How true is this? 

I have seen that throughout my life, my friends have changed depending on which season of life I was currently in. This has been an amazing transition because now I truly feel that I have some of the best friends in the entire world!

Before you are born, friends:

     Yes, our families were friends even before we were born. Michelle has been that girl that has memories of our childhood birthday parties, almost dying in a Tornado stories, and we always catch up right where we left off. Even though our lives have taken us to different cities and jobs, we still keep in touch. Our families still go to church together and we are practically family. Love you, Shell!

High School Friends:

     These ladies are just a FEW of the sweet friends from my high school days. North Pontotoc High School was a wonderful place for me to grow up and learn how to have friends but most of all, how to be a friend. Most of my classmates went through our 13 years of "schooling" together and I'm forever thankful for that. We had a few come and go and that just made our 2007 graduating class so awesome. I'm proud of the accomplishments that all of these ladies have accomplished and I honestly CAN'T WAIT for our 10 year reunion. (We missed our 5 year, oops!)

Junior College Friends:

     The good ole' ICC days were the best! I will remember the fun I had for my entire lifetime. I took a million pictures and I have about that many memories. College was a great time in my life because I got to love on people and share the joy that I had with them. I was involved in the Baptist Student Union and it literally became my apartment. I lived there more than in my dorm and those memories are always the best! Amy Simmons was a huge blessing in my life during these two years! We ended up rooming together in the next chapter of our lives and I'm thankful that our paths crossed. These are just a few of the friends that I met at ICC and I'm thankful to have met my sweet, Claire Mattox who passed away last Summer. Her laughter and contagious love of life will always be in my heart. 

              

Ole Miss Friends:

     These two above, Emily and Haley, were my biggest two blessings at Ole Miss. Haley and I grew up in the same small town and became friends while at Ole Miss. Doesn't God have a sense of humor? LOVE it! Emily is from Brandon, Mississippi and it was awesome rooming with these ladies. I've stood by both of their sides as they walked down the isle and I can't wait for them to do the same for me one day! :) Ole Miss friends are the best friends! I made so many new friends and I'm so glad we still keep in touch. 

Sweet Landon was another blessing that I met through Emily at Ole Miss. She has been a blessing through Ole Miss Sporting Events, Emily's wedding and moving to D.C. and just being her sweet self. I'm coming to Nashville soon, Landon!

Southaven Friends:

     Once again, not everyone is pictured but so many of these people had a part of my story. I followed my dream of teaching to Horn Lake, Mississippi and lived in Southaven for three years. I loved it but knew that I wouldn't be there forever. 1,3, and 6 are all pictures of sweet Teacher friends who I shared life with each day at school. They all mean more to me than they know. Picture 2 is Jenny and Cory who were my parents away from home. Love these two! They took me in and loved on me along with their sweet baby, Maddie! Forever thankful! Leslie and Jenna (4&5) were my teacher/speech pathologist friends who I ate dinner with at least once a week! Loved their inspiration and their encouragement. God had a plan for Southaven and I'm so grateful that I got to share it with these treasures! There were so many others that I wouldn't have made it without.. (Marla.. I couldn't find our picture! :(

Oxford Friends:

     This season has been extra sweet! Moving back was one of the easiest things I had ever done. I knew that being closer to "home" and just being back in Oxford would be the best and it has been. Making new friends and getting started in my new norm has been a blast with these friends! I can't wait to add to this and see what new memories 2015 brings! 

This girl has been there through it all. Since meeting in Middle School, we've been tight! (Did I just use that word, really?) She's the best (literally) and has my back no matter what. Thankful for her!

#MastersDONE

This post has been a long time coming and I am so glad to finally be able to put this out there. It has not been an easy or fun but it is DONE!

January 2013, I started taking classes at night in pursuit of my Master's Degree. People had always encouraged me to go back but I wanted to wait until I knew that the time was right. I received some scholarships and had close to two years of teaching under my belt so I felt like I could do it! Well, it was easy at first and I couldn't have been more thankful. 

I knew that I needed to go back while I was single and had nothing holding me back and I will forever be grateful for that decision. So, I took one/two classes each semester + at least one class each Summer Session until I was SICK of school. It really wasn't "horrible" but I was tired of school and was wanting to be done with it all!

