Sneak Peek

Hunger Games Party...
More to come

Will You Go to the Dance with Me?

I was thumbing through my old journal and found an entry about how I asked a kid to a dance in high school and I gotta say...
I am a flippin genius.
Ok, maybe not, but I sure know how to entertain {myself}.
So! What I did was make a bunch of clues to send this dude on a scavenger hunt during our lunch break.
Let me know what you think!

Clue #1
The time has come, Sir David, to seek your lady fair
Your quest may be long and arduous, so tackle it if you dare.
So arm yourself with your shield and crown, your sword and noble steed,
And ride to the beat of coconuts to the place where masses feed.
Do not delay, for the time is nigh-
And your fair lady will need a reply.
So off you trod to seek your quest,
Find each knight and do not rest.
The first knight you seek has waited long with a crown upon her head,
But thats not your only clue, look for a boa thats red.

Clue #2
Now put on the boa and on you go, galloping along the way,
The next knight wears rabbit ears, look under her lunch tray.

Clue #3
The next task will take finesse, as you sing of your favorite things,
Only then can you receive your clue, from the lunch lady wearing wings.

Clue #4
You are to be commended for how valiantly you've fought,
Now onward to your journeys end, the fair lady's name you've sought.
Look long and hard for a six pointed star of gold,
There you will find your destiny, the mystery will then unfold.

Clue #5
So you've made it to the end only one more thing to try,
I hope you've worked up an appetite for some razzleberry pie!
Hands behind your back and close your eyes real tight,
At the bottom of this pie, a name you will soon bite!

Haha, genius I tell you.

~Today is my birthday. . . No big plans thus far.
Anyone have any suggestions to make the big 2-3 a bit more memorable? I really had to calculate how old I'd be turning because I couldnt remember. {I blame the pregnancy mind}
Send me some ideas!

Week 29 Pictures (Even Though I'm 31 Weeks)

Yes, I am a bit behind on my posting but thats because the stupid internet isnt working at my house AND my laptop is fried so I am confined to using my phone and that only works half the time. So I finally made my way over to the library so I think I deserve some kind of award or something.

Little lady is enjoying her time playing up in my ribs and making it hard for me to breathe or bend over and pick things up. She also has her days and nights mixed up and starts kicking and moving when I lay down to sleep. She's a funny one!

Awkward and Awesome Thursdays!

Awkward:
1. Arriving at the church for an interview with the stake president and realizing I have two different colored boots on. One grey, the other brown. I spend the time waiting in the hallway trying to hide behind Gavin.

2. Having a St. Patty's Day dinner where all the food is green and I accepted a sugar cookie from Gavin. After biting into it, I realized that its not indeed green FROSTING he covered it in, but green GRAVY. Yuck.

3. Running out of gas in the middle of the street and having to call Gavin to come help me out. Then I was late for my doc appointment and had to call and tell them its because I am an idiot.

4. Witnessing a massive disaster at work where a little boy knocked over one display rack and created a domino effect. We had just BARELY got all settled in our new location that very day. Awesome. . . {See here for pictures}

Awesome:
1. Making our first big purchase for our Little Lady. {A stroller AND carseat!}

2. Celebrating my Dad's birthday and making him chocolate ganache cake. To. Die. For. He is the best.

3. Planning an epic Hunger Games party for this weekend.... Pictures will be posted beginning of next week!

4. Sleeping through the night.

5. Catching up with old friends.

Awesome Article

The other day I found a really great article online about parenting called, You just Broke Your Child. Congratulations by Single Dad Laughing. I was so impressed by his words about fathers being the hero in their childrens lives.
In the article, he talks about how he was at Costco and witnessed a sad display of a father emotionally beating down his young son.
The author, Dan, pleads to fathers everywhere to be a man and rise up to the amazing calling of being a father.
He talks about how important it is to uplift our children and make them feel loved and special, because they are.
In one paragraph he says, "Dads. Wake up! These precious souls that have been put into your care are unique and so very sensitive. Everything you say or don’t say will impact their ability, success, and happiness throughout their entire lives."
If you have a second, I strongly recommend reading this post. Not only is it good for fathers, but it really is eye opening for everyone.
You can read the article here.

