tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50246956647022316322024-03-13T08:52:30.712-07:00The StephensLauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-89388551230203263672011-04-12T10:10:00.000-07:002011-04-12T11:22:31.633-07:00Create an Easter wreath!Geo mesh is my new best friend! Its so fun to work with. I use it on tables, my mantel and now on wreaths. It can be hard to find. I had to order it but I did see it at Hobby Lobby recently in many different colors. I think I'll make a wreath for every season with this wonderful stuff!<br /><br />If you'd like to see how I made it, keep reading. Otherwise this might bore you. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwLzJODZkeo/TaSI_hD9FwI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2Mr-lrEocAo/s1600/easterwreath4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwLzJODZkeo/TaSI_hD9FwI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2Mr-lrEocAo/s400/easterwreath4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594747261889091330" /></a><br />I started out with these items: Geo Mesh, ribbon, egg picks, a few stems of silk flowers, egg garland, wooden chick, wreath (not shown)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHLVopl5jlk/TaSI_nRwRfI/AAAAAAAAA-M/wXbU9EIeD6c/s1600/easter%2Bwreath1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHLVopl5jlk/TaSI_nRwRfI/AAAAAAAAA-M/wXbU9EIeD6c/s400/easter%2Bwreath1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594747263557584370" /></a><br />I bought a straw wreath because it was the cheapest option. You could also use a foam wreath. I wrapped the wreath with green tulle. Any kind of ribbon will do. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HON3NZXF3qo/TaSI_UWmR0I/AAAAAAAAA-E/N6T8y13dMbE/s1600/easterwreath3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HON3NZXF3qo/TaSI_UWmR0I/AAAAAAAAA-E/N6T8y13dMbE/s400/easterwreath3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594747258477627202" /></a><br />Make sure you have a bag of floral pins. These help the mesh keep the ribbon in tact. Use these to secure the mesh to the wreath as well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPia7Ss3Ttk/TaSI_BeunwI/AAAAAAAAA98/6FhZWj6BZ1c/s1600/easterwreath2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPia7Ss3Ttk/TaSI_BeunwI/AAAAAAAAA98/6FhZWj6BZ1c/s400/easterwreath2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594747253411454722" /></a><br />Now its time to add the mesh. I started at the bottom and worked my way around. Secure the mesh to the wreath with a floral pin, then bunch it up a little and secure another pin (I left a few inches inbetween each pin, but it looks even better when you bunch them up right next to each other). Repeat all the way around.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muTDPnPZB2I/TaSI_Hmy76I/AAAAAAAAA90/nK8VVogmSt0/s1600/easterwreath5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muTDPnPZB2I/TaSI_Hmy76I/AAAAAAAAA90/nK8VVogmSt0/s400/easterwreath5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594747255055904674" /></a><br />This is the finshed product but this picture does not do it justice. I glued the ribbon and egg garland to the wreath first. Then I stuck in the flower stems and egg picks. Next I glued the cute little chick to the center and added the bow to the bottom to cover up where I cut my mesh.<br /><br />What fun Easter projects have you created?Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-89770037977614938842011-04-07T13:17:00.000-07:002011-04-07T13:20:57.841-07:00So big!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHf5voQWOd8/TZ4cktW-LfI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ndbZs7eWmVs/s1600/pirate.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592939204217548274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHf5voQWOd8/TZ4cktW-LfI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ndbZs7eWmVs/s400/pirate.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>Dean looks like such a big boy in this picture! He's playing with his pirate ship and I could just stare at his sweet little face for hours. I love these little moments and I'm trying to soak them all up.</div>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-78599647370942874812011-04-04T11:09:00.001-07:002011-04-04T12:49:30.512-07:00Its Par-tee time!!<div align="left">For Dean's first birthday we channeled one of his daddy's favorite hobbies. Golf! Derek dreams of the day he can take Dean golfing in their matching sweater vests and argyle socks. I think the theme was very fitting for our little preppy golfer-in-the-making! We had lots of yummy food and thankfully the weather cooperated. The kids made visors outside with stickers and letters. They also enjoyed playing golf with the plastic clubs outside. I don't think we've ever had that many people in our house at one time. Thank you to everyone that came to celebrate our precious little one year old. </div><br /><div align="left">"For this child I have prayed." 1 Samuel 1:27 </div><br /><div align="left">Dean, </div><br /><div align="left">We pray for you daily that you would grow up strong and healthy! We pray that you would know Jesus and follow him. We love watching you learn and grow and figure out new things. We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments in just one year. You have given us the greatest joy in the world! We love you! God loves you! We are blessed. </div><br /><div align="left">Love, Mommy and Daddy </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591809574043560162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5ncbGZZJwk/TZoZLlB-qOI/AAAAAAAAA7c/eA70fXQvCZE/s400/Dean%2B3.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center">Derek made these invitations. He should go into business or something. </p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJLdU9Mksq8/TZocSuMaqrI/AAAAAAAAA9U/TRItn7aLySI/s1600/securedownload.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812995297225394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJLdU9Mksq8/TZocSuMaqrI/AAAAAAAAA9U/TRItn7aLySI/s400/securedownload.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Sign for the front door </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812098712294674" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-HT9m0ZeDU/TZobeiJ6VRI/AAAAAAAAA70/LsvdQk37qM8/s400/party3.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center">Mini cake for Dean </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPURHCCpzBM/TZobeXxJmOI/AAAAAAAAA7s/AMToG61YeKk/s1600/party2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812095924082914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPURHCCpzBM/TZobeXxJmOI/AAAAAAAAA7s/AMToG61YeKk/s400/party2.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Bundt cake. Have you heard of Nothing Bundt Cakes? We love that place! Mom and I recreated it ourselves. Mom is very talented at making that icing look perfect! </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812091731545250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PnqG1ITunw/TZobeIJkjKI/AAAAAAAAA7k/2-tEBcPOcnQ/s400/party1.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center">Cake table </p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq1oX4Od-24/TZob4wPUDlI/AAAAAAAAA8M/50Y8WNyKhls/s1600/party7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812549169647186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq1oX4Od-24/TZob4wPUDlI/AAAAAAAAA8M/50Y8WNyKhls/s400/party7.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Golf themed centerpieces </p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3Tv7F8rPqo/TZobfcM8ObI/AAAAAAAAA8E/5_pZI7nu5_w/s1600/party6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812114294258098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3Tv7F8rPqo/TZobfcM8ObI/AAAAAAAAA8E/5_pZI7nu5_w/s400/party6.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Food table - I love this mesh stuff that I added to the table! Its super cool! </p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgYLapOmiT4/TZobfKObr1I/AAAAAAAAA78/PbPr81VuUrs/s1600/party4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812109468675922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgYLapOmiT4/TZobfKObr1I/AAAAAAAAA78/PbPr81VuUrs/s400/party4.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>I used more mesh on the mantel. This is my new favorite thing! I'm making a wreath out of it too that I'll blog about. I painted the sign and made a banner of Dean's pictures from each month he was born. </p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT3estgQnG4/TZob5IHAQtI/AAAAAAAAA8U/lYrtenAWonw/s1600/party8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812555577246418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT3estgQnG4/TZob5IHAQtI/AAAAAAAAA8U/lYrtenAWonw/s400/party8.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Evan is sporting his visor. </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECsj2FhsrJs/TZocSf_5dqI/AAAAAAAAA9M/6N8KqahOD4A/s1600/Picture%2B087.