A Preview of My Shots!

I briefly mentioned a couple of posts ago that I was trying to get a portfolio together for photography. I'll be moving to Georgia in June and wanted something to keep me busy while Derek is in basic training! So here are some pictures I've taken- I know most of them are of my family or some extension of it but that's how it starts, right? P.S. I still need some people to volunteer being my guinea pigs to take glamour shots of. You can also see a bunch more of my pictures through Facebook if you search under "Remember Me Photography". Thanks!

BABIES:











PREGNANCY:









FAMILY:














SCENERY AND STRUCTURES:















WEDDING:







I am by no means a perfect photographer- I have had it as my hobby for about 13 or more years but never really tried doing it as a business. If you have any suggestions on good shots or angles I could use, please let me know! Hope you liked the photos. : ) I love taking them.

Welcome to life!

Hey! So I feel like running away! Far away! (With Derek and Titan, of course). Preferably to a place that has absolutely no women and no drama! As you know, I have currently been promoted to supervisor and who knew one minor change in a title could be a MAJOR change behind the scenes in the work place?! I have been burned out, sold out, lied to, lied about, hung to dry and stabbed in the back. And that's to name a few. But on the up side, I've been thinking hard about how to be the best supervisor I can be. I want every one in my office to feel appreciated because really, they all work hard. I can definitely see why medical dramas are a hot item on the television. You find all the juicy stuff there...*sigh*

I am loving having a one-year old for a baby. That boy is the funnest thing ever. I am sad, though because my time spent with him is very limited. Sometimes he wakes up just minutes before I leave for the office and goes to bed an hour after I get home. If you ask him to flex his muscles, he lifts up his arms and grunts. He loves to say "daddy" and "mum-mum", and he loves feeling his teeth with his tongue. He is super goofy and happy and he makes my day so much better when I get home. He even leans in to give us kisses and that's my favorite.

Derek is Mr. Crocker, over here. He made the best meal I've ever had in my life today. Check it out:

Cream Cheese Enchiladas

2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1 c. sour cream
2 10-oz cans mild green chile enchilada sauce
1/4 c. jalapenos, chopped
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 sweet onion, chopped
8 to 12 flour tortillas

In a large bowl, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, enchilada sauce and jalapenos; set aside. Combine ground beef and shredded cheese in another bowl; set aside. Fill each tortilla with 1 to 2 tablespoons cream cheese mixture and 1 to 2 tablespoons beef mixture. Sprinkle each with onion and olives; cover with remaining cream cheese mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes; cover if top begins to brown. Garnish with olives, tomato, lettuce and green onion if so desired. (We ate it without garnish and it was awesome.) Makes 8 servings.

You won't be disappointed! P.S. My blog may be going private in the next couple of days so if you want me to send you an invite; leave your email address below please. Thanks!

Up and Running

Well, I'm not literally running. Running out of breath, maybe. In fact, I think I have whooping cough. (Can I ever go like...a month without getting some 24 hour bug or having some part of my body crap out on me?) Sheesh. So one day I get a scratchy throat or something and cough a couple times an hour. Then a couple days later I'm coughing like thirty times an hour! I look up whooping cough on Wikipedia because I had a friend who had it a few years back. It says you may have whooping cough if you cough til you faint or cough til you vomit. Oh, that's not me, I thought. I exited the page and moved on with my life as normal. NEXT DAY- I'm driving to work and I cough until I dry heave! Sick! I almost vomited in my car! And I've coughed until I was dizzy twice. Eeho stupid viruses. Who gave me this worthless cough?! Today I have coughed until I almost threw up about 15 times. Bleh. Ok moving on.

I have been the worst blogger ever lately. Sorry. I never know how many people actually read my blog and enjoy it so I figure if I miss a couple of days- no biggie! But my lovely sister has stated she enjoys the read, so here I am!

