The first Christmas to come

So this Thursday marks mine and Will's first Christmas as a married unit. Wow. I can hardly believe it is already here. So much has changed in such a short amount of time.Thanksgiving came and went, and now the end of another year is approaching quickly. Last year this time, I was working at Ruby Tuesday, had just finished up school, and was baking with my mom and grandmother for Christmas Eve. This year has been quite different. I have done everything on my own this year, and in some ways it has been sad not to have family around to bake and decorate and shop with, but it has also forced me to go out on my own and get things done. Will and I are looking forward to creating our own traditions, and since we leave on Christmas Eve afternoon, we are having our Christmas on the night of the 23rd. We are making our own homemade pizza, baking cookies, and opening our gifts from each other :)

As many of you know, I work at an extension center for A Woman's Choice Resource Center, which is an anti-abortion clinic. At Necole's Place I get to work with moms and their children, as they come to get their GED, take parenting, pre-natal, stress management, or relationship classes, and basically encourage and walk life with them. Will was off the afternoon of our Thanksgiving Banquet, and helped chronicle the day for me. Here are a few pictures from the day:








You can't begin to imagine some of the circumstances these moms and their children come out of, but they are the reason I get up every morning. I want to bring them all home with me!

On a more recent note, Will and I came home this afternoon and took a few Christmas pictures to document our first Christmas, so enjoy!


These are from my sweet mother in law! Aren't they gorgeous!
They have brightened my last 2 weeks every time I've walked in the door :)






3 more days and we will be in Tennessee!

I've been away from the blogging scene for awhile, but no worries - I am alive :) Some might be wondering, if they happened to see me on Thanksgiving. It was a great day followed by a horrible night. Thank goodness for my sweet Mom#2 and Dad#2 because without them, I don't know what I would have done. Apparently I caught some type of stomach bug and spent the drive from Will's family in Cookeville, Tn. to Clarksville, Tn. with my head in a bag. Oh how I love the holidays! :) Truly though, sincere thanks go out again to Mr.Bill and Mrs. Nebbie. Oh, and thanks to the boys too for not losing their cookies over me losing mine :( Sorry.

Since then, Will and I have both had a clean bill of health, and we intend on keeping it that way. I've been working more at Necole's Place, and staying busy at the house as usual. It has been so much fun decorating for Christmas in my own home this year! I'm working on getting some pictures up real soon. Will finished finals a week ago, and it has been so good to have him around a little more! Praise the Lord for another semester behind us! He is taking a class in January during Southern's Jan-term so be praying for him as he spends a solid week, 9-5 everyday, in a classroom. I also Will be starting a new venture with a second job. I will be working weekends at Bridal Warehouse, taking in brides and setting up their appointments. Pray for me not to go crazy :)

One of my dearest, oldest friends from home came to visit last Saturday with her other half Jonathan, and the four of us had a great time running up and down Frankfort Ave. and catching up on life. Here are a few pics from their visit!




We just celebrated our 5 month mark, and continue to feel God's grace and blessings falling upon us daily. Will and I are both looking forward to seeing our family in just a matter of days, and are even more excited about his upcoming Sunday at Grace Baptist Church in Springfield, Tn. It will be a great time of fellowship with our dear friend and minister Bro. Steve Freeman, but also a great time of worship, and allowing God to use Will as he preaches. Lift him up as He prepares for their evening service January 31st.

Thinking of you all this Christmas season! God Bless!

marriage pains and money strains

tomorrow starts the second official week of november, and before i forget, i wanted to post a few pics of our "fall friendly" decorations that will be gone in a matter of weeks:


Mom and I made this! I LOVE these placemats. A gift from Mom :)

This was our pumpkin. Will picked it out :)


Enough about that. I have recently discovered that making things rather than buying them is WAY more fun. Last night, after a long day of dishes, errands, and police interrogations, (I was pulled over because I didn't have my headlights on. Apparently, I've been driving without them on for almost 4 months now. Oops. Must be a blonde thing.) I decided to wrap a few Christmas gifts I bought earlier in the year. I realized I needed a couple of bags, but only had wedding ones.

