It's a Major Award

Not really.  But if you've seen A Christmas Story half as many times as I have - you should understand the reference.

My best friend, Tiff just nominated me for a Liebster Award.  How fancy.  Because she nominated me, I get to answer 11 questions.  I much prefer to answer questions than try and think up random and interesting facts about myself, so thanks, Tiff!

[1] You have $200 to spend, but only in one store.  Which one would it be, and why?

Target.  Because, well, Target is like my Graceland.

[2] How did you choose your babe's name?

Ryan and I were tossing around a lot of names.  At some point, soon after finding out we were expecting a boy, I suggested "Camden."  Ryan didn't seem to think much of it.  When we were on vacation in Destin, we saw on E! that a celebrity couple (I can't remember if it was Nick & Vanessa Lachey or Kristen Cavalliri & Jay Cutler) named their new baby boy Camden.  Ryan immediately was like, "Camden.  That's a really cool name!"  Figures.  We added Camden to our list and when he was born - we just knew that was the winner.

[3] You're at Starbucks (or any other coffee shop of choice).  What do you order?

A soy vanilla latte.  And if I'm at Starbucks, a butter croissant.

[4] Share with us the three blogs you truly look forward to/enjoy reading.  Why those?

Camp Patton [there isn't a post I read that doesn't leave me laughing out loud or close to tears]

Harpers Happenings [again with the laughter, the author is funny and real]

The Larson Lingo [the author seems super down to earth, and throws some amaze balls parties]

[5] What children's move do you enjoy watching the most?

This is hard.  I love children's movies.  But, I would probably have to say Tangled.  Even Ryan can't deny that it is awesome.

[6] Where do you see yourself in 2022?

Nine years from now.  Ryan and I will be in our mid-30's (gasp).  I see us with one and possibly (heavy emphasis on the possibly) two more kiddos.  Camden will be approaching 10.  I see us in a bigger home (preferably on the water) and shuttling kiddos around to activities like it's our second job.  Which it will be.

[7] What's your favorite blog post you've written?  Link to it.

It's a tie for Talking about Liam, Sharing the News, and Camden's Birth Story.

[8] What's your favorite food or drink to make?  Share the recipe.

My favorite thing to make and eat is Plum Crisp.

[9] What's one of the most important lessons you've learned?

 Be true to yourself and who you are.

[10] Apple or PC person?

Funny you should ask.  I've always had a PC and been very intimidated by Apple/Mac.  However, my three-year old Dell is crapping out on me at the speed of light.  Ryan "surprised" me and told me he wanted to buy me a Mac for my upcoming birthday.  So, you never know.  I may just be a Mac person in the near future.

[11] What's a good book you've read recently?

I'm currently re-reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King and recently finished Inferno by Dan Brown.  Both are wonderful.

Take Luck,

LP

More Lately

- After one particularly bad night's sleep, Ryan offered to exclusively get up with Camden the next night.  I really had to pee in the middle of this particular night, but refused to get out of bed purely based on principle.

- I've come to realize that the raging Downton Abbey is in fact Downton Abbey... And not Downtown Abbey.

- Am finding myself very amused by this "fashion" blog written as the voice of Suri Cruise. 

Source

- I revealed that when I think Camden is about to take his first steps - I'm going to push him down in hopes of discouraging his growing up.  Just kidding... Er, sort of.

- Am finding myself dreading Thursday's because of our evening women's softball league games.  I just want to come home and be home.  But, I really need to change my tude because we got alotta games left.     

- I had been waiting impatiently for the Fit Bit Flex to be released.  We ordered one and they've been sitting at Best Buy since Sunday.  So, seeing as it's Thursday... I am either really good at containing my excitement.  Or very lazy.  And if I'm lazy - I just paid $99 for a black wrist band to tell me so.

Take Luck,

LP

Acts of Kindness

I hopped on the acts-of-kindness bandwagon for my dear friend, Sar's upcoming birthday project.

The funny thing was, my sweet hubby beat me to the punch (and showed me up) in performing a kind act.

I had mentioned Sarah's project to Ryan but didn't think much of it until he called me on Wednesday night after his indoor soccer game - sounding very proud.

