Thank you so much for taking care of me this week. Being at the hospital is super scary, but having you with me makes all the bad go away. I'm sorry for being grumpy (I totally blame the meds.) I thank God every day that you take the "in sickness and health" part of our vows seriously! Let's just stop being sick though, yeah?
Get in my mailbox! I cannot wait to get my life organized. Seriously, few things get me ecstatic like a new planner. And this thing is the holy grail of planners. Nerd alert.
Dear Not-One-But-Two-Jobs,
Woo Hoo! Thanks for showing up at the perfect time, in true God-timing! I am working part-time at an adorable specialty store downtown, along with part-time at our church's preschool, leaving ample time to spend with Husband and my youth girls! Favorite.
Dear Blogger,
Why won't you let me change my font and background color? Rude.
"I will walk through the valley, if You want me to."
There's a reason God has my husband and I going through this junk.
He is always in control and things will not always be this hard!
Amen.
Now, I ramble.
These are the things on my mind.
I spend 87% of my time thinking about such topics.
The other % (I've never been good at math) just pop into my head and flee before I can really think on them.
First and foremost, I must say that I miss Michael Scott. I have been an avid "Office" watcher, and I feel incomplete without him. I truly wish I had a real-life Michael Scott friend. How stinkin' amazing would that be?! Oh man, the things we could get away with. P.S. I still watch and still laugh. It's just not the same.
Shaving- I hate it. It takes so much time and so much remembering. Like, I don't remember that I haven't shaved in 2 weeks until I put on a dress 5 minutes before leaving. Ugh. Plus, I really only grow hairs below my knee, at least that's the darker, more noticable hairs. So annoying. Sorry Husband.
I really, really want to be able to rock a middle part. I don't know if it's my side-swept bangs, or the shape of my head, but it doesn NOT look cute. I'm slowy parting my side part towards the center of my head. Maybe I can trick myself.
I can't get enough of flowy clothes. Boho-style all the way. So much so, I get uncomfortable if my clothes cling even the smallest amount to my body. Which could also be due to the fact that I'm unhappy with my weight and flowy shirts/dresses camoflouge that for me.Yeah...
Speaking of bodies. I hate mine. There, I said it. First part is admitting, right? Well, I have gained 20plus pounds since being married. There, I said that too. It's mortifying really. Husband is super sweet and claims it's unnoticiable, but I know he's totally lying. Have I done much to change? Truthfully, no. Which, I also hate. But finding a workout routine that fits in my random schedule is near impossible. The school I work at has a gym. But do I know what the heck I'm doing in there?! Yeah, right. Don't even get me started on food. It seems impossible to purchase healthy food we can afford. Cheap food=fat food. But, when that's all you can afford... I hate this cycle. Which is why posting it on this blog should (let's pray) motivate me to keep on riding bikes and try to eat healthier!
I don't want permanent makeup, unless it's permanent mascara. Is that even possible? I am a full fledged mascaraholic. I spent 25% of my getting ready routine on my eyelashes.
Trying to stick to my 24 before 24, I have been keeping my nails looking decent and polished. This week, I asked Husband to pick out a color for me. He chose neon orange. I feel like I have traffic cones on my fingers. Yes, I bought this color...but that was years ago. I'm glad it's chipping. Time for a less Lisa Frank color.
Sad, sad, sad news. My mini-shnauzer, Olive, broke herself yesterday. Here's the story: We have two little ones, Bailee (a Malti-Pom) and Olive. Olive eats non-stop (if we'd let her) and she is kind of slow in the brain processing. Well, everyday we fight with her about eating Bailee's food after gulfing hers down in 2 minutes flat. Last night, Olive started to eat Bailee's and Husband popped her (P.S. Yes, we discipline and we will spank when we have children!) When Husband popped Olive, she lost balance and hit her front left paw on the door. Now, I was laying in bed in the other room when I heard her "scream." I thought nothing of it because she is a d-r-a-m-a q-u-e-e-n!!! She wails before you even touch her! But, last night she kept screaming and when Husband was saying "Olive, it's okay. You're okay. Shhhh, babygirl." I knew something was wrong. I flew out of bed, into the room, and immediately tears came to my eyes. Babygirl had her paw as close to her body as she could hold it, just whimpering! We felt around the leg, compared it to the other one, and came to the conclusion that she was okay, just scared. She is still silly, happy, Olive and "runs" as much as she can. We think it's sprained because she still favors it and won't put all her pressure on it. We wrapped it to keep it straight, and man does it break this mama's heart! I get sick just re-thinking about it and seeing her hobble. I don't know what's gonna happen when we have for real children and they get hurt! Oh, man.
How in the world can you eat a Snickers without chocolate flakes and caramel getting everywhere?
I wish I had 10 striped shirts and cardigans. All colors. All combos.
New favorite go-to hairstyle: Braid hair and flat iron over the braids. Let cool. Spray a little hairspray. Undo. Awesome-ness. I have super-duper-notevencool thick hair, so I have to do 2 braids. Also, the tighter the braid, the kinkier the "wave." I do loose braids and I love the messy beach hair look it makes.
