tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73431480598764512272024-03-18T21:26:26.154-07:00The Bloggable Life of Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-48133927576248294402013-11-29T15:41:00.001-08:002013-11-29T15:41:36.583-08:00Feeling silly...So my last post was about my HSG test. I was stressed to the max. After reading so many different experiences through other blogs I was making myself literally sick with worry.<br />
Here is MY experience.<br />
<br />
My mom picked me up.<br />
We stopped by the pharmacy because my doctor recommended Aleve or Motrin - since I'm not a huge medicine taker we had to stop a grab some.<br />
I went with Aleve. Took 3. Headed to my appt. <br />
Let me just say 15 minutes down the road I had psyched myself out so badly I told mom I was about to throw up. I was in a panic. It was raining. I was freaking out.<br />
Mom just tried to calm me down - but she knows me and I think knew I just needed to process and think it through.<br />
(after she told me maybe 20 times to never look at the internet again. Right.) <br />
We made it though. I ate maybe 3,403 tic tacs - but we made it. <br />
<br />
I will say as far as the imaging center I was scheduled at I couldn't possibly have been more blessed by the staff. I was one of the first appointments so it was relatively quiet. They were very attentive and so so so sweet! I let them know my concerns and they were so comforting.<br />
<br />
I went into the changing area and a guy walked in introducing himself as the xray tech and he broke down the whole procedure and what to expect even though I knew by heart from my "research"what was about to happen.<br />
He tried to make a few jokes and was like yeah probably not the time right? No, dude. It's not. <br />
I did appreciate the effort though :) <br />
In the first xray room he had to take just a normal xray to make sure most fluids were out. <br />
Totally not an issue. That was easy.<br />
Then we went into the second xray room where the actual procedure was going to take place. <br />
That's when I started crying. Ok, bawling. <br />
He gave me a quick hug and said girl what are you even worried about? you look too young to be thinking about babies anyway... MORE TEARS! No!!! I'm almost 30.<br />
Then I started laughing. It was weird bc I started thinking about how much he made. It must be a good sum to be so practiced in the art of false compliments and encouragements ;)<br />
<br />
Ok, so now the actual situation.<br />
I will just say I cried. The whole time. <br />
<br />
BUT NOT BC IT HURT!<br />
<br />
I psyched myself so badly that I couldn't quit crying. Even when I KNEW it wasn't hurting! <br />
The doctor (a pretty gal who looked years younger than me) (yes thought about that through tears as well) asked me what was wrong and if everything was ok.... I told her I was worried about the catheter going in and she said, babe it's already done! working on the dye right now! <br />
<br />
I felt silly. <br />
The dye did cause a tiny bit of cramping but for only maybe 5 seconds.<br />
Then it was done girls! All the pain just gone! done!<br />
What was a freaking about?!<br />
Felt totalllllly dramatic. <br />
Then I couldn't quit crying bc I felt so dumb.<br />
It was a weird series of emotions. <br />
<br />
So to wrap this up:<br />
it wasn't bad at all. maybe "an inexperienced first time obgyn giving a pap smear for the first time" bad at the most. <br />
<br />
I will say they did tell me that sometimes when there are abnormalities or blockages - or other things that could be wrong - there is more pain involved. I am in no way discrediting girls who say it was excruciating. Not my place. I just wanted to give a positive report that it can go painlessly and quickly, with only a tad bit of awkward. <br />
<br />
We left the office and I felt just fine. I honestly could have driven myself if need be. Mom and I went and shopped around and had lunch so really it was an in and out procedure. I then went home and napped with Heidi the rest of the day so all in all it was a great experience thanks to the staff at the imaging center and probably the help of 3 Aleve. <br />
<br />
So I haven't heard back from my doctor yet about our next step but the tech went over my results and said everything looked beautiful. Weird considering that I'm going through infertility. Nothing about my inner workings are apparently beautiful ;) but I will take it! So no blockages, no abnormalities. Praise Jesus. One less issue to worry about. Even though some type of answer would have been nice to explain the issues we are having - have to think of this as a huge win for my body.... its about time! <br />
<br />
James thinks that since my cycles are so all over the place one of our main problems is timing. He is super hopeful that with a monitored clomid iui cycle we will have a mini Stell on the way before we know it!<br />
<br />
Well that was my experience. Just wanted to share.<br />
Hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! <br />
We did! <br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-33730570100924645762013-11-17T20:40:00.001-08:002013-11-17T20:40:29.758-08:00Not my idea of a good time....Hello everyone! <br />
<br />
Just a quick little note on how much I despise: MEDROXYPROGESTRONE.<br />
<br />
<h2>
What is medroxyprogesterone? (you ask)</h2>
<!-- end 300 ad --> <br />
<div itemprop="description">
Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin (a form of progesterone), a female hormone that helps regulate ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and menstrual periods.</div>
Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat conditions such as absent or irregular menstrual periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also used to decrease the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (a condition that may lead to uterine cancer) while taking estrogens.<br />
Medroxyprogesterone is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.<br />
<br />
So yeah, that is what that is. I told you last time the doctor said if I hadn't started a period by cycle day 35 to give them a call and they would send these little horrors to the pharmacy for pickup.<br />
<br />
Well - a few days before day 35 I started getting some spotting! ON MY OWN! Is it weird that I was so damn excited? It's my life and my blog so no, not weird! <br />
I called the doctor and the nurse said that while that awesome - it didn't count. What?! My body is trying to work .... get a little more excited, lady! <br />
So despite some spotting nothing truly happened so day 35 I called and picked up the mini pills. <br />
The next day Aunt Flo showed up full force completely showing off the fact that I needed the meds. So rude. <br />
<br />
Now to the part about why I hate this medicine. <br />
It makes me CRAZY!!!!! <br />
<br />
I have been a mess the last 4 days! Short tempered, emotional, hot flashy, so sleepy, nauseous, I mean you name it....<br />
<br />
I really believe my body was producing some of that hormone already just not quite enough - and the pills brought on a little more than actually needed. Bringing on my past four days of insane.<br />
<br />
I mean I've never been depressed but if I could imagine what it felt like this would be it! <br />
My poor husband. I am so thankful for his patience with me because honestly he's probably thinking he should be on the show Who the Bleep Did I Marry.... not kidding.<br />
<br />
SO since I am having a cycle we have scheduled my HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)test for Friday morning! I'm really looking forward to this. It will at least be an answer. Do I have blockage, no blockage, etc. and I get to watch the dye flow through my tubes and things on the screen and I can't wait to check that out... I know, weird, but so cool ;)<br />
<br />
I will update everyone on how the test goes and let you know if anything else comes up as far a plans with the doctor. I think unless we find something crazy Friday the plan is still Clomid with an IUI in December :) <br />
<br />
<br />
Eeeeeeek! Praying that 2014 is our year! (and um, can anyone else believe this year is pretty much over?!) WOW!<br />
<br />
Sending best wishes and love to all my girls! <br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
Lauren<br />
laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-1324041098752684682013-11-03T19:59:00.001-08:002013-11-03T19:59:46.076-08:00My FAV things at the moment :)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s320/kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I got this ecard from a friend and had to act like I was 100% on board with it. While I heavily agree - I'm almost tired of pretending I'm ok with not having our mini Stell....but I mean, Heidi really is awesome. Probably a shade or two past awesome! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZcAbR8NUmLZd6ckVvgqFPoaxxCvQothY3YpIA_EleFVdyQdx6gbBCzqPZZBL70RPtCJteJxkxITa8NYu6YPwpppNCzvHYDdv3dSPcuVqpFulVrD33xWGHxakIahPMeIF7iFWxVHOkzE/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ExeVxyj6RDpql-ngNHNQysy9nEIqm_mQineINAvw0intaN27DKmeyyPCpKCFh76a6Xx27N9p1BTYPPvvLBG6VbMbZiXrB8S9s6cy1lVgBPVamvnrq0I6bOEhjbXxffsDvFKsQKVHr_Q/s1600/sleepyloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ExeVxyj6RDpql-ngNHNQysy9nEIqm_mQineINAvw0intaN27DKmeyyPCpKCFh76a6Xx27N9p1BTYPPvvLBG6VbMbZiXrB8S9s6cy1lVgBPVamvnrq0I6bOEhjbXxffsDvFKsQKVHr_Q/s320/sleepyloves.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean who wouldn't want to cuddle with these two....who needs a baby?! Honestly.....<br />
<br />
We do?? </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</a>=<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdusDRM6AWQYDp0CapFf8_OA4GxmUINWuAG1oC6nP66bGoV5d9VczHrsIgiz0ZPayMdP43QMJt-A4vvT0OIXDH6DohhZFrv0F2JFOF17zyT7ljFippCE77f95bATn4lckmOIn91exbRLo/s1600/tumblr_le6iocTdU71qcgi1z_thumb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdusDRM6AWQYDp0CapFf8_OA4GxmUINWuAG1oC6nP66bGoV5d9VczHrsIgiz0ZPayMdP43QMJt-A4vvT0OIXDH6DohhZFrv0F2JFOF17zyT7ljFippCE77f95bATn4lckmOIn91exbRLo/s1600/tumblr_le6iocTdU71qcgi1z_thumb.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....and I'm pretty sure even though our dog is awesome WHEN we DO have our gorgeous little Claire, she will look a little like this. ( at least we hope) CUUUUUUTE!!! <br />
We have issues. Seriously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkR9Q7fdhreBSo99RV2tck-NX4RaQQsK3g5UDYOrXZwNDv_w0OtC4-t9J9qUeambN1gBmwCjtzNFPqdqqSrh0eSOssBXtRKfkm82BJN0avtSR5_nE3qWHEf9r5lHDzjP7Ed8E3jDOcsc/s1600/heidiface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkR9Q7fdhreBSo99RV2tck-NX4RaQQsK3g5UDYOrXZwNDv_w0OtC4-t9J9qUeambN1gBmwCjtzNFPqdqqSrh0eSOssBXtRKfkm82BJN0avtSR5_nE3qWHEf9r5lHDzjP7Ed8E3jDOcsc/s320/heidiface.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">until then we have this precious little gem. I feel like even when a mini Stell arrives this little beauty will always have our hearts. She is our first baby. She is wonderful and really probably half the reason James stays with me ;) Kidding....I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_CjXhLqkVuzphjrEM9L8dUrNce9evvSe9-YF9fs4gCkvBtKYTqI_YJ5NLmbBvKLHC7bwcNac5vwPyJX1iM_por7AKqtjIAyiLRgWwpOLBTA9KVIwFBgaT6q76j3AG8PkdORGC_mYtl4/s1600/house+forms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_CjXhLqkVuzphjrEM9L8dUrNce9evvSe9-YF9fs4gCkvBtKYTqI_YJ5NLmbBvKLHC7bwcNac5vwPyJX1iM_por7AKqtjIAyiLRgWwpOLBTA9KVIwFBgaT6q76j3AG8PkdORGC_mYtl4/s320/house+forms.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am ALSO loving that they put the forms up on our lot! Yes, building our dream house has been a little crazy but would we really know how to handle anything besides crazy? Probably not. I know this isn't much to look at but to us it's simply AMAZING!!!! 1.98 acres to do WHATEVER we want with. I just picture a lot of quiet patio time with a glass of wine OR tons of room for our little one to run around...both scenarios are going to be pretty wonderful.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK5VZuCVThwgrno9vm9vaBQPZrkL9APJib30ShNbx99NtF6q0FI_M_MxZLZr3szL_kWxSGCkIOFri6s_afgf_czv7X3TAFVUdfkdGLN2_Pr3Di1t314jjSZeLCiuRNXOuMJZAFDskqK0/s1600/lovehim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK5VZuCVThwgrno9vm9vaBQPZrkL9APJib30ShNbx99NtF6q0FI_M_MxZLZr3szL_kWxSGCkIOFri6s_afgf_czv7X3TAFVUdfkdGLN2_Pr3Di1t314jjSZeLCiuRNXOuMJZAFDskqK0/s320/lovehim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So goodnight, friends! <br />
Enjoy YOUR favs! <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
the Stells<br />
:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br /></div>
laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-9843941967181851922013-11-03T19:38:00.001-08:002013-11-03T19:38:13.029-08:00UPDATE?!<div style="text-align: center;">
Sure, why not?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lot has happened since I last blogged - months ago!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where did I leave off?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, after our miscarriage I was shaken, but confident that Clomid was our best chance at finally having our mini Stell.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took the 4th round of Clomid KNOWING that we would get pregnant. Maybe because our doctor seemed so confident? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can tell you right now it didn't work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter! It worked once - it would work again. To my understanding we have 2 more tries so maybe lucky number 3 would work out again. Let's do this! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well......you know that song - it's an oldie but goody - "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I totally got broken up with friends!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The doctor that I adore and put all of my trust in totally broke up with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, to be fair, I'm being dramatic...and I still adore her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was mistaken by the comment she made about trying another "round" of Clomid. In my mind I thought she meant the 3 times again when she actually meant - let's try one more time and see what happens.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I called her nurse and asked to refill my Clomid for round 5 and there was a pause and then a ummmm Dr. S would like to speak to you. Hold please.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Had I been flagged?! What the heck! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She got on the phone and said all the casual hi's and how are you's...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then the shiz got real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She said she had been where we are and she didn't want to see me be disappointed when we could be trying other things that might bring actual results.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told her I loved Clomid. That was OUR way to get that result. She said that even if it worked she would be nervous that I would need more monitoring throughout the cycle and after.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See...she broke up with me. The whole "it's not you, it's me" situation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess since that never happened to me growing up everyone has to go through it at least once.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why now?! Middle school would have been way more tolerable. Maybe not... Moving on. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She then referred us to HER specialist who is responsible for her two beautiful IVF babies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had my reservations bc through blogging I have the seen the good bad and the ugly of the whole "fertility racket". Yes, someone called this huge time is our lives a racket. Ass. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prayed and prayed. I asked God to make it clear what path we should take. This doctor. A different doctor. I prayed for peace with the situation if this was right and in God's great plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew hands down that I would walk out if it seemed the man hadn't looked at our file, didn't want to hear our story, and said "IVF is your only option - hand over the money".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That didn't happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went to our consultation and we were so impressed. We checked in. Waited MAYBE 5 minutes then met the man that I really feel will be able to answer so many of our questions throughout this journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We sat down and he knew EVERYTHING. He actually had read and looked over our file! I mean - I thought that was really cool. We talked almost an hour. He actually was going to school for orthopedics but his wife started struggling with infertility and it made him shift focus. Love him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now that you know I love yet another doctor ( I swear I'm not that easy to please) this is what he said we should do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MORE CLOMID!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LOL! </div>
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</div>
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Like I said - the stuff works ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a little frustrated and impatient because I have to wait for a cycle before we can do the dye test to make sure I'm not blocked or scarred or whatever else could be an issue in that area. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told the nurse on the phone that I was pretty dang positive that nothing was going to happen on its own so they should just go ahead and induce a period. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She said no. Rude.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soooo I have to wait until cycle day 35. THIRTY FIVE?! and then call to get the prescription to start my period. Last time it took 10 days for the meds to bring aunt Flo. That puts us into Thanksgiving week - ummmm somebody better be scanning some tubes on Black Friday, just sayin'...and they better like it. </div>
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After the scan and they find everything is PERFECT (amen, amen, amen) (it's going to happen)</div>
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I am going to start a new round of monitored Clomid - maybe a trigger shot - and then readers the doc is pulling out the big guns. I'm kidding. We are just doing an IUI. JUST?! This kind of takes some pressure off of us though which I'm super excited about. We will know exactly when I ovulate and exactly when to get those little swimmers into place. So pressure! So nice.....</div>
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So hopefully this happens in December! </div>
