My happy little {simple} life

P365: Day 24 - Out, please?

2011-01-24T23:55:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 24 - Out, please?, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 23 - Football

2011-01-23T23:23:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 23 - Football, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Football isn't normally watched at our house. I don't like it and Ben usually doesn't watch sports on tv. Today, however, he decided to watch it and enjoyed doing so. It was nice to see him do something other than play his online game, even if it was just him watching another type of game.

P365: Day 22 - Weekend Arsenal

2011-01-22T19:53:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 22 - Weekend Arsenal, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 21 - Cold Winter Day

2011-01-21T22:52:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 21 - Cold Winter Day, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Of winter's lifeless world each treeNow seems a perfect part;Yet each one holds summer's secretDeep down within its heart.-Charles G. Stater

Casual Friday - 5 Highlights from this past week

2011-01-21T12:01:00.002-05:00

1. Lazy kind of week Ben's back has been really bothering him lately, I'm coming down with something (have had a low grade fever and felt yucky the last few days), and the pups have been extra lazy all week. We've been doing a little bit of this: and a whole lot of this:2. New International Delight creamer flavor: Almond Joy I'm sad that I can't get Marshmallow Mocha any longer, but I just

P365: Day 20 - Isolated

2011-01-20T18:33:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 20 - Isolated, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 19 - Reminder To Myself

2011-01-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 19 - Reminder To Myself, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 18 - All ready for snow, but it's raining

2011-01-18T18:57:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 18 - All ready for snow, but it's raining, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.The weatherman predicted snow for today, so Tank and Lucy were ready. Instead, it ended up raining all day.As a side note, Tank's scarf is a very special scarf. It's the one we brought him home in when he was a puppy. (It was Ben's, but transferred ownership that day.) It's hard to believe he used to be

P365: Day 17 - Lazy Day

2011-01-17T18:28:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 17 - Lazy Day, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 16 - Mistake

2011-01-16T16:39:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 16 - Mistake, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Today, Ben and I made a quick run to the store to grab dog food and coffee creamer. We should have known not to go while both of us were hungry. Bad mistake. Bad, bad, bad mistake! At least we had a $2 coupon, right?! ;)

P365: Day 15 - One tired pup

2011-01-15T20:24:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 15 - One tired pup, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.It's hard work playing with one ducky. It's even harder work playing with two!

P365: Day 14 - Date Day

2011-01-14T20:20:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 14 - Date Day, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Friday night is normally "date night" for Ben and I. Today, however, we decided to do "date day", instead. We did some running around and had lunch out. This picture (and several others) was taken as we were headed out. I think Ben actually took this one. However, it was the best out of all we took, so I'm using it as today's photo

Casual Friday - 5 Highlights

2011-01-14T18:07:00.000-05:00

5 highlights from this past week... 1. Answered prayer! On Tuesday of this past week a prayer was answered. It wasn't just simply or quietly answered, either. This time, God answered it in a big, loud, booming voice. There was no misinterpreting or misunderstanding. The answer was a definite "NO!" (Not no in a bad way. At least not for me. Just no.) 2. Lots of laughter and fun on Sunday Just

P365: Day 13 - Duck Love

2011-01-13T18:24:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 13 - Duck Love, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Dear Brad,Thank you for the duck toy you sent me for Christmas. Butterfly! I love my ducky sooo much. Squirrel! Ducky has a hole now. Bone! I borrow Tank's ducky. Got an iiiiiitch! Tank's ducky is almost as fun as mine. Daddy's home!!!! So, thanks for the duckies. Please send more.... Chewy!!!!!Slobber face kisses,LucyMailman!!

P365: Day 12 - Lap Dog

2011-01-12T20:25:00.002-05:00

P365: Day 11 - Lap Dog, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 11 - Contemplating the snow

2011-01-11T18:52:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 11 - Contemplating the snow, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 10 - Today

2011-01-10T19:01:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 10 - Today, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Today's agenda:1. ID renewal for me2. Ben's doctor appointment 3. McDonald's for lunchIt was easiest for me to take a picture while in the car today (with Ben driving, of course).

P365: Day 9 - Goodbye Christmas!

2011-01-09T18:55:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 9 - Goodbye Christmas!, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Ben and I spent the day taking down the Christmas tree and packing up all the decorations. We prolonged it as long as we could. It's actually early for us this year.My thoughts as we were doing this were bittersweet, to say the least. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking of the wonderful memories we made with family this

P365: Day 8 - 12°F

2011-01-08T22:26:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 8 - 12°F, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 7 - Faux berries (in the snow)

2011-01-07T19:11:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 7 - Faux berries (in the snow), originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

Casual Friday - 5 Things

2011-01-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

Dawn from Dawn by Design has started a new Friday blog meme called Casual Friday. I'm very excited about playing along because it gives me extra incentive to post more often! If you'd like to read more about it, you can do so here: Casual Friday 5 blogs that have inspired me this week: 1. Dog Photographer Erin Vey 2. Paper Heart Camera 3. The Bonnie 5 4. Shutter Sisters 5.