We went to Snowflake, AZ for Christmas and it was a blast. The drive stinks, as always. But when we're living in Fort Benning, GA we'll be wishing we lived 6 hours from family. We spent New Years here in our little apartment, just the three of us. Titan was sick for about 7 weeks and is barely getting over a cough. (Little booger probably gave me mine.) A week later, Titan turned 1! Derek baked him a funfetti cake and mom, dad and Sher joined us for a mini-celebration. We didn't do anything crazy for him (seeing as he was still sick) but we let him smash cake in his face and I'm thinking so far that was the best day of his entire life. And it was surprisingly easy to clean up!

Derek has been dreaming of an X-Box for who knows how long. I was always afraid to buy one because for some reason, guys get so sucked into those things. It was the last thing he ever thought I'd buy him and then voila! He was so happy he was almost in tears : )


I learned to play guitar when I was about 15 but I always sort of played by ear. In college, I started writing my own music to the guitar and then as I got married and had a baby, life got busier and I had less and less time for hobbies. The only thing I wanted for Christmas was a guitar and Derek got it for me. I am in love with it.


Titan's friend got him a present for Christmas and while I was trying to teach him to open it, he got so frustrated because he didn't know what he was doing or why he was doing it...so he got a little Scrooge-ish on us there for a minute. It was too hilarious.


He was loving all the toys he got from grandmas and grandpas and mom, dad and Santa.


Also, last week I was promoted! It was a promotion I had not at all expected and was very much grateful for. I received many much-appreciated compliments from my bosses. It made me feel like working hard, being honest and having good work ethic DOES pay off!

I'm not sure how many of you knew, but I love to take pictures. Since I was about 10 I've had my own camera. My first one was purple and I had to load film into it myself. It probably looked similar to this (but purple, of course.)

The others that followed consisted of disposable cameras but looking back- I bought so many of them that between the cost of the cameras and the cost of developing the film- I could have easily bought a digital camera! I got my first digital camera in 2007 and I still use it ALL THE TIME. Last year, Derek bought me a fancy DSLR. I got my first request to be a photographer. I'm photographing a wedding reception tonight so wish me luck! I am going to send out a mass email to friends and family in the El Paso area but I'll put it on here as well. I want to start building a portfolio so I'm going to need some models! I'm going to be available on Saturdays and I'd like to do some photo shoots. Here's what I was thinking:

Family shots (3+ people): One hour session to include location of your choice or location choice of photographer (whichever you choose), photo editing and pictures on a disc- $75
Couple shots: $55
Single shots: (Good for graduation or other milestones) $30

I'll be doing this for about 3 months or so until I build up a good portfolio and charge normal prices! Call me or comment on this post to make an appointment with me. If you haven't seen pictures that I've taken where I've edited them and stuff- let me know and I'll show you. Most pictures I post on my blog are just quick snapshots that aren't super impressive haha.

I promise I won't wait another month to blog again.

Love, Lauren

Exhausted!

Wow I am really emotionally burned out tonight, which is highly unusual for me! I'm not an emotional person and I NEEEEEVVVVEERRR ever cry. Ever. But here is why tonight was different...

I am the Activity Days leader for the girls in my ward. For any of my non-LDS friends, Activity Days is where the girls ages 8-11 get together on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month to do something fun or service-oriented. Tonight I had planned for us to go to a nursing home and go caroling. What I didn't realize was that it was actually an Alzheimer's center. I remember calling them a week or so ago and the public relations lady was ECSTATIC that we would be interested in caroling. In fact, she was so excited that just hearing the tone in her voice made me sad because I realized that no one ever does voluntary service for the residents there. We got there and had a rather small turnout but it was ok because in my opinion, it made the experience more spiritual.




For me, this is what I saw...

We walked through a door that had to be buzzed from a remote in order to open (like a prison cell). To my left and right are elderly patients, slouching in their wheelchairs, many are fast asleep. Some are wearing beanies that aren't quite placed correctly on their heads, others are looking at me with a hostile gaze. Some are confused and some are smiling. I walked through and I waved, but as I passed them and walked into the hallway where there were no residents, I began to tear up. It was a scene I can't describe- it can't be read on paper or even seen on a movie; it can only be felt.