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We are so very excited!</div>
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This was our pic just leaving the consultation:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfaDCJcisLAf9vru1Je8zNoiXI1GXZ6sQ9zWN3FMzB8ffrf3WwBs4ATXGzFbCh1ICBPMYk1YyCz5ni343o5jMi1sVpnO-MbOFvA8YvrJ5UJYyIODC4cWn_B5DBL6rABBw5plPnldRNxw/s1600/usafterappt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfaDCJcisLAf9vru1Je8zNoiXI1GXZ6sQ9zWN3FMzB8ffrf3WwBs4ATXGzFbCh1ICBPMYk1YyCz5ni343o5jMi1sVpnO-MbOFvA8YvrJ5UJYyIODC4cWn_B5DBL6rABBw5plPnldRNxw/s320/usafterappt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cute, right?! Ok, J might look a litttttle creepy BUT love him anyway!</div>
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That's our update.</div>
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No mini Stell just yet - but we are moving ahead! </div>
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Faith in our hearts and hope on our side! </div>
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Sending a hug to anyone going through infertility. It can be a huge struggle if you let the pain creep into your heart. Protect your relationships, protect your hope and faith, mostly protect your heart. Know that God has His plan and His plan is GOOD and PERFECT!</div>
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XO</div>
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Lauren</div>
laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-20382692472061383702013-08-05T19:17:00.002-07:002013-08-05T19:17:24.618-07:003rd Round of Clomid <div style="text-align: center;">
Hi! </div>
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Long time no blog! </div>
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I've been deciding how to go about typing this little gem out. </div>
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I suppose since this blog is to document our baby makin' journey I should just be honest and put it out there.</div>
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As I said in the last post I was not too excited or hopeful for the 3rd round of Clomid.</div>
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I pretty much wrote it off.</div>
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Take the pills - wait for the negative - get our baby wanting butts to a fertility specialist.</div>
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Easy, right?!</div>
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Well my friends, the week of June 24th this girl got her first ever BIG FAT POSITIVE! </div>
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Shut up?! Really! </div>
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No way. </div>
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But, yes. Digitally legit pregnant. </div>
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(I want to add there may be some truth to the whole don't worry or stress and you will get pregnant) (most annoying bit of advice ever by the way)</div>
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The week we got pregnant we were packing and getting excited about a weekend away with friends, signed on building our dream house etc. My mind was the farthest away from mini Stell and the 3rd round of Clomid so we had a week of letting lose. Remember I just knew the 3rd round wasn't going to be successful anyway. Crazy how that works....</div>
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I mean can you believe it?!</div>
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Our 3rd round of Clomid worked!</div>
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We instantly fell in love with our little poppy seed. James was on cloud 9. I was quietly doubtful.</div>
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Ok absolutely terrified is more like it. </div>
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So many of my friends have miscarried their first pregnancies and I just wasn't feeling how I thought being pregnant should feel.</div>
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I scoured the internet. I pestered my closest friends. Questions day and night.</div>
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Why am I cramping so much?</div>
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Why am I not feeling sick?</div>
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Where are my symptoms?</div>
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As we counted down the weeks to our first appointment I started feeling better and better. Excitement was creeping in. No! I couldn't get excited.. I wasn't going to let myself be vulnerable. I kept telling myself that daily along with prayers to God asking begging pleading for Him to take care of our sweet baby.</div>
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Around 3 AM July 14 I woke up to extreme cramps and massive bleeding. </div>
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While I've never been pregnant I knew what was happening. </div>
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I ran to the bathroom and cried more than I have in ummmm 10 years? I cried. I prayed. I accepted.</div>
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We lost our first sweet baby.</div>
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No, mini Stell wasn't even 8 weeks old at that point BUT that little one was what we had been hoping, praying, and waiting for. That little blip on the screen already had our hearts. </div>
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You would think I would be mad. You would think I would be so angry that God hadn't protected our mini miracle.</div>
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No, I am thankful. I am joyful that God has shown us that we CAN get pregnant! </div>
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We grieved. We cried. We talked and talked. This just wasn't our time. We will have our time. </div>
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Our sweet baby is in Heaven. Who could stay upset for long about that.</div>
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I feel that I need to approach our next pregnancy in a different manner. </div>
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I basically lived in fear for a month. Every twinge sent me to the internet. Every morning without nausea made me doubt. </div>
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I didn't get to enjoy the idea of the miracle that was happening! </div>
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I totally cheated myself.</div>
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SO next time. No fear. Just confidence in my body and my God. </div>
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I will enjoy every second and know that God is a comforting God. He is a healing God. God wants us to be parents eventually in some way, shape, or form.</div>
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I have been truly blessed by our first baby. This baby gave me confidence in myself, my husband, our marriage, and especially and most importantly our God. </div>
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We can get pregnant! </div>
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Such a huge thing. An amazing thing!</div>
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I'm going to wrap this up so I can go hug my sweet husband. </div>
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So round 3 of Clomid. Successful. </div>
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Something just wasn't exactly right.</div>
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Moving forward my doctor wants to try 3 more rounds starting in September. She is going to add progesterone right away even before we get a positive result just to make sure there are sufficient levels - if a pregnancy results in another miscarriage she will refer me to the specialist.</div>
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Having this plan is a huge comfort to me.</div>
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I adore my doctor. </div>
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She hugged me. She talked to me and made sure I knew it was ok to grieve. </div>
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A pregnancy is a pregnancy. No matter if it's 2 weeks or full term. </div>
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I love her even more for taking the time to share her infertility story.</div>
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So yeah, even more convinced we have the best doctor ever ;) </div>
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So. Yeah. That's what we've been doing! </div>
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Next post?</div>
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Hopefully I think of something to write about before September BUT looking at my track record don't get too excited ;)</div>
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Maybe about our house we are building? Maybe about how awesome my dog is? </div>
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LOL! who knows...</div>
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XO</div>
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Lauren</div>
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laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-69180374945126478592013-06-03T18:33:00.000-07:002013-06-03T18:33:23.939-07:00Second round of Clomid!So we are done with round two Clomid!<br />
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This round was KILLER.<br />
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I was an absolute mess. Emotionally, physically - and well any kind of "ally" someone can be. <br />
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It really made me question if I could do it all over again. My face was so broken out it literally hurt to wash, touch, smile. I mean - adult acne is being nice. This was out of control! Even my facialist was stumped. <br />
For some reason this round really got to me emotionally. I would have REALLY low lows then remember the big wonderful picture and have a really awesome burst of "We can do this"....the medicine is working and that is all that matters.<br />
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Then the craziest thing happened as if I hadn't had enough ups and downs....<br />
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My period didn't start. <br />
Now remember I hadn't up until the first Clomid round had a normal on time cycle. Remember how exciting that was?!<br />
So I was fully expecting to start right on time last Sunday. Is it sad I am already so used to negative pregnancy tests that's not even what I wait for?! Lol! Totally was waiting for my period. I'm a freak.<br />
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Sunday came and went. No period, slight cramping, but other than that nothing. Not one thing. <br />
Mon, Tue, and Wed came and went as well.<br />
Along with about $100 worth of pregnancy tests which I'm sure you have guessed by now were all Big Fat Negatives! <br />
What the hell was going on with me?<br />
Why was my period off again?<br />
Why can't my body just get it's shiz together?!<br />
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Secretly hoping (bc everyone who blogs about miracle pregnancies says their test didn't show a positive for weeks and weeks) that maybe our mini Stell just didn't want to show himself at that time. How can you not get excited? How can you keep yourself from getting totally let down? How can you stop praying to see even a twinge of blood but then praying just as hard you don't?<br />
Conflicted my people. Con to the flicted. <br />
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Around Thursday I did finally see a hint of something but it was a light brown color. Sorry TMI, but you are going to read far worse by the end of the journey I imagine ;) <br />
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So I did what I know best. Called my Dr. She said that she wouldn't recommend starting Round 3 until I was absolutely sure my period was starting. Me thinking the whole time ummmm like another year from now? Yes, negative creeping in...it happens. She said she was sure it was just my period trying to start and with each round your period gets a little later. WHAT?! You are giving me something that will make me even more weird. She's lucky I like her. <br />
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Went to the pharmacy and filled the Clomid just in case something happened - along with another $30 spent on a pregnancy test. Ya know, just because. I mean why not? <br />
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Saturday I had the most terrible headache in the WORLD. Well not quite migraine but pretty dang horrible. <br />
Then Sunday - my life went back in the direction I am getting pretty comfortable with! I started! Praise my wonderful Jesus! <br />
My body was working - it was doing what it could to deliver. <br />
Even though my cramps were off the charts I totally didn't care. Cramp on! <br />
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So with that being said Round Three starts tomorrow. This is the last round my Dr. will give me before referring me to a fertility specialist. Is it rotten that I just want to skip that nonsense and go straight up the chain. A wasted month to me just doesn't sound fun BUT let's just see for the hell of it what kind of WONDERFUL ailments I encounter this round. So excited :/ <br />
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This is what my friend wrapped Clomid cycles up as:<br />
1st: Feeling good, no symptoms, excited, hopeful.<br />
2nd: Tired, apprehensive, super overly emotional and hormonal.<br />
3rd: Absolute bitch mode.<br />
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Everyone say a prayer for my sweet husband.<br />
June might rock his world. Sigh....<br />
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Nobody will ever be able to say we didn't want our awesome mini Stell. We know God will give us our little one in His time - I just have to keep faith that I can handle the steps it will take to get there!<br />
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Yep, so that's about it! <br />
Clomid is quickly becoming not so cool ;)<br />
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Happy Summer people! <br />
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Love,<br />
Me<br />
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laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-30767126183380835322013-04-28T18:35:00.002-07:002013-04-28T18:35:56.793-07:00Dominican Republic...and Heidi ;) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a few photos from a wedding in the Dominican Republic/Punta Cana we went to in March..and of course, a quick pic of our little one. She makes the whole post worth it in my opinion ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UwzMg7zuKU-MF6kBB0LZHNMhiTp_lkQlocmFnzdnVvHWtcW-o1OJbaY7O1Iama9dhaNTDFyEt4gxmDI6tSjkNCXVTYAQEptHS1ObuDfpqXMznWz9BkbRrCbczFMcZzy1sROzbNaLjxw/s1600/heidiwho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UwzMg7zuKU-MF6kBB0LZHNMhiTp_lkQlocmFnzdnVvHWtcW-o1OJbaY7O1Iama9dhaNTDFyEt4gxmDI6tSjkNCXVTYAQEptHS1ObuDfpqXMznWz9BkbRrCbczFMcZzy1sROzbNaLjxw/s320/heidiwho.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our gorgeous Heidi girl! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoAbnvaMugRNhts7q-WZC3vvI5kuG9roia5rcqtt3LQ3011gTmzRApvC6_lJPxHUBsmUv4SUiRSSnX4RJU5aIKcG2wVTOWJnTJJAoYOiSDFrdqu7PqHgXn91VSTpFnwu9cLKecv7Uje0/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoAbnvaMugRNhts7q-WZC3vvI5kuG9roia5rcqtt3LQ3011gTmzRApvC6_lJPxHUBsmUv4SUiRSSnX4RJU5aIKcG2wVTOWJnTJJAoYOiSDFrdqu7PqHgXn91VSTpFnwu9cLKecv7Uje0/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Dominican Republic for Natalia and Rall's wedding! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq2acRD_bmFUjJJBPpVRvX_J6Q9AYaTZ-tREzXp9B9VH0u05FzXhSXnAAVjn6BcuC9Wzabw4CVhii5b4SuN8Y365GsNV9i3SYOLhLkZgl1F8DAzk6cErlmH5Ouon3g5SgCTdiZXneEhg/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq2acRD_bmFUjJJBPpVRvX_J6Q9AYaTZ-tREzXp9B9VH0u05FzXhSXnAAVjn6BcuC9Wzabw4CVhii5b4SuN8Y365GsNV9i3SYOLhLkZgl1F8DAzk6cErlmH5Ouon3g5SgCTdiZXneEhg/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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J, Flott, and Rall</div>
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Such a sweet bromance!</div>
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I like to call Dave my very own Drake. Love him! </div>
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Sassy little Aimee :)</div>
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The end. </div>
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XO</div>
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me</div>
<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-75684341772442632022013-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:002013-04-28T16:07:10.217-07:00"C" is for Clomid<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited to be able to write this post so soon! </div>
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I was planning on waiting to see the outcome of my Clomid experience then share. That outcome being either:</div>
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A) we got a positive pregnancy test (eeeek!) </div>
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B) my period started (oh my gosh!) </div>
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oooor (what I really thought was going to happen) NOTHING was going to come of the cycle and I would never get to write about my opinion on Clomid....well to my surprise - a super happy surprise - the correct choice is B! </div>
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Yes, I know it is odd that I am SO excited to have started a period when the end all result we want is outcome A but there is something to be said for the relief that my body FINALLY did something it was supposed to in the time frame it was supposed to! I am actually in a small state of disbelief! I also had a few reservations about getting pregnant the first round of Clomid after all the oddness my body has been going through. I've heard that quite a few first pregnancies end with a miscarriage or some type of complication. While most of my friends have perfectly normal pregnancies and it may sound like I'm being paranoid - I want to try to get some type of normalcy going in this weirdo body so we can give our mini Stell as much of a chance as we can :) </div>
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So, Yay! Aunt Flo is here and I am (in crazy crampy pain) a totally happy, girl! Like dance around the house loaded with Midol and loving every minute of it kind of happy. SO WEIRD! </div>