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812991486621346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECsj2FhsrJs/TZocSf_5dqI/AAAAAAAAA9M/6N8KqahOD4A/s400/Picture%2B087.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>I have no idea why Dean is crying. He sure got a lot of gifts! He's riding on the little four wheeler Uncle Ryan gave him. </p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wNb3ZBM_Yk/TZocSNYdUQI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Jwfp5LEMkJo/s1600/Picture%2B083.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812986489360642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wNb3ZBM_Yk/TZocSNYdUQI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Jwfp5LEMkJo/s400/Picture%2B083.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>There's that sweet smile! </p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVimWusbmC4/TZocR9WWISI/AAAAAAAAA88/VmehR-1VQ3E/s1600/Picture%2B076.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812982185533730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVimWusbmC4/TZocR9WWISI/AAAAAAAAA88/VmehR-1VQ3E/s400/Picture%2B076.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Daddy and son </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTTJTL8RW2Y/TZocRuPQdbI/AAAAAAAAA80/ba43vtFkg_o/s1600/Picture%2B052.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812978129270194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTTJTL8RW2Y/TZocRuPQdbI/AAAAAAAAA80/ba43vtFkg_o/s400/Picture%2B052.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Loving all our books </p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMiCaNO5Cv0/TZob6New5iI/AAAAAAAAA8s/DYX_QlETUn4/s1600/Picture%2B046.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812574198949410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMiCaNO5Cv0/TZob6New5iI/AAAAAAAAA8s/DYX_QlETUn4/s400/Picture%2B046.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Time for cake! </p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMa7TZ9nVUI/TZob5n5_q4I/AAAAAAAAA8k/smPE-Z5zyB8/s1600/Picture%2B027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812564112616322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMa7TZ9nVUI/TZob5n5_q4I/AAAAAAAAA8k/smPE-Z5zyB8/s400/Picture%2B027.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Love that sweet cake-covered face! </p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uikqD2a8WVc/TZob5fWL1II/AAAAAAAAA8c/XweaItuuRkU/s1600/party9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591812561814934658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uikqD2a8WVc/TZob5fWL1II/AAAAAAAAA8c/XweaItuuRkU/s400/party9.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Our family! Happy Birthday Little D!!!</p>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-42652130627266399962011-03-30T13:20:00.000-07:002011-03-30T14:39:21.278-07:00Dean is one!Last year at this time we had a one week old baby. Wow! We had no idea what we were doing but we were on top of the world! I remember being so tired but it didn't matter because we were holding our son. I remember not knowing how to swaddle, how to feed him, how to buckle the car seat, how to warm a bottle etc. I remember laughing so hard in the middle of the night when Dean wet all over our comforter. I remember being so quite when trying to sleep because Dean was still sleeping in our room. I remember waking up every 2 hours to feed him and watching all the infomercials at 2 and 3am and thinking several of the products actually sounded pretty good. I remember our first outing: Starbucks of course! I remember how cute Dean looked in his going home outfit and how excited we were to walk through the door as a family of three. What a wonderful year! <br /><br />Happy Birthday precious Dean! We love you to pieces and we can't wait to see what this year has in store for you. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q27guEpRgR0/TZOid_TUACI/AAAAAAAAA7M/V_UMfiigghU/s1600/DSC05588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q27guEpRgR0/TZOid_TUACI/AAAAAAAAA7M/V_UMfiigghU/s400/DSC05588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589990198589259810" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEWKD615fO4/TZOidjeTSgI/AAAAAAAAA7E/C-7FfJY-DMs/s1600/DSC05605.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEWKD615fO4/TZOidjeTSgI/AAAAAAAAA7E/C-7FfJY-DMs/s400/DSC05605.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589990191119157762" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pul5z0NUUbk/TZOidS9TZWI/AAAAAAAAA68/MWOmiLTk91k/s1600/DSC05597.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pul5z0NUUbk/TZOidS9TZWI/AAAAAAAAA68/MWOmiLTk91k/s400/DSC05597.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589990186685785442" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svHtLnh8LXk/TZOidN6icbI/AAAAAAAAA60/rRQ4RJ8fbq8/s1600/DSC05579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svHtLnh8LXk/TZOidN6icbI/AAAAAAAAA60/rRQ4RJ8fbq8/s400/DSC05579.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589990185332011442" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbrTwt74Lcc/TZOic3d94LI/AAAAAAAAA6s/upRzgt5iQ6Q/s1600/DSC05569.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbrTwt74Lcc/TZOic3d94LI/AAAAAAAAA6s/upRzgt5iQ6Q/s400/DSC05569.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589990179306594482" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-49873039987783472092011-03-08T07:42:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:44:27.238-08:00Goodbye Dear FriendYesterday, I was forced to end a relationship that had lasted fifteen years; a relationship that challenged and empowered me for so many years with unwavering dependability; a relationship that now lay in pieces. <br /><br />I should have seen this coming years ago, but in many ways I chose to ignore the signs that were so apparent of wear and deterioration. We had been though both thick and thin so many times that I took for granted the effort and skill that it took from us both to work together to cut it. <br /><br />In the end, perhaps it was my lack of nurture and care that led to this point, but I can’t ignore the blood, sweat, and the tears I shed over what has become. I have poured so much energy in to the life of our relationship over the years that was used up so quickly, and now rejected. <br /><br />With what has transpired, I find it too difficult to repair what is broken and start again. The physical pains are just too unbearable. <br /><br />Goodbye dear Craftsman Gold 6.0. You were the best lawnmower a boy could ever have. <br /><br />-DerekLauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-85946382066942075402011-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:002011-02-14T12:10:41.721-08:00My lovesOn this Valentines day, I'm so excited to come home to these wonderful boys. My love tank is full. Loving these two boys is as easy as breathing. How did I get so lucky?!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtptRS0SD6I/TVmLOZBbREI/AAAAAAAAA6k/asNK8rNqjFU/s1600/val.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtptRS0SD6I/TVmLOZBbREI/AAAAAAAAA6k/asNK8rNqjFU/s400/val.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573639093198996546" /></a><br />Yes, that is Bieber on in the background. We like to dance to his music, I'm not ashamed (Derek - not so much, me and Dean - yes, we love the Biebs!).Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-46231602154449837992011-01-12T11:25:00.000-08:002011-01-12T11:45:55.645-08:00Where is baby Jesus?A few weeks before Christmas, we gave Dean his first nativity set. Its the Little People version and he was obsessed with it. Dean likes to hide baby Jesus. He's always missing, I can find all the other little people except for the most important little baby. This sounds a little too familiar. I have been told that when daddy was little he would also hide baby Jesus. Coincidence?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CgsM-NsI/AAAAAAAAA6A/b4j02g31IhU/s1600/jesus5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CgsM-NsI/AAAAAAAAA6A/b4j02g31IhU/s400/jesus5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561385350493779650" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CgW0nveI/AAAAAAAAA54/Dy2Oq-MPvDE/s1600/jesus4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CgW0nveI/AAAAAAAAA54/Dy2Oq-MPvDE/s400/jesus4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561385344754499042" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CgDxleII/AAAAAAAAA5w/96jcnnEFYKw/s1600/jesus3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CgDxleII/AAAAAAAAA5w/96jcnnEFYKw/s400/jesus3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561385339641493634" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CfodMg_I/AAAAAAAAA5o/VNlza7FdrRs/s1600/jesus2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CfodMg_I/AAAAAAAAA5o/VNlza7FdrRs/s400/jesus2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561385332308214770" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CfFAwG3I/AAAAAAAAA5g/mrTOOSE5IT0/s1600/jesus1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TS4CfFAwG3I/AAAAAAAAA5g/mrTOOSE5IT0/s400/jesus1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561385322793671538" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-91773615131007630552011-01-07T08:46:00.000-08:002011-01-07T14:36:56.814-08:00Feeling very Merry!We have decided that Christmas is more fun with a child. