Dear Lauren

pants: walmart   shirt: shadeclothing   vest: tjmaxx  boots: dsw   necklace: made by me

1.  After loving my black pair of jeggings that I wrote about last week, I went back and bought the mint pair.  $10 each means I may need another color too.  
2. I really want a pair of cute rainboots. I know you have a polka dot pair and I want to copy. 

both from Target

3. It was SO good to see you this last weekend in California.  While for a sad reason, it was an extra blessing to get an unplanned weekend with you.  It's rare that us three siblings get to spend time alone together and I loved it. 

A highlight would definitely be you getting to feel a tiny baby kick.  Our baby is already lucky to have the best aunt and will love you so much! 
I love you Lauren!
Love,
Linking up to: pleated poppy  &  random wednesday & look what I got

Dear Lauren,

I've been wanting a floral infinity scarf and finally found some fabric this weekend and made one!  

Now if only I could find a fabric with elephants on it.

shirt: old navy (similar)   jeans: kohls   boots: dsw (similar)  scarf: DIY

It always takes me a few days to get used to my new hair, but I think I am starting to like the darker color.
Unfortunately this wind makes it look like a slight mess.

I can't even wait to see you on Thursday.  Over three months is far too long. 

The other day you sent me this picture with this text: 

"Just getting Lena a snack and turn around and this is what I find.  

Travis why are you naked?

 'It seemed like a good idea.'"

and I honestly have looked at it and laughed about it everyday since. 

(Travis - I know that seeing this picture now will make you laugh and only think more highly off yourself.  Agreed.  But by the time it doesn't, I promise I'll take it down!)

I can't wait to give you these shoes that I found at Target for $4.50.  Now you, me and Lauren-in-law will be matching. 

Last week you told me that you told one of your clients about what I am going through during this infertility journey and how it has made me a more beautiful person, and you said you were able to use my story to encourage someone else. 

Thank you for saying that.  For reminding me that God is using me.  For reminding me that He will continue to use this struggle to grow me and others too.  

and for reminding me how blessed I am to have a sister who loves me, prayers for and encourages me. 

I love you Lauren and have the biggest hug waiting for you, Travis and Lena Thursday afternoon! 

Love, 

Linking up to: random wednesday  pleated poppy  rolled up pretty  saw it pinned it

Dear Lauren,

dress: shabby apple   belt: discovery  bracelets: target

Thank you for helping me pick out this dress from the gift card I won for Shabby Apple. 

I love that this dress feels like a cotton robe, which is extremely comfortable.  I don't like that this dress clings to every ounce of me and due to the wrap dress and high slit, I feel like I could have a wardrobe malfunction easily.   

Thank you for your fashion advice even from far away.  

I do wonder where your styling help was when I was little.  I found this picture of me the other day and am really wondering what is going on with my bangs that take up half my head.  

But I do have to say I would probably still wear this dress if I had it and if it fit me. 

The other day when I was playing scrabble I could almost spell your least favorite word: factoid.

I took a picture just for you. 

Not that I really need the reminder, but your recent health scare gave me a good reminder of how much I love you and need you as my best friend. 

You are one of the greatest blessings in my life Lauren Kay!

I love you!

Love, 

rae gun ramblings     pleated poppy

   rolled up pretty

Dear Lauren,

 skirt: old navy ($8)  shoes: old navy ($1)  shirt: loft  ($8)  necklace: ?

Aren't you happy that we bought the same skirt on the same day in two different Old Navy's, one in Illinois and one in Vermont without even knowing it? 

And aren't you so happy that now we can copy Kristin Cavallari? 

I'm sure she spent a lot more money on her skirt then we did.  

I just forgot my sunglasses in my picture.  

Can you believe that I just reached 500 followers?  I'm still pretty shocked that anyone besides you and Lauren and mom read my blog.  

And not that I want summer to go any faster, but I am pretty excited that in 4 weeks we get to see you and your sweet family to go camping together for a week! 

I love you Lauren!

Love,

Dear Lauren and Lauren,

dress: discovery (worn here)  shirt: jcpenney  necklace: old navy

It figures that my Laurens not only share a name,
but have birthdays within two days of each other.  

Dear Lauren, 

I know I say this often but you are truly my best friend.   I am so thankful to have a sister that I can laugh with, talk about anything to, and get encouragement and advice from.  I'm thankful that we share a love of coffee, blogs, Target trail mix, shopping, clearance clothes, and desserts. 