Here, my project began. I raided the top of my closet for all of my scrapbooking papers and tools, and went to town on some of the bags. I've started on three now, but don't have them completely finished yet. Here is one I've almost got done:


Front Back


Bottom - It says, "This bag was made especially
for you by: Sarah Laughren"

I was obviously very excited with the results, and even moreso because it didn't cost a dime! I couldn't wait to show Will, but he just laughed and said, "You're cute." What the heck?!?! I'm learning just how very different man is from woman DAILY. Speaking of which, I decided to document his end-of-school-semester-disaster that has become the office/guest room. I wish I had thought to do this long ago, so you could have seen what the room looked like pre-disaster. This is it's current state:





At this point, I have given up, and simply shut the door.


This Wednesday makes 4 months, and it truly has flown. Will and I talked last night about how it seemed like just yesterday we got married, and now here we are nearing the half year mark. God has blessed us over and over again in the short time we have been here together. Will was promoted to shift just 3 weeks after we got home. I got the job I wanted a day after interviewing for it, and only a month after being here. We have an amazing church that we have both become members of, and recently found a Sunday School class that we are already making new friends in, and getting more involved.

While my health has been poor for the majority of October, and we were dealing with several medical bills we hadn't planned on, God took care of all our needs. Thursday night I layed in bed and prayed for a long time, and told Jesus I wasn't going to worry about the money we were having to put out, and that I knew He had full control. I told him I was okay with eating pb&j for the next few weeks until we got our next paychecks :) Friday afternoon as I left work, one of my co-workers asked if we wanted any food. She explained that she and her husband were moving the following weekend and they had doubles and triples of items that they needed to get rid of. I told her that we'd take anything she didn't want. That evening she arrived with two boxes and three or four bags of canned goods, frozen items, toilet paper, hair products, boxed items, etc. Nearly everything she brought was on our evergrowing shopping list that hangs on the refrigerator. I didn't know what to think, other than my God is the ULTIMATE PROVIDER!

These are only a few things God has taken care of, but know that there are innumerable blessings He pours on us each and every day, all the time. I know it is easy for blessings to begin to feel normal, as if they are expected. Thus, we lose sight of their magnitude and often forget to praise God for the works He is doing in and around us, but I am learning more and more to fully appreciate the beauty of His generosity and graciousness, when we are so incredibly undeserving.

Now, not to go all "soon to be preacher's wife" of any of you, but as a believer, I would not be doing what God has called of us all, if I didn't say what is on my heart in this very moment. I know most of who reads this are family and close friends(even more a reason to share this), and it is my prayer that you already know the Savior I know and love, but if not, I pray that you would come to walk in His light. Life can be so dark sometimes, even as a Christian. I cannot imagine going through it without Jesus as my flashlight. I say this because of the warmth and guidance I have felt from the Lord while being away from our families and friends, and so desire the people in mine and Will's lives to know the peace and comfort found ONLY in the arms of God.

So 4 months, and life only gets better, and the laughter is endless. I've discovered making me laugh is Will's way of getting himself out of trouble. He's pretty good at it too. I've always known he had many wonderful qualities, but this one takes the cake. It's how my Daddy-O diverts my frownie faces too :)

I love him a little more each day, and while he says I am "hostile," I think he loves me a little more too ;) To top it all off, we love each and every one of you, and hope you know just how precious you are. We are so looking forward to the holidays, and the time we will get to spend with you. Pray for us in the meantime. And pray an extra prayer for me because this is what I have to go home to:



ughhhhhhhhh.

and so october goes

i can't believe we are about to enter into the holiday season. i feel like it should still be summer. i think so much of my time was spent attending showers, and wedding planning, that the summer just slipped away. i already miss it. i REALLY miss hawaii :( i don't think summer ever ends there.

so, here we are, and october only has a week left! will and i have had an eventful, but wonderful month. first of all, october grants us an extra paycheck each. praise the Lord :) it also has meant extra visiting time with our family as an unexpected bonus, more of me cooking, seminary wives institute, new friends, and work pains for us both. the weather is absolutely beautiful here, and we have enjoyed taking walks in the late afternoon, then coming home, and curling up to a movie.

