Happy birthday, Little Sister of mine!

Today is Leah's 22nd birthday!!! I can't believe how old she is!

Leah, I hope that you're having a great day!!! I definitely wish I could be there to celebrate with you! You are such an amazing woman, and I'm amazed at your strength every single day! It is such a blessing to have you as a sister! I love you and can't wait to see you soon!!!

Love,

Lauren

Go Cowboys!

Since it didn't work out so well for Harper's Hogs on Saturday, we're hoping for a better outcome tonight! I decided that Harper needed to pull out her finest today, so she wore her precious Anthropologie dress! Yes, Anthropologie has baby clothes, and yes, they are usually just as expensive as the Woman's clothes. This dress, however, was on major sale...so I had to get it for her! Eliana has one too, so they are going to look precious when we're finally together again! But this morning I decided to take a few pictures of her while we were playing outside. I think they turned out pretty cute!

Her politician pose

Sucking on her lip

Most precious child ever!

I loved her eyelashes in this one!

She's on my team!

I plan on letting Harper make many decisions in life...what to wear, how to do her hair, where to go to college, etc. However, this weekend, she does not have a choice. She will be a razorback fan with her momma! As I thought about the Arkansas/Alabama game this weekend, I realized I'd be watching it with several "enemies". And I needed to make sure I had at least one person on my side. Harper does have a very cute pink hog shirt... but I figured she needed a full on Razorback outfit. I made the shirt for her and bought a REALLY cute red tutu skirt at the mall. She will be the best-dressed fan at the party!

Her cute shirt

Closer view of the pig

Yes, I've been working on my sewing, but I haven't been too successful yet. The pig is obviously traced (I am no artist!) and then ironed on, and I hand stitched the tail. I need to master sewing in straight lines before trying curves. Trust me... the pumpkin shirt didn't work out so well! But the fabric is SO cute, I will be making another one! I'll make sure and post some pictures of our Hog Fan on Saturday...and in the mean time, we'll both be hoping for a big win!!!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I love the Fall! And as you can see, Harper loves the Fall too... she begged me to buy the hat for her, but I figured we would wait until it went on sale. (and no, I can't make the picture any bigger...not sure what is going on). I really can't remember it ever being this cool in September in Dallas. And yes, I know it won't last... but a girl can dream, right? It just feels absolutely wonderful outside. Once again, I could do without the rain, but I sure love this cool weather. Am I turning into my grandma??? I've so far talked about rain and cooler weather!

Moving on... I bought Harper's Halloween costume today and it is SO cute! I can't wait to put it on her! Her chubbiness will probably be accentuated, but I'm okay with that. In fact, I encourage it!

Well, Harper and I are currently in a disagreement. She thinks that the 10 minute nap on the way home was sufficient for her afternoon nap, and obviously I don't agree with her. Looks like she might win. I better go! Have a great day!!! And Happy Fall!

"You Hold Me Now"

Today was an amazing day at church. Matt's message was incredible, and he was right when he said it would probably sting a little. If you ever listen to his sermons, make sure and listen to this week's on repentance and confession. I believe it is something I need to hear every single week...maybe every day! The format of our service has changed, and we now worship after the message. So here I am entering this time of worship already with a very heavy heart. The last song begins, and my great friend, Mare, leans over to me and says, "This is my new favorite song... you're going to bawl!" And she was right. I eventually had to sit down, with my head in my hands, weeping over these words. It's one of Hillsongs newest songs, and it is wonderful. I highly recommend the $.99 you would spend on iTunes to get it! But if nothing else, read the words and find comfort in knowing that although this world is crooked and depraved, there is an end to it all. Knowing what Heaven has for me makes me all the more ready to be there.

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace

All my fear is swept away
In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need
And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails

When Your name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
I'm believing for the day

When the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness, no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

We were caught...

In the rain, that is! So it's been raining here since last Friday, and to say I'm going a little stir crazy is quite an understatement. After Harper woke up from her nap, I looked outside and it was finally sunny. I have the brilliant idea for us to go on a walk. At one point, I notice some darker clouds, but I assume they are going the other direction. Well, I was wrong. Thankfully we weren't too far from our house, but I had to start running... in the complete down pour! And yes, this was the first time for me to run in quite a while. We made it home, soaking wet, and Harper wasn't phased at all during the whole experience. I think she kind of enjoyed it. Here are some pictures of our very wet afternoon. Yes, I'm that mom allows my child to get completely wet and instead of getting her wet clothes off immediately, I grab the camera. She should get used to it.

Not sure what all this wet stuff is

Couldn't be any cuter!

I didn't have time to get the flash out of the picture...

but I figured if I'm showing pictures of Harper, I should add some of my self.

Pretty, huh?

I do not condone this behavior.

In fact, I'll pretend that "A" stands for Arkansas.

Showin' a little bit of skin

So I just turned on the video monitor while Harper was napping, and I saw a whole bunch of skin! It cracked me up, so I had to take a picture. It was a very risky move on my part. If I woke her up with the sound of the camera, I'd be hearing about it all afternoon from her. Let's just say the shots produced a very cranky and tired little girl. I'm certainly hoping for a better afternoon, but I doubt that will happen.

And now for a completely random funny/disgusting story... Yesterday we went to Central Market to get some veggies for Harper. As I was walking around the store, it made me hungry... typical. So I decided to head over to the salad bar and make a delicious salad for lunch. We get home, I put her down for her nap, and get the salad ready. I eat about 4 bites of this fabulous salad....it was so tasty! Then I stuck my fork in for another bite and pull out the BIGGEST BUG!!!! If I hadn't been paying attention, I could've eaten it!!!! How sick is that?!?!?

I called the store, and they offered me a free salad the next time I'm in.

Thanks but no thanks!