Hello 2012!

   I have NEVER been more ready for a new year than I was for 2012.  I am thankful for all of the many blessings we had in 2011; however, I am not sad to say ADIOS to 2011.  It was a hard year.  I honestly learned so much about myself, marriage, being a mom and I realized that God has GREAT plans for me and our family.  "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Col. 1:17.  Amen for that!  I know, without a doubt, that God, grace and faith held my family together this past year...and that, is the greatest blessing of all!  So, Hello 2012!  :)
   I made a promise to myself NOT to look back on any part of 2011.  I learned so many things, but also said many things that I am not proud of.  So, no looking back!  Only moving forward and living in this moment...the moment of my life!  I came across this quote the other day--"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice." T.S. Eliot.  I have that new voice for myself, my walk with my Savior, my marriage, my children and I am awake and ready to see where God wants to lead me!  This year, I have a few resolutions...and I am going to keep them and fulfill them completely!

Blessing to you and yours and may 2012 be the best year yet!

Tis the Season!

Tis the Season...to update your blog (haha)!
I have LOVED this holiday season so far.  So much is going on and the girls are very excited about "Santa Claus" and everything to do with "Jesus' Birthday"! Paisleigh informed me the other day that Jesus needed a birthday cake and He really needed to blow out his candles.  Too precious!  I love that sweet babies beautiful spirit. 

We went to "Breakfast with Santa" with my Mom, Grandmother, Sister and our Girls right after Thanksgiving.  We had an absolute blast.  The girls actually sat in Santa's lap and told him what they wanted this year.  Paisleigh only wants a 'baby doll with long hair' and Abigail wants 'Presents'.  I think he can handle that! :)  This is the photo that we had made while they were talking with Santa...I made this our Christmas card too this year.  I loved it!

Paisleigh waiting to go into the Breakfast with Santa!

Abigail was excited too!

My sweet Aunt Cindy put together a "Cookies and Cuties" party for all of the ladies in our family.  It was sooo much fun.  Everyone made their favorite holiday cookie and we all shared!  You can't beat cookies and spiced tea!
This is my sweet Mammaw (the girls Great-Mammaw) giving all of the little ones a "Christmas apron" to wear at the party!  I am going to love this new tradition of ours!

This past weekend, my sister Angie, GRADUATED from TEXAS TECH!  We could not be more proud of her!! She has been blessed and found a great job and will be moving at the end of the month.  Not so excited that she is moving; however, I am INCREDIBLY excited for her new adventure. 

Me, Angie and our Mom...ALL THREE TECH ALUMNI!  GO TECH!

Our parents are SO PROUD of Angie too!!

I hope everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!  I know we will!

Blessings,
Lauren

Happiness!

I have a calendar in my office that has inspirational Christian messages that I read everyday.  Today it said, "There's a lot to be said about choosing happiness--and it's best to remember...it is a choice." 

This quote today has special meaning to me here lately.  I have learned over the past few months that letting go of the "perfect" way of life and actually "living" life are two totally different things and I need to do more "living" in my life.  It is absolutely a battle everyday to try not to get caught up in the little things that I end up turning into big things...and in result...I end up missing the big things.  Does that make sense?  I am choosing happiness in my life...my marriage...my walk with God...in watching and absorbing every moment of my girls lives!  They are growing so fast and I do not want to miss the "big" things anymore. 

The past two weeks have been a little weird/sad/scary/eye opening for me.  A dear friend of mine has come back into my life and she is having a really hard time with life right now.  When she first came to me with her problems...I did not know what to do or say to her.  It seemed out of my hands...and then I realized...I needed to pray for her and put her in God's hands.  I have prayed for strength and knowledge of things to say to her.  I have prayed for peace in her heart and mine.  I am praying for healing for her.  I am praying that she chooses "happiness".

Moving on to the "bigger" things! :)

Paisleigh took a cheer-hip hop class at her pre-school this summer!  It was adorable and she loved it.  Here she is shakin' her groove thang!  

Greg the "Super Dad"!! Yes, EVERYBODY wanted to be on his shoulders at once! ha!

We took a family vacation with the Brownd's in August to Ruidoso!  I am loving this new tradition of ours!  This year Paisleigh rode the horse all by herself and Abi was big enough to ride too with a little help!  They were so proud of themselves! :)

Ms. Fashionista Abigail! Diggin' the shades!

While we were in Ruidoso, Paisleigh got her first pedicure...and she loved it!  I definitely think this could become a regular thing for Paisleigh and her Momma!

I love our family! This is HAPPINESS!

The girls in their matching uniforms for pre-school!  I think they are adorable!! Such sweet sweet sisters!

Choose Happiness!

Blessings,
Lauren

Paisleigh is Four!

