've been married for the first year. We went to a local italian restaurant and then Baskin Robins. There was an old man sitting alone at Baskin Robins that made us sad. Jonathan pointed him out and just about depressed me when he said "What if him and his wife went to get icecream every Tuesday night but she died 3 weeks ago and this is his first time back...". WELL! Make me cry!
I hate see old people alone. It hurts so much to wonder why...
It was a good mini celebration of our 1 month marriage....although we both agreed we should have gone to Olive Garden!

My kitchen finally feels like it's mine! We got a baker's rack to help with all the stuff and I loved decorating it. I lined all the shelves and unpacked the kitchen stuff-the wine glasses were the last to come out. Although I have a slew (I just asked Jonathan how to spell that word) of stuff in Houston that will need to be put in place.
My living room is starting to feel more like me but there are a couple of big things that need to be changed (rug and entertainment center). The rug we have now makes the room look different than what I want it to and our entertainment center is a bench...enough said. I did purchase two new plates for my wall (on sale at Pier One!) I tried to find a picture to post but they don't have one online. I'll post pictures of my place...one day.

Jonathan and I are going to the Air Show on Saturday. I'm not sure what it is but I know there will be planes flying over head and fake explosions and good (over-priced) food. We're going for free ($25 PER ticket)...so that's good.

My parents are still without power in Houston but my mom is connected to her neighbor across the cul-de-sac who has power (loooong extension cord!). It has been fun to hear how different neighbors are helping each other out. The dogs are loving it because since the fence fell down my mom has to walk them and they're getting A LOT more attention. Silly dogs...

Anyways...my life may be boring to some but it's exciting to me :)

Bye!

L

missing...

2008-09-08T12:20:00.004-05:00

Well, Jonathan went out of town yesterday for work and goodness do I miss him! He should be back on Wednesday...but that seems too far away. How did I do this SO much before? I miss him 10x more than I did before we were married. I've been spoiled living with him, sharing meals, sharing everything! When he's gone I feel it so much more than before. Soon I won't even remember what life was like before we got married.
I'm trying to keep myself busy...but it's noon and I haven't even gotten out the door yet. I had a hard time waking up this morning, plus my alarm was set for pm instead of am! I'm headed to the post office and Bed, Bath and Beyond to exchange some wedding gifts. I'm excited about that! Nothing like store credit :)

Where I really want to shop right now is Anthropologie...maybe it's just because I know I can't just drive 10 minutes to get there.

Shopping online just does not compare. I have to go there when I visit Austin or Houston!

I plan on uploading photos from the last 2 months or so. I want my next post to have pictures! My blog is so boring without pictures :(

Bye!

L

Is she updating!?

2008-09-05T12:45:00.004-05:00

I'm updating!

I know this is long over-due. Once you get past a certain point updating just becomes daunting.

Well, life is very different today since my last real update! Very different.
I really love being married to Jonathan. It still feels like we're just on vacation. I'm starting to realize every night when we go to bed that this man is my HUSBAND! We were apart for almost a week, ending this last Tuesday. We've spent a lot of time apart in the last 4.5 years but I have never missed him as much as I did this last week. It was such a happy reunion!

While he was gone I spent a lot of time with Jenni (my sister-in-law) and my sweet niece, Abigail. I just love being around both of them so much. I've visited a lot in the last 2 years but it's a whole new thing to be here for good. Abigail is potty training right now-it's pretty precious to watch her learn! I'll take some updated pictures of her and maybe post them on here if I figure out how to do it.

I feel a lot more settled in the townhome than I did last week but I still have a lot to do. I'm getting frustrated with figuring out where to put stuff. We have no space in the bathroom! It's plenty for one person but not for two! I want to find a small hutch or some sort of cute furniture to store towels in. We ordered a baker's rack for the kitchen that I can't wait to get! I still have so much more to unpack but I'm stuck with no where to put it all.

Well, tomorrow Jonathan and I are going to visit the "Septemberfest" that a local museum puts on. Jonathan likes going to fairs, festivals, places with vendors who sell roasted corn and junk food! I'm starting to like it a lot too. I'm hoping I can find some neat art work or crafts. We got to do a little bit of that in Santa Fe as well.