Long(er) story short - while filling up his gas tank at a local gas station, he was approached by a younger guy looking for a few dollars for gas.  Ryan noticed that there was a young girl and a baby in the car that this person had come from.  Neither Ryan or I carry much (if any) cash.  He apologized to the guy for not having cash (only a debit card) and therefore, being unable to help.

It then dawned on him that he could use the debit card and put gas in the tank for him.

So, he did.  $25 worth.

Ryan said the guy looked completely shocked, but completely thankful.

One act of kindness in the books.

******

My act was not nearly as exciting or thoughtful.

Today I went through the Starbucks drive-thru (with my favorite chubby co-pilot babbling away in the backseat) and asked to pay for the order of the person behind me.

One hot chocolate and pumpkin scone, on me.

Two acts of kindness in the books.

I hope it made the woman and her daughter smile, and their Easter Sunday a little more special.

Here's to performing many more acts of kindness.

 

Take Luck,

LP

Bloglovin

I am usually late to jump on bandwagons.

Not for lack of interest, but I usually (now especially) have about 100 other things standing in front of the bandwagon.

If you'd like to start following this blog via Bloglovin, you can do so here.

Take Luck,

LP

Thursday Thoughts

Linking up with Sar for Thursday Thoughts

[1] Today I put the final touches on an exam for my legal class.  This exam contained sixteen essay questions, people.  Sixteen.  I must have read the instructions seven times in hopes to find a hidden, "Choose ten of the sixteen questions to answer."  Alas, no dice.

[2] It may be sad to some that I now consider "staying up late" to include any time past 9pm.  I however am relishing in the glory that is nine (or ten) hours of sleep while I can.

[3] This blog has been neglected.  Not due to a lack of material, but my time has been taken up with school (the aforementioned sixteen essay question exams), organizing the nursery, enjoying those small amounts of time where I sit here doing nothing at all, and sleep.

[4] Out of the blue the other day I got the serious hankering to clean (or nest, perhaps?).  Among other things, I was on my hands and knees in the kitchen scraping glue from in between sections of the linoleum floor.  Who does that?  Me, apparently.

[5] Grey's Anatomy starts back up tonight and Dexter premieres on Sunday.  This makes me very excited.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan for Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, Holy exhaustion.  I needed a caffeine IV/drip fixated in my arm today.

Dear Blogging Break, You were totally unintentional but not at all surprising considering my level of exhaustion lately.  See above.

Dear Kitchen Upgrade: I cannot tell you how much of a weight has been lifted knowing that you are complete.  I have been admiring our countertops for over four months now, but because the backsplash wasn't done - I didn't feel like I could completely enjoy them.  As of yesterday, I can.  Now, if we only had appliances that matched.  Ho hum.

Dear Baby Peters, Only 10 more days and we will know if you are a boy or a girl.  Let me tell ya - the suspense is killing me.

Dear 19 Weeks, My tummy is slowly expanding and rounding.  This very well be my last week in regular pants.  Bring on stretchy waist bands and forgiving panels of elastic.

Dear Hubby, I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work on the kitchen... Or for your kindness in the fact that this was all my grand idea and I was completely useless throughout the whole endevour. 

I'm cooking up a countertop-saga post that shows the great kitchen transition over the last four months.  I know you are just drooling with excitement, but hold your horses.

Take Luck,

LP

Changing It Up

After a little thought and a quick consult with my dearest Sar - I decided to change things up on the 'ol blog.

New header

The web address has changed to www.laurenpetersblog.com, but if you use the previous link - you will be redirected.

I was growing very tired of my random blog title.  It was fine for the start of my little blog, but since it's evolving to be less random in content (or so I hope!) - I wanted things to look a little cleaner and focus more on what I'm blogging about - my life, our life.

Growing up I went by several nicknames, but most everyone knew me as Lou or Louie.  This was the case until I got to college and a teammate of mine's last name was Louis and she went by Lou/Louie.  This caused lots of confusion, but I learned to stop turning around when I heard it.

So, here we are.  You are living in Life With Lou and I'm glad to have you along for the ride.
 

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Hooray for Friday!  As usual, I'm filling in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] My bedtime routine includes washing my face, contacts out, glasses on, brushing teeth, flossing, night lotion on, taking vitamin, grabbing a fresh bottle of water, hopping in bed, and continuing to find the cold spots in the bed until sleepy time.

[2] I am super sleepy lately.  I slept for 12 hours last night and could have slept 4 or 5 more, fo sho.

