tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23787560030366080762012-01-30T18:29:22.756-07:00Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.comBlogger4081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-39069419690054441742012-01-30T10:38:00.000-07:002012-01-30T10:38:27.102-07:00

{love these}

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-41361477106056096602012-01-19T10:26:00.001-07:002012-01-19T10:27:43.322-07:00

 {borrowed artwork to add to my photo from here}

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-47757215889507753692012-01-19T10:12:00.002-07:002012-01-19T10:12:49.428-07:00

 I just love this!!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-4239962846653070532012-01-17T10:30:00.000-07:002012-01-17T10:30:14.297-07:00

Aria had her two month doctor visit Friday. She is growing and healthy. She is now 9lbs 14 oz. and 22 inches. She is no longer a little new born, but a regular baby!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-85442857455065986492012-01-17T07:36:00.003-07:002012-01-17T09:11:53.068-07:00

I was given a little tutu outfit at one of my baby showers for Aria, last week she was finally big enough to have it not completely drown her. Since she seems to pretty much be the only thing I blog about now a days, I thought I would share her cuteness once again.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-38526095053234042192012-01-17T07:15:00.001-07:002012-01-17T07:17:13.232-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-18628234652379412682012-01-09T09:24:00.000-07:002012-01-09T09:24:47.892-07:00

Yesterday I was holding Aria while she slept in my arms. She looked so peaceful and angelic I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of her. Even through I had turned off the flash she began to wake up as I was snapping away...and there she goes from the sleeping babe to a yawn, awake and then a finger up the nose. HAHAHA!!!  Even though she doesn't realize she is picking her nose, it is still SO

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-84285875880467895292012-01-08T11:16:00.000-07:002012-01-08T11:16:03.508-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-79371851095369431972012-01-03T09:42:00.004-07:002012-01-03T10:27:04.926-07:00

Everything is still so new with our little addition, that I cannot help myself and try and capture every moment. I often look at this little girl and wonder why I am so lucky!! I am so glad to finally get to be her mom!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-24370454735991541352011-12-29T15:09:00.002-07:002012-01-03T10:28:00.383-07:00

My little brother got married last week in San Diego so our family traveled out for the wedding festivities. We met up with the brides family there and my parents, grandparents and all my siblings as well as my brothers two best friends (shown below) all made it. Aria was a car riding champ! She really likes riding in the car, but doesn't care much for the getting into her car seat process.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-76587539869672606712011-12-26T12:55:00.006-07:002012-01-03T10:27:21.755-07:00

I have mentioned this in a post before, but it has long been a tradition in my family to hang stockings at Christmas that my great-grandmother Helen (for whom Aria is named after) knit for us. As she got along in years my grandma Jean took over to keep the tradition alive. Since then she has knit a stocking for Ben and now for Aria. And I couldn't resist stuffing this little angel of ours in

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-58926488376149729742011-12-26T12:48:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:27:47.927-07:00

Aria's first Christmas eve...and she snoozed right through it!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-42817645429027466912011-12-23T14:26:00.006-07:002012-01-03T10:28:42.996-07:00

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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-33585826689750632932011-12-23T14:19:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:29:01.418-07:00

Aria is so lucky to have such wonderful and loving grandparents. Both my and Ben's parents have been a huge help and they sure do love their grand baby girl. 

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-34602119699857320722011-12-13T22:17:00.005-07:002012-01-17T10:13:08.228-07:00

Today marks 1 month since Aria arrived...we love her SO much!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-84305150023606789392011-12-10T11:55:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:29:34.328-07:00

My good friend Paula gave me this yellow sweater several months ago. She told me that it reminded her of sweaters she used to have for her girls (in the 80's) because it zipped up the back. I put Aria in it a few days ago and along with some stylish fuzzy boots my mom gave me and she was set for the chilly day!! And so cute.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-34827088210521154512011-12-10T11:49:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:29:51.680-07:00

Whenever I am holding Aria I look down at her cute little body and can't help myself but take a photo to try and capture what I see. Most of the time it is with my cell phone, so many of these are terrible quality, and cropped kind of funny, but I thought I would share anyway.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-30994167496471344232011-12-02T19:23:00.003-07:002012-01-03T10:32:08.560-07:00