On July 18th, Paisleigh Marie turned four years old!  What a beautiful and fun four years it has been!  Paisleigh is so full of life, love and compassion for others.  Her personality has really developed into a sincere and pure child.  Time really has flown by...it truly feels like she should still be a tiny little thing.  She still has her "dimples" on her knuckles and little bit of baby chub on her face and thighs (either that or she definitely has her mommas thighs HA!), either way it's way cute on her!  She is an absolute miracle and blessing from our Gracious God and I thank Him every moment for giving her to us to love and grow with!
We celebrated Paisleigh's birthday on Saturday at a park with close friends and family!  We all had a BLAST!  Dandy the Clown made an appearance and we had face painting, balloon animals, lots of play time, donuts and, of course, a princess cake!!  Paisleigh LOVED it and was so happy to have everyone around her that she loves so dearly!
The grandparents and us are all going to Chucky Cheese tonight to celebrate her 'actual' birthday!  Those pics to come tomorrow, probably!

 Happy Birthday Paisleigh Marie! We pray that ALL of your dreams and birthday wishes come true!

Just some words...

I have been horrible at keeping up with taking and sorting pictures lately.  Life has been hectic...not in a bad way, just busy...just life!
Greg's grandmother, who had fallen and broken her hip a few months ago, passed away on June 30th.  She was 91 years old.  She was such a wonderful lady and is already missed terribly.  We all know that she is in a beautiful and amazing place now without pain and with those she has missed so badly while here on this earth.  Paisleigh is still asking why she died and if we will see here again.  It is really hard explaining all of that to an almost four year old.  She understands that she is with Jesus in Heaven, but I really don't think she understands that we will not see her again until we are with her in Heaven.  The mind of a four year old is so pure, so innocent, so...real.  She takes in every word and comprehends what we tell her, and we can see her processing and thinking about our conversation so intensly.  It has been two weeks and she will still randomly as me a question about Mammaw and ask what happened and why our bodies get old and tired.  Amazing really. 

Greg and I had an opportunity to take some (much needed) time for ourselves! We went to Las Vegas this past weekend and had such a great time!  Again, I was horrible and did not take a single picture...except that of our view of the pool from our hotel room! Ha!  I really don't think that is worthy of posting on here!  We acted like silly young adults and then our age caught up to us and we had to behave. LOL.  Our last night there we enjoyed an AMAZING dinner at the Pallazo hotel at a restaurant called LAVO.  We had steak and drinks and dessert and it was D-LISH.  Greg told the waiter it was the best meal he had ever had! :) haha!  After dinner we went to see Beatles Love-Cirque De Soleil...and it was FABULOUS.  We were amazed at the acrobatics and the entire show.  A perfect way to end our vacation!

We are having Paisleigh's 4th birthday party on Saturday.  She loves 'Tangled', so we are having a Tangled themed party and it will be at a park that has a casltle like playground; we also have a young lady coming who dresses like a clown and she will do face painting, balloon animals and a magic show for the kiddos!  I am excited, I really think she will love it!  I will DEFINITELY be taking pictures of that! :)
Her birthday is actually on Monday and I cannot believe my baby is about to be 4!  Greg and I saw the commercial the other night where the dad is talking to the little girl in the car about driving safely and buckling up...and then, in the next shot, that little girl is 16/17 and driving away!  I think even Greg had tears in his eyes! HA!  The girls are growing up so quickly and before we know it...they will be driving off too. 

I have started a new diet and lifestyle.  I am really trying to focus more on being positive in every situation...even though it is kind of hard sometimes...I am giving it my all.  I have been working out and lifting weights for a good 5 months now and even though I feel stronger...and I am not seeing the results I want.  I finally figured out, it is because of my diet!  I was trying not to eat very much at all and my body was holding onto everything...including the fat! ick! LOL.  So, I have started the Eat-Clean Diet and I love it.  It is all fresh foods, and you actually get to eat!  I am not hungry, my head does not feel woozy and I have energy for my workouts! YAY! So, here is to progress and getting my pre-baby-baby (haha) body back dang it!!
Speaking of workouts, I have started a hip-hop zumba class and a piloxing (which is pilates and boxing combined) class!  If you have not ever tried either of these, I highly suggest you do so!  They are so much fun and will work your hiney off! :) I am also about to start running again, like I did last year, to train for the Susan G. Kome 5K to run in honor of my Mom beating and surviving breast cancer!! I am really excited about doing that again!  It was such an awesome experience to do that with her fighting spirit in my heart!  

So here is to a positive attitude and lifestyle!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Fun in the mud...and for a good cause!

We had an experience yesterday that I never thought I would be a part of...MUD VOLLEYBALL! ...and it was a blast! 
I work for Covenant Medical Group/St. Joseph Health Systems and we put a team together to help support Communities in Schools!  There were 16 volleyball "pits" and 95 teams that participated in yesterday's activities!  Needless to say...there were SO many people covered in mud! HA!
Our team name was "Mudtallica" and we were there from 8 am until 4 pm.  We live in West Texas, so the dirt was blowing and it was pretty toasty out there all day.  We had to duct tape our shoes to our feet and ankles so the mud would not suction them off!  Luckily, we had stylish zebra tape so we stayed in true form! :)
My camera died right after our second game...so I did not get any pictures of when we were completely covered in mud...but, you can use your imagination.  Greg played on our team too and we had a blast playing in the mud together all day!
What a fun memory!