[3] I can't stand Styrofoam because it makes horrible, horrible sounds.

[4] My idea of relaxation would be sitting on a quiet and secluded beach with my tootsies in the sand and a reading a good book.

[5] If I had an extra $50 I would go buy more maxi dresses.  They are my weakness right now.

[6] The best thing about a bloggy friend is they can be supportive and caring even when they only know part of a story.  I also feel like I get to know these people through the stories they share, and I hope they feel like they get to know me through my stories and rambling too.

[7] A recipe I've been dying to try is this white chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Where did the weekend go?  Another Monday is here and it's time to write some letters with Megan.

Dear Monday, You weren't so bad.  Chocolate makes any Monday better.  Or, any day.

Dear Monday Night Dinners, I cannot help but dread you.  The last thing I want to do after work and in the middle of watching class is prepare a meal for us.  Frozen pizzas are my favorite go-to.

Dear Blog, I feel like I have been neglecting you lately.  I haven't had much to say, which I guess isn't a bad thing.  We'll see if I can change that this week.

Dear Mom, Thanks for having us over for a lovely Oscar party last night.  I loved kicking patooty on the Oscar ballots and the prizes were a wonderful bonus!

Dear Heat (or lack thereof), In an effort to keep our energy bill low and Brock's skin irritation at bay, Ryan and I are keep you between 62 and 65 degrees.  Let me just say that this makes it that much harder to get out of bed in the morning.

Dear Pastor Wes, Thank for you reminding us about arrogance, hypocrisy, and humbling ourselves on Sunday.

Dear Caffeine, I miss you.

Dear Ryan Joseph, I can't believe you are going to be 28 on Friday.  I like to remind you of that every chance I get... Old man.

Take Luck,
LP

Dear Monday

Hellooooo, Monday.  Here again, already!

Time to write some letters for the week with Megan.

Dear Monday, I found myself wishing and willing you to move faster a few too many times today.  I don't like starting our weeks out like that!

Dear Grey's Anatomy, Your episode on Thursday night was more that a little heart wrenching.  The whole eight-year-relationship girl who thought her boyfriend wasn't proposing... Gah!  That's all I can say.

Dear Shaving Nick on Leg, Ouch.  I don't even think you are still classified as a nick - but rather a gash.  You'd think I had just started shaving my legs yesterday.  Luckily, my Hubby rescued me from the tub with a wad of paper towels and a big 'ol bandaid.

Dear Tiff, So happy you are joining the Dear Monday link-up!  Hooray!

Dear Sar, Please pick me to win your MyTies giveaway.  Thank you.  PS. Does this count as an entry?!

Dear Ridgetop Girls Basketball Team, Looks like we're going to be spending more quality time together.  Saturday morning was fun, and although my arms and thighs are still burning a bit - I think we will have great times together.

Dear Hubby, We laughed a lot together this weekend.  A lot, a lot.  My particular favorite may have been when you sang the words of Blake Shelton's "God Gave Me You" as "God Gave You Me."  Sheesh.  You are somethin' else!

Wishing everyone a great week!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Friday, here at last!  Time to fill in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] I started my blog because I enjoy writing, and it allows me to look back on our life and experience stories all over again.

[2] One thing I love seeing on other blogs is honesty in stories.  Life isn't always clean, pretty, and fields of daisies.  I like to read stories that are real.

[3] Something I love about blogging is being able to be me, say what I think and feel (no matter how drenched in sarcasm), and just put it all out there.  I also love that I can share stories about my funny Hubby that can be used for blackmail someday.

[4] A favorite blog post of mine is probably Hopeful from Sar's 15 day challenge, stuff my three-year old niece says , a look back at 2011, that time a bird flew into our house, and stuff my dad says.

[5] Something my friends in real life know about me what I've never before mentioned on my blog is I moved 2,500 miles away from home to play softball at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  I know I've said that I went to school and played ball there, but I don't think I explicitly said how far away from home I moved. 

[6] My new favorite blogs to read are  Pregnant Chicken, Tiny Twig Goes Out on a Limb, and Bleubird Vintage.

[7] Some things I tend to avoid doing on my blogs are being overly negative, rambling, and complaining.  Sometimes that doesn't work out so well.

Happy weekend everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

What better way to start off the week than letters with Megan!

