I love anything, everything Ole Miss FALL! (All you OM fans, think Rebel Rags commercial). I have my house all decorated with pumpkins, mums, and all things that make me smile. I can't believe it is almost November but I can't say that I am sad about it. Fall is just the best time of year to reflect on what I've been through and the fun times that we have ahead.

So much has happened since the Summer and I'm thankful that life is continuing to surprise me. My kiddos at school are precious and loud :), my Rebs are playing some awesome football and last but certainly not least, God is blessing in many areas of my life. I am SO blessed and I have to remind myself often that I need to be the blessing he wants me to be, back into this world. 

Our church had our annual Fall Fest on Saturday night. We have a sweet couple at church who shares their home every year and it's always the best fun! This year we had trunk or treat and I helped my mother get all the pumpkins ready to decorate with. I thought her trunk looks pretty cute myself!

Our kiddos dress up and have an inflatable that entertains them for the night. This year I thought the inflatable was rather fitting... (too bad our Rebs lost Saturday night).  The highlight of the night besides enjoying all of the company was the outside TV set up! I think my hint was taken ;) and it made my night to be able to see my Rebs play while having fun! Thanks Erik and Alison! 

I can't wait to see what else is up this Fall's sleeve. The weather is bipolar but times are still good. I can't wait for another weekend of football, family and friends! Hope you are all doing well! Stay away from Ebola. 

Easter Weekend '14 + Some

This weekend was pretty perfect! Lots of family and friend time!

Don't you just love Easter with your kiddos before you leave school?

Thursday after school, I drove home and went to one of my favorite places, Swayze Field and saw my Rebs play a little baseball. We ended up loosing at the end but it was a beautiful night and was lots of fun. My brother, who by the way, didn't even really want to go was fan of the game, got on the jumbo tron and won a $100 gift card. BLAH!

Friday, we relaxed and hung around town. That night Caitlyn invited me to Secret Church and it was AMAZING! I highly recommend you to go if you are ever given the chance. It lasted from 6 pm-12 am so we were more than tired but it was totally worth the staying up for.

Then Saturday was chocked full of sunshine, front porch sittin' and research paper writing for grad school. It wasn't fun but at least it was beautiful outside and my little fur babies kept me company. I got a lot done and for that I am thankful.

Sunday was EASTER! Such a beautiful day in my life. It's the day that I was baptized on and it always holds a beautiful, special place in my heart. I love rejoicing with my church family and praising God for all that he has done in this little ole' heart of mine. Family time is such a fun time too!

Sunday, I came back home and picked up my new balcony happy. I can't wait to have a pretty green yard to put it in one day.

let me know if you want one! :)

And for good measure.. today is Earth day and my class listened to the Ray Charles' Song 

"What a Wonderful World". Then we made a class book that let the student's illustrate the words of the song. It was adorable and everyone got to do their own thing. Teaching is really rewarding, people. That pay raise going into effect today is making me ONE happy lady!

Reversal.

Hey Friends! 

I got to an awesome college/career ministry on Wednesday nights at 

Longview Heights Baptist Church. 

Recently, we have been talking about what our relationship with elders, widows, and our parents look like as a faith family. A couple of weeks ago, David put this quote in our message guide and it really spoke to me.

"The inevitable fact is, with the rhythm of generations a dramatic reversal comes to us all. We who once held our helpless children in our arms and nursed them and provided for their every need will one day be held in their arms as they nurse us at the end of our lives. This responsibility will come to us all. And when we sons and daughters do this, we are only making "some return to our parents."  We will be living out the fifth commandment. We will be showing godliness to our own household." We will not have God's approval without such loving family care- for this is pleasing in the sight of God."

-Bryan Chappell

Hello! Eye opener. I know this is some deep stuff but I truly believe that people need to realize that parents are truly gifts and that we need to respect them and give them the honor that they deserve.

Many times I've disappointed my parents and probably made them want to go "bat crazy" but they still respect me as an individual and love me for who I am. I've heard many stories of people who feel hindered by their parents and I can honestly say that my parents have always trusted me and allowed me to make my own decisions. For that, I want to say how much it has helped me grow into the adult that God made me to be.

Now, when my mama hints for grandchildren she knows what could happen. But she trusts me enough to know that I'm going to make the smartest decision! :)

                                                                                                                                   

So thankful for these people and our relationship as they and I get older. I can't wait to see all the memories that we are going to make with the years to come. And when the time comes for me to take care of them, hopefully I'll be rich and can hire a nanny for them. 

I'm totally kidding.

love and honor your parents, my friends!

Entertaining Angels.