I finally got around to designing a birth announcement for baby Aria, even though everyone knows she is here. And it is complete with her official stats.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-4638191738255524522011-12-02T19:21:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:30:14.944-07:00

This photo cracks me up! She is starting to get hungry, but I just had to take a picture of her little outfit, aren't those buttons on her pants just the cutest thing ever!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-83775891837069489742011-11-24T12:19:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:45:37.489-07:00

Ok, even though everyone tries to warn you about how a new baby will turn your nights upside down and leave you exhausted, I didn't fully understand until I experienced it myself...and you know you are both there as parents when one of you tells the other in the morning, "I may have fallen asleep with a cookie in my mouth." (that was Ben this morning) And we both couldn't be more thankful for

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-69921597511750479822011-11-20T14:22:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:30:44.776-07:00

A few months ago my grandparents were in town visiting and while they were here my grandma and I picked out some fabric for a quilt. I got the beautiful finished product Thursday before Aria was born. I love it! Thanks grandma Jean. With the newly finished quilt I felt like the nursery was complete! And just in time too.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-52449053711193779542011-11-20T13:22:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:45:01.363-07:00

My little sister is getting MARRIED!! What a crazy, wonderful week...Ben and I had a baby, Molly and Dave got engaged. Congrats to them. 

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-61712345104983068722011-11-20T13:15:00.002-07:002012-01-03T10:37:22.662-07:00

She looks so itty bitty when Ben holds her. She sure loves to snooze on her daddy's chest!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-91036585115355241862011-11-20T12:54:00.002-07:002012-01-03T10:31:04.071-07:00

If having a new baby isn't enough to have to worry about having a little escape artist is sure to put me over the edge!!! This morning I went to let the dogs in from being outside and Izzy was no where to be found! At first I thought that she might have gotten in with the chickens, she figured that "new trick" out this week. But unfortunately she was not there. I started freaking out because

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-50589206246643015912011-11-19T15:44:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:45:19.382-07:00

I just can't get enough of this little girl. And everyone says they grow so fast so I have been madly taking pictures of her each day to try and capture every moment!!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-8727120574094084102011-11-19T15:33:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:37:34.214-07:00

Today Ben took Aria in to have her billy ribbon checked again and it has gone down 3 points!! Yay, we will keep her on the lights over the weekend and check her again Monday. If she keeps dropping 2 or so points a day from now until then she should be off the lights by Tuesday or so. Here's hoping, because I hate not being able to hold her ALL DAY!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-60445448406008492682011-11-19T15:26:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:36:52.138-07:00

I got these beautiful roses while I was in the hospital and they are starting to open up, I love it!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-17427778385254886342011-11-17T16:43:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:37:52.821-07:00

When we were discharged from the hospital Aria's billy ribbon was right on the edge of normal, but just a bit too high to leave alone. Because of this we were told that she needed it tested again 48 hours later. So this morning we headed into the dr. office. Turns out that it went up in the last day and so we have a little yellow jaundice baby on our hands. This afternoon we had home health

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-48500333427399615422011-11-17T16:29:00.002-07:002012-01-03T10:32:41.540-07:00

Yesterday Ben picked Izzy and Macey up from the kennel where they had been since Sunday morning. And when they got home we introduced them to our new addition. The introductions went pretty well. Izzy was pretty nervous and shook a bit while also trying to cautiously check Aria out. Macey was super sweet and just kept sniffing her.  I love the last picture here where they are both giving her

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-962893969541530252011-11-16T08:18:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:33:07.593-07:00

This is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen, if I do say so myself!! Our little angel joined the family on 11.13.11. We just love her to pieces. Enjoy the pictures. And now for the details...there are a lot of them so if you don't have time, in a nut shell we are all healthy and happy. Saturday night it had stopped snowing and Ben and I went to a new shopping development nearby

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-27863709182449424682011-11-09T16:44:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:47:40.616-07:00