we are both really looking forward to thanksgiving, and are especially excited to celebrate it together for the first time as husband and wife. i don't know why the titles make it mean more, but somehow they do. i'm even more excited about our first CHRISTmas together, but i think will would be happy to skip it. i have big plans for him and that CHRISTmas tree i plan to have him help me decorate ;)

thanks to brother steve, my former pastor who officiated our wedding, we have also had the opportunity to minister to a young man here in louisville. though i can't give many details, i will say he is very much in need of all our prayers, as he is lost, and dealing with some very big lifestruggles. we just never know the hurt that is going on in other people's lives. it makes me all the more appreciative of what i have, and who i have it in. please be in prayer for will as he tries to share Christ's love with this young man.

we love and miss everyone soooooooooooo much. we praise God for health and happiness within our families! to all the cookeville bunch - get ready, cause we are :) thinking of you often . . .

oh, and by the way, i'm lately obsessed with pumpkin. so, if anyone has any good pumpkin recipes, please send them my way. will thanks you :)


a few pics from a visit from my parents . . .

all the joy, and all this love

when you find that person, the one you want to spend forever with, open your eyes to each new day, and lie down beside when it's over, don't let them get away. this past week has reminded me just how short our time on this earth is. it seems like everyday i hear another tragic story of life lost, and only when it was just beginning. i, myself, have had my own almost death at the young age of 17, and every year, around this time, i am taken back to that day, that moment, when i would have never known life with will. our paths would have never crossed, and all the joy, and all the love he has brought into my life would not have existed. i find this astounding because, truly, that is all it takes. one instant. one breath. we don't have the control, God does.

new experiences, new friends

The struggle of homesickness has begun, but God is good and provided distractions for me this week. First off, I have made an incredible new friend, Christy. We have hung out on several occasions prior to my writing this, but the truth is, I wish I had met this girl years ago! She and I have become fast friends, and I seriously do not know what I would do without our friendship. I have also made a great friend and mentor in one of my co-workers. She is quite a bit older than me, but has welcomed me into her family, and carted me all the way to Lexington this weekend to see a football game!

Work has been going well for Will and me, but I am considering getting a second job so I can have something to keep me busy while Will works his late nights. School is getting a little stressful, but I am trying to do my part and find quiet activities while Will does homework, and I love helping him go through his Greek flashcards before quizzes. Makes me feel like I'm contributing at least a little :)

I spent most of the weekend cleaning, and putting up a few Fall decorations. I'm already talking Christmas trees with Will, but he just doesn't seem to be as excited as me :( How do you get a boy into seasonal decorating? hmfp.

Not much else is new with us. As far as I can tell we are both still happy we got married ;) Everyday brings different struggles, but at the end of that day we have each other, and that makes it all okay. As I said before this week has been kind of hard on me emotionally. I've really been homesick for the first time, and that has filtered into other areas of my life that I battle with from time to time. Will really comes through for me in those times and I just want Mr. Bill and Mrs. Nebbie to know the kind of man they raised by telling this story: Thursday night I was really down, and allowed my loneliness to fuel negativity about myself. After a good cry, and lots of hugs, I woke up Friday morning to this message written on our bathroom mirror for me to read - I did something good today. Will loves me, but more importantly God loves me, and He made me beautiful. I love this man . . . so much. He is everything to me.

Settling in . . .

has been difficult. I think we are FINALLY getting into a routine though. And aside from my sprained ankle and sinus infection, as well as Will's viral infection, we are alive and well :)

We had a great week, last week with a visit from my Uncle Lynn (my Daddy-oh's big brother), who took us out to dinner :) What a treat! It was a nice time for us to catch up and visit, and get out of the house. Will and I also had "date night" and went to dinner, then had Graeter's ice cream, and finally headed home for a movie. DATE NIGHT IS MY FAVORITE!!! Since our schedule's are somewhat the opposite, we pass each other by quite often. Thus, anytime spent with Will excites me - hopefully he feels the same way ;)