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So here is a little rundown of my Clomid cycle: it will be quick since I've spent way too much time typing an ode to a menstrual cycle. Wow. </div>
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Here we go:</div>
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My doctor gave me my first round of Clomid (50mg) and said since I had not had a period since January to just start it the next day instead of waiting for my period and starting the pill on day 3. That is the normal way to take it and we all know I'm not normal ;) </div>
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She said to come back in two weeks and would do a transvaginal ultrasound (like the one we did that showed my PCOS). This time we would look at my ovaries and see if any follicles were stimulated and to really just see if I responded at all to the drug. She told me that she didn't expect to see much of result and to not really expect much. I was ok with that and felt hopeful this would kick my body into gear. I was a Clomid fan already and I had no idea why. I'm a freak. LOL! </div>
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So I made my next appointment and started the pill the next day expecting all kinds of terrible symptoms to occur - remember Metformin?! Well I am happy to report that I had no symptoms except for a few crazy nightmares, a few little hot flashes, and lots of random discharge. <br />
Not bad, right?</div>
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Here is where I learned a very expensive lesson: PCOS messes with ovulation kits. Yeah - they don't work. What is that about?! I already have to deal with crazy cycles - now even all the money in the world can't help me do one normal thing? (I don't have all the money in the world - but you would think so judging by how many test and kits I buy) Stupid. </div>
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So needless to say I was getting a little down on Clomid. It obviously hadn't worked bc none of the ovulation kits came back positive and that was crap to me. So mad! Was I ever going to be normal again?! For the love - can I just be normal?! </div>
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Went to my two week ultrasound appt already prepared for the worst. Said a small prayer before getting out of the car and told God that I was totally ok with His plan and whatever He wanted to happen with this appt and my body I was ok with and that I knew it was in His time. BUT I hadn't ovulated - had no symptoms..hello - she was going to say Lauren, I warned you and I would say yes, I know but I'm crazy and an eternal optimist. So with these couple of convos running in my head I eventually ended up on the table with a wand you know where. Deep breath! </div>
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INSTEAD...she gave me the craziest news! I had 3 very healthy and beautiful (her words) follicles that looked 2 to 3 days away from ovulatoin. Holy crap, what?! She said if anything the Clomid had worked too well and I was a bit overstimulated. If James and I had any reservations about multiples we shouldn't try this cycle for mini Stell. Um...wow. I was shaking and trying to hold back tears. I don't think I have ever been filled with that much hope. God made sure I knew He had a plan! Apparently an over stimulated plan, but a plan. I got in my car, cried, called and texted my nearest and dearest...did the random vague facebook post and just basked in my amazing news! <br />
What a great day! </div>
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Sooo before I learned my lesson about crap ovulation tests I took multple tests multiples times for the next week. What happened to 2 to 3 days?! I called the office so upset and said that I was SURE what the doctor had seen were cysts - bc google said so. She told me that the only true way to tell about ovulation in PCOS patients was to do temperature charting. Ugh...I had been avoiding that. She also banned me from google. Lame. </div>
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Ok - wrapping this up. Two days later I ovulated. WORST PAIN EVER! I mean that might be a little dramatic but you have to remember I hadn't ovulated in years and I have no pain tolerance. Anyway it happened. Of course James and I talk a big game and decided we would love multiples and we had sex appropriately timed for the next week. I think he felt slightly used poor sweet guy... </div>
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I had my first legit "two week wait".</div>
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James super confident we had a mini Stell.</div>
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Me super hopeful for at least a period to happen. </div>
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So now is the end of Clomid cycle 1.</div>
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While we are not pregnant - I am so so so happy that my period started. I haven't been this happy about a period in years... you know when you have those Thank God I'm not pregnant! moments? Yeah, those. but WAY happier :) </div>
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Round 2 starts Tuesday! Yay! Maybe this cycle will bring even more to be excited about! <br />
Fingers crossed! </div>
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Hope everyone had a great weekend! </div>
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-XO-</div>
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Me</div>
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<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-775109794390775002013-04-25T18:53:00.001-07:002013-04-25T18:55:34.414-07:00"M" is for Metformin<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello all! </div>
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So I thought I would pick up where I left off about our little "plan of action" (besides mega prayer) for a mini Stell. </div>
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After we got the PCOS diagnosis my doctor immediately put me on a small dose of Metformin to see how my body would react. She warned me it wasn't an easy drug to take and be ready for some tough days. I was so excited at the prospect of getting to bottom of my issue that I didn't think twice! She started me on one pill a day for 1 week, two pills a day the next week, and finally the three pills a day starting week three and that would be my max dose. Forever. Yes, I am only 29 and have a forever prescription. Ugh. Anyway - I've never been one of the weird pill takers but all three of these HORSE pills with my big prenatals and dha supplement and my B complex....yeah it's a little more than I like to take. I digress... </div>
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Here is a quick description of the drug:</div>
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Metformin (Glucophage) for polycystic ovary syndrome</h2>
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Examples</h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="tw9316"></a><br />
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<tr><th>Generic Name</th><th>Brand Name</th></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-7061-METFORMIN+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=11285&drugname=Metformin+Oral">metformin</a> hydrochloride</td><td>Glucophage, Glucophage XR</td></tr>
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How It Works</h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="tw9317"></a><br />
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Metformin decreases the level of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/androgens-testosterone">androgens</a> produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It also helps the body use <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/insulin">insulin</a> and may reduce the risk of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/diabetes">diabetes</a>.</div>
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When blood sugar is lower, less insulin is needed, so the body makes less insulin. And when insulin is lower, the body produces a lower level of androgens.</div>
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Why It Is Used</h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="tw9318"></a><br />
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Metformin is a diabetes medicine sometimes used for lowering insulin and blood sugar levels in women with <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/polycystic-ovary-syndrome">polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)</a>. This helps regulate menstrual cycles, start <a href="http://www.webmd.com/medical_information/health_tools/interactive/ovu_calendar">ovulation</a>, and lower the risk of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/pregnancy-miscarriage">miscarriage</a> in women with PCOS. </div>
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Metformin can be used to treat women who have PCOS to reduce insulin levels and promote normal ovarian function. Metformin is best used in addition to eating a <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/old-diet-toc">healthy diet</a>, losing <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/healthy-weight-what-is-a-healthy-weight">weight</a>, and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/fitness-toc-old">exercising</a> regularly.</div>
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How Well It Works</h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="tw9319"></a><br />
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Metformin lowers insulin, androgen, and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/cholesterol">cholesterol</a> levels. It also improves <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/make-most-your-metabolism">metabolism</a> in women who are insulin-resistant.</div>
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Metformin may be useful in restoring regular menstrual cycles and starting ovulation in about 45% of women with PCOS.<sup class="Reference"><a href="http://women.webmd.com/metformin-glucophage-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome#tn10148">3</a></sup></div>
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Clomiphene (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-11204-clomid.aspx">Clomid</a>) and metformin may be more effective when they are taken together. But more research is needed to confirm if this is true.</div>
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Some studies show that taking metformin has helped with <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/in-vitro-fertilization-ivf">in vitro fertilization (IVF)</a>. But other research did not support this.</div>
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Metformin may lower the risk of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/miscarriage">miscarriage</a> or <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/gestational-diabetes--(dupe)">gestational diabetes</a> in women with PCOS, but this has not yet been confirmed by research. Metformin is probably safe to take while you are <a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-toc-old">pregnant</a>. But because metformin is only FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes, you should talk with your doctor about the use of this medicine for reducing your risk for miscarriage or treating PCOS symptoms. </div>
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Side Effects</h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="tw9320"></a><br />
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The most common side effects of metformin are:</div>
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Nausea.</div>
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Loss of appetite.</div>
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Diarrhea.</div>
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Increased abdominal gas.</div>
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A metallic taste.</div>
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So, maybe not so quick, BUT that explains better than I ever could. </div>
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Basically this medicine is supposed to level out and help my body get back to normal ovulating condition. Like NORMAL people! Maybe I should embrace the whole not normal thing ;) </div>
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Day 1 - No issues. Felt fine. I was feeling good! I was a master pill taker and my body rocked! </div>
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Day 3 - So I cheated. I went to the next dose early...again rocked it.</div>
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Day 6 - So after a few days of taking the two I was still confident that I was fine and could move forward. I decided to take the full three and just see what happened - I could always go back to two and um hello, if I could jumpstart this process why not?? </div>
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Day 7 - MAJOR FAIL!</div>
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If I can give one piece of advice it would be to never jump to full doses of drugs that doctors warn you will be "tough". By "tough" they mean you will bloat up like a whale, have hot flashes, extreme nausea, constipation, more nausea, and the grand finale - literally crapping your tights. Yes. Your TIGHTS. </div>
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So tread lightly my friends...with high doses of Metformin you can temporarily lose control of your bowels. Gross. Had to share though. </div>
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Side note: This happened at home right before we were going to the theater. Praise the Lord! Had time for a quick change. It was definitely an experience.</div>
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Moral - follow your dosing instructions and transitions should go pretty smoothly. </div>
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I've now been taking Metformin since December. I've only had one cycle in January. It was short - but totally a cycle! It gave me a little hope! Was I getting back on track? No, according to my P Tracker app (LOVE IT) I am now 68 days "late" LOL! So laughable. How can I be late for something that just isn't going to happen? Kind of a bitter statement..but it's how I feel. </div>
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Had my yearly check up in May and mentioned to my doctor that James and I are super serious at the point so what is the next step we can take besides the Metformin. I was prepared to give her a long sob story about how we just can't wait...my parents are older...we are scared we are getting older...basically anything that would prevent her from saying well just wait it out. To my surprise when I told her I haven't had a cycle since January she immediately said CLOMID is what we need to try.</div>
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A voice of an angel is what rang in that cold room. I was elated. Yay! One more step in the right direction! Would this be THE step?! So excited! I had read lots of great success stories about Metformin and Clomid working together. I thanked her, left, and filled my prescription.</div>
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Next blog:</div>
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Clomid (My First Cycle)</div>
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My thoughts :)</div>
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Sorry for the long blog entry.</div>
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I'm a little wordy ;)</div>
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Goodnight everyone!</div>
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XO</div>
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Lauren</div>
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<sup class="Reference"></sup> </h3>
laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-86575311836399515602013-04-22T15:46:00.000-07:002013-04-22T15:55:36.915-07:00A new bloggable purpose...<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a little known fact to people outside my little social circle and salon (aka maybe 5 people) that James and I are thinking about starting a family of our own.</div>
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By thinking I mean we are ready to take the plunge. <br />
I have officially started walking baby aisles randomly for reasons other than showers - I call it research. I have been on Etsy almost more often than I was for my wedding looking at nursery ideas, cute outfits - ya know..for the baby we aren't even having. Also research. It's safe to say I have the bug. We are super excited. Soooo with all of that being so dang super....there is a hiccup. My body SUCKS. Not like crap I need to lose 10 pounds and this acne just won't go away sucks but like oh my wow my internal workings are all kinds of crazy sucks. I realize I have taken for granted how bad things with people's bodies can truly be. While I have stressed over excessive hair, acne, and vanity pounds others have serious issues. So in retrospect what I am about to go on a bit of a rant about is something I hope to one day roll my eyes about and say ummm you thought YOU had it bad?! <br />
Ok so back to the acne, excessive hair growth, and weight issue...it's for a reason people!</div>
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Why didn't I know this back in like middle school?! PCOS!<br />
Let's start from the beginning:</div>
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James and I decided in October I would stop taking my birth control pills, meet with my super sweet and sassy OBGYN for a preconception appt and be on our road to parenthood. Easy right?! Everyone is like you better be ready, it happens so fast, my husband just winks at me and I'm pregnant, oh my gosh happened on our first try, I am the virgin Mary...ya get the picture. We were going to have a baby and quick. I was following all of the steps..No BC for three months before trying, take prenatals, you know that drill. Well at the appt I mentioned a previous OBGYN said that my lining was thin and that when we decided to start trying for a baby it would be a good idea to have that checked just in case I needed some sort of medicine to thicken it up so our baby could attach. Well my Dr. took us into the ultrasound room and instead of finding a thin lining she found tons of tiny little cysts lining my ovary like a string of pearls (her words). She said this was abnormal in the sense of how it looks but not abnormal for someone who has a history of weirdly timed to non existent periods, acne, excessive hair, and weight gain. Enter exhibit A) what pcos looks like in the ovary. ( not mine just so you know) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCEtygSVMXSQwcwa1QuyDP58a4mvt7YesdRc_P8EriP1elsM40A24irQv75bbfE3De2hptAYPmdj5AQwEIu81r-ryGMfSH02BBm_oH_gBT_4tZQrZ0-UtN08AFSwtLBT8p8Z_Q9Sd5sk/s1600/picture_ovaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCEtygSVMXSQwcwa1QuyDP58a4mvt7YesdRc_P8EriP1elsM40A24irQv75bbfE3De2hptAYPmdj5AQwEIu81r-ryGMfSH02BBm_oH_gBT_4tZQrZ0-UtN08AFSwtLBT8p8Z_Q9Sd5sk/s320/picture_ovaries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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See the difference? What does this mean? </div>