We proceeded to follow the lady in charge towards the back of the facility where they held the residents with the worst cases of Alzheimer's. The lady to my right was in a chair with her head hanging down, hooked up to a machine that I didn't recognize. It looked like it was pumping water into her veins or something. We entered a den where some were watching TV. One man was fast asleep on the couch with blanket over him. The entire room reeked of urine, but the bright faces were priceless. An elderly lady and an elderly man made sure to sing along with us. Most were happy, others were dazed. When we went around and said "Merry Christmas", we shook hands with many of the people. A mom of one of my Activity Day girls went to shake hands with a particular resident but the woman got scared and pulled her hand away. It makes me sad that many people with Alzehimer's are so skittish and afraid; they trust no one.

We returned back to the front of the building to sing to the residents I originally passed in the hallway when first entering. They lit up when we sang "Feliz Navidad". I was able to use my Spanish with some of the residents. One lady began to tell me her story and how she's from Madrid and doesn't particularly like El Paso. I told her I'm with her on that one. Then she kept repeating her address. Over and over. Saying she had a big house and this and that. She was holding my hand with one of her hands and rubbing my arm with the other. She was so happy to have a listening ear. It's like she practiced that conversation a thousand times, just hoping someone would come along and listen to it. So many of them would love to just have someone to talk to and share old memories with. And honestly, I'd love to be their listening ear!



The saddest part of all was one lady in the back. I went over and told her "Feliz Navidad". She spoke to me in Spanish and told me how she has nothing and would love nothing more than to pass away. She wanted to go to the sky because she had nothing. She kept telling me, "No tengo nada, senorita. No tengo NADA. Nada..." and she just started sobbing! Could you imagine how this would break your heart!? Eeho. I gave her a hug and she would NOT let go of my hand. I felt so sad for her. The nursing home lady game and held her hand, kissed her on the forehead and told her it was ok because she was with her. I realized how amazing of a person she was and how great you have to be in order to even work at a place like that every day. The sadness I would feel is overcoming. She looked me in the eye and said, I want your name and address because we want to send you a thank you letter and we want you to come back. She kissed me on the forehead and said, "I love you"! Wow, I'm not sure I'd do that to a complete stranger but I was ok with it. I think I'll take my family next week on Family Home Evening and do it again. Please come with us if you live here in El Paso! I promise you won't forget it...

The Moment You've Been Waiting For!

No, I'm not pregnant.

Derek was sworn in to the Army and was given his assignment! He reports to Basic Training on June 27th. Basic is 8 weeks, and then he moves on to Officer Candidate School for another 12. Basic Training will be in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Officer Candidate School is in Fort Benning, Georgia (where Derek was born!). Six weeks into his training, he'll know if he has qualified to be an Aviator, and if he does we will be moving to Fort Rucker, Alabama. (Hello fried chicken.)

I am very proud of Derek and the amazing work he has accomplished in his lifetime thus far. He is a top-notch guy with sky-high potential and I am always proud to say I'm his wife.

People keep asking how I feel about entering into the military life and honestly, I sit on the fence sometimes! Being apart from the person I love most is something I brace myself for every day. You know the feeling of being strapped in to a roller coaster and being so nervous but you can't back out because they've already checked your buckle and the guy is about to push the "blast off" button? That's about how I feel about Derek leaving. I'm bracing myself for the ridiculously scary beginning, but I'm sure the ride will be an experience to remember. As we got ready for church this morning, we were talking about how strange it is that some of our best friends could be in some far away place but we haven't met them yet. Those are the experiences I'll be excited to have! Trying new restaurants, experiencing new cultures...and knowing that it is completely temporary if we choose to make it that way!

So I am officially a military wife. Should I get a tattoo? Maybe knock one of my teeth out? Get some hair extensions that are a different color than my natural hair? Ooh, or some butt implants. Geez, guys- I just want to fit in! ; )

I told Derek that being military allows you to be ghetto- no matter the skin color. I let him know he is now allowed to wear Ecko and South Pole. Love you, Derek!