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday but having Dean makes it much more merry!! All you momma's out there I'm sure would agree. D and I enjoyed being Santa this year eventhough little D isn't quite old enough to understand yet. He loved the paper and he loved all the boxes. One of his favorite toys is a remote that talks in english, spanish and french. Who knew we would learn along with him! Now our house is filled with toys that sing and talk all day long. I know most of the songs by heart now. Even with all these cool toys, Dean just wants to play with a water bottle and Roxy's gross chew toys.<br /><br />Christmas Morning:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeNA2tgvVI/AAAAAAAAA4o/hvPAGggcSX0/s1600/DSC05152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567310838086994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeNA2tgvVI/AAAAAAAAA4o/hvPAGggcSX0/s400/DSC05152.JPG" /></a> Cool foam blocks</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeNAajJ9EI/AAAAAAAAA4g/iIwKfAHrde8/s1600/DSC05161.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567303278457922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeNAajJ9EI/AAAAAAAAA4g/iIwKfAHrde8/s400/DSC05161.JPG" /></a> Letters!</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeNANzdU7I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/CucXTjkXqzg/s1600/DSC05148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567299857175474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeNANzdU7I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/CucXTjkXqzg/s400/DSC05148.JPG" /></a> Taking a look at all my cool stuff before digging in!</p><p><br /></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeM_6Z6zpI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/8_GINHmAvLI/s1600/DSC05157.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567294649781906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeM_6Z6zpI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/8_GINHmAvLI/s400/DSC05157.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>My remote! I look so tired!<br /><br /><br />Christmas with the Stephens:<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKYcb2g2I/AAAAAAAAA4A/8tW9tELC5bg/s1600/DSC05227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559564417566671714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKYcb2g2I/AAAAAAAAA4A/8tW9tELC5bg/s400/DSC05227.JPG" /></a> Daddy and me</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKYLqqrrI/AAAAAAAAA34/Zb3oUcSw4sU/s1600/DSC05222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559564413065408178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKYLqqrrI/AAAAAAAAA34/Zb3oUcSw4sU/s400/DSC05222.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Gigi and me</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKXnSam8I/AAAAAAAAA3w/-2LX73zpNR8/s1600/DSC05216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559564403300015042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKXnSam8I/AAAAAAAAA3w/-2LX73zpNR8/s400/DSC05216.JPG" /></a> The cousins: Dean, Jackson, Emily</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKXRegNKI/AAAAAAAAA3o/F_3MP2JCYgM/s1600/DSC05209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559564397445133474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKXRegNKI/AAAAAAAAA3o/F_3MP2JCYgM/s400/DSC05209.JPG" /></a> Baylor gear for Neil and Derek</p><p><br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKXJniARI/AAAAAAAAA3g/n8oFe4WiOY4/s1600/DSC05206.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559564395335516434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeKXJniARI/AAAAAAAAA3g/n8oFe4WiOY4/s400/DSC05206.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Jackson and Dean playing<br /><br /><br />Christmas with the Reeds:<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH1V22QNI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/dgHwlEu3x3g/s1600/DSC05135.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559561615482175698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH1V22QNI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/dgHwlEu3x3g/s400/DSC05135.JPG" /></a> Sweet family</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH1GzhkBI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/pSwh8iNn_k8/s1600/DSC05147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559561611441704978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH1GzhkBI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/pSwh8iNn_k8/s400/DSC05147.JPG" /></a> Derek and brother</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH05X5PuI/AAAAAAAAA3I/aM9CoFmrUlE/s1600/DSC05143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559561607836155618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH05X5PuI/AAAAAAAAA3I/aM9CoFmrUlE/s400/DSC05143.JPG" /></a> Sister and her fur children and their bows</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH0aPalrI/AAAAAAAAA3A/c6DF09SwFd4/s1600/DSC05117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559561599479092914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH0aPalrI/AAAAAAAAA3A/c6DF09SwFd4/s400/DSC05117.JPG" /></a> Dean smiling for the camera before we open gifts!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH0NFGojI/AAAAAAAAA24/v3n7Eledun8/s1600/DSC05133.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559561595946181170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeH0NFGojI/AAAAAAAAA24/v3n7Eledun8/s400/DSC05133.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">I love the bell! </p><p align="center"><br /> </p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeRcxVNR3I/AAAAAAAAA4w/njRJnVnJEY0/s1600/DSC05198.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559572188476819314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TSeRcxVNR3I/AAAAAAAAA4w/njRJnVnJEY0/s400/DSC05198.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Nana and Dean</p>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-27146647259742463552010-12-08T09:17:00.000-08:002010-12-08T12:20:48.219-08:008 Months!Dean turned 8 months old a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe that this time last year I was pregnant with him. <br /><br />Dean is doing so many new and great things!<br />1. Crawling all over the place<br />2. Sitting up <br />3. Shaking his head<br />4. Wearing 9 month and 12 month clothes<br />5. Trying to pull up on everything<br />6. Talking a lot, sounds like he says "mama" but still unsure<br />7. Eating a lot. He loves sweet potatoes!<br />8. Gets really happy when he sees mommy and daddy after we've been gone<br />9. Laughs hard <br />10. Loves playing with "little people" toys<br />11. Cries when we leave the room<br />12. Loves playing in his saucer<br />13. Likes the jumper too<br />14. Cries when we sneeze/cough/vacuum<br />15. Getting more hair and still has those gorgeous long eye lashes<br />16. Weighs 19 lbs <br />17. Had his first virus last week, tear. :( He's doing better now. He had a fever, runny nose and cough.<br />18. Loves mommy's jewelry<br />19. Busy body...he can't sit still<br />20. Still has a hard time going to sleep at night. We rock for awhile<br />21. Loves to be held<br />22. Has 2 bottom teeth<br />23. Sat in a shopping cart and high chair in a restaurant for the first time<br /><br /><br />We are so thankful for our sweet little D. He brings so much joy to our lives and we can't imagine life without him. Our hearts are full this Christmas season. And we feel blessed beyond measure that God would chose us to take care of this precious boy. We have a wonderful God which makes me think of these words from Jeremy Camp's song: <br /><br />What a wonderful Maker<br />What a wonderful Savior<br />How majestic Your whispers<br />And how humble Your love<br />With a strength like no other<br />And the heart of a Father<br />How majestic Your whispers<br />What a wonderful God<br /><br /><br />I will post more pictures once I find my camera. The below ones are from my phone...sorry they are so blurry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TP_CcK7GBnI/AAAAAAAAA10/_2ihhVXjSrc/s1600/play%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TP_CcK7GBnI/AAAAAAAAA10/_2ihhVXjSrc/s400/play%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548367055168079474" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TP_CbBmiOtI/AAAAAAAAA1s/_pyLRVFqxGs/s1600/play.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TP_CbBmiOtI/AAAAAAAAA1s/_pyLRVFqxGs/s400/play.