Early Anniversary Trip

Okie doke.. I don't know if this is gonna work, I'm writing from the trusty ol iPhone. I'm currently in Atlanta waiting at the airport. This is the first part of our anniversary trip. Our anniversary isn't until November but we already have several things planned for the offseason and adding anoter trip isn't probable. Originally I was only coming to Atlanta for a few days because it's the closest he will play to Alabama an we knew friends and family would be coming to visit. The next series is in New York and I decided last minute I wanted to go. I don't plan to travel with him all the time this is just a special treat. We had so much fun visiting with our friends and their kids! Pictures to come when I get back home. If you asked me where home is right now, I'd have to struggle to come up with an answer. Our stuff is stored at my parents house for now. We are not sure at this point if we will get a place in STL or not. I'm still working on canceling things from our Memphis apartment. It's hectic and stressful. I've never been to the Big Apple and am pretty excited and nervous. Our hotel is in Times Square. If you've been and have any recommendations I'd love to hear. Tomorrow is an off day which means I'm going full on tourist for the day! Stay tuned to my instagram feed for the most current updates on our trip!

We've Moved ... Again!

We've moved!! I was sitting in the coffee shop catching up on some blogging and reflecting on the previous days events. My husband had just left for an eight game road trip the day before. I was planning on going home for the week while he was away, but for some reason I decided to stick around Memphis for a few days before I went home.

As I was sitting there my dad called me to tell me that one of the pitchers had gotten hurt during the game. I was simultaneously texting my husband joking about getting a flight out to Vegas where their first series was. Unfortunately tickets were 900 and not budget friendly. For fun, I looked up flights to LA because that's where the St. Louis team was currently playing and thinking just maybe he would get called up. 

A little over an hour later he text me saying he was flying to LA tomorrow (Friday). As I was sitting there hopped up on espresso I didn't know what to do first. Do I pack? What do I pack? Do I get on a plane out west? I waited to hear from him again around midnight, he was on west coast time.

We talked and finally decided to pack it all - our entire apartment and I would just meet him in STL Monday. At one in the morning I began washing dishes and packing. I've never  been more frustrated as I sat there feeling like a dum dum trying to pack a PS3 that I could not get in the box! I went to bed around four am exhausted. I woke up at eleven and knew I had a daunting task ahead of me. I know I've told you before but I stink at packing the car and always rely on either Brandon or my dad to do it for me.

But being that I was completely alone, I had to rise to the challenge. My mantra for the day was 'just do it.' If there was a form of initiation for mlb wives -- I feel like this is it. Sadly, this will probably happen to me many more times in our baseball future but it's so worth it for the outcome.

I carried things to the truck one by one. I had to make sure to always have my keys, to get back in the building and to lock the truck between each trip. I think I easily made 30 trips.

Here I am, sweaty, tired, and happy to be heading north.

We left the majority of our things at my parents house an hour away and have been staying at a hotel downtown since Monday. I had a bit of time home over the weekend and I got to spend some time with my favorite kids. Other than that I've been at our hotel enjoying this special time with my guy and some with out him.

Brandon has pitched in two game so far, doing great in both. Here he is on tv. Somedays it doesn't seem real. I still get nervous for him. I do because he doesn't. I don't understand it, but I guess if you've been doing something your whole life it seems natural.

Saturday May 19th - pitched the 8th

Thursday May 24 - pitched one out in the 4th with bases loaded and the 5th

 

I didn't mean to leave you all hanging all week. I have brought nothing with me for the week except clothes and the necessities, which didn't include my computer or any sewing/crafting paraphernalia. I did have to venture our yesterday and make an appearance at a fabric store so I don't completely lose touch with my inner seamstress.

It is such a joy for me to be watching Brandon's dreams come true. Thankfully to him and baseball I get to experience some pretty cool things. I am going with him for part of his upcoming road trip. Our first stop is in Atlanta which is the closest he will ever play to home. Then we are heading to New York. Orignially I wasn't going to go but decided to take the opportunity. You only live once. Neither of us have ever been so we are pretty excited.

P.S. If you haven't checked it out yet...I'm giving away one of my vintage clutches here along with some other great goodies from some other fabulous bloggers!

