Wednesday, December 15, 2010

I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside

The things I love about Christmas time...

Hot drinks (Favorites: Peppermint white chocolate mocha from Starbucks, Hot chocolate/maybe even with a smidge of Bailey's in it)

Scarves (they make me feel warm and cozy which is odd seeing as how I used to hate them!)

Christmas music (Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me...I've been an awful good girl)

Puzzles (usually Christmas themed... I stay up for hours working on them)

Puppy Chow (my sister and I always make it once a year during the Christmas season)

Family and Friends (I am so grateful to have people in my life who I can share a special time of the year with!)

Mistletoe (to share a kiss with that special someone)

Ornaments (I love looking at the ornaments on my tree at home and remembering when I made them or where we got them... gotta love the bells made out of aluminum foil or trees with craft sticks!)

Ice Skating (Even though I'm a wimp and don't take risks, I love getting out on the ice all bundled up... Especially when I get to share this experience with Joel )


Popcorn Tins (I know this is ridiculous but I have always LOVED the Christmas themed popcorn tins with the regular, cheddar, and caramel flavors!!)

Remembering the true meaning of Christmas of celebrating the birth of Christ and giving to others to show our love for them.  

There are so many more that I just can't remember right now but these are some of my top favorite things!!

-L0

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Closet Conundrum

Yesterday, I was trying to organize and clean up my room. There wasn't much to clean but I just wish my closet could be more organized. I love organizing but my closet just doesn't allow for much of this/ I don't have all of the right organizational materials I need. I have a pretty small closet. You can take about 3 steps inside and the clothes on both sides touch your shoulders as you walk. All of my t-shirts are stacked together and my casual shirts and nice shirts are organized by color. Then my long sleeve shirts are all hung together. Not sure why I haven't color coordinated them yet. I also have a hanging organizer with tank tops and additional t-shirts neatly stacked on each shelf. On the other side I have all of my jeans hanging together, nice pants in one section, then skirts or anything else as a section. At the very back are my cardigans and light jackets. Scarves hang on a belt hanger. I have two shelves above each hanging rack which provide me with some extra space but are not as organized as my hanging clothes, this bothers me. Below my hanging clothes is a rolling cart with work out shorts and sweats, a laundry hamper, bin of shoes, and small round hamper with the rest of my scarves and gloves. Lastly, my shoes hang in an organizer on my door. I have done a pretty good job putting a bunch of stuff into a pretty small closet but it still bothers me.

How do you organize your closet?

I want to find some blogs about organizing which have pictures of closets and suggestions as to how to best organize small areas.

These are both nicely organized closets with a small space and larger space. So pretty.



I know it's weird. I think I could organize for a living.

Crews

Monday, December 6, 2010

Sticky Wax Strings

Oh my I haven't posted all semester! What happened to keeping up with blogging? Actually, I can answer that. You see, I love to journal more than I like to blog so my journal has received oodles of attention this semester and is full of memories, artifacts, and prayers. If only I could somehow post my journal entries in both my journal and on my blog at the same time.

This semester flew by. I took my last final this morning as an undergraduate! Wooohooo! This didn't really occur to me until after I finished my final. Only three more papers left to submit and then I will be on break until beginning my student teaching in the Spring.

Words to describe this semester: exciting, funny, hectic, surprising, adventurous, love, special, learning, nervous, experience, worship, friends, family

Looking back at the beginning of the semester it seemed like crossing off my last assignment and taking my last final would never come but here it is. Amongst all of the lesson planning, reading, reflecting, and mathematical thinking I would say this semester has been one of the best in awhile for me. I am so thankful for all of my college of education friends who stress out with me and drive our teachers insane trying to do everything perfectly. I'm also thankful for Joel who has continued to support me and deal with my stress along the way. : )

My sister has also been here in Stillwater with me and even though I don't see her much, I have truly loved being able to pick her up for a drink date or spend Sunday afternoon doing laundry. Can't wait to spend one more semester in college with her!

