Embrace the Camera - 9/5/13

My parents hosted a Labor Day BBQ, and we took the opportunity to take some family pictures.

This long-legged beauty made me an aunt almost 13 years ago.  I still vividly remember waiting at the hospital anticipating her arrival.  When seeing Jaiden on Sunday, I couldn't get over how beautiful (seriously, beautiful) she is.  

We practiced being sassy together.  I'm not very sassy, but apparently I'm pretty good at tossing my head around like a diva.

 Sometimes I forget (OK, take for granted) how lucky I am to have my sisters and brother.  So much of who I am is because of them.

Even though we were missing two important people for our "kids and grandkids" picture (Ryan and Mia), we took one anyway.

Go embrace the camera with someone you love!

Take Luck,

LP

Should've Stayed in Bed

I should've stayed in bed this morning.

The first sign came at 6:30am like a 75-pound brick.

Or dog.

Ryan had to work today and was up early getting ready.

Normally (on the weekdays) I am up first, so I let the puppies out (Sonny out of our bed and Brock out of his cage) and they go do their business.  

On days when Ryan is up first, he lets Brock out of his cage and Princess Sonny usually stays with me until I get up.  On these days, the first thing Brock does is come barreling into our room and up onto the bed to say "GOOD MORNING!" to me.

This morning was no different.

Except he trampled me, scratched my face with his gigantic dog-talons, licked said scratch, and then sat on my head.

I guess that's his way of showing his undying love and affection for his Mama.

I should have seen the sign for what it was... A sign to stay in bed.

Because the day just kept on getting better and better.

First, I took a 30-minute drive up north to Bainbridge Island with my Mom to watch what we thought would be my niece, Jaiden's 10:30 soccer game.

We found the field, and there were no orange, Tracyton Tigers in sight.

After giving my older sister a little jingle, we learned that the game had been moved to 1:30.

Awesome.

Thank you, so much for letting us know.

I came home and relaxed my bod on the couch for several hours and enjoyed having control of the remote while my Hubby was at work.

I had been invited to an facial/skin care party/demo at a girlfriend's house and so at 3:00 I headed on over there.

At this gathering, was a girl that I went to high school with and haven't seen (or talked to) in a long time. 

I knew that she had gotten married recently, so I did what I thought was polite.

I asked her how married life was.

Mistake, mistake, mistake.

Her response was, "Well, uhh..."

Shit.

Enough said.  I should've stayed in bed.

Moving on.

The facial demonstration commenced and the lady passed around some cleanser.  It was lovely, refreshing, and smelt like kiwi.

Next up was the exfoliant.

I applied it to my face and immediately felt my face get very hot, and a fairly intense burning sensation.

I was sitting next to my friend's aunt who asked me, "Uhm... Are you ok?  You're face is really red."

I kind of laughed and said, "Oh, yes.  I'm fine!" and wiped the exfoliant off my beat red and hot face.

Next up, was some sort of mask that was soft and cool.  I thought it might calm my irritation.

No.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

More burning, more redness.

I excused myself to the bathroom and washed my face off with warm water, and my friend was kind enough to give me some calming Eucerin lotion - which helped a little bit.

The demonstration lady felt horrible and kept saying, "I'm so sorry - This has never happened before!"

Of course not.

I should've stayed in bed.

I am home now.  Safe.

My optimistic nature keeps me thinking that the day can't get much worse.

But it's only 5:00.

Take Luck,

LP

Slumber Party

Friday night, we had a slumber party with our newly-11-year-old niece, Jaiden.

Along with chicken quesadillas for dinner, Puss in Boots was also on the agenda.

I don't know that I've ever seen a kid this excited to see a movie.  She insisted that we get to the theater early so we could get a bag of popcorn and a good seat.

When we left the movie, she told me over and over again that, "That was the best movie I have seen in my entire life!!"

We came home and started making (and baking) Monkey Bread to have on Saturday morning for breakfast.

While the treat was baking, Jaiden asked to call her Mom (my sister) to say goodnight.

One of the first things that Jaiden told Katie was that we were baking Monkey Bread and that, "It smells so good - I bet you can smell it through the phone.  Can't you Mom?"  And it was quickly followed up with, "Don't worry, Mom.  No monkeys were harmed in the making of this Monkey Bread."

Where does she come up with this stuff?

She also made a new, forever BFF with Sonny.  My parents' little wieny, Teddy isn't the biggest fan of Jaiden, so I know it made her super happy that Sonny wanted to lay and cuddle with her.

It was soon time for bed and we got JB all set up in the guest bedroom.  She made sure that she would have a lamp on, and that we would keep her door and our door open during the night - just in case!

As soon as she laid down - she found herself a snoozing-buddy in Brock.  She thought it was the coolest thing that the big guy wanted to lay with her.

The morning came and she finally got to sink her teeth into the Monkey Bread that she was just dying to eat.

Before we knew it - it was time to get Miss J to her soccer game.

It was chilly, but beautiful outside and the Tigers crushed.

We had a great time having Jaiden over, and hope we get to do it again soon!!