I have been trying to keep myself busy while waiting for Aria to come and making a bunch of cards and tags for Christmas...here are a few.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-28449846193854970732011-11-04T06:45:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:35:27.378-07:00

I went to my weekly dr. appointment yesterday and it looks like things are progressing nicely toward having this baby. I was actually a little surprised to find that I am already dilating because I am still a few weeks out from my due date...and this being my first full term pregnancy and all. I know that even though things are moving along, it still could take the next few weeks before I

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-19559629692846737042011-11-02T09:58:00.006-06:002012-01-03T10:46:56.223-07:00

The many uses for baking soda...I saw this on pintrest today and thought it was great!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-34268548678955363392011-11-01T06:04:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:35:48.179-07:00

It's official, we are having a baby THIS month!!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-14506727375693417772011-10-31T12:20:00.004-06:002012-01-03T10:44:48.780-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-21594100544370610392011-10-31T12:19:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:44:33.029-07:00

Ben and I had a couples costume Halloween party this weekend and this year the question was, what to dress up as with a pregnant belly...we were just a couple of "boo"bs.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-76238656683254037292011-10-25T17:03:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:36:20.930-07:00

Over the last few weeks friends and family have showered Ben and I (& Aria) with so much generosity, kindness and love. We are SO blessed to have so many wonderful people who care about us. Thank you!! The swag below is from the shower at my old work. Thank you everyone who helped and attended–it was lovely. 

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-433858908730374322011-10-24T14:36:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:43:30.378-07:00

My cousin Caitlin made me these cute little shoes for Aria. Aren't they adorable!! She also told me where she found the pattern so today I tried a pair of my own, black satin ruffles.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-15480132754152580542011-10-24T09:50:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:38:15.342-07:00

Izzy loves to sleep on Ben and my bed. Recently, she has been taking it to a whole new level though. I "caught" her actually laying her head on Ben's pillow. She cracks me up.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-62988621562782981462011-10-24T09:46:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:38:29.334-07:00

So far, I'd say I have had a pretty average pregnancy filled with the "usual" symptoms (morning sickness, irritability, round ligament pain, back and headaches, stretch marks, etc...) all wonderful evidence that this little girl is growing healthy and strong. I have been really blessed to not have to deal with swelling though. I mean, I still have ankle bones!! But that too came to an end this

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-2611155766662163532011-10-24T09:28:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:39:57.618-07:00

I don't have any other pictures from the shower Ben's mom and sisters threw for me other than this one. I love it! Ben's sister, his mom, my grandma and mom were all wearing purple (unplanned) and I just couldn't resist capturing this.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-58363724273695930022011-10-24T09:23:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:40:45.412-07:00

From this low quality cell phone picture you may not be able to tell a lot about what is going on, but if nothing else, I am sure you will notice that the trailer we were pulling doesn't have any wheels attached to it here. Ben and I had purchased 4 motors a couple of transmissions, an old truck bed trailer and a bunch of other things last week. One engine is pretty rare (I guess) so it seemed

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-47821697946343012722011-10-19T09:55:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:40:16.477-07:00

If you have ever watched this show, you will know how excited these two get about rust and old junk! Well, I happen to live with my very own rust lover...Ben. It catches his eye like nothing else. I often find myself on little 'adventures', as we like to call them, to take a drive and look at something Ben has either seen in a field on the side of the road or found listed for sale somewhere.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-21002352844621800082011-10-14T10:57:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:41:17.327-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-89011506518082263832011-10-14T09:12:00.011-06:002012-01-03T10:41:32.215-07:00

This morning I heard a thud in the kitchen and upon investigation found this...   A grout float tool Izzy had pulled out of a tote in the basement, carried upstairs and was in the process of trying to pull it through the dog door so she could play with it outside. It isn't too heavy, but for her size, it is bulky. Gotta give her props for trying :)

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-12114314807201398922011-10-14T09:03:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:43:52.383-07:00

Ben is having a fund raiser at work and so I am making a bunch of cards from him. Here are the first two of what I am sure will be many more to come. (I used a bunch of Stampin' Up! stuff on these.)

