tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59519089894332112992024-03-05T10:39:04.316-08:00Simply Chic MomLauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-27777536683960736762016-01-12T20:10:00.000-08:002016-01-13T17:50:20.421-08:00Be good to me<div style="text-align: center;">
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We are currently in a season of making a lot of decisions. Seemingly big decisions about schools and houses and kids and I personally don't even like deciding what to make for dinner (especially when my husband decides to do the Whole 30 diet again!!!...in which you can eat basically-- I don't know... NOTHING!!)<br />
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Decision-making for me is akin to being on the first part of a roller coaster ride when you are clicking your way to the top, still not totally sure if you want to be on the ride. There's nothing like a decision hanging over my head to make me lose time on social media or choose to organize a long-forgotten cabinet. Oh and I always want several opinions from other people...which more often than not just makes me more confused about what I think or want or what conclusion I should come to.<br />
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So I've been doing what any sane person would do at a time like this...reading a lot of Elisabeth Elliot. She's one of those writers who says what she says with such confidence that you just believe her. <br />
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Do you know her story? It is nuts. Her first husband was speared to death in Ecuador by a tribe who he and fellow missionaries were attempting to make contact with. She then moved with her infant daughter INTO the village of the tribe (who killed her husband) and spent the next 5 years translating the Bible for them and sharing the gospel and leading them to Christ.<br />
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Then she moved to the states, got remarried and her second husband was soon diagnosed with cancer and also died. She suffered with dementia the final 10 years of her life. She died this past June.<br />
I tried to read her in college and felt like she was a bit stiff and narrow and maybe even ungracious or unrealistic (how stiff and narrow of me--sorry Elisabeth). But last summer I became fascinated with her life because she lived some of my biggest nightmares and yet consistently communicated wisdom and truth and hope for her entire life. And that has been my question the past few years...how do people suffer well?<br />
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What is the difference between the ways that people respond to the hardships of life? What makes people become "better and not bitter"? Why are some people at peace and others so restless?<br />
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Because in the last few years I realize that I cannot escape that life is hard. My friends are dealing with depression and cancer and infertility and miscarriages and stillborn births and divorce and financial stress and loss and the list goes on...but some are carrying on with hope and others are becoming more embittered and I think to myself "what is the defining factor that creates the difference between their responses?"<br />
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I think maybe it is more basic than I ever thought. We see it as early in the Garden of Eden. What does Eve do? She doubts the goodness of God. She could have chosen to trust that what he offers her is enough and that what he keeps from her is for her good. But she doesn't.<br />
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<b><i>Maybe whether or not we believe that God has been good to us, is good to us and will be good to us is the most defining thing about who we become. </i></b><br />
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How would I/you live differently if we believed his goodness with our whole selves? What would we risk? What would we give up? What would seem less scary? How peaceful would we be?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 34:8 <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Nahum 1:7 </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Psalm 100:5 </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">For the</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">is good</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15514A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15514A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">and his love endures forever; </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">his faithfulness</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15514C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15514C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> continues through all generations.</span></span><br />
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All of these verses link God's goodness with our security. And when we are secure, we don't panic or fret or respond in anger defensiveness.<br />
We are instead solid. Anchored in hope. Patient in affliction. Joyful in hope.<br />
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So as we walk into these decisions that we inevitably have to make as adults (sigh), this is my prayer, my meditation so to speak...<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">You have been good to me.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">You are good to me.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">You will be good to me.</span></i><br />