Crying in Baseball

The truth about baseball is, it's an emotional game. For me anyways. My husband among many other guys have been dreaming of playing this game as a career since they were little. When that is taken away from you, it's hard not to be emotional. 

I mentioned that our roommates moved out. I am sad even writing about it. In one short month we met and made some awesome friends. I fall hard for people. I can't help it.

We spent several nights eating dinner together, had movie nights, and went to dinners like one big happy family. We even had a little one to make us laugh and to greet us with her precious smiles and even an occasional tantrum. 

I had a friend in another baseball wife who knows the struggles and deals with some of the same things I do. A friend to keep me company when the guys went on the road. We could discuss the worries and fears that come with this game.

I'm sad that they are no longer with our team. In an instant that's how it happens. You get called into the office and are told that you're being released. They don't give you an option, they tell you what decision has already been made. So you clean out your locker and report to your wife and family what just happened. It's frustrating, sad, and emotional. It's part of the game. The part of the game I do not like, because these are my new friends. I don't like when my friends are hurting. 

We were like the twin couple. Our guys both loved food. Their wardrobes were about the same and their love for movies made them the most compatible. We ladies laughed at how similar they were and bonded over new craft ideas and so much more. We even share the same anniversary date. 

I cried when I found out. I truly love our new friends and plan to go visit them whenever we get the chance. I know they are going to be okay whether another team picks them up or not. I'm so thankful for them and for the friendship we have. I'm hoping that our baseball paths cross again sometime soon. 

So there you have it, sometimes there is crying in baseball. 

Last Things Thursday - Round II

The last thing I...

cooked: tater tot casserole

baked: chocolate chip cookies for my man to take on his road trip

bought: fabric

sewed: newwww headbands

received in the mail: belated bday gifts from my sister - I love Gap Fit and she knows it!


sent in the mail: a birthday package for a special friend

did that was stupid: burnt my finger with the hot glue gun

cried about: surprisingly not the glue gun injury but our roommates moving out (story on that coming soon) & my husband leaving for ten long days.


downloaded: Carrie Underwood's version of How Great Thou Art - 

tweeted/instagramed: #yellow is happy - #shine

did for someone else: I'm working on become a partner shop with The Shine Project.

tried different in my beauty routine: lipstick - NYX matte lipstick in tea rose

used to encourage others: Dr Suess qoute - Oh the places you'll go..

Now go check out some other great last things thursday posts here.

Tater Tot Casserole [A Recipe]

I love casseroles and I love easy meals. 

Easy to shop, prepare, cook, clean up, and to eat.

Here we go.

1 lb ground beef

1 can french style green beans (drained)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1 bag of frozen tater tots

Brown ground beef. I always add chopped onions for flavor. Drain. Cover bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish with browned meat. Next layer green beans. Mix cream of mushroom soup and cup of milk together pour over meat and beans. Cover with shredded cheese and top with frozen tater tots. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until tater tots are soft.

Enjoy!!

Dreaming of Mother's Day

While I know today is Mother's day, and I should be writing a post to her, about her, or for her, I'm not.  I hope my mom knows how much I love and appreciate everything she has and continues to do for me every single day.


Right now I'm taking a bit of time myself to enjoy mothers day, dreaming of one day myself being a momma. I know it's coming in the next few years, God willing. We are in no rush to have kids, but we definitely want them. 


We both admit to wanting a baby boy first, however if that isn't how it goes, we I will NOT be disappointed. Okay he won't either, but he is the last guy in his family to carry on the name and really is wanting a little hunting buddy first.


Anyway, I think of the lyrics to Brandon's walk up song. It is Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Mama told me when I was young

Come sit beside me, my only son

And listen closely to what I say.

And if you do this

It'll help you some sunny day. Oh yah!

Oh, take your time..don't live too fast, 

Troubles will come and they will pass.

You'll find a woman, yea yea, you'll find love,

and don't forget son,

There is someone up above.

And be a simple, kind of man

Oh be something, you love and understand.

Baby be a simple, kind of man.

Oh, won't you do this for me son,

If you can?

Forget your lust, for the rich man's gold

All that you need, is in your soul,

and if you can do this, oh baby, if you try. 

All that I want for you my osn, 

Is to be satisfied.