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548367035486059218" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TP_CageCXcI/AAAAAAAAA1k/vf7A4cjSs_8/s1600/cart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TP_CageCXcI/AAAAAAAAA1k/vf7A4cjSs_8/s400/cart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548367026592046530" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-57265836078575518322010-11-30T13:12:00.000-08:002010-12-01T09:36:20.722-08:00Christmas wreath on a budgetI have been searching for the perfect wreath. They are no where to be found! I've searched long and wide. My massive snowman wreath had to be retired last year...it was looking shabby. So off to my favorite store, Hobby Lobby! <br /><br />Here is what I purchased:<br />1. 1 wreath - $8.99 (half off), so it turned out to be $4.50<br />2. Christmas balls - One set of white/red - $7.99 (half off), turned out to be $3.99<br />3. Used some of my own ornaments<br />4. Several beaded/floral picks (the sparkly things that stick out of wreaths/trees). I bought about 6 red and 6 white for a total of about $10, they were all half off too.<br />5. Ribbon - $5<br /><br />Grand total: $23.49<br /><br />I don't think you could buy a wreath for that cheap!! Our home is looking festive. I wonder what else I can make???<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TPaHMy5ZOII/AAAAAAAAA1c/IKESdFNrMiE/s1600/wreath%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TPaHMy5ZOII/AAAAAAAAA1c/IKESdFNrMiE/s400/wreath%2B2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545768645044025474" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TPaHMj9zkkI/AAAAAAAAA1U/sYcRQgwVyfU/s1600/wreath%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TPaHMj9zkkI/AAAAAAAAA1U/sYcRQgwVyfU/s400/wreath%2B1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545768641035997762" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-31808969848249812922010-11-18T10:29:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:52:10.157-08:00Little modelMom and sister took Dean shopping last week. Dean was the perfect model. He let them play dress up with him. I kept getting picture texts all day long while at work. Thank goodness for camera phones and texting! At least I can see what he's up to while I'm away. <br /><br />What's your favorite hat?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TOV1LO06ZAI/AAAAAAAAA1M/qS6YNbNEhB0/s1600/hat%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TOV1LO06ZAI/AAAAAAAAA1M/qS6YNbNEhB0/s400/hat%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540963752368301058" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TOV1Hnp6koI/AAAAAAAAA1E/NYkBrzUSsV4/s1600/hat%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TOV1Hnp6koI/AAAAAAAAA1E/NYkBrzUSsV4/s400/hat%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540963690313585282" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TOV1HI9Qj5I/AAAAAAAAA08/iQYb1v3U4CY/s1600/hat%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TOV1HI9Qj5I/AAAAAAAAA08/iQYb1v3U4CY/s400/hat%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540963682073218962" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-83415849607329338112010-11-10T13:28:00.000-08:002010-11-10T13:34:18.390-08:00I'm trying really hard...to crawl! I want to run after that silly Roxy. I laugh at her and try to steal her bones. One of these days I'm going to learn to crawl and she'll be so surprised!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPXKeVm8I/AAAAAAAAA00/zdwgMrAqX2k/s1600/DSC04808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPXKeVm8I/AAAAAAAAA00/zdwgMrAqX2k/s400/DSC04808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538037057405164482" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPWYlvCsI/AAAAAAAAA0s/1vfahNzKFA4/s1600/DSC04805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPWYlvCsI/AAAAAAAAA0s/1vfahNzKFA4/s400/DSC04805.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538037044014418626" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPV3h_6rI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Dx6rC4r4TEY/s1600/DSC04810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPV3h_6rI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Dx6rC4r4TEY/s400/DSC04810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538037035140377266" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPVuOXqtI/AAAAAAAAA0c/9ptSXR4TrmY/s1600/DSC04813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPVuOXqtI/AAAAAAAAA0c/9ptSXR4TrmY/s400/DSC04813.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538037032642128594" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPUy_eXwI/AAAAAAAAA0U/Y97fh1YJsEI/s1600/DSC04812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNsPUy_eXwI/AAAAAAAAA0U/Y97fh1YJsEI/s400/DSC04812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538037016741961474" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-13981037080130220662010-11-03T13:34:00.000-07:002010-11-03T13:47:35.807-07:00My first Boo!Dean had a busy weekend showing off his monster costume. He was the cutest monster I've ever seen, but I'm not biased. We took him to my office for our annual Boo Bash. He flirted with the girls and hammed it up just in time for the photographer to snap the perfect picture of him!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNHJTfSfdAI/AAAAAAAAA0M/WT_L4YmbiOs/s1600/73926_447888457343_248348402343_5772677_3117625_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNHJTfSfdAI/AAAAAAAAA0M/WT_L4YmbiOs/s400/73926_447888457343_248348402343_5772677_3117625_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535426753668805634" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNHJTaDz0zI/AAAAAAAAA0E/dccGVWUJENA/s1600/40139_448100342343_248348402343_5776846_6876167_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNHJTaDz0zI/AAAAAAAAA0E/dccGVWUJENA/s400/40139_448100342343_248348402343_5776846_6876167_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535426752265048882" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNHJTAo3siI/AAAAAAAAAz8/wCO_UzJujtg/s1600/73151_448100417343_248348402343_5776850_8045973_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TNHJTAo3siI/AAAAAAAAAz8/wCO_UzJujtg/s400/73151_448100417343_248348402343_5776850_8045973_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535426745441169954" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-71206545832553072032010-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:002010-10-27T13:46:15.718-07:00My first homecomingDean experienced his first homecoming last weekend. It sure was adventureous! We went to the parade, had lunch with the family and went to the game. When we arrived at the stadium, it started pouring down rain. Everyone was evacuated from the stands because of lightning. We were all standing squished together under the stadium. All the rain was blowing in and we were all getting soaked. Dean was crying the entire time. I think everyone felt sorry for me so they tried to help by covering him with ponchos, blankets, etc...Luckily my brother and sister and Derek's family were there to help too (Derek was working - lucky him. He stayed warm and dry inside with the recruits). It was definitely a memorable time. Don't think I'll be going to another game where thunderstorms are in the forecast. Poor little guy was so scared.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiL0q2LVpI/AAAAAAAAAz0/P0noY5wBo7E/s1600/BU2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiL0q2LVpI/AAAAAAAAAz0/P0noY5wBo7E/s400/BU2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532825879195637394" /></a><br />Our family<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiL0dlHIoI/AAAAAAAAAzs/P07nh_IAAcQ/s1600/BU1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiL0dlHIoI/AAAAAAAAAzs/P07nh_IAAcQ/s400/BU1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532825875634397826" /></a><br />I loved the Parade!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiKYn_jIKI/AAAAAAAAAzk/DYD-GKy3l2E/s1600/DSC04651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiKYn_jIKI/AAAAAAAAAzk/DYD-GKy3l2E/s400/DSC04651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532824297881673890" /></a><br />Cousins<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiKRtQOQUI/AAAAAAAAAzc/OnSjGraf07c/s1600/DSC04649.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiKRtQOQUI/AAAAAAAAAzc/OnSjGraf07c/s400/DSC04649.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532824179034702146" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiKIglnIHI/AAAAAAAAAzU/1nyhgTGmO4M/s1600/DSC04653.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TMiKIglnIHI/AAAAAAAAAzU/1nyhgTGmO4M/s400/DSC04653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532824021015928946" /></a><br />All the cousins and their kiddos<br /><br />Yes, I did make the overalls for Dean and Jackson (cousin). It was quite easy. I just painted away on the denim. I like to free hand everything when I paint. I don't need stencils...that takes too long! Glad the boys were able to sport their cute outfits together!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-79318374415094118252010-10-05T12:58:00.000-07:002010-10-05T14:49:19.891-07:006 months old!