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<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Psalm 23:6</span><br />
<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> for ever.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ec0GhcLMXRS82I52xAqvsc81-gjjGHhxtuJJgwKMsAkwL4m-LScEngB6i3SsbKpJiACthHaio_NrjD8PDR9XVBW06la5Rlj80J34-b84w0pPGfJ6AymSawXyw-7uOTUC5cGokgNGO9U/s1600/0aa8caf938df009638e083baac852aa4.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIEjREJIJcCSZ_KIjKQRFZlUYkjeXJ07IC8ztjBjI8OUicvqKSfVjIFtUU9oWWoYUXyIHSSKWMsyxs2hN_6vn4SPJ7tfhzSLVMn7wJYmG10NiGYOPTmUm4PS9Gv5qmQvy5VP_1zzN0js/s1600/eelliot_christ1.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAX_sjWu0RbFohVytQZdXvQctb2756z8fV5FLjaWDrOjGaoAGwsXsDi1EYOfLGofYozJ45aj_dj8WCQnESWZ69gllD1oPMl5vglYSEBboi4PXM73NtCQ5m-QBD4mAjJHX1o_7hroseK8/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KEv2L1UdAn8lTnqKe0T335rAW5VJqzNerRvOhCR3v31o-O51r-e3PZ2NB-peDv0d9Jn7NE_5PLFCa5zGA8d8FTW_-_Nzock53lB7zWiYF30VDwxHBVS2W-LkURDwgFzjpspkI__wmRY/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KEv2L1UdAn8lTnqKe0T335rAW5VJqzNerRvOhCR3v31o-O51r-e3PZ2NB-peDv0d9Jn7NE_5PLFCa5zGA8d8FTW_-_Nzock53lB7zWiYF30VDwxHBVS2W-LkURDwgFzjpspkI__wmRY/s400/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIEjREJIJcCSZ_KIjKQRFZlUYkjeXJ07IC8ztjBjI8OUicvqKSfVjIFtUU9oWWoYUXyIHSSKWMsyxs2hN_6vn4SPJ7tfhzSLVMn7wJYmG10NiGYOPTmUm4PS9Gv5qmQvy5VP_1zzN0js/s320/eelliot_christ1.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ec0GhcLMXRS82I52xAqvsc81-gjjGHhxtuJJgwKMsAkwL4m-LScEngB6i3SsbKpJiACthHaio_NrjD8PDR9XVBW06la5Rlj80J34-b84w0pPGfJ6AymSawXyw-7uOTUC5cGokgNGO9U/s320/0aa8caf938df009638e083baac852aa4.jpg" width="225" /></span><br />
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<br />Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-45477825441650057072015-03-22T07:13:00.000-07:002015-03-22T07:49:43.855-07:00On birthdays and true celebration<br />
On Tuesday I will be 31. I remember pretending to be 31 as a kid. I would pretend to drive my kids to and from school in the closet that served as my car. I would pretend to make dinner, change diapers (not at the same time), throw tea parties, and talk on my pretend phone constantly.<br />
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I should also mention that my perfectly silent husband, normally my baby Bert doll (I know it's a little creepy), and my motionless children did everything I told them to do. I'm realizing right now that that probably set me up for some major failure!<br />
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I know I did not pretend to look in the mirror and wonder, when did my body start to work against me?! (as my friend so graciously told me this week accelerates beginning at age 31).<br />
I did not pretend to feel hurt by social media (especially since Instagram did not exist).<br />
I did not pretend to have to make the kind of decisions that I have to make now on a daily basis about how to spend time and money and energy.<br />
I did not pretend to become more introverted as I became older because my lovely, expressive children drained me of the ability to speak coherently after 5:30pm (remember the motionless baby dolls).<br />
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And I DID NOT pretend to have a brutally difficult conversation with my husband DURING my birthday dinner AT the restaurant, with tears and snot included. We tipped very well in an effort to apologize to our flustered waitress last night. <br />
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Without boring you with the both personal and uninteresting details, the conversation included me realizing how very immature I still am and how often I am still hoping to control our family for my happiness and comfort. How's that for a "welcome to another year"?!<br />
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Growing up is hard. Seeing myself more accurately can be discouraging. Life does not look exactly how I thought it would. I truly don't know the future.<br />
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But I want to carry into this year 3 things that -God lovingly whispered to me last year in response to my most common and poignant struggles....<br />
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*In relation to fear... nothing, nothing, nothing will separate me/you from the love of Christ. (Romans 8). And that love is not my selfish, half-hearted attempt to do good to my family...it is the love that says <i>I bought you on the cross, I brought you to myself, I started a good work in you, I will fight for you, I will protect you, I will defend you, I will complete the work. REST in my love and approval.</i><br />
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<i>* </i>In relation to control...the ONE who is able to do more than we ASK or IMAGINE is in control (Ephesians 3). NOT ME! Praise be!! Seriously, if I really was in control, the world would be wrecked, my home would be wrecked and I would wreck myself. He never has a wrong motive, works all things for the good of those who love him and sees the whole picture. If that doesn't make you want to lay down and take a nap I don't know what will! Oh and he even says, he gives to his Beloved sleep (Psalm 127).<br />
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* In relation to seeing my weakness...oh this has been anything but fun this year...but if we do not let God show us how messed up we truly are, how will we ever live dependently? We won't. I just know that the minute I think I can do ANYTHING in my own strength, I lose sight of his presence. And honestly, I'd rather be weak. Because I make a mess of things in about .2 seconds. <i>Walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5)</i><br />