Teaching in a classroom of 22 second graders three days a week has been quite the learning experience. There are days when I love being with the kids and watching them learn but also days when I don't think I can tell a child where to turn in their paper for the tenth time that day. My patience continues to be tested. Its the days like when a little girl made me a complete jewelry set out of "sticky wax strings" that you are reminded of why you are spending each day working with kids.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Off to sleep!

Crews


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Lauren + Joelcakes

Sitting at home in Tulsa on the couch with a glass of wine and listening to "Keep Breathing" by Ingrid Michaelson as I begin to type... relaxing? Very much so. I have two weeks to relax and hang out before my crazy fall semester begins. I finished working at Orange Leaf, moved into a new apartment, and took my last final for summer classes last Friday. This summer has flown by and I can't even fathom the fact that it is already August 4th! Although I was super busy with work and class this summer it has been AMAZING! I have grown closer to friends, made new friends, and even met a wonderful guy! I know I have said it many times already but I am sooo glad/thankful for the people God has put in my life this summer.

Now I would like all of my many readers (all 5 or so of you!) to meet Joel Owen Schierloh. Isn't he so cute? He is studying graphic design at OSU and like myself, will graduate in May 2011. We have such a great time together! I am so glad he is in my life and can't wait to continue learning more about him.


Joel and I at Stonewall in Stillwater after I got off of work. : )


Hanging out after a yummy dinner at Marisa's party in Tulsa.


Being silly at the park! Picture taken by Mikaela : )


I hope to post more pictures of our adventures as they take place!

Oh happiness...

Lauren



Friday, July 16, 2010

Never a Clever Title - - Update of My Life?

So instead of writing long paragraphs about what has been going on in my life lately, I thought I would tell you all by posting pictures! There are so many wonderful things and people in my life right now! God has been working in so many amazing ways this summer!

Towards the beginning of the summer I went to Dallas to see one of my best friends, Rachel. I have mentioned her a few times! We had an eventful weekend together and even ventured to the party scene at The Village in Dallas where we left shortly after arriving. Love her and miss her!


Darci has been my partner in crime this Summer! She has been such a wonderful friend to me and is a great listener! She has a great group of friends which I have been able to spend time getting to know.


Then came Fathers Day... I went home and went to lunch with my family at Sonoma Bistro and Wine Bar (YUM!). We tried to go to these teaching gardens in Tulsa (still unsure of the name) but they were closed so we took a picture outside of them. My Aunt Holly, Grandad, and Della joined us too!


This picture is from Darci's 22nd Birthday at Tokyo Pot in Stillwater which is amazing! I will have to add another picture (the other ones were sideways on here). Anyway, Mary Roy, her friend, and I had to wear these hats/bands because we were first timers. Gotta love it!


Then came the 4th of July. I went home and went to the Riverwalk with my parents, Grandad, and Della. Yes, I took care of the "pool" people. (an inside joke you'll have to ask me about) After the show we went into Los Cabos for a drink until the traffic died down.



On July 5th, my family went horseback riding which turned out to be very humid but also relaxing!! My horse was very tall but I love riding horses! Our leader just happened to be from Sallisaw ( a small town in Oklahoma where my Mom grew up) which led to some good conversation!


Finally, I just recently went to Amy Snider and Jeff Lute's couple shower in Rockwall, TX. They will be getting married in September! I had a great time with my Rangerette girls! So many memories!


I will hopefully be updating soon with more exciting adventures and pictures! Another busy week ahead! Moving and finals shortly approaching!

-LC

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Cosmic Love and The Moments Inbetween

Finally a few moments to sit down and blog! I am exhausted tonight. I did not have a rigorous day but I think laying out in the sun really did it for me. I have been wanting to blog for awhile now but then when I would sit down to write, nothing would come to mind. My blog doesn't really have a theme on which I write about all of the time. Usually I write about a memorable story or talk about what is going on in my life. Sometimes I wish I had.... a cooking blog, a photography blog, or maybe even a coaching blog in which I shared my day to day experiences and work.