Well, I started writing this post on Monday (yesterday), but our internet totally crapped out on me.

So here goes nothing - Dear Monday letters on Tuesday!!

Dear Monday, It amazed me how you were smooth and calm until I got off work.  Then the craziness began.

Dear Camo-Jacket-Wearing-5am-Walker, You are an idiot.  If I had hit you, I think I would have had a perfectly good explanation.

Dear Super Bowl Commercials, I wasn't overly impressed with you but I did enjoy Honda's Ferris Bueller spoof, Fiat's Abarth and the Sketcher's French Bulldog.

Dear Internet, Of all nights, you chose last night to crap out.  I wasn't trying to watch class or anything.  Only thinking of yourself.  Sheesh.

Dear System Engineering Professor, I find it crazy to think what Washington State University is paying you to sit and read to a bunch of graduate students for two and a half hours.  Maybe that's why our tuition prices went up so high.


Dear Pregnant Chicken, You just may be my new favorite blog/website.  You make me laugh.  Hard.

Dear Ryan, The other night while I was watching a DVR'd Glee episode, I swear you came down with a case of Turrets.  "He sounds like a girl." "This is awful." "Oh, sorry." "I love Michael Jackson's music." "She's really good." "Do they sing the entire episode?" "This is lame." "Ok, I'll be quiet."  Geesh.  Either Turrets set in or you reverted back to being 4-years old.  I'm not quite sure.


Even though it's now Tuesday, wishing everyone a great week!!

Take Luck,

LP

Blogoversary

One year and 240 posts later, here I am.

It is hard to believe that it was a year ago that I sat down and started typing away the stories of my day-to-day.  I remember going back and forth with my inner self, wondering what the heck I would blog about and wondered if anyone would read it.

Some days I still wonder what the heck to blog about, and have realized that it doesn't really matter if anyone reads (although, I love to hear that people do).  Blogging is something that I enjoy, and has proved to be a creative outlet in more ways than one.

It has been a really fun experience so far, and I have really enjoyed being able to look back and read what we were doing (or what I was thinking) at various points of last year.

I have been able to connect with friends, re-connect with old ones, and just share our life in a way that is different and more personal than say, facebook.

Along the way I have stumbled upon some great blogs, authored by all kinds of wonderful people, that inspire me in all things blogging, photography, family, and life in general.

This past year has really gone by in a flash.

I can't wait to see what the next year holds for us.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Writing some letters to start the week with Megan!

Dear Monday, So we meet again.

Dear January, Where did you go?

Dear Riley, I cannot believe you a two years old!  I feel like you were a brand new baby just last week.  Now look at you!

Dear World's Most Horrible Toddler & Tiara Contestant, You are a horrid, horrid child... Regardless of how entertaining you may be.  I blame your mother.

"... A dollar makes me holla, honey boo boo..!"

Dear Blog, Hard to believe you and I will be celebrating our first year together very soon.

Dear Hubby, Recently we've been partaking in a few Wife Swap episodes in the evenings.  I must say, it is both weird and awesome at the same time.  Please do not ever sign us up for a Wife Swap.

Wishing everyone a great week!!

Take Luck,

LP 

Fill in the Blank Friday

 

It's Friday!  You know what that means - another Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren from the little things we do!

1. My favorite new blog of the moment is Enjoying the Small Things.

2. Something I am thankful for is the exciting news I've gotten from three of my favorite people this week.  A pregnancy, an engagement, and a new job/relocation!  I love my ladies.

3. Something that made me laugh this week was watching Brock and Sonny play tug-of-war with their toy fox.

4. An item that is currently on my wish list is a pair of boots.  I am bootless.

5. I am excited about shopping with my Mom and sissy, Rachel in Seattle while Daddio and Ryan are at the Apple Cup in a few weeks.

6. If I were a color I would be green.  Or purple.  'Cuz they're my favorites.

7. My favorite way to spend a chilly fall day is snuggled up on the couch under a bunch of blankets, with a good book and a cup of tea.

That is all.  Happy Friday, everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Time for another Dear Monday link-up with Megan at Happy Day!

Dear Monday, It was incredibly easier rolling (literally) out of bed this morning knowing that you were the first of only three working days this week.  Hallelujah.

Dear Sonny, We (along with our checking account) thank you sincerely for the fact that your body decided to shape up and fix the issues that were going inside.  We missed your spunk last week.