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He is our anchor and hope. An unchanging and completely trustworthy advocate as we walk through the life He has written for us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post cry-fest</td></tr>
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<br />Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-31125027310848444512013-07-19T14:59:00.002-07:002013-07-19T15:01:34.631-07:00A New DirectionI started Simply Chic Mom two years ago after we transplanted from the west coast to the east coast as a means of keeping friends and family posted on our life as well as getting to be creative in new ways and challenge myself to write about the things I care about and am learning. <br />
It has been so fun and humbling and challenging and rewarding but it is time for something new and it is kind of a dream come true for me!<br />
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My husband Dave and I are going to be co-authoring a blog together beginning in January 2014. <br />
We are so excited to team up and write and create together. <br />
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More details to come but in the meantime you can follow what is happening in our family on my simplychicmom instagram.<br />
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Until January!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/9321598521/" title="DSC_0305 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0305" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/9321598521_f803ccee4c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-85818962973190811812013-06-20T05:22:00.000-07:002013-06-21T05:24:08.806-07:00Purchase of the week: summer hair care<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/9053058428/" title="IMG_2511 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2511" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9053058428_7a55247f0e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Left to Right:</div>
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kenra platinum blow dry spray: perfect for straightening curly hair</div>
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living proof no frizz styling cream: amazing. no other product needed for curly hair days</div>
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bumble and bumble surf spray: great for after the pool or beach for an effortless wavy look</div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-89931098766647265382013-06-19T05:39:00.002-07:002013-06-19T05:39:56.909-07:00Wordless Wednesday: daddy's girl<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/9053033236/" title="IMG_2278 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2278" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9053033236_3898cfbfeb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-49658906535005546532013-06-18T05:32:00.000-07:002013-06-19T05:39:43.564-07:00On a Personal Note: death leads to lifeI am a control freak. You wouldn't know it by the state of my kitchen floor or the amount of peanut butter that is (constantly) on Graham's face. But I am. <br />
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It takes different forms during different seasons of my life but it's always there.<br />
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I keep coming back to Jesus' words that if you try to save your life you will lose it but if you lose it (for His sake) you will find it. <br />
Sounds poetic. Even intriguing. But what on earth does that really mean?<br />
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A couple of weeks ago, Dave told me that he needed to go to Europe this month. Immediately my thoughts went to: who will help me? does he really need to go? will we get enough "family time"? what will he miss in MJ's life at such a young age?...<br />
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I've realized that these questions were questions to "save my life" or try to preserve what I think our family needs. And I'll tell you, Jesus is right (as usual), I began to experience loss of life. I experienced loss of harmony with Dave (him feeling unsupported in his job). I experienced loss of peace (my mind racing with scenarios of "what if"). I experienced loss of enjoyment (dreading him leaving).<br />
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And then God graciously intervened. As He so often does in my life. Gently and firmly.<br />
Through friends, his word, etc. I knew I was being asked to let go. To die to saving my life and what I think I "need" and to let God care for me.<br />
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As I (very weakly) started to do that, life returned. I actually began to anticipate and pray for all that Dave would get to do on this important trip and began to feel like his teammate again. Multiple people (some I barely knew) began to offer to help me with the kids. God provided sweet family time and even date time for me and Dave in the days before he left. And I honestly feel more energy and joy than normal in these days with him away.<br />
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My pastor recently said that if dependence on God is the goal (and I would venture to say that that is the goal of the Christian life) then weakness is an advantage. <br />
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Death leads to life. The more I die to myself the more he is able to give me life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:17-19). How would we see God's care for us if only we would release our grip more often?