ENTER: (last semester) After moving home from Southaven, buying my new house, and starting my 4th year of teaching at a new school, I was BEYOND ready to be done with Grad School. I took a semester off because I wanted to get my house in order and not have to worry about anything else. I won't regret that decision EVER, but it did make my spring semester VERY difficult. I signed up for two classes in the Spring and that would allow me to take my Comprehensive Exam and graduate in May! And.. I had to ride the OUT (Oxford/University Transit) bus to class because of the decal that I purchased from Ole Miss. To say the least, I wasn't excited but I quickly realized what a blessing that bus was. 

While teaching my sweet Kinders, I quickly realized how hard taking two night classes was going to interfere with my everyday life. I was VERY stressed, and quickly became a worse procrastinator that I originally had been. I found myself working on grad school assignments during planning periods at school. It was not a pretty time. 

So, April came along and in the middle of projects, tests and all that jazz, it was time for Comps to be completed and turned in. I had a week to go over the questions(3) and type my knowledge that had been obtained in three years. Want to talk about intimidated? That is exactly what I was....  I turned them in on a Thursday and waited and waited for the results. 

Now, let me remind you that if you don't pass comps, you don't graduate. But, they give you two chances to complete the test. Finally, on a Friday afternoon around 3:00, I was standing in the hallway at school and I got the email:

FAILED 

Y'all, I've never felt this way in my entire life! I am a VERY positive person and I fully believe that everything happens for a reason. But, in this moment, I was defeated, I doubted myself and I was very disappointed. I texted my Mom and my Best because I couldn't face calling anyone just yet. They both encouraged and told me that everything would be okay. Deep down I knew this but I honestly wasn't so sure.

Over the next couple of weeks, I emailed professors, asked advice and honestly WORRIED MYSELF TO DEATH about something that I had no control over. I was embarrassed but most of all, I was concerned about what would happen "if". I quickly learned that the "if" in our lives is what is so hard. I prayed more than I have in years, I cried, and I worried more than I have in years! 

Thankfully, I have an awesome support group of friends and family that prayed me through. I turned my second round of comps in and prayed for the best! The week of Finals, stressed as I was, one of our professors wanted to treat us to South Depot on the square for our last night of class. After presenting our projects, my phone buzzed and I realized that the email was from Ole Miss. Talk about sick.. I could have thrown up just thinking about it. I waited until we had left and opened the email:

Passed

I prayed, I cried, I worshiped and then I made my phone calls! Everyone was so excited and I was relieved! Even though, I knew it would work out the way it was supposed to, I wanted it to work out in my favor and it did! God is so good!

I had plenty of time to contemplate the WHY of the situation. I truly believe that I needed to be humbled in the activities of my life. I had put so many things ahead of God and he wanted to rope me back in and say, "Lauren, come back! You can't do this all on your own. You have to follow my lead." Goodness, I'm thankful for a God that loves me enough to show me when I need to STOP and listen to him!

That weekend, I walked across the Tad Pad stage, and received my Masters Degree! So thankful for "My Master" who led me each step of the way. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! 

I have been praying for God to allow me to find joy in the journey. Whatever season of life you are in, whether that be on the mountain top or in the trenches, I hope you are finding peace in walking the path God has laid out for you. Not all the moments are joyful, but I think we should seek beauty in the mundane and express gratitude in the difficult. The journey is not always easy, but it definitely is worth it. Keep pushing on all you beautiful warriors of Christ! - Kuntzr

Does that make me crazy?

For the 5th year, I went to Merigold for the McCarty sale. I still haven't decided if this was my last year or not but I was not satisfied with the sale this year. Let me start off negative and end positive.. okay? Stay with me...

We were numbers 89-91 in line of probably close to 300 people and we did not get into the sale until 6:30 Sunday night. Now mind you, we had been in line since Saturday at 12:00 noon! I was not a happy camper but just KNEW that we would get our prized possessions and be out in record time. NOPE, didn't happen! Then, our finds were mediocre but it was a fun weekend and now I'll share the positive. 