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Quick rundown! </div>
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(Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Approximately five to ten percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS. Most women with PCOS don’t even know that they have it. In fact, less than twenty-five percent of women with PCOS have actually been diagnosed. Most women do not get a diagnosis until they begin trying to get pregnant. Some of the symptoms of PCOS may be overlooked until a woman starts trying to conceive a <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.justmommies.com/articles/pcos-and-infertility.shtml#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px transparent; display: inline; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap" id="itxthook0p"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook0w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #009900; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">baby</span><img class="itxtrst itxtrstimg itxthookicon" id="itxthook0icon" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png" style="margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 4px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important;" /></span></a>.</div>
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What is PCOS?</h2>
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<a href="http://www.justmommies.com/articles/pcos.shtml">PCOS</a>, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a medical condition that affects women’s menstrual cycles, fertility, hormone levels, and physical appearance. Women with PCOS produce high levels of insulin. Researchers believe that excessive insulin production causes their bodies to respond by producing high levels of male hormones or androgens.</div>
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During the first half of a normal menstrual cycle, several follicles will develop. Each follicle contains an egg. As the menstrual cycle continues, only one follicle will remain. This follicle will produce the egg during ovulation. Once the egg has matured, LH levels will surge causing the egg to burst from the follicle. This is when ovulation occurs.</div>
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Excess male hormones produced with PCOS affect the production of female hormones necessary for ovulation. A woman with PCOS does not produce enough hormones to cause any of the follicles to mature. They may grow and collect fluid but none become large enough for ovulation. Some of these follicles may develop into cysts. Because ovulation does not occur, progesterone is not produced. <a href="http://www.justmommies.com/articles/progesterone-pregnancy.shtml">Progesterone</a> is what causes the lining of the uterus to thicken. A woman’s cycle will be irregular or absent without progesterone.</div>
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And as we all know - without regular cycles and ovulation no mini Stell is in our near future! Sad!</div>
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After processing this a minute back in December I asked how we should move forward. <br />
Was there a forward?</div>
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Well my friends with modern medicine, patience, and resilience YES we could (and did) move forward!</div>
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So I've decided to use this blog to document our journey to bringing a fabulous little mini Stell into this crazy world. I think this will be helpful not only to my mind, soul, well being, sanity (whatever works for you) I think it will be a fantastic outlet so I don't drive my friends and loved ones absolutely insane. See! Love my friends! So considerate! I am going to spare them my nasty ovulation details, my cervical mucus charts and my oh my gosh my temp spiked! moments! Yes. This will be my outlet for all of my TTC (trying to conceive for any newbies) thoughts, emotions, moments... Yes, my own therapy. This is going to be good ;) </div>
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So with all of that said: Welcome to my TTC blog. I have PCOS. It won't get the best of me and my little family to one day be :) <br />
Catch that rhyme? See, I totally need a kid.</div>
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Maybe a girl who searches random blogs for hope night after night just like I do will run across this blog and not feel helpless or alone. This condition is common but no matter how common - hearts can be broken. Hearts yearn. This heart will be strong because I know we have a plan.</div>
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I know our amazing God has a plan. </div>
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That, my friends, is why I am so excited to share our story. <br />
To reach out to others. To document miracles. <br />
So very excited!</div>
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Our mini Stell is loved more than words can descibe already by me, James and so many others...<br />
Can't even imagine how we will feel when he is really cooking away inside ;) Crazy!</div>
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Ok, enough for now. Just wanted to share the new purpose of the blog. <br />
Get ready for some baby makin' good times! <br />
Yeah, I went there.</div>
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XOXO</div>
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Lauren</div>
laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-22523043791190160692013-04-22T10:13:00.002-07:002013-04-22T15:57:42.571-07:00A little studio named Gloss...<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet another long hiatus!</div>
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What's a girl to do? Life doesn't slow down even when you make a conscious effort to make it. Also - opening a salon doesn't really help! </div>
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Yes, it has been almost (basically days away) a YEAR since James and I with the help of my parents opened Gloss Hair Studio. </div>
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I am in love with the space. It makes me smile and so so proud of us. It isn't all sunshine and daisies BUT the good outweighs the bad by well...no comparison. </div>
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I think I can give credit to the salon's first year of wonderfulness to:</div>
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A) James - he keeps all of our finances in order. Keeps me on a budget. Tells me how great I am and how proud of me is. Just basically keeps me together :) Love him. </div>
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B) My mom and dad - They gave us the money to open the salon and since we didn't have to go through a bank the stress of paying back before we were on our feet wasn't an issue. My dad is super handy and is there as soon as we need him. Leaky faucet, pipes, things to be hung, this and that to be fixed. Yes, he is such a blessing to the salon. Not sure what kind of craziness we have averted bc of his help. Love him.</div>
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C) The girls of Gloss - what can I say. I knew what I wanted when we opened the salon. A group of girls that I could trust, did great hair, and that I could stand to be around 5 days a week in a 1750 sq ft. space. As with any group of girls - moods happen, bad days occur, we just get annoyed. BUT my awesome group of girls feels more like a group of friends that get mad, get glad, get over it! I am so proud of each girl. So proud that they work with me. So proud that care about Gloss like I do. Life is good with my girls. Love them.</div>
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D) All of the wonderful friends and clients that keep lifting Gloss up and making it even more fabulous. Oh my gosh. I am so so so humbled by the support from the community. We have felt so at home in Summerwood. It is amazing. Also, I want to give a BIG shout out to my very best promoter Brenda Parks. I love her to the moon and back. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders from day 1. Well even before. She pushed me long before the idea of Gloss even came into being. "I know you could do it" "You should totally open a salon"....just words at the time that were a seed. That seed grew into major confidence and with the help of friends, family, and clients Gloss is in full effect! Love them all.</div>
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So enough of this... It's kind of sappy ;) </div>
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Picture time! </div>
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So there you have it. </div>
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A little peek of what my year has been devoted to.</div>
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Wouldn't have it any other way! </div>
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Thanks to all of my friends, family, clients, and the community a million times over for all of the love and support. It means the world! </div>
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Stay Glossy! </div>
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XO</div>
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Lauren</div>
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laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-31390863586535163162012-10-14T19:50:00.000-07:002012-10-14T19:50:01.217-07:00YOU KNOW YOU WANNA.....<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been a long time since I last posted...</div>
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A really long time.</div>
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And as with all long times - there is a ton of info to cover. Knowing I will most likely forget things here and there I will just have to add those later if and when I think of them.</div>
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So as of September 30th 2012, James and I have been MARRIED for ONE year! I honestly can't believe it. I heard from quite a few peeps that the first year is the absolute hardest to adjust to. I think James and I bypassed that first year situation by living together for a good two or three years before the big day so I'm thinking the whole "first year hell" happened a while ago. I think I actually have a blog about it? </div>
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Ok - anyway...because I LOVE looking at our wedding photos here are few from the big day! </div>
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It was everything a wedding should be. Gorgeous weather, wonderful family and friends, a great party. I wouldn't change a thing. Well, I kind of wish we could have another one just to invite some new friends we've made over the year that would have had a blast with us. I'm sure of it ;) It really was THAT wonderful.</div>
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I find myself extremely jealous now of other people getting married and their weddings. Like that oh my gosh I'm turning 10 shades of green jealous. I want another one. No changes, just an exact replica of our night.Yes, it was that good. Yes, I'm saying it again</div>
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Ok, here ya go! </div>
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Our wedding in a handfull of photos :)</div>
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Pretty exciting stuff, right?! I have about 400 more but I didn't want to get excessive</div>
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You're welcome ;) </div>
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Another surprise that came with our wedding photos was an amazing DVD that our photographer Mindy put together for us. Actual footage. </div>
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I can relive our day anytime I want to. James watches too - and he tears up. Honest. </div>
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Ok sooo moving on! HONEYMOON! </div>
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As you know, we went to Antigua. It was at first super scary but turned out to be an absolute paradise. As we flew into Antigua we were so so amazed at the beauty of the water, the green hills, the sun....oh my gosh get me to beach again.</div>
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As we landed I could barely wait to get off the plane. Like legit going to push some old people out of my way. Then we got to exit the plane OUTSIDE. I felt kind of cool. I know that's not that different but it just added to the tropical feel. So walked into get our bags and I was immediately reminded of why I freak out in not so affluent areas. Modern it was not. The "airport" was a hectic unairconditioned crazy town. James of course took the lead and waved down a taxi (mini van) the man packed as many people as he could into this mini van and threw our luggage here, there and everywhere. I did feel a little better that our fellow cab riders looked like older experienced travelers. Reminded me of my parents so I could breathe easy..for like 2 min. They got to their resort mega early. Apparently we chose the most hidden, most remote resort on the island. Ok - to wrap this up - this guy took us through a ton of scary back ways where the streets were so narrow people walking down the streets could have kissed me through the open taxi window. Not exaggerating. Sad. Depressing. I was in tears and wanted to go home. The driver was going off on some rant about money, politics, etc. it was damn scary. THEN he turns off to another road slams on the breaks and jumps out. I know immediately we are going to be the next missing honeymoon couple on CNN. Praying at this point. He adjusts the poorly placed baggage and jumps back in and drives on. All this - no words, no explanation..then begins ranting again. Another 10 minutes and we start to see beautiful hills, hints of ocean peeking out, flowers....I was calming down. We pulled to our resort and it was crazy how fast I went from having a legit meltdown to feeling like I was in tropical heaven. Cocobay Beach Resort is amazing and I WILL go back. </div>
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Here are few pics! Wish I could describe in detail our days there but that would take way too long. WAY. Hopefully the pictures do our honeymoon a little bit of justice. </div>
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There you have it. One of the best vacations to date. Can't believe this all happened ONE whole YEAR ago! We have had so much fun and I think, well I know, there is nobody on this planet that could make me as happy as this silly boy..the one right up there. Love his hat. </div>
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So next blog topic:</div>
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JAMES AND I OPENED A SMALL BUSINESS!</div>
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(and other bits of info)</div>
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Details to come. Well you probably already know about it but humor me ;)</div>
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XOXO</div>
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Lauren E. Stell</div>
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(yep, took me a year to LOVE my new last name) </div>
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I now think it looks a bit fancy.</div>
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Agree? </div>
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laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-46407317932885715462012-02-20T15:09:00.000-08:002012-02-20T15:09:55.541-08:00It's been a YEAR?!<div style="text-align: center;">So it has been over a YEAR since my last post. A YEAR! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Think anything has happened in a year? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Um, so much! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Starters - our engagement photos! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a peek! </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mindy Fuller with Ree Photography did our session. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to Galveston and shot on the strand and had an absolute blast! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After that day I knew we had made the best decision when we chose to have Mindy not only shoot our engagement photos but our WEDDING! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NEXT UP:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">MY BRIDAL SHOWER</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx1zC0R_AHKTQiCTdww7QErM_k-RJxXldAyVqNL-OmUEvfKnD1MXsBAZbnwOx-nMKGE808YerLDDubtlYDUB1RXqKb5VeMRpAC9fUjJVgxqPcsVR3sJiaz5QTVBbA71qbO3CgjIJainU/s1600/showers+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx1zC0R_AHKTQiCTdww7QErM_k-RJxXldAyVqNL-OmUEvfKnD1MXsBAZbnwOx-nMKGE808YerLDDubtlYDUB1RXqKb5VeMRpAC9fUjJVgxqPcsVR3sJiaz5QTVBbA71qbO3CgjIJainU/s320/showers+020.JPG" width="207" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So my shower was amazing. It was such a fun afternoon! After a few glasses of champagne my butterflies went away and I let myself let loose, laugh, and open up some gifts! James and I were so blessed by everyone. We were spoiled and our house stocked! My super sweet friend Sandy offered to help out by letting us use her home. Has anyone ever looked into hosting a large shower at a restaurant?! Outrageous! With the help of Sandy - my mom, sister, and bff Steph threw me a shower that I will remember forever. It was beautiful, the food was delicious, and of course my girls looked gorgeous ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and now........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BRITNEY SPEARS CONCERT! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we couldn't possibly miss my girl's big Houston concert so me, James, Sister, and Jen dressed up and got down! Started out at the flying saucer and after that I forgot my camera in the car :( So no Britney is awesome photography. With that being said: The concert was amazing! Nicki Minaj was the opening act and I can't wait for her to come solo. We are so there! We met up with some friends once we were there and all got into the VIP section with a candy bar, super close seats, and even better a super close bar! We ended up at South Beach and danced the night way Britney style. I was a happy girl! BEST NIGHT! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xf3dQeP8fxMXLfWBCYjxJblkTlIqTUnTUcouwbbYMLr6b5y7HgVbZCpmgRD-I-2A_sfSOrk3gVSRQHkKLYkmct05Pu25UXU54RGgZhE8sVdZsGyqX9K_qHcCyHWEyk_PfgBKPY779tY/s1600/Iphone+423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xf3dQeP8fxMXLfWBCYjxJblkTlIqTUnTUcouwbbYMLr6b5y7HgVbZCpmgRD-I-2A_sfSOrk3gVSRQHkKLYkmct05Pu25UXU54RGgZhE8sVdZsGyqX9K_qHcCyHWEyk_PfgBKPY779tY/s320/Iphone+423.JPG" width="239" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqaYQxAUvEYOv-5Z9yqv3Ek1af6arDnoGPPfA1971ClPqc8cNWeDqh9ClVYP7677zBxTNbRlhyYfz5e5oaiAxY26lwCshP2_LXrq0q9i_OkjMCs__HEa2mC5CnoyhpYlzaxRwm9HbKFM/s1600/Iphone+419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqaYQxAUvEYOv-5Z9yqv3Ek1af6arDnoGPPfA1971ClPqc8cNWeDqh9ClVYP7677zBxTNbRlhyYfz5e5oaiAxY26lwCshP2_LXrq0q9i_OkjMCs__HEa2mC5CnoyhpYlzaxRwm9HbKFM/s320/Iphone+419.JPG" width="239" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Onto the San Antonio Hair Show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was incredible! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steph and I made it a short weekend and drove up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too many pictures to show but we took home tons of memories! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best part of the Hair Show was seeing Beth Minardi the most bad ass hair colorist EVER. We learned so much and felt absolutely revived and excited about our jobs! Of course, we had to goof off a bit. Ripley's was just around the corner and I'm not one to pass up on something silly. There was a haunted house area that almost killed us. Seriously. I almost had a heart attack. Sweating occured. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, little tid bit of info. Steph booked us in one of San Antonio's most haunted hotels. Now I talk a big game about loving all things haunted...not so much. I had worked myself up so much I could barely go into the bathroom alone. I seriously asked Steph if I could keep the door open. It was bad. BAD. So then after I had gotten over my nerves my wonderful roomie for the night kept making the creepiest noises. At one point she grabbed my toes as I was leaning off the bed to grab my phone. Near heart attack number 2. Needless to say I didn't sleep that night. At all. Thanks, Steph. Love you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BACHELORETTE WEEKEND!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yyMzoA5aN0z5776lKg-sbOtqTSe5AEqIWyi3G-HmF0JhGlEwoyeXRuoUDCBUpnQ4PMzs_PFxqxnQyuEJWRLGChNTHhhONWt5Uh5n-dTDnI3AOgkw78qoLmaD6EEuVc82qadoG61Y2Yg/s1600/IMG_5219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yyMzoA5aN0z5776lKg-sbOtqTSe5AEqIWyi3G-HmF0JhGlEwoyeXRuoUDCBUpnQ4PMzs_PFxqxnQyuEJWRLGChNTHhhONWt5Uh5n-dTDnI3AOgkw78qoLmaD6EEuVc82qadoG61Y2Yg/s320/IMG_5219.JPG" width="284" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So for my bachelorette weekend I decided that I wanted to just relax with some of my favs downtown. We booked at the Omni and had a super fun weekend! Started of Friday night at Max's Wine Dive and then went out on Washington. Danced, drank, talked, did those girly things :) The next day we decided to have an afternoon by the pool. The Omni pool is beautiful. I actually could have spend all day out there! They had a little cabana with a bar and grill. The sun was shining, the water was perfect and I had my girls. How could it be better?! Well - that night we all met up at Cyclone Anaya's and started the evening with their dangerously delicious margaritas. Always the beginning to a memorable night! After dinner we went to Pete's Piano Bar. SO MUCH FUN! I had a blast, gained a stalker, and took my fair share of shots. So onto the next club. Not sure of the name of it but it was on Montrose. Boys, boys in thongs and baseball socks, and a shower were involved. That's all I'm saying. Lastly we ended up at South Beach. My FAVORITE place to go dance. The music is amazing! The energy is the best! The cool mist comes just at the right time! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOVE THIS PLACE! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So after everyone had plenty to drink, plenty of dancing - we went back to the Omni and crashed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What an amazing bachelorette weekend! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wouldn't have changed a thing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XOXO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok so - I'm sure I forgot some events from the past year but that was a bit of a wrap up. Awesome year! Actually I can count that as the best year to date. 2011 was everything I dreamed and more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am one very lucky girl! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, no post would be complete without a few pics of my handsome man and my sweet Heidi girl! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here ya go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYYeMfozA26R34ZnwAHxqbA_d-G1Y5p8SGQ4hj5DmehlMT_EA2aG649gyqhd4fsiOMonQwKVG598NQ9eFuBncP_7pzgRMTfV1aul5TNDlt2uWg38yDT5VDK2R-2G6DmdCkmcudp70QJM/s1600/Iphone+485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYYeMfozA26R34ZnwAHxqbA_d-G1Y5p8SGQ4hj5DmehlMT_EA2aG649gyqhd4fsiOMonQwKVG598NQ9eFuBncP_7pzgRMTfV1aul5TNDlt2uWg38yDT5VDK2R-2G6DmdCkmcudp70QJM/s320/Iphone+485.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Blink 182 concert a few days before our wedding. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-SaMmzo6oYV8uk_xOBVbSoRHVZxowZPT-iAmvQhHxCURbe3x7RFtJ__BtqYDPkm00nKSKv12V6z7KdlKu0HCKiktEu1QH3Rxs1GIJsJEZTmLO0kx4pn9HC-RkLXwZiQa18cPXOzG8JY/s1600/Iphone+453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-SaMmzo6oYV8uk_xOBVbSoRHVZxowZPT-iAmvQhHxCURbe3x7RFtJ__BtqYDPkm00nKSKv12V6z7KdlKu0HCKiktEu1QH3Rxs1GIJsJEZTmLO0kx4pn9HC-RkLXwZiQa18cPXOzG8JY/s320/Iphone+453.JPG" width="239" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok! Kind of caught up! Next blog: Our Honeymoon & Our Wedding! Yay! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOVE,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">me</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-52461932869766916302011-01-24T07:13:00.000-08:002011-01-24T07:13:55.704-08:00I'm thinkin' I'm beyond bratty.....Sooo I know my last blog was a little bit whiny, but no worries - i'm over it!<br />
<br />
Because..........<br />
<br />
WE BOOKED OUR HONEYMOON!<br />
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After tons of research, mind changes, and endless amounts of doubting our ideas & choices - we came back to the little place we decided on the very beginning of this crazy honeymoon finding journey. So, where is it?!<br />
<br />
ANTIGUA!<br />
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Here are few pictures:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2cymDhaP9KzyjA1wfeq61Bh39RUXYMmtGTxDmuYdaNBOXv1dbeqdGu1vLomOSCw7cC_zuFX7vxf8kH4RJCqWvAjmGPGkd0oB-IKQ6aLKiQA06IHIeIHxLHQ3vl870FJUNwDePnPj3L4/s1600/agnew.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2cymDhaP9KzyjA1wfeq61Bh39RUXYMmtGTxDmuYdaNBOXv1dbeqdGu1vLomOSCw7cC_zuFX7vxf8kH4RJCqWvAjmGPGkd0oB-IKQ6aLKiQA06IHIeIHxLHQ3vl870FJUNwDePnPj3L4/s320/agnew.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> here is a little hint on where it is located....i had no idea until we started booking flights ;)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWioSY20EdNRgZmqG0Co_XGKaPZkL3ii-qH9VtSXSVo0FwwRkuFfSPve9dj0x_i_e1e2Scbk8kijCgX8wm836HHfkfajJXaY0xmW8FeecHMPRDudep775oOZOZkSYpj2wB7qzVMpxKCk/s1600/coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWioSY20EdNRgZmqG0Co_XGKaPZkL3ii-qH9VtSXSVo0FwwRkuFfSPve9dj0x_i_e1e2Scbk8kijCgX8wm836HHfkfajJXaY0xmW8FeecHMPRDudep775oOZOZkSYpj2wB7qzVMpxKCk/s320/coco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cocobay Beach Resort</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMFEXyi2Izv4ikWMFLwW4PAyR6wg9xJodA4VVDOa2Kxn4s0USQQbSRMNgmZeZn3GLK2Pw1b2dgGRBQuK75G6C1f9odakvmbrB7DcFMZXRBKWqd18jJrWfqWPyelQ7491TfrpruEw7Mgw/s1600/coco2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMFEXyi2Izv4ikWMFLwW4PAyR6wg9xJodA4VVDOa2Kxn4s0USQQbSRMNgmZeZn3GLK2Pw1b2dgGRBQuK75G6C1f9odakvmbrB7DcFMZXRBKWqd18jJrWfqWPyelQ7491TfrpruEw7Mgw/s320/coco2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTZc_DimDqrA5qmyq8QPPCW0SsMFyJc4U7WKA7PVKzp5ZG0loQiLxwuWpPwSbG5C2GeMXWtnPAkXoUdHSfvkojmdgfEK9Oi-KJyI2SmqLMPcFDuRnnRoZ9eYkXqfIJszfDmhNb-FUeEk/s1600/cocobay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTZc_DimDqrA5qmyq8QPPCW0SsMFyJc4U7WKA7PVKzp5ZG0loQiLxwuWpPwSbG5C2GeMXWtnPAkXoUdHSfvkojmdgfEK9Oi-KJyI2SmqLMPcFDuRnnRoZ9eYkXqfIJszfDmhNb-FUeEk/s320/cocobay1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That is a representation of me & James. lol of course, we look a little bit better ;) can't wait for that to be us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So anyway - this little place Cocobay is not fancy by any means. Which kind of threw me off a bit at first. I was thinking ok on my honeymoon i want to be waited on hand and foot not have to do one thing and for everything to be perfect! who doesn't want that?! well - the more we looked for that the more we were seeing all of the huge resorts with thousands of people, reviews saying you cant ever find chairs by the pool, crowded beach - you get my point. not exactly my idea of romantic...so we were like ok smaller but with all of that. can you we say like $800-1000 a night?! not for 5 nights sisters! James would die. So that got nixed. Moving on. we found this little place online through trip advisor. It only has around 30-40 little cabins on the hillside and beach. So its very private and not crazy busy and loud. The resort isnt super modern and chic - it kinda said basic shabby chic. whatever give me a drink and im money ;) Anyway we book a beach front little cottage hut thing with its own plunge pool. So neat! I am so looking forward to james and i sitting on the porch (like the above picture exactly but with a beer) and just breathe and say This is our HONEYMOON! Hurry up October 2?! Please?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So in spite of my long list of gripes in the past post - I have thought about it and talked to a few friends. One said she and her husband have some days where they just need to be alone to do what they want - like read a book, watch a movie...I guess J and I don't have to be on top of each other all of the time..life will go on. I did talk to him though about how I felt and he said he felt so bad and that yes, life is sooo busy right now that we do need to make time of US. Love him. So we will see if I can kick this obsessive wedding behavior and he can give up sports center. Not likely but hopefully we can make a conscience effort ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So yesterday my parents came over for lunch! It was such a great day..another reminder of how great I have it. Someone slap me for being so moody and ungrateful ;) Anyway - mom went on a shopping spree for her wedding outfit last Thursday so she brought it all over to have a little fashion show for us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let me just say. My mom is trying to show everyone up at the wedding....and I love it. She looked so beautiful and honestly her smiling from ear to ear almost made me cry. Eeek! about to cry writing this! Honestly in the beginning mom wasn't too into this whole wedding thing - but I am so excited that she is putting so much thought and time into making our day special. Even if she is trying to look better than everyone there! LOL! Anyway we chose a pretty green dress from her choices and she looks great. Dad ws floored! So dang cute! He said, "Wow! Well that's impressive!" I think coming from dad that is a killer awesome compliment! So mom is set. Dad is our next project. That should be interesting...eh. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway - just rambling so I will quit boring everyone and go to my Jillian Michaels DVD. That damn dvd set needs a blog on its own. It is abuse. Straight abuse. But it hurts so good ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone have a fabulous Monday!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lauren </div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-28109590966366377512011-01-21T19:36:00.000-08:002011-01-21T19:36:53.962-08:00Resolutions?Ok - I am back from my blogging haitus....it's been over a month, i know - Stephanie tells me almost every other day. On top of that i have clients telling me i'm lame for not blogging now too! Here is a shout out & thank you to Stacey for getting my blogging butt in gear ;) <br />
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Soooo to catch up from Christmas (wow) I have to post a pic of our tree project first...it was a big deal!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k4ZCMnIJ7CZIB4EVe7MuGVqCRxXbL3E0BPMPsp9KU0Hp_U6SnFnj1iWwRltDrpaY6FjfWex7DbxjJmsbF_THxZP29ISi8cFBGy_BaC2dSkDiXngt8NDXjOpLzTvlISdC2e1LOtr_HrQ/s1600/december2010+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k4ZCMnIJ7CZIB4EVe7MuGVqCRxXbL3E0BPMPsp9KU0Hp_U6SnFnj1iWwRltDrpaY6FjfWex7DbxjJmsbF_THxZP29ISi8cFBGy_BaC2dSkDiXngt8NDXjOpLzTvlISdC2e1LOtr_HrQ/s320/december2010+005.JPG" width="167" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> so this is how dad dropped off the tree</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6phjyqcCbzf0tAh7dXlzsZLuUptpAhFkgxEIFiwm-u4j4D0xXk4Ck6gQA9f_D285_7IcgiRZU2fYRcjOPdvrBFbuC-4b__Vl3MvpwumTq-gJvwoZlE5fkcFZPIavT-BrpB0d5PF70ers/s1600/december2010+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6phjyqcCbzf0tAh7dXlzsZLuUptpAhFkgxEIFiwm-u4j4D0xXk4Ck6gQA9f_D285_7IcgiRZU2fYRcjOPdvrBFbuC-4b__Vl3MvpwumTq-gJvwoZlE5fkcFZPIavT-BrpB0d5PF70ers/s320/december2010+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">one gift painted & a little bit of texture</div><div style="text-align: center;">(see how into this i got?! i was really lecturing James about texture - like i know anything!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEMAJGGu-t5gscD2lIrPYOQoDcQSSzU1DKE_oIqPysUlz1FZjWGFv1vGY6YYuN2orvFUFBivga2ZIOfK7E1zUI7cRWBUBBH-RoMHOcUGaQfGn4zaZYuuZHxp4Pc3Fpfg5gqvBsDGVhos/s1600/december2010+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEMAJGGu-t5gscD2lIrPYOQoDcQSSzU1DKE_oIqPysUlz1FZjWGFv1vGY6YYuN2orvFUFBivga2ZIOfK7E1zUI7cRWBUBBH-RoMHOcUGaQfGn4zaZYuuZHxp4Pc3Fpfg5gqvBsDGVhos/s320/december2010+010.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> after only two little fights between us we completed our tree! we didn't take a professional pic this year bc well, we didn't have time..next year the tradition starts! So excited!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUxxFG0LLsQ26VouV2mMJ9tdMz4vTaD8KUz4CfRkKah_pFLUgVbQVvzxUE16jtog7hyphenhyphen6H2RnO7y4eI-42nYjfiUqjM7DaJf_1_DnJW61WfRZ7XGs0jA5sJUC-o7Eqq1vWuR7vaBVRFu0/s1600/december2010+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUxxFG0LLsQ26VouV2mMJ9tdMz4vTaD8KUz4CfRkKah_pFLUgVbQVvzxUE16jtog7hyphenhyphen6H2RnO7y4eI-42nYjfiUqjM7DaJf_1_DnJW61WfRZ7XGs0jA5sJUC-o7Eqq1vWuR7vaBVRFu0/s320/december2010+013.JPG" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">had to add this picture of Heidi bc she looks possessed </div><div style="text-align: center;">what a freaky little one we have...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OFUzxjh8npVhAzUrFZLfni7k_Vd_GPur8PCh-Mr7o6MOPbZUOe83walgsuW4J5o9UVb0r1v6cefSEQxpRhZEmGTVbcMAJyxhFr6AbuJySrsUrdgqyqmat9N0CBQoO2-YLMN2xuTV8z0/s1600/december2010+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OFUzxjh8npVhAzUrFZLfni7k_Vd_GPur8PCh-Mr7o6MOPbZUOe83walgsuW4J5o9UVb0r1v6cefSEQxpRhZEmGTVbcMAJyxhFr6AbuJySrsUrdgqyqmat9N0CBQoO2-YLMN2xuTV8z0/s320/december2010+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and of course, my handsome man who put his blood, sweat, and tears into making sure i got my tree finished in time for Christmas. You can tell how excited he was ;)</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">isn't it so super cute?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess I need to give a reason for my lack of blogging....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have nothing to really blog about! Is that so sad?! I mean things happen day to day - but I can't imagine anyone really wanting to read about them...then again, I love reading other people's random blogs so I digress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My life has been so crazy (not blog crazy) but busy crazy that really I wake up work out work (trying to keep the w's going - not working) anyway you get the picture. I started boot camp a few weeks ago to get in shape for my wedding dress (gorgeous). It really has taken a lot out of me. I am exhausted. I miss my boyfriend. I miss my friends. I come to work and manage to chit chat here and there but i feel like im missing out on spending time and hanging out with my salon girls bc im too tired to keep up :( Lame! At home is even worse. Since we have to two TV areas it seems he goes to one side and I go to the other just long enough to catch 30 minutes of relax unwind tv till its time to wake up at 4:30 to do bootcamp and start my day cycle all over again. Like I said - I miss my man. We went out to dinner tonight. It felt sooo good to have him all to myself. I just wanted to hug him and squeeze him and tell him how much i love him - i didn't don't worry. I promise I waited until we got home. Here is the not happily ever after part....he is in the living room watching sports center right now and i am pouring my heart out to a computer. I think all of this wedding planning/ cpa testing aftermath/ life is ALWAYS busy kinda stuff is kind of overwhelming us right now. I miss when we had nothing to do but be together and have fun. I guess to get to where you want to be, meet goals you want to reach, make life what you want of it you have to sacrifice a tiny bit..but im a little over it. Don't get me wrong. I consider myself a super lucky girl with an awesome guy, career i love, friends i love even more - i just miss SIMPLE. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">and i know- i am ocd about wedding planning. i need to stop. when i could be spending time with James im looking up aisle runners or bridesmaid dresses. ugh! can we be in Antigua already?! so excited for our wedding its going to be the bomb.com but can september kinda get here soon? I might drive myself (and others) crazy by then! oooooh wedddddings.....so pretty & special but so so much mentally, physically, and spendilly ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">so i guess what i can is to make a resolution or two.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1) keep life simple & keep my relationship with my super handsome super wonderful best friend i call my fiance - top priority. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2) blog a little bit more so i quit making people mad ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope everyone is having an awesome 2011 so far!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am soooo excited to see where it takes us all here at the 4911!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xoxo-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lauren</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WqjKsWIYOAPjWWdWpsFRv3CLyfrlIuZB9cZHYrjImJNSUv2OHLn-xS_eCI-v9GfDHxbO6fr7dKTDr2Qrb9r5p5A8O3zfgWLoEqPGD7aCkT4X4d7wgQgWz3pQqIbDFnnihO_Z6GiSwOY/s1600/january11+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WqjKsWIYOAPjWWdWpsFRv3CLyfrlIuZB9cZHYrjImJNSUv2OHLn-xS_eCI-v9GfDHxbO6fr7dKTDr2Qrb9r5p5A8O3zfgWLoEqPGD7aCkT4X4d7wgQgWz3pQqIbDFnnihO_Z6GiSwOY/s320/january11+042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> my favorite New Years Eve picture. Silly guy ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo06QlETrV69HZ8sjXO8SCK0p0gqlC5CJ6ysVcMg9QOKlnbTL_BwNkC18QidI1f0DBbt71uflPjX7ufWYH47ZlhRchgANpjj4ywibEGqZHSVYze7WhZ1VZS6xveXAZjr8KpuZrMy0VJg/s1600/january11+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo06QlETrV69HZ8sjXO8SCK0p0gqlC5CJ6ysVcMg9QOKlnbTL_BwNkC18QidI1f0DBbt71uflPjX7ufWYH47ZlhRchgANpjj4ywibEGqZHSVYze7WhZ1VZS6xveXAZjr8KpuZrMy0VJg/s320/january11+017.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love him!</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-4844653141977489092010-12-12T17:46:00.000-08:002010-12-12T17:46:17.644-08:00Not so bloggable...I think that would describe my life lately...<br />