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/9050822393/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2629 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2629" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/9050822393_3b077f931a.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">A sweet family day at the zoo before Daddy left</td></tr>
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Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-52844825317011092492013-06-17T12:24:00.000-07:002013-06-21T05:14:21.005-07:00Momstyle: post-baby wardrobe part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/9053023412/" title="DSC_0183 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0183" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9053023412_4c9b9927cb.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/9053025386/" title="DSC_0218 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0218" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/9053025386_10f9bbd202.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Shorts: TJMaxx $19.99; Shoes: Target $24.99; Top: H&M)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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I'm a shorts girl. Might be the growing up in southern California and Phoenix but they are my summer staple for casual and more dressed-up looks. The high waist makes these shorts comfortable and the pattern makes them versatile for a casual or in this case, more polished look, especially when worn with a small wedge. Again, the tied shirt gives a good illusion of a waist that has not fully returned. Oh, and please note the dark circles under my eyes and messy hair, both an absolute staple of the post-baby look! </div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-81521282416298183982013-06-13T12:15:00.000-07:002013-06-19T05:39:52.030-07:00On a Personal Note: ADD Reading 10th ed.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO2GLgrrm6gUSUg70spmUyhgF4RQ8paCa02MHfvY5-Utc2NmQOiRhm_ULMMlVScFPAZYJ1mylDB008VMToWkZB7OiFpREY2eSCmUL5GZ4mLVphl7Xb7FvPya0fdT7LRlOVnxZ7qceZ6A/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO2GLgrrm6gUSUg70spmUyhgF4RQ8paCa02MHfvY5-Utc2NmQOiRhm_ULMMlVScFPAZYJ1mylDB008VMToWkZB7OiFpREY2eSCmUL5GZ4mLVphl7Xb7FvPya0fdT7LRlOVnxZ7qceZ6A/s200/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer class reading :/. Basically I'm just procrastinating reading this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfKggbQeZGt6MkU9p1LB4QUKwvrycnE61sSgTOo1t9mPfuz6bbj_s4DqTEbW02UR2iEGCEJkqlvhJOXAt7rO2g1WnR8MNph2aa1QJnTSjVIFcfkQbLDoRe1Pm6VmzoU0WNbhY-X-pejE/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfKggbQeZGt6MkU9p1LB4QUKwvrycnE61sSgTOo1t9mPfuz6bbj_s4DqTEbW02UR2iEGCEJkqlvhJOXAt7rO2g1WnR8MNph2aa1QJnTSjVIFcfkQbLDoRe1Pm6VmzoU0WNbhY-X-pejE/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow. This book is not for the faint of heart. I am going to need to read it again to fully process it. I don't agree with all of it but have definitely been challenged to look at training my kids for the sake of them being able to say "yes" to God and "no" to themselves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNcab8tG-EdAWIbLWn_z3DSZqYQRmKePB6Y5j4XYNpr-NGNmwh8Pl7MvFpE_QPSzQPBhiIsNEv1cRYnoR4_ljx4-8ml4hCCDnvG3GEFuUDyVSM5Omk47VESoRldj39r9RdyW3hDCW6oI/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNcab8tG-EdAWIbLWn_z3DSZqYQRmKePB6Y5j4XYNpr-NGNmwh8Pl7MvFpE_QPSzQPBhiIsNEv1cRYnoR4_ljx4-8ml4hCCDnvG3GEFuUDyVSM5Omk47VESoRldj39r9RdyW3hDCW6oI/s200/Unknown.jpeg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love to cook and host and this book puts words to why what happens around the table when we eat together is so significant. Full of fun new recipes to try too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx68QYr44wFIC-6GoCSdppxr2MR6TDicZ2IRyCYKghEOqj2n4rcQ1Mn-IJrUSmcgJoScVQ2Chm56MKcY04BqwG0u53laDXI7ZWGBBPzoqP9pRNzqIIdcB08DQ7ED76YKk6xV2o6Ntqis/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx68QYr44wFIC-6GoCSdppxr2MR6TDicZ2IRyCYKghEOqj2n4rcQ1Mn-IJrUSmcgJoScVQ2Chm56MKcY04BqwG0u53laDXI7ZWGBBPzoqP9pRNzqIIdcB08DQ7ED76YKk6xV2o6Ntqis/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Reading this because Romans is full of the Gospel, the good news that I add nothing to the equation of right relationship with God. Jesus did it all. I need to be reminded daily.</span></td></tr>
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Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-23759301283328517732013-06-12T18:02:00.000-07:002013-06-14T18:03:28.441-07:00Music Segment: Shane and Shane<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bQDnzTfN8OU" width="560"></iframe><br />
Been in need of some music full of truth and encouragement and a friend recommended this album. Haven't listened to Shane and Shane in years but the lyrics to their new album are so life-giving. Here's a preview of the album.Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-1045219761864778122013-06-11T20:28:00.003-07:002013-06-14T16:48:03.718-07:00Behind the Scenes: summer loving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHW7yMongs00UKGeigRD5jgY7qPOpVlMS2UZoczIIPTG0gcXDrxEjClVjLFfUvEFWeLJ7rJNkhiZK4dKHFTmtvUE6-DLj9YJX4QsEUUgrkDKXemOygvZTyi7Rhsq2UM8X-LwOedmQTsE/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHW7yMongs00UKGeigRD5jgY7qPOpVlMS2UZoczIIPTG0gcXDrxEjClVjLFfUvEFWeLJ7rJNkhiZK4dKHFTmtvUE6-DLj9YJX4QsEUUgrkDKXemOygvZTyi7Rhsq2UM8X-LwOedmQTsE/s400/IMG_1454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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An excerpt from a John Piper article on a whole new way to look at summer.</div>
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Don’t let summer make your soul shrivel. God made summer as a foretaste of heaven, not a substitute. If the mailman brings you a love letter from your fiancé, don’t fall in love with the mailman. That’s what summer is: God’s messenger with a sun-soaked, tree-green, flower-blooming, lake-glistening letter of love to show us what he is planning for us in the age to come—“things which the eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered into the heart of man, God has prepared for those who love him” (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1 Corinthians 2.9" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Corinthians%202.9" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:9</a>). Don’t fall in love with the video preview, and find yourself unable to love the coming reality.</div>
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Jesus Christ is the refreshing center of summer. He is pre-eminent in all things (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Colossians 1.18" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Colossians%201.18" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Colossians 1:18</a>), including vacations and picnics and softball and long walks and cookouts. He invites us this summer: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Matthew 11.28" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%2011.28" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Matthew 11:28</a>). This is serious summer refreshment.</div>
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Do we want it? That is the question. Christ gives himself to us in proportion to how much we want his refreshment. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Jeremiah 29.13" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Jeremiah%2029.13" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:13</a>). </div>
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Read the rest <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/summer-mindset">Here</a></div>