Never Land Photography

Hello Friends!

Spring is coming and that means its time for some AWESOME photography opportunities!

Last spring, I did some really fun photo shoots and the PERFECT time of year is approaching for your own magical experience.

My goal is to bring people to Never Land. To let them experience the magic and the imagination that comes with it, no matter the age! Never Land isnt just a place. It is a state of being. I will provide a moment of 'Never Land' for my friends and loved ones and I will capture it in a way that will never be forgotten and can be enjoyed everyday.

Packages:

Prior to your session, we can decide what kind of theme you’d like to see in your photo’s. We will discuss the look and feel, props, and location. We will also meet after the session to discuss which photo's you would like edited.

Children Never Grow Up:
*Fairy/Princess Package: Your little girls will love dressing up and pretending to be a fairy or a princess.
*Pirate/Lost Boy Package: Your little boys will enjoy dressing up and pretending to be a pirate or a lost boy.
Pixie Dust Portraits: High school senior session/actor's portfolio, bridals, etc.
Families Tink Happy Thoughts: Family portraits
Awfully Big Adventure Weddings: Wedding packages include:
*Thimbles of Joy: Engagements
*I Believe: Bridals
*Greatest Adventure of them All: Wedding Day
These packages can be combined or a la carte.

~Each session includes:
1-2 hour session
1 Location
Unlimited outfit changes in the time allotted
10 edited images (More can be added for an additional price.)
CD with print release


Please don’t hesitate to contact me for a quote on your personalized session. I am open to trades, knowledge, etc and can make it work for any wallet! Help me spread the word and I will give you a special discount. :)
Contact me at: lauren_e_jones@yahoo.com

See some of my favorite sessions here and here

Regular child photo shoot or one of the following:

Countdown

Lately I have been on a 'planning' streak. {Thanks to pinterest} I just want to plan things! Whether its the baby's room, or a dinner party, or gifts for people, I just have all these ideas bouncing around in my head and I want to PLAN! So... with that in mind, I have been arranging a Hunger Games party this weekend with my family.
Lets just say that its gonna be EPIC! {and messy, and fun, and memorable!}
I cant wait to show you all pictures.
Stay tuned. . .
Remember how we had a fiasco at work the other day?
Luckily no one was hurt! What an adventure :P

Manic Monday

Source: awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Today has been one of those days...
You know, where nothing goes right?
Ok I take that back, I DID sleep well last night, which has been a first in a LONG time.
But it took a turn for the worst when a little boy knocked over one of our stands, creating a domino effect and essentially wiped out half our store. Talk about a mess!
Lets just say I wear out easier in my third trimester than I did my second.
But on that note... I also went to the doc today (30 Weeks!) And everything is checking out good.
I now will start seeing him every two weeks to make sure everything is going well.
I cant believe how FAST time is flying! Little Lady will be here before we know it!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

I love Thursdays.
They give me a chance to realize how blessed I am. . . and how darn funny things can be.
I love to laugh. . . Even when its at myself.

Awkward moments this week:
1. Going to Costco and trying on a pair of maternity jeans over my leggings then almost mooning everyone in the store as I tried to take them off and ALMOST pulling off the jeans AND leggings in one.
2. Thinking that no one is in the store I work at, so I start singing along with the radio, only to be startled when someone behind me coughed real loud.
3. Thinking someone is talking to me, so I respond, only to realize that they are on the phone. {This happends ALL the time.}
4. That I spelled the word 'awkward' wrong in the picture above. Thats ironic.
5. Getting all the way through this post then my computer goes all screwy and I lose ALL my information. Twice.

Awesome moments from this week:
1. It's my Dad's 50th birthday today! He is the best dad ever. Lets party Pops!
2. Shopping with Gavin for a carseat/stroller for Little Lady and laughing because we had no idea how to unhook the two. We still havent gotten one yet. . .
3. The sunny spring-time weather! Glorious.
4. Making some pretty fun stuff for an upcoming giveaway. So cute! I might want to keep them for myself. . . ;) Just kidding!
5. Sitting in church and actually SEEING my tummy move when Little Lady is awake and kicking. What a weird/cool thing!