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-55102158027554949182011-10-11T07:22:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:46:38.703-07:00

  Yesterday I was looking for gray or eggplant baby dresses online for my brother's upcoming wedding and stumbled on this one instead. I love it! And thought it would be perfect for Aria's blessing dress, but when I went to order it, the smallest size it came in was 6 months...I need a 0-3 size. Bummer! I am going to see if I can find another one like it somewhere else.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-34570654890129138052011-10-09T08:51:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:42:35.464-07:00

I had my first baby shower yesterday at my mom's house. It was fun to see everyone that was able to make it! It was decorated so cute and I got so many fun things for Aria. Thanks everyone!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-44777160402400739582011-10-08T17:12:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:46:07.349-07:00

Yesterday we got our first egg...and today our second!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-37946146762059065372011-10-01T08:22:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:46:24.309-07:00

  Izzy hasn't really been a big fan of bath time and as a puppy would freak out when we put her in the bathtub. I don't know if it was the gigantic size of the tub the dwarfed her or the slippery floor, but it wasn't a pleasant experience by any means. Awhile ago Ben came up with a solution to the dreaded event. We bought a storage tote and cut a small quarter size hole in the bottom of one end

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-23143363307010729242011-09-29T13:46:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:41:56.189-07:00

Do you ever find yourself buying things with no intended purpose in mind? I do, and for me it is journals and small notebooks. I am always pulled to the stationery section of a store and find that more often than not I deliberate as to whether or not I 'need' it. Even with only purchasing the ones I have to have I didn't think I was doing it all that much, but recently as I have been sorting

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-64278801335997718542011-09-29T12:36:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:47:17.050-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-22881916206065236842011-09-29T07:36:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:42:13.894-07:00

  I found this little image at Papers' Edge and thought it was so sweet! (You can find more of her stuff at her etsy shop.)

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-83758049654825081142011-09-28T18:49:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:47:57.122-07:00

....and now for the names of our chickens are: B E T T Y N A N C Y R E D and of course L U A N N E

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-38174201599281327982011-09-28T10:46:00.003-06:002012-01-03T10:48:15.078-07:00

A friend is getting married next week so today is her bridal shower. Here are the decorations, card and favors I made for the shower.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-45120701862463544452011-09-24T09:59:00.002-06:002012-01-03T10:48:29.871-07:00

Meet...our chickens! Last night a free ad came up and so Ben and I went and got these 4 laying hens. This is Luanne, but we need help naming the other three...any suggestions? Here is Contestant #1: Contestant #2:  And Contestant #3:

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-74658655131647300782011-09-24T09:43:00.001-06:002011-09-24T09:44:32.751-06:00

Last year Ben and I planted two evergreen clematis plants on our wire fence along the garden. One died and the other looked like it was about to die this last spring so we got two new plants this time we got flowering ones. At first they didn't show signs that they would survive either, but a few weeks ago they picked right up and started flowering!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-10096914533904373172011-09-23T11:33:00.000-06:002011-09-23T11:33:16.143-06:00

For a few years now Ben has wanted to get some chickens. I wasn't so keen on the idea at first (mostly, because we really didn't have a place to put them). But we realized our dog run would be perfect, since the dogs never actually use it. So for the past week or so Ben has been working on transforming the old dog house (Macey and Izzy don't use that either) into a chicken house. We have been

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-56916859014938851332011-09-13T10:41:00.000-06:002011-09-13T10:41:15.360-06:00

My brother Colby proposed to his girlfriend Codi Saturday night...and she said yes!!! Congratulations to them!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-89666074770699808072011-09-13T09:53:00.001-06:002011-09-13T21:06:56.587-06:00

Right before I quit my job I had a birthday and my friends at work decorated my cube with these cute little flowers. It worked out great that the colors looked great with the colors I was decorating Aria's nursery in. So I decided to put them above her crib. Just one step closer to having her room just the way I want it!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-69683699515530836282011-09-08T11:59:00.000-06:002011-09-08T11:59:54.406-06:00

This weekend I finished up a crib skirt and pillow for Aria's nursery. I made up the pattern myself and the only minor mishap was I forgot to account for the bar that runs across the base to hold the crib together (you can see the slit I had to sew to get around it on the upper left picture). The fabric I used is some of Riley Blake's fabric. My grandma has also been in town and wanted to make