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<br />Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-1175573059339174682013-06-10T10:26:00.001-07:002013-06-17T12:23:39.916-07:00Momstyle: post-baby wardrobe part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8991591167/" title="DSC_0169 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0169" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/8991591167_45890965a8.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8992787966/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0168 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0168" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/8992787966_8070c564cc.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8992789654/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0165 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0165" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/8992789654_fa26bd8c9b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">(Dress: $10 from Ross; Denim shirt: JCrew (already owned); Wedges: $25 from Target)</td></tr>
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It's never the most fun to dress yourself post-baby. I refuse to wear my maternity clothes that I've been stuck in for months but I don't want to buy an entire wardrobe for these next few months so I took $75 and bought a few summer "uniforms" that will be able to still be worn when the baby weight is gone.<br />
Maxi dresses are ideal right now because they are comfortable for my days around the house but can be dressed up for a day or evening out. Pairing this maxi with a shirt that ties in a place to give me a waist again makes it the perfect transitional piece.</div>
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Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-65225164141019713732013-06-07T04:00:00.000-07:002013-06-11T20:08:12.504-07:00Purchase of the Week: photo books<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AZNXDRm5cuGOOaA%26uid%3D001089934852%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1370576168000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AZNXDRm5cuGOOaA%26uid%3D001089934852%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1370576168000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
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<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNXDRm5cuGLnA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div>
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Create your own personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photo books</a> at Shutterfly.com.<br />
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Just a quick gift idea for those grandparents who are constantly requesting more pictures of their grandkids.<br />
Here's what our moms received for Mother's Day this year.<br />
**Watch for Groupon deals and search for shutterfly coupons online**</div>
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<br />Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-63452977995228469942013-06-06T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-06T06:53:04.773-07:00On a Personal Note: Heroes<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8965711532/" title="DSC_0737 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0737" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/8965711532_d1fde8545b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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These are our friends. I can't tell you their names or even where they live because it could impact their safety. But I do want to tell you about them because they are heroes to me. And they would probably laugh and hate that I call them that but they are.</div>
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We met them years ago in California, before any of us were married.</div>
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We were all in a small group at our church together. Then they got married and so did we.</div>
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We felt like God was continuing to lead us into college ministry and they felt that he was leading them overseas...to a people group who have never heard about Jesus...in the middle of a desert...where the risks they face are numerous.</div>
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So, fast forward a few years and we live in Raleigh/Durham now, in a beautiful area with a lovely home. I get to be home with our two kids. We own two cars. We eat out at least once a week and adjust our thermostat without a thought. We are working with college students (just as we planned) and they speak our language and help us with our kids.</div>
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This picture was a taken a few nights before our friends moved. To a desert far away. And, yes, they have a baby girl who was not even a year old when they left. They left their families, their car, their thermostat and their culture. They went to form relationships with people who don't know who Jesus is or what he has done for them.</div>
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And we sat with them, this night before they left. And we asked if they were scared.</div>
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And they almost looked a little puzzled at the question.</div>
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They acknowledged that they knew the first days and weeks there would be hard but where you would expect fear and sadness, there was peace and joy and anticipation in their faces and voices.</div>
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All of their language study and culture study, all of their prayer and preparation was about to be put to use with a people that they love deeply without even knowing them.</div>
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Every time I receive their email updates I cry.</div>
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I cry because they really understand that life isn't just about the here and now. </div>
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Jesus really is coming back and he has really asked us to tell others about him.</div>
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I cry because I'm still trying to preserve my own comfort and "american dream" in so many ways and they left it all, happily.</div>
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I cry because their example pushes me away from pursuing things that don't ultimately matter very much.</div>
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I think they really believe God's word when it says that if you try to save your life, you will lose it but if you lose your life for His sake, you will find it.</div>
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Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-68475028877871149282013-06-05T07:03:00.000-07:002013-06-05T07:04:14.023-07:00Wordless Wednesday....and... he's potty trained!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8955652800/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2448 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2448" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/8955652800_4066745325.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a special thanks to super hero underwear, our ipad and mr. froggy potty</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8955652800/" title="IMG_2448 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-52746967390715418102013-06-04T06:33:00.000-07:002013-06-05T06:34:31.642-07:00Behind the Scenes: 3 year old style baseball<div style="text-align: center;">