And be a simple, kind of man

Oh be something, you love and understand.

Baby be a simple, kind of man.

Oh, won't you do this for me son,

If you can?

Boy, don't you worry...you'll find yourself.

Follow your hear, Lord, and nothing else.

And you can do this, oh baby, if you try. 

All that I want for you my son, 

Is to be satisfied. 

Every time I hear it, I think of how I'll want our little guy to be a simple man. Just like my husband. Now I have NO clue if Brandon's parents sang this song to him a lot when he was younger or what - but this is my guy  - a simple man - and I love and adore him forever and ever for it.

Anyway, I hear that song a lot on day's when he pitches, like yesterday, and it always has me thinking about this, how I want our son to be a mini-me of his dad, his character, his heart, and his faith. I dream about someday, I'll be the mama in this song, telling her son to be a simple man. 

Motherhood is going to be so stinking amazing someday. I can't wait, but I can.

I hope all you moms, momma's to be, trying to be momma's, mom's who have been, those without moms, grandmoms, and greatgrandmoms -- basically every woman who has been raised or is raising a child -- Happy Mother's Day!!

A Real Secret

I use this blog for many things. It is a place I document milestones in our life. I share recipes. I tell stories. I let you preview things I've sewn or crafted. I hope that you get to see who I really am. I probably share more here, than I do in real life. Maybe more than is necessary. I have felt for almost a year now to share something with you that is really personal and every time I try to write it, I decide that it isn't something that needs to be shared. With summer temps being here, I am reminded of this thing daily. I feel that maybe if I share, I can finally accept it and move on. Maybe I won't, but I'll at least be one step closer. 

I've struggled for years now with skin that breaks our more times a year than a bar fight. I have let this, my outward appearance, keep me from so many things.

Years ago, I struggled with acne on my face. In college, I remember taking natural medicine and my roommate and friends thought I was crazy. I tried Proactiv. I made several dermatologist appointments and spent money on almost any and every type of 'skin clearing remedy' anyone recommended. I skipped going out because make-up just wouldn't cover it. I worked at a restaurant where people always saw my face. I also worked at a bank where again my face was exposed. One time I was asked if I got hit by a truck because I had a very large broken out area on my chin. As an 18 year old girl, how do you respond to this? My parents supported me and probably felt helpless because they knew their child was hurting on the inside and there was no quick fix. I was picked at by my brothers and sister but I know they were deep down trying to help ease the situation. We use comedy in our family so much that I wish now I wouldn't have gotten so offended. And I apologize to them if I ever made fun of them for any reason. I had one serious boyfriend before I met my now husband. Sadly, I can't remember him ever calling me beautiful or pretty. My friends knew it was a sensitive subject and more than not it was never talked about, unless of course I brought it up.

That's been years ago, and since my skin has cleared..on my face. Which leads me to my back. 

On my wedding day, I put this fear aside. I knew that not ONE person would say anything to me about it. I felt beautiful and flawless the way every bride should on a couple's special day.

Other than that, I've been hiding it for years. I currently have my hair as long as it's ever been to help cover it up. I pick out only clothes that will not leave my skin exposed. I skip out on invitations to the pool or beach, and often give those who invite me a lame excuse instead of telling them why I don't want to go. I've missed out on way to many pool dates with my sister to count and she graciously understood and we did other things.

I've allowed this to control me. I'm ready to face that fear or at least admit to you that I'm not perfect and that I have insecurities. I know that it isn't going to be easy. I'm going to put on tank tops or dresses and at the last minute change my mind and put on something to cover it up. But here is the thing, it really doesn't matter. 

This is me, this is who I am. I know with my whole entire heart, I would never lose a friend over this and this would never interfere with making new friends. They are going to love me for me, not for my skin. I should know better than this. I can however lose friends because of an ugly heart, an awful attitude, being negative, saying hurtful things, lieing, gossiping, and not being true to myself. 

I encourage you to look inward for the real source of beauty each and everyone of us have been given.

1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 

Also, a quick special thank you to my encouraging and loving husband who makes me feel beautiful every single day. 

