Leaving My Roots and Moving to my Ties

It has been 2 months since we left my Yankee Roots and headed southwest to be with my Southern Ties. These last 60 some odd days has at some times seemed like an eternity, and other times it seems like we just arrived and are figuring out a routine. I am still trying to get a grasp of the heat, dust, Clay in a cowboy hat, and saying "ya'll"; but part of me thinks that I may be too much of a Yankee to fully comprehend all the southernness surrounding me. Regardless, I am still praying for God to change my heart everyday. He has brought us here for a reason, and we may not fully understand why until years down the road. Although there are days when the tears don't seem to want to stop, wondering why there has to be pain in order to grow. But what I do know, is that He is just as much here on this New Mexico ranch as He is in Springboro, Ohio. I am so thankful for His promise of never leaving us or forsaking us!! As we continue to embark on this journey to be more like Him, I pray that others will see Him in me, and that I would count it all joy throughout these trials in my life, knowing that my faith being tested develops perseverance, so that I may be perfect and complete lacking nothing (James 1:2-4). God, give those who read this the courage to trust you in the unknown, that they would desire to to come worship you with open palms; holding nothing back but giving it all willingly to the Savior of the World.
              Love, Lauren

Ok, on a lighter note :).... here is the last Ohio photo shoot I did with my sisters, D and Sol. It is one that will always be dear to my heart. And yes, I have the purrtiest sissies around... hands down!! Enjoy!

I gave them these bracelets before I left, they say " a cord of three strands is not easily broken, ecclesiastes 4:12"Metaphorically we 3 sisters are those three strands and no matter the distance, we are not easily broken. Go ahead, wipe away your tears now!

Aunt 'Dodo' 

don't ask, but I hope they call her this FOREVER

Auntie Mer Mer, aka my look-a-like

Last month, Dalainey, Solomon, and I had a little photo date. They had a blast playing in the alleys, and climbing on the "choo choo". This shoot was especially dear to my heart because it was in my home town of Lebanon, Ohio. After our day of smiles and a few tears :), we headed to the Village Ice Cream Parlor for lunch and of course... ice cream. I love the memories that I am able to make with my beautiful blessings and hope that some day looking back on these photos they will get a glimpse of how much I truly dig them.

Cowgirl, Princess, & Lipgloss

Last week on a rainy March day, Dalainey wanted me to take pictures of her in her princess dress and cowgirl girl hat (after all, she is half Texan). Of course, I hurried up and grabbed my camera before she changed her mind. Even though her brother didn't approve of all the attention she was getting, and the dogs were running around like crazy; I loved that I was able to capture our girly time of princesses, cowgirls, and lipgloss. You make me smile D Scout, especially when you tell me to share my lipgloss because Jesus wants us to share. How can I say no to that!!! :)

The Dude's Dude looking guilty :)

Be Still & Know...

In order for D & Sol to take a nap, I have to get them all to lay down in bed with me, turn on a cartoon & pray that heavy eyelids will wash over their baby blues. Today the process was quicker than usual, and most of the time I fall asleep before they do. But here I lie staring at my sleeping beauties in awe of the blessings God has given me. Most of my days are non stop, leaving little time for rest. However, as I made myself stay lying down, an over whelming feeling of thanksgiving & peace swept over me. God saying, "take time for quiet moments & see Me in the blessings I've given you!" Its true, when we take time to rest & be still, we can hear God whispering sweet precious words in our ears.

Yankee Winter Heat Wave: 1.31.2012

So, if you are from Ohio, you know how crazy our weather can be at times. On January 31, 2012 we experienced one of those days... 65 and sunny!!! What?!?! So,what did we do on this amazing day? We ate ice cream cones, played outside for hours with the dogs, and of course took photos to capture the moment! Here's to our winter heat wave (as we toast our ice cream cones).

This is what Sol does when I say "smile" :)

and this is what D does when I say " strike a pose" :)

tonka

lola

love this one!

everything is a weapon... watch out when he has sticks in his hands!