1.} We drove down on Saturday morning and spent the afternoon talking and catching up from the back of our car. 2.} Aunt Melba and I were pumped and ready! This was Caitlyn and Aunt Melba's first experience so they were really excited to see what McCarty sale was all about. 3.} All these cars are full of women who had slept in their cars all night and were cold before lining up for the sale. Oh, and it was raining! 4.} Sitting in line waiting for role call and praying for food. (We were starving at this point.) 5.} My precious Daddy, had the idea of taking their hunting blind and it was the best idea he has ever had. It saved the day! 6.} But.. taking that said hunting blind down was a different story. It wouldn't fold correctly and was the pits but we somehow made it home without the thing tearing up. 7.} And the line begins... We were all getting excited for 1:00! 8.}  We were at the door about to go in! Aunt Melba and I got many questions about our outfits. We know where our loyalties are we are okay with that! ;) 9.} When I finally got home at midnight, this is what I had purchased. 

As I've said on several social media outlets, I was very disappointed but I did get some pieces that I didn't have! McCarty is such a fun weekend for me but I have collected so much that it may not be worth it for me to go anymore. We shall see what next year holds! 

I'm so glad that I got to spend a fun, EXHAUSTING weekend with my family and friends! Everyone needs to try this at least once!

This is MY town!// Oxford, Mississippi

where do you live?

Oxford, Ms/ 38655

where is your favorite place to be in your city?

I think that is a no brainer! Anything Ole Miss related is where I want to be.. Baseball, basketball, FOOTBALL, anything that includes supporting my Rebs! But, I also enjoy eating anywhere but at home so the next question shall answer that. :)

what is the best restaurant in your city?

I would have to say that Ajax on the Square is my pick for the best restaurant. I have so many that I visit often but this one says home cooking while looking out the window on our busy, vibrant Square. Next time you are in town, you better call me to be your dinner date! 

what is the best coffee shop in your city?

High Point Coffee and Cups are a tie in my book. High Point has been the local favorite longer but I fell in love with Cups in Jackson and when Oxford got one, it became the best thing ever. I would choose either one when a cup of coffee is what your heart desires. 

what is the best “first date” location in your city?

Honestly, let me tell you one of my perfect date ideas. (future love: pay attention) I think a nice dinner at Old Venice, followed by yogurt at YaYas and then a drive or walk around campus would be fabulous. Just being able to experience what all this college town has to offer is enough! 

what is the best place to eat breakfast in your city?

Bottle Tree Bakery (find this place on Facebook)... I am about to admit a crime! I have NEVER eaten at this restaurant and that's a crying shame. It is on my 2015 bucket list that I just decided that I need to make! Who wants to be my date for this event? 

what is your favorite thing about your city?

My favorite thing would have to be the feeling in my heart when I drive back in to my town! I am SO thankful and blessed to be back in Oxford and I don't take that for granted. I SO adored my three years living in Southaven but I am SO glad to be back home! God is so good!

I love living in a college town and being 5 minutes from Heaven on Earth aka {Ole Miss}.  

Oxford is a great place to call home! 

Feliz Navidad 2014.

What a Christmas this was! It was full of family, friends and love. I got way more than I ever deserved and was able to spend time with people who I call family. We always have a pretty low-key Christmas around our house, (rest wise) and that was so nice this year. This year has been a very eventful one and I was thankful for time to unwind and renew my spirit over Christmas.

God is SO good to me and this Christmas I saw that I do not give him enough time in each day. Lately I have been feeling very unworthy for all of the many blessings that I have been given. I know that in the new year, I want to get closer to God and know his plan for my life. Christmas 2014 was a time for reflection and growth. Isn't it amazing how he knows just what we need, WHEN we need it most!

These pictures above are some of my favorite things about Christmas. My presents were an added bonus! 

I hope that you and your family had a Merry Christmas! I am grateful for what the Christmas story is all about. 

The first social gathering at 151.

From the time I was little, I have always loved a good party. My mother has always hosted a Christmas supper, NYE party, SOMETHING at our home and it is one of my favorite things to attend. Good food, laughter, gifts, and together time making memories. What is there NOT to love about those times?

So, this year.. our cousin Christmas get together was at my house! I like to call it the first social gathering of 151. (btw: that's my house number.) 