Something Different - The Last Thing Thursdays

The last thing I...

cooked: cream of chicken casserole & broccoli and cheese 

baked: red velvet whoopie pies

bought: at home gel manicure kit - I'll let you know how this one works. I already returned the Red Carpet brand cause it peeled off in one day. Rut-row.

drank: sweet tea

received in the mail: new business cards - so excited!

did for someone else: babysat our roommates little girl so they could have dinner out and enjoy some adult conversation. I love doing stuff like this for others, there is no gift like it. 

blogged about: a recipe for mozzarella cheese dip.

movie I went to: The Lucky One. Zac Efron, you are a looker.

was in awe of: the sunset over the river.

snacked on: frozen Rolo's & chocolate covered strawberries.

sewed: an iPad case, two clutches, and a giveaway and review piece. I need to get working on some new stuff.

Tweeted: "Checking out from twitter for a few days. I need a break."

Pinned: a dress tutorial 

Instagrammed: my little roommate

played: scramble with friends... vs my husband... and lost.

read: Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

listened too: Carrie Underwood's album Blown Away - get it. Ahhmazing!

I planned to do: 

Mozzarella Cheese Dip [Recipe]

My computer is down right now. Not sure how soon we are going to get it fixed so for now I'm posting up at my man's computer. There is a new blog hop going on and I hated I missed it so I'll be posting my Manicure Monday post later this week - plus I have a surprise to reveal.

Anyway.. if you follow me on Instagram, which you should -larnlevydickson- unless you get annoyed by multiple updates a day via photos of my life, then you've seen that I've been spoiling my man lately with all his favorite snacks. It's my fault this all started. The second night we hung out together I made him brownies. Not only does my guy have a huge heart but his stomach is impossible to fill. It's a deep bottomless pit.

I like to keep his favorites around or at least make sure to make them a few times a month. Some of his favorites include; lasagna, red velvet whoopie pies, brownies, cookies, turtles, meatloaf, banana pudding, sweet tea, ice cream, and mozzarella cheese dip. He clearly doesn't live off just these but when he leaves town or is just getting home I try to have a little something waiting for him.

If you have never heard of mozzarella cheese dip I'm going to share it with you here today.

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp parmesean cheese

1 tbsp parsley flakes

1 tbsp onion flakes

1 tsp accent

dash of garlic powder

raw veggies or fritos/chips

Mix mayonnaise and sour cream. Then add parmesean cheese, parsley flakes, onion flakes, accent, and garlic powder.

Finally add the mozzarella cheese last. Refrigerate for a few hours before eating for best results. Letting it sit for a while helps all the flavors take.

Now grab your favorite veggies and enjoy. Brandon enjoys his favorite dip with Fritos. I personally love this paired with baby carrots.

Such an easy recipe for summer BBQs or picnics and I'm sure it'll be a hit. Please let me know if you try and it and if you love/hate it.

24

When I was 24 I...

Lived in Missouri

Acquired a Silhoutte cutting machine

Nannied my favorite kiddos

Watched my husband debut in the big leagues

Visited a good friend in San Francisco

Celebrated two years with my guy

Had a wedding shower thrown in my honor

Road tripped to Milwaukee and back in one day

Lost a loved one

Attended my first MLB playoff game

GOT MARRIED

Honeymooned in Mexico

Got a sewing machine

Lived with a boy in Alabama

Learned I drink really loud

Christmas'd in the Mountains

Sang along at a Blake Shelton concert

Witnessed two miracles - Ben and Aaron

Lived in Florida

Went to Sea World

Opened my shop, for real this time

Lived in Tennessee

Met a blogger in real life

Thankfully I have this blog and almost all the memories documented to remind me just how wonderful 24 was.

I'm SO excited to see what 25 has for me. 

One of my favorite photos of 24 - Honeymoon in Cabo

Thursday Things

Hello darlings! How has your week been going? First I apologize for my last post. It was such a cop out. I decided I was slacking on my photo taking and have some new probably meaningless things in my life to share with ya. Here we go.