By the way, our wedding was beautiful and perfect. We really enjoyed it. It was just so amazing to realize we were finally married! Jonathan was by far my favorite part of the wedding :) I am so thankful that our wedding photos capture the way he loves me. You can just see how much he treasures me. I am incredibly thankful to God for giving me such a caring husband. I've seen that even more now that we're married.

It's a very strange thing to not have any BIG plans for the future. I lived 14 months of my life anticipating August 16th. Now that it's over...life feels strange. Right now I'm looking forward to seeing my parents, brother and Laura again. We plan to get together in Austin...I still have so much of my stuff at my parent's house-including my pup! Jonathan and I are looking forward to having a sweet dog together :)

I'll also soon be on the job hunt. Kind of a big thing! I'm pretty intimidated by it but I know that I can trust in the Lord.

I'll try to be better about updating even though I don't think many people read this!

Bye!

L

Post Wedding!

2008-08-27T22:39:00.003-05:00

Update to come...

sneak peak: I LOVE being married to Jonathan!

L

ONE WEEK and The Olympics!

2008-08-09T14:12:00.003-05:00

Okay, so this time in one week I will be getting my hair and makeup done and getting ready for my wedding. I'm going to be SO giddy. Everything seems unreal right now. I can't believe that Jonathan will be my husband. My life will be completely different very soon. I can't wait to begin my new life.

Are you ever completely overcome with thankfulness, excitement, joy that you can't even express it? I'm frozen with joy!
Thank you God for your grace. Thank you for providing me with a man who wants to serve you. Thank you for a man who wants our marriage to be based in your Word.

I just CAN'T wait.

Rachel is going to be here on Monday!!! I'm really excited about that too. I'm going to really love having her by my side the week before my wedding and on the day.
I remember promising each other that we will be each other's maid of honors. Well it's here!

The Olympics started yesterday. I love the Olympics. I'm not even that into sports but I always enjoy the olympics. These athletes are incredible. Seriously. How do they move that fast?? Swimming is by far my favorite. The olympics is the only time you get to watch swimming...at least I think, I don't really know what I'm talking about. But, it's the only time I watch it. I'm watching the loooong bike race right now-and that's just incredible.
I'm kind of disappointed that the Olympics are right in the midst of my wedding/honeymoon. I won't get to watch it as much as I like to. But, it will keep me company while I finish last minute wedding details!

What is your favorite summer olympic sport??

-L

p.s. did you watch the olympics opening ceremony?? WHOA!

Post-Move Post

2008-07-31T19:37:00.003-05:00

The move is done! It felt like that week prior to moving and the day of the move were never going to end. You know that feeling? It was stressful...but only because I made it that way. My wonderful Jonathan was a rock the entire time...even when the truck had a flat tire. I pray and hope that his calmness and perspective on things will slowly rub off on me. He is such a blessing.

So I'm on the other side of the move which means the ONLY thing on my agenda right now is the WEDDING! Which I think will be a full time job till the last minute. I'm asking God each day to keep my perspective in check. The color of my roses, the music played and the flow of the evening have NO effect on our marriage or ANY eternal significance.

The shower this last weekend was lovely. It really was. All of the hostesses did a wonderful job. There was live music and great food! It's overwhelming how generous people are. I have a lot of thank-you cards to get working on!

My mom and I went to dinner tonight at a new family-owned restaurnt on Spring Cypress and Champion Forest called Schilleci's. I love it! It was my second time to go and even better than the first. We both got pot roast, potatoes, green beans and bread. It hit the spot. The owner is really friendly and all the food has that home-cooked feel. Jonathan said he went to school with their son...so they've been in the area for a while. Go there!

Here is their website: http://www.schilleciscafeandcatering.com/

Alright, I need to go attempt to make our wedding programs. Wish me luck!

-L

midnight

2008-07-25T00:05:00.002-05:00

I move in the morning. It's midnight. I should have been asleep a lot earlier. Oh goodness. I hope I don't die of exhaustion tomorrow.
I'll be back when it's all over.

-L

p.s. I hope my nails recover before the wedding in THREE WEEKS!

Surprise!