I admire the kind of friend, mother and woman of God you are.  You are one of the greatest blessings in my life and I am beyond thankful for our relationship.  

Dear Lauren in Law, 

I couldn't be happier with the woman my brother married.  Not only did he get lucky, but our family did too!  I love your sweet, funny and loving personality.  I am beyond happy that you live 5 minutes from me and can't wait to spend time more time with you.  

I admire you for your outgoing personality, your humor and your attitude.  I am so lucky to have an amazing sister in law who I know will be one of my closest friends.  

Happy birthday Lauren and Lauren.  I love you both SO much and know I am one lucky sister!

Love, 

Dear Lauren and Lauren,

dress: banana republic outlet  belt: old navy  necklace: world market

I went to World Market last weekend to buy Chris some olives, cheese and crackers for his birthday.
(Yep, we roll out the expensive gifts around here for birthdays.)

And I found this necklace for $6.00.  I love it! 

I am SO excited for this wedding weekend ahead!

It's funny because I almost feel like I've been more involved in your wedding Lauren then in my own.  Maybe that's not true and maybe I don't remember well enough since it was seven years ago.  But I was also pretty much a baby when I got married and my mom helped me an unbelievable amount, so maybe it is true.  

Either way I've been looking forward to this weekend for a long time!

Lauren I can't wait to see you and give you a huge hug tomorrow night.  

Lauren in law you will make a stunning bride and I can't wait to see you marry my brother.  

Getting to be with both of my Laurens is right up top on my happy scale. 

Love you both! 

Love,

pleated poppy    what I wore
whatever wednesday   what I love wednesday

Dear Lauren,

shirt: Old Navy  skirt: Target  boots: dsw  

I am glad you convinced me to buy this shirt many months ago, even though it wasn't on clearance.  I definitely got my money's worth.  Worn here, here and here.  

I wore the bracelet that we bought in Mexico two summers ago.  I so badly wish we were going back this summer!

(I think this is my brother's first appearance on my blog)

I think I need some serious psychology work done in my classroom.  I may just have some of the weirdest students this year that ever existed.  Here's an example:

After many times of me asking these two girls to put away a piece of red string that they were always playing with, I told them they needed to leave it at home.  This string had a name and was treated like a pet. 

Not too long ago the string came back.  I told the girls they could not bring it back and one of them asked in all seriousness, 

"What if it is invisible?" 

To which I raised my eyebrows and widened my eyes and she replied, 

"I mean what if I put an invisibility cloak over it?" 

Invisible or not.  Leave it at home. 

You may be thinking that these girls just have a good imagination.  If you interacted with them daily you would think it was way past a good imagination and into incredibly weird.  

Want another really weird story?  Read this post.  Same girls.  

They also have secret codes and half the time I'm convinced they are saying and writing mean things about me.  

I think I'm turning into a crabby paranoid teacher. 

Maybe I'm the one that needs the therapy. 

Either way Lauren, come do some work in my classroom with your mad counseling skills.  

I'm starting to feel like the end of the year is far away.  

I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you in less than 4 weeks!

P.S. Want to win this headband from my shop?  Check out Melanie's blog. 

Linking up to:

  Rolled up Pretty  momma go round

Rae Gun Ramblings
pleated poppy  the letter 4

Dear Lauren in Law,

 shirt: steve & barry's  pants: old navy (flared turned skinny - read here)  shoes: kohls

I feel like it has been way too long since I've seen you.

You're wedding is about one month away.  I am SO excited!

Which means your bachlorette party is in less than two weeks!

I was so excited to make and send out these invitations: 

Do you care that everyone knows your bra and underwear size now?
Of course not.  Who wouldn't want that to be their size?

And I have to say I was slightly embarrassed when I called the "club" we are going to for your party. 

She asked me what time we would be arriving and I said 8:00? 

To which she replied,  "Our party room doesn't open until 9."

"Oh, then I mean 9:15."
I mean we wouldn't want to show up early, right? 

Don't you worry Lauren. 

 I will take off my 80 year old granny pants and put on my 27 year old party shoes when the time comes! 

Can't wait to celebrate you!

I love you Lauren!

Linking up to:

  Rolled up Pretty   lollipops

Rae Gun Ramblings
pleated poppy  the letter 4

Dear Lauren,

 jeans: JCPenney  flats: Kohls   scarf: handmade (tutorial here) 

 I finally bought myself some colored jeans and I love them.  

I couldn't decide between the scarf and the necklaces.

