Last Post of the Year

(I apologize in advance, for the formatting, Blogger is giving me fits and unless I use bullet points, it doesn't recognize paragraph breaks)

• Well, here we are, the last day of 2007. I must admit, that I am not really sorry that 2007 is over with. I know that might come as a shock to all of you (sense the sarcasm here!). I am glad that 2007 can now be put behind us and that 2008 will serve as our year of rebuilding.

In 2007 we learned a lot of lessons:

• Never take tomorrow for granted.
• Thank God for every Day, Hour, Minute and Second that you have on this planet, even the not so great days
• "Be the Change you want to see in the world." Don't sit around and wait for things to get better, get up and do it, you may not be around to see the outcome if you don't.
• Drink in the times in your life, breathe them in and make it all a part of your soul
• Live life at 1000%, live life at full tilt
• No more, "One day I want to ...." If you want to do something, figure out how to get it done
• There is no guarantee of tomorrow
• Don't go to bed, or hang up the phone, mad or without saying "I love you"
• Cherish the little things, what I wouldn't give to get a note from my Dad addressed to "Fritz"
• Take a moment to stop, when the world is going a thousand miles a minute around you and thank God for such a full, busy, crazy life. What a blessing a day is!
• Stand tall on your knees, there is no problem that you have that is bigger than God, he can handle it, heap it on!

2007 will always be "The year that fill in sad event".

• Conversely, I am determined that 2008 will be "The year that fill in great thing". We have so very much to be thankful for and I am so grateful that I had such a great holiday season with the people that I love. I am going to try to make 2008, the whole year, like the Holiday Season of 2007, full of laughter, love and the company of the people that mean the most to me.
• I feel like God has really been preparing my heart for some great things. I know that everything happens for a reason and I am ready to discover the reason that we were presented with so many lessons.
• I am ready to take on 2008 and everything that it has to offer. Bring it on, I am ready for the blessings!

When I am really feeling low and at the end of my rope, and I feel I can't take it anymore, I usually close my eyes and in my head, have a little talk with God. Sometimes I talk to my Dad too. I usually end my day each day in this way, and just pray myself to sleep. That being said, it only seems fitting that I close out 2007 on my blog in the same way.

• Dear God, Thank you for the trials of the past 365 days. I am thankful for the reminders to keep my face turned to you. I pray that you will bless the people in my life. I pray that you will hold them in the palm of your hand and that they may pass through each day surrounded by your grace. I pray that others may see glimpses of you in each of us each day. I pray that I will be a living example of your mercy and your grace. Please help people to see that I did not get through the past year by myself, but that you carried me, and my family, through. God, your grace is sufficient, and help me not to forget it. Help me to pass your Light and Love onto others that I come across. Help me to always be a witness to others for you. Thank you for the moments of desperation and hopelessness, for in those moments, I had to surrender control to you and let you work through me. Thank you for shielding me from harm and providing for all of my needs. Lord thank you for feeding my sometimes emaciated spirit and for keeping me safe from harm. Lord in 2008 help me to continue to see your blessings and let 2008 bring us our deepest hearts desires. I know that you place the desires in my heart and I pray that you will bring those desires to fruition.
• Lord, please hold me close to you and let me breathe in the hope that I find there. Lord let me be a pillar of Your strength and a vessel of Your word. Amen

GET READY 2008-----HERE WE COME!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Humphrey Family

We hope that 2008 brings you love, happiness and abundant blessings.

War Eagle!

Just a little site for all my fellow Auburn fans to check out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVXwCA4cX1E Kevin

Christmas Party and A Sewing Project

Well, we wrapped up our Christmas Party attendance Blitz last night with a Party at our house. I remembered my camera about half way through the party, but I did get a few pictures. Enjoy!This is the food table. We know what is important! Kevin and I also made Chili, but it was on the stove and I didn't take a picture of it! ;) This is the "Beverage Table" it usually resides in our breakfast room, but we brought it in to the living area so that the Hot Cocoa and Hot Apple Cider were handy! These are just random group shots. This is Mandy and Jon. Mandy, Kevin and Daniel (2 pictures above in the blue shirt) all went to Police Academy together. Now, on to the Sewing Project I mentioned earlier. I decided today to make Kevin and I new stockings and then I decided that Ruby and Nellie needed stockings too! So, here they are. I am going to get names put on mine and Kevin's stockings. I will post pics of them if I ever get around to it. Ruby and Nellie's has a fluffy dog bone on it. It starts off as a flat lime green piece of fabric and ends up all fluffy. It was super easy to make, email me for details Any way, have a good week! Hope you have all your Christmas shopping done! Ciao! PS: My friend Mandy (not the one in the pics above) has set up a blog, skip on over and drop her some love!Moorepower2you

5 on Friday

1. I am officially done with this semester. I got an "A" in Systems Analysis and Design and a "B" in Quantitative Analysis.
2. Kevin and I are going to the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Christmas party tonite. Free steak, I'm game.
3. Our Christmas get together is this weekend. It will be a small celebration, but fun none the less.
4. Our office is pretty quite today. Thank goodness!
5. Kevin is off of work, because of various parties and then his usual Sunday/Monday offday, until Tuesday. I LOVE that boy!

Have a great weekend!

Ciao!

Hey Baby!

Hey baby, I love you. I just thought I would hijack your blog. I wanted you to know that you are very special( not short bus special ) to me. I wanted to thank you for all the stuff you do everyday. I love you and hope you are having a good day at work. Your boy, Kevin

Just a Christmas Funny!

Hope this helps you get over the "Mondays"

Ciao

TGIF!