2008-07-22T21:18:00.006-05:00

Today I was given a little surprise by my sweet roommate, Liz. She told me we were meeting a couple of friends for lunch at Vivo's but when we arrived there were more than just the "couple of friends". Emily, Michelle, Brady and Abigail were there. Liz's sister, Rita was there too (even though she worked at the hospital the whole night before). I was thrilled! It was mini-bachelorette party for some of my Austin people. It was great because a lot of them won't be able to make it to my real bachelorette party.
Vivo's was an ironically, funny, perfect location for a bachelorette party. Basically, don't go there with your family or any guys. We were in a little party room with interesting pictures on the walls...Liz wasn't even aware of this...it just worked out that way. The food was great AND they gave us roses at the end. Not just little dinky roses but big, full, deep red roses. I like to think this was a special treat for us midday party girls but apparently you always get a rose when you go there. I wish I had pictures to share. I kind of dropped the ball on picture taking. I might come back and add some when I get them from other people.

It made me realize that I'm going to miss the people in Austin. And the great food! Tomorrow I'm going to another Austin restaurant to meet my old roommate and her fiancé. I'm looking forward to that because I haven't seen them since they got engaged. We were also going to see the new Batman movie at the IMAX but they're already sold out! I want to see that...but not if I have to fight to get a ticket!

Other than the impromptu lunch party today I've been packing, packing, packing. I have a lot of stuff. More than I thought. I hope Jonathan is prepared to more than double what he has. Every time I feel like I've made a dent I look up and there is still stuff all around me.
Honestly, I don't hate packing too bad. I actually might enjoy it just a little bit. I don't know why...maybe because it's just not stressful. It's a good way to keep busy this last week in Austin. I would MUCH rather be doing this than studying for a test or writing a paper.

Well, it's almost 10 but I think I have some more packing in me...thanks for reading!

-L

Time for a post...

2008-07-19T10:25:00.002-05:00

I think it's time for a post. If I'm serious about this blog thing then I need to be consistent!

It's saturday morning and both of my parents are gone for most of the day. And when they get home they're leaving again for a pool party?? I don't know why they're going to a pool party-that's just weird. Not like them at all. Anyways...so it's just me and the pups.

I can't wait till Saturdays are full of being lazy OR productive with my HUSBAND! 4 weeks from this Saturday I'll be getting married. I just have 3 more saturdays as a single woman. Should I be really stressed out right now with wedding planning? I am a little but not too much...it almost makes me nervous. Is there something big I'm forgetting to do? I still have a lot of things to find/purchase. I need earrings! But I'm consistently getting things done this week...slowly but surely.

My favorite thing to do since I've been in Houston this week is to go to the mailbox to gather up all the RSVP's that have arrived! We get at least a few every day. I'm such a dork but I look forward to it every day. A lot of people have RSVP'd but we still are waiting for a lot. I hope they send them in this week b/c I don't want to be guessing...

This week I go back to Austin and begin packing up all of my stuff. I'm not really looking forward to it but in a way I am. I'm excited about bringing all of my stuff to Midland. But packing isn't my favorite thing...and I hate moving. I should start praying now that it goes smoothly. For some reason moving always becomes traumatic/emotional for me. Nerves run high in my family and I guess I get pretty sensitive.

Alright...I have things on a list that I need to do today! I hope everyone has a good, relaxing weekend. :)

L

Texas Alum

2008-07-10T10:47:00.003-05:00

That's right! I'm no longer a student at the University of Texas!

What a great feeling. I was smiling as I bubbled in my last answer on my test. I wanted to yell out "I'm done" when I walked out the door. I think people would have just thought I'm crazy...I don't ever see people do that so it's probably not the norm.

So...now what?

Wedding planning every day!! Finally, my time is not pulled in two directions. I also have to move some stuff back to Houston this weekend. And then most of my stuff all the way to Midland! After this summer I'm vowing to never move during the summer ever again. Students always end up doing that because that's when leases are up...but not anymore! I would like to freeze my butt off next time I pack up.

I am going to miss my apartment...especially my cute little room. One of my walls is painted "persimmon"...which is kind of pink. Never again can my bedroom walls be any version of pink. But I'm willing to trade pink for Jonathan :) Way more than willing!
The sad part is that I have to paint it back for next tenants :( I don't want to paint over my beautiful color. How depressing.

Ahhh! I never have to spend another weekend researching and writing papers. I LOVE THAT! Sundays will now be RESTFUL like they are suppose to be. Oh I'm looking forward to that SO SO much. Alright, enough for now...BYE

-L

soon to be Tyner and college graduate!