What do you think? 

Molly thinks it's funny to get in a quarter of my pictures.  

I clearly am not amused. 

Thank you for sending me these beautiful flowers yesterday.  

I can't tell you how much I appreciated it. 

It has been a very challenging and sad week and knowing that you are thinking of me, praying for me and love me makes me so happy and I couldn't be luckier to have you for my sister and best friend.  

You are one of the greatest blessings God has given me.  

You are the best and I love you Lauren! 

If you haven't entered yet, make sure you check out my giveaway for a $50 gift card to Shabby Apple!

Linking up to:

  Rolled up Pretty   lollipops

Momma go Round 
Rae Gun Ramblings

Dear Lauren,

It was so good to see you this weekend! Come back!

Dress & Tights: Kohls    Boots: DSW

Thank you for purchasing this same dress in pink first and going back to Kohls with me so I could buy it in white. 

I'm happy I finally found a lace dress.  

And thanks to a 30% off coupon and $5 gift card, I got it for only $14.  

Thank you for laughing at all my jokes and thinking I'm funny. 

You always boost my self esteem.    

Thank you for giving such a meaningful talk at Lauren's shower this weekend.

Your wisdom, advice and encouragement about marriage was appreciated by everyone there!

You'd probably be embarrassed for me if you knew what trouble I went through to take this outfit picture. 

My real camera is at our parents and Chris wasn't home today. 

Let's just say it involved an older camera, random things to prop it up, a hair tie, and a wasted 20 minutes of my life. 

and thank you for having the cutest kids in the world.  

I could have used some more Yumz and more Travis today. 

Can't wait to see you in 8 weeks! 

Love,

Linking up to: 

  Rolled up Pretty   lollipops

Momma go Round    The Letter 4
Rae Gun Ramblings
pleated poppy

Dear Lauren,

blouse: Old Navy   skinny jeans: jcpenny    boots: dsw  shirt: ?

 These are officially my favorite pair of boots.  I wear them all the time! 

And yet again, thanks to looking at pinterest I found the idea to wear my tank top blouse over a long sleeve shirt.  

What did we do before looking at pinterest?

Everyday at school I look at this picture on the bulletin board by my desk. 

Today I looked at it multiple times. 

And it makes me want to:

a) be tan again  

b) go back to Mexico

c) spend time with you. 

Thankfully I get to see you and your sweet babies in a little over a week!  

And I know that this was a rougher week for you parenting wise. 

I hope you know that you are raising the sweetest little boy and it couldn't be more of a reflection of what an amazing mother you are.  I can't wait till I have a baby and can learn from one of the best! 

I love you sister! 

p.s. I just realized that yesterday my blog post title said Open you eyes.  Next time I make a grammatical error like that, feel free to correct me.  I know if my mom would have read that post, she would have right away. 

Linking up to: 

  Rolled up Pretty   lollipops

Momma go Round    The Letter 4
Rae Gun Ramblings
pleated poppy

Dear Lauren in Law,

Dear Lauren in Law, 

1. Remember this $4 blazer I got a few weeks ago?  I love it! 

Blazer: Rue 21    Dress: Francesca's  Boots: Steve & Barry's (many years ago) 

2. On Monday I made this dinner and I think you need to make it one of the first wifely meals that you make. 

 It was so easy and delicious!

Bubble up Pizza dish

(Sorry for the poor photo - it was taken after we started eating, and using my phone)

Take two cans of refridgerated biscuits and cut into small pieces (about 4 per roll).  

Put in a mixing bowl.  

Add a can of pizza sauce, 2 cups mozzeralla and cut up pepperoni.  

Grease a 9 x 13 pan and pour everything in. 

Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes. 

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until dough is cooked through. 

(I made the mistake of taking it out too early and had to put it back in after dishing it up - oops!) 

Of course Chris said this was his favorite meal ever. 

You definitely need to make it for Jacob - just don't let him see how easy it is!

recipe adapted from here

3.  I would like to have these for your bachelorette party: 

Tushie Cookies? Yes, please. 

source

4. Speaking of bachelorette parties, your wedding is three months away from last Sunday. 

I can't believe it is coming so fast.  

You will make such a beautiful bride!  

I CAN NOT WAIT!

I love you Lauren!

Love,

Blogs I love linking up with:

Transatlantic blonde   Rolled up Pretty

Captivated by Grace

Momma go Round    The Letter 4
Rae Gun Ramblings
pleated poppy