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Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-60454323677880166672013-06-03T06:28:00.000-07:002013-06-05T06:30:08.256-07:00On a Personal Note: to my future daughterwrote this right after finding out we were having a girl. it's easy now that she's here to just try to care for her in my own strength and not keep praying for her. Lord, teach me to pray.<br />
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To my daughter:<br />
I thought you were a girl from the start-- you made me very sick and extremely emotional and somehow I just knew. When I was pregnant with your brother I didn't know what to think. We were shocked and overwhelmed. But this time was so different. We waited for you and prayed for you to be added to our family and finding out you were on the way was thrilling. And the anticipation of meeting you is about killing me! I can't wait.<br />
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I am beginning to pray specifically for you and the kind of woman you will become. It's not easy to be a woman in this world. It's not easy to be in this world in general but I hope you know from an early age the immeasurable goodness of God. I hope we can explain to you that we have nothing without him and we have all that we need and immeasurably more with him. I hope our love for you is a hint of how God delights in you and rejoices over you. I pray that you run to him for grace and walk closely by his side all of your days. And I pray that you believe deeply in his promises and trust and delight in him.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5951908989433211299" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5951908989433211299" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5951908989433211299" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I hope you are a woman who is much more concerned with her heart than with her appearance. I pray that you feel free from all of the things that trap women and all of the lies that are thrown at you. I pray that you wouldn't even trust your own heart which Scripture tells us is "deceitful- who can know it?" but instead you would deeply trust in Jesus. That you would trust him with your life, all of the details, and live boldly and audaciously for the sake of others knowing him as well.<br />
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I pray that you hold out for a man like your Dad, one who seeks to honor and understand you and partner with you in every way. <br />
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I pray that you and Graham are buddies and that you learn how to consider others better than yourself through having to share and reconcile conflict with him.<br />
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I pray that I, as your extremely flawed mom, show you what grace means and fill your mind with truth at every opportunity. I hope you can forgive the mistakes that I will make and that even those will make you reach out for God.<br />
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I'm very excited to stick bows on your head and chit chat with you in the middle of the night those first few months and I can't wait to discover your personality. You are a gift, an inheritance from the Lord, and I am so grateful for the privilege to parent you.<br />
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I love you baby girl.<br />
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Mommy<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8954632365/" title="DSC_0018 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0018" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8954632365_cf1ae269ea.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-30045628880982552482013-05-23T22:00:00.000-07:002013-05-24T06:55:03.303-07:00It's What's for Dinner: lunch salads<div style="text-align: center;">
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I may keep having babies just to keep having people bring meals. </div>
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We have been spoiled these past 4 weeks. But I've needed to figure out some good lunches to have on hand and my friend Trader Joe once again does not disappoint. Recently discovered several ready-made salads and this salad takes the cake!</div>
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Spinach, quinoa, garbanzo beans, edamame, cranberries, tomatoes, carrots and a carrot, ginger dressing that is amazing. It would be a great one to try to make at home too!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8813319984/" title="DSC_0137 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0137" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/8813319984_e88f9ea4c6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8802733973/" title="DSC_0136 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0136" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/8802733973_34eb5b3a75.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-56893743397271002622013-05-22T13:29:00.003-07:002013-05-22T13:30:18.970-07:00Behind the Scenes: DIY chalkboard <div style="text-align: center;">
So, I made a chalkboard a couple of months ago...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8791245152/" title="DSC_0752 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0752" height="293" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8407/8791245152_d27c621058.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Well, actually, to be more accurate...</div>
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My friend was making a chalkboard.</div>
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She offered to pick up supplies at Lowe's for me too.</div>
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She bought the wood to build the frame. She bought the wood for the chalkboard. She bought the chalkboard paint.</div>
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It gets worse.</div>
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Her dad built me my frame. She painted the chalkboard paint on my board. And the second coat.</div>
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So, basically, I bought red paint and painted the frame.</div>
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Then brought it to her and she glued it together.</div>
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Then Dave hung it.</div>
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So, I did a DIY project with loads of help. That's how I roll and I'm fine with that. </div>
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And grateful for friends who laugh at me and then help me.</div>
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This is a great, cheap project from somewhere on pinterest that I am loving having on my wall.</div>
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I'm using it primarily to have verses on it that I help Graham memorize or truth on it that I need to be reminded of. </div>
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Last week it was simply part of Psalm 16...You are my Lord, I have no good apart from you.</div>
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This week it's...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8791245152/" title="DSC_0752 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8791251448/" title="DSC_0139 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0139" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/8791251448_316f011742.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I'll tell you tomorrow how this has rocked my world this week.</div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-88313958537280690172013-05-21T12:34:00.001-07:002013-05-21T12:34:58.535-07:00Homestyle: MJ's Nursery/Guest Room Remake <div style="text-align: center;">