<div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TKuXNla8ktI/AAAAAAAAAzM/aIzZaLjW23g/s1600/D3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524675627539272402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TKuXNla8ktI/AAAAAAAAAzM/aIzZaLjW23g/s400/D3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy half birthday to our little buddy! Dean turned 6 months on Sept 24, 2010. He is such a joy to be around. Little D is a little flirt and smiles at everyone. He's getting a lot of hair these days and its turning blonde. He has the longest eye lashes I've ever seen, girls will be jealous!<br /><br />Dean is a long and lean little guy weighing in at: 16 lbs, 6 oz<br />Height: 27 inches<br /><br />Here is what you are doing at 6 months:<br /><br />-rolling over as soon as we put you down, both ways<br />-eating your feet<br />-grabbing at everything<br />-playing with toys<br />-loves the saucer<br />-likes to laugh at Roxy<br />-has tried green beans, squash and rice cereal<br />-so happy in the mornings<br />-starts to get upset if mommy/daddy leave your sight<br />-waking up at least once a night<br />-splashes like crazy in the bath<br />-talks all the time and blows raspberries<br />-sleeping on your side/tummy<br />-wiggling and wanting to move when you are held<br />-eating about 6 times a day<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TKuPqSLLr5I/AAAAAAAAAy8/7L6aWHFf-9k/s1600/D1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524667324496064402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TKuPqSLLr5I/AAAAAAAAAy8/7L6aWHFf-9k/s400/D1.jpg" /></a> Mmmm...yummy green beans! </div><div align="left"><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TKuQJCeWRRI/AAAAAAAAAzE/IKqGABaOy7k/s1600/D2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524667852857427218" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TKuQJCeWRRI/AAAAAAAAAzE/IKqGABaOy7k/s400/D2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />More posts to come, I promise!!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-21803663791039414112010-08-04T13:11:00.000-07:002010-08-04T13:21:20.242-07:00Little D<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKEdN5UCI/AAAAAAAAAyU/pk5C6Apl_uY/s1600/bday+10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650597720969250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKEdN5UCI/AAAAAAAAAyU/pk5C6Apl_uY/s400/bday+10.jpg" /></a> I found my hands mommy and daddy!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKECwtFBI/AAAAAAAAAyM/Lz33gOR2jCc/s1600/bday+9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650590619210770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKECwtFBI/AAAAAAAAAyM/Lz33gOR2jCc/s400/bday+9.jpg" /></a> That's so funny daddy, you are so silly!</p><p align="center"><br /> </p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKD7_lTRI/AAAAAAAAAyE/RvKhk1LgNr8/s1600/bday+8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650588802567442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKD7_lTRI/AAAAAAAAAyE/RvKhk1LgNr8/s400/bday+8.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a> Ellie the elephant is my buddie. I like to eat him.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKDnzNqnI/AAAAAAAAAx8/mCNT5l4igfw/s1600/bday+7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650583381977714" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKDnzNqnI/AAAAAAAAAx8/mCNT5l4igfw/s400/bday+7.jpg" /></a> I move all the time. Thats why most of the pictures of me are blurry.</p><p><br /><br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKDNEIoYI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OnNRvDu3gw0/s1600/bday+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650576205193602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnKDNEIoYI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OnNRvDu3gw0/s400/bday+6.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>I'm a rock star and mommy likes to put leg warmers on me in the middle of the summer. Silly mommy!<br /><br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ3bG5aaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/vMf53v-29zI/s1600/bday+5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650373816445346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ3bG5aaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/vMf53v-29zI/s400/bday+5.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>I like the pool!<br /><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ3CZNqaI/AAAAAAAAAxk/zH99Nk-o70w/s1600/bday+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650367182383522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ3CZNqaI/AAAAAAAAAxk/zH99Nk-o70w/s400/bday+4.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>I'm a cool dude.<br /><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ22RuO5I/AAAAAAAAAxc/F17k3Spa_sk/s1600/bday+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650363929738130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ22RuO5I/AAAAAAAAAxc/F17k3Spa_sk/s400/bday+3.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>Me and my daddy...we are buds!<br /><br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ2v0A2YI/AAAAAAAAAxU/7SzqdrIS-ZY/s1600/bday+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501650362194516354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnJ2v0A2YI/AAAAAAAAAxU/7SzqdrIS-ZY/s400/bday+2.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>Mommy and me</p>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-61468009075719164622010-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:002010-08-04T13:06:58.530-07:0013 going on 30<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnErMprEcI/AAAAAAAAAxE/G77kcvdRbRU/s1600/bday+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFnErMprEcI/AAAAAAAAAxE/G77kcvdRbRU/s400/bday+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501644666219205058" /></a><br />Ok, maybe not 13 but I know I don't look much older than 21 (love that movie by the way). I've even gotten carded for buying glue. Last Friday, I turned 30. Yep, you can check my drivers license if you don't believe me. I can barely believe it myself! I don't feel any different. I think having a child is what makes me feel older not the actual number. It used to bother me that I look younger but now I just embrace it! Maybe when I'm 50, I'll look like I'm 30! <br /><br />I'd like to take a look back at the last 30 years. Below are my top 30 memories (its hard to think back but I'll try):<br /><br />1. Beach vacations with my family as a little girl.<br />2. Slip in slide birthday parties.<br />3. Disney World - enough said.<br />4. Being Dorothy in my dance studio's version of Wizard of Oz in the 8th grade (yes I was a blonde dorothy). My sister danced with me in the Lion scene.<br />5. Going to upstate NY for Christmas. Enjoying time in the snow with my family and grandparents. There's nothing better than a white Christmas.<br />6. More dance, performing in the nutcracker as: a party girl, a mouse, a ballerina, a flower, a chinese dancer...<br />7. Meeting my best friends in middle school and high school.<br />8. Bringing home our first family pet when I was about 10. Chelsea we miss you!<br />9. Sharing everyday life with a spunky sister and a sports-lover brother. I love you Caroline and Ryan!<br />10. Indian Princess with my dad and dancing with him in one of my dance recitals.<br />11. Shopping and baking with my mom. Thanks mom for all the fresh baked cookies you had for us everyday after school!<br />12. Being on the drill team in high school. Dancing on the field during football half time. Making officer my Senior year.<br />13. Getting into Baylor. Sic'em!<br />14. Graduating high school. I still remember sitting inbetween 2 people I didn't know. Wow, we had a big graduating class.<br />15. Having my own apartment with friends and decorating it. Living in our dollhouse apartment with Katie, Caroline, Holly and Kendi.<br />16. Sorority memories with my friends. Parties, service projects, SING...<br />17. Sonic/Starbucks runs with Katie after class.<br />18. Living with Caroline in our tree house apartment the last year of college - were those squirrels or rats living in our walls?<br />19. Meeting my husband at Baylor! <br />20. Graduating college and staring at my diamond the whole time!<br />21. Getting engaged the night before graduation. I will never forget that special night infront of Waco Hall.<br />22. Getting my first job and paycheck.<br />23. Marrying my best friend and seeing his smiling face at the end of the aisle.<br />24. Welcoming our first puppy...Roxy you are a nut, but we love you!<br />25. Buying our first house and decorating it.<br />26. Finding our church and becoming part of a wonderful group there!<br />27. Getting Baptized.<br />28. Finding out we were pregnant.<br />29. Seeing my belly expand and feeling Dean kick.<br />30. Welcoming Dean Alexander in March 2010 and holding him for the first time.<br /> <br />It's a wonderful life! So here's to making 30 the newest 20!