I can't believe the summer is half way over! It is July but WAIT, where did June go? This past month flew by extremely fast. I have been so busy in taking 10 hours, working, hanging out with friends, and visiting friends and family that each week passes in the blink of an eye.

I discovered an amazing song today called "Cosmic Love" by Florence and The Machine. It was used for a dance seen on So You Think You Can Dance last night which gave me chills! When I listen to this song and close my eyes, a beautiful dance plays out in my mind. I see my body moving and different parts going on. It is such an inspirational song.

Click here to listen to "Cosmic Love" by Florence and The Machine


Word of the Day:

hunky dory\HUHNG-kee-DOHR-ee\ , adjective;



Definition: About as well as one could wish or expect; satisfactory; fine; OK.

How many times have you heard this word used? When I think of this word or even use it an image of myself wearing overalls flashes into my head. I do love the word but I'm sure I would get a few weird looks if I went around telling people I was hunky dory all of the time!
 
Words I have been focusing on every day:
 
Patience
Strength
Confidence
Faith
 
I have really been focusing on putting everything in God's hands. Sometimes I'll start my day by closing my eyes and saying "Alright God, you are in control today". It is so easy to get caught up in our crazy schedules and forget that he is there and guiding us every step of the way even when we can't see where the path will take us. Isn't it just amazing?
 
-Crews

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Windows down, Music loud, Wind blowing through my hair

I have been wanting to write on my blog for awhile now but as I sit here I'm trying to figure out what to write about... you would think I would have an idea by now. Right?

This week has been filled with much rain (bleh) but Darci and I finally had the chance to lay by the pool for 2 hours today! Yes! Our pool time was followed up by dinner from Red Rock in Stillwater and hanging out until SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance if you didn't know...) came on. By the way, I hate that SYTYCD is on two nights in a row. I usually work on Wednesday nights so I never get to watch the amazing dancing! Anyone else have this problem?

For the past 2 weeks my life has been consumed in Spanish online, Literacy, and working. Spanish is not going so well but I know if I work hard I can probably pass the class, which is all I'm asking for at this point. I will start tutoring a student for my literacy class on Monday. We will be working with the students on reading, writing, and spelling. I am very nervous about preparing lesson plans and providing a positive learning experience for my tutee!

Things I have enjoyed lately...

1) class with Darci and Amy

2) meeting new people

3) visiting friends in Dallas (Ashley, Rachel, and Amy)

4) drinks with Rachel in Dallas

5) reading my new bible (Women's Devotional Bible)

6) journaling, reading, and blogging when I have the chance!

7) listening to GLEE volume 3 soundtrack along with Lady Antebellum CD and Courtyard   Hounds CD especially when driving with the windows down at night (truly wonderful)

8) Laying by the pool  and relaxing : )




I leave you with a  couple of pictures from the Rangerette days ---> hoping to blog more about this soon! I've been thinking about my friends and memories from Rangerettes so much lately!




-Crews

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Cheesecake and Birthdays


My sister turned 18 this past Monday and the family celebrated by eating out at the Cheesecake Factory in Tulsa on Sunday night! They recently added 30 new items to their menu... because their book/menu wasn't big enough already? I'm definitely feeling old as I creep towards 23 this September and as Jess turned 18. Does anyone else feel like turning 18 happened just yesterday? I sure feel this way. Can't believe that was almost 5 years ago! Nothing much to update about just wanted to share this picture with everyone.

Side note: My new dream vacation is traveling to Rome to see the Sistine Chapel. Studied this in my art history class yesterday and decided this was something I wanted to do one day.

- Crews

Friday, May 28, 2010

All the Single Ladies, Now Put Your Hands Up!

