First trip to Six Flags

We took the youth group to Six Flags on Saturday so we thought we would bring Annaleigh along and see what she thought:The Merry Go Round was pretty fun

Not quite sure about the trainShe doesn't take after her daddy!! She LOVES heights! (Annaleigh is waving at Russell below...he is the one wearing the orange hat.)Trying to go for a swim in the fountains

Ohhhh...The "Pink Things" are SOOOOOOO good!

mom jeans

Please tell yourself today "I will not wear mom jeans, I will not wear mom jeans." Then go out and buy yourself a new pair of hip jeans ( not from JCPenney, please!)

Giving Credit where Credit is due

By popular request: To get a snazzy new blog design just click on the icon under "Credits" on the left sidebar of my blog. You will be redirected to the sight I got mine from. Just look for the label "Free Blog Skins," click, and it should take you through step-by-step directions...it was pretty easy even for a computer challenged person like myself. There are actually several other sights you can use too....Just Google "Free Blog Templates" or "Free Blog Skins" and have fun!

picture of the day: Observation deck of the Vulcan Statue in Birmingham, AL.

Harry Potter

So, I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I mean, it's not something I really talk about that often, but I am not kidding when I tell you I have read every book at least 4 times and own all the movies. Unless you live under a rock, you probably know the movie is coming out this week and the new book is soon to follow....and yes, I will drag my husband to the theatre to watch the movie, most likely this weekend...Usually when the movies or books have come out, I start at book 1 and read all the way through...but seeing as there are now 6 books and I am mother of a toddler, I cant quite handle that anymore so I am starting with the "The Order of the Phoenix" ....and then I will move on to read "The Half Blood Prince" in anticipation of the final installment "The Deathly Hallows."

For those of you who haven't tried to get into Harry Potter books, I want to tell you these are going to be classics that our children will read....and our children's children. They are brilliantly imaginative and unbelievably descriptive...plus, since they are really written for children, are super fast reads.

Go have some summer reading fun!!!

Red, White, Black, & Blue

Happy 4th of July! Check out the shiner my little girl got from falling on the hearth last Friday. Poor Baby!!!! and NO wise cracks about calling CPS. I already feel bad enough!!!

Sweet Visions of God...

Some of the precious people and places where I saw God's face last week in Honduras...

And I will never be the same. Amen.

My 100

We are finally back for a few weeks and settling in. After back to back trips to Birmingham, AL for mission trip then to Honduras, you can imagine how tired we are! I have a lot to catch up on, but first I want to get my "100 things about me" list out of the way. I have been secretly dreading doing this for quite some time, but I figured since I enjoyed reading everyone elses list so much I should do it too.

So in no particular order....