What are some of YOUR awkward/awesome moments this week?

Happy Hunger Games

Lucky you... I got ready for work extra fast today so I have time to do TWO posts for you! {Be sure to check out my John Carter of Mars Movie review here}
I also found this video and seriously laughed out loud, and if you know me, you know I love sharing the laughs...
So here is a video called Hungry Games to get you ready for the BIG showing next week. (Do you have your tickets yet?) Sorry I cant just upload the video to blogge, its not letting me do that and for some reason, I cant find it on youtube.
But I promise its funny and worth the time it takes to click here. :)

Happy Laughing!

John Carter of Mars Movie Review

This last weekend, we went to see the new movie, John Carter of Mars.
I had been looking forward to this movie for awhile because Gav and I were approached to appear as extras in the film when we were living in St. George. For some reason or another, it didnt work out and we werent able to be cool warrior aliens, but nonetheless, we were excited to see Disney's answer to Avatar.
I like to think I have good taste in films. I want to eventually go into digital communications and make movies of my own someday so I feel like I have a reasonable knowledge of the film process.
I thought the cinematography for the film was great. Very eye-catching. But I felt disconnected from the film somehow.
I dont know how to describe it but I will try.
For me to be enthralled by a film, I want to connect with the characters and if writers and film makers dont establish a character as soon as possible, I lose interest.
This is what happened with Taylor Kitsch's character for whom the film was named after. I am sorry John Carter, you gave me no reason to like you or connect with you, not only in the beginning of the film, but throughout the entire show. I agree with my friend Brenden Whitney when he said this, "The moments where we're supposed to sympathize with John, were forced and distracting."
As for John's romantic co-star, Lynn Collins, I think her acting was alright, although I was terribly distracted by her a} lack of clothing (Disney approved her wardrobe?!) b} abnormally blue eyes and c} her scary orange spray tan.
My favorite character wasnt even a character at all and was a sort of alien dog.
I think that it took too long to get the story going and too long for it to end.
I loved that it was filmed in Utah and I thought the special effects were superb and there were some funny parts that I found myself laughing out loud.
Although it wasnt my favorite, it was entertaining and I enjoyed myself.

Has anyone else seen it? What were your thoughts?

Gag Me With A Spatchula

Bachelor Ben...

You are the most ridiculous person I have ever seen.

Courtney? Really?
Wow. That is all I gotta say.

W-O-W.

Guest Post from Papa

Top 'o the mornin to ya!
I am getting jazzed up for St. Patty's day this week, can ya tell?
Today I have a special treat for you. My awesome dad has asked to do a guest post and of course I said yes!
Some of you may know that my dad is one awesome police officer. He has tons and tons of great stories that I have shared a few here.
He has some great advice to share today and I promise it works! {For the most part}
So... without further ado... My dad would like to share with you all....

How to get out of a speeding ticket

If you read this blog most of you know that I’m a police officer with over 20+ years
of experience and the one question I get asked from family and friends, other than
if I’ve ever shot anyone? (No), is how do I get out of a speeding ticket?

Well since you’re friends of Lauren and Gavin I’ll give you the insider information.

Let me first explain that sometimes, no matter what, you’ll get a speeding ticket even if
you follow this advice. Some police agencies have quotas some don’t. Issuing tickets
generate revenue for cities and counties and therefore police officers are sometimes
required to issue tickets. Some police agencies are more restrictive than other agencies.
But if you follow this advice you just might drive away with a warning instead of a ticket.

1. Admit to yourself that yes I was speeding, ran the red light, didn’t signal, etc. and
think of all the times you didn’t get caught. Arguing with a police officer will
NEVER get you any leniency.