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-79242908304214454012011-08-29T13:47:00.000-06:002011-08-29T13:47:08.542-06:00

This morning I was lying in bed reading (I do a lot of that now a days). Little Aria was kicking and doing summer salts, it made me smile and I just couldn't help feeling so incredibly blessed.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-24234032508735470732011-08-25T07:31:00.000-06:002011-08-25T07:31:57.360-06:00

I was looking through my Google reader this morning and on full house there was a post about diagonal lines. I immediately thought of a dress I have (and love) and decided to do my own diagonal line post. I especially love the lettuce leaf stitching on the ruffled collar! (And as a bonus, there is another pregnancy photo update).

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-55706095056623197682011-08-19T08:42:00.001-06:002011-08-19T08:45:24.924-06:00

My grandpa Dean has been a part of racing for the better part of his life, if not all of it. He spent his youth out at the Bonneville speedway and witnessed records break. He since has become a spectator of the sport and for the past few years Ben and I have tagged along. This year was no different. Yesterday, my mom, brother, Ben and I spent the day at the races with him.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-19779609264746937922011-08-17T17:07:00.004-06:002011-08-19T08:46:21.790-06:00

  When you have resigned from your full-time, paying and benefit providing job after six and a half years? Well, first I got a prenatal massage, then I framed this poster a friend gave me for Aria's nursery...did I mention...we plan to name our baby girl Aria Helen Crosby. I love this poster because it is filled with hope and that is what this baby girl has done for Ben and I (and also the

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-84972861526455280142011-08-13T08:17:00.001-06:002011-08-13T08:19:50.898-06:00

I am not much of a labels and name brand kind of girl. I look for deals and shop the clearance rack 90% of the time, however, as I was looking for a diaper bag I decided I would indulge a little. I wanted one that looked like a cute purse I would carry without a baby in tow. I wasn't having much luck finding something I liked that was also large enough to carry everything, and included pockets

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-58115110542967771882011-08-12T14:09:00.003-06:002011-08-13T07:17:39.118-06:00

With all of the challenges Ben and I have had with pregnancy this time the doctor's considered me high risk and therefore was monitored weekly with an ultrasound, beginning at week 6. It was really amazing to see how much our baby grew each week. I remember at about week 11 I saw her kicking her tiny little legs up and down like she was marching...it was so cute! Here's a picture when she was at

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-71175552134978033032011-08-07T10:12:00.000-06:002011-08-07T10:12:45.667-06:00

Ben planted this garden space in the spring and we have been enjoying some of the fruits of his labors.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-55073961196141947502011-08-02T08:58:00.000-06:002011-08-02T08:58:57.799-06:00

My friends at work decorated my desk so cute for my birthday, complete with paper flowers and a vase of real ones. Thanks gals, you are the best!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-6601380622033643162011-07-31T11:48:00.001-06:002011-07-31T11:55:42.930-06:00

This morning I came into my bedroom to find these two taking a nap together on the couch. So cute!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-67937892345732127362011-07-31T11:46:00.000-06:002011-07-31T11:46:11.812-06:00

Ben and I redid my birthday the day after since the actual day was terrible. Ben sent me beautiful roses!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-77646316731789027642011-07-28T08:57:00.009-06:002012-01-03T10:34:46.952-07:00

1. a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing something 2. the process or fact of personally observing, encountering, or undergoing something 3. the observing, encountering, or undergoing of things generally as they occur as they course of time: to learn from experience; the range of human experience.When it comes to this word, Ben and I could write a novel on this subject as

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-73095354750315984142011-06-24T16:30:00.000-06:002011-06-24T16:30:34.383-06:00

I haven't downloaded my photos from my cameras to our computer for about two months. I have to say I like the surprises I found...take a look: At first glance you think, what...who is that... It's just Macey, Ben put his sweatshirt on her. :) And while we were at Disneyland we tried one of those "take the picture yourself" shots... Ben looks great. I on the other hand look like I have a comb

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-37680011965093756132011-05-20T07:07:00.000-06:002011-05-20T07:07:47.950-06:00

Five years ago Ben and I began married life together. And what a wonderful life it has been. 