• Random Thought: Do you remember when TBS (the TV station) had a TGIF portion of their program? It was usually inhabited by Full House, Saved by the Bell and all of those other great shows?
• Well today is really a TGIF day for me. This week has been really hectic at work and between work and school, I am about to fling myself off the nearest roof, or at least the nearest gazebo. I have to take a Final tonight in my CIS class. Wish me luck!
• I am REALLY dreading this next semester, I will be taking 3 classes and working full time. I know, am I trying to induce suicidal tendencies? The answer is "no" but I am trying to finish so that I can FINALLY be done with all this school crap. I am SO TIRED of trying to do school and work. It leaves me WIPED OUT! It is all I can handle to put in 9 hours at work (10 if you count traffic) and then get home, do school work and still keep up on the stuff that needs to be done around the house. (unfortunately, the latter has been seriously neglected).
• Having said all of that...I am ready for the weekend. I will be in Decatur on Saturday for Sarah Grace's Christmas Recital for dance. I am excited to have some mindless holiday entertainment! Next week starts the week of Holiday parties. Anyway, Happy TGIF to all of you and have a great weekend! Enjoy the weekend, Monday comes too soon!

Christmas...Gotta Love It!

Yay for Christmas...here is a little preview of Christmas at the Humphrey house!

Just call me a follower.

OK, everyone else has done it, I will too! I would love to learn 20 things about you that I may or may not already know. You can post it in your blog or in my comments. If you post it in your blog then let me know you have done it. Thanks Colleen for starting this!

1. I love dragonflies. It is a carry over from when the Twins were little and I would sing them a song about dragonflies. It is our family’s little secret symbol for “I love you”
2. Kevin proposed to me at the dance studio where I grew up dancing.
3. I bought my first house at 22.
4. I am obsessed with “Jon and Kate Plus 8” on TLC.
5. I get “Thursday Flowers” every week (although not always on Thursdays, usually not flowers) from my hubby. He started this when we first started dating and I am rotten! Each week I get a little something, sometimes he cooks dinner, sometimes a new book, just little stuff…because he loves me.
6. I had my gallbladder removed when I was 16 and attended band camp 1 week later.
7. In 2004 I broke one of my toes the night before the dance recital that I was a guest performer for. The next day I went to the ER and got it shot up with Novocaine and kept it submerged in a bucket of ice until just before the performance so that I could make it through.
8. People are amused when they ask my name and I say “Lauren as in Lauren Bacall Humphrey as in Humphrey Bogart.” (Get it, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart…a famous Hollywood Pair)
9. I have a dual degree in Marketing and Management and was 2 classes away from a Computer Science minor.
10. I was on the dance team in college.
11. I only applied to 1 college…good thing I got in!
12. When Kevin and I have kids, I want all girls.
13. My long range plan is to eventually get my PhD and teach at a college level.
14. I will graduate with my MBA in August of 2008.
15. Our (Kevin & I) lucky number is 3. Every important date in our lives together comes down to a multiple of 3 and can be worked out to 6. Wedding Date: 03/25/06, 3+2-5+6=6, Engagement Date: 03/19/05, 3+1+9+5=18/3=6, Kevin’s Birthday: 02/06/80, -2+6+8=12/2=6, Lauren’s Birthday: 06/08/80, 6-8+8=6. WEIRD!!!!! (there are more, I just gave the first 4 I thought of)
16. Like Monica, I always said I would never settle for less than 1ct in an engagement ring, and I didn’t…I got 2.5
17. I love the Red Sox and went to my first game when I was 3 months old.
18. I was born on the day that Mt. St. Helens erupted…My Dad said it was a sign.
19. I love to cook and will use pretty much any excuse to do it.
20. My wedding dress was a replica of a dress that Grace Kelley once wore.

Wow, 20 is A LOT! Enjoy!

Sips N Strokes Strikes Again!

My friend Mandy's Birthday is tomorrow and I told her about 2-3 weeks ago that I would take her to Sips N Strokes when she found a painting that she wanted to do. She called me on Monday and said that she had found one that she wanted to paint SOOO, we went today and painted an angel. Mine is a little different than what is on the calendar, I gave mine brown hair, like me. Well...here it is! (I apologize in advance for the poor picture quality)

Introducing....The Humphrey Humbugs.

This is HILARIOUS!!!! Click HERE

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Ok, so I have a confession, I do not like Pumpkin Pie. I know, completely un-American. I found this recipe 2 years ago and made it and LOVED IT! It is delicious! I thought that I would pass it on for all of you to try. It is wonderful!

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

• 1 Graham Cracker Crust
• 1 Can of Pumpkin Pie filling
• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese (softened for 15-20 secs in the microwave)
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup of Sugar (or 1/2 cup Splenda, 1/4 cup Sugar)
• 1tsp of Pumpkin Pie Spice (or 1tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/4 tsp cloves)

Preheat oven to 350. Beat cream cheese with a mixer until whipped and fluffy. Slowly add sugar mixture and continue to beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, and Pumpkin Pie Spice and mix until combined. Stir in the Pumpkin pie filling until well combined. Pour mixture in pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center of the pie is almost set. Cool completely and refrigerate until cold.

We serve this with whipped cream on top and a dash of cinnamon. It is fabulous.

Enjoy!

Ciao!

***FYI: this recipe is on the back of the label on the graham cracker crust - don't remember the brand.

***The recipe for the cupcakes pictured above can be found HERE

ATTN: AHS Class of 98

Since most of the people who read my blog are fellow AHS Band Geeks, I figured I would pass this on. I was reading the Decatur Daily online and found this article: http://decaturdaily.com/stories/162.html Some of you may have already heard about it, but if you haven't I thought that I would pass it on. Pray for his family, this is an especially difficult year to lose someone. On a lighter note, check back later today for a FANTASTIC recipe for Thanksgiving! Ciao!