2. When you pull over to side off the road, pull off to the right as far as you
can. This gives the officer a “lane of safety” that he will appreciate. I hate
worrying about getting hit by other drivers/vehicles. Better yet if you can pull
into a parking lot.
3. When you’re pulled over, turn on the interior light (if it’s at night) and get
both hands on the steering wheel where I can see them. Don’t worry about
getting your driver’s license, registration and insurance card. DO NOT GET
OUT OF YOUR CAR. The whole point of this is to make the officer more
comfortable and safe.

4. When the officer approaches be very polite i.e. yes sir, no sir. If he asks you if
you know why he stopped you be polite and say no. (Don’t admit guilt) If you
admit you were speeding that makes the case that much easier to prove his
case in court.
5. Let him tell you why he pulled you over. When he’s done explaining the
violation, apologize in the most sincere why possible and ask for mercy and
to maybe let you off on a verbal warning. Don’t grovel or try to make up an
excuse. We’ve heard just about every excuse already.

Ladies (or men) no crying!!

Make sure you do all this before he goes back to his vehicle and checks
your information. It’s hard to pled for mercy after he’s already written out the
citation. Give him a reason to like you and to cut you a break.
6. Don’t worry that the officer still goes back to his vehicle and checks your
information. If he doesn’t find anything like past violations he’s more likely
to cut you that break. The officer has a lot of discretion and could just give
you a warning, lower the speed, drop other violations i.e. broken headlight, no
seatbelt, etc.

If you been polite, sincere and built a good rapport with the officer you just might get
out of the ticket.

Note: All this advise assumes that your not a drug dealer, murderer, or career
criminal.

Thanks Dad!
I will admit that I have gotten out of a fair few speeding tickets by following my pops advice. Give it a try next time and let me know if it works! Good luck and hope you had a lovely weekend!

Because the World Should Know

At first I didnt really know what the whole Kony 2012 thing was... nor did I really care.
But it caught fire on the web and I was curious. So I clicked to watch the video below and was shocked to see that it was a half hour long! I decided I would watch for a minute and if I was bored, I could alway find something else to entertain myself.
Well before I knew it, I was wrapped up in this little documentary and didnt even realize the time fly by.
I know lots of you have seen this already, but have you WATCHED it? I mean really watch it?

 

It bothers me that some people out there are reacting so negativly about this. They are saying that its a scam and that people are only spreading the word to make themselves look better and that its a lost cause.
How sad is that?
I love what Uncle Ben says on Spiderman... "With great power comes great responsibility."
Obviously we have great power and we should use that power to help those who cannot help themselves.
We have been blessed to live in a free country and we have the responsibility to help those around us, however we can.
Sure, the group who made this video needs money, and if you can afford to help out, that is so great. But if you financially can't help at this point, they are asking for SUPPORT. They need to get the word out and "Make Kony Famous"
"Not to celebrate him, but to bring his crimes to the light."

There are so many ways to connect. Join the FB Page. Or there's even a Blogger FB Page for this! Sign the pledge, join in to Cover the Night (check FB for your local Cover the Night page), or just share this information.
Its an amazing time we live in, to be able to share news and information and I hope we can do all we can to stand up for what is right.

No Awkward But A Whole Lot of Awesome

I usually really look forward to awkward and awesome posts on Thursdays, but surprisingly, nothing too awkward has happened this week.
Amazing.
But there has been some awesome stuff going on up here.
There was one surprise Gavin and I received yesterday and we are thrilled, but I cannot say what it is quite yet. We want to do some checking, double checking and praying to know whether its right.
Little Lady was quite active for a few days straight, but I think she wore herself out because everything has been kinda quiet the last 24 hours. She knows how to party.
We are in the middle of a transition at work where we are moving everything to the basement. Can be a bit overwhelming, but so far its been great! I think I wore myself out though... I apparently know how to party as well...
I am sleeping a bit better. Enough said! YAY!
I finished reading Hunger Games again just in time for the movie coming up.
My cold is getting better.... ok somewhat better.
Gavin is taking me out tonight. Dollar movies rock. Its pretty much all we can afford.
I am working on putting together a awesome goody bag for an upcoming giveaway.
Get excited.
Its been a great week so far... AND its almost the weekend.
Thank goodness... It feels like its been a long week.