1. I don't like my feet
2. Serving God makes me happier than anything else in this world.
3. Serving/Spending time with my family comes a close second.
4. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl and am just now making that a reality.
5. I loved my time at Lipscomb, but I should have been a better student.
6. I have never had a job using my degree.
7. I have a lot of regrets in life but I strongly feel like those experiences have made me a better person and witness today.
8. I like my red hair.
9. I like having a large circle of friends but I treasure my best friend and guard those relationships very closely.
10. I am a cat person, but not a crazy cat person.
11. Having Annaleigh is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
12. I worry about her when she sleeps and still keep a monitor right by my ear at night.
13. I will often turn the volume high enough so I can hear her breath.
14. I try very hard to be content with what God has blessed me with.
15. But it's something I have to work on every day.
16. I hate it that there are starving people in the world.
17. I struggle with being consistent with my actions, words, etc. I work on it all the time.
18. I know I am too hard on myself.
19. I read Southern Living cover to cover every month.
20. I usually try at least one new recipe from the magazine every month.
21. Some of my favorite recipes are from Southern Living.
22. I wish I could sew.
23. I have been meaning to learn for a long time.
24. I look up to my grandmother more than any person on this earth.
25. I think she is the wisest person I know.
26. I truly feel if everyone could know my grandmother they would feel better about themselves and be more the wiser because of her influence.
27. I think it is important to respect older people and spend time with them.
28. I like living in Texas way more than I ever thought I ever would.
29. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to travel and experience new places and cultures.
30. I also love to be at home.
31. Russell inspires me to be a better person
32. He is one of the most loyal people I know.
33. I spend way to much time surfing the Internet
34. I am a neat freak...
35. But not so much a clean freak
36. I can't go to sleep if there are dishes in the sink or anything laying on the floor
37. But I don't like to clean showers or tubs or wipe the bathroom floor and definitely should do it more often.
38. It makes me feel great to make lists and mark things off
39. I like to shop but get way more of a thrill when I find incredible bargains.
40. I would never dream of buying anything regular price.
41. I think I love my in-laws as much as my family.
42. I think my mother in law is one of the most fun people in the world.
43. I love to sit back and watch my little girl.
44. I pray over her everyday and beg God to protect her and keep her from ever hurting.
45. I was born in Virginia
46. I lived most of my life in Athens, GA.
47. I don't really miss the town, but I miss my close family and friends.
48. I went to Africa one summer on a mission trip.
49. The poverty in the Nairobi slums is devastating and will forever be imprinted on my mind.
50. I want to learn how to speak Spanish.
51. I think my little sister Rachel is so cool and incredibly talented.
52. All the clothes in my closet are organized according to color.
53. I HATE to iron and out of protest refuse to own an ironing board.
54. I do own an iron and in desperate times will iron clothes on a towel on the kitchen table.
55. I think I am creative but I can never seem to make my ideas come out the way I envision.
56. I love to swim and lay out in the sun (I know it's bad!!!)
57. I am walking 60 miles in 3 days in October for Cancer.
58. I am afraid I will get breast cancer because my grandmother had it.
59. I never miss my annual check-up.
60. I find I often disclose way too much information during normal conversations.
61. SO I am trying to be more of a "listener" and less of a "talker"
62. Sometimes I have to literally bite my tongue to accomplish the above.
63. I am proud of Russell and honored to be working by his side in ministry.
64. I am so humbled by the way our lives have been blessed.
65. I think we have done really well learning to overcome adversity...
66. But, by no means, do I think we have learned all there is to learn.
67. My close friends inspire me by their accomplishments.
68. I am truly proud of them....and not at all jealous.
69. I like almost every kind of food.
70. The only food I can think of I really don't like is cherries. They make me literally gag.
71. I am not athletic at all.
72. Or competitive
73 I played soccer all during high school but only because it was a social outlet.
74. My soccer coach once got mad at me because I told her she shouldn't be so hard on everyone...we were all there just to have fun.
75. I sat on the bench for the next 2 games.
76. I never really wanted to play soccer again after that.
77. I really don't like sports but I read Sports Illustrated cover to cover every week.
78. It's only because I love to read any and everything I can find.
79. It's not uncommon for me to start a book one day and never put it down until I have finished it.
80. I have worked crossword puzzles almost every night before bed for the last 10 years.
81. I have a hard time falling asleep without going through my "bedtime routine"
82. I am NOT a morning person (shocker to all of those who know me well)
83. But I have gotten better since having a child
84. Thankfully, she doesn't usually wake up until 8AM or so.
85. I HAVE to have some form of caffeine in the morning to get me going.
86. I am pretty unimpressed by designer labels or accumulation of luxury items.
87. I would not consider myself a "high maintenance" girl but I rarely leave the house without eyeliner and mascara.
88. I wear it because my brows and lashes are so blond and everyone asks me if I am "sick" or "tired" if I forget to put it on.
89. I am very put off by rudeness.
90. I am also very big on customer service.
91. I really don't like to drive and only do out of necessity.
92. I would describe my personal style as Shabby Chic
93. I have never mowed grass in my life.
94. But I like to work in the yard.
95. I take pride in dressing my daughter up cute.
96. I wish I was more eloquent.
97. I am so thankful for the never ending love Russell and I have for each other.
98. I miss my best friends that live in other states.
99. I think it takes a village to raise a child.
100. I think it's important to be a good steward of everything in my life and try to take it very seriously.

Honduras

Just wanted to let you know I am on a mission trip this week in Honduras. Can´t wait to post pictures and tell you all about it when we return. Happy summer!!!