Happy Thanksgiving

Hello all, I know, it has been a while since I posted. SORRY!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have to admit, I have a lot of mixed emotions about this Thanksgiving. One year ago, I never could have imagined what the coming year would bring. I am so very thankful that I had one last Thanksgiving with my Dad and Nonie. Thanksgiving was always my Dad's holiday. I always loved coming home the night before Thanksgiving and helping get everything ready for the HUGE meal to come. Waking up to the smells of Barbecue, Fried, and Baked turkeys that my Dad had spent the night preparing, I never realized just how much happiness was wrapped up in the little details.

I have thought a lot lately about everything that 2007 has brought. I have come to the conclusion that I am very blessed. I am struck with the realization that the reason that the year has been so painful is because I have lost such important parts of my life but that the reason it hurts so much is because I was fortunate enough to love and be loved as much as I am. Wow, how blessed I am. I am blessed that I had people in my life that I cared so much about, and who cared so much about me. I am blessed that I have a Mother who is so strong and thankful that she and I have each other to lean on. I am blessed that I have such a close knit family, that when one of us is ripped away, the others work together to patch the gaps. I am blessed to have friends who stand next to me, with no questions asked. I am blessed to have a husband, who has never left my side, has willingly taken on the emotional care of both my Mom and I and who helps me remember how to breathe on days when I forget. I am blessed to have had a Dad for 27 years and 22 days that daily showed me what it means to love unconditionally and who loved me more in the 9,877 days of my life than some people have in a lifetime. I am blessed to have had such profound losses. I am blessed to have just one more minute with the people that I love.

Don't get me wrong, I miss my Dad and Nonie with every ounce of my being. Some days it is almost more than I can handle. I always imagined seeing my Dad with my kids and was looking forward to the day that I could tell Nonie that she was going to be a Great Grandmother. I am not so much sad for me, I am sad for my children, who will never know what a precious, precious gift that their Grandfather and Nonie were.

I didn't write this post to be a downer, I hope that you all know that I am so thankful for you and you are each a Blessing on my life.

"What a difference a year makes"...wow is that true! I must admit, I am ready for 2007 to be over, but I am excited about all the new blessings to come in 2008. I only pray, that I can find the blessings in my life, even on days where they are hard to find.

Phantom, Better Late Than Never

• So I a little late posting Phantom pictures, better late than never right?!?

• Here are 2 pictures from Phantom.

• The first one is Sarah Grace and Victoria in front of the fountain. I know, they look like they are 20...scary!

• The second one is Kevin and I in front of the same fountain. Kevin isn't really mad, he just chose not to smile...I don't know why...he got to hang out at a Broadway show with 3 women. (HE HE HE) Love you Kevpo!

Reason #11,325

• This is reason number 11,325 that I will not be voting for Obama. I know that he has quit wearing the lapel pin because of what he thinks is a watered down patriotism and I can deal with that, BUT, how can you stand on a platform, running for office in the UNITED STATES, and not put your hand on your heart. I, personally, think that it is an insult on the office of the presidency. I personally, do not want a President that has a blatant disregard for our flag.
• The US Flag code states that "all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;"
• I hope I haven't offended anyone, but I had to get on my soap box for a moment. It just disgusts me, how can I trust you to defend our nation, when you don't respect our nation?
• Also, for those that might be thinking, "Maybe it is a still picture that was taken before he had a chance to get his hand up." Think again, Snopes has a video of the Anthem and NOT ONCE does he put his hand up. UGHHHH, makes me angry.

Tons-O-Fun

Hey guys, I thought that I would let you in on a really fun thing to do if you are ever in Birmingham. There is a place called "Sips n Strokes" that is TONS-O-FUN! You take your favorite beverage (alcohol optional) and you paint a painting. If you want to check it out, the website is www.sipsnstrokes.com. Check it out. I did this painting last night. I didn't take a pic of my previous masterpieces, sorry. Anyway.....I present.... "YUPPY PUPPY"

Prayers Needed

Hey guys, I have 2 prayer requests.

• My cousin Miles' wife died. Her galbladder ruptured and caused a systemic infection. They have a teenage son, Will, and speaking from experiance, they (and the rest of our family) could use your prayers.
• Many of you might remember my cousins Leslie and Chris. Well, their Mother has been really sick for the past 5-6 years and she is currently in ICU of UAB here in Birmingham and things don't look good. According to the Drs. all her systems are shutting down and it is just a matter of time.

Thanks you guys!

Ciao!

YAY!!!!!!

Phantom...HERE WE COME!!!!

Shameless Product Plug

Ok girlies (and guys I guess) I have found a GREAT product to try in your skin care regimen. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist. It is called SkinCeuticals and it is WONDERFUL!

I have been using it a week and have noticed a MARKED improvement in my skin. It is wonderful! I have been using the cleanser and it makes my face feel SOO clean and great. I was completely shocked. It is wonderful and it doesn't make my face feel like it is a desert. LOVE IT!

Here is the website, they have lots of nifty little products!

www.skinceuticals.com

10 on Wednesday!