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-1269848401967149962011-04-30T20:52:00.000-06:002011-04-30T20:52:09.254-06:00

I realized that I haven't blogged about anything in over a month. And since then Ben took me to Disneyland. It was my first time. All in all it was fun to reminisce about the childhood fairy tales we all grew up with...and someday we will have to take our kids. (image found here.)

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-19921354405009532112011-03-27T15:52:00.000-06:002011-03-27T15:52:17.415-06:00

  Today is Izzy's one year birthday!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-45819319103863144462011-03-25T14:40:00.001-06:002011-03-25T14:41:28.193-06:00

I was going through some photos from the last time I was in NYC and found these. (Mood Fabric and Tinsel Trading). I love the stuff you can find there.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-15331460083272336702011-03-18T08:04:00.000-06:002011-03-18T08:04:34.760-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I was a guest blogger for the My Digital Studio blog and this is what I posted. If you want to know the story behind the photos, check out what I wrote here (it's kind of a funny story).

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-28451376087123392222011-03-18T07:53:00.001-06:002011-03-18T07:53:32.577-06:00

I love these–so fun. Found here.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-27378093485303908992011-03-06T16:07:00.000-07:002011-03-06T16:07:51.483-07:00

 Macey need a pillow for her crate and so I made a slip cover to go over a piece of foam. It was my first ever attempt at putting a zipper in something.  ...success! Here is the final product in her create.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-32044526724980366432011-03-06T15:52:00.002-07:002011-03-26T10:21:59.951-06:00

Last weekend was the first weekend in weeks that Ben and I felt like doing much of anything...and it snowed. But Ben was bound and determined to go forward with a project outside, building a gate under the arbor he built me last spring.  We decided that–even though it was doing a great job with little Izzy–a thin piece of 2 foot fencing wire was not going to keep Macey in the yard. I love the

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-49570934070107878802011-02-27T19:45:00.002-07:002011-03-01T06:09:33.328-07:00

42 pieces of dove dark chocolate, yes please! 42 new pairs of shoes, even better. But 42 trips to the doctor in just over a year, not quite what I had in mind. Yes, that is right 42 doctor visits!? And the reason can be summed up in one word--babies. No, sadly this isn't a post announcing the long awaited coming of a new addition to our family. As anyone who has engaged in the battle, that is

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-32239325473746910742011-02-21T07:52:00.001-07:002011-02-21T07:54:27.962-07:00

I feel like I have been sick with one thing or another since January. Due to the unpleasantness of it all I have found myself in bed A LOT!! And finally my subconscious must have been fed up with all the laying around that last night I dreamt of running. Not anything fancy like an organized race or any other reason than to stretch my legs. I woke up from this dream feeling so refreshed and full

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-27127380969680866452011-02-15T21:42:00.002-07:002011-02-15T21:43:44.029-07:00

Ben and I don't really get into the ooey, gooey, lovey, dovey commercialization of valentine's day and rarely ever get each other gifts on the holiday. Because, after all we can show or tell each other we love one another any old day of the year and don't need a holiday to point that out...but I wanted to post a little something for my one and only, true love and sweetheart just to say it one

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-705308709083905662011-02-15T21:13:00.002-07:002011-02-15T21:15:00.475-07:00

The other day we were trying to take a 'family' photo, and man is it ever difficult to get two dogs looking in the direction of a camera at the same time. Izzy was too interested in what Macey was doing and Macey was trying to get the treat in Ben's hand...then lets not even get into the terrible color of this photo, but here we are...all together now...

