This is exactly it...

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Loving hard because there is love to be had!! Eeeeee! This is fabulous and Brian West is truly the perfect man for me!

Its funny when people ask how long I have been married. I initially want to say ten years because that is how long Brian and I have been together. Throughout the years we were asked... how long has it been, are you engaged, when are you getting married...blah...blah...blah! He loves me and I love him and and that's all that matters!!! Brian and I have known one another since we were 18/19! We went through silly (young) love, then distant (Kansas, year and a half) love, apartment love, engaged love, home love, married love!! I have to admit that we have been through the LOVE stages and we are still in LOVE! :) We cant wait to celebrate our first anniversary, we have a wine box to open!!

Happy Birthday Brian!

Brian is finally realizing that you can celebrate your birthday for an entire week(end)! I have been trying to get him to do this for years ;) I kept hearing comments like...Well it is my birthday weekend...and It's ok it's my birthday weekend! I was out back airing out the couch cushions and  he comes out with the computer on his shoulder blaring The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars and he says remember how they used to put boom box's on their shoulders? Well what do you think of this! It was hilarious and I grabbed my camera... ;) He then said Since it's my birthday weekend I don't feel like doing anything today!

Which brings me to the next picture because an hour later I asked him to hang a mirror (oops, i know its his birthday weekend just wanted to see what it would look like up) and this what is needed in order to do so I guess...

Hahaha, such a handy man!

I did make Brian some awesome French Dip sandwiches that were super easy to make! I found the recipe here

The only thing I (forgot to get at the store was) did different was no Italian packet, I used dried chopped onion. They were delicious and I highly recommend making them.

And now a quick story to preface what we did to end his birthday weekend...

In 2007 we headed to Laughlin to celebrate our birthdays and 7-7-7 (July 7th, 2007)!! This is also the year Transformers came and out and all Brian wanted for his birthday was to see the movie! I have to be honest I was not that stoked to go see it. We went to the movie theater which we found out sold beer so Brian was a happy man with popcorn and beer! The movie ended up being so intense and beyond awesome, we loved it! So guess what we did this year!

Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 3D!
We were not disappointed..another great movie!! :)

Happy Birthday Brian!

 I hope all your birthday wishes come true, I Love You!

A Big Surprise From Bri!

This happened awhile ago but I had forgotten to post...

I heard a new song from Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock called Collide and then I heard that they are coming to AZ! I was obviously super excited ;) 

Not sure how the convo started but I said to Brian...

L: So one of my all time favorite singers ever is coming to town...
B: I know
L: Oh really...what do you mean you know! (Usually I have to inform him of these types of things)
B: Ya I know she is coming August 5th
L: What?! Oh ok (thought I would bust his balls) with who??
B: Kid Rock (shoot he got me)
L: How do you know all this information Mr.???
B: Because I bought you tickets!!!
L: Eeeeeee! (Still in shock) Really?!
B: (with his cute side smile) Yes!

I Love him!

Cant wait to go...please feel free to get tickets and join us!! ;)

Last time I saw her was at the State Fair with Mom, Kristian, Kelley, Cathy and Gail!! :)

1/2 Year!

So it’s been 6 months of marriage and 9 and half years of LOVE! Well of course we have had the good ol’ ups and downs but boy we sure continue to work on our relationship day by day. Its funny sometimes the stuff that we argue about (communication) and it is even funnier with the stuff we laugh about (Fiona Pearl, life in general, and each other)! Brian truly is the most kind hearted and patient man I know. I could go on and on about all of his qualities and I would be lying if there weren’t things that I complain about too (he is a real man) ;)

Over the last six months we both have been challenged…

After the wedding money became an issue that we began to deal with more and more each day…it seriously hit us with a shit ton of bricks. This was something we have not had to deal with to this degree yet but there it was! At first you don’t notice and then it creeps up on you in every which way. It’s a terrible thing. It has allowed us to really evaluate our needs and wants…but I have to admit I don’t think we have ever went above our means, ok maybe I just pushed it here and there on FUN stuff! Even though we have been challenged in the last few months we have grown together. I of course look forward to the next six months as we hit the real first year of marriage, this is just the hump! And a hump it has been! Brian has worked so hard in the last few months and I am confident that from here on it will be smooth sailing!

Brian,

I appreciate how hard you work each day for me and the family we can’t wait to start making! You have truly shown me over the years what an amazing man you are. Not only do I know this but so does our family and friends. I can’t wait to start our new chapter in life…Baby Love!! You are my main man and always will be. I love you!

Love, Lo

 "The Key to Love"

by Anon, 1st century China
"The key to love is understanding…
The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word,
but those unspoken gestures,
the little things that say so much by themselves.

The key to love is forgiveness…
to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes,
without forgetting, but with remembering
what you learn from them.

The key to love is sharing…
Facing your good fortunes as well
as the bad, together;
both conquering problems, forever
searching for ways
to intensify your happiness.

The key to love is giving…
without thought of return,
but with the hope of just a simple smile,
and by giving in but never giving up.