1. Went to a birthday party for my friend Mandy’s little girl, Maci, on Saturday. It was SOOO much fun. Maci turned 2 and I got her a Lee Middleton play doll and stroller and she LOVED it. (Pics to come tonite hopefully!)
2. Kevin’s new off days are Sunday, Monday. This is the first day that we have had off together since before we got married (without burning Vacation or Sick time).
3. Mom put the house on the market this week. Wow, bittersweet feelings about that. I mean, technically, I haven’t lived there since 1998, and without my Dad, it really isn’t quite the safe haven that it once was, but I am still a little sad.
4. We are going to see Phantom of the Opera on 10/20. My Dad and Mom were supposed to go with us, we bought tickets back in May, but when Dad died, Mom gave her tickets to the twins. They are really excited, and so am I, but it is a little bit sad at the same time. Phantom was my Dad’s favorite and Kevin has never seen it.
5. EVERYONE IS PREGNANT (except for me!) Yay for babies! Seriously, 11 people.
6. Ruby has a scratch on her Cornea and an eye infection. The vet came over last night and gave us 2 tubes of cream to put in her eyes twice a day. NOT FUN (neither was the bill)!
7. I LOVE our vet. She is a mobile pet vet. She drives an RV that is a full service clinic on wheels and when you need her, you just call and she comes and sees you. It is great and so much easier than loading both the girls up in the car and trying to wrangle them into the vets office.
8. School sucks, I can’t wait until I am through! I am over half way, so that is definitely a good thing!
9. Kevin and I have changed out 2 light fixtures this week. We DO NOT work well together on home improvement projects. We always end up fussy by the end, but the fruits of our labors are always spectacular so that makes up for it.
10. Thank God for Wednesdays!

Rather Uneventful!

There really isn't a whole lot going on in "Humphrey World." I am working and going to school and Kevin is working his hiney off too! Since there isn't a whole lot going on, I will just post cute pics of the puppies! ENJOY!

HEAT WAVE and Home Improvements

• Ok, so the AC here at work is broken, yet again-2nd time this week, and I am about to ROAST! Seriously, our office is laid out like kind of an L shape...my office being at the very end of the L and there is no ventilation and since the AC doesn't work, I am sitting in stagnant heat...YUCK!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS-Just call me Bob Villa!

• On a side note, when we built our house, I didn't pick out all kinds of different colors to paint the rooms, we went with 1 very neutral color and they used it on every wall, in every room. At the time, we were trying to get both of our houses sold and plan a wedding so picking paint colors--not on the top of the list.
• NOW-I am tired of beige walls and we are slowly adding color to the rooms, I did the Kitchen about a year ago and the Hall Bath this past April.
• This weekend, my Mom is coming down and she is going to help me pick out some colors for the remaining rooms (except for the man room/future nursery since it has a 20 ft ceiling and I don't want to paint it now and then have to repaint it again--once is enough!) and then Kev and I will paint at our leisure.
• I will try to take pics to do some before and afters.
• HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

CIAO!!!!!!!

This Lil' Piggie's Closet

If you guys haven't seen Candi's blog, I made some burp cloths and T@ggies for her. In case you guys are interested. Here are some other ones that I have done and also one of the outfits that I have done. I apologize in advance for the low quality pics!

• This outfit is called "Paris Pups" It really is one of my FAVORITES! The pants fabric isn't available anymore, but these outfits are SUPER cute in most any fabric combination.

• These are just some random Burp Cloth sets.

Nellie's Opinion and Ruby Hides

Ruby and Nellie wanted to know why they haven't been posted about in a while. This is what Nellie thinks of the news today. (I think that she was more upset that I was paying attention to the paper and not her!) Ruby has a new hiding place. She has decided that the hall bathroom is the best place to hide out. Here she is in all her cute-hiding-in-bathroom self.

My Brilliant Big Sister-No Really!

I do have a picture for you today. Many of you might remember my friend Ansley from my wedding. Ansley was my "Big Sister" in sorority in college (Alpha Chi Omega--YAY!) and was also one of my "Hot Maids" at my wedding. Ansley was a Math Major, Physics Minor at Birmingham-Southern College she graduated with an obscenely high GPA and was promptly snatched up by NASA. She lives in Houston and is now a card carrying (literally) member of Mission Control. She is responsible for getting the shuttle back in the Earth's orbit and back home safely. I received this picture yesterday. Apparently, the Rocket Scientist at NASA all got temporary tattoos of the mission patch and they were all eager to show them off. Notice the live feed of the astronauts in space on the screen on the left side of the picture. Pretty cool!

Ansley is on the 2nd row, close to the aisle, she has on a blue button down, khakis and glasses. She is a hottie fellas...step on up!

Ciao! Lauren

Broken Camera = Boring Posts

Hey guys, our digital camera is broken so I can't take any more photos to post. I have been saving up all my posting skills for a major photo post but alas, no camera. I will try to rifle through the computer and see if I can find some old fun pics and I will post them when I get the chance, but until then...just plain, boring posts.

2 Down, 3 to Go.

Well, I made it through summer term of Grad School! Wow, what a jam packed 60 days! I am almost 1/2 way through...thank God for small miracles! I got 2 Bs this semester so I am doing decent. I wish that I could have pulled off the As from last semester, but whatever...considering the difficulties of the Summer, I am very pleased with 2 Bs. Anyway, have a happy Thursday everyone! Ciao! Lauren

Fight Like a Girl

• Interesting title Huh?
• Kevin called me last week and asked if I wanted to take a self-defense class. I told him that I did and I immediately asked my college roomie (and Best Bud) Allison if she wanted to partake in the festivities with me.
• We went last night and learned how to "Fight Like A Girl" and it was very informative. They taught us how to use our gross motor skills to our advantage since when confronted with a negative situation, your fine motor skills go out the window and all you are left with are the gross motor skills.
• Needless to say, I am a force to be reckoned with now...predators BEWARE! I know how to use my "Horse-Bite" and I am not afraid to use it.
• If anyone ever has the opportunity to go to one of these events...I STRONGLY recommed that you go!
• The one that we attended was sponsored by Charter Communications and Oxygen TV Network. It was fun!
• HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
• CIAO!