We will definitely be joining in on Mud Volleyball any chance we get!

Somebody's 2!

We celebrated Abigail's second birthday on Sunday!
I can hardly believe that it has been two years since this beautiful child came into our lives! What a blessing she is to us and everyone around her! It is crazy to think that in just two very short years, she is running, jumping, climbing (out of her crib...and is now in a toddler bed), wearing big girl panties, talking, acting silly and as lovable as ever!

We had an absolute B-LAST at her Minnie Mouse birthday party!

The Cupcakes!

The Beautiful Birthday Girl...who apparently got into the cupcakes before it was time! LOL

Love

Grammie and Great-Granny

Great Mammaw

Papaw and Papa Jack

Great Granddady

Somebody LOVING her new swing set!

I have a feeling these two are going to make some great memories in this backyard! :)

Miss Blue Eyes

Our Little Photographer-Paisleigh!

Happy Birthday To You!

Aunt Gigi, Chris & Jessica and Nona!

 

I am so excited to see how much our precious Abigail grows this next year!

Happy 2nd Birthday my little bug!

We Love You.

I have waited almost 4 years for this...

to put mascara on our precious Paisleigh's beautiful eyelashes that is! :)

Last Sunday was Paisleigh's first dance recital and we all had so much fun!  She loved every minute of it and danced perfectly!

 She has taken tap, ballet and tumbling since last August and we have so enjoyed watching her dancing skills and creativity come to life.

...and I think someone really wants to be like her big sister...and I love it! :)

Abigail got flowers too!

I am so thankful for my beautiful girls and I cannot wait until I am putting mascara and tutu's on both of them! :)

Reality is hard sometimes.

We had a very long weekend. Greg's grandmother, who is 92, fell and broke her hip.  My heart is broken for her and my husband's family.  She was transported to Lubbock, to Covenant and actually underwent surgery Saturday afternoon.  It was so scary and nerve racking to sit and wait...and wait...and wait.  I think, if you make it to 90+ you should not have to endure any serious surgery or health issue.  It just isn't fair.  She made it through surgery ok, and is recovering with her family by her side.  She is absolutely in God's hands, and that is very peaceful to know.
The whole ordeal really got to me and made me even further realize how precious life and family really is.  Why is it that we get so caught up in work and cleaning and the rushing around...when really, we should be soaking in every moment of our wonderful life that God has graced us with.  I stayed home with the girls yesterday and really tried to enjoy every minute and memorize their precious faces.  I know I will get busy again and not realize that I have fallen back into my rush, rush routine, but I want to remember my girls while they are little.  I know they will grow so quickly and before I know it...they will be in high school or college, with a car...and a boyfriend...eek! haha!
I used to try to "picture" my life when I was younger.  What it would be like, my marriage, my kiddos, my home for our family.  I love my life, but it is so much more busy and hard than I thought it would be.  It is so difficult to keep up.  Maybe I am throwing myself a pity party...but, I have got to get on top of this.  I have a beautiful life, with an awesome husband and two more than perfectly beautiful daughters, whom I NEVER could have "pictured" in my entire life.  God is so amazing.  He has blessed us beyond belief.  So, why I am I having so much trouble keeping it together?
I need to quit wondering, thinking and dwelling on my "picture" and just DO with this awesome life God has given me.  That is the answer...Pray about it, and do it!  Life is so fragile and goes by so quickly, and I can have everything I have ever wanted or pictured for myself...it is right here, right now, sitting in front of me plain as day.
Sorry for the rambling, but please keep my husband's grandmother in your thoughts and prayers.  Have a wonderful week...I know I am going to!

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36

A "me" post

I strive to be a great mom. 

I strive and desire to be a great wife. 

I want my house to always be clean and put together and to have that "smell" that my kids will remember their whole lives and love to smell when they return home when they are grown just like that smell I love when I go home to my mom's house.  

I want to organize and "dress up" my craft room to look like this

I want to learn to paint and find an outlet for me to escape through...and then find the time to do it. 

I want to decorate and put my house together to absolutely reflect pottery barn! ha!  Preferably like this

and give us a bedroom to escape to and relax in that looks something like this

I want to finish my girls bedrooms and playroom to give them a beautiful and fun place to be when they are home.  I love this playroom because of the storage and organization ideas

I want to hold my career and my family together and always go above and beyond at both.  

I want to be able to focus on my side business selling Uppercase Living

 

and then focus on decorating more and introducing this awesome product more!  If you want to check it out...go to my website http://laurenbrownd.uppercaseliving.net

I want to start running again and loose all of this baby weight that is becoming bad company! lol.

I want to become more involved in our Church and focus on my walk with God in a more intense way.

 I want to go on a vacation with my husband...alone.

I want to keep up with our blog...weekly.

I want to hold my family, my marriage, my career and my life together.

I know I am doing all of this, and doing ok at it, but I want to do more with all of this.

How do you do it?

Beginning today, I am gathering up a new focus, a positive outlook on this huge "wish list"! 

I am going to succeed, it is going to work!