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-70577350468504782432010-07-29T07:55:00.000-07:002010-07-29T09:04:52.259-07:00Dean is 4 months!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFGZ9Hbqb3I/AAAAAAAAAw8/tYgbQCaKc6o/s1600/Dean+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFGZ9Hbqb3I/AAAAAAAAAw8/tYgbQCaKc6o/s400/Dean+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499345895242231666" /></a><br />Yesterday Dean had his 4 month check up. He did great! Dr. said he is healthy and perfect. He also said he is very social and ahead in his motor skills. He was smiling and grabbing his feet the whole time the Dr. was checking him. He sure is a little wiggle worm and loves to talk!<br /><br />Weight: 14 lbs, 3 oz (50th percentile)<br />Height: 26 1/4 (80th percentile)<br /><br />We were told we can introduce the pool to him now. Yeah! Can't wait to see if he'll be a little fish!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFGZ863CgBI/AAAAAAAAAw0/_mkaYC2Dba8/s1600/Dean+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TFGZ863CgBI/AAAAAAAAAw0/_mkaYC2Dba8/s400/Dean+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499345891867394066" /></a><br />I love this picture my brother took of Dean. He is such a handsome little guy!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-55885012670310993892010-07-09T09:38:00.000-07:002010-07-09T09:53:20.880-07:00Derek here again. Back in blogosphere after many hard months of arduous soul searching, lamentation, and extreme grief-inducing deep introspective thought. No, not really. I’ve just been really into playing Angry Birds on my wife’s iphone. Oh, and I guess we had a baby too.<br /><br />I have learned a great deal in the past four months of parenthood. More so than I ever thought, or wished to know – how to change a diaper, how to clean poop off of the floor, why poop can be so many different colors. I feel like at this point in my life I have been around more poo poo than Emmitt Smith in the early 2000s. Messy.<br /><br />With my lovely wife being on maternity leave I have also learned all of the wonders of daytime TV (even though I work from home, of course, I never turn on the television to watch programs like “The Price is Right,” “Jeopardy,” or Macgyver reruns during my long and strenuous work days). In the past few months I have been introduced to the Bonnie Hunt Show, the Martha Stewart show, and a train-wreck called Hoda and Kathie Lee.<br /><br />But perhaps the most interesting was a show that gave us a little nugget of musical kryptonite. To be honest, I don’t even know what this show is called, what it is about, or why it is on. But, this song has been stuck in my head for weeks (almost as bad as Chimpanzee Riding on a Segway from a couple of years ago...”<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp9Gm-aRe5A">bamp bamp a bamp bamp bamp</a>”) Take a listen and see if you can’t get this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmdqEoct9Eo">insanity</a> out of your head.<br /><br />Please make it stop!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-42418730765197645382010-06-07T18:23:00.000-07:002010-06-07T18:35:25.278-07:00Photoshoot #2We are so lucky to have such talented friends! Another friend of mine from college took some fabulous pictures of Dean too. She came to our house and used our stuff for many of the backdrops. These pictures were actually taken when he was only 5 days old. Kristen you and your hubby are amazing!<br /><br />Check out Kristen's website: <a href="http://www.kristenstewartphotography.com/">http://www.kristenstewartphotography.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dx98auBI/AAAAAAAAAwo/n_N9OT_FRPM/s1600/Stephens091.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dx98auBI/AAAAAAAAAwo/n_N9OT_FRPM/s400/Stephens091.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209803346884626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dpSaDC9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/RuGpwlO3Drg/s1600/Stephens088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dpSaDC9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/RuGpwlO3Drg/s400/Stephens088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209654221048786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2do6j_WsI/AAAAAAAAAwY/NCatis5hJok/s1600/Stephens086.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2do6j_WsI/AAAAAAAAAwY/NCatis5hJok/s400/Stephens086.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209647820298946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dotpv6fI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/671TvWjdD8E/s1600/Stephens071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dotpv6fI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/671TvWjdD8E/s400/Stephens071.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209644354791922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2doTcNuYI/AAAAAAAAAwI/j933iWttKG8/s1600/Stephens063.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2doTcNuYI/AAAAAAAAAwI/j933iWttKG8/s400/Stephens063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209637318703490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2doEQcBAI/AAAAAAAAAwA/ulPyqb6LrZc/s1600/Stephens067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2doEQcBAI/AAAAAAAAAwA/ulPyqb6LrZc/s400/Stephens067.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209633242776578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dG5TnssI/AAAAAAAAAv4/07PUP38o6WU/s1600/Stephens066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dG5TnssI/AAAAAAAAAv4/07PUP38o6WU/s400/Stephens066.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209063367652034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dGQHosPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/vr09W_-BXQI/s1600/Stephens058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dGQHosPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/vr09W_-BXQI/s400/Stephens058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209052311531762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dF5k9jII/AAAAAAAAAvo/dsU06RntUJw/s1600/Stephens055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dF5k9jII/AAAAAAAAAvo/dsU06RntUJw/s400/Stephens055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209046260518018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dFhBbtbI/AAAAAAAAAvg/8HsEoF-g3VY/s1600/Stephens044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dFhBbtbI/AAAAAAAAAvg/8HsEoF-g3VY/s400/Stephens044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209039669048754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dE9GmdiI/AAAAAAAAAvY/eeGLRUovWhY/s1600/Stephens039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2dE9GmdiI/AAAAAAAAAvY/eeGLRUovWhY/s400/Stephens039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480209030027048482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cv9wNcmI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/zeFfwk2lW5o/s1600/Stephens037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cv9wNcmI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/zeFfwk2lW5o/s400/Stephens037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480208669424317026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cvtPQw2I/AAAAAAAAAvI/-WeFkh401RA/s1600/Stephens030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cvtPQw2I/AAAAAAAAAvI/-WeFkh401RA/s400/Stephens030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480208664991155042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cvZC1viI/AAAAAAAAAvA/KgEyklfkIlI/s1600/Stephens027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cvZC1viI/AAAAAAAAAvA/KgEyklfkIlI/s400/Stephens027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480208659570343458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cvFgKxyI/AAAAAAAAAu4/G6YxxJn5cgQ/s1600/Stephens026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cvFgKxyI/AAAAAAAAAu4/G6YxxJn5cgQ/s400/Stephens026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480208654324647714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cuhJAe0I/AAAAAAAAAuw/tNscHuaYQxE/s1600/Stephens022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TA2cuhJAe0I/AAAAAAAAAuw/tNscHuaYQxE/s400/Stephens022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480208644563827522" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-57111105621349888432010-06-03T13:32:00.000-07:002010-06-03T13:42:27.029-07:00Photoshoot #1A friend of mine from high school/college took some wonderful pictures of our sweet little guy. Check her out! She is a fabulous photographer and the link to her site is: <a href="http://jessicagarzaphotography.com/index2.php?v=v2">http://jessicagarzaphotography.com/index2.php?v=v2</a><br /><br />Thanks Jess!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgTe4L2dTI/AAAAAAAAAuo/eQkLzlTdT8Q/s1600/IMG_2155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgTe4L2dTI/AAAAAAAAAuo/eQkLzlTdT8Q/s400/IMG_2155.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478650367895303474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgTeWOXYZI/AAAAAAAAAug/FSYrwr81oTc/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgTeWOXYZI/AAAAAAAAAug/FSYrwr81oTc/s400/IMG_2122.