Husband and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary this June and I've had fun planning "dream" vacays. I say dream, because in all honesty, we can't afford a super big trip. BUT, I would love *hinthintHusband* a few days at Disney World *hinthintfriendsthatcangetusinforfree*. And, I keep saying Honeymoon instead of anniversary, which I'm okay with. I like having Honeymoons once a year.
Ladies and (maybe) Gentlemen,
I need a job. Desperately. I work at the college I graduated from as the Staff Writer, but it is NOT, I repeat, NOT making ends meet. Plus, as of May 10, I'm off for summer. I have applied for close to, if not over 50-75 places. With no sucess. Not very promising.
I like this song. I love this version. I actually like any version but the original. Whoops.
Dear 2 random black hairs that grow on my arm,
I'm sorry my Husband can't accept us and pulls you out every time you grow back. Hang in there, guys.
Dear Summer,
I am a-ok with your arrival, BUT I need a few things first. A pool, new bathing suit, new bathing suit body, and a source of income. Kthanks.
Dear Summer source of income,
Please show yourself. I need you. Like, really really need you. Especially if I'm going to get any of the above needed things for Summer.
Dear Jared's Jewelers,
Please make things easy for us. Yes, I lost a diamond, but let's not dwell on that and let's be quick on fixing it! (P.S. we found the little booger, but it will still take 2-3 months for fixing. Lame.)
Dear creepy guys,
Just because I can't wear my wedding rings (see above message) doesn't mean you can or should look at me like you anywhere near my type of guy. Unless you're 6"2', freckled, black hair and beard, and go by the name of Brandon Kyle Crews, you are not my type. Sorry, not sorry.
(Just for giggles. This was Halloween 2 years ago. I've always been told I have a Cindy-Lou Who nose. I finally decided to embrace it! Husband was Abe Lincoln and Bailee had a little Jockey strapped to her!)
Well, I realized that it has been... oh, forever
since I've written any details about the craziness of this life!
Husband and I left Sneads and moved to little ole' Graceville.
Husband has a semester and a half left to finish his B.A. degree(wooo!)
so we decided to stop life and focus on that!
I am working at the college that he attends (Go BCF!)
I am the staff writer.
Press Releases are my life.
I love working here again. (I worked with the President when I was student here...way back in '08!)
There are so many fond memories.
I mean, I met my future husband on this campus! Happies.
My one and only bigger-than-me little brother is a student here.
Plus, our good friends from back home are students, also!
Which means my house= all boys.
But, it also means I get two extra brothers and I'm in charge (ha!)
Once Husband graduates, (finally!)
we will be putting his resume out everywhere.
I can't wait for next adventure and the little journeys in between.
As long as Husband is holding my hand, I'll go anywhere.
Our first picture together. This was about 4 years ago. When phone camera's were lame and the pictures turned out really small.
But I love it nontheless.
Dear Job,
I love you. Seriously. Why did it take you so long to come into my life?
Dear Husband,
I think it's so cute that you're a little student once more. I'm totally relieved I don't have to worry about writing papers or taking tests, but I will always, always be in your life to plan out and organize your schedule. It's a twisted joy of mine.
Dear Sleep,
I don't know what I've done to make you leave me, but please come back. I miss you. I need you.
Dear Motivation,
I finally found you again. New, healthier, Lauren...here I come!
Dear Week,
You are FULL of funtimes. Friends, Family, Food. Love. Love. Love.
(Day Date before the David Crowder* Band Concert last November)
Dear Mr. Cough,
You have over-stayed your visit by a mile. Please leave. Now is great time.
Dear Olive,
This past winter you "became a woman!" I never thought the first time I had to buy diapers would be for my dog. It was fun and all, but your surgery is in the process of being scheduled.
Dear BCF,
You hold such a warm, strong grip on my heart. It was on your campus that I met and fell madly in love with Husband. It was on your campus that I worked side by side with the President and all the wonderful (and I truly mean, wonderful!) staff. It was on your campus that I graduated with my B.A. degree and now, on your campus, I get to work once again while Husband finishes his degree. I lovelovelove you.
Dear blogworld friends,
I haven't ever spoken to most of you and many of you I've never met, but I feel like such close friends! Reading your blogs about your daily joys, struggles, love, and faith bring such happiness to my heart! I plan on doing things in the near future to show my gratitude.
Dear Husband,
It's been a whirlwind of events this past month, but I'd fight through every storm with you by my side. I'm already in love with our new life. It's like a breath of fresh air, a complete blessing from God. I love you, Handsome. Thank you for following God's will, I'm always right behind.
1. Sunday School craziness! 2. Waffle House midnight run! Happy 6 months!
Yes, I know. CindyLouWho.
Sweet puppy kisses!
McDonalds and Monopoly! Merry Christmas, Handsome!
Well, hi there friends!
Have I got news for you!