My Hero

"Who is this man?" you may ask...Why it's my current favorite person in the world. He has been providing me with incredible fresh veggies to eat straight out of his garden. When this picture was snapped he was digging up new potatoes. I love you, Mr. Ted

The Modern Toddler

She plucked it right out of my ear and knew exactly what to do. I am sure she is discussing what to download on her ipod with her playdate friends. I have my hands full, folks.

Pirates and Walking

Yesterday was a fun day! We had a lazy morning and then dropped A off so we could go see a movie. I have to tell you it has been 2 years since Russell and I have gone to see a movie together and I was SHOCKED to find out MATINEE tickets are 7 bucks a piece!!! Good Grief!! No wonder we never go to movies anymore!!! We went and saw Pirates of the Caribbean, which was good, but I have to say I found it a little bit confusing. Has anyone else seen this movie?? What did you think about it??

Today was so EXCITING! I am happy to report that my girl is now OFFICIALLY walking 2 days after her 14 month birthday! I honestly thought she would never get her nerve. We have known that she had the capability to walk for quite some time...just never seemed to have the nerve to let go! I guess those days are over and my world is about to change for good!

She's HERE!

Many of you may have already received the email from Beth's husband Brian...In case you didn't, I wanted to let you know that Lillian Elizabeth P. arrived via C-Section last night at 8:04 PM. She is a big girl! 8 lbs, 11oz. and 21 inches.


Brian has set up a blog so you can check up on them: http://www.myfavoriteflower.blogspot.com/

Here is the little Angel who I think looks JUST like her mommy!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD LITTLE MISS LILLIAN!

Are we too old for this??

We had our Spring Fling last night for Juniors and Seniors. It was SUCH a blast but not over until 5 AM !! After a few hours of sleep this morning, Russell and I are still pretty bleary eyed. We went to some really neat Dallas attractions (The West End, The Arboretum, Fountain Place, and Reunion Tower) But it rained most of the night so all of my pictures are inside...Here are a few Some Cool Kids Some Sweet Junior Girls Some Amazing Chaperones Some Tired Youth Ministers!

Bethie is in Labor

I am so excited...my oldest ,bestest friend Beth Moore Prewitt is in labor right now with her first child in Atlanta. Please pray for her as it has already been an exhausting night and she has a while to go! I can't wait until her little girl is born so we can ALL FINALLY know the name!


Good Luck, Beth! We are praying for you!!!


I will get pictures up as soon as I get them!

Cute Pregnant Bethie

Me and Bethie at NCYM a few years ago

Back from the beach =(

We just got back from the beach last night around 1AM and I am so sad to already be home! It was so great to relax with friends and family! Here are a few pictures from the trip...I took over 200, and I have to say, they were all so good I had trouble deciding which ones to post!

ALL 8 of us!!! Good thing we stayed in a big house!!!

update

This is going to be quick. We had to take Annaleigh back to the Dr. yesterday after a very ROUGH couple of days...he proceeded to tell us that she had not one, not two, but THREE viruses! I just about cried right there in the office at the prospect we may not make our long-awaited beach trip this week. He quickly told me that we were on the end of the two contagious ones (Intestinal and Croup) and he was going to give her a shot today and send her home with Antibiotics for , yet another, ear infection....his advise would be to hold off the trip one day if at all possible to observe her and make sure she is on the up and up....FORTUNATELY, the beach house we are going to is owned by some very dear friends who could be flexible...so we are STILL going (just not until Friday.)
I most likely will not get another chance to post until we get back...so I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Buggie

It turns out little-bit has a touch of the dreaded stomach bug again! Looks like a few days inside for us plus lots of germ-x, lysol, clear liquids, crackers, and watching the Wiggles. I gotta get this kid 100% before we leave for the beach (Laguna Beach, Florida for those who care) on Wednesday!