We love you, JB!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It's Friday!  Which means another edition of Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren at the little things we do!

1. My favorite thing about this week is having a slumber party with our niece, Jaiden tonight!  Puss 'n Boots - here we come!

2.  Colder weather makes me want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a bunch of blankets, my puppies... And take a nap.

3.  Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are my Hubby, seeing pictures and videos of our new nephew Liam, and the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

4.  If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose: ballet flats.  Easy peasy.

5.  My personality is laid back mixed with some anxiety and worrier-tendancies, passionate, caring, look-on-the-bright-sider and lover of life.

6.  I have a serious problem resisting oogling babies.  Baby fever, people!

7.  My favorite color to wear is green.  No, purple.  Maybe, green.  I love both.

That is all!  Happy Friday!

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

What better way to start off the week than with a Dear Monday with Megan at Happy Day?

Dear Monday, I totally forgot that you were Halloween.  I blame Sunday for scrambling my brain.

Dear Trick-or-Treaters who do not visit our house, We buy candy for a reason.  Mmkay?

Dear Jaiden, I cannot believe you will be 11 on Wednesday.  I still remember sitting (and sleeping) in the waiting area of the hospital, un-patiently waiting for you to be born.  Tonight you dressed as a sorceress.  And you kept hissing at me.  I love you, too.

Dear Brock and Sonny, I am sorry I tortured you this evening and made you put on your Halloween costumes.  I promise I wasn't laughing at you.  I was laughing with... OK, at you.

Dear Hubby, You told me that after one of the few trick-or-treaters said, "Thank you...." for the candy - you said "Thank you" back.

Happy Monday, and Happy Halloween everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Day 7: Mi Familia

Day 7: Describe your relationship with your siblings/parents

I love my family.

So this will be fun!

Meet my parents.

I wrote a lot about my relationship with my Daddio and Momma back on Father's and Mother's Day, respectively.

They are amazing people, and parents.  Together they have taught me how to work hard for the things I want in life, be respectful, be humble, and be gracious.

My relationships with Mom and Dad are definitely different.  But I am happy to say that although they are different relationships - they are each wonderful in their own ways.

I love it when my Dad laughs so hard he cries and his face turns bright red (usually when he's watching Blue Collar Comedy Tour).  I also love the way his face lights up when he sees his grandkiddos (both two and four-legged).

He doesn't always listen so good.  But it is one of the things that I have grown to love and expect from him.  He is my protector.  Ever since I was a little girl, and even to this day, I know that my Dad will take care of me.  Along with Ryan and my Bubba.

I also love getting Mom all riled up and laughing hysterically.  This usually happens whenever Ryan and I are around her... And always happens when Rachy, Ryan and I are around her.

Just the other night while driving home from a wedding, Ryan and I told Mom that her car horn was lame sounding.  We then discussed my Subaru horn, and then Ryan's Mustang horn.  I declared, "Ryan, I don't think I've ever honked your horn."

Lots of laughter and tears followed as Mom said, "Well, you guys have been married over a year now.  I was sure you had honked his horn by now!"  Good grief.

I feel equally blessed to have wonderful in-laws.

Danny and Chris have accepted and welcomed me into their home and life since Day 1.

I feel very at ease around them, and know I can be myself.  I am thankful every day that they raised Ryan to be the man that he is today.

I am the third in a line of four.  Between my brother's marriage and Ryan's sister's marriage - I am the proud sister-in-law of another sister and brother.  One thing that I am completely proud to say is that all of my sisters and both of my brothers were a part of our wedding.

Moving on.

Haas Family Picture - 2009

Katie is the eldest.  Growing up I idolized her, and wanted to do everything she did, the way she did it.  Over the last few years, our relationship hasn't been what it once was - but I hope to change that.  She is raising her daughter, Jaiden to be a fantastic young girl.  It's hard to believe she will be 11 next month.

Joshy is next.  He is my Bubba, my protector.  Josh makes me laugh with his brutal honesty, and sometimes drives me a little coo-coo with how laid back he is.  He is a wonderful father to Mia, Kennedy, and Riley - and it has been so much fun watching him and Haley raise their kids, and see him turn into the family man.

I don't know where to begin with my baby sister, Rachel.  I need to write a post just for/about her.  But again, I wouldn't know where to start.  She is my best friend.  And our relationship has only gotten stronger as we've grown up together.  When we get together... Watch out.  Things can get a little crazy, in a show tunes singing, show tunes dancing, butt grabbing, hoot smacking sort of way.  We are completely silly, and like to drive Ryan crazy by singing  Super Troupers.

This is us together at Momma's birthday dinner.  We realized that both of our tops had little flowers or "blossoms" on them.  Since neither of us were blessed in that "region" we liked to think that the tops were a symbol of what we don't have.

Haley has been my sister-in-law for over 4 years now.  It is amazing how time has flown by.  I have really enjoyed watching her and Joshy grow their family (I say that like they are are growing a garden!).  Haley is so laid back, and I know that even though she usually has three kids running around her and asking her for something - I can talk to her about anything.  I only hope she feels the same.  I like to call her and ask how she's doing.  It usually takes her a second to process the question and then respond.  Understandably so.