They come in 3's

Well, we got a call today that Kevin's grandmother died today. This is his Grandmother Humphrey (his Dad's mother). She has been sick for a while and we all knew it was coming eventually but it is still hard when it does happen. Just continue to keep us in your prayers. Thanks! Lauren

One Minute at a Time

Well, it has been 1 whole week since we had to say our final goodbyes to my Dad. Thank you, everyone, for all the kind words of encouragement. There are not words to express to all of you how thankful I am for all the love and support that you guys have showered upon my family. This has truly been the most difficult experience of my life. I have relived the moment that I found out over and over again. It was, and still continues to be, a true nightmare. I miss my Dad so much it hurts, way down deep inside me I am in agony. I know that God doesn't give us more than we can handle...but good grief, I think I am closer than I have ever been to a complete meltdown. Between working full time, going to Grad School full time and having to deal with the loss of 2 of the most precious people in my life, I am about at the end of my rope. I just keep thinking that God must have something really great that he is preparing us all for. I keep thinking of the verse in the Bible that says "Lean not upon your own understanding." Actually, more appropriately, I have been clinging to this verse. I probably recite it to myself at least 20 times a day. Anyway, I promise to get back to fun, happy blogs soon! Just keep us all in your prayers...we have a long road ahead of us and we really do feel all the prayers that you guys are pouring out. God is good...God is good! Ciao!

The worst day of my Life

Pardon me if this post is short. We have had a tragedy. Yesterday my Dad was at the Lake and he had a massive heart attach and has died. We are all dealing with this monumental loss and there are not words to describe the sorrow that I feel in my heart. My hero has left me, my first love is gone, I am lost. Arrangements are: Monday-Visitation from 5-7 at Shelton and there will be a graveside at Roselawn on Tuesday at 10am. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. We are all crushed. Ciao!

No new news

Hey guys! Well, it has officially been a week since Nonie left us and besides the crazy weekend I spent in Decatur, it has been relatively calm. We did have one interesting thing happen though! On Sunday, we were all following each other to Oneonta from Decatur. Well, Linda (my Dad's sister) and Charlie (her 11 y.o. son) were riding together in the 4th vehicle. We get about half way to Oneonta and my Dad's phone rings and Charlie says that we need to pull over. My Dad tells Charlie that there is a gas station about 5 minutes down the road and asks if he can wait until then. Charlie says that his Mom says that we need to pull over right then. So we all pull over and Kev and I wait in the backseat of the car. All of a sudden we see everyone flying out of their cars and running back toward Linda's car. Then we see Linda being assisted (read: almost carried) to her my Mom's car. She can barely walk, her face is all red and swollen up and her tounge is about 4xs it's normal size. Kev and I get out and go back to check on her and find out that she had been stung by a wasp and was having an allergic reaction to the sting. At this point we call 911 and wait for them to get there. Once they did get there, they gave her a shot of epinephrine and a shot of Benadryl and we continued on our way. Way to knock the edge off of a stressfull situation! I will update more later! Ciao!

Obituary

For anyone who is interested. http://www.legacy.com/decaturdaily/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=89439556

Arrangements

• Shelton Funeral Home, Decatur, AL
• Saturday June 23, 2007 6:00p - 8:00p - Visitation
• Lemley Funeral Home, Oneonta, AL
• Sunday June 24, 2007 1:00p - 2:00p - Visitation 2:00p - Funeral Graveside service following

Sad News

Well, I have been avoiding a new post like the plague. Nonie made it through all the stuff last week and actually woke up and spoke on Saturday and Sunday. They moved her to the step down unit on Saturday because she was doing so well. On Sunday they became concerned because she wasn't "out putting" what they thought that she should so they ran some tests and told us yesterday that she was in the stages of Renal failure. My parents, Linda and Peepaw stayed with her last night and she made it through the night. My Mom called me a little while ago and said that at last Nonie was at peace. I am flooded with a mixture of sadness and relief. She put up a good fight and in the end, it was her body that just couldn't hold up anymore. It was so difficult to see her suffer for the past few weeks and I know that she was really suffering. I am glad that all of that is over but I am profoundly sad because there was so much left for her to do. I don't know any of the arrangements yet, but when I do, I will post them. I ask that you keep my family in your prayers. Ciao!

Latest Update

Well, I don't know how long (or coherent) this post will be, but I will do my best! I will take you through it by days, I think that will be easier. MONDAY

• My dad called and said that Nonie is not doing well. They had called them at home at 1am and told them to get to the hospital. When they got there, they were told that her lungs were full of fluid and that the best way to get it out is a vent. However, her lungs are so bad that if they put her on a vent, she will NEVER come off. Nonie has a living will so that was not an option. They decided to try some meds to see if it could be controlled that way.
• He was having Mark (his youngest brother) fly into Bham and asked if Kev and I could go pick him up. I called Kevin, he threw some stuff in a bag, packed up the pups and I took of 30 mins early (to beat the traffic) and drove home, picked him and the girls up and we drove to the airport to get Mark.
• We got to the hospital in time for the 8pm visitation. Nonie was not doing well AT ALL. She was very agitated and was calling for her mother (who died when my dad was a kid)

TUESDAY

• We got up and went to the hospital for the 10am visitation. By this point, Hobie (my Dad's older brother) was here after driving up from Ft. Lauderdale. They went in at 10 and said that Nonie was resting a little better and that the fluid was almost all cleared out. At this point, they said that they didn't know what would happen. It is a waiting game.
• We continue with the visitations at 12p and 2p and then just before the 4p visitation, the Dr. tells us that the Carbon Dioxide is not leaving her body because she doesn't have the strength to push it out. The only way to get rid of it, is to do a Vent, we already knew that we weren't going to do this. He says that she will probably not make it through the night, but definitely not through tomorrow.
• Dr. stated that she is sleeping because she can't wake up (kinda like a coma, but not one) and that eventually, she will just pass away because of the build up of CO2 in her system. At this point, she hasn't opened her eyes all day.
• Dr. does tell us that he had a conversation with her the night before and she told him that she was ready to go, but that she was worried about all of us.
• At the 4pm visitation, I decided that I wanted to go see her (I had not gone up until this point because I didn't want to see her like that. If something happened, I didn't want my last memory of her to be like that).
• I go in to see her and hold her hand and I said "Hey Nonie, it is Lauren" at this point she opens her eyes and looks at me and smiles. I told her that I was very proud of her for fighting so hard and that I loved her and that I knew that she was tired. I told her that we will all miss her but that we will be fine. I told her to go ahead, when she is ready and to go. I kissed her head and hand and left.
• The priest and a nun come in and do Last Rites and we all turn it over to God, to do what is best.
• We decided that since there will be a lot of sitting and waiting and who knows when she will actually go, that Kev and I would go back to Bham and they will keep us updated by phone. I was supposed to be in Decatur this weekend anyway and had already taken Friday off, so I would just come back up then.