Then came the weekend :(

Momma and Daddy came up Sunday to bring us our wedding pictures and visit on Labor Day, but Will was confined to the house with a viral infection. It was still great to see them and spend time with them, and we were sure to bring Will home his favorite pie from the Pie Kitchen. I hated to see them go, but it makes the time we are together all the sweeter. As soon as they left, I followed Will in illness :( Fortunately, I didn't have fever like him, but have still had all the nasty congestion and fatigue. We are both leaps and bounds better, but forging through a nasty cough now. Please keep us in your prayers :)

This week has brought better health, and paychecks! Praise the Lord! We also celebrated our 2 month anniversary yesterday. While Will worked, I shopped :) Of course, I only spent giftcards cause I'm such a penny pincher, but I was able to get Will a new wallet and me some perfume so it felt like we gave each other gifts! We spent the evening watching a movie and eating ice cream. My favorite! Have I mentioned we have both gained weight?!?! Someone needs to help us both. It is just so depressing to drive to the ice cream shop, and pass people in the park exercising on the way. LOL. On a serious note, we have started trying to eat healthier, and walk together more. Yesterday we got to walk a little farther than Will would have cared for when I lost our apartment key at the park, and we had to walk all the way back after realizing it wasn't in my pocket :(

Today has been a wonderful day :) I absolutely love spending time with Will. I know I sound cheesy, but I simply do not care. He is the best guy in the whole world (aside from you Daddy-oh) ;) We have so much fun together, and for all of you wondering, I'm happy to report we have not had a single fight yet :) Must be that Brother Steve, and all his pre-marital counseling sessions! Back to today: We woke up, got ready, and headed out to the arts and crafts fair at our church. Though we didn't buy anything, it was such a beautiful day to be outside walking around, and there was so much neat stuff to look at. After the fair, we drove to Culver's, which is a Louisville favorite, known for their butter burgers and frozen custard. I ate a chicken sandwich , but I'm guessing the pumpkin spice shake I had was probably not a healthy choice. Mr. Bill, I hear you have tried this shake as well, so you understand the temptation I'm sure. I couldn't possibly leave without trying the very thing they are known for now could I!?!?! It was worth it. That's all I'm gonna say :)

I'm reminded everyday of how blessed Will and I have been individually, and now, together. I know he sees a wide variety of people come in and out of his store, and has a mission field there at his fingertips. Now, I have been given the same opportunity. Will and I spent an hour sitting up the night before last talking about the situations I'm seeing day in and day out. My heart is completely broken for these women and children, and I ask that you lift them up as I do each day. I have always known how fortunate I was to grow up with two parents that loved each other, and had Christ at the center of their marriage, but seeing what I'm seeing now has taken that to an entirely different level.

Sorry this has been so long, and probably way more than anyone wants to know! We want to hear from you too, so please leave us a comment :) Love to all!

I'm a working woman!

What a week it has been! God is so good, and I have a job. I was beginning to worry I might grow to the couch if I didn't get one pretty soon :) After a quick trip back home last week for Will's aunt's funeral, we were both exhausted and I was rather cranky. The combination of the two unfortunately catapulted me into my very first meltdown over moving and missing everyone. Of course, this did not phase Will. He knew just what to do and came home with a big planter of bright yellow mums! No they are not from Betsy's, but it does make it feel a bit more like home :)

This week has proved to be better, as I began my new job (Yes, the one I wanted!!!) and Will started his second week in school. It is obvious I am working again because of the unfolded clothes and dirty dishes that I can't seem to make disappear. Thank goodness for spare rooms and dishwashers! Will has hit the ground running with his classes, and I am doing my best to leave him alone as he studies and reads. His first quiz is this Thursday so say a special prayer for him. It is in his Greek course, and to be quite honest, just looking at the words he has to learn makes me tired. From what I've seen, Greek looks like hieroglyphics. Not at all what I would consider fun. But until it is over, he remains a slave to his flashcards, and I must busy myself with arranging bath towels and cleaning under the sink.

On a more exciting note, I am loving my new job. It has its stressful moments, (one of which was yesterday when I was thrown up on) but is already blessing me in huge ways. I have had the opportunity to visit with and minister to several of the mothers already, and am getting to love on their sweet babies as well. I couldn't have asked for a position more suited for my heart. Thank you to any and everyone who prayed for me as I was searching for a job.