Cara is my fourth sister.  She may be the newest to join my heart, but I love her just as much as the others.  I only wish we didn't live so far away.  I know that I can talk to Cara about anything, and she always gives sound, unbiased advice.  I can't talk to her and not laugh.  I know we didn't technically become sisters until Ry and I were married... But to tell you the truth, I felt like she has been my sister from the beginning.  She is housing a little nugget that should make his debut in mid-October, and I know she is going to be wonderful Mommy.  I can't wait to meet this little guy!!

Finally, meet Webb.  My lone brother-in-law (for now!).  This guy cracks me up, and we share a bond since we are the two in-laws to the Peters family.  I can't imagine a better guy to share that bond with.  He likes to use words like insufferable to describe waiting for us at a surprise meal, and he really loves the song Tonto.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of this guy bustin' a move to that song.  Like Cara, Webb is going to be a great dad when Baby Webb arrives.

All in all, I feel that I am beyond lucky and blessed to have the big family that I do.  They each hold a very special place in my heart and life, that I would not trade for anything.  I have learned so much in my relatively few years, but perhaps the biggest thing is to know that even though you can't choose your family - I wouldn't have mine any other way.

I love you, guys!!

Take Luck,

LP

26 Truths and No Lies

1.  I was named after the models Lauren Hutton and Lauren Bacall, and my middle name came from my mom's best friend and my godmother, Marie Leona.  Hence, Lauren Lee.  My parents almost named me Berkley Claire.

2.  I am third in a line of four siblings (Katie, Josh and Rachel).  However, I have acquired two sister-in-laws (Haley and Cara) and one brother-in-law (Ryan) who I love just as much.

3.  I met my husband, Ryan while working as a Credit Manager at Wells Fargo Financial.  It was hands-down the worst job I have ever had, but I can't completely write it off the experience :)

4.  When I was in high school I drank three Mountain Dew's a day.

5.  I played softball at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale.  I chose SIU over the University of Georgia, Penn State and the University of Virginia.

6.  I am collecting Disney movies for when we (someday) have kids.  So far we have Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Despicable Me, Enchanted, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Monsters Inc., Oliver & Company, Pete's Dragon, Pocahontas, Robin Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 and Up!

7. I have never been to Canada (but really want to see Vancouver and Victoria).

8.  This summer I hope to drive down to Astoria, OR and see the house from the Goonies, and the elementary school from Kindergarten Cop (one of Ryan's and my favorite movies).

9.  I have three nieces and a nephew - Jaiden, Mia, Kennedy and Riley.

10.  My favorite TV shows are Dexter and Grey's Anatomy.

11.  When I was little, I wanted to be a comedian.  Apparently, my jokes were so bad that my parents bought me a joke book.  I still aspire to be on Saturday Night Live (SNL) someday.

12.  My guilty pleasures include celebrity gossip, Teen Mom and Toddlers & Tiara's ("I want my ni-ni!").

13.  I love Haribo Gold Gummi Bears.

14.  I like to name our unborn children.

15.  I received my Bachelor's degree in Marketing.  I am pursuing a Master's degree in Engineering and Technology Management. 

16.  Our dogs, Brock and Sonny hardly ever get called by their actual names.  Instead, Brock gets called Brocky, Brocky Boy, B-Boy, Broccoli and Stinky.  Sonny gets call Sonny Jo, Sonny Bunny, Chubby Bunny, Sonny Bear or Baby Bear.

17.  My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip from Baskin Robbins.  Which when I was little, I called Basketball and Robbins.

18.  When we have kids, I really hope we have boys.  Ryan is convinced that we'll have girls.

19.  I am a super picky eater.  It is mostly the textures and smells that make me not like certain foods.  For example, I hate the smell and texture of mushrooms and consider them to be infectious.  By that I mean that I can't (and won't) eat anything that has been cooked with or touched the mushrooms, because the food has been "infected" with the scent and taste.  I also have issues with squishy seafood (or any seafood for that matter). 

20.  I swear I have super sonic hearing and this makes me "noise sensitive."  Lets just say that forks (or other utensils) scraping on plates make me nauseated and start to sweat.  The dentist is always a traumatizing experience too. 

21.  I prefer flats to anything with a heal.  They hurt my feet and cause me to walk like I'm intoxicated.

22.  I like to sing in the shower... And in the car.  Basically any place that (in my head) I sound like a fabulous superstar.

23.  Our house is currently a light pink(ish) color with maroon trim.  Yikes.  We are hoping to change that this spring/summer.

24.  I like to keep a planner.  How else could I keep my crap straight?  

25.  If you couldn't tell from my previous "truths," I was an interesting child.  Until I was five or six, I think I resented my parents and the fact that I was a girl, and not a boy.  I wanted to be like my big brother.  Apparently during an outside game one afternoon, I cried (like the little girl I was) that I had to be on the "shirts" team and couldn't be "skins" :)

and 26.  I wake up every morning thankful that Ryan and I have the things we have; most importantly - each other.  

Take Luck,
LP