Alright, it has been awhile since I posted last. My sister graduated from high school and although such an exciting moment for her, I was amazed by how long the ceremony seemed as an audience member compared to being a graduate. What a massive amount of people! It's like a race getting out of that parking lot! Anyway here is a wonderful picture of her and I after the ceremony/ after we found her in the mob of people. She is just so beautiful!


Since I last blogged, I have joined the single world again. Not something I was expecting to happen but it did. Thankfully, I have a wonderful family and friends who have been extremely supportive! I was able to go home last weekend to spend the weekend with my very best friends from high school, Rachel and Merillat! Also got to hang out with Emily!! Rachel and Merillat surprised me with a break up party Saturday night. We went to eat at Osaka where we sat with some random people then we went back to Merillat's for break up brownies, wine, and a sleepover on the living room floor. Merillat moved to Nashville so we knew this would be one of the last times we would all be together for awhile. Makes me teary eyed just thinking about it. I am so glad to have such wonderful friends, especially ones who throw me awesome break up parties!


I have also spent the first three weeks of my summer tanning, making dinner, watching movies, and more with Darci and Aubrey! If these girls were not here in Stillwater with me, I'm not sure what I would do. I love both of them and have already grown so much closer to them. Darci and I are single ladies on a mission for our next man! We've had fun with this so far! The other night we went to happy hour at "The Loft" in Stillwater, made dinner, watched Glee, and then wrapped up the night with Dear John. A wonderfully sad movie. I definitely felt drained/depressed afterward.


All for now! More to come soon!

Lauren

Friday, May 14, 2010

High School Graduation

My sister is graduating tonight from Union. I can't believe four years have passed so quickly and that this time has finally come for her. I still think of her as that cute little girl with the bowl cut hair and chubby cheeks. She has grown into such a beautiful young lady and I am so excited for her. She will be graduating in the top 10% of her class. She plans to attend OSU in the fall. I can't wait for her to be in Stillwater with me! I wish her the best of luck tonight and applaud her for her accomplishments! yea Jess!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

My Frog Phobia

Before I tell this story, you should know I am terrified of frogs!! It doesn't how small or how large, I hate them. My sister, Jessica, also shares this fear with me. I'm not really sure how or when we became so terrifed of frogs. It might have started when multiple frogs started appearing on our front porch. They just seemed to pop out of nowhere at night. Both Jessica and I try to avoid the frogs by leaping from the sidewalk up to the front door and frantically unlocking the door. I guess we don't like that they might hop onto us? I think my fear started with those movie scenes where the kids are at camp and one kid is laying in his bunk, sees something jump under his blanket, pulls it back and finds a huge frog!!! Ugh, just the thought of this grosses me out!!


This makes me have the creepy crawlies (however you spell that).... ew.
 

So the story... this happened this past Sunday as my family got in the car to head to see my grandma in Sallisaw. I brought one of those reusable shopping bags with me from Stillwater. They come in handy sometimes to tote a few things. The bag was green. I brought it home, unpacked it, and folded it up to store in a shelf. The next morning I pulled it out to take with me in the car. I walked out to the car and put the bag on the floor. We stopped at Quicktrip to put gas in the car and I happened to glance over to the right of the bag as I reached for the door. According to my sister I quietly gasped as a saw two beady eyes perched on the side of the green bag. At that moment I knew.... IT WAS A FROG and it was in the car!!! I leaned towards Jessica and started pushing her as I calmly said "FROG, IN THE CAR!". Jessica started screaming and we jumped out of the car as fast as we could. Causing a big scence, Jessica was yelling there was a frog in the car. Meanwhile, my parents were both just laughing. They don't get our fear of frogs. One lady getting gas next to us was laughing and a man walked over to where our car was to make sure everything was alright. 

 

This picture is similar to what I saw peering at me from inside the car.