P365: Day 6 - Weathered

2011-01-06T20:53:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 6 - Weathered, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 5 - Sweetness

2011-01-05T20:25:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 5 - Sweetness, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.

P365: Day 4 - Happy memories last forever.

2011-01-04T17:03:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 4 - Happy memories last forever., originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.My morning coffee. Have I mentioned lately just how much I love my new Bunn coffee maker that Ben got me for Christmas? I seriously, seriously, seriously love it big bunches!No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you... that TN coffee mug isn't orange and white. I'm not thrilled with today's picture, but it'll have

P365: Day 3 - Missing Ashley

2011-01-03T14:06:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 3 - Missing Ashley, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Tank has been in Ashley's bed (at our house) ever since she left to go back home. He misses her so much anytime she leaves! He normally runs from the camera, but let me take several pics of him today. I think it was his way of sending a "picture postcard" to Ash. ;)

P365: Day 2 - Dirty Nose

2011-01-02T15:59:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 2 - Dirty Nose, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Lucy's nose after being outside to play. I'm beginning to think she'll never have a clean nose...

P365: Day 1 - Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T20:15:00.001-05:00

P365: Day 1 - Happy New Year!, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.I've been wanting to do Project 365 for a couple of years now and decided this was the year. Wish me luck! It should be interesting keeping up because of our upcoming move to Alaska, but I'm going to make it work. I just might have a whole lot of uploading to do after we've gotten settled in. No biggie, right? It shouldn't be too

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

2010-12-31T20:46:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how quickly 2010 has come and gone... and, if I'm to be completely honest, I'd have to add that I'm not quite ready for 2011 to be here. If only I could stop the hands of time... Normally I'm not one to make a list of New Year's resolutions. However, this year, in an effort to get my priorities in line, I'm doing just that. Kind of. My list is more like a list of re-evaluated

Today's Advice

2010-12-05T18:40:00.000-05:00

When life hands you no heat, make pumpkin bread!... it helps heat the house and makes it smell very yummy! (Top that with homemade turkey noodle soup and having no heat isn't quite so bad!) :)

Wish you were here!

2010-12-04T22:38:00.001-05:00

“Whether the weather be fine, Whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold, Whether the weather be hot, We'll weather the weather, Whatever the whether, Whether we like it or not” - Author Unknown It's going to be a very long, cold weekend... It's snowing. Our heat went out earlier today. Maintenance came to the house to take a look at it, but can't fix it until late Monday evening

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!

2010-11-29T12:45:00.002-05:00

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas at our house! While we were at Wal-Mart yesterday we picked up some ScentSicles. (Are these new? We'd never seen them before.) They only had White Pine and Blue Spruce. We bought White Pine to try, but liked both. It was a hard decision! ScentSicles are little scented ornaments to hang on your artificial tree to make them smell real. We were feeling

Mr. Jolly Holiday makes a public appearance

2010-11-28T23:02:00.003-05:00

One would think that Mr. Jolly Holiday wasn't too happy due to the lack of a smile in this picture, but I can assure you he was, indeed, very happy today! (He just needs a little more practice taking self portraits! lol) Yes, he really did wear the Santa hat everywhere we went today. Yes, he got some looks, grins, and giggles. No, he didn't care about "the looks"! Todays itinerary consisted of:

So Pretty!

2010-11-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

New pic of Ash that I stole from her facebook page (she took this while at work, I think). I can do that and get away with it because I'm her mother! lol... I may be a little biased, but isn't she pretty? I think she should wear pink more often... pink is definitely a good color on her!

Please tell me...

2010-11-23T21:22:00.010-05:00

Just how in the world does a girl who loves polka dots and shoes resist the urge to shop when seeing such cuteness as these?!?or these:and these:and these, too!:Cause seriously, it's really hard not to click on the purchase link after seeing these... and, I need more shoes like I need a hole in my head! (Not to mention I'd totally wear them just to clean house, if for no other reason!)

Mosaic Monday {This Week's ♥'s}

2010-10-18T13:29:00.001-04:00

This Week's ♥'s, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Credits:1. { b r e a t h e }, 2. Nature's Number 6, 3. Baby Boo, 4. Still life, 5. 103/365: My Favorite Candle, 6. Mini apples, 7. Coziness, 8. <3, 9. Goodbye summerThis week I'm loving...-Open windows and fresh air-Changing leaves-Single digits (Ben will be home soon!)-Fall scented candles-White pumpkins-Apple anything

Fading Roses

2010-10-16T13:32:00.001-04:00

Fading Roses, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.The roses may fade, but not the love with which they were given...I've started separating the last of the flowers Ben surprised me with last week. These are the last two roses. I'm actually amazed that they've lasted this long. The countdown has begun until Ben is home and we're now into the single digits. Only 8 more days!