We love and miss each and every one of you! Special side note to Mr. Ray, Mrs. Sherri, and Brian: I love you soooooooooooooooo much and am praying for you all throughout my day, everyday. Words cannot express how much you mean to me, and how desperately I wish to be there to hug on you all. Thinking of you . . .

church, job search, and more

With Will having been here a year before me, it was important for him to find a church that not only he liked, but that he felt would be a good fit for me as well. He became a member of Highview Baptist Church a few months ago, and so that is where we have been attending for the last few weeks. Let me just say that I LOVE THIS CHURCH! God is doing great things in and through the people there, and I am so proud to be a part of such a ministry. Needless to say, Will did a great job :) We had a combined worship service and took the Lord's Supper last night. It was a huge service considering that Highview is one church . . . with 7 locations. Our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ezell, has a huge heart and vision for missions, adoption, and really just the furthering of God's Kingdom. He saw growth occuring at Highview in such a way that he and the church extended themselves across Louisville in the form of 6 more locations. Each of the preaching pastors from the other six came and updated everyone on what God is doing through Highview. It was incredible!

Today I observed/interviewed for a job, and I ask for your prayers to #1 get a job and #2 let it be the one God wants me to have. I felt a strong pull to the job I interviewed for today, but don't want to have my hopes set too high. This morning was another story. I woke up before the alarm went off feeling unsettled and anxious. I told Will I really didn't want to go, but he encouraged me too, and then make a decision. Once I got there, it was completely different than what I had thought, and exactly what I've been looking for. As many of you know, my hear tlies in Women's Studies/Issues. My ideal job would be in a women's crisis center or treatment center for adolescent girls. The job I interviewed for is an extension center of a crisis pregnancy care center, and deals with helping the mothers get back on their feet to provide for their families. I would not only be working with the children (ages 4 weeks to 4yrs.), but would have ministry opportunities with the mothers as well. My heart has literally ached with desire for this position since leaving there this afternoon. I know that God will put me where He wants me, so pray that I accept with thanksgiving wherever that may be.

We also received word last night that Will's great-aunt passed away last night. While we mourn for a lost loved one, we are praising God for her arrival in Glory with Him! Needless to say, we are coming home tomorrow. Will has his first day of school tomorrow followed by a closing shift, so we will be heading out around 11:30pm. Wednesday will be spent in Clarksville, and we will come back to Louisville later in the afternoon. Think of us as we make this mad dash! Traveling on KY roads is truly a nightmare - and that's even if you aren't riding with me! lol :) We love you all and look forward to this unexpected time to be home with some of you!

Making those changes . . .

Hello to all! I've been wanting to do this for awhile now, so I can keep everyone updated on what is going on in our lives. Will and I have been so incredibly blessed with such wonderful family and friends, and are so grateful for the outpouring of love we experienced at our wedding. It was truly an unforgettable day, followed by an absolutely perfect honeymoon! Thanks Mr. Bill and Mrs. Nebbie! We have since settled into our apartment, and I've managed to stay pretty busy making changes and unpacking boxes and gifts. Will has been back at Starbuck's, and was recently promoted to a shift position! We are so excited and I am so proud because of the hard worker and example he is to those around him. I have been applying for various jobs this past week, and am hoping to hear something this coming week. It would be nice to have something to get me out of the apartment, as well as provide us with a better income. I'm praying for God to clearly show me the position He wants me to be in, but I'm not always good at being patient :) In the meantime, I'm doing lots of laundry and cooking, as well as making my weekly trips to Starbuck's :) We have had visits from Mom, Aunt Gaynor, and Karleigh, and this weekend, Lauren,(one of my best pals) came! It has been good to see familiar faces :) We both miss our families and friends, but are at peace, as we know this is where God wants us. Will and I are laughing alot and learning something new about each other everyday it seems. Start praying for our future children now. Between his OCD and mine, they will really need it! haha! We love you all and hope you will pray for us as we continue to adjust, and especially for Will as he starts school this Tuesday. Here are a few pics from the honeymoon! Hope you enjoy!