So this is how we started Mother's Day 2010. We will never forget this traumatic frog experience. We will laugh about it for a very long time. Stay away frogs!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Strong and Inspiring Friend



This year I became really good friends with Emily Sellers. Emily and I both transferred to OSU this past fall and met through our younger siblings. I had always heard of her through my sister and mutual friends but had never actually met her. I had a feeling we would click and become friends instantly and this is pretty much what happened! Shortly after the semester began, a lump appeared on Emily's collar bone near her neck which she was told might be cancerous. After a couple of weeks Emily was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma at only 20 years old. She had never had severe health problems before or any history of hodgkins lymphoma in her family.

(Above: Emily and I on her 21st birthday shortly after she completed chemo!! Just in time!)



Emily went into surgery shortly after being diagnosed so they could install a port into her chest which her chemo would be done through. There was no sweat about it until she reacted to the anesthesia (I think...I feel like I always tell this part wrong) and ended up in ICU for 2 weeks. The surgery was stopped before the port was installed and a tube was put down her throat. She spent such a long time in ICU because there was a cancerous mass preventing the tube from being removed. In order for it to be removed she had to complete her first chemo treatment in order to shrink the mass. While visiting her in ICU she asked me to rub lotion on her feet. What are friends for... right? I missed her very much during this time!

(Above: Emily and I at an awards ceremony... our 3rd one to attend together haha)



Emily started a 6 month chemo treatment in the fall which would mean she would be traveling back and forth to Stillwater and Tulsa. She finished the fall semester and passed all of her classes! She could have withdrawn from school and moved back home but she chose to stay and finish the semester.

(Above:  Emily and I at an OSU football game)



Once again, Emily traveled back and forth this spring semester to complete her chemo treatments. She ended the semester with straight A's, how awesome is she?? She is currently completing 15 treatments of radiation to prevent the cancer from coming back. Emily and I will be living together this next year and I can't wait!!! August can't come soon enough! She has truly been a wonderful friend and an inspiration to me this year! She continuest amaze me with her strength and courage. I am so proud of her! I love you Emily!!!

(Above: Emily and I at my 22nd birthday this past September)


-Lauren

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Tuna Helper Nights

Need a cheap meal which feeds a few people? I give you... Tuna Helper! If you like tuna this is great stuff. You buy the mix which is about $2.00 then 2 cans of tuna which are both less than a dollar as well as some milk and butter. It is easy and delicious! I made it tonight with Drew for the two of us and another one of his friends. My food supply is looking pretty low at my apartment... especially now that my roommate has moved out. I came home to a very bare living room and kitchen. There is way too much wall space in this apartment for one person. I'm thinking about going hunting for some cheap wall decorations tomorrow.

Anyone know of any good places in Stillwater where I can find afforadable things like this? I was thinking maybe Walls, Ross, or Tuesday Morning.

Drew and I watched Batman Returns and Batman Forever tonight which he snagged out of the five dollar movie bin at Wally World. Who doesn't love the five dollar movies? Sometimes, if you dig, you can find some great movies.

Finals week looks to be super easy compared to the crazy projects and binder checks of last week. I am looking forward to lounging around a bit!

Lauren

Thursday, April 29, 2010

I have never created a blog but am excited I finally got this one looking decent! Way more difficult than I thought it would be... probably because I just had to have one of the adorable backgrounds and extras from shabbyblogs.com! If you have never heard of shabbyblogs and want to create a blog, you should definitely go check it out.

Tomorrow is the last day of classes before finals next week. What a crazy semester it has been. I definitely plan on celebrating my accomplishments after next week! After finals I have one week before I start my maymester session.

I finished observing at the middle school and in the kindergarten classrom on Tuesday. Have you ever received future teaching advice from kindergarteners? Here was what they told me... "Don't bite!", "Be on fire!", "Make sure you're great", "Make sure you don't hit", and of course "be nice". Isn't this so adorable?? It was so hard not to laugh. I have no doubt I had a huge smile across my face. I will definitely miss spending time with them once a week!