Here she is on a day she felt more like herself

Last night's adventure

We have been experiencing an unusually wet/stormy spring here in North Texas. Considering it rained a total of about 3 times all last spring or summer, everyone has been in shock! Last night a huge storm struck our area about 15 minutes after Bible Class started at church. It went from still to literally 90 mile an hour winds!!! The power went out not too long after things started to kick up....My baby was in cradle roll in another building so a friend and I braved the storms to go and rescue our kids! Of course they didn't even care it was pitch black, but it made us feel better to have our babies in our arms. All the moms gathered and sat in the hallway with the babies while waiting for the worst of the storm to blow over by cell-phone light! We all laughed how funny it was we don't even need flashlights anymore because of cell phones.
We got home to discover the power was out in our house, so we just lit candles and made the best of it. We sort of thought the power would come back on quickly because we practically live in the middle of Mesquite....well it didn't and the house started to get muggy and hot. We would have left the windows cracked but there are no screens on our windows and we didn't want to let bugs and critters in all night. We didn't want Annaleigh to get too hot so we packed up to go spend the night at a friends house. Wouldn't you know that as soon as we got to the front door Annaleigh THEW UP all over me and her. We were already wearing our pj's and didn't even have a change of clothes with us so we had to borrow clothes from our friends. She was so yucky I had to bring her in and put her straight in the tub! By the time we all got to bed it was almost 1AM.
Everyone is fine now! We got power back around 10am today but unfortunately some people in the area still do not have power. There were not any tornadoes here....but there was some damage done by the wind. Thank goodness our only loss was the melted Blue Bell ice cream in our freezer!

confession

Hello. My name is Laurie and I am a Diet Dr. Pepper-aholic. It is sad, I know. Justification: I only have one or two a day so it's not that bad, right?? Okay. I know the real culprit is my teensy addiction to caffeine...but I still can't help loving the stuff. It's my only vice in life!! What is your favorite food or drink vice??

Cut it or leave it??

Okay, I know this may seem random or even silly, but I am debating a huge dilemma. I can't decide whether or not to cut my little girl's hair. Bless her, she is a bit challenged in that department anyway so I hate to cut any that she has, but these days she is sporting a do that's somewhere between a sweet 80's mullet and Cindy-Lou Who off of Dr. Seuss's the Grinch that Stole Christmas ( i.e. curl over the ears and occasional sprig that stands straight up on her head) Here are a few recent shots to give you a better idea on how to vote:

Blue Bonnets

A fun Texas tradition is to take your kids pictures in the blue bonnets every year....here is our first attempt:

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Russell! You are an amazing husband, a loving father, a fiercely loyal friend, and dedicated and enthusiastic follower of Christ. I love you!

Crunch TIME!

UGGGHHH! I have a Microbiology paper due today on Salmonella Typhimurium that I have been slaving away on for days. All of the sudden I am having flashbacks to the Elam Dorm computer lab at Lipscomb University, circa 1998! Let's just hope my computer doesn't freeze up like the ones in the dorms were notorious for doing!!! Does anyone else remember that??
Back to work! Will update in a few days after papers, lab practicals, etc. etc. etc.

Baseball

Catchin' a little Skeeter baseball this weekend with Daddy and his friend!

Breast Cancer 3 day walk

60 miles in 3 days! This October I am going to have the incredible privilege to participate in the DFW Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk with several moms and girls from our youth group. I am a little fearful because I am certainly not in tip-top shape but I know it's such a great cause and will be an amazing bonding experience for us all. Breast Cancer affects all women in some personal way...we all probably know someone who has survived breast cancer or gone on before us because of the disease. I can't help but think that statistically one of us will have it at some point, which is scary, but all the more reason to promote finding a cure NOW. When the girls initially asked me to do this walk with them I thought it might not be the best idea. Of course I support the cause, but I thought it might be good for them to just do it with their moms. Later, one of the moms approached me and said they really wanted me to do it with them because they consider me such a significant part of these girls lives they wanted me to be there as friend, supporter, etc. I was so honored/humbled...how could I say no?? So the task ahead is to raise $2,300 dollars and to train to walk 60 miles....and I need help. I need prayers and I need fundraising ideas. If you would like to help me with this or have any great ideas feel free to comment or contact me by email at lauriefrantz2002@yahoo.com . Thank you in advance!