<br />
Busy does not always equal bloggable. <br />
<br />
So, I started Weight Watchers. I suck at it. Steph says I started at a really bad BAD time. I think she's right. I can't help it that I am such an on impulse kinda gal though. The idea popped and my head and two minutes later BAM signed up. In my head I was on my way to my goal and I was going to get there quick fast and in a hurry...not so much. Everyone is asking why I wanted to start the program - I think that is silly. Why does anyone want to start a weight loss program.....to lose weight maybe? I have mastered the art of layering clothes and making double sure not to wear anything that results in rollage. Underneath this artful covering - there is some risky business happening - esp. with our wedding year coming up. Yeah. Wedding year. It's serious. Anyway - I have 10 lbs to lose. I will not accept losing 10lbs of water weight. I want 10 lbs GONE and in its place nice toned arms and a half decent tummy. A girl can dream ;) Let me tell you how WW has gone so far....I go over my points. Every single day. I bet I went over at least 10 pts. Saturday night. Lets not get into today. Geez. I think they should have like WW for the work week - like give so many pts. that splurging sat and sunday is totally ok and encouraged. Hmmmmm......<br />
I plan on getting better - the candy in the house is almost gone (not from Halloween, don't get crazy - I bought some Christmas candy) anyway - we've gone through most of that so I see an easier road ahead. Boot camp starts January 10th. Im super amped about that....me, boot camp, and WW combined is going to be Fab-U-lous....by March (our engagment pics) little late I know but my photographer said the light is great in march??? anyway by March I hope to be at least be 5 non water weight lbs lighter. Fingers crossed!!!!<br />
<br />
Ok - enough rambling.<br />
This weekend was fun....Saturday night J and I went out to eat and then went to Home Depot and Hobby Lobby to get stuff to finish my wooden Christmas tree my Dad made for us. Yes, he rocks. We have a tradition at Mom and Dads - every year we take a picture with Santa. This is no ordinary Santa. He is our personal super special Santa. Dad made him. Lynsey and I kinda helped. We were like 4&7 so not really. He cut him out of plywood and painted him from head to toe. I remember watching him thinking that he was the coolest Dad around and the was the most talented man in town (that so rhymed!) yeah sooooo here he is (Santa, not my Dad) :) Awesome right?! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGpnGWgXKe_AcZ8y_EZwCFFvT5AnfdX5vR8J24Fwdn_aVOuTJCOwE7YEKPqx1jk6XB5UkHRiupj7-1Jgeor-p1bA8tX_-M3MmyDO56SaEOp08riLSOrRixK4904J8FO1tFQh0o69wyaE/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGpnGWgXKe_AcZ8y_EZwCFFvT5AnfdX5vR8J24Fwdn_aVOuTJCOwE7YEKPqx1jk6XB5UkHRiupj7-1Jgeor-p1bA8tX_-M3MmyDO56SaEOp08riLSOrRixK4904J8FO1tFQh0o69wyaE/s320/100.JPG" width="251" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">anway - this year at Thanksgiving I mentioned to Dad that I would love to have something for our house kinda of like Santa. I came up with the christmas tree idea and drew out a plan for him. He laughed it off and said maybe for next christmas - well since my Dad is so freakin' awesome who has a tree for THIS Christmas?? ME and JAMES! James had to drop my parents off at that airport Saturday morning and my tree was delivered! So cool! Dad said we had to finish it though since it was going to become one of our traditions. I'm ok with that. Can't wait to post the results. Don't worry I will post a complete before and after deal. Wouldn't want you to be disappointed ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Super excited about this week - Tomorrow mani/pedi Tuesday girls dinner and this weeekend is full of fun parties with friends that I miss a lot since we are all growing up and have adult lives and priorities...no more nightly bar hops. sigh. anyway looking forward to the week! <br />
<br />
Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend - and has an even better week!<br />
<br />
XOXO<br />
<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-82424341496630636972010-12-06T17:08:00.000-08:002010-12-06T17:08:29.919-08:00"D" is for disappointment!Which is also a great word to sum up my weekend.<br />
<br />
Ok, I'm being dramatic. It wasn't toooo bad. <br />
Just a lot of busy, not a lot of sleep. and what I was awake for - not worth the loss of sleep.<br />
<br />
We had our salon Christmas party. We've had better.<br />
that's all I really need to say about that. Lame.<br />
<br />
Had some peeps over after the party - so my night got better. James, Steph, and Lauren N. are pretty much amazing at beer pong - I tried but I could feel a creepy cold coming on so I brought my butt back in the casa where there was a lot of DefJam Rapstar & Just Dance to take my mind off of it..wow that was the longest sentence ever. I'm not going to fix it. Yep, not caring.<br />
<br />
Sunday woke up with no voice, sicky stomach, and a boyfriend with nasty breath.<br />
<br />
That afternoon we met with Karla and some friends for her birthday in Katy. While it was fun hanging out my stomach was feeling a little not normal compliments of the jager from the night before. <br />
<br />
Because of this lunch (Karla this is NOT your fault) I threw up three times Sunday night - have you ever hacked up chicken wings?! ugh.....never again.<br />
<br />
So - While this first exciting holiday weekend wasn't the best I have high hopes for the next few weekends. No chicken wings, No jager, and um no work parties. Lookin' hopeful people!<br />
<br />
Wednesday I have a another appointment with my dermatologist. I'm going to have to have a serious talk with her. I've been totally trusting and putting all my faith in what she recommends - but I'm almost over her. My face is peeeeeeeling off. I get that it does that at first but this is like month 3 of horrible flaky ugly skin. I see no improvement. Just bad bad bad skin. I know the wedding isn't until Sept. but hellllo my pictures are coming up soon for our save the dates and um yeah - I don't think she can photo shop flakiness people. So I will let you know how that goes. I'm not good at asking questions when I need to soooo this may just end with me in tears begging her to fix my face, pleeeease!<br />
<br />
Again with the dramatics. I just need some nyquil and wine. and a hug from my man...<br />
<br />
So please everyone pray this sickness goes away, my appointment book at work gets filled, and I win the lottery..twice.<br />
<br />
oh & that my dermi fixes my face.<br />
<br />
<br />
XoXo<br />
<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-44787116574672551002010-12-02T12:40:00.000-08:002010-12-02T12:40:18.046-08:00Busy, Busy & Busier...Oooooh my goodness...even with James and I saying that we are keeping Christmas small this year - it's looking very overwhelming - while my bank account is well, underwhelming. I have sooo many great ideas about what I should could or would get people but this same thought keeps running through my head..."wedding wedding save for wedding"! Gross!! So I think I am just going to come to terms with the fact that this year isn't going to be about how many gifts we have under the tree - but about how great the wrapping paper coordinates on all three - maybe four gifts ;) Yes, I'm neurotic about matching my tree with my wrapping paper. That reminds me of a convo James and I had the other day....<br />
<br />
So growing up our family tree was a big mish mosh of memories, crafts, all kinds of crazy ornaments. NO THEME - gasp! Every year though I remember looking at our tree thinking it was the most gorgeous twinkling crafty family tree EVER! but - now that I'm older and tree is very themed and very matchy matchy (besides the ornament we try to get from every place we or my parents visit) (NYC is our newest addition!)I get nervous about how I'm going to be when my child wants to add his/her personal touch. Im gonna freak. James doesn't think so - he says we are going to think every addition our child makes will be our new favorite ornament. I think not. I think they are going to have their own kid tree in the den. James says we'll see. Makes me nervous, just sayin'...<br />
Here are a few pre Christmas pics to get you in the spirit - wooohoooo! <br />
<br />
<br />
Moving on.....<br />
<br />
James and his friends at work went in together to put their names in for the Devon suite at the Texans game last Sunday (yes, I saw the fight) (yes, very entertaining) but what I loved best about this was I drank allll the beer I wanted and alllll the cracker jacks I could get my hands on. The food - not so great so thank the good Lord there were cracker jacks. Those make me super happy - like WOAH happy.<br />
We did the whole tailgating thing - that was ok. I was more interested in the yummy donuts J got us. Sooo we get there and James' intern is like the cousin of a cousin of a cousin (you know the drill) of someone who manages or works with or whatever with someone from the Texans sooo we got to go down to the sidelines pre game! It was pretty much awesome. It took me back to my cheerleading days real quick like. So cool! Not that I am the biggest sports fan - but that made it a bit more interesting...and maybe the fight helped me love football just a bit more as well :) I will say though that having awesome seats, free beer, and time with my super handsome boyfriend make for a pretty great Texas game experience. Couldn't really go wrong. Oh! and they won...bc we were there. Duh.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Below pictures were supposed to be at top....but since I am no bueno with the blogging they ended up down here. Either way, Happy Holidays!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtfxh_Ne7_1-umL6c3Q0zzSPvAk9bS7ee56X3mqGo1OmhWvX2dEnMUk40KuZU7mDOCY6A2OVLSKG3uLyPx8Rp6MOExYZytuDZBZnODi3E69MwCMnIea-UjAtowK4Xwec-PugKmPZeO14/s1600/dec10+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtfxh_Ne7_1-umL6c3Q0zzSPvAk9bS7ee56X3mqGo1OmhWvX2dEnMUk40KuZU7mDOCY6A2OVLSKG3uLyPx8Rp6MOExYZytuDZBZnODi3E69MwCMnIea-UjAtowK4Xwec-PugKmPZeO14/s320/dec10+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5Q_bWhwfVwKGkVJ4LBi3wfyXgqz-b8rW_46FiNZjFJxAwmxWSlCLi3YAjzAy2FfIHIxNdFWBrhAyxGVTLSK6UVs_wMI5ep8yAmeFYVMXWNMDT7kOQdrI26wGdfvShiZOtRHjFs-WfwA/s1600/dec10+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5Q_bWhwfVwKGkVJ4LBi3wfyXgqz-b8rW_46FiNZjFJxAwmxWSlCLi3YAjzAy2FfIHIxNdFWBrhAyxGVTLSK6UVs_wMI5ep8yAmeFYVMXWNMDT7kOQdrI26wGdfvShiZOtRHjFs-WfwA/s320/dec10+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry early Christmas from Lauren, Heidi, and James </div><div style="text-align: center;">-xoxo-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">p.s. is anyone else getting a little nervous about making allll the events you are being invited to via Facebook?! I swear I don't have that many friends...it's going to be a busy December - deeeep breath!</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-26817861951702040792010-11-25T19:19:00.000-08:002010-11-25T19:19:06.488-08:00Digital Get Down....If you don't remember that song - download it. Digital Get Down by NSync. It is super fun & great to <strike>run</strike> I mean walk to...I suddenly have this addiction to all the highschool boy band groups. After watching the AMA's and seeing New Kids with Backstreet Boys - how can I not want to relive the poppy goodness?! So consequently my itunes is being flooded with NSync, Backstreet, and some more New Kids. Side note: the Backstreet Boys/New Kids on the Block tour is coming full force in June. I'm so there. You should be too..<br />
<br />
Soooo I found my wedding dress! Yes! I did! Well I have to say that it was a group effort. If you realllly know me you already know I thought I found THE dress. It was simple, no fuss, and ok, not gonna lie. Soooo affordable. Like sick affordable. I was OK with that. I loved that about the dress. More money to spend here and there. Open bars aren't cheap people! So I brought my mom, sister, and bridesmaid/best girl ever, to go on a dress hunt. I really just thought we were going to David's Bridal I was going to put on the dress and then bam - mom and sister would say how much they LOVED it and that it was THE PERFECT DRESS! Well, yeah. None of that happened. Here is more of how the convo went..<br />
<br />
Lynsey: it's pretty....with a not so convincing smile.<br />
Mom: silence....smirk.<br />
Steph: that is so perfect (steph knew how i felt about the dress and i had talked her into loving it as well)<br />
Mom: breaking her silence: well if you want it lets buy it. <br />
Me: do you like it?<br />
Mom: silence - slight head movment from the left to right....<br />
Mom: but it's your dress if you like it lets get it. <br />
<br />
Me: maybe we should go to our next appointmet at Venturas<br />
Mom: good idea.<br />
<br />
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo i was sick all the way to venturas. what was wrong with the dress?! why does nobody like it?! do i have awful wedding dress taste? and if that is the case do I just have awful wedding taste?! ooooh lord. my wedding is doomed. so we drive. i try to make small talk. Steph is being funny steph and making me feel 10 times better per minute. so i just let the dress go and decided to give venturas a chance.<br />
<br />
and thank goodness I did!<br />
<br />
as you pull up it looks like a scary warehouse. its a little sketchy. Wanna know my opinion though?! I think they make the outside look that way to prevent theft. Theft of alllll the beautiful gorgeous amazing gowns that they have in the wedding dress heaven. Im telling you...we walked in and despite the lists of rules here and there ( we were thrown off a bit ) but once you get the "ok you're clear come in" it is like a candy store for brides. Silk, taffeta, lace, ribbon, jewels, ooooh M G. <br />
<br />
My awesome consultant led me through rows and rows of amazingness. I chose a few to start off with -and she assured me she had some ideas that she would bring out later..<br />
<br />
As she helped me into the first dress a crazy cool feeling came over me. I felt like a REAL BRIDE. The Davids dress was pretty and casual and i felt pretty. This dress made me feel glamorous, gorgeous, I can honestly say as I looked in the mirror I wondered how one dress could make me feel so great about myself. If you haven't guessed - I ended up choosing the first dress I tried on. I tried on quite a few more but my mind kept pulling me back to dress one...and just seeing my mom, sisters and Stephs face just made me feel that much more confident in my decision. Mom said if I didn't pick that dress I was crazy & that she knew that was the dress I was supposed to marry James in. There were tears. Just seeing my favorite people so happy for me meant more than the dress. (the dress is fantastic though)..so after one day only I had the dress of my dreams. I can't wait for everyone to see it! My dad is going to wonder where his daughter went ;) I am so excited to see James' face when I walk down the aisle. He tells me I'm the prettiest girl ever pretty much every day but he has no idea what a treat he is going to get! LOL! This dress makes me feel sexy and confident and all the things I think of when I think of glamour. Yes, I said sexy ;) <br />
Hurry up September!!!<br />
<br />
So it's Thanksgiving. We went to mom and dad's in mont belvieu and it was a perfect day!<br />
<br />
Games and puzzles with Lynsey. Wine. Listening to my dad, uncle, and James argue about foreign, vs. american made cars. Football. FOOOOOOOD!<br />
<br />
my mom knows how to make thanksgiving dinner. let me tell ya. I so look forward to it. then I so regret it. but yeah, worth it totally. <br />
<br />
to wrap up this post I am going to just throw out 5 things Im way thankful for!<br />
<br />