2008-06-29T16:27:00.005-05:00

I have 8 days left of college. 8 days.

I can't even believe that. But it's the truth. Today, I'm finishing up my last paper. I have had a love/hate relationship with papers. I pretty much hate writing them. Ask anyone who knows me well...I complain through the whole process. At the same time I look back at what I've done and I appreciate what I learned through the process. I really have loved my major and everything I've studied. My last 3 major research papers were on Hyde Park (Austin), frozen vegetables & the 50's and Charlotte's Web. What other major gives you the opportunity to write about such random things...and in a scholarly manner. I think my favorite was frozen vegetables--because it was the most abstract and unique of the three. It was also the most painful or at least the one that required the most work.

I'm going to miss American Studies. I'm going to miss learning about history every day. I'm going to miss living in a historic neighborhood. I'm going to miss the Battle Hall library on campus (so old!). I'm going to miss walking across UT's huge campus. I'm going to miss all the great big trees. I'm going to miss reading history books/novels I would never finish on my own.

I'm not going to miss being surrounded by people who are lost. I'm not going to miss studying the sin of America's past. I'm not going to miss my classmates and professors discussing these sins as if they are virtues. I'm not going to miss feeling so different than almost everyone I sit next to. I'm not going to miss reading about feminism. I'm not going to miss reading about LSD experiments and hippies.

I'm going to miss my cute apartment. But I'm more thrilled about living with my best friend in 2 months! I'm excited about setting up house and cooking for my husband.

I had my first wedding shower last weekend and the wedding invitations went out this week. Things are starting to happen! It's unreal but at the same time it's time. Some people say to me they can't believe I'm getting married. But I can. I've been waiting to marry Jonathan for so long (not just the 14 months we've been engaged) that by now it just seems time. Although some moments it does blow me away. Lots of moments actually. I go back and forth I guess. When I put myself back into the mind of my 16/17 year old self it seems absolutely UNREAL. I had the hugest crush on Jonathan. And now he will be my HUSBAND. Ha!

Hopefully I will keep this blog up more when I'm done with school...but probably not till after the wedding! For now...I need to finish that one last paper. It's not going to finish itself...

-L

ponderings...

2007-09-28T13:17:00.000-05:00

I'm posting! I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I've been bad...I just have nothing to say when I sit down at my computer...but when I'm on the bus or when I'm in class I have a million things. The "d" key on my computer is broken off, Jonathan thinks my keyboard is ghetto, he wants to take it to the apple store to get a new one. He's such a hater on my computer, but hey so am I.

It's my birthday weekend and my Jonathan is here, taking a nap on my bed...he's cute. Mia was so excited to see him, she just loves him. She's always laying next to him and she hates it when we leave her out. What would I do if she hated him? I couldn't do anything I guess.

I think I've decided to stop watching Grey's Anatomy. Those characters are depraved and it gets to me. They lead selfish and empty lives and they wonder why their lives are so lonely and messed up. Sometimes I really start to believe that these people are real...and it breaks my heart that they are so lost.
I had an Office premeire "gathering" last night at my place...it was good. We watched Grey's Anatomy afterwards and Marianne really kick started my thinking about the values of that show, she's skeptical and didn't really watch it last season for basically those reasons. Plus the show is just sad, I mean it's set in a hospital for heavens sake! I just can't take the emotions it provokes!

Liz ordered her bridesmaid dress, the colors have been officially set! I feel like I'm doing everything so early, but it's relieving a lot of future stress when I have less room to make decisions. I'm excited about the dresses and the colors...really excited!
I'm going home next weekend and I'll see Heather and Michaela...and Ashley being presented as homecoming queen nominee, I love those girls! I can't wait to see everyone.

Okay...till next time...

L

JAT

2007-09-02T23:51:00.001-05:00

Can I just say that I feel like the luckiest woman alive to be marrying my Jonathan. He is incredible. He is my favorite. One day I will make a list of all the reasons I'm honored to be his fiance (and I know the list will grow once I'm his WIFE!)
He's such a good listener, and he always gives me sound advice. I love how he learns and soaks up knowledge and retains it so well! I love listening to him tell me about what he has learned, he's great at articulating it. I tell him that I hope after being married to him some of that skill will rub off on me.
He makes me feel like the most important and beautiful woman in the world. He's so incredibly good at it too! I glow when he encourages me.