WEDNESDAY

• Nonie makes it through the night.
• I was back at work. It was actually a pretty good thing because it kept my mind off of what was going on.
• Around lunch, the Dr. says that he wants to try something else to help make her more comfortable, because she is really struggling to breathe. They put her on BPAP (I don't know what it stands for, but it is like CPAP but somehow different). This helps in her breathing and she doesn't struggle for breath like she was. They said that it might help rid her body of CO2, but we won't know if it is working until tomorrow.
• She still doesn't wake up, but she is sleeping peacefully.
• Nonie (being the fighter that she is) makes it through the day.

THURSDAY

• As of this AM (around 7) her CO2 levels are the same, no better, no worse.
• We are still in a holding pattern, if she does make it through (by some miracle) it will only be a matter of time because who knows what kind of damage her organs have sustained from the high CO2 levels. Also, they recently found evidence of the cancer in her abdominal area so the chances of her long term survival are 0(she can't handle any more chemo) so it is just a time game.
• So, here we are, just waiting, not knowing.

I am going home tomorrow, recital is this weekend, which I am supposed to be dancing in. Who knows though. If she is still hanging on, I will dance, if not, I won't. We will see I guess.

I will say it again, ALL prayers are greatly appreciated. I know it sounds bad, but I just don't want all the suffering for her! If it is His will that she make it through this, pray that that happen soon and if not, pray for her passing in a peaceful manner. We just don't want her suffering any more. Thanks for all the words of encouragement guys! I can't express to you how much it means to me!

Ciao!

Update

Well, last week was a week of VERY mixed emotions. I will start with the good first. It was my Birthday week last week and I had a GREAT birthday thanks to my fan-tabulous hubby! He got me an Ipod Shuffle, which I have been enjoying all weekend. He also got me this cool portable hammock that has speakers in it so that I can plug my Ipod into it and relax to cool music. It is AWESOME! We went to dinner on Friday night with Kev's family at Longhorn. It was delicious and we had a great time (once we actually got to eat, our 15-20 minute wait was actually a 2 hour wait...I was REALLY frustrated to say the least!) Then, Saturday night, we went out with some friends of ours to Stix (one of my favorite restaurants!) I have pictures that I will post at a later date! Now for the not so great. Nonie had her first chemo treatment about a week and a half ago and wow, it has really knocked her back! Well, she was really not handling it well so they took her to the hospital on Monday and they admitted her just to make sure that she stays hydrated and to try to get her back on track. Well, Friday night, they put her in ICU because she has pneumonia. Kevin and I were in Decatur yesterday and we went to go see her and they cancelled visiting hours so we didn't get to go in and see her. Well, I spoke with my Dad this morning and he said that they called them all in at like 1 am and said that she has taken a turn for the worse. Her lungs are filled with fluid and she is really struggling to breathe. They are trying a few alternatives but it looks as if, at some point, they are going to have to put her on a ventilator. Normally, this is just a temporary fix but with her, since her lungs are so bad, she will probably have trouble coming off of it. It is hard for someone with full lung capacity let alone, someone with lungs that are in such bad shape. I think everyone is really struggling with what to do. I am really sad and emotional and am really having trouble. I know that she can pull through, but it is going to be really hard. If you guys think about it, please say a prayer for her and for our family. We know that God is good and we are looking forward to seeing the miracles he has in store for our family. Ciao!

10 on Tuesday

• I haven't done a 10 on Tuesday in a while, so here goes!
• As previously disclosed, it is my birthday week...yay for birthdays!
• I just sent Kevin a "Honey-Do" list. Hey, he asked me to email him a list of things that need to be done..."ask and ye shall receive!" I don't think that he was expecting me to actually have a list prepared so quickly ;)
• There are LOTS of babies here lately. January: Jay and Bryce, February: Madison, March: Ava, May: Dash, June: Abbigail (Due 6/7)....the list goes on and on! The only months that aren't occupied are October and April...WOW people...good grief!
• We are going to go out to dinner with Kev's family for my Birthday on Friday. It will be fun! Eating with a 4 year old and a 1 1/2 year old is ALWAYS an adventure.
• We are going to dinner with a LOT of our friends on Saturday for my Birthday. I am SOOOO excited...we are going to Stix, one of my favorites! I can't help it, the onion volcano gets me everytime!
• I am dancing in the dance recital of my old studio next weekend. It is the 30th anniversary of the studio and I am dancing in the Alumni dance. I am really excited!
• I started my second semester of classes for grad school last night. I am pumped that at this time next year, it will be my LAST semester! Makes the end so much more attainable now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. (I am NOT, however, excited about taking Finance this semester...not my idea of a fun class!)
• Nonie had her first chemo treatment last Thursday and it has really knocked her back. I know that she is a strong lady, but it is just really hard to see her like that! I am SO thankful though that we live in a time where these drugs are available. I know that God has a plan!
• Kevin and I are going to the beach in September. I am beyond excited! I am SO ready for some beach lounging time!
• I worked in our flowerbeds this weekend and on our entryway flowers. It looks SOOOO good, I will have to take pics and post them! I just LOVE our house and I am excited for all the good times that Kevin and I have yet to experiance together while we live there!