Make Me Laugh

Need a laugh today?
These pinterest pics had me giggling and I'd like to share them with you!

Have a lovely day!

Click Here!

Hello lovlies!
Good news! Hold onto your seats because I have reached 200 followers! Which means...

GIVEAWAY!!!
I will be posting about that sometime this week, so stay tuned.

I promise it will be legen...(wait for it...) dary!

ALSO! Have you heard about this epic par-tay?...

Check it out.

Who is planning on going?
I'd love to go, would anyone like to join me?

Final DetailsLocation: The ChocolateTime: 7 - 9 pm
Dress: "What-I-Wore" post worthy (kidding, wear whatever)

To Bring: If you've paid the $7 invoice online there will be a name tag waiting for you which will act as your ticket in. If you decide last minute, it will be $10 at the door. 

To pay in advance contact Elisabeth by emailing her at BYUBloggermeetup@gmail.com

They also collecting clothing for the women's shelter so if you have anything you'd like to donate, they'd love for you to bring that too (not mandatory)

Doesnt it sound fun?

Let me know if you are going!

I want to be a mom who...

*holds her child's hand instead of hauling them around on a leash.
*has sticky floors, dirty ovens, laundry piles and happy kids.
*isn't afraid to ask for help.
*writes everything down and takes TONS of pictures. 
*plays in the rain.
*isn't afraid of getting dirty.
*allows her husband to get the kids ready in the morning and enjoys their ragamuffin-ness.
*makes sure her kids are polite and respectful of adults.

*teaches her kids to serve others.
*loves their daddy more than anything.
*builds forts in the living room where we have family slumber parties and movie nights.
*supports their belief in magic
*takes her children to Disneyland and embarassing them because she is more excited than them.
*looks good. {I know, sounds vain. But I want them to know the importance of looking and feeling healthy and strong}

*makes yummy sack lunches.

*laughs at silly jokes

*helps them gain a testimony.
*makes goodies with them and helps them put on a lemonade stand/bake sale.  
 

What an adventure!!!

Why Not?

My friend, Kylee tagged me in a post so I thought I'd give it a go.
So here are 11 things about me, followed by the 11 questions Kylee posed.
I'll then post 11 new ones for the bloggers I tag to answer. (You can still participate even if i dont tag you.)

Ready? Ok.

1. Woke up with a nasty cold yesterday. I am rockin the red nose look.
2. I cant whistle. Not a tune, not a note, nothin.
3. I just found out orange citrus tea and am in LOVE. In fact, I think I will stop blogging for a second so I can go make some... Be right back.
4. Ok I am back and the tea is delicious. Number four-- I cant wait for spring time. I love the flowers, the clean air, my birthday, the green grass. Love.
5. I might have had a mini anxiety attack the other day when my cousin and I were talking and she said I could go into labor with Little Lady as soon as 6 weeks from now. Holy cow, where has the time gone?
6. Someday I will own an English Bulldog and name him Balthazaar.
7. I get really sad when I dont see my Gavin for long periods of time.(ok its only hours)
8. Halloween is my favorite holiday. Already have ideas for this years costume.
9. I have a horse named Locksley. He is the best.
10. I am kinda obsessed with Rockstar Diaries. (Who isnt?)
11. I love my new header for my blog. Gavin? Not so much. He hates the picture of us jumping up and down. I think its darling. What do you think?

Now for the questions from Kylee!

1. Favorite feature about yourself. Hmmm... I like to sing. Sometimes I think its good, especially when I sing in the shower.