1.) FAMILY - i would be lost without them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw8DjkqcdQ9lI5csgaGED6FzAO79-niJNRNKB32P2F3UTRY8VpUG1OJ0cfWOjcf8Vw6R63ghmHhDdK54qFs-8etNb36lr1PC7Pnc_G_V53pQu6LWJ6jciRSN9jHxIiDCEB1YeQm4YPNk/s1600/november11+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw8DjkqcdQ9lI5csgaGED6FzAO79-niJNRNKB32P2F3UTRY8VpUG1OJ0cfWOjcf8Vw6R63ghmHhDdK54qFs-8etNb36lr1PC7Pnc_G_V53pQu6LWJ6jciRSN9jHxIiDCEB1YeQm4YPNk/s320/november11+111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> me and the fam. my dad may or may not be an undercover pimp. we don't talk about it ;) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaI1Lgkf7NEmfEuwHEPH1lQLsH32C8VBrLME__9AYf4VvnOnnv0wOyUp18IXwp4B077BnTSoieYksiXs8BwA-t2bDjEo4yLmXAhKqwWEUeZ2x-BJnQB9sQaAVy1KvczFyRr8E2dDqqZgc/s1600/november11+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaI1Lgkf7NEmfEuwHEPH1lQLsH32C8VBrLME__9AYf4VvnOnnv0wOyUp18IXwp4B077BnTSoieYksiXs8BwA-t2bDjEo4yLmXAhKqwWEUeZ2x-BJnQB9sQaAVy1KvczFyRr8E2dDqqZgc/s320/november11+106.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">this was at 9-5 for my mom's birthday. we had a blast! and yes, Dolly Parton was actually there (just for my mom's big day of course)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">2.) JAMES he pretty much makes my day every single day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgKeiOqJBpVb7EKkTskdpXIaREEWMLKk6O6agnL8BtXrspI4qwOOQdQo9IPc3GRs4wYn7AlMLq4gvruj08hZrl7YZGzhANWoYHbf7u2DlBX1s2xC-NbjxZgQ6a9OFJKmmBa-pc0z8I8g/s1600/NYC+153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgKeiOqJBpVb7EKkTskdpXIaREEWMLKk6O6agnL8BtXrspI4qwOOQdQo9IPc3GRs4wYn7AlMLq4gvruj08hZrl7YZGzhANWoYHbf7u2DlBX1s2xC-NbjxZgQ6a9OFJKmmBa-pc0z8I8g/s320/NYC+153.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sorry babe! thats what you get with you don't smile when i want to take your picture. this is your warning ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp-CyZNYVziSCikQDVQlvBPE57MEeTHWTiiT5vNOF7MYZD_I_pRtYC_8vB2rVQHoRZQo5QRosc84T5eQEgDDuikI9hOKXKecuwIeacxg6XHe1KrTkFwTGpmTTzxgSp9Dr-fxRPq5bgzg/s1600/jessie%2527s+wedding+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp-CyZNYVziSCikQDVQlvBPE57MEeTHWTiiT5vNOF7MYZD_I_pRtYC_8vB2rVQHoRZQo5QRosc84T5eQEgDDuikI9hOKXKecuwIeacxg6XHe1KrTkFwTGpmTTzxgSp9Dr-fxRPq5bgzg/s320/jessie%2527s+wedding+027.JPG" width="205" /></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">love him.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">3.) HEIDI!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">4.) FRIENDS</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">5.) NO DEBT & A STABLE FUN JOB!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">oh man.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">have to add one more.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">6.) IM GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TURKEY (in our case ham) DAY!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">sorry for the last few pictures missing but James just came in and said he had a prize for me - he put up the tree! Woooohooooo! Off to decorate for our party next saturday, what?!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">LOVE, </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">ME</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPlqd2VbG6iqpAQnNxavw9aMj5aTp9QKQUN8Nw55xMvZE3DiRguD-2CNPGYRDeI2-MHfnKUwFvi1Z8euyRCNwxtnAlFpUdmbvEBooTi__0jD8OdyjchWxfC-o_mXKEu84InxNf6F8NZk/s1600/cali+and+ring+2+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPlqd2VbG6iqpAQnNxavw9aMj5aTp9QKQUN8Nw55xMvZE3DiRguD-2CNPGYRDeI2-MHfnKUwFvi1Z8euyRCNwxtnAlFpUdmbvEBooTi__0jD8OdyjchWxfC-o_mXKEu84InxNf6F8NZk/s320/cali+and+ring+2+050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">gosh have to say it one more time: I am soooo thankful for my handsome fiance for wanting to </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">MARRY ME ;) </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">and that my dermatologist is going to fix my oil problem - do you see that oil slick on my face - gross!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">I suppose I have soooo much to be thankful for - kind of overwhelming! </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">the end. </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-31161226599179654632010-11-17T18:07:00.000-08:002010-11-17T18:07:56.109-08:00Sex In The CityI can join that club!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Yes, I went there. <br />
<br />
Yes, I mean NEW YORK! (and maybe the sex in NY part too, maybe....you dirty minds)<br />
<br />
but - sooooo in love with the big apple. We had the most amazing time. I know I could never be a true New Yorker but I had blast trying. Picture me: dark alleys, late night, coffee in hand, hailing taxis - I was legit. Legit & scared out of my ever loving mind. I grew up in the country people. Some nights we didn't lock the door - ok only when mom knew I would be home late and she didn't want the dog to wake up but you know what I mean. I was looking over my shoulder every ten, no 5 seconds ( I read in a magazine if you act aware of your surroundings are you a less likey target for a scary person) anyway James lauged at me and reminded me that he in fact was perfectly comfortable because he grew up in the ghetto - I mean, Channelview. I will admit having my man so confident in his street smarts did make me feel way way better and I think him being so handsome helped too ;)<br />
<br />
Ok - besides me being a little uncomfortable at night the actual city is amazing. and gorgeous, and wonderful, and busy and perfect. I think it would be the neatest girls weekend destination so yeah, start saving girls!<br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures from the trip: They say more about the beauty of NY than I could ever type.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDU37mRBsZ0tSi_vQYybaQF0jMp-NGNdFJXX7Uvk2yX31ml4kJoWlXyFXONhYoXx0unVz9p3sUiK8KgzEOhFZ2s-GOUs5zysWQU-R6lWAp-oTXiicM4Gc3jg7WNOt-_Nww2YoQw-vnoE/s1600/NYC+193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDU37mRBsZ0tSi_vQYybaQF0jMp-NGNdFJXX7Uvk2yX31ml4kJoWlXyFXONhYoXx0unVz9p3sUiK8KgzEOhFZ2s-GOUs5zysWQU-R6lWAp-oTXiicM4Gc3jg7WNOt-_Nww2YoQw-vnoE/s320/NYC+193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ok - so these are just a few..didn't want to bore anyone ;) BUT if you want to see more (and you should) I have them loaded on my facebook under the NY:LOVE album I think...and it's not private so yes you can see them. No excuses!<br />
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So to round up our NY trip blog here are 10 fun things:<br />
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1. We saw Chicago - James was drooling. Those girls were smokin' and yeah, the musical talent: AMAZING!<br />
2. We went to the Natural History Museum. Nothing came alive while we were there. I asked J if we could wait and see - big negative. Lame. but we did see some very very neat exhibits. I love a great museum :)<br />
3. I rode the subway. YUCK. Not my fav but taxis are way expensive and I would rather spend my money on beer.<br />
4. While in the subway I got shoved and instructed to "Get out tha way" by a homeless scary girl. Who then began asking everyone to open a phone she "Fout in da taxi"........where was my dang taxi?! <br />
5. We found the cooooolest dive bar EVER. It was called Steve's. The sign outside simply said in neon lights: "BAR" Thank you YELP app for making our Saturday night at Steve's epic.<br />
6. We spent maybe an hour of the total shopping. There was soooo much to do we really didn't have time. Guess we have to go back!!<br />
7. The food was to die for. I don't think we had one bad meal. These people eat well. I'm jealous. and they walk EVERYWHERE so they don't have to worry about what they eat...Lucky. I wonder how long it would take me to walk from home to work...I would be a skinny biatch.<br />
8. James is the love of my life. I know this because I didn't murder him while spending the weekend cooped up in our 2X5 hotel room...ok it was a bit larger than that BUT at the same time it was hella small. We made it :) <br />
9. Times Square is crazy. It is like the Vegas strip on steriods. So cool. I do think it is crazy however that people actually want to cram themselves in there though for New Years. We went on an average weekend and were getting booty bumped left and right. New Years!? No thanks....<br />
10. I look a boy when I wear hats. Especially beanies. and especially while I have my hair pulled up in a pony tail & wearing ear muffs. seriously! example in 3...2...1...look down!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLcN-9Btgg98wdjl2otRS09KcjriC1JfM15q8U5btrWDkEqlH69wjBunstsD4mHlB-qws8-UeWui4s7t2jyq-ya24g6jsVVkKzZbeAU5RgCIaahnSeTLvDctrZfHbuvxgLoM9um5e6bY/s1600/NYC+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLcN-9Btgg98wdjl2otRS09KcjriC1JfM15q8U5btrWDkEqlH69wjBunstsD4mHlB-qws8-UeWui4s7t2jyq-ya24g6jsVVkKzZbeAU5RgCIaahnSeTLvDctrZfHbuvxgLoM9um5e6bY/s320/NYC+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So from my get ready room in the fabulous state of Texas I just wanted to fill you in on my so awesome trip to super fun New York!<br />
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Love, <br />
Lauren<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fmVGNSK4IPy_qHYSUNG_NgVtkFhuSUXNlmSfLEmBgwXvdV5EhKGNlFeUwIYfYpmcL84wkgF8d71vt01OIGKcXHhZU0p8GRTd2CNZ1x6HhyphenhyphenDGYI9sutvHe09VHy8uMJatAHWiH00o9Pw/s1600/NYC+151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fmVGNSK4IPy_qHYSUNG_NgVtkFhuSUXNlmSfLEmBgwXvdV5EhKGNlFeUwIYfYpmcL84wkgF8d71vt01OIGKcXHhZU0p8GRTd2CNZ1x6HhyphenhyphenDGYI9sutvHe09VHy8uMJatAHWiH00o9Pw/s320/NYC+151.JPG" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">see I look way better without a hat :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">isn't James too cute?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ok I'm really done......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-30323289676705460322010-11-01T12:28:00.000-07:002010-11-01T12:28:42.569-07:00Halloween at the 4911...Huge success! <br />
I honestly have been looking forward to Halloween night for the last 2 months. This was our first real Halloween at the 4911 and we were ready! We had a bucket FULL of candy and most of it is gone. We still have little bit left. I'm not gonna lie. I was worried we wouldn't have enough. Not because I was afraid to run out for the kids but um, because I needed breakfast this morning. <br />
<em>side note</em>: Can you tell my diet is going splendidly?! I am on a roll - let me tell ya. Ew. like a stomach roll?! yes, I went there. I need to get to the gym asap. Im feeling way guilty right now. <br />
Ok - i'm taking the focus off of my favorite holiday....getting back to halloween: so last year we went to Philly to meet up with some of J's friends for a concert and halloween party so while we were living here at the 4911 at the time - we weren't halloweening it up HERE. Last year was a freakin' blast - don't get me wrong. I wouldn't have traded last Halloween for anything except maybe not taking so many $2 jager shots or was it $3. doesn't matter. Yeah. I would trade that. Here is a recap of last Halloween before we get to this year.<br />
Drum roll....HALLOWEEN 2009 what, what?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6vcc5Qh7fgaHWMuZhxBnjRG-QGEX_DSsQ4qu1JXXODYJaw0Z2wm6HNYcjL9jlYLC2ZpYPhodf8wtnenyZCPrHpOj_VeBnqaX_kWG_aMP_eidCnwDDWEt5dpkQ9IRzWBsgqVZMLlgrrM/s1600/halloween09+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6vcc5Qh7fgaHWMuZhxBnjRG-QGEX_DSsQ4qu1JXXODYJaw0Z2wm6HNYcjL9jlYLC2ZpYPhodf8wtnenyZCPrHpOj_VeBnqaX_kWG_aMP_eidCnwDDWEt5dpkQ9IRzWBsgqVZMLlgrrM/s320/halloween09+107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rqUo2z6UrdwoAHL106ZJV6WGIEwSAPSbYZfQqEbtZ1A0Vm6CnbT1NBa_5bwe_DUG5150DAOdeJDMHqdTQAhHHd2id39jV75_4quQwGL6-x68W-aqzEhJYnkkSTMzM0BK4Q3L4yRG4jI/s1600/halloween09+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rqUo2z6UrdwoAHL106ZJV6WGIEwSAPSbYZfQqEbtZ1A0Vm6CnbT1NBa_5bwe_DUG5150DAOdeJDMHqdTQAhHHd2id39jV75_4quQwGL6-x68W-aqzEhJYnkkSTMzM0BK4Q3L4yRG4jI/s320/halloween09+112.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>So much fun :) Pretty much one of my favorite Halloweens so far.<br />
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Now lets look into Halloween 2010:<br />
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This year was in the running for my favorite halloween - but in a different way. Last year we did the costumes, the parties, the $2-3 jager shots.....you get it. This year we stayed home. I raked leaves and cleaned the front entry. We hung webs and banners and plugged in sparkly pumpkins and James set up glowing paper bags. It was a fabulous first halloween decorating attempt. It was bittersweet in a way. We were the ones staying in, waiting for the trick or treaters and ooooh'ing an awwww'ing over the so so cute costumes. We were peeking out of the window waiting like a 5 year old waits for their birthday party guest to arrive. Just sayin' - we were excited! Then - I got nervous. What if I scare the kids, what if I don't say the right thing, what if they kick me and steal all of the candy?! Soooo James did the passing out. I just watched from a distance..smiling and waving like a goof. But I wouldnt have done it any other way. My man looks super hot while passing out candy & was so so adorable talking to everyone about their costumes and telling them to have fun. he is going to be an awesome dad. at one point there was a group of older boys and they asked him what he was and he said he was an old man in pj's. as he shut the door he asked, "do we have an age limit?!" oooooh yeah, that's my hubby to be ;) <br />
so we only have a few kids on our street. but these are some smart kids. let me tell you! they hit our house ummmm like 3 times?! each time with a new little story on why they were back. well i take that back. the little girls across the street didn't say much. they just held out their bags and smiled (very sneakily). Love them. Now the boys were hilarious. They were our final trick or treaters. They came back just to let us know we werent getting anymore trick or treaters - they were the last ones out...I saw those boys eyeing up MY breakfast. I got a little panicky. This is how I know my guy knows me. He didn't give them allll the candy! I sooo thought it was about to happen but nope James just laughed and gave them each a handful. I was ok with that ;) <br />
We also had a few special halloween visitors! Steph and Jeff brought over Iron Man (Jayden) and the cutest Ladybug ever (Bryleigh). They were my favorite trick of treaters of the night. I just want to say that Steph and Jeff are doing a fabulous job with their babies. Umm polite?! Sooo polite! Ok here is a scenario and you decide how you would have handled this as a kid in kindergarten or a toddler. You are in a ladies house that you know knows your mom and dad. She says here take whatever you want. What would you do? A) grab the biggest handful you coud ever imagine - then go back for more?! or B) take a few pieces and say Thank you. Um- A?! but nope. Jayden was so sweet. He took a few pieces said thank you and was totally satisfied. It was sweet. and Bryleigh was ok with just one snickers (my kind of girl) Good job Steph & Jeff. Your kids are AMAZING & way cute :)<br />
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So here are a few pics to end my blog - I have things to do people. NYC in 3, yes THREE days! WooHoo!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlu8dIhZVUXQAkHiyPqfDl4n8pGUafTmKHxGJCJMLhBdyiBXLyMoW3neBgpymiLdqT3nsEFasP5hqDaeO0oL2uw2nEf1ZmZDcXOqI_xyYvrTM4uZd6Wdg05htYH44TKKlT3MwOZPhqAQ4/s1600/octoberstuff+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlu8dIhZVUXQAkHiyPqfDl4n8pGUafTmKHxGJCJMLhBdyiBXLyMoW3neBgpymiLdqT3nsEFasP5hqDaeO0oL2uw2nEf1ZmZDcXOqI_xyYvrTM4uZd6Wdg05htYH44TKKlT3MwOZPhqAQ4/s320/octoberstuff+012.JPG" width="154" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Jayden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRqIAR9KXDgAf2b_1XZ3-DPuknQMgyDYqYeYvBkyIrzLZTiIm2U46NQJ4mFweWScIMlkPvda0WnRrueHS9pLrMlVfTQq93ur51OJ97W6yCgXxMe2sPKFWE-U4LHvQc6N6_eW386lp6Yg/s1600/octoberstuff+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRqIAR9KXDgAf2b_1XZ3-DPuknQMgyDYqYeYvBkyIrzLZTiIm2U46NQJ4mFweWScIMlkPvda0WnRrueHS9pLrMlVfTQq93ur51OJ97W6yCgXxMe2sPKFWE-U4LHvQc6N6_eW386lp6Yg/s320/octoberstuff+013.JPG" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bryleigh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So while I had my wine and James had his football - all the neighborhood kids had a crap load of candy. Score 1 for the 4911!<br />
<br />
Can't wait for next year! <br />
I am going as a Trophy Wife since it will be pretty much right after we GET MARRIED (a month and a day to be exact)! Perfect, I know! I think I'm partial to the first one...we shall see!!!<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wRPw51Efn2px8vpLjvHVY8lNsWRitA8KnHbkTvOupVd4a2rjwb9bJMGO5neZBB9MedSP19_MEaEaO0FRgHoJ-thajaPB9yJYQUMCqLlK0HokfooPp39tLJBpJGwV9euv5Y3sxIDlIVY/s1600/trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wRPw51Efn2px8vpLjvHVY8lNsWRitA8KnHbkTvOupVd4a2rjwb9bJMGO5neZBB9MedSP19_MEaEaO0FRgHoJ-thajaPB9yJYQUMCqLlK0HokfooPp39tLJBpJGwV9euv5Y3sxIDlIVY/s320/trophy.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />
Maybe James can do the whole prisoner with a ball and chain with a sash that says slave husband....too much? maybe.....<br />
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Hope everyone had a fabulously spooookified Halloween! <br />
<br />
Love Always,<br />
<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-35351883075459885052010-10-28T12:24:00.000-07:002010-10-28T12:24:35.806-07:00Legalize Frostitution!The blog title today is the slogan for the cupcakery Cupcake Royale, in Seattle....so cute! <br />
Last night instead of dinner we had cupcakes at the new Frost shop in the Woodlands :) I had a caramel apple cupcake with apple buttercream frosting. Yummmm! Karla got the boston creme pie cupcake with buttercream frosting and chocolate ganache. Delicious. Why can't a fabulous cupcakery come to this side of town. Two minutes from our house would be even ideal, just sayin'....<br />
So to bring this around to the other point of this spill - at the beginning of wedding planning I told James I realllly wanted a cupcake bar for the reception. He wasn't having it. He apparently doesn't care for different types of cupcakes - side note (i brought him a chocolate cupcake with vanilla cream frosting last night & he ignored it. He went to our halloween candy and picked up some snickers and twix and probably a kit kat for good measure) who does that?! who denies a perfect chocolate cupcake?! ooooh he's special. so anyway: he said no to the cupcake bar but after last night - we may have to do some reconsidering. I'm sold ;) Our receptionist Kori is going to culinary school. Im thinking that by our wedding next year she will be able to whip up some A+ wedding cupcakes. I will accept that instead of a gift. Perfect!<br />
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So it's challenge time!<br />
<br />
Talk about your favorite musician and why:<br />
