Long time, No post!!

Sooo...I know it's been awhile since my last post and I'm sorry! I would say a lot has happened but not a lot of eventful things have really happened this year except for my accident in February. But I finished my first semester back at school since my accident and so thankful the Lord got me through it. I thankfully passed with a 3.0! :)

I turned 21 this December! It was a time spent with my wonderful boyfriend over dinner and then hanging out with friends! I love it when the Lord reminds me how blessed I am to have such great and Godly people in my life that bring so much joy to me!

I also enjoyed some great family time during Christmas! My parents took me out for a late birthday dinner in downtown Franklin and went to one of our favorite stores after: T.J. Maxx! Then I woke up to a "White Christmas" Christmas morning and loved every minute of it!

Last night I rung in the new year with some great friends just goofing off playing Just Dance and the game Things. We had too much fun and just enjoyed each others company. It makes you really appreciate all the special people in your life.

One thing I can say about 2010 is that it went by too fast. I felt like I wasn't prepared for anything that came my way, and before I knew it Thanksgiving was over, the semester was over, Christmas was over, and 2010 was gone and now I have to get used to remembering to write 2011 instead of 2010! It's been a crazy, busy, fun year and I can't wait to see what the Lord already has planned for me this year!! Great things are yet to come! I hope that the Lord blesses you all and teaches you something new in 2011! :)

Lauren

I'm officially in business!

So I know that I've been slacking alot lately with my blogging, but it's summer and I've been a little lazy! So far, I'm off my crutches and out of the boot..Yes you heard me right! I'm chain free now! I got my car and I'm driving again!..Alot of new things!! It's also been 4 months since my accident and I've progressed alot since the accident. It'll be exciting to see where I'll be in a year after my accident. God still has His hand on me! I have about 3 more weeks of Physical Therapy and then I'm really on my own!!

Now for even greater news..I've started my own Hair Accessory business and created my own website! It's all my hard work put together during the 3 months I was recovering at my parents house. I'm very proud of the way everything turned out and hope that you enjoy browsing around and maybe even find something you like!

Here's the link!! http://buttonsnhair.weebly.com


Well I'm off to go to my Physical Therapy appointment!

Almost There...

So I had another physical therapy appointment yesterday and I've been going for 2 weeks now and as of yesterday I am WALKING..with the help of only one crutch now! I'm super excited! I'm still wearing my boot but It's such a huge leap! It's been crazy to see how far I've come in just two weeks and also that it's almost been 4 months!

We leave EARLY Monday morