The Fry's

{ Organized Mess }

2011-08-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had one goal... to organize the laundry room and our closet. I have been reading my friend's blog, and she is super crafty, thrifty and inspiring! See for yourself, here!

Well she was my inspiration for wanting to be organized. Plus, she gave me the "tools" to do so. In this blog post, she gives you steps on how to successfully organize! Check it out. It will change.your.life. No, seriously!

Soooo without further ado I will give you my before and after pics of the laundry room:

Before:

I did just like she instructed! Before pics: check. Take everything out of the room and put in organized piles: check. Clean the shelves: check. Purchase some sassy baskets (on sale. at Target.): check. -- Give the appearance of organized mess: check. :) Pat myself on the back: check. Have the hubs pat me on the back: check. Send the pics to mom so she could pat me on the back: check. What? So I like to be patted on the back every once in while. :)

Ahem... anyway...

TAAAAAADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA:

My favorite parts are the hints of green!!! That was a perfect accident!

I apologize... I know the pictures aren't super great -- they were taken from my phone.

I will post the pictures of the closet soon, I'm just not 100% satisfied with it just yet.

Go to my friends blog and show her some love. It's great. You can thank me later! :)

Thanks for reading!
-Lauren

Glee song

2011-03-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

I love this song. Sometimes this is exactly how I feel -- in a song. I always have the best intentions but sometimes it doesn't work out the way I saw it in my head. Thank you Glee for giving me a song that I can just bust out and sing at the top of my lungs -- this past Tuesday you did not disappoint.

Enjoy.

-Lauren

The Dubya Teeth

2010-09-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

So I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted this past Friday. Super painful. I have also decided that coming out of anesthesia is one of the weirdest feelings ever. One minute you're awake talking to the nurse about your perfume... the next minute you think the painting on the wall in front of you is moving and all you hear is "No one else on Earth" by Wynonna Judd.

Here is the rundown:

1. I will probably never eat any sort of pudding for the rest of my life.

2. I am not a fan of not being able to sleep at night. I can't lay my head flat so it's not so fun to sleep upright. :(

3. I have decided that I would rather "wait" out the pain then have to eat a "quickie" snack A.K.A. pudding at 3:30 in the morning just to take another pain pill.

4. Although my jaw and mouth hurt super bad, my cheeks were unimpressive and not really swollen. Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed.

5. I didn't really do anything all that funny except the following: while laying my head back in the car after the procedure and with the ice packs on, Aaron looked over at me and I was moving my feet and humming along to "Mine" by Taylor Swift; I saw an almost nonexistent plane flying in some clouds in the far distance and argued with Aaron that it existed; I kept saying "I am not sure what to do with my tongue" (because it was numb); when we got to Walgreens to drop off my prescriptions, I tapped Aaron on the shoulder and said "Hey, psst, hey, psssssst, excuse me -- we can wait for the prescription if you want..."; and finally when we got home I asked Aaron "Hey did you already call all my peeps?"

6. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband. He took such amazing care of me. He made many trips to the store so that I could have some variety in my mushy foods -- because like I said I will not ever eat pudding again. He made all of my meals and snacks and still had to make dinner for himself. The reason why my cheeks didn't swell very much is because he was awesome at making me wear my ice packs 20 minutes every hour (yes, my cheeks may be a bit chapped; but the weren't huge.) He had to work yesterday; but called to make sure I was awake to take my medicine and do my salt rinses. To top it off... he came home with beautiful pink daisies! :) I am one blessed woman!

Here is a picture for everyone... blemishes and all.:) (This was right after I got home and was still a little drowsy from the anesthesia. This was seriously as swollen as my cheeks got... I know. Unimpressive.)

2010 so far...

2010-04-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here are the great things I have enjoyed about 2010! :)

In February, Aaron and I met my mom and sister in Dallas for Jord's National Cheerleading Competition. Also while in Dallas we celebrated mom's 50th birthday. (Shhh she's really only 48, but don't tell her!) Here are some pics...

On March 6, Aaron and I participated in the "Race Against Domestic Violence" 5K. It is put on every year by the Houston Women's Center. This is our second year to race. I placed 3rd in my age group! I was super surprised! It was pretty exciting! Definitely a highlight! I won this cute plaque that was created by child.

Also, in March we were invited with some friends to sit in the 6th row at the Famous Houston Rodeo! The entertainer that night was Darius Rucker! He is a great performer! He performs his new country songs as well as old Hootie songs! The red picture is of him singing "Let Her Cry."

My dad, Dina, Noelle and Beau drove 18 hours from Florida to come visit us! They were able to see our new house! :) The week was filled with a trip to the IMAX to learn about the Hubble Telescope, trip to this awesome park that is huge in Houston but new to me -- it's called Hermann Park, a trip to the zoo, great golf for dad and Aaron, GREAT food if I do say so myself :), plenty of fun and good times! Here are just a few pics...

Another excitement for 2010 is all the blooming going on in my new yard! It is so great to walk out in my yard and discover a new plant that is budding. My roses are absolutely breathtaking! They are the biggest roses I have ever seen! We actually have roses that are red AND PURPLE!!! And they are HUGE! :) So great! Enjoy...

After a rough 2009... 2010 is starting out pretty great... I am excited to see what the rest of the year has in store!!!

Thanks for reading! :)

-Lauren

I'd be lying...

2009-12-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well, since my last post my head has just been in a complete whirlwind. This post will just be words, hopefully the next post can have some pictures.

I would be lying to you if I told you that my life in the past couple of months has been easy. It's been hard. Aside from the year 2004, this year has been the hardest year of my life. I have never experienced hurt and sadness like I have this year.

I would be lying to you if I said that 2009 has been a year of joy. It hasn't. In fact, January 1, 2010 can't come fast enough. I am just ready to start a new year. As you can tell from my previous post, I lost someone very special to me. What hurts equally as bad is that I have to watch someone that I love more than life itself hurt more than he ever has in his whole life -- maybe more than he ever will. That is something I cannot fix -- and that hurts. I am completely helpless. I don't do helpless very well. I am a fixer. I try to fix everything.

I would be lying to you if I said I was whole-heartedly looking forward to Christmas. It will be really difficult. Christmas was Marsha's favorite time of the year. There were 3 Fry's who "did" Christmas and 2 of them are gone. No one can replace Meme and Marsha, but I feel a very strong pressure to try, and I can't help but feel very overwhelmed because those are HUGE shoes to fill. I feel so inadequate to fill them. I know that God doesn't call the equipped, he equips those that he calls. But, it's hard to live that way all the time.

My every thought is consumed with Marsha. More than I ever thought could be possible. I miss her with every ounce of my being. I would be lying if I told you I wasn't still a little angry. I am. I wish she was here. I wish she wasn't taken from us. One of the hardest things to do is watch a strong man just weep and weep because he misses his mother. It is hard to watch him go through something you wish he didn't have to. It's hard because there is nothing you can do but hold him.

I miss her. I miss her voice, her laugh, her strength that inspired me, her smile, her advice, the way she would call me just to see what I thought about American Idol, her emails, our talks about life and Aaron, her positive attitude she always had and hearing about the incredible faith she had. I miss her.

Will all of this make all of us stronger? Yes. However, that doesn't mean I want to go through it.

I am sorry for the gloomy post. This is just my heart right now. Hopefully, next post I will post pictures of my new house; and it will be a little more cheerful.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

-Lauren

My Sweet Mother-in-law

2009-07-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Marsha Jo Fry
(February 6, 1956 - July 24, 2009)

Marsha Jo Fry
Long-time Ballinger resident, Marsha Jo Fry, went to be with her Lord on July 24, 2009.

There will be a visitation and viewing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at Ave B Church of Christ. Memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2009 at Ballinger High School Auditorium.

She was born February 6, 1956 in Ft. Worth to Joel and Alyne Jo (Klepper) Amyett. Her mother preceded her in death. Marsha is survived by her husband of 32 years, Mike of Ballinger; sons, Aaron Fry and wife, Lauren, of Houston, and Brandon Fry of Abilene; father, Joel Amyett of Grapevine; and sister, Debbie Sandoval of Kyle. Additionally, she is survived by numerous extended family members, all of whom loved her deeply.

Marsha was a member of the Ave B Church of Christ where she was active in all aspects of the church. Her special love was teaching Sunday school to children. Never being satisfied with simple Bible lessons, she was always looking for new and creative ways to share the good news of God's love.

Marsha’s first and foremost love was her sons. Throughout their youth she was their biggest supporter in sports, academics and spiritual matters. She always encouraged them to be the best they could and took great delight in every phase of their lives.

Marsha received her bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and was a high school teacher for 24 years in the Ballinger Independent School District. She loved her students and encouraged them to reach for the greater things in life. Marsha had great respect for BHS faculty and students, all of whom supported her unconditionally through her 1 ½ year battle with cancer.

The family would like to thank you for the support given to us over the past several months. Marsha loved the community of Ballinger. Your love and concern for her has been overwhelming. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any memorial donations be given to Lifeline Chaplaincy, 1415 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004.

“If will, grit and determination could cure breast cancer, she would have been cured before diagnosis.” -Dr. Frankie Holmes, Marsha's doctor and friend.

So lucky

2009-05-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse into the Fry's life lately...

This was when we went back to Ballinger to visit! This is Aaron and I with his beautiful MeMe!

So since becoming a Houstonian I have become a pretty proud Rockets fan. I have gone to many a Rockets game... and I have seriously NEVER paid for a ticket. Haha we just have the hookups. Aaron's boss sometimes gives us his 4th row tickets (we saw the Rockets vs. the Cavs from those seats... I can say that I saw LeBron James up close and personal!!!!), and our really good friends Kat and Matt (aka "Kat in the Matt") have 10th row tickets behind the players bench. That is where these pictures were taken. It was the last home game against the Hornets. We were pretty excited that we won because the Mavs had just lost to the Hornets the night before. :)

Aaron's pretty excited.

This is "Kat in the Matt" and I

The Bush Sr.'s were also there! It was so neat to see them! They were only there until half time, but they donated some money, so there was a presentation of the check! There was a standing ovation for them! It was pretty cool!

This one is for Mr. Marty... Clyde "The Glide" Drexler doing his report after the game.

A few things... yes when someone takes a picture from sitting down, of me with my mom and sister... I look like a giant... and yes they both tan so it makes me look ridiculously white.

Right now the major things going on... we are searching for a car! We haven't completely narrowed down yet so you'll have to wait and see what we choose!

Next weekend my best friend is getting married in Kerrville, Texas. I have never been to an outside wedding... so I can't wait to see how beautiful it is going to be!!! I will promise to post pictures!

That's it for now. I figured pictures would be better than alot of text! :) Thanks for stopping by!

Lauren

PICTURES of love! :)

2009-02-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here are a some pictures! The first ones are from our anniversary. We are eating the top layer of cake. It was super good! My mother in law did a really good job of saran wrapping it! The other set of pictures (starting from the flowers) are from Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

Lauren

Music To My Ears

2009-01-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are... Year 2009! So far so good! Things are looking good! Aaron and I have started going to a new church, I love my new job and Aaron and I have now been married for a whole year! It is crazy how time flies!

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary on January 5. It honestly doesn't feel like it's been a whole year. I feel like just yesterday I was planning the thing! The anniversary was on a Monday so since we both had to work we decided we would just go out to eat. We went to eat at Benihana's, a Japanese Steakhouse. The food is soo good, and you feel so stuffed when you leave! After dinner we came back to the house and ate the top of our wedding cake. It tasted SOOO good! I have heard so many stories from brides of how awful it tasted. Ours was amazing! My mother in law did a good job wrapping that sucker in saran-wrap! I am such a lucky girl. I definitely have the best husband in the world! I know it sounds cheesy... but loving him makes me a better person. I am so blessed to have him in my life to love me, encourage me and to hold me accountable. He knows, understands and just gets me better than anyone. (sometimes it's even a little scary how well he knows me!) I thank God everyday that he made such an incredible man for me!

Enough of the mushy stuff... I am loving my job! Right now I am working on designing a website for a jewelry company! I get to edit and write the text and code that is "behind the scenes" of the website! It's so fun! I'm learning how to write in 'marketing style.' I'm used to writing news releases and news stories, and they always teach you in school to 'cut out the fluff.' Well, in marketing, sometimes it's all about the fluff! So that's new for me, and I like that I am still learning stuff and am able to challenge myself!

Another great new beginning for Aaron and I is our new church! I am so pumped about it! Here's the deal about church for Aaron and I. I was raised Baptist, and he was raised Church of Christ. Well, I believe that the man should be the spiritual leader of the family. So I had really prayed about it and this is the conclusion I came to... I asked Aaron a long time ago why he felt that he needed to stay at a COC church. (In my heart I knew that if he could give me a spiritual reason with scripture to back it up, I couldn't contest that. I couldn't contest that because if I wanted him to be the spiritual leader I couldn't put down what he felt in his heart. If I did that, it would belittle him and I wouldn't be giving him the privilege and honor of being the leader.) Aaron gave me his answer, and he definitely had scripture to back it up. That was that. From then on, we have gone to a Church of Christ. My problem, however, wasn't the theology that COC's believe... it was the no instruments. Here I am... this girl raised with a passion for music. Music with instruments. I played an instrument for 10 years of my life. Before I met Aaron I had been singing in the church since I was 5. I had been apart of a praise band since I was a freshman in high school. You can see where I am going with this. Praise and Worship is my passion. You can imagine what was the hardest part for me being in an a capella church. But, I followed my husband with all of my heart, and knew that God would work out the details.

In November Aaron and I started going to a new church called First Colony Church of Christ. I just wasn't happy at the church we were going to at the time, and during this time was when gas was at its peak and we had a solid 45 minute drive to Spring, TX. We decided it was time for a change and something a little closer to home. Our first day at the new church I just fell in love with it. It was still a capella, but the music was more contemporary and there weren't as many older songs that I have never heard of. I loved everything about it... the music, the people and the sermon! I still missed the instruments, but I loved this church. During Christmas break the church made an announcement that was 'music to my ears' so to speak... "Starting February 1st we will have two different services. The 8:30 service will be a capella and the 11:00 service will be instrumental." OH MY GOSH! It was the answer to my prayer that I have been praying for the past 3 years!!! I truly feel that God has listened to my prayers and has blessed my obedience to Him and my husband. It just goes to show that He really does mean... pray without ceasing. He does give us the desires of our hearts!

That's all of my awesome news for now! I hope you are all enjoying 2009 so far!
I promise to post pictures AS SOON as I can! :)

Lauren

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time... I know. So, here goes.

LOTS has happened since I last posted. I graduated, got some AMAZING gifts, got a REAL JOB, oh, and our house got broken into. But, don't worry I will you details on all!

Well I guess I will talk about the thing that happened first! About 2 weeks ago one of my friends called me and said hey, would you be interested in working for a marketing and design firm called First Creative? I said well it wouldn't hurt to do an interview... That was a Monday. I had my interview on Wednesday, and got the offer on Friday! I have a real job!!! I am a pretty blessed and lucky gal considering the two major things I had going against me as a new graduate looking for a job. #1 I am a December grad and #2 I am forced to find a job in the toughest job market and economy since the Great Depression, and definitely since I have been alive. My chances weren't looking too good. THEN I got the phone call! I have only worked there for a day to get my feet wet, and then I will officially start after the holidays. I love it (so far.) It is a small firm so I will be wearing MANY hats! I get to do office management, graphic design, web design and public relations. This will be a perfect resume building job, and I will be more marketable!

#2-- Our house was broken into last Tuesday. I had gone to my internship during the morning and then I decided to go Christmas shopping all afternoon. When I got home at 5 and opened the garage door that leads into our house... I saw, laying on our stairs, our door frame, and all of the lights were on. I will never forget that extremely chilling feeling. All of a sudden all of the hairs on my body were sticking straight up and I was aware of all of my senses. I had a huge adrenaline rush. I turned back around to my car, got in and called Aaron. I then called our apartment office and had the maintenance guy come stay with me until the police got there. I had no idea if the thieves were still inside. Well, after the police checked the place, we were allowed to go inside and check the damage. Besides a little mess they left, all they took was our laptop, the charger and mouse. They were not very bright robbers. They passed up a brand new-just out of the box two days before- Wii, a PS2, a digital camera, a desktop computer and an Armani watch. They went into our bedroom and were obviously looking for cash. They went through our underwear and sock drawers and our "private documents" drawers and lifted up our bed. The watch was sitting on our very clean dresser, and they didn't touch it. They also broke into the house across from us and just took her laptop and wireless printer. I think they were just looking for laptops. Needless to say, I have had MANY sleepless nights, and am TERRIFIED to be home by myself.

And FINALLY... I GRADUATED LAST FRIDAY!!! It is such a great feeling to know that I am finished finally!!! It was so great to have all of my family come in! It was nice to have them come to me for a change. Everyone got to see my home, and just hang out in the place where I live. Don't get me wrong, I have quite the destination spots to visit (Naples, FL and Las Vegas) but still it was nice to have them here. Friday we did graduation in the morning, and oh man was it a nasty morning! My mom and I both straightened our hair that morning, and by noon it was curly! After graduation we went and ate at one of the top steakhouses in Houston-- Perry's Steakhouse. It was AWESOME! They had our own room for us and everything! I also got some amazing gifts for being the graduate! I got the nicest watch imaginable... trust me IMAGINABLE, I got a new camera that I wanted. It is a Nikon D60 Digital SLR. I got my first set of pearls (necklace and earrings.) I got a new pen. It isn't just any pen-- it is a WATERMAN pen! It writes like heaven. Every graduate needs one of those! I got the cutest ornament that has the mortarboard hat with an attached diploma that says "Class of 2008." I also got this beautiful ring that has a topaz stone, which is my birthstone. Last but certainly not least, I got this beautiful cross to go in my house! I am very blessed with people who love me and are proud of me!!!

I am sorry that this post doesn't have any pictures. A. all of the pictures are on my old digital camera and I think my sister took it home on accident. B. I figured this post was long enough without the pictures. So, they will come later.

Sorry this post is long... it has been awhile! I hope you've enjoyed my whirlwind of a few weeks! If I don't post before Christmas... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love,
Lauren

The Birthday!

2008-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a great birthday-- up until the massive beating Tech received in Norman. It's going to be ok... there is still a chance we could go to the Big 12 Championship. What will save us is that we beat UT and OSU. Here are the perfect scenarios... #1. The easiest would be if OSU could beat OU this weekend. Which could happen because the game is AT OSU. Then there is #2 if OU does beat OSU then our hope is that since they were playing a ranked team, and UT didn't-- they will hopefully skip UT in the rankings... and even though with this scenario we won't be going to the Big 12 Champ... neither will UT. That's pretty much what I care about if OSU doesn't beat OU. Why do I care so much do you ask? BECAUSE WE BEAT UT FAIR AND SQUARE. They wouldn't have truly earned that #2 ranking! They barely beat OU and OSU. (I know OU slaughtered us, but we slaughtered OSU. UT didn't.) I told you... I am a very passionate Red Raider! :)

Now, on to more exciting things! For my birthday, I did what I said I was going to... I decorated my apartment! I wasn't able to put my tree up because I was too preoccupied by being a true Tech fan and watching the game to the very very bitter end! BUT, I totally made my first wreath! See what you think!

It was so great to listen to Christmas music all day, and decorate! I loved it! Of course everywhere I went people would ask me "Are you having a good day ma'am?" and I would say "Yes I am! It's my birthday!" I like to let everyone know it's my birthday! After I got finished picking out all of my Christmas decor I went and picked up Aaron from work. Then, we went to the mall to get my new purse!!! I had originally picked one out online that I really liked, but when we went to see it in the store the strap was WAY to short. It was seriously up in my armpit. I just couldn't force it. Then I found the perfect one! I love it! Thank you Aaron for my purse! :)

Even though I already have my decorations up for Christmas... I am so ready for Thanksgiving!!! Yesterday at church it really hit me. I have been so worried about all of the food and people that are going to be at my inlaws and how I was going to be able to help-- and I completely forgot to stop and think about what I am truly thankful for. It just brought me to tears because I have so much to be thankful for. I think through the past year the thing that I have been the most thankful for is my mom. Being a wife has taught me so much about the sacrifices my mom made for my sister and I that we totally took for granted and didn't thank her for. She really did alot for my sister and I whether it was making dinner after working her 8-5, or making our birthdays sooo special, or working lots of odd jobs on the side so my sister could do cheerleading and to make sure we were never wanting. Don't get me wrong, my dad did alot for us too, but I think what our moms do for the family is completely underrated. So, here is to my mom-- Thank you, and I love you! :)

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to stop and think "what are you truly thankful for?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Lauren

CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-11-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

Yay for the Christmas spirit! I am so excited! I have decided that this weekend I am going to decorate our apartment for Christmas! (Even though it will be TOTALLY against Aaron's wishes! He says that I should wait until after Thanksgiving) But, hey-- Saturday is my birthday and I can do what I want!!! So I started by making my blog look a little like Christmas!

Know what else is around Christmas time?!?! GRADUATION!!!! Holy smokes I graduate a month from tomorrow!!! I can't wait! I am so excited about all of my family coming in to be there! I am the first grandkid to graduate so everyone's comin'! Jordan, Mom, Marty, dad, Dina, the kids, Uncle Todd, Grandma, Honey (my GREAT grandmother) that's just to name a few. Oh, and of course my in-laws! :) Another great thing about graduation is-- that it's my dad's birthday! I get to walk the stage on his birthday! That's pretty exciting for me!

Well, that's all for now, I'm off to give my final presentation!!!! That's crazy! My last presentation of my college career!

Saturday is my birthday and if the Red Raiders could win one for this incredibly passionate fan... that'd be great! Thanks & Wreck 'Em!!!

-Lauren

VOTE!

2008-11-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

This video is HILARIOUS. YOU HAVE TO WATCH IT!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svhq4C9HhUg

WRECK 'EM. $816. TRAINS & an HOV LANE.

2008-11-03T15:15:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been awhile so I will update!

First I would like to say, THANKS AND WRECK 'EM!!! MY GOSH was that an amazing game! When asked if Aaron was excited about the win... he says "I was really excited, but I had to keep the wife from having a heart attack." Seriously, that is how I was Saturday night. I would jump up and down and say "That's how we do it," or when Texas scored their last touchdown I threw the pillow into the ground and stormed off to put the wet clothes in the dryer. Needless to say, I am a very passionate Red Raider.

The Fry life has been CRAZY lately! Last week, Aaron and I didn't eat dinner until 11:30 p.m. That is really really REALLY late. But, between my school, his work, and us only having one car... that's what happens. Aaron doesn't usually get off work until I get done with school because I take him to and from work.

Speaking of only having one car, the check engine light came on. I took it today to have it diagnosed, and after the guy tells me what's wrong with it he says "Did I tell you how much the diagnostic is?" Uh no you sure didn't. Then he tells me that it is $89.95, but if we go ahead and get our car fixed today he won't charge us for that-- just the repairs. I then ask "how much are the repairs?" Well, then he proceeds to tell me what is wrong with the car, and I am not going to lie I couldn't regergitate it if my life depended on it, and that it will be $816 + tax. My eyes just filled up right then and there. I called Aaron and let him talk to the guy, and then with my skills, I worked out a "deal" with the guy. Their theory is "if you get your car fixed today then we won't charge you the diagnostic fee," but even if you decide you do want to get the car fixed there, but it is tomorrow-- you have to pay the fee. You basically have to get it fixed right then and there. Well, we couldn't technically get it fixed today because he had to order the parts. So I asked him if since we couldn't get the car fixed today could we just pay for the parts and pay the 50% LABOR after they actually fix the car, and them still not charge the diagnostic fee even though we wouldn't pay the other half for a couple of days. He thought about it, looked into my tear filled eyes and said "Yeah ok I will work with yall." The price still isn't any better, but atleast we don't have to pay it all in one payment. *I would also like to point out my tears were completely real and unstoppable. I didn't use them to get a deal I truly could not stop them from welling up and falling from my eyes.

I am sure I know what you, the reader, are thinking "If you have only one car... what about getting another one." GOOD QUESTION! But, quite frankly it scares the living daylights out of Aaron and I because we have never made a purchase like that in our lives. I know, it is just like ripping a bandaid off... we just have to do it-- I'll keep you updated.

So I will leave you with this story. Last Wednesday I had a huge meeting. It was a meeting that I have worked all semester towards. It was called "UH Media Homecoming." We had different media speakers that graduated from the University of Houston come speak to the organization I am the president of. The speakers were on a panel and I, the moderator, asked them questions. Well the meeting started at 5:30. 4:50 I get a phone call and the person says "We forgot to get ice." I thought no big deal I will just run to the Kroger down the street I have about 30 minutes. As I am pulling out of the Kroger at 5:00 I noticed the train tracks arm start coming down. Still, at this point I am thinking "No big deal." Well, at 5:25 the train stops, and here comes another train! Mind you, I am surrounded by other cars and a concrete median... I wasn't goin' anywhere unless everyone behind me backed up. So the guy in front me got everyone to do just that. He tells me what he is doing and in the process asks me where I need to go... I said UH (just on the other side of the tracks) he says "Oh ok follow me and I can get you there." So I did. He steers me to the HOV lane of I45 going South-- TOWARDS GALVESTON. (Once we got to this point it was all one way and we couldn't turn around after he realized he had made a mistake) For those of you who are unfamiliar with an HOV lane, once you get on there are very very limited exits AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE TWO or MORE PEOPLE! (I did not) It was also about 5:45.

I was so upset with God at this point, not going to lie I told him that I didn't want to talk to him for awhile. (awhile meaning a couple of hours to maybe a week.) I was so frustrated I just kept thinking "WHY ME?" "I have worked so hard for this meeting, it can't start without me because I have all the information and I am the one to ask the questions!" WHY ME!?!!?!"

It is 6:00, and as I take my exit for school I look to my right and notice that the train is still there. It hadn't moved since 5:30. If it hadn't been for the guy to steer me in the wrong direction... I would have still been sitting on the other side of the stopped train.

All that to say, all I needed was a litle faith. Not in the guy that was steering me "the wrong way" but just that God was in control. So maybe the next time something happens and I ask "WHY ME?!" I feel God is saying "Lauren Michele Fry, why not you? Just have faith in ME."

Hope everyone had a great Monday!!!

LAUREN

The Flash Pass

2008-10-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I went to San Antonio this past weekend to visit my mom and Marty. They were there for my mom's business vacation. She and my Uncle take their employees on a vacation of their choice, within reason. This year they chose San Antonio. Aaron and I drove up there Friday night after he got off work, and then came home Saturday night. Saturday was jammed packed ALL DAY with Fiesta Texas. It was awesome! We were literally there from the time they opened until close!

My Uncle did the coolest thing. After waiting in line for 45 minutes for our first ride of the day, he decided he didn't want to do that anymore so he went and bought us all "Flash Passes." He didn't buy us just any ole "Flash Pass," no that's just not how my family does things... he bought us the GOLD "Flash Pass." I am sure you are wondering what the difference is. Well, I will explain. A "FP" is a device that tells you what the wait time is on certain rides and you can reserve a "spot in line" only you don't have to actually wait in line. You can make your reservation and go eat then come back when it's your turn. Well, with a regular "FP" even though you reserve your "spot" you still have to "wait" the same amount of average time. For example, if you want to ride the new Goliath and the average wait time is 45 minutes and you reserve it at 4:00 you will be able to ride it at 4:45. The GOLD "FP" on the other hand means... NO WAIT TIME! You basically reserve it and you have about 10 minutes or so to make it to that ride. Yeah, that's right we didn't wait in line for a single ride the rest of the day. It was amazing! We rode the Goliath 2 times before people in line were even to the middle of the line. Now, I know what you are thinking... yeah I've seen those people and it makes me sooo mad! Let me tell you, I've done that exact same thing. I've done my fair share of glarring down the people with the stupid "FP." However, I now have a new respect for that neat, life-saving little gadget. Trust me, it is definitely not cheap. The people with the coveted "FP" pay an extra ticket, and then some. IF you have the money to spend... it's worth it. I probably won't ever experience that again... unless we win the lottery.

Also, while we were at Fiesta Texas I experienced a little something I like to call severe dehydration. Yeah that's right. I almost threw up before my 4th time to ride Goliath. I have never felt like that in my life. But, since my Uncle did buy me the amazing "FP" I felt incredibily obligated to suck it up... and continue to ride the Goliath (which was his favorite.) So, I heaved a few times over the railing (mind you, there was absolutely NOTHING in my system) and I got in some shade-- then it was off for another awesome ride. Goliath really was great! Then after my Uncle had to leave I chowed down on some BBQ and 2 of those roasted ears of corn! :) Then, my sickness carried over into Sunday. I felt pretty sick all day yesterday, and now I have a cold. But, life must go on.

This week is going to be a busy one. Today I have a "Pizza with the Pros" meeting for my organization, IABC-UH chapter, that I am the president of. Tomorrow, I have 2 tests. Wednesday, I have another meeting with the ex-president of IABC's Houston chapter. Thursday, I have to attend a mixer for the IABC Houston chapter. Then, Friday and throughout the weekend I have to work on a Women Studies' paper that is due next Tuesday and a "Take Home Test Paper" that is due next Wednesday. Ha, then start over next Monday with meetings.

Oh, and in the mix of my crazy life... I have to find a job! :)

Thanks for reading!

Lauren

Hodge Podge

2008-10-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello. I am sorry it has taken so long to post! Well, the Fry's are doing well. We haven't done much lately. Last weekend we went and got our pictures taken. Back in February I won a free portrait setting at an IABC mixer. I know what you are thinking... you won that in February... well just a month before that you had all the pictures you could ever want taken (wedding.) I know, but when I won I was just so excited to win I didn't really think about it. So we are going to use the pictures for our first family Christmas card! I am pretty excited.

Right now I am waiting on Aaron to get home from work so we can leave town. We are going to Ballinger/Abilene this weekend. One of Aaron's friends from high school is getting married. He came to our wedding so we definitely need to go to his. It is going to be weird because he is getting married at the same place Aaron and I got married. I haven't been back there since our wedding day. It will be exciting to be there, and on this side of the wedding! This week has been a wedding filled kind! Not only are we going back to the Chapel, I also received my heir loomed dress! That was kinda hard. This is about the time that I actually bought my dress! Part of me wanted to just put it on again and act like I had just bought it instead of but it in an air-tight box with only a little window for me to see it. :( I can't believe that it has been a year since I was going around like a crazy lady, driving back and forth from Houston to Lubbock, or Houston to Abilene or Houston to Ballinger-- literally EVERY WEEKEND! Man, time flies.

As most of you know... October started this week. Sometimes it doesn't feel like Fall here. It's still pretty hot some days. It made me really really miss Lubbock. I wouldn't mind someday if we could move back. Not only did it make me miss Lubbock, but it made me miss my sister. This time last year she and I were picking out pumpkins. I know she probably thought she got on my nerves while she was here, or Aaron's nerves, but she doesn't realize how much I miss her everyday. It makes me sad. There are alot of times that I need her. I am pretty sure I will need her for the rest of our lives-- that's the special thing about sisters.

I watched the VP debate last night. I definitely thought it was more interesting than the first presidential debate. Hopefully the next one will be better. I really don't care what people say, I like Sarah Palin. Other than the fact I think she kicks butt and takes names-- I do think she would be ready to lead if something were to happen to McCain. Some people don't think so--that's fine, but I really don't think people should vote based on a VP. I realize that there have been some presidents who weren't able to finish their term, but in all honesty that number isn't the majority. So the odds are in her favor that she wouldn't have to become the next president. If that is the best reason you have for not voting for McCain... you should study harder. For those of you who know me, you should know that you are NOT going to change my mind. I'm very capable of making my own decisions based on what I believe and know to be true. I believe that Obama is really good at telling people exactly what they want to hear. That good PR speaking and being motivational doesn't run a country. *Don't worry, I still like you if you like Obama. Our political differences don't define who we are! Thank the Lord for that! :)

Anyway enough about that. I am off to try and paint my nails before Aaron gets here. I'm excited I get to drive! I like to drive on long road trips. I think I realized my love for that when I drove 11 hours to Arkansas for camp.

Hope you have a great weekend! :)

Lauren&Aaron

Ike brought it.

2008-09-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

I will start my post by saying Aaron, Bonnie, Piglet and I survived Hurricane Ike. The hurricane was definitely ALOT scarier than any of us could have imagined. I'll give you a run down of what happened.

All day Aaron and I watched the news and weather. Just watching about how people were preparing and watching a play by play of where the storm was. About 8:00 p.m. Friday evening the winds were starting to pick up and they were pretty crazy. Aaron and I just stared out the window thinking "those baby trees aren't going to make it." I was starting to get kinda worried thinking "uh oh I think there is no turning back now." Before that point everyone kept thinking Ike could turn right like Rita did. That didn't happen.

9:45 p.m. our cable goes out. This was when I started to freak out. The wind was HOWLING and I couldn't watch the news. I felt like I didn't know where Ike was. I took my sister's advice and watched a movie to take my mind off of it.

10:30 p.m. the lights went out for the first time. I thought "Oh Lord this is it." Well, luckily for us the lights came back after about 30 seconds. After my movie I was going crazy not being able to watch the news so I found a way to watch it live on the internet. By the way, Aaron is asleep during this whole time because he had a headache and decided to take a nap.

12:30 a.m. Aaron wakes up and the eye has officially hit land. At this time we are experiencing the "first" half of the storm that had just hit Galveston. We were kinda freakin out. The wind and rain was crazy-- we had NO idea what we were actually still in store for. We watched out the window and watched the news online until about 2:30.

2:30 a.m. our lights keep browning out alot so we thought it would be best to start unplugging things so they wouldn't short out. We also decided we should probably try and get some rest.

3:00 a.m. the power goes out and this time it didn't come back after 30 seconds. We were like ok there is no reason to stay awake let's get some rest.

5:30 a.m. the storm brings Aaron and I out of bed it is so insane and scary outside. We look out the window and you can't see ANYTHING. All of the lights around us were out so we were staring into a mass of darkness not knowing what is going on outside. I kept thinking there could be tornadoes and I can't see! I was so scared. Sometimes though looking out the window was like looking at a light show because of all the transformers blowing up around us.

Then, we were looking out one of the windows and I said "Oh my gosh Aaron look at that!" He said "What?" I said "You honestly can't see that!?" Then he finally noticed the water that was coming into our apt from he windows and was running down our walls. I went into panic mode and thought oh no what are we going to do! Where else is there water?!? I went into the guest bedroom and that was where the most water was! It had gotten our guest bed completely soaked and the roof was leaking in the corner near the window. This whole time I'm thinking OMG THESE ARE BRAND NEW APARTMENTS!!! We lined the window sills with towels and hoped for the best.

6:00 a.m. I look out the window and I can see shopping centers and the neighborhood next to us regaining power, and then our lights came back on!! I turned the computer on and was about to get the news up, annnnd then our power went back out. Our's was the only power around us that didn't come back! I was so upset! The neighborhood 100 yards from us had all their lights back on in their house... we had nothing. Meanwhile the wind is the scariest, nastiest and the loudest thing I had ever heard in my life, and I'm from west Texas! So I just tried really hard to go back to sleep because staying awake just made me really scared.

8:00 we wake up and the winds are still pretty strong, but the storm is starting to "pass." We decided to try and make the girls go to the bathroom outside. We opened the door and Bonnie darted out the door... once hitting the rain she quickly halted and turned herself around and darted back through the door and up the stairs... like we were crazy for making her go out there. We finally put our rain boots on, put their leashes on and forced them to use the bathroom!

Then for the next 60 hours we were without power and water. That was rough, and for every meal we ate turkey and ham sandwiches while all the food in our refrigerator spoiled and ruined. Meanwhile we can watch the neighborhood JUST NEXT DOOR with all of their lights on! That was the most frustrating thing.

Yesterday was a glorious day! We got our power AND water back! We were so super excited! As far as the damage Ike did... ALOT! While we have minimal water damage... we were so lucky! There are house around us with HUGE trees on their roofs and I now know what their backyards look like because they don't have fences. We had to drive to school today, and we happened to drive by downtown. IT IS TORN UP! There are so many glass buildings that are missing many many many windows. The floor on my building alone is missing 7 windows! Last night we went to a pizza place to have our first "hot meal!" It was super busy and the most disappointing thing was how rude the customers were being to the waitress. I just wanted to scream... I understand you just went through hurricane, but SHE WENT THROUGH THE SAME HURRICANE! Sometimes people just take advantage of situations and they never learn. Aaron and I learned to count our many blessings because we were so fortunate, and thank you for all of your prayers. While natural distasters are hard to go through... they definitely put things into perspective!

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers! We survived, and definitely know that we will not stay for anything strong than Ike! :)

Love,
Lauren & Aaron

Bring it

2008-09-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

So we are "hunkerin" down for the hurricane. I went grocery shopping yesterday and stood in the check out line for almost an hour. I got the last two loaves of wheat bread-- no lie. I got some evil stares and I do mean evil. I probably should have given my bread up to maybe someone who needed it more than me. However, I am not going to lie, I was in panic mode yesterday and there wasn't NO ONE who was gonna take my bread! As far as I was concerned their family could eat the white bread. I know, probably not one of my finer Christian moments.

After work yesterday I drove to school and on the way happened to notice the traffic. It was at this point panic mode started. I said screw school I need to go to the grocery store, which was ok they ended up cancelling class anyway. On my way home I was trying to get on I 45 like normal-- no they freakin' closed I 45 because of all the traffic on it from Galveston!!! This just intensified my panic mode all I could think was HOW AM I GOING TO GET HOME!!! Ha no need to worry Jill- my GPS- pulled me through!

We decided to stay partly because we aren't in one of the evacuation zones and they didn't call our zip code and party because we want to see what it is going to be like. I know that sounds dumb-- but hey I am from little ol' Lubbock and we don't have weather excitement "ike this!" My lovely sister called yesterday and in a small state of panic seriously said this "Lauren, why didn't yall like fly out like a week ago?!" Well, little Jordan a week ago this hurricane was going to hit Florida!!!!

Right now, we are just experiencing wind and clouds. It hasn't started raining yet. Galveston on the other hand has already flooded and the storm is still 10 hours away! So we will see. Stupid Stupid people are STILL saying "yeah we didn't mandatorily evacuate because we didn't think it was gonna hit." (Mind you these people are living in trailer homes and only have 3 teeth.) Those people have two MAJOR things going against them... they live in Galveston and in a trailer home. At what point did it seem like a good idea to stay?!?!?

Anyway, we will keep yall posted. For now, Bring it Ike!

Lauren & Aaron

The Groove

2008-08-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile so here it is...

Well, School started a couple of days ago, and it will definitely not be a "walk-in-the-park" kind of semester. I have a lot of writing intensive classes, and those definitely take up lots of time. My internship is going well! I still love it! Right now I am still working on my movie "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist."

I am just really tired. I am juggling many different hats at the current moment, which is fine, I just haven't adjusted yet. I'm a full time student trying to graduate, I am looking for a job for when I step into the real world, I have an awesome internship that I just want to make sure I'm awesome at, I am the president of an organization that is trying to get kicked off the ground, and most importantly I'm a wife who loves the feeling of cooking dinner for her husband-- even though I'm exhausted by 6:30.

I know the Lord doesn't give me more than I can handle, and I am definitely thankful for that. I just need the strength and the patience to get into the groove of things.

Another thing that is weird is not seeing Aaron at all from the hours of 8-6. We used to eat lunch together everyday, and I'm not going to lie... eating lunch by myself sucks. The really positive side is that we cherish the time we are able to spend together at night. I have also noticed that he is appreciating the fact that my day is just as full as his, and I still make him dinner. I just have a wonderful husband. :)

Anyway for those of you who read... there's my update! :)

Lauren

Fun couple of days

2008-08-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

Aaron's younger brother and his girlfriend, Brandon and Kelsey, came to visit us for a couple of days! We had so much fun! They got here Monday and left Wednesday. Tuesday Kelsey and I went and saw The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: 2! It was such a great movie! I thought it was cool how much more mature actors the girls have become! I would definitely recommend the movie for a girl's afternoon out!

Then Tuesday night Aaron's dad had Astro's tickets and we sat in a suite! It was so great! It was an awesome game. There were lots of homeruns AND A GRAND SLAM!!! I was so proud of the 'stros! Here are some pictures:

We won so there were fireworks...
The Scoreboard...

Brandon and Uncle Virgil...

Aaron and I...

It was Aaron's parents' 31st anniversay!

Me, Aaron, Brandon and Kelsey...

Brandon and Kelsey...

Me and Kels....

I've decided that I have been staying up too late to watch the Olympics. I'm really tired the next day. Also, I think I might be getting too much into them. I mean when we don't win... I get REALLY upset. I almost feel as if I am the one losing... I think that's a bad sign that I'm too competitive. I really do compete with everything I do. So, naturally I would be really upset when the freakin TEAM CAPTAIN of the girls gymnastics simply steps out of bounds. I know that's a small deduction compared to not landing on the beam but still. I get upset. I understand that it's alot of pressure on the girl's shoulders, but like I said I'm really competitive! We'll see how the weeks to come go...

Anyway that's pretty much all I have for now! :)

Lauren

Yeah, no big deal

2008-08-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

I started my internship yesterday. I have worked only aproximately five hours in the past two days and I have loved every single minute of it! Yesterday I stuffed envelopes with movie screening passes all morning. While stuffing envelopes I learned ALOT about the Moroch business and what they do. I feel like I'm learning so much... and it's only been two days!!

Then today... I wrote a letter to the mayor. Yeah, no big deal. A LETTER TO THE MAYOR! There is a fundraising event called BOLT ACROSS AMERICA and it's part of promotions for a new animated comedy called BOLT starring John Travolta and Miley Cyrus that is coming out November 26. The movie is about a super-dog named BOLT that stars on a hit TV show. His life is full of adventure and he has superpowers-- at least until the camera stops rolling. He has believed his whole life that his superpowers are real until he is accidently shipped from the Hollywood studio to New York City. Now, he is faced with the biggest adventure of his life-- a cross-country journey. Along the way he meets two unlikely friends, a cat and a hamster, that help him discover that he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero.

So that's a synopsis... and now to the letter to the Mayor. Well BOLT ACROSS AMERICA is a fundraiser for ASPCA which is an organization that provides effective prevention of animal cruelty. It started in New York and stops in Hollywood. A giant orange truck with an orange trailor is carrying A GIANT HAMSTER BALL!!! The giant hamster ball is rolling from city to city making appearances to raise money for the local SPCA's. The hamster ball is "bolting" into Houston September 24-26, and I wrote a letter to the mayor asking him to declare one of those days BOLT ACROSS HOUSTON DAY. My letter also asked him if he would take a picture with the hamster ball in front of one of Houston's landmarks such as The City Hall Reflection Pool. *below is a picture of Miley Cyrus with the giant hamster ball*

So I wrote a letter to the mayor today... yeah no big deal. What did you do?!

-Lauren

GRADUATION!!!!

2008-08-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

It all started August of '04... I started on a journey called college. I attended two years at the greatest school ever... Texas Tech University. Then came the man of my dreams... and he swept me off my feet to a little town called Houston, Texas. Unfortunately, I had to change schools to The University of Houston in August '06. UH doesn't mean as much to me as Tech did; but hey it's a degree! So that brings me to today... August 6, 2008 I OFFICIALLY APPLIED FOR GRADUATION!!! Holy smokes I'm graduating in December! It will definitely be here before I know it, and that's kinda scary. Who knows what "life after graduation" holds. We'll find out in about 4 months. I'm nervous about the "real world," but SUPER excited!

That's the coolest news of the day!

Last night Aaron and I went to see the screening of Pineapple Express. It was so funny at times I thought I might pee in my pants! It was the funniest movie I have seen in awhile! GO SEE IT!

Tropical Storm Edouard came and went, and all we got was rain. It didn't even really hit Houston it went more up the Texas/Louisiana border than actually hitting Houston (which is what "they" thought it was going to do.) Everyone freaked out that it would actually hit Houston, and now all of the grocery stores are out of bottled water for no reason!

Well, that's all I have for now. Peace out.

Lauren

Vegas for Jordan's 21st Birthday

2008-08-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here are my pictures from Vegas this past weekend. We had so much fun that I forgot to take pictures... so there aren't very many. Sorry! :)

At the Indoor Go Cart Track in Vegas

Mom and Jordan playing WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Watch out folks.... SHE'S 21!!!

We waited forever at Mandalay Bay for these chairs!!!

Ok I know I am really really white... but I don't want skin cancer... thank youuuu

Yes... my hot mom and sister

At Jordan's Birthday dinner at the amazing White Chocolate Grill

Birthday Girl

Marty and Mom

My Uncle Brett and Aunt Donna

After a great dinner! :) Sorry it's the last one!

Ok, well there are the pictures. I'm sorry that I was bad and didn't take very many! Enjoy! :)

Lauren

I've given in

2008-08-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Okkkk so I figured I would give into the world of blogging!

So Aaron and will have been married 7 months tomorrow! It's been a pretty crazy ride! Marriage is not always easy, but it makes each new day something amazing! God has taught me so much through my marriage about love, patience and kindness.

So I think the biggest and most recent thing in my life is my paid internship! I just got an internship with a company called Moroch Entertainment. They do PR for major studios like 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney, Universal, Lionsgate, Sony, Columbia Pictures, Miramax and many more! Not only studios but also McDonalds! I am so pumped!!! I have already been able to benefit! I got tickets to the screening of Pineapple Express! FOR FREE! I was supposed to start tomorrow, BUT... since there is a tropical storm headed this way... I don't have to work! My new job is downtown, and it floods easily... so no work.

Speaking of the tropical storm Edouard is headed for Galveston, and if it hits Galveston then Houston will be in it's path. They are also saying there is a possibility it could turn into a cat 1 hurricane by landfall. I went today to get "storm supplies," and HEB was almost completely out of water!!! CRAZY! I'm not too worried, but I've never experience anything like this. Any other time that there has been a big storm, Aaron and I usually happen to be going out of town. I'll let everyone know how it goes!

Aaron's mom and dad aren't going to be staying with us this week. They are going to be staying for a week because they have suite tickets for the Astro's next week. So, instead of staying with us for the week they are going to stay with Aaron's uncle Virgil. The exciting news is Aaron's brother, Brandon, is coming to stay with us and he's bringing Kelsey! We are all going to go to the Astro's game next Tuesday! I love going to the game and hanging out in a suite! I'll post pictures later.

Well, ta ta for now!

Lauren