Last weekend was dog day at the park and they have puppies there for adoption. Brandon text me that morning, knowing I was still running a {puppy} fever and told me it'd be best for me not to come. I didn't listen and fell in love with this cute face and yummy puppy smell, not the pee kind, the good kind.  Ends up one of the guys that works at the field adopted him and he is in the hospital with a disease. Thank God I walked away cause I would not want to be dealing with that heartache and an 80lb dog in a few months. And so the fever is gone. Gone gone. I want to be able to give my pup full undivided attention from the beginning. October is when we are getting a puppy! A small dog. It's so fun thinking that this is the puppy our kids will grow up knowing. 

We had an early game this week and headed to see The Five Year Engagement. It was very funny. Then I thought, as I was waiting for the mister to pump gas, that this leftover popcorn  bag would actually make a really cute clutch. It'd had to be the right material and fabric but I think it could be kinda fun. 

I made some deliveries this week. I said it before but I'll say it again. This is my favorite part of making and selling my craft - the happy people on the receiving end. So thank you for all the recent orders and I hope you're happy on the other end. 

Ironically I ran into all these jelly rolls at Tuesday Morning for super cheap but I walked away. I'm starting to have a little bit of will power. Ok fine I bought them, only two, and on the way home I passed another location and returned them knowing I wouldn't be using them.

New favorite meal French Fried Onion Spaghetti Bake. You can find the recipe here.

It.is.ahhhhmazing!

I'm sponsoring Sew Caroline the blog this month. She is incredibly adorable and I feel like she can teach me to sew through the internet. I know we will meet some day hopefully sooner rather than later. We can drink coffee and sew, all the live long day! I've been inspired to try sewing some new things, clothes mostly, including this 10 min maxi skirt. It was a success but I need a slip to wear under because its kinda see through and leaves the color of my undies to no one's imagination. Oops. 

If you missed last nights Insta - giveaway... I'm sorry. I may only do this the first Wednesday of each month but we'll see. I made this new headwrap yesterday. Maybe you will see some of these in the shop at some point, maybe. Not only am I trying to get OUT of the yoga pants everyday, I'm trying to make an effort to wear some fun accessories. I'd say I'm getting better day by day. Although it is fun to run errands in gym shorts and T-shirt, looking nice has been more fun. I think I'll keep trying. 

The big two-five is coming up this Saturday and I treated myself to a little gift. You can check out some of her other pieces here if the cross isn't your thing. I'm loving it and it only just came in the mail today! 

Hope your having a wonderful week. 

Things I want to MAYke

Welcome May. I don't know what you have in store for us. I spent all day sewing until my back hurt so much from my wonderful 'office' arrangement I couldn't take it any longer. 


Instead I've been mulling around for a couple hours online in awe of the creativity that is in the online universe. I found some really cute projects that I think I'll have to try. 


This quilt is awesome. It reminds me of my sister - maybe in different colors.

Source: vanessachristenson.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Then there is this darling fat quarter dress. I love fat quarters and how you can usually find them in the clearance bin. I think I know someone this would fit. 

Source: u-createcrafts.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Speaking of fat quarters, have you ever heard of a jelly role? No it isn't a donut but that does sound a bit delicious at the moment. They are one of my favorite things, fabric wise. Isn't this awesome? I'll take ten for decoration please.

Source: vanessachristenson.com via Lauren on Pinterest

These jellies are used mostly for quilting. Unfortunately I haven't taken up quilting but I think I could manage to add some ruffles to a cute little tote. 

Source: sewcraftcreate.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Maybe one day I'll just have some jelly roles to decorate my craft room and I'll sit them next to this fun pillow. I don't make pillows now because it's just an extra to move at some point. This also makes me miss my Silhouette that's getting dusty back home. If only I could be adding vinyl, rhinestones, and other fun things with that mack daddy. Sigh.

Source: sewcraftcreate.com via Lauren on Pinterest

And finally something I that I couldn't take my eyes off. A very simple sunburst flower head band. I've been trying the last few days to use accessories to dress up my outfits. Slowly but surely I'm becoming a fan. 

Source: sewcraftcreate.com via Lauren on Pinterest

 quilt / dress / jelly roles / bag / pillow / flower headband

I know this isn't any kind of update with whats been going on but that's just it, not to much has and we are okay with that. Just wanted to share with you some things I might be sewing on and welcome the month of May.




**I know that Pinterest is not a source for photos so I have included links back to the original site I found them. None of the above photos are mine.**