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478650358779044242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgTd0yhg8I/AAAAAAAAAuY/SZncagj42hM/s1600/IMG_2022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgTd0yhg8I/AAAAAAAAAuY/SZncagj42hM/s400/IMG_2022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478650349803897794" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSznuHcPI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/IucZuEQvf2c/s1600/deanblog9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSznuHcPI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/IucZuEQvf2c/s400/deanblog9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478649624741245170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSzcjSfRI/AAAAAAAAAuI/1jEUamIQkDo/s1600/IMG_2109.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSzcjSfRI/AAAAAAAAAuI/1jEUamIQkDo/s400/IMG_2109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478649621743041810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSy70pu7I/AAAAAAAAAuA/y97A3iEvIA8/s1600/IMG_2231.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSy70pu7I/AAAAAAAAAuA/y97A3iEvIA8/s400/IMG_2231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478649612957498290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSybUfj_I/AAAAAAAAAt4/2H3c44F9ajU/s1600/deanblog5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSybUfj_I/AAAAAAAAAt4/2H3c44F9ajU/s400/deanblog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478649604232679410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSyCUthjI/AAAAAAAAAtw/SB4xw5K7BTw/s1600/deanblog1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/TAgSyCUthjI/AAAAAAAAAtw/SB4xw5K7BTw/s400/deanblog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478649597522708018" border="0" /></a>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-66629439053136602472010-05-26T12:31:00.000-07:002010-05-26T13:04:30.419-07:00Showering Caroline!My dear friend, Caroline, is having a baby boy very soon! Mom and I along with another friend, Taylor, through C a shower. Even Dean was invited. He was the only boy. Pretty soon he won't want to be around just girls.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14yQQTfPI/AAAAAAAAAtg/hNddumf9ueE/s1600/DSC04171.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14yQQTfPI/AAAAAAAAAtg/hNddumf9ueE/s400/DSC04171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665526704536818" border="0" /></a>Hostesses<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14x50KajI/AAAAAAAAAtY/_n0XUDO4LTM/s1600/DSC04167.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14x50KajI/AAAAAAAAAtY/_n0XUDO4LTM/s400/DSC04167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665520680921650" border="0" /></a>Dean chilling with Woody at the shower.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14xQNVp1I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/1b7gnI59fQU/s1600/DSC04136.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14WgPQD-I/AAAAAAAAAtI/hLO-g43BS7Q/s1600/DSC04150.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14WgPQD-I/AAAAAAAAAtI/hLO-g43BS7Q/s400/DSC04150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665049958748130" border="0" /></a>Caroline opening gifts.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14V5d70wI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Xyj62qDgQuM/s1600/DSC04132.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14V5d70wI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Xyj62qDgQuM/s400/DSC04132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665039551353602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14VVys5EI/AAAAAAAAAs4/GxWKB9lb0Lg/s1600/DSC04129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14VVys5EI/AAAAAAAAAs4/GxWKB9lb0Lg/s400/DSC04129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665029974778946" border="0" /></a>Fishing theme diaper cake.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14U6WTbgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/aLgKWmLLmzc/s1600/DSC04119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14U6WTbgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/aLgKWmLLmzc/s400/DSC04119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665022607912450" border="0" /></a>This coffee punch is so heavenly that I have to share the recipe:<br /><br />Coffee Punch:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">2 qts coffee cooled (we used decaf for the mommy-to-be)<br />2 cups milk<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />2 tsp. vanilla<br />1 qt vanilla ice cream (we used more than that - taste to your liking)<br />1 cup whipping cream (whipped)<br /><br />Combine coffee, milk, sugar and vanilla. Cool. When ready to serve,<br />add ice cream and whipping cream. Enjoy!<br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14Ub5wr1I/AAAAAAAAAso/bB1sttFVpCM/s1600/DSC04126.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_14Ub5wr1I/AAAAAAAAAso/bB1sttFVpCM/s400/DSC04126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665014435131218" border="0" /></a>We had lots of yummy food. One of which was artichoke dip and I would like to share this oh so simple recipe too. It is always gone first and its so easy:<br /><br />Artichoke dip:<br />1 cup mayonnaise<br />1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)<br />1 cup chopped artichoke hearts (canned)<br />We usually double this recipe.<br /><br />Combine and bake at 425 until bubbly. Usually about 30 minutes. Thats it!!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_15Ebc9hEI/AAAAAAAAAto/BPWXdeQYYBs/s1600/DSC04163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_15Ebc9hEI/AAAAAAAAAto/BPWXdeQYYBs/s400/DSC04163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475665838948058178" border="0" /></a>We painted onesies. Can you guess which one I made?<br /><br />Caroline and Darren - we are so thrilled for you! We can't wait to meet little Evan! God is so good to bless us both with sweet boys. They will be great friends!<br />Much Love!!<br /></div>Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-64904041907084864342010-05-26T12:15:00.000-07:002010-05-26T12:30:36.847-07:002 months old!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_12ibf64yI/AAAAAAAAAsg/KWjpRzzM8Ng/s1600/DSC04174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_12ibf64yI/AAAAAAAAAsg/KWjpRzzM8Ng/s400/DSC04174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475663055821660962" /></a><br /><br />Dean is 2 months old! We can't believe that time is going by so fast. Dean had his 2 month check up and he checked out perfect!<br />He's in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. Way to go bud!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_11aICAElI/AAAAAAAAAsY/zfMA-rBMznI/s1600/DSC04176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_11aICAElI/AAAAAAAAAsY/zfMA-rBMznI/s400/DSC04176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475661813645316690" /></a><br />Waiting for the doctor. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_11ZCRD3yI/AAAAAAAAAsI/mvcRHGTS4wc/s1600/DSC04114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S_11ZCRD3yI/AAAAAAAAAsI/mvcRHGTS4wc/s400/DSC04114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475661794917998370" /></a><br />Little D loves to smile!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-85736082292511393882010-05-12T19:59:00.000-07:002010-05-12T21:12:17.480-07:00Life with a 7 week oldHi, we're still here! I'm a blog slacker. Its hard enough to find time to get on the computer but I also have a husband that works from home and hogs the computer all day long. At least I have an iphone and can check my email that way.<br /><br />Dean is now 7 weeks old today. Wow! Time flies! Dean is more alert now and loves to move his little legs and arms. He is a wiggle worm, no wonder he was kicking and punching me so much while in my tummy. Dean loves to be held and really doesn't cry much. I'm learning what each cry means but that doesn't mean I know how to calm him everytime. We are still learning. He is still waking up several times a night so we are used to little sleep. Dean loves his gym, swing and bouncer. He also loves bath time! He makes the cutest little noises and has smiled many times unintentionally I think. We are still waiting on that first smile - melt my heart!<br /><br />We finally brought Roxy home. She had been staying with her second family (aka my parents). She loves it so much over there that I didn't know if she even wanted to come home - my parents dog, Molly, and Roxy are best buds. We brought Dean over to meet Roxy several times before we brought her home. She was very curious and just ignored him the first few times. Now that she is at home with us, she is getting more and more curious every day. She started licking him today so thats a good sign!