November Gratitude: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving really is my favorite holiday. It's kind of incredible that in a country so preoccupied with consumerism, we have a day devoted to gratitude.

This year, I'm especially grateful that I married John Concklin, truly the best gift I've ever been given. His support, in big and little things, is unwavering. He has shown me what it means to take care of another person. Also, he does the dishes. Our dish washing philosophies are different. I would rather relax for a while after dinner and force myself to clean up later, and he would rather do them immediately. This, as you can imagine, works out very well for me!

Our Wedding {Ceremony 2}

Our longtime friend Sue helped my vision for flowers become a reality. I told her I wanted them to look slightly wild, with lots of peach and yellow and soft orange. Not only did she do a gorgeous job - she was also a joy to have around. It makes a difference to surround yourself with sunny people during a time that everyone seems to think should be stressful. 

John and I are both classical musicians, which is probably why we didn't want that style for our ceremony. We had been thinking fun, laid back, and "bluegrassy" all along, but when I decided to walk down the aisle to a folk song, it sealed the deal. I remember being surprised to hear singing when I walked out expecting instrumental - and laughing in the back of my mind, thinking if this is what will "go wrong" today, it's fine with me.

Our Wedding {Rehearsal Dinner}

On Friday night, everyone headed to our Rehearsal Dinner at Rose Hill Estate. People tend to have tunnel vision looking towards a wedding reception as the big event, and it's true that the wedding requires tons more work. It was so special, though, to have everyone at the more intimate Rehearsal Dinner. To have best friends and family all together over cocktails and a nice meal is unforgettable.

An April Hello

John and I spent this past weekend with my family in Aiken celebrating my little brother's birthday and doing last minute wedding planning. Josh and John rode go-karts while Mom and I checked out Halo Salon, where we'll be having hair and makeup done on the 28th.

I've got lots to say about the wedding planning process, but lately I've been realizing something for which I'm especially grateful: my family is amazing!

They have been such a pleasure to work with during this time. Supportive and fun, John and I couldn't have made a wedding happen without them. We are so grateful!

                                                 xo,

                                                    LM

p.s. Only 19 days!!!!

Have I Told You Lately

Dear Friends,

I've neglected my blog! This was bound to happen pre-wedding. The past three weeks have been full of events and parties - with my college friends, my Aiken friends, and my soon to be mother-in-law's friends. I've said it before, but I can't say it enough: I am blown away by how much love and support we are being shown as we take this step to join our lives together. Thank you, everyone, for being so wonderful! We are truly grateful.

Lately - ribbon galore, pretty paper, little bro, and John.

xo,
          L

A Very Sunny Thanksgiving

I know I grew up in South Carolina, but no one ever told me how gorgeous it was! Leaving for a few years made me so grateful for this bright blue sky and gratuitous sunshine. Or maybe it was Cleveland's Lake Effect Clouds. Either way, I was in awe of today's beautiful weather - spent celebrating life with my wonderful parents, brothers, fiance, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandfather.

I was always the tall big sister, but look at how tiny I look next to my baby brothers!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. If you're reading this, chances are I'm pretty grateful for you, too.

xo

A New Year!

found here

Happy New Year, my friends! 2010 brought so many good things. Although I may have fewer academic or musical accomplishments to list than in years past, the things that have presented themselves are what makes life worth living in the first place. An unexpected move and a beautiful relationship brought change on many levels, but it was change that was welcomed, bringing growth, joy, and in many ways, clarity.

The country's economic and unemployment issues have brought more frustration than I had expected to find after graduate school, but I'm hopeful for the coming year and know it will bring even more stability, and even fewer bills. (joke)

I've gotten to watch my little brother's mind transform itself with the help of neurofeedback therapy, and I couldn't be more thrilled for him and his improved participation in the world. His brain is working better for him than ever, and he is absolutely beaming. And one thing has always been true: when Josh is beaming, I am beaming.

My parents' dedication to his development reminds me how lucky I am, as has their support of my new life. And speaking of parents, the addition of John's mom to my life has been wonderful and refreshing. Her loving support is going to take us far.

I feel like a pretty lucky girl these days.

I wish countless blessings and happiness for all of you this year. May 2011 bring health and laughter and good friends and good books and good music and everything lovely.

Here's to life. 
Cheers!

Lauren