**Well, that is my 10 on Tuesday! Hope everyone has a great week! **Ciao!

Update with Pics!

OK, so this post is a week late, but whatever. We spent Memorial Day shoveling rocks at Kevin's parent's house (As in over 1 ton of it!). Then we hung out with the rest of Kevin's family and watched Davis and Brock play in the pool. After all this excitement, Kev and I were EXHAUSTED, but it was great spending time with our family. This week is the week of my birthday. Yes, I know that I said that this week is my birthday. I have decided that instead of celebrating for one day, I am going to celebrate for the whole week. My Dad likes to point out that it was this way since the day I was born since I was born the day Mt. Saint Helens erupted and it has been spewing ash and rumbling for a week. Historically, I am a all week kind of girl. I am very excited! Well, enough of my jabbering for now! Have a great week!

Update but no Pics

OK, so Nonie had her port put in on Monday. This is supposed to prevent them from having to stick her everytime they do the chemo or give her meds. She came through that surgery fine and we are all VERY thankful for that! She begins Chemo next Thursday (5/31), so we are all ready to get that started so that she can be done with it all! Other than that, there hasn't been a whole lot going on at the Humphrey house. I got my grades back in my 1st two classes, I got an 'A' in Managerial Accounting and a 'B' in World Economics. Boy, am I THRILLED to have those 2 classes behind me! I am really looking forward to the long weekend this weekend. Kevin and I will both be off on Memorial Day which will be FANTASTIC. I guess his Monday, Tuesday off days are good for something. I am glad that we will get to spend a whole day off together. We are supposed to go to his parents for the day. I think that Kev and I will probably wind up shoveling rocks and doing landscaping but that is fine with me, as long as we can scoop together, I am cool! Hmm, well I guess that is about it. My birthday is coming up, June 8, I can't believe that I am going to be 27, I don't FEEL that old. Oh well, that's life I guess. Talk to you guys soon! Ciao!

Nonie Update

Ok, so yesterday Nonie finally made it through the barrage of surgeons, doctors, respiratory specialists and other medical staff and there is now a course of action for her treatment. They were thinking of doing a laprasopic (sp) thing where they go in and zap the spot on her lung but when they did a PET scan last week, there are now 2 spots instead of just the 1 that was there originally. Sooo, now the plan is to treat her with chemo. She will be on a 3 week cycle, meaning that she will get a treatment every 3 weeks. She goes back next week to set up the cycle and hopefully, treatments will begin soon! Please keep her and our family in your prayers and pray for healing. She has A LOT of living left to do, we want her around for a LONG time more! Thanks guys, have a great weekend! Ciao!!!!!!

Update

Hello all, I am still alive and well! I don't have a whole lot to update everyone on, I have been really busy lately with Grad School exams and trying to get my house clean for a Pampered Chef party that was at my house on Saturday. (If anyone needs anything Pampered Chef....let me know!) I have 1 exam left and then I am DONE for this semester! YEAH!!!!!!! Well, that is about all, I will try to do better about keeping everyone updated! Have a great Monday!

100 Things

Ok, I stole this from Candi's blog. What can I say, I am a little bored! 100 Things You May Not Have Known About Me...