Wanted to let you behind the scenes of MJ's room/our guest room do-over.</div>
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Can't believe I didn't take a before picture...but there was really nothing to take a picture of except a bed with bedding that clashed with the gray walls.</div>
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So here it is...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8773461566/" title="DSC_0107 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0107" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8773461566_e26342b13a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8768655259/" title="DSC_0106 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0106" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/8768655259_31a2b686f5.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8768648353/" title="DSC_0108 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0108" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/8768648353_1962a37fd0.jpg" width="376" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8773449022/" title="DSC_0111 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0111" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/8773449022_661fbf7df3.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8773445866/" title="DSC_0112 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0112" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/8773445866_4ecfa4fec4.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-66968008959617914442013-05-20T07:12:00.000-07:002013-07-17T20:03:44.267-07:00Macy Jane Turner<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so happy to be back to blogging but even more happy to announce the birth of our sweet daughter, Macy Jane Turner who debuted on April 26th at 12:38pm at a whopping 9 lbs. 5 oz. What?!?!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8751380028/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0905 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0905" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8128/8751380028_17700e16fb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Here's the story for those of you who are interested and for those of you who are not, it'll be back to normal Simply Chic Mom posts tomorrow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day before Due Date</td></tr>
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Woke up at 8am on my due date with my first contraction and it was a legit one. They kept coming at 3-4 minutes apart and by contraction number three, I was on my hands and knees in the bathroom and then in the kitchen :) </div>
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We left for the hospital by 9am after quickly arranging childcare and hearing the midwife say, "yes, you should head here right away." </div>
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The strangest part of the drive was driving through downtown Chapel Hill and seeing students we know from church. No, we did not stop to say "hi".</div>
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We arrived at the hospital by 9:30 am. It was hard for me to even get up the elevator. The woman at the front desk took one look at me and said, " baby="" br="" compassion="" do="" et="" floor="" for="" hank="" have="" height="333" here="" m.="" ma="" nbsp="" not="" right="" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/8751386344_e6e4e405c7.jpg" that="" to="" up="" width="500" you="" your="" />
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Made it upstairs and signed paperwork (there is a glitch in the system that you have to sign papers as you lean over the desk trying to deal with the pain). </div>
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They took me into triage and at this point, I'm thinking "I did this once with no epidural but I'm not sure I want to do this again." The midwife then checked me and let me know that I was at 7cm! Dave, meanwhile, was parking the car (another glitch in the system- I was afraid he'd miss the birth with how long he was gone).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8750254743/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0893 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0893" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8750254743_73366f45ac.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy is un-phased by labor!</td></tr>
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My friend/doula, Jill, arrived by 10:30 am and had me take a walk into the hallway. After about 4 steps, I felt like pushing!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8750254209/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0894 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0894" br="" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/8750254209_e509d17b2a.jpg" width="500" />
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The midwife came back in to check and I was at 9 1/2 cm. She said she would break my water and I could have this baby now. I, feeling scared of pushing, wanted to take a bath first. Dave and Jill would have none of it :) - it was time to have a baby!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8751381130/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0940 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0940" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/8751381130_04dc357130.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Pushing a 9 pound baby out was not the highlight of my life but I'm grateful for a skilled midwife and the encouragement from Dave and Jill. She was born at 12:38pm...4 1/2 hours after my first contraction.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8750257627/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0977 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0977" height="293" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2834/8750257627_b440875b2c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Meeting Macy was a highlight of my life. Loved her immediately and can't believe the emotions of having a daughter.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8751382844/" title="DSC_0983 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0983" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/8751382844_1787198e25.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-78914066684862685562013-03-18T20:48:00.003-07:002013-03-18T20:50:42.553-07:00Travelstyle: back from vacation<div style="text-align: center;">
Back from California and refreshed by our last vacation as a family of three. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8569986423/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2058 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2058" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8569986423_c25c4c0740.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beachy morning walks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8571081658/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2051 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2051" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8571081658_db4ed8c189.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junk food and sunsets</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin time (Graham with Turner)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8569983169/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1019874 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="P1019874" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8569983169_9c45dab19e.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my nephew. He's sweeter than I could've imagined.