<br /><br />Dean has been on several outings. We've gone to Starbucks, Target and TJ Maxx/homegoods of course. He usually does good in his carseat and stroller. This weekend Dean took his longest trip of his little life on Mothers day. We drove to Hillsboro to meet GiGi, GDaddy, Aunt Heather, Uncle Neil, Cousin Emily and Cousin Jackson. Then we drove to Nana and Papa's house to visit with them and Aunt Caroline and Uncle Ryan. He did so well! I'm such a proud mommy! <br /><br />We have taken Dean to our ABF at church twice now. It was great to see everyone and feel normal again by getting out. Dean was a little loud both times. He grunts all the time when he has to go. Its a huge production every time and its so loud. So I took him out in the hallway so he could do his business although I think everyone in the class heard most of it. Ha! So sorry for the distraction during the prayer.<br /><br />We are so blessed to be parents of this precious child! Dean, we love you so much! Stop growing so fast! We are taking in every moment of this amazing journey. God is great and worthy of Praise!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5x8UkExI/AAAAAAAAAr4/tPGrsXTdJj8/s1600/DSC03940.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5x8UkExI/AAAAAAAAAr4/tPGrsXTdJj8/s400/DSC03940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470600071284527890" border="0" /></a>Aunt Heather and Cousin Jackson. Dean and Jackson will be great friends!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5d_T8LPI/AAAAAAAAArw/o8-rV0AUnCA/s1600/DSC04075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5d_T8LPI/AAAAAAAAArw/o8-rV0AUnCA/s400/DSC04075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599728489835762" border="0" /></a>Mothers day<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5dlo0UwI/AAAAAAAAAro/asLXOUyDHF8/s1600/DSC04053.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5dlo0UwI/AAAAAAAAAro/asLXOUyDHF8/s400/DSC04053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599721598079746" border="0" /></a>Dean dressed up for me on Mothers day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5dGvle9I/AAAAAAAAArg/xfbhKnYqWS0/s1600/DSC04040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5dGvle9I/AAAAAAAAArg/xfbhKnYqWS0/s400/DSC04040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599713304968146" border="0" /></a>One of our first walks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5clu6LDI/AAAAAAAAArY/nCeOuH1uP7w/s1600/DSC03999.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5clu6LDI/AAAAAAAAArY/nCeOuH1uP7w/s400/DSC03999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599704443759666" border="0" /></a>Sleeping on Daddy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5cJfhR8I/AAAAAAAAArQ/c8X4voLq0Js/s1600/DSC03991.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t5cJfhR8I/AAAAAAAAArQ/c8X4voLq0Js/s400/DSC03991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599696863020994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t49wehMUI/AAAAAAAAArI/q128tLGjsoE/s1600/DSC03982.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t49wehMUI/AAAAAAAAArI/q128tLGjsoE/s400/DSC03982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599174751859010" border="0" /></a>Dean loves bath time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t49WId7wI/AAAAAAAAArA/XW5eJ6dmt_4/s1600/DSC03969.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t49WId7wI/AAAAAAAAArA/XW5eJ6dmt_4/s400/DSC03969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599167680048898" border="0" /></a>Uncle Ryan getting some Dean time.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t48kvnmMI/AAAAAAAAAqw/tOzpMYkz3_Q/s1600/DSC03965.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t48kvnmMI/AAAAAAAAAqw/tOzpMYkz3_Q/s400/DSC03965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599154422487234" border="0" /></a>Roxy meets Dean for the first time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t48FY6tsI/AAAAAAAAAqo/raVayQQy08k/s1600/DSC03951.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t48FY6tsI/AAAAAAAAAqo/raVayQQy08k/s400/DSC03951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470599146005771970" border="0" /><br /></a><br />Starbucks with Sister and Mom<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t7nn7R8PI/AAAAAAAAAsA/dC0zDj9RmCw/s1600/DSC04020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S-t7nn7R8PI/AAAAAAAAAsA/dC0zDj9RmCw/s400/DSC04020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470602093034336498" /></a><br />Nana and PapaLauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024695664702231632.post-37620693476633243972010-04-08T15:55:00.000-07:002010-04-15T15:26:10.851-07:00Dean's arrival: March 24, 2010Hello strangers! Its been awhile since I've posted. We're just a little preoccupied these days! We are loving our little guy more than words can express. We are in awe of God's miracle and I'm loving my husband more and more for he gave me the most precious gift.<br /><br />Things are going really well. We're so happy Dean is here and that he is healthy. I thought I would share our birth story. Mainly so I won't forget.<br /><br />I went to my routine weekly doctor appointment on Tuesday, March 23. We had a sonogram that day since my blood pressure had been high. Doctor wanted to check to make sure baby was still ok. I had a non-stress test the week before and he was doing great. The sono showed that he was doing great too but one worrisome find was he was a little under weight. And my blood pressure was still high. I was 39 weeks at the time. Doctor said there was no reason to keep me pregnant and that we should go ahead and schedule an induction. We were a little surprised. I thought I had at least another week to go! We were scheduled to come back to the hospital at 8pm that night. I wasn't dilated at all so I was given the cervix ripening agent. After a sleepless night at the hospital (I was just so anxious about the arrival of Dean that I couldn't sleep and I was starting to feel contractions), I was given the pitocin at about 8am in the morning. We had a lovely nurse all day! She is actually a friend of ours that graciously came in to take care of us when I told her about the induction. She truly made the experience wonderful and made me feel so at ease. Lauren - I will never forget that you were a part of our special day!<br />My contractions started almost instantly coming almost on top of each other leaving no break between them to rest. So I was given the epidural at about 9:30am. The epidural surprising didn't hurt at all. Having my blood taken is way worse! Once I had the epidural I was feeling great! I started to progress very quickly. I got to a 5 around lunchtime and I was fully ready to start pushing at 2pm. Once I heard that it was time and that we would be meeting our precious son, my eyes filled up with tears. We were ready and so excited! I had really no idea how to push especially because I was completely numb but somehow I did it. I pushed for only 10 minutes and then finally Dean arrived! He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. It was the most amazing feeling ever to see him for the first time! It was love at first sight. Derek was a trooper the whole time. I thought he might faint during the delivery but he made every effort not to look at anything. We spent some time with Dean alone and then welcomed both our families in the room to meet him.<br /><br />Our experience was perfect! I was so worried about how it would turn out and once again God proved that there was no reason to doubt him. But more importantly, God provided the most beautiful son for us. He is perfect, I could stare at him all day long. We are excited to raise him and watch him grow. We are excited to have now joined the wonderful club known as "parenthood."<br /><br />Thank you Lord for giving us this tiny little babe to take care of. Thank you for trusting us to provide, care and raise this child. We commit to put you first in our lives and to teach Dean about your everlasting love for us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S8eRF3r0QII/AAAAAAAAAqQ/tvQsaIOg_Xc/s1600/dean+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S8eRF3r0QII/AAAAAAAAAqQ/tvQsaIOg_Xc/s400/dean+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460492603243118722" border="0" /></a><br />Our family<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S8eRGI38xBI/AAAAAAAAAqY/nzvLoc4LonM/s1600/dean+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S8eRGI38xBI/AAAAAAAAAqY/nzvLoc4LonM/s400/dean+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460492607857411090" border="0" /></a><br />Us with our doctor<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S8eRG786cUI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ASUUEPbvqS8/s1600/dean+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1kbi40K0Z3U/S8eRG786cUI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ASUUEPbvqS8/s400/dean+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460492621568438594" border="0" /></a><br />Our nurse, love you Lauren!Lauren and Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858324759282965793noreply@blogger.com6