The key to love is respect…
realizing that you are two separate people,
with different ideas;
that you don't belong to each other,
that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.

The key to love is inside us all…
It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients
that will take you to its threshold;
it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work,
but the rewards are more than worth the effort…
and that is the key to love."

Happy (Late) Valentine’s Day!!

I have been meaning to post but it finally got me…the death like feeling sickness that has been going around! Kids have been out left and right at school but I was keeping my fingers crossed that it wouldn’t get me! Last Saturday after hiking I had this weird feeling in my chest like the wind had been knocked out of me. On Sunday we were playing tennis and I had to stop because my chest was hurting too bad. Something wasn't right! I had to go to school on Monday because we were having a party but all day I felt terrible. I went to the Urgent Care after school and I ended up with Bronchitis. I had chills, my head felt like it was going to pop off, I couldn't breathe... the whole nine! Brian tried to stay clear but it got him late Tuesday night so home is where we have been for the last week feeling Terrible!!! Still not feeling fantastic but just want to kick it and quick!

Back to Valentine's Day... we enjoyed a Valentine's Day Picnic in the Park! I made chocolate covered strawberries...I have to admit that I am terrible at melting chocolate!!! They tasted great but I would definitely get an F for looks! I made potato salad, we got a yummy sandwich from Sprouts and we had the champagne. It was an inexpensive and fun Valentine's day for us! I hope everyone enjoyed theirs!



Eventful Weekend

A little late on this post...

Saturday I went hiking with the ladies, it was our first Hiking Adventure! (Next Saturday...Papago!) We couldn't find the perfect trail so we decided to go UP haha! Kristian did a fabulous job, her one worry was “falling and rolling down the mountain"! We got to the top and chit chatted for awhile which was quite delightful. We hit up The Farm afterwards to get a bite to eat! A very neat place.

Sunday, Brian and I decided to finally go play tennis (we registered for rackets and balls...thanks Jake and Rachel) and it was so much fun plus quite the workout! The courts are approximately 40 yards from our house! After playing for awhile we brought Fiona in for a bit…it was hilarious!

I am using my old camera as my new one is back at Best Buy, errrr! But it has the best feature ever! It takes three pictures in a row (10 second intervals) and it comes in handy way too often and I have to admit that I may abuse this option, oops! ;)
Anywhere and everywhere... we (me) are ready to take pictures!

I love this one!

Weeeee!

Brian said it looks like we took a picture of her, turned it, and placed it in the pic! :)

Oh...soooo tired and thirsty!

Looking forward to another great weekend…

But they make me not want to work during the week!

A Love Note…

From…

The one and only

Zero the Hero!!

He is sooo clever!

He left me a 100 Grand and his note said….

Give me a call if you ever want to ditch that

“Zero” of a husband

and get with a “Hero”!! **he even left his digits! Haha! :)

My huuusssband deserves a 100% in my opinion!! :)

Not too many men would dress up

(he did have muscles this year)

to please a bunch of kindergartners.

But my one and only did! I owe him big time for sure!

Look at the little guys stance and Zero's :)



Counting to 100!

Look at his quick get away! The kids did believe he flew in and flew out!

The airplanes got them again!

 See here for last years Zero the Hero!

Christmas Traditions

Every year for Christmas my mom has given us an ornament. I think it is one of my all time favorite traditions! I appreciate them now more than ever. It might be because we have our own home and that is what fills up our tree. I love putting them up each year and doing the, “oh ya, I remember this one”! Brian’s mom has also passed down her big collection of Disney ornaments…I can’t wait to pass both the ornament collection and tradition on to our children!

My (Oldest) Babies First Christmas Ornament 1983!

My (Newest) New Home Ornament2009

Brian and I celebrated our first Christmas together in 2001 but I gave him his first LOVE ornament in 2002! Jessica reminded me the other day how we would search all around the mall for the perfect ornament. I usually went to the little kiosk, they had really cute ones but you can see in 2006/07 I had to look elsewhere because they did not update their selection ;)

Not sure where 2009 is...yikes!

This is one tradition I would recommend

to anyone!!

Oh and I had to add this cute little thing that was beside the tree!!

The 100th Lauren & Brian Time Post!!!!!

What can I say….. I am honored!
Well, where does one start, so many snap shots of our life have been post through this blog. So many to choose from and all described so well… I thought since this blog has been all about “Lauren and Brian Time” primarily posted by Lauren, I thought I would take the honor of this 100th post to highlight none other than my “beautiful bride to be.”

We have had quite the year, to say the least… Getting engaged, buying a new house, welcoming our first family pet “Fiona,” oh yes, and planning our wedding. Much of which you already know through Lauren’s posts. Over the past 99 post’s most of which have highlighted the current events Lauren and I have experienced, however not much has been said about Lauren as I know her….

Lauren, has been my rock through the years and even more so now than ever. I truly thank the man upstairs for blessing me with the most loving, compassionate, considerate, not to mention “drop-dead gorgeous” woman alive!!!!  I am forever grateful....

“Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
Franklin P. Jones

 

And Coming Soon….. D-Day T-Minus 30 Day’s and Counting!!!!!

Happy Birthday Brian!!

“All I want for my birthday is a nap! :)

Oh how I love you so!

10.10.10

Yes! I would have loved to have been married to Mr. Brian West on this day!

However it is a Sunday...

I wanted to make sure everyone was able to enjoy the evening and not worry about going to work! Hehe!

I love these (numbered) kind of days

7.7.7 We headed to Laughlin to win some big bucks! Sure we did!!!

8.8.8 Not much just started teaching my second year....I was kinda serious then!

9.9.9. I thought this is the day Bri was going to propose (usually I can figure this guy out ;)... but it was not (10.17.09) but I do remember walking to the mailbox together (thought maybe it was going to be in there *shrug* you never know with Bri) and then we went to dinner at Roy's a very yummy place!

But 10.10.10 will be the Calm Before the Storm!! Haha!

So...Guess whats happening on this day...

Mr. Jack Johnson will be gracing us with his presence at Cricket Pavilion and I am super excited!!! Eeeee! Who is coming! Oooh I cant wait to be on the lawn listening to my (totally) second "main man" (don't worry he knows) jam out!! Hurry Hurry get your tickets! We will tailgate prior: grilling up something and beer! Be there or be square!

Our Winery Visit! Amazing!

I want every person I know to experience a winery with me!

Yes... I would absolutely love to get married here with all my fabulous friends and family!! October is when they are in full bloom...

grapes just dangling in the sunshine!

We took a picture at each winery (x5). I have the self timer that takes three pictures every 10 seconds and we took advantage of it!! :) Unfortunately I couldn't post every single picture but here are a few....Tah Dah!

Side note: Probably one of my most favorite days ever...it was so different than anything else that I have done. It was beautiful...I was with my main man and a fabulous friend! What else could you ask for!?!

Spring Break 2010 Part 2 1/2

We drove into the best place ever (San Diego) around 2:00 ish and had a quick bite to eat. Kristin was not off work yet so we made our way to the beach and took a few pictures! We took our own engagement photos :) I have to tell you that he is getting so wonderful with me snapping away…(wait til you see the winery visit-we took 150 pictures!). I don’t want to forget this fabulous stuff! Kristin met up with us and we hung out at PB Shore Club to see the sunset!

I Love Zero the Hero!

I have to tell you about the amazing man I am going to marry! He is getting this big shout out not only because of the following pictures but because he does such a wonderful job of making me feel loved every single day! He always has a way of turning my grumpy thoughts into positive ones, he is considerate and thinks of others before himself, and he is always thinking about me and ways to make me happy! He really is something!!

This is Mr. Zero the Hero! He visits on the 100th day of School!!

They saw this in the sky (perfect timing) and they were sure it was Zero the Hero! They were watching him for quite awhile...hoping he we would come back to Finley Farms...
I have to admit that I am one lucky lady!
Zero the Hero left me roses, candies, and a little love note!
I Love Zero the Hero!!

Boom! Got Him!

These are a few pictures from our Las Vegas Trip...
I was unable to post them earlier because of the Internet issue...
Thanks Cindy and Greg for the invite, we had a blast!!

Brian's Best Friend!! :)

I am going to Mrs. Brian West

I have been with out the internet for almost two weeks! I unfortunately have to say that I felt crazy without one especially since I have fantastic news to share!!! Mr. Brain West has asked me to marry him. I just could not believe it ;) Of course I said absolutely!!!
Just to set the premise, I thought we were going out for our Love Day…the day we met (October 18th 2001)
On Saturday night (October 17th) Brian took me to Postino’s wine cafe…my new favorite place!!! The atmosphere was so intimate and romantic with candles everywhere! The electricity went out so the dim candles just made the ambiance that much better. We ate, drank, laughed, loved and enjoyed each other…something I think we do very well!
So I asked what we were doing next and he just said well I have a few ideas, usually Brian says “whatever you want to do Lo, you are the one with the social calendar” (haha)
He then pulled up to the Pointe Squaw Peak Resort and then I knew he was up to something. As I started walking to the front desk area he started walking up the stairs…I then started to really wonder what he was up to. We walked to the room and opened the door; he jazzed up the room big time…flowers, champagne…the whole nine! He then got down on his knee and asked me to marry him!!! So wonderful! We then enjoyed the rest of the evening together! ;)



The next day we laid out by the pool all day and my beautiful ring just sparkled in the sunlight and I just kept looking at it! Brian also mentioned that he liked to see it flaring around on my hand as I shared my excitement with others!
We have been together for eight years but every part of this is extremely exhilarating! When we start talking about it I am very giddy and it touches my heart when I see the same enthusiasm in Brian! This is such an exciting time and there are so many things that we must plan for. I can’t wait to keep everyone updated on everything…

It is perfect and it sparkles in the sunshine!

If you know me well enough you know why I have it in the box for pictures!! Haha!

I tried and it was just not pretty!