So, the night before the gathering we had our Patton Christmas which was a blast as usual. When I left there it was 10:30 and I still had not bought the groceries for the party. To Kroger I went and shopped for the next day. Kroger that late at night is definitely the time to shop! 

The next morning I woke up and made Crock Pot Pizza, fixed a bagged salad, and made Chocolate dipped marshmallows.  I do not profess to be a cook but for me, this was good! I think my family was VERY shocked that I prepared a meal BY MYSELF. :)

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I still have no dining room suite to show. Card tables are the next best thing so that's what we used. Let me tell you they worked just the same. I am a firm believer in paper products for the holidays because that time is not wasted on washing dishes. Do not get me wrong, beautiful Christmas china is beautiful but sometimes (such as this) totally unnecessary. 

Marshmallows were the hit of the party. One of our parents made these for our Christmas party at school and I fell in sweet, candy love. I decided these would be great for the Cousin Christmas and I even incidentally made them into the shape of a Christmas tree. 

I am so happy that everything went off without a hitch and I hope that my family felt at home and welcomed into my little happy place. I am so thankful to have a house this holiday season that I can decorate and share with family and friends.

Cousin Christmas 2014, you were fun! Can't wait for next year!

fourteen in '14

2014 is almost over and I can't believe what a whirlwind of a year that it has been!  

{one}

I have to start with a January memory or life just wouldn't be in order! ;) 

We spent the New Year in Nashville cheering on our Rebs in the bowl game. I had a lovely time spending time with family and friends and getting to visit Nashville for the first time.

{two}

 

I spent Valentines Day with these sweet ladies at a gun range. I call that the perfect Single gal's V-day! 

{three}

I celebrated with Leslie on her wedding day! Isn't her blue dress so unique and gorgeous!? There is of course a beautiful story behind it and maybe one day I can get her to type that out for me on here! (Blog post in the making!)

{four}

Tiny Ann made her/his appearance at a Relay for Life benefit. How funny that my brother who hunts and fishes and fights fires could make such a pretty girl! I still laugh about this! 

{five}

I finished my third year of teaching at Horn Lake Elementary and got a job teaching Kindergarten at Lafayette Elementary! It was such a bittersweet time!

{six}

Our sweet Hay got married in one of the prettiest weddings I have ever been a part of! Her wedding weekend was so easy and laid back and was BEAUTIFUL! God sure knew what he was doing when he brought us together at Ole Miss. Funny how you grow up in the same town and meet at college! 

{seven}

We lost our sweet Claire this year! While this is not a happy memory, it is a happy time for her because she is with Jesus who is loving every silly story and joke that she has to tell. I can't wait to see her again! We miss you like crazy, Claire!

{eight}

I bought a house!!! The biggest moment of my year came on this day. I had just signed my life away at closing but could not wait to start the process of moving in! Life is good and my God blessed me with a house that I LOVE!

{nine}

I started teaching at Lafayette Elementary! Y'all.. God's plan is beautiful. I am teaching Kindergarten in the room that I student taught in 4 years ago. Tell me that wasn't planned in a way only our Lord can do it! I love everything about LES! Being back in Oxford is a dream come true!

{ten}

Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE McCarty Pottery. I have been collecting for about 5 years now and it's everywhere in my house. On a day trip to the Delta, I taught Mr. McCarty how to fins up! Isn't he precious, y'all?

{eleven}

We had the best season in Ole Miss football that I have ever been a part of! This year was an awesome year especially beating Alabama! I cried.. and I'm not ashamed to say that! #hottytoddy

{twelve}

We won the egg bowl! It's always a WONDERFUL memory! Whose STATE is it? 

{thirteen}

Getting to watch the Oxford Christmas parade with The DuBois' family was so fun for me this year! Being back in Oxford and getting to relish in what my town has to offer made me nothing but giddy. 

{fourteen}

As I go through each of these memories, I tear up and remember the feelings that I had during that moment! WOW! God has blessed me more that I ever deserve and I am truly grateful. I don't deserve anything to the measure that I have been given. 

I just hope that 2015 is an even better year full of Jesus, memories and me being intentional to the people in my life. I hope that 2015 will be the year of many hopes and dreams come true!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year people!