Mosaic Monday {Tennessee Tribute}

2010-10-11T13:41:00.005-04:00

Tennessee Tribute, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Credits:1. Hunter Museum of American Art at the Tennessee River, 2. country road, 3. Delta Queen, 4. Tennessee Barn Scene, 5. Chattanooga, Tn. Aquarium, 6. Cherohala Skyway, 7. Clock at River Gallery, 8. Cherokee Corners, 9. Hunter Museum of American Art, 10. Ol' Dirty, 11. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 12. Perhaps the Tax Day Tea Party

Just Because He Loves Me

2010-10-08T23:42:00.003-04:00

Just Because He Loves Me, originally uploaded by Lauren Faczan.Gorgeous flowers that Ben surprised me with this afternoon. The card said "Just because. I love ya!" I seriously have the best husband in the whole world! Just one more reason I love him so much! ♥

It's FootVOL time in Rocky Top Tennessee!!!

2010-09-04T11:13:00.001-04:00

I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm a whole lot homesick this weekend!

Persnickety Prints Designer of the Month

2010-08-10T17:47:00.001-04:00

A month FULL of FUN with ALL 23 Designers from Polka Dot Plum!Join us for the PERFECT AUGUST PICNIC!Details Here

On the road again!

2010-07-30T11:47:00.003-04:00

In a few short hours we'll be leaving the house heading to Nashville. Ben is driving me there to meet up with my daughter, Ashley. From there, Ash & I will be heading back to Chattanooga for the night. Then, it's up at 4:00 a.m. to make the long drive to Miami to visit my brother and sister-in-law. I'm so excited I can barely contain myself! I'm taking my laptop and am going to try to post during

2010-07-06T16:54:00.005-04:00

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. - Ada Louise HuxtableI'm leaving in the morning to go home for 7 days. There's nothing better than "home sweet home therapy" coupled with sweet summertime. All will be

#23 & Counting ... ♥

2010-07-03T11:54:00.012-04:00

Newest pics of my daughter, Ashley, and her boyfriend Brad taken about a week ago. I love getting new pics. They make me smile... and smiling is good! :)

"I am no hero"

2009-07-14T23:29:00.005-04:00

It's been much too long since I've blogged. It's my hope to pick back up and blog on a more regular basis. We shall see...Today I received a noteworthy email from my best guy friend who is currently deployed to Iraq, again. This particular email was sent to all of his family and friends, at the same time, in an attempt to save time. With his permission, I'm adding it here. The email reads:I am

One Thought

2009-01-31T09:04:00.004-05:00

I have but one thought this morning...I. am. so. glad. these. 3. weeks. are. finally. coming. to. an. end.!!!Weather permitting, Ben will be flying home this evening. Sure, I've missed my husband something fierce and will be extremely happy to have him home. However, can I just say, without sounding a bit too whiney, that these 3 weeks have been very difficult ones for me, so I will be more than

Spot On

2009-01-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

MY result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...You Are an Audrey! You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace" Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them. How to Get Along with Me * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or

Pieces of Me (Mosaic)

2008-09-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

How neat is this?!? I stumbled upon another 'blog game' and just had to play! Want to play, too? If so, here's how:First, you answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses after each question):1. What is your first name? (Lauren) 2. What is your favorite food? (Italian) 3. What high school did you attend? (Chattanooga Central High School) 4. What is your favorite

What is a Military Wife?

2008-09-28T12:21:00.003-04:00

In my inbox this morning and (I feel) worth saving (and repeating) in my blog... "What is a MILITARY Wife?"A Military wife can be tough to describe.She is a Southern belle, a Northeastern Metsfan, a California 3rd generation recycler, aPacific Islander or even European.She is short or tall.A tomboy.A fashion diva.A physician's assistant.A Republican.A Democrat...A Military Wife is a career gal.A

Twenty Wishes

2008-09-15T09:53:00.004-04:00

What a wonderful morning! God is good and I'm very blessed! We're very blessed!... Period. Paragraph. Last week, in between time at the hospital, doctor visits, and resting at home, I finished one of the books my mother got me for my birthday. The book I read is Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber. Great book! (Thanks, Mom!) To read a description and excerpt of Twenty Wishes click HERE.Reading this

Update on Ben

2008-09-13T12:35:00.004-04:00

Ben had a doctor visit two days ago and has to schedule an MRI. We'll be making that appointment on Monday. For now, he's resting at home (and feeling as if he's catching a cold, does it ever end?!?), and I'm doing my best to keep him comfortable and take care of him.

