Catch-Up

While I wait for our busy lives to slow down a bit...

Here's to a game of catch-up!

Lauren

a quarter century

Well, I turned the big 2-5 this weekend! I was surprisingly a little more shaken up about it than I thought I would be. Birthdays have never affected me much, but this one made me feel rather... GROWN.

Like, I'm not in my "early 20's" anymore. Yikes!

I'm sure the little white hair that popped up on my hairline (literally) on the morning of my birthday didn't help much...

My family and friends made me feel extra-loved this weekend, with sweet cards and messages and gifts. My lovely husband went out.of.his.way to make sure every last minute of my special day was... well, special!

Matt is one of the best gift-givers I've ever known. He listens intently, tucking away gift ideas all year round.

I am about three-quarters of the way through Bloom. Must read!

 

We spent Saturday doing exactly what I wanted to do: relaxing at the house, playing cornhole out back (I won!), and watching my (new) favorite show, Cougar Town.

Matt even played the guitar a little for me which may have been the very best gift of all.

We also went shopping with my birthday gift cards which is, of course, the best kind of shopping.
 

I always take photos of items I like in the dressing room so Matt can give me a yay or nay.

We had my birthday dinner at ourfavorite Thai restaurant and finished it off with the first (but definitely not the last) banana pudding milkshakes of the season.

As if I wasn't feeling exceedingly blessed already, this weekend rocked my socks off.

25 really isn't so bad after all!


Lauren

The way I see it...

Life can sometimes seem like a series of ups and downs, wins and losses, two steps forward and one step back. 

When my momentum is slowed and my motivation tested, what is my reaction? 


Will I choose to throw in the towel? Wave my white flag? 

Or will I cry to Him whose strength is perfected in my weakness? Will I trust the One who promised to be with me always? Will I remain confident that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion? 

So, in those moments of two steps forward and one step back... 


Are they frustrating? Yes. Discouraging? Sometimes. 


But the important part is that you are still making progress... still moving forward.


Slow and steady wins the race. 

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6

-Lauren

Showered with love

Last weekend, our community group had the privilege of throwing a baby shower for one of our very own! Little Joshua is due in May and our group is so excited. Our sweet friend, Carly, and I were in charge of decor, and so the first thing we did was rummaged through all of the beautiful loot from her wedding last October! She and her husband now have the most amazing collection of mason jars, milk glass, and other vintage pieces. I was in heaven! Enjoy!

I made a simple pennant for baby Joshua's room and attached scrapbook paper on the back so each member of our group could write blessings and scripture over the sweet baby boy. 

We had quite the spread of food! It was absolutely delicious. Thanks Anna and Marianna!

The cake was inspired by this one on pinterest and our good friend Sophie made it come to life! We were so pleased. I made the mini pennant for a simple and easy cake topper. 

The room really came together beautifully.  

And the happy parents-to-be were not only surprised, but felt loved, and that was all that truly mattered. Mission accomplished!

 Can't wait to meet you baby Joshua!


-Lauren

Baby Cakes

My community group is hosting a baby shower for one of our girls this weekend! We assigned each couple an age range, like 0-3 months, 12-18 months, etc. and bought gifts accordingly. We also decided to buy diapers for each age group and added a little special touch to each one...

It must be hard for new mothers to find a spare moment to spend time in the Word. But what a vital time to be doing so! They are sure to need an extra boost of encouragement at times. 

We put a special piece of scripture on each diaper, in hopes of encouraging her in a way she is sure to see. :)

 Imagine the smile it may bring to her face during those 3am wake-up calls!


-Lauren