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There are too many. I will say I used to be legit crazy about Gavin Rossdale. Can you blame me?! His voice is just soooo amazing - it doesn't even matter that his lyrics are crap. He could sing to me allll day and night and I would be on cloud 9. and let's not forget he is GORGEOUS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ljLIvxMLSUEJiyQqtHdMneUQxnqyrepuMDiT8CA5f7X5EA0Y3HWNKDbLMsvQgWN6C2sSALrkrWtlB7w-Dvl6uBB2HUxnli_vQOjwrlqMwHnGx-COE9Def2tLcPeXKWfkrewhp8HKNdg/s1600/imagesCA5VA5FZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ljLIvxMLSUEJiyQqtHdMneUQxnqyrepuMDiT8CA5f7X5EA0Y3HWNKDbLMsvQgWN6C2sSALrkrWtlB7w-Dvl6uBB2HUxnli_vQOjwrlqMwHnGx-COE9Def2tLcPeXKWfkrewhp8HKNdg/s1600/imagesCA5VA5FZ.jpg" /></a></div>and while still being the talented singer songwriter guitar playing devishly handsome crush of my life: he plays TENNIS! sigh.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up: Lil Wayne. I don't find him attractive in the slightest but i LOVE me some weezy. Everytime I listen to him I feel a little more gangster. ( we all know how incredibly gangster i am) but - he just puts in a great mood. Period. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRaHrhTdw58V6EfykHKIOXMOfzf3GqslPUZVlOpWLFH9FZTiJwvJqdBQSzsEINQlxVdpWF3XqBJipSu8g8cuuKhZoy8e9-2dGjcvuF-YFhRpXGM4DP7DAwNaaRNSlMwFpWeltU0TrWRA/s1600/imagesCA40GCCI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRaHrhTdw58V6EfykHKIOXMOfzf3GqslPUZVlOpWLFH9FZTiJwvJqdBQSzsEINQlxVdpWF3XqBJipSu8g8cuuKhZoy8e9-2dGjcvuF-YFhRpXGM4DP7DAwNaaRNSlMwFpWeltU0TrWRA/s1600/imagesCA40GCCI.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We can't forget Dave Matthews! He is one guy James and I can always agree on listening to. He makes me smile from ear to ear - and totally rocks my world. And how. I would just like to let everyone know Dave will be at our wedding. Maybe not in person but in spirit and in song. We are thinking we might use You & Me for some part of the ceremony or reception...and for our favor cds he will be frequenting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ooooooh yeah :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love me some Dave!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXfBWP9XnYfIUI47nZGpy3SMrnUqBR7-sBYGAg0tA3EyjfEYr_LkLGrUmYILME-oRIYC5KBenpzTBtWitWV8vCiS9LYiDVD_mfupHfC62WmLl5jY-mz2L7tu2ZWqyDQg7Hl1TFrNcfI/s1600/89170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXfBWP9XnYfIUI47nZGpy3SMrnUqBR7-sBYGAg0tA3EyjfEYr_LkLGrUmYILME-oRIYC5KBenpzTBtWitWV8vCiS9LYiDVD_mfupHfC62WmLl5jY-mz2L7tu2ZWqyDQg7Hl1TFrNcfI/s320/89170.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I have to give a shout out to my girl T. Swift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">she rocks my socks. what can't you say about how awesome Taylor is?! Inside look into the 4911: J has this exact picture of Taylor on our refrigerator. True story. You gotta love him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGabDxPG0JW48lzUkqw4vF94BNWpamDuctpjwd546hrKrZrZe3MgJiR-QraCykFR__NQnMihp7wP19By80G7-EVE8-6sj6lJrkbcmn_0pPvg-8l2aMeLHDO8gFeWvb8-tAKjDaJr5EMw/s1600/taylor-swift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGabDxPG0JW48lzUkqw4vF94BNWpamDuctpjwd546hrKrZrZe3MgJiR-QraCykFR__NQnMihp7wP19By80G7-EVE8-6sj6lJrkbcmn_0pPvg-8l2aMeLHDO8gFeWvb8-tAKjDaJr5EMw/s1600/taylor-swift.jpg" /></a></div>oooooooh and speaking of my girl - we have talk about my boy. Kan to the YE. He's just misunderstood and needs better friends. I think he's working on it. So don't be judgey ;) I have to throw a lyric out that I just heard from one of his new songs that made me laugh - a lot. It said (and you can use this) "You should be a flight attendant because you're a f*ing trip" LOL! oooooh I loved it. Kanye - I will always love you!<br />
<br />
Anyway - those are my favs. It always changes but most stay the same. There are tons tons more but these popped into my head. That must mean something!<br />
<br />
<br />
So in closing. I love music & I love cupcakes. and I love my boyfriend. Yummmmmm :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpjDnJP3thVlYbVYP5hhD41R7ixbHyNRWZyFcgevYWdejDNkc56ZHV00iEQn71UTZj9Ov30scsti5adTsRMi_Bz04vlnePOcSrwxku9bUFt7TEGKqCNg4kmooFtQEJXdmhj63pzZeu4U/s1600/GetImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpjDnJP3thVlYbVYP5hhD41R7ixbHyNRWZyFcgevYWdejDNkc56ZHV00iEQn71UTZj9Ov30scsti5adTsRMi_Bz04vlnePOcSrwxku9bUFt7TEGKqCNg4kmooFtQEJXdmhj63pzZeu4U/s320/GetImage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>you should visit this shoppe - the owners son looks like he is in like 2nd grade and is really helpful - too cute ;)<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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XOXO<br />
<br />
Lauren<br />
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</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-12934168747587688232010-10-25T11:54:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:58:01.804-07:00Hoarding, really?!Hey everyone! It's been a few days - but what's new. <br />
<br />
Here is something new: Brynn is ENGAGED! So excited for her & her man. He really lucked out - really. I am so happy that everything worked out the way my so deserving friend wanted. It's really funny because when we met we were both in an ugly relationship place in our lives. It is such a blessing to see that the Man really did have a plan for us. I have my super amazing James & she has her super awesome RT. Good things come to pretty girls who wait. We know ;) <br />
<br />
Just want to say I know my last blog ended rather abrubtly. Good reasons for this. My computer froze mid blog ( I fully intended on posting Snooks & Jwow ) then Kori came over and not only did we watch the Jersey Shore finale (xoxo) but we watched The Vampire Diaries & Project Runway! It was so nice to have someone there who knew what was going on for every show and didn't ask me every 2 minutes what was going on (James). Yes, Kori might just be my tv watching soul sista. <br />
<br />
With that being said: Before I start my challenge I need to address hoarding. <br />
<br />
<em><strong>Compulsive hoarding</strong> (or <b>pathological hoarding</b> or <b>disposophobia</b>)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7343148059876451227#cite_note-0"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0645ad;">[1]</span></span></a></sup> is the excessive acquisition of </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Property" title="Property"><span style="color: #0645ad;"><em>possessions</em></span></a><em> (and failure to use or discard them), even if the items are worthless, hazardous, or unsanitary.</em><br />
<br />
So I guess I'm talking about the compulsive kind. <br />
<br />
It makes me sick. What makes me sick is that I see pre-hoarding signs in our house. Not because of James - because of ME! Eeeeek! <br />
<br />
Last night I couldn't sleep so I decided to zone out with some snickers and one of the hoarding shows. Now I have never really watched a full episode until a few weeks ago. I decided I wanted to see what the end of the show was like. I wanted to see pristine homes. Uncovered treasures. Smiling faces. I wanted to see some results people.<br />
Didn't happen.<br />
Even a televsion show couldn't completely clean the two homes featured. I asked a few clients if they had ever seen a completed house and the general answer was no. This makes me so upset and sad. I always wonder why James is so against my 1,000's of scentsys or my crazy amounts of clothes and shoes that just hang out that I <em>might </em>wear again...now I know. My man can see our hoarding future & it isn't pretty. <br />
<br />
Today (my day off) I decided to clean out closets, drawers, and my get ready room. I should have done before and afters. That would have been fun. Oh well. I was sooo amazed at the crap I have. I have 50 bottles of differents lotions. vitamins for everything imaginable, boxes. weird boxes. Enough random hair products that I could open my own beauty supply. and clothes. ooooh the clothes. This is making me sick right now. These people have their lives taken away by THINGS. These people push away and alienate people and loved ones and life for THINGS. Well no more. We all know I love me some things - but I going to keep this to a minimum. I'm thinking once a month or so Im going to do a sweep of this house. If I haven't used you, sorry thing, you are outta here. I think everyone should take just a day and really look around (and inside or behind) and see what you have been kind of noticing building up but say <em>I'll get that next week</em> - yada yada and get rid of it! Goodwill, Plato's Closet, resale - there are so many options and while keeping your pre-hoarder self in check you could also help someone else :) pay off, what?! <br />
<br />
So here is to being happy with the ones you love and not things. Things may be nice but in moderation. Ok - I feel better. No hoarding at the 4911....nice.<br />
<br />
<br />
Challlllllenge tiiiiiiime!<br />
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A photo of something I ate today....so exciting ;)<br />
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Strawberry PopTarts for breakfast. It's my new thing. I always get a on kick for a bit. Sometimes it's apples, sometimes donuts, well for the time being its the yummy 400 calories (yep) for 2 toasted tarts of deliciousness. See! I'm really into them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKefuD7ts9dycYtqbgEaJsuN3Pig1uMLkllj9Nsoc98hTvA4FGHPy5OJisz9wmuxU7Dv3SzAZNcftSxPdbg4DoHfnE2h4jJgbvaXW1YOVWxbfpYjqKANUBVxQQZ7Tn6ZAuTk46gPhMeXs/s1600/ABC075_popTarts_frostedStrawberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKefuD7ts9dycYtqbgEaJsuN3Pig1uMLkllj9Nsoc98hTvA4FGHPy5OJisz9wmuxU7Dv3SzAZNcftSxPdbg4DoHfnE2h4jJgbvaXW1YOVWxbfpYjqKANUBVxQQZ7Tn6ZAuTk46gPhMeXs/s200/ABC075_popTarts_frostedStrawberry.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNP5JSQgaBFpJXauDqMHYWghCEt3p8GRlEq2spN8_bvFtKa-sgwtfqWfbBfiUcjHmYfT_iAeecv9eKsClYn-IBqJkStLP8LJyOMQhVzIIsm6d5A_TsD2KGiv33z569HEvDi24JY2Bqec/s1600/StrawberryPopTartNo24x52009blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNP5JSQgaBFpJXauDqMHYWghCEt3p8GRlEq2spN8_bvFtKa-sgwtfqWfbBfiUcjHmYfT_iAeecv9eKsClYn-IBqJkStLP8LJyOMQhVzIIsm6d5A_TsD2KGiv33z569HEvDi24JY2Bqec/s200/StrawberryPopTartNo24x52009blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So this is neat: PopTart art! Crazy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8wzgYx2LM6ztsD3c1Zl4m3Vlzfbj_eBDMpQHNPvyqVbe18IFSxeZzF-nf4di5vwT9_5T0psg6zVB8jC0fMNpFzr-HkLkYPLHBhUHTbjNUlihQTTIwzjfqIYgxKcFBfcus9pTwc7sdpE/s1600/strawberry-pop-tart-earrings-lrg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8wzgYx2LM6ztsD3c1Zl4m3Vlzfbj_eBDMpQHNPvyqVbe18IFSxeZzF-nf4di5vwT9_5T0psg6zVB8jC0fMNpFzr-HkLkYPLHBhUHTbjNUlihQTTIwzjfqIYgxKcFBfcus9pTwc7sdpE/s200/strawberry-pop-tart-earrings-lrg.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">....and this is weird. Who would ever wear PopTart earrings. Don't answer that. I love Strawberry PopTarts but really?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, all this PopTart blogging is making me really one. I think I will just make one. That's only 200 calories. Worth it? Ooooh yeah ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here are my Jersey girls. I couldn't leave them out (better late then never)! Miss you already Snooks and JWow - next season can't get here fast enough (tear). Keep those fists pumping and the drama coming!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQfVJ6x7hdKHGjwo82Y5wAuKp9mzFr_2b1jjLhCzPpDwQJM4iFNgBVbIKmajOCpqorSdGaRRDsE-pfBpK0gSHYVWkgQTIQzgH4ZBnIhKllkz7lY7J1U_aC8o3zJ6SgtWPo4zN72OBkvI/s1600/imagesCAA0JGQR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQfVJ6x7hdKHGjwo82Y5wAuKp9mzFr_2b1jjLhCzPpDwQJM4iFNgBVbIKmajOCpqorSdGaRRDsE-pfBpK0gSHYVWkgQTIQzgH4ZBnIhKllkz7lY7J1U_aC8o3zJ6SgtWPo4zN72OBkvI/s320/imagesCAA0JGQR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XOXO </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">& until next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Lauren</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"></div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-50380596199707396202010-10-21T19:59:00.000-07:002010-10-21T19:59:32.692-07:00Rollin' with the homies....Just have to say that while I was driving home from work I was thinking about friends. I love having them. I love the ones I have. So then the song "Rollin' with the homies" popped into my head and it isn't going to leaving any time soon...good thing they are really are my homies. Not only do I think I have great homies - I am so lucky that they are all talented great homies. Thanks Brynn for the new(er) blog design & thank you Steph for making my hair beautiful. To all of my other homies: I'm sure you are talented at something - it just doesn't apply to me (but I bet it's gangsta)! Ok - enough homie talk. That could get old really quickly ;)<br />
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With that being said I think I'm going to talk about friends for a quick minute. I am fortunate enough to know the difference between my real friends and my acquaintances. Some people don't and that leads to issues. I feel really bad for those people :( That is one reason there is a lot of drama running rampid. Anyway - I have tons (TONS) of acquaintances. I only have handful of real friends. Now - these friends are the ones I know for a fact would be there for me no doubt. I have sifted through many a friend to find these diamonds in the rough - cheesy i know, but so true. It is super nice to know if I'm having a bad day, week, you choose - I know that it won't be too long before one of them either makes my day in some way, large or small, or just knows something is up and finds someway to get me out of my funk. Love that. It's funny how life throws many people in your path and at the time they are very important. They have an impact on decisions you make, other people you meet, sometimes they are really awesome to go shopping with. All I know is that not very many of those people turn out to be the real deal and I am so blessed to have to some of the realest deals around. Just sayin'. Ok not to leave my acquaintances out - love them too, but probably not the best shoppers. They just didn't quite make the cut. Moooooving on......<br />
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Challenge #3<br />
A photo of an animal you would love to keep as a pet.<br />
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Ok. Everyone knows I already have the pet I would love to keep as pet because I have the best pet on the the planet, duh. Here is a pic to just reiterate that fact.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3kDSyTyXBcbMgKzLIPbM3pPxE18SxtClykuSMcBzQyfPwmpAR35edKT1vEz5p2LR73s-Q4HdpCo7oxf7q6fNTQTmuxrMvb-pA3_xquDrxZ_VkRpsSO19OS18Cp1Ufx366hTAkljB0iE/s1600/iphone+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3kDSyTyXBcbMgKzLIPbM3pPxE18SxtClykuSMcBzQyfPwmpAR35edKT1vEz5p2LR73s-Q4HdpCo7oxf7q6fNTQTmuxrMvb-pA3_xquDrxZ_VkRpsSO19OS18Cp1Ufx366hTAkljB0iE/s320/iphone+035.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zRevN9pQCJmP_j-TPomqEvuat1uuP4ZGVIFrUEzTOFmn5UnF9DOe7IyixvUWsTWmhzHh6yLFEs2NdA7JPMUefAvALwQjEfqJpc0lG_CMdKW6we8d_XVa_18DiQMqiR6Q7ZLqinz0Pfo/s1600/iphone+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zRevN9pQCJmP_j-TPomqEvuat1uuP4ZGVIFrUEzTOFmn5UnF9DOe7IyixvUWsTWmhzHh6yLFEs2NdA7JPMUefAvALwQjEfqJpc0lG_CMdKW6we8d_XVa_18DiQMqiR6Q7ZLqinz0Pfo/s320/iphone+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yep. She's my #1 pet. EVER! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I could have ANY pet on the plant I would want a Koala Bear!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are pretty much the cutest things besides Heidi...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyyaFeB6TyKYQqV7xjAijTJbQNFcJI5ZYE-adH-ectcbWJkUWoAUeTlxO6zR4TnqXlEPXq6LCwi4Rt9uh29t6Uwc3rlq-GjB6JnJ-5mJD1BoDlGGj9_uQ_7Qt3soTC57ptLBRPFxOTVw/s1600/gtotem_koala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyyaFeB6TyKYQqV7xjAijTJbQNFcJI5ZYE-adH-ectcbWJkUWoAUeTlxO6zR4TnqXlEPXq6LCwi4Rt9uh29t6Uwc3rlq-GjB6JnJ-5mJD1BoDlGGj9_uQ_7Qt3soTC57ptLBRPFxOTVw/s320/gtotem_koala.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MFbXtmoXK53Rrw0nBj5lGyx13ysOICt8ouEkrb2gXDr1UR_y-A2IqUgwm0mNv9TNbJ98mYdF6yzane2Zy4vU83JlPPIQpGdrX7t4B9L0Z9rj_HC46ePna5psQ_l3xONgzkLrTOQLr34/s1600/Koala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MFbXtmoXK53Rrw0nBj5lGyx13ysOICt8ouEkrb2gXDr1UR_y-A2IqUgwm0mNv9TNbJ98mYdF6yzane2Zy4vU83JlPPIQpGdrX7t4B9L0Z9rj_HC46ePna5psQ_l3xONgzkLrTOQLr34/s320/Koala.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there you go. If I had to trade Heidi this is what I would be bringing home. James would freak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So tonight is Jersey Shore finale night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjh43Xq2LkpFASSWjUSs_UJgrEuXZID1qXI6-fl_p-MiLpfjeQTaE7Q0scuKcJ7EwkpPzgO90yz6H6cGoyaEsBs2xMteGkgCHgccP3gbzqlm_x1dtuJlk0ttERHTXzDn1iBEOFHP7BKw/s1600/jersey-shore-guys-before_628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjh43Xq2LkpFASSWjUSs_UJgrEuXZID1qXI6-fl_p-MiLpfjeQTaE7Q0scuKcJ7EwkpPzgO90yz6H6cGoyaEsBs2xMteGkgCHgccP3gbzqlm_x1dtuJlk0ttERHTXzDn1iBEOFHP7BKw/s320/jersey-shore-guys-before_628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>my boyz.<br />
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</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343148059876451227.post-40384963664281802822010-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-20T18:32:08.057-07:00This could be scary....Since my phone is syncing & it looks like it is going to take some time - I guess I will do challenge number two before I head to work :) Can I just say realllly quickly how annoying syncing an Iphone is. Ridiculous! <br />
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Challenge number 2: A photo of yourself from 2 years ago.<br />
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Eeeek! I'm trying to remember if that is before or after I lost my "going out & drinking beer every night because of my selfish border line depression" weight. Hmmm. I don't think so because James and I have been together for over three years. Who knows. I think he met me somewhere in the middle. Like I said - this could be scary. Let's take a look!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o4-LbcH0vz-SM1ZSwsaOwOr0fgx_v3TMD5ylwxMykXeetbzdKrj4TgpLb7xmLh9_Z4zAf_XZQBTiO-etmQIsr8IVTtqzeScZCpUKWIQ8WxQEZh0vdImj3BhtgmOB2b6Z7ERxeUXWvws/s1600/VEGAS+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o4-LbcH0vz-SM1ZSwsaOwOr0fgx_v3TMD5ylwxMykXeetbzdKrj4TgpLb7xmLh9_Z4zAf_XZQBTiO-etmQIsr8IVTtqzeScZCpUKWIQ8WxQEZh0vdImj3BhtgmOB2b6Z7ERxeUXWvws/s320/VEGAS+001.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> So this is what I'm talking about: </div><div style="text-align: center;">above: after i lost my pity party weight. </div><div style="text-align: center;">below: well you get the picture. i REALLY liked corona and lots of fried food and whataburger at 2 am. now i stick to budlight and some fried food and i'm rarely out at 2 am. fun facts right?!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4LzMTi0DVGP48TiSAbu03QSFMdD4g7alyiVSulFWKnEPulKyJ4ZgINKt7zQIUUo-TWE0frZ7q71Q1x2CpNEwwutZmlSlqbHMUaMmCsjLXsj706TVtHO3UkiutEIwjs2mTkB9F26uZvo/s1600/wedding+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4LzMTi0DVGP48TiSAbu03QSFMdD4g7alyiVSulFWKnEPulKyJ4ZgINKt7zQIUUo-TWE0frZ7q71Q1x2CpNEwwutZmlSlqbHMUaMmCsjLXsj706TVtHO3UkiutEIwjs2mTkB9F26uZvo/s320/wedding+003.JPG" width="165" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So those are two pics from two years ago. It seems like yesterday when I could outdrink and outweight James. Those were the days. Oh, I'm just teasing! That would be silly. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Side note: I need to get back to some boot camps though. Ive been super lazy lately and I hear wedding dresses aren't very forgiving! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh. and notice how James NEVER changes. I really believe he has been genetically altered. No joke. His dad did work for Nasa - it could be possible. Hopefully our one day child gets his super amazing genes. That would be the bomb, like woah.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone have a fabulous Wednesday! I'm going to try to!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">XOXO and all that jazz!</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130998178689135312noreply@blogger.com0