2. One thing you want more than anything. Little lady to be born healthy and strong.
3. One thing that scares you about your future. Just the unknown is scary enough for me. I like to KNOW and PLAN whats gonna happen.
4. Biggest phobia? Clowns. Ugh...
5. Most exciting thing you have ever done? Hmm, Cancun was fun!
6. Biggest accomplishment? Marrying my stud of a husband in the SLC Temple
7. What is your biggest pet peeve? Rude people.
8. If you could be anything in the world when you grow up, what would it be? "A mommy and a babysitter" (That's what I said when I was graduating from preschool.)
9. Would you rather have no eyebrows or no eyelashes? No EYEBROWS! I love my eyelashes. Once, I was curling them and didnt realize the rubber inside wasnt there, so I ended up slicing them right off. They took a long time to grow back.
10. Cookies or ice cream? Um, BOTH!
11. What's one thing you want to do before you die? Go to Italy.

Tags:

1. Alyx from Everyday is a New Adventure

2. Ali from Our Happily Ever After

3. Elisabeth from La Vita e Bella

4. Alexis from Alexis Laughs

5. L from All Glorious Within

6. Carlie from Life... Full of Stories

Questions for YOU to answer:

1. Who is your favorite Disney Character and why?

2. What would you try to accomplish if you knew you could not fail?

3. What is the best thing you have ever eaten? {At least in the last week}

4. What is your guilty pleasure?

5. What is the one question you hope I dont ask?

6. What is the answer to that question? {Haha!}

7. Who would win in a fight? A}Jason Borne from The Borne Series. B} James Bond (Daniel Craig) or C} Ethan Hunt from Mission Impossible?

8. What book or story could you read over and over again and not get tired of?

9. If you could have any kind of animal as a pet, what would you choose?

10.What was the last dream you had? {That you can remember?}

11. Would you rather... Never have to clean dishes again or never have to do laundry again, which would you choose?

Whoo hoo! I cant wait to see what everyone comes up with for their answers! Hope everyone is having a happy monday!

Whats a post without a picture right?

Well here ya go...

Gotta love instagram.

Dont worry, this was not taken today. . . I tried to take one today, but since I am sick, I will spare you the horror. :)

I am off to take a power nap to get over this cold.

Tootles!

Recap

Ok its not a NEW post but i like it. Click here to see baby pics of me and Gav... What will Little Lady look like?!

Week 28 Bump

How far along? 28 Weeks

Maternity clothes? I bought some maternity leggings and some maternity undergarments. Soooo nice!
Sleep: Pretty well actually! Other than getting up at least once a night for bathroom breaks.
Best moment this week: Little lady teasing me. Read about that here.
Miss Anything? Not this week!
Movement: She is still pretty mellow, but i LOVE when she does move.
Food cravings: I woke up this morning craving oreo's and milk for breakfast.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Other effects: Not really. Its getting hard to put my shoes on.
Belly Button in or out? Still half and half
Wedding ring on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Her growing more and moving more.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Awkward:
1. Walking out of my hospital visit with this container...

Oh? You want an explanation? Alright...
I am participating in a study for first time mothers called numom2be. I have had routine check ups where they draw my blood and take measurements and ultrasounds and stuff.
It's great.
Anyway, I recently went to my last check up (with them) until Little Lady makes her debut.
On my way out they gave me this container and told me to give it to my nurse when I go in to deliver and she will take care of the rest.
Lets just say we got some odd looks walking out of the hospital with a large container labeled "PLACENTA"
My face was a tad red.


Awesome:
1. Finally getting a good nights sleep last night! AH! HEAVENLY! I even took a nap a few hours before and it didn't alter my night times rest at all. Hallelujah.
2. I was at work and was glittering up some paper (I have a cool job) and my hand was prop up on my belly so it would be steady. Little Lady decided to kick me real hard. So hard in fact, that she bumped my hand so I messed up my project. She is pretty mellow and doesnt move much during the day so this made me smile.
Then she did TWO more times! Same spot too so I ended up ruining 3 different projects. She likes to tease me... just like her papa.
3. Gavin's hiccups. Yesterday, they were constant all day and he sounds really funny.
4. Scaring Gavin. I got him good. :) I was just trying to get rid of his hiccups. I am a good wife.
5. Working on a project with Gavin last night. It was super fun and he is really creative.
6. Gavin making jokes and me laughing uncontrollably. . . and obnoxiously.