WE'RE MOVING!
There, I said it.
It's been inside of me for over a month and I've kept it a secret for way too long!
Brandon and I have served at First Baptist Church of Sneads for almost 3 years. We've been through many trials, but the youth group there has truly stolen our hearts. It'll be tough leaving them, but God has shown us a new path.
Back to school! Back to school!
Brandon and I will be moving back to the Baptist College of Florida in 6 days.
Yes, that's right.
6 daysssss.
Yikes.
We are beyond thrilled for this new life. God showed up and showed off. We got him registered for classes, ready to graduate, found a 2 jobs for me, AND a house to rent, all in the SAME day!
We took this as a big fat blinking sign from God.
And it's the best Christmas present ever.
P.S. Because I'll be pretty busy over the next 6 days (and then the Christmas family traditions) I will go ahead and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Since starting my year as a 2nd grade teacher, I have been overwhelmed. I've been stressed out, worried, anxious, fearsome, nervous, tired, exhausted...you name it, I felt it. This job is unlike any other. Not only mentally demanding, but physically and even spiritually too.
I've honestly been questioning God on His reason for bringing me this oppurtunity. I've been stressing over whether or not this is where I need to be.
Trial after trial, day after day, I couldn't get a break from the craziness.
I took a day to crawl into my Father's lap. I talked to Him like He was sitting next to me.
I laughed.
I cried.
I yelled.
I broke.
I started reading the book of Jeremiah. In the first chapter, one phrase kept repeating itself.
"Do not fear. I am with you always."
I realized that through the depressing, busy, crazy month I've been having, I began to blindly hide from God. As soon as one storm came, I ran right into another. I slowly built a wall of stress between myself and The Peacemaker. I was blind. I was hiding from Him. Knowing He could take away my burdens, but questioning why He gave them to me in the first place.
That same day, I was driving home and I heard a song on the radio. I only caught the last verse and chorus, but that was all I needed to hear for God to really smack me in the face. I cried, right then and there. It was as if I had written the song without even knowing it, and someone put it to music. I have never heard of the artist and I certainly never met her before, but I know this song was written for me.
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
(Sweet Littlegirl and I on our weekend roadtrip. Can I just stay on vacation forever?!)
Life got crazy. Really fast and without my permission.
(Like God needs my permission...ha!)
I should first say, God has blessed our lives tremendously in the past few days and in the days to come!
It all started last Wednesday.
I was helping a friend move into her dorm (Shout out to Kayla!) and we talked about a teaching position open at the local elementary.
I laughed at the information because I had truly and honestly given up on ever teaching there.
After 5 interviews at the same school...you just stop putting yourself out there!
Now rewind to Thursday morning, 9am.
My phone when off, saying I had a missed call and voicemail (dumb cell service.)
Who called? None other than the principal from said elementary school. She was unusually happy telling me to call her back.
So, I did.
And what do you know?
I got the job.
Whaaaaat?!
Yep, that's right. I am no longer teaching middle school. God answered my prayers and put me back into my element. Mrs. Crews will be teaching 2nd grade. Sigh.
Well, after crying, praying, and talking on the phone, things sped up.
-Drove to school to get my key to my room.
-Had to hurry because the youth were all going bowling.
-Car wouldn't start in school parking lot.
-Husband to the rescue.
-Car stopped/died/hated me on the way to the church.
-Bowling with youth.
-Towed car to safer destination.
-Moved classroom around.
-Friday: Left for In-loves.
-Saturday: Tampa wedding for my cousin.
-Sunday: Back home (6+ hours driving...for Husband)
-Monday: 8:30am sharp begins my journey as a first year public school teacher! Files, papers, fingerprints, I.D.'s, orientations, etc.
Tuesday: Breathe.
So, blog friends. I may not be posting much. Seeing how I cannot breathe until Tuesday.
If you do, pray pray pray for me! There is "minor" personal issue with the job but I know that if God brought this into my life, His strength will help me get through it!
1 Delilah on the radio 2 Boho styles 3 Bailee watching the windshield wipers go back and forth 4 Husband running his fingers through my hair 5 Being the interior designer for our new house 6 Hearing my mom's voice come out at times when I sing 7 Dreaming of owning my own bookstore 8 Pink/Nude colored nails 9 Getting into bed, feeling absolutely exhausted 10 The feeling of tape or stickers on skin
Picture: Brandon and me at St. Augustine. Husband, can we go back?
I cannot wait for your last movie to come out. I'm starting my own marathon tonight. I really shouldn't be this excited.
Dear Study,
You are the room I am fearing the most to start packing. You're messy, unorganized, and chaotic. Maybe if I just keep the door closed you'll just clean yourself up. Thanks.
Dear Mexican Food,
Quit being so desirable. I cannot have you right now. Stop it.
Dear Future,
Become clear?
Dear Winn Dixie,
I hate you. You work my husband, but don't pay enough. You stink.
Love,
*Picture: One of my favorites of our engagement shoot!