*The above picture is Derek getting sworn in by Mike Fisher, a guy he works with in his calling at church. He was so lucky his good friend could do this for him!

I wanna be an airborne ranger...

Hey everyone! Derek was officially accepted into Officers Candidate School for the Army! Over 1,000 people applied and went through the same process as he did, but less than 100 were accepted. Tomorrow he finds out when he leaves and where he's going. Pray for him and wish him luck!

Ever Had A Bad Day???

This is how I feel today.

Really, I shouldn't complain here because to be honest- I never have bad days! I guess that's why today stinks. Everything has piled up!

Technically, it started last night. I started getting a sore throat and could not for the life of me beat Bowser's Castle on Mario Brothers 3 (the old school one). Finally got too frustrated and turned it off!

This morning, I woke up feeling like total poop. Achy, sore throat, mucous drainage, headache, the whole shabang. Yesterday, I switched my shift at work so that I could work the afternoon instead of the morning. I did that because I had an appointment with my OB/ GYN for a dysfunctional IUD and too many CC's of fluid in my left ovary, along with a simple cyst. (Nice.)

Derek, being a sweet husband, wakes up and feeds the baby and lets me sleep. I overslept. I had only a little while until my doctor's appointment and still had a bunch of things to do. Sweet Derek ironed my scrubs and helped me get ready. I leave a little late. I am circling the doctor's building and could not find a place to park. It's located down town where there are parking garages and paid entries and too much traffic. Blah. Tried calling the doctor's office and kept getting the automated system. Sometimes you just want to talk to a REAL PERSON... Finally found the parking garage and went to press the button for a ticket. Couldn't reach it. Had to put my car in park, unbuckle, open the door and get my ticket. I'm holding up cars behind me. When I shut the door, I somehow managed to shut my hair in the door. I find a parking space and get to the stairs. I go up. And up. And up. Only to find dead ends and about 10 floors more above me. So I go down. And down again. I see another 5 floors or so below me. So I go back up. Only to open the door of the stairs and see my car right in front of me. Square one. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (This is the general area where bad words floated around in my head.)

Exasperated, I asked a lady in the parking garage where the devil the elevators are. She pointed me in the right direction. I hit the "up" button and waited forever!!!! Hello!!! Of 4 elevators you would think at least ONE was going UP! Finally made it up and got to the doctor's office. I signed in and the girl cannot find my name anywhere on the schedule. I'm thinking, "Oh please. Do not let this day get worse..." I told her that my boss is a doctor and referred me to this physician. She tells me she'll work it out and call me in a second. I told her I spoke with a girl named Katherine.

Katherine calls me up. Says, "I'm sorry, but you made the appointment with another doctor here, not the one you say you did." I was confused. I told her that I had specifically asked if this doctor was accepting new patients and she had told me yes. I let her know that I had a pending appointment with a different physician and if I had known all of this, I'd have kept my other appointment. *Sigh* She proceeded to go over our conversation again, except there was just one problem. I had never had that conversation with her! She must have confused me with another patient she spoke with yesterday so I told her never mind and that I'd just go. Tears in my eyes and frustrated as heck, I made the trek back down the elevator, through the parking garage and to my car. The worst part? I was there for 5 minutes and still had to pay for parking!!!!!

I get home to find the door locked. I use my key and the other deadbolt is locked. I knock. No answer. I knock louder. No answer. I freaking beat the door down and Derek comes to it, wet and naked. Haha. He was in the shower and couldn't hear me knock until I pounded the heck out of it! For a while, I thought I was going to get stuck outside until he finished his shower and could hear me knock.

So now I'm in bed, feelin poopy and hope that tomorrow is a better day! I'm glad I've got my sweet boys to take care of me, though. Maybe all I need is a little TLC and I'll feel awesome tomorrow.