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8569983685/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1019871 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="P1019871" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8569983685_a296f3954c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave's sister who looks more like my sister</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8571078956/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010098 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010098" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8571078956_18c06337c7.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach days</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8571079280/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010094 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010094" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8571079280_2c07995816.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As Graham would say, "We went on so many adventures."</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8571079698/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010021 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010021" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8571079698_6721c08f78.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of sunshine</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Now we wait for baby girl to arrive... 40 days and counting...</div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-9508567623323876972013-03-08T17:00:00.000-08:002013-03-08T22:29:22.006-08:00Babystyle: baby girl shower<div style="text-align: center;">
Re-living a wonderful day of celebratory anticipation of baby girl's arrival. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539957721/" title="305 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><br /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539960973/" title="301 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="301" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8539960973_0d306cf5be.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541063438/" title="296 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="296" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8541063438_54028e3a73.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539957721/" title="305 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="305" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8539957721_b456002d4b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539965363/" title="291 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="291" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8539965363_2507d2a4e7.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539959371/" title="303 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="303" height="294" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8539959371_506eda9ddb.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539955601/" title="308 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541067936/" title="288 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="288" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8541067936_993f74fd43.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539968155/" title="287 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="287" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8539968155_cc6bfd9f68.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539970005/" title="283 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="283" height="294" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8539970005_3b27d520ec.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541072310/" title="280 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="280" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8541072310_bd74e67f7b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539972571/" title="279 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="279" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8539972571_fcbfc1e9f0.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541075002/" title="276 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="276" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8541075002_d43802af6e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541078396/" title="268 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="268" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8541078396_79b3be012b.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539980317/" title="263 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="263" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8539980317_2fe89cc4ed.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541083152/" title="260 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="260" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8541083152_7bc5a96fed.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8539983399/" title="258 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61902857@N04/8541086342/" title="253 by simplychicmom, on Flickr"><img alt="253" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8541086342_d8d914c084.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
And if you are looking for an <i><b>event planner</b></i>, my friend who helped create so many of these details would love to help create your event.<br />
You can contact Sarah Lilly: sarahashlilly@gmail.com</div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-67147046293012979172013-03-01T11:00:00.002-08:002013-03-02T19:49:09.183-08:00Behind the Scenes: Harlem ShakeHere are some of my friends:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZHNFgsqvz7w" width="560"></iframe><br />
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And here is my husband's staff team:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="224" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/60694845?autoplay=1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="398"></iframe><br />
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And both of these were posted on facebook within an hour of each other.<br />
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Too much Harlem Shake in my life!!!!!!! (and how have I avoided both videos successfully?!)Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-15400612020098960862013-02-22T19:21:00.003-08:002013-02-22T19:22:19.491-08:00Blogs I Read: pray for DaisyUnfortunately there is a plethora of blogs about the ways people are suffering but I am always amazed at what I learn from people who suffer well. The Merrick family are some of those people. I've been praying for Daisy, their daughter who has battled cancer, for several years now. She went to be with Jesus this week and I was once again moved by her mom's words...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnH47doYUONtiKkk9SI5ZhpEQzCAXjedLiTY-CFjOUfTG-kVorEAexJ65vd6W_TBSWds9-wVSak4OlYuRzHFhUhTAVmkqjf2AkXPV3FXKtCpnnc8yxlMksZcmvckV0okbma_zPstIVeI/s1600/tumblr_mij2vhELbt1qa50qoo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnH47doYUONtiKkk9SI5ZhpEQzCAXjedLiTY-CFjOUfTG-kVorEAexJ65vd6W_TBSWds9-wVSak4OlYuRzHFhUhTAVmkqjf2AkXPV3FXKtCpnnc8yxlMksZcmvckV0okbma_zPstIVeI/s320/tumblr_mij2vhELbt1qa50qoo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.prayfordaisy.com/post/43571978255/daisys-memorial-info-date-saturday-february">Click Here to read</a></div>
Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951908989433211299.post-1137297067237471162013-02-20T18:41:00.000-08:002013-02-25T18:40:59.569-08:00Wordless Wednesday: no words for this energy level<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lauren Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840839224104578106noreply@blogger.com1