Huge Scare

2008-09-10T11:48:00.003-04:00

Ben gave me quite a scare two nights ago...He started having chest pains (which we both thought might be a panic attack) and we decided that I'd take him to the hospital. I went to change and by the time I returned he was hurting so much that he couldn't get off the floor. Since he was upstairs, I knew there was no way I could carry him downstairs by myself, so I called for an ambulance. They

Designer Spotlight

2008-09-07T10:25:00.005-04:00

The Scrap Orchard monthly newsletter just came out this morning. Amy and I were 2 of 3 designers spotlighted in this month's newsletter. Below is my interview: Brief Autobio (i.e. work, family, location, age, etc.)I’m a 42 year old, very happily married, Army wife. My husband and I currently live at Ft. Knox in KY with our two extremely spoiled boxer dogs, Tank & Lucy. I have one 20 year old

Just b-r-e-a-t-h-e!

2008-09-06T23:56:00.006-04:00

My copy of Show It Off!: Scrapbook Pages And Projects To Display that I ordered a few days ago arrived this afternoon. I started reading it while dinner was in the oven. There are so many wonderful ideas in this book and it's full of eye candy... so much, in fact, I had a hard time putting it down when the oven timer went off! I can't wait to try some of these things, but I have a feeling it

August Roundup

2008-09-05T11:28:00.008-04:00

It's very rainy and yucky outside this morning. I suppose I can't complain too much, since we've had no rain for weeks. It sure does make me want to crawl back in bed with a good book, though. I've got a couple of new books I haven't started yet. Sure is tempting! August Roundup:What books and/or magazines did I read this month?My newest Country Living magazine, as always. I also found two more

Happy (Extremely Belated) Birthday to Me!

2008-09-04T11:40:00.008-04:00

Two years ago, I received a Target gift certificate as part of my birthday present from my parents. A few days later I couldn't find it after tearing the house apart, and wrote it off as being lost forever. Last week, while sorting through boxes of photos, cards, and letters in an attempt to get organized and reclaim a closet, I found the gift certificate... two years later! I immediately called

One Word: Creamer

2008-09-03T00:00:00.005-04:00

It's late and I can't sleep, yet again. I've been reading through some of my favorite blogs, clicking on links and discovering new blogs, and just came across this questionaire/blog quiz. Seeing as how my body is very tired, but my brain won't let me sleep (or maybe it's the other way around? I can't decide!), this should be fun! ;) The rules? Answer each question with only one word... and ONLY

July Roundup (very late!)

2008-08-19T12:11:00.007-04:00

Better late than never, right? I'm determined to start writing and keeping this blog updated (again), and figured this would be a good start. Just... write... something. Anything. Years ago, a friend of mine suggested this same thing when I was in a writing rut. So, anything it is. Here goes...July Roundup Questions: What books and/or magazines did I read this month?My newest Country Living

January Desktop Wallpaper

2008-01-15T12:57:00.001-05:00

This is my desktop wallpaper this month. Those are my furbabies, Tank & Lucy, in the photo on the right. Are those two cute faces or what?!? (Minus the drool-sicles, of course!) Desktop wallpaper courtesy of Shabby Princess Designs

December Roundup (Late Again!)

2008-01-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?During the month of December I continued reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. I'm currently reading the 7th book in the series, Seven Up. I can certainly say, after getting addicted to this series, Janet Evanovich has worked her way up to the top of my favorite author list and is now my #1 favorite. The number of times that I

November Roundup (Very late!)

2007-12-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, eh? What books and/or magazines did I read this month?This month I started reading the Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich that my mother loaned me while we were visiting for Thanksgiving. To date, I've read One for the Money and Two for the Dough. I'm currently reading Three to Get Deadly. I'm hooked!What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?I'm sure I did

October Roundup

2007-11-02T09:08:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe it's been so long since I last wrote anything in this blog! Where does the time go?October Roundup Questions (& Answers):What books and/or magazines did I read this month?As always, I read the newest Country Living magazine. I also found (& read) an Oprah magazine in my stacks of mags that I never had a chance to read, and had forgotten about.What movies and/or tv shows did I

September Roundup

2007-10-09T16:15:00.000-04:00

If you'd like more information about the monthly roundup, you can find details on Katie's blog. I've just now read about it, myself, and am going to make a serious effort to do this monthly. Roundup Questions:What books and/or magazines did I read this month?During the month of September I read Country Living Magazine (as always, if possible), but no books.Doesn't that cake on the front cover

Early Autumn Goodness

2007-09-28T09:26:00.000-04:00

After several yucky, rainy days, it looks as if we're going to have a beautiful day. Perhaps today will be the day I can get some painting done. (I've got several pieces of furniture I want to paint for myself, in addition to a chair for Ash.)My soon-not-to-be neighbors appear to be clearing housing this morning. Good. Good riddance! Normally, I'm not so hateful, but these particular neighbors

Coming Soon!

2007-09-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

...To a browser near you.