Most importantly he loves the Lord, and he wants to serve the Lord, and he has incredible faith in the Lord. I will never stop being thankful for that.

I feel like in what I just wrote I've only covered a small aspect of why I adore him.

Okay, the end...for now...

L

Packing and Scarves

2007-08-15T12:02:00.000-05:00

I'm moving tomorrow so I'm packing up all my stuff right now. I swear, I have twice as much stuff as I did when I moved in. I'm going to miss my room but not too bad. It's just 4 walls, my stuff is what makes it my room, and all of that is going with me. Packing always brings back memories because I discover stuff that I've forgotten about. You'd be amazed how many memories have been coming back to me as I pack up all my scarves. I'll share a few...

My pink, fluffy scarf that I NEVER use brings back the memory of when Michaela and I each bought one at the Galleria. We were in this small little store with overpriced clothes and this employee graciously demonstrated every possible way you can wear these particular scarves. He put it on like a dress, like a shaw, like a skirt, a shirt...did I mention he was obviously gay. It sounds stupid and it was, but we still bought them! Did we actually think we might wear them as anything other than a scarf? In fact, I ended up never wearing it period! I vividly rememeber that as he was doing this, little pieces of the scarf were flying in the air and were all over his clothes. I miss living in the same city with Michaela.

My blue cashmina (that's what it's called right?) reminds me of when Emily was in London and we talked back and forth on email because calling was too expensive. We had some good "conversations" through those emails. She bought me that scarf and it kept me warm during the freezing weather in January. For some reason that seems like a long time ago but it was only 9 or 10 months ago. Now she's moving to Austin with me! No more emails needed! We used to always say "I wish we could just got get coffee/dinner and just talk". Well now we can do that between clases on the great University of Texas campus!

My crocheted maroon scarf that Heather made me reminds me of Heather of course! But not just Heather, it reminds me of first becoming friends with Heather our junior year of highschool. It was an unexpected wonderful surprise to suddenly have her in my life. It almost seems like we were always friends but I know there was a while there when we were actually becoming friends. I started driving her to school everyday and that's probably when we became close friends and I realized how flippin funny she was. I remember saying "you're like the funniest person I know" (or something to that effect). I was so thankful to finally have a best friend at MY school and not Cy-fair, where everyone but me went.

I love my girls.

-L

Psalm 104

2007-08-13T10:46:00.000-05:00

May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works,
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke!

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the LORD!

I want my life to be one that praises the LORD in every action. Why and how could I do anything but that? He deserves my life.

Post Secret

2007-08-12T15:52:00.001-05:00

Reading these secrets fascinates me. I don't really know why. Sometimes I hate what I read and I don't want to believe that someone really thinks that or has done that. But others make me laugh, I love that someone actually wrote it. Usually though, they break my heart, so why do I still read them? I don't know...but I'm addicted.

-L

Going to the chapel...

2007-08-07T14:41:00.000-05:00

This is who I'm marrying...

And this is where we're getting married...

www.ashtongardens.com

It seems unreal but at the same time it seems so natural. I'm ready to be married but I'm also excited about the next year. I want to live in the present. I want to grow and enjoy my last year of college (because I might actually miss it!). I'm ready to move out of my apartment and into my new one with Liz. I'm ready for a fresh start!

I trust God with this next and final school year.

...first post...

2007-08-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just want Wendys. That's what I thought last night as I walked to my car, headed towards Wendys. It was my justification for going.
My new favorite chapstick: Blistex Gentle Sense. I just bought it at HEB. It was only 84 cents! It doesn't have lanolin in it either, I think I was told once that lanolin is bad for your skin (makes you break out). And since I have a gross ___* right on my lip I decided to take that advice whether it's right or not!
I passed up $1.29 chicken tenders today. I was proud of myself.

These are the thoughts on my mind right now. Or at least the ones I can articulate at the moment. I've had a lot of things going through my head lately. It's going to take a lot more time than I have right now to get them written out.

I'll be in Tennessee in just about 2 weeks with my wonderful Rachel and my wonderful Jonathan, at the same time! I'm determined to relax. I hate that I get such a short break before the semester starts. I'm burnt out on school...and I have so many other things I want to be doing.

love,

L

*I don't like that word, so I'm not typing it out!