new venture.

Well my friends, it's official. Great thanks to the boldness received from the One and Only, I jumped, leaped, dove blindfolded, feet first, head first, what have you, into a new venture this weekend. Anyone want to guess what that venture is?! (chirp, chirp) No? Okay, I'll just go ahead and tell you then...

Yesterday kicked off my very first "professional" photo shoot. You know, the one where they actually pay you? YIPPEE SKIPPEE! I'm living the dream, people! Well, not quite. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Lauren. I am not really sure where this endeavor is going to take me, but I am excited to make the trek, trusting God and hanging on tight. Three simple words that I keep reciting over and over, as I am still in shock and awe that my dream is actually becoming a reality: THANK YOU, LORD. I owe it all to Him.

I started a new blog to document a few of my favorites from each shoot and share them with the families. It is a very no-fuss, no-frills kind of a blog, as I am hoping to get a website up and running sooner rather than later. If you would like to take a look or support me by becoming a follower, click here. I hope you all enjoy! Big thanks to all who have prayed with me and encouraged me over the past few months. I couldn't have done this without you! 

XO.

survivor.

This is a long overdue post, as the month of October is coming to a rapid close. As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I wanted to honor my sweet mom, who is a breast cancer survivor of almost 12 years. I can’t even begin to express in words how this horrible disease affected her and our family, but I can tell you about how strong my mother is and how amazing our God is. Jesus has many names, but has proved to be our mighty Physician, our family’s Healer through and through. Thank you, Lord, for restoring her body back to Your original design. We praise You for Your healing hand and ability to work all things together for the good.

Mom, you are beautiful. Mom, you are special. Mom, you are a fighter. Mom, you are a conqueror. Mom, you are resilient. Mom, you are dedicated. Mom, you are faithful. I admire you and am thankful to be able to tell you this today. This month you are esteemed and remembered. You are a testament for those who lack hope. You are a survivor. I love you.

XOXO.

fall time, fun time, fam time.

A wonderful weekend, it was. The Moore family arrived in town Friday evening and we could not have been more excited to see them. We dined on a delicious home cooked meal, prepared by the one-and-only Shug, hung around to play catch-up, and headed home after Bennett hit the sack.  

With cooler weather, it is finally starting to feel like Fall down South. And to take delight in the lower temps, the crew took Bennett to Old Baker Farm in Harpersville on Saturday morning. From the sound of it, this little one had a blast. John went hunting, I slept in, and started my day by baking blueberry and chocolate chip muffins. Delish! Our friend Jason came to town for a morning of shopping, so he and his daughter Harper stopped by the condo to visit for a bit before we all headed over to the Bryants to watch football and fellowship!

I could gobble this sweet girl up!

What about the other little one, you ask? I couldn’t get enough of baby William. He is the sweetest baby boy and I was so excited to finally get to hold him and love on him. Lea and Bradley are so blessed with two beautiful boys. I have loved watching Bennett grow up over the past (almost) two years. I can’t wait to see William’s personality sprout too. I am in awe of God’s gift of life. Here are some pics of the pint-sized bean:

Look at that grip! He was huuuungry.

Meeting Mama Jean for the first time.

...and Grandaddy.

I can't leave out what Bennett was up to! 

Loves his crackers—on the tractor, of course.

We loved having Bradley, Lea, Bennett, and William in town this weekend. Time definitely flew, but it was oh so precious. There is nothing like good ole family time. 

happy birthday to shug.

Happy Birthday to my amazing mother-in-law, Pam. She has the biggest servant's heart of anyone I know. Her generosity, kindness, tenderness, love, and warmth is felt by all. Today we celebrate her with thanks and gratitude for all that she does for us. We love you, Shug, and cannot wait to celebrate with you and the family this weekend!

Mention: I have been working on her birthday gift for roughly a month now and I am soooo excited about it. Stay tuned for the big reveal! 

featured.

I am so excited to announce that my in-law's barn and kitchen are featured in an 18 page spread in Southern Lady Magazine's Special  Collector's "Holidays" issue, on stands today until January 2012. Be sure to check it out!

If you're interested in ordering, click here. 

birth day.

A couple of weeks ago I posted only one picture of the newest addition to our family—baby William Moore. To say that I took only one picture is an understatement. I was honored to capture the happenings of our nephew's birthday. Here are a handful from that amazing day:

Waiting patiently for Bradley.

Big Brother.

Here comes the proud papa!

Dying to hear whether it was a boy or a girl...

IT'S A BOY!!!

HAHA. Love the reactions. We were all SURE that William was going to be a girl!

We then got the go-ahead to go to the room to see Lea and William.

How beautiful is Lea right after childbirth?!

Moments later, Uncle Dave, Nana, and Lea and Bradley's sweet friends, Cam and Luke arrived at the hospital.

Nana and Uncle Dave finding out that it's a BOY!

Three generations.

Nana is so lucky she got to hold William!

Pops too!

William was three weeks early, so the nurses wanted to take him from the room to monitor him.

Saying goodbye to the little bit. 

Aunt patty then showed up—all the way from Daphne!

Peeping through the glass. 

Bradley visiting with his little man.

My last picture before we said goodbye. 

Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to hold and spend time with this precious bambino. Lea and William are home and doing great. I'm dying to "officially" meet baby William. Hopefully it will be sometime this month!

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! Mine was just that. I went to the the Women's ReCreate Conference at Church of the Highlands Friday and Saturday. It was absolutely amazing! I fell in love with Jesus all over again. Christine Caine from Hillsong Church in Australia and Kerri Weems from Celebration Church in Florida were the key speakers and their messages spoke straight to my heart. Good times were made with my fellow sisters in Christ. God is good. I cannot wait until next year!