1. What is the last alcoholic beverage you drank?I had a glass of white wine with a college friend about 3 weeks ago. I don’t really drink.
2. Do you follow college football? Yes….Roll Tide!!!! (sorry Kevin)
3. Who took this survey before you? I stole it from Candi’s website
4. Who was the last person to send you a text message? Meagan, a girl from my Grad School Economics class.
5. Last time you went swimming in a pool? Last summer
6. Are you happy? VERY happy!
7. Where was the last place you went shopping? Target
8. How do you feel about your hair? Yes, right now it is too long, but normally, yes, I like it.
9. Where do you live? Helena, Alabama
10. Last thing you ate? Digorno Microwave Pizza (I forgot to pack a lunch this AM, had to grab from the Emergency “Lauren forgot to pack her lunch” section of our freezer)
11. Do you wish you were some place else right now? Home, with Kevin and the puppies.
12. Last time you were kissed? This morning before I left for work.
13. Do you have any expensive jewelry? Stupid question! Yep.
14. AIM or MSN? Neither, I don’t really us IM anymore…in college though…AIM.
15. What classes are you taking now? Boring Grad School classes: Managerial Accounting and World Economics
16. How many hours on average do you work a week? 44-48
17. What's your favorite TV show? Jon and Kate plus 8, Days of Our Lives
18. How many kids do you want? Probably 2, or however many it takes to have a girl
19. Do you watch the Olympics? When I am home and they are on.
20. Sing in the car? Oh, no, never, not me….;)
21. Who was the last person to call you? Kevin
22. What's your sign? Gemini
23. Do you have a favorite number? 12
24. Last time you did volunteer work or made any donation? hmm, maybe a month and a half ago.
25. What do you spend the majority of your money on? Cars and the house
26. Where does most of your family live? Decatur
27. Do you have any siblings? Nope, none biological…but I call Gina my sister and her kids my niece and nephew
28. Ever been called a hoe/slut? Not that I am aware of, I am a good girl!
29. Ever been called a bitch? I am sure I have.
30. Got any guilty pleasures? Massages, Manicures and Pedicures
31. Favorite kind of beer? I don’t really drink, occasionally, on a REALLY hot summer day after I have been outside I like a sip or two of an ICE COLD Budlight, but my total bear drinking is MAYBE 2 per year.
32. Have you ever experienced true love? Yes
33. Did you ever collect Beanie Babies? Yep, have TONS of them in containers in the attic.
34. There is not a question listed for this one...
35. Myspace or Facebook? I have Myspace, but I don’t really use it.
36. Yahoo or Gmail? neither.
37. What was your favorite subject?Marketing
38. Do you sometimes wish you were someone else? I don’t wish that I was someone else, I sometimes wonder why other people seem to have it so easy…but I LOVE my life!
39. Fall for the bad guys or girls? Not anymore!
40. Favorite movie? Hmm, this list would be long, it changes a lot. Lately: Cars
41. Last time you saw your parents? Easter
42. Do you have any talents? I am sure I do…who knows?
43. Ever been in a wedding? 7
44. Do you have any children? Not yet, but hopefully headed that way soon!
45. Last movie you watched? In the theater: I love my wife. At home: Davinci Code
46. Are you missing anyone at the moment? Kevin and my family in N. Alabama
47. Did you take a nap today? Nope
48. What kind of car do you drive? 05 Ford Explorer (Monday – Thursday) and 2007 Saturn Sky (Friday – Sunday)
49. Ever been on a cruise? Yep
50. Favorite vacation spot? Sandals
51. Favorite genre of music? 80s, 90s, Pop Rock, Broadway, (Some) Country, I like a lot.
52. Do you have any hot friends? Of course, ALL my friends are hot!
53. Ever met anyone famous before? President Bush in college.
54. Favorite actor? Tom Hanks
55. Favorite Actress? Reese Witherspoon
56. Are you multi-tasking right now? Yep
57. Could you handle being in the military? NOPE!!!!!!
58. Are you hungry or thirsty?Thirsty
59. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chick Fil A and Back Yard Burger
60. Favorite Nightclub? (bar)None
61. What is your average cell phone bill? $35-40, YEAH for Police discount
62. Do you own a camera phone? Yep
63. Ever had to take a sobriety test? Well, I am married to a cop, so yeah, just for fun. But I haven’t ever HAD to take one.
64. Most expensive speeding ticket? Again, married to a cop, never had a speeding ticket.
65. Can you speak any other languages? Nope, I took Spanish in HS and College, but I don’t remember a lot of it
66. Last time you went to the gym or worked out? Ran on the treadmill about a week ago.
67. How many pairs of shoes do you own? I haven’t counted in a while but at last count about 94
68. Which image uploading website do you use? Photobucket
69. Last place you were at? Home I guess. I don’t really understand the question.
70. Ever been to Las Vegas? Nope
71. Ever been to Mexico for spring break? Nope
72. Have you ever bought a hermit crab? Nope
73. Ever deleted a question off of a quiz? Nope
74. What do you think is your best feature? Chest area (a little crude I know, but it is the only thing about me that I DON’T want to change)
75. Have you ever been gambling? Not really, I have played the slots, but nothing big!
76. Last show you saw on/off Broadway? Mama Mia 2 weeks ago. Kevin got us tickets for our anniversary
77. Ever been deep sea fishing? Nope.
78. Do you have your wisdom teeth?Yep
79. Favorite place to be? With Kevin and my family.
80. Have you ever been to New York City?Yep.
81. Favorite sit down resturant? Ruth’s Chris or Chilis
82. Ever been to Disney Land/World? I have been to Disney World, but not Disney Land
83. Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Tinkerbell
84. Last thing you cooked? We had breakfast for dinner last night so I made from scratch biscuits, and from scratch sausage gravy….YUMMY!!!!!
85. How is the weather today? Perfect!
86. Do you e-mail? Yes!
87. Last letter/piece of mail you received besides junk or a bill? Thank you note from a friend for a little dress I made.
88. Favorite store? Pottery Barn and Target.
89. What's your ideal car? BMW X5 (that is my next car!)
90. Last voicemail you received? From a buyer of a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetliner
91. Do you drunk dial? Nope.
92. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? Nothing that I know of.
93. Favorite band? Hmm, Bishop Black (check out their website: www.bishopblack.com)
94. Last time you were sick? About a month ago I guess
95. Do you dance?Stupid question! Of course I do.
96. Last concert you went to? Wow, it has been a while!
97. Ready for the weekend? You have NO idea!
98. What did you do last night? Had dinner with Kev, hung out and went to bed!

I don't know what happened to 99 and 100

In case you (or someone you know) is interested

Many of you know my best friend Gina. Well, she has began breeding Collies. They have a website: http://www.guardianangelcollies.com. If you, or anyone that you know, is interested in getting one, please contact them. These dogs are GREAT! I had a fantastic time playing with them the last time that I was home. They are SUPER cute and are great with her kiddos.

A picture or two to hold you over.

This is not a very good picture...the flowers have actually gone crazy since this picture was taken, but you get the point...yeah for Spring time flowers!!!!! Next, a few pictures from Easter...Our nephews, Brock and Davis And last, but not least, Kevin and I after church. I promise, Kevin was not in a bad mood, we just had to take this picture like 4 times because the sun was so bright...Have you noticed a trend? All the boys (even Kevin's brother, Chris, even though I didn't post a picture) has on seersucker? So cute...yeah!!! Well, that is all for now! Ciao!

Still Kickin'

Hey all, not a lot going on. I have been horrible about updating! I promise, I will update some this weekend. Kevin and I are doing well, we had a great (but very busy) Easter weekend. Talk to you guys later!

Gatlinburg Pics!

Pictures from our trip.... This is an outside picture of our cabin, Cute as a Bear. The next 3 are from the Ripley's Aquarium. Notice the sign. Kevin and I went to the "Peddler" for dinner...it was (as usual) fantastic! We also went to the "Star Cars" Museum and they had "Ecto1" from the Ghostbusters movie. Of course, Kevin had to have his picture made with it. This should come as no surprise to most of you who know Kevin! Finally, we had a caricature done...too funny!

Well, that is enough for now...Time to get back to studying! Ciao!