Hebrews 13:2 

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Last night @ church, David talked about how we the church, should be the most welcoming people in the world. Well, you know. It got me to thinking. I've been at Bellevue Baptist Church my entire life and I've never until this point in my life tried other churches.

So, in other words, I've been at home and comfortable in the same place for a long time. I hope and pray that the people who have visited and joined our church in the past few years have felt at home and that I had some part of that feeling. I always want to show God in what I do.

Isn't it funny how one sermon can make you question and evaluate where you stand? God is good! :)

iPhone dump time.

Outfit- love this black/white top with the necklace. :)

Friends for 23 years! :)

Just a quick story about this guy. 

Paul McLeod

I'm mentioned in this story! :)

If you haven't heard of Graceland too. I'll sum it up in 4 words. :)

Crazy, freaky Elvis Man.

He's crazy. Seriously?

Anyway, there was a rumor going around that he was dead but truth be told, it was just that. a RUMOR!

He's alive and because we all went crazy twittering and facebooking about his death, my friend Caitlyn's tweet was featured in the story. 

Nothing like finding money in an old purse! Woo hoo!

It's almost the weekend. 

Don't forget to entertain Strangers! You never know. :)

I want to leave a Legacy!

Hello friends! 


I've been such a bad blogger! It's been a crazy week and I hopefully will have more time to blog this coming up week!


I went to a NEW Sunday school class this morning and I loved it! God is putting the puzzle pieces of my "new" life together and I love it! I'm trusting him completely and I can't wait to see what he has in store. :)


We talked about legacies, and if you knew that you only had a certain amount of time left before you die, what would you want your legacy to be. Of course, I used association (I'm a teacher) and I thought about Junior year at North Pontotoc High School.  


We were picked to be a part of the Leadership program and this was our graduation song that they chose for us. I loved it and it has meant so much throughout the years for me.





So, lets think.  Here's what I would like my LEGACY to be!


Lauren was a lady who's heart reflected our Savior's.  She loved people as he did, and she lived her life to bring honor and glory to him! She's wasn't perfect and never proclaimed to be, but she wanted to see the best in people and bring that out for others to see.  She had a heart for Special Needs children and adults and believed that they should have every opportunity that anyone else in this world has. She loved babies/children with all that she was and loved spending time with them and pouring into their lives.


Her family was her world and she knew that God  hand picked them for her. She was blessed, and knew it. She thanked God for her blessings often.


So, I leave you with this thought. 


"What would you want your legacy to be if you knew that you only had a certain amount of time left?"




On to "Best of Instagram" for this week.

                                       

           

{one} Sweet Maddie! Oh, I can't wait to get my hands on her again! 

{two} Happy Birthday, Uncle Josh Lawrence!

{three} 1st Memphis Tigers game. So much fun! 

{four} I like to stack these days. :)

{five} Cute dishes! I got a few of these. 

{six} Old door to dogbox, jewelry hanger! Thanks, daddy! 

{seven} My grandmother Patton's shelf. Perfect for my nail polish collection!

{eight} My classroom. It's getting better! 

Monday Madness :)

Hello, friends!

It's Monday.. How has it been for you? My kiddos were pretty good today so my day went fairly well. I'm really having a better outlook on teaching and I pray that day by day I will grow to LOVE every second of what I am doing. :)

This weekend was oh, so much fun. I got to see friends whom I've not seen in many forevers, and that was nice. Went to a haunted "castle" and got to  run and act a fool with the monsters, crazy people, and the friends! 

Source: marthastewart.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Saturday was game day and oh, it wasn't pretty. I went to the GROVE and then left before the game because a sinus infection didn't want to sit out in the air for the game. Praise the Lord! :)

Grovin' was fun as usual. We never lose a party, remember? 

Oh, Em! I miss thee!

Whitney! Can't believe your engaged. We had some great times @ Ole Miss!

Just the walk of champions! So much fun!! Go Rebs!

Just because my heart smiles...

Source: myheartsdesireblog.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: olemissalumni.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: taylortailgates.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Sunday, was Family time.

Went to church, kept the baby nursery, and then had 2 wedding showers for cousins. 

Can't wait for their weddings. So happy for them!

We went simple but it was so cute. 

Hoping for a wonderful week! 

Source: thegirlwhokeepsdreaming.tumblr.com via Lauren on Pinterest

New.

It's all new. 
It's good, different, exciting. 


I'm so excited about the potential that this move has for me. I'm getting nervous for 2 weeks when school starts! Ah!


Today I went and attended the Worship services @

DeSoto Hills Baptist Church.
I really enjoyed the service and the Pastor was very interesting. Trusting that God will show me exactly where he wants me. :)


I can't wait to keep you informed of this journey. God is good, yes he is.