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-9371902034697831282011-02-15T21:12:00.001-07:002011-02-15T21:17:09.299-07:00

Recently, Ben and I have been looking back over the last few years of what is on this blog and I realized that a lot of what we post is stuff that is about only the good in our lives. I had a brief moment of heartburn about that, because it made life at our house seem like it was always peaches and cream, but then I remembered that when I began this blog I didn't want to be a 'downer' for anyone

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-19236122954355938312011-02-01T16:51:00.004-07:002011-02-15T21:50:37.118-07:00

I was going through old photos and ran across this one of us at Yuba two summers ago. WoW! How our lives have changed since then. Rosco is no longer ours, Kozy passed away and now we have two new sweet dogs...hopefully, to be in our family for quite some time!! (And boy oh boy, look at those white legs I am sporting...quite a sight...)  sick and tired I just got home from a work trip that

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-57240343084922308502011-01-26T13:35:00.000-07:002011-01-26T13:35:20.709-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-20047157945186016132011-01-20T21:45:00.000-07:002011-01-20T21:45:16.552-07:00

...just to show how large Macey really is...put her next to me...Izzy seems to think she needs to get on all of the furniture so she can see Macey eye to eye.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-91668261667053494472011-01-18T20:58:00.003-07:002011-01-18T21:00:37.665-07:00

Since last September we have been missing our Kozy...especially Ben. Lately it has been really bad and so we have been thinking about a new addition. Tonight we picked up our new Great Dane puppy, well, one year old Macey. Just look at that smile from ear to ear!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-35821689544029000952010-12-30T17:13:00.004-07:002011-02-15T21:19:38.571-07:00

We set out on our after Christmas camping trip (that we seem to be making into a tradition) and the weather was clear and beautiful. We made it to Dead House Point, Arches and Moab to see the amazing landscape there before the storm rolled in.        Two of my brother's came along with Ben, Izzy and I and Ben's parents met us down in Moab. It was great...and as we pulled out it was a dumping

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-6425108318677866272010-12-24T10:08:00.000-07:002010-12-24T10:08:43.882-07:00

Having developed an allergy to nuts, for the last 8 years I have not been able to eat one of my favorite things, peanut butter. But today I found this little treasure at the store. And although not the real thing, it tastes pretty close. Here's to a soybutter and jam sandwich to me for Christmas!!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-42099609527658611682010-12-18T16:23:00.000-07:002010-12-18T16:23:38.580-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-72805318631622597832010-12-13T07:10:00.001-07:002010-12-13T07:10:57.337-07:00

Well, all but one gift has been acquired or purchased and with 12 days to spare, yay!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-38709464401267462682010-12-04T10:18:00.005-07:002010-12-04T10:22:39.612-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-74366427004891486782010-11-25T11:07:00.001-07:002010-11-25T18:47:34.224-07:00

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-88546359320819986162010-11-10T07:00:00.002-07:002011-02-15T21:20:06.024-07:00

Last time Ben and I were down at Zion National Park we decided to get an annual park pass. Since we can have admit 1 vehicle full of people or the pass holder + 3 other adults on foot, we thought it was a good deal and "pay for itself" in admissions. So we are taking full advantage and using it as many times as possible! And we are off again. I am looking forward to a much needed little vacation.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-65868011252992247062010-11-06T11:42:00.003-06:002010-11-08T20:56:52.442-07:00

A couple weeks ago Ben and I were down in Zion National Park hiking Angel's landing. At the top we found this! California Condor #99. (Actually, I didn't see it, because I didn't go out over the chain part of the hike). But how cool is it for Ben to have seen this massive bird!

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-84669852640251470292010-11-06T11:38:00.002-06:002011-02-15T21:05:02.104-07:00

It seems like it is about that time of year where you start thinking about the upcoming holiday's and the last year and what it has brought. I have to say that I have learned about a couple of things this year and they are this: First, all those cliche phrases and sayings came from someones real life and that is why we can all relate and find some truth to them no matter how corny they seem.

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378756003036608076.post-48895223851099421402010-10-30T08:45:00.002-06:002010-10-30T08:48:39.885-06:00

Halloween at work is always a big deal (you may recall last year). This year my team and I decorated our area as a masquerade ball. And won 1st place for best decor, yay! I decided to match the decor and dress in black and white, with LOTS of layers!! I was also the only one to wear a wig... The grand prize winner for best group costume dressed up as Lord of the Rings... (and they made a

Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174994082768537219noreply@blogger.com0