Dear Fall Semester, Please let the remaining 5 or so weeks fly by.  My brain and I would really appreciate it.

Dear Bon Iver, I kept seeing rave reviews about you over at Today's Letters, but until today had not experienced you for myself.  I like you. 

Dear Away We Go, I watched you on Saturday night.  I laughed and I cried while thoroughly enjoying your soundtrack.

Dear Hubby, Thank you for watching Elf with me yesterday.  There is nothing like couch-snuggles and belly laughs when watching a Christmas movie… In November.  You are simply wonderful.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Real Life

Today while cruising the blog-circuit, I came across a new blog.

The blog is by a woman in Florida who has her own photography business, loves cute shoes, and has a couple of kiddos.  The youngest of kiddos gave the couple a surprise upon delivery, and was born with Down Syndrome.

As I was reading, and the woman was sharing the birth story and pictures  of precious moments after birth, Ryan happened to peek over and see a picture of the new baby (who is now one year old).

I started to tell him about what I had previously read - this woman was all excited (duh) to have a new baby.  But as soon as the baby was delivered - she knew something was wrong.  No one else seemed to notice the glaring physical characteristics that were screaming, "Down Syndrome."  She said she felt like this wasn't her baby.  She felt like she wanted to run away from it.

My dear Hubby's response was, "That's depressing. Why are you reading that?"

My answer was simple, "It's real life."

It got me thinking about some of the other blogs I follow.  I follow some true and "real life" friends, but a lot of the blogs I faithfully read are written by women that I have never met.  And likely, never will meet.

So why on earth do I follow them?

I follow some of these ladies because they blog about real life.  They blog about marriage and the work it requires, motherhood and raising kids, adoption, balancing work and a family, and a number of other things.

Most of these women don't sugar-coat it.  They tell it like it is - whether it is pretty, ugly or everything in between.

That honesty is something I have really grown to respect and appreciate.

Life is not clean and pretty.  It is often messy and hard.

I am inspired by all these women.  In different ways, of course.

It amazes me to see not only the cards they are dealt, but how they play their hands.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan at Happy Day for another Dear Monday.

Dear Monday, You were filled with excitement and anticipation, followed by nervousness and worrying.  Let's not make this an every-Monday event.  Mmkkay?

Dear Self, Happy birthday!  Here's to hoping 26 is a good year.

Dear Liam, Welcome to the world, little man!  I promise to be the best birthday-buddy-Auntie you will ever have.  Ever.  I can't wait to hold, hug, and snuggle with you.

Dear Sar, Thank you for including me in your own Dear Monday.  However, the gratitude excludes the lovely picture you put up of us from our young and round-faced-days.

Dear Loved Ones, I am forever thankful and grateful to have you in my life.  Sharing special days with you makes me one lucky lady.

Dear Hubby, I love the crap out of you.

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up for another Dear Monday with Megan at Happy Day!

Dear Monday, You did not suck as bad as last Monday.  That is all I have to say to you.

Dear Daddio/Faja, You retired today after 37 years of government service.  I am so proud of you.  On your first week of retirement you already get a new job: puppysitting!

Dear Sar, I am so sorry that I did not participate in your Starbucks Sunday.  I don't take a lot of time for myself, but this just may inspire me to do so!

Dear Hubby, I will take you on in a baby powder fight any day or night.  You going down, sucka.

Dear Nephew-Who-Is-Yet-To-Be-Named, If you could coordinate your arrival with our trip to St. Louis... Your Aunt Lauren and Uncle Ryan would really appreciate it.  And I think your Mommy would too.

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

I just can't resist another link up opportunity.  This time, with Megan at Happy Day.

Dear Monday, Not going to lie you kinda sorta sucked.  The mood at work was pretty somber, and I thought I was going to go a little coo-coo if I sat at my desk any longer.

Dear God, You are frustrating me.

Dear Brock & Sonny, Your jumping and tail wagging picks me up and out of any funk.

Dear Platelet Count, I am seriously hoping you will be cooperative tomorrow.

Dear Writers of Grey's Anatomy, I hate to say that I feel our relationship may be fizzling.  Deep down I know you will always have my heart, but let's just say that I need some affirmation that this is a give-and-take understanding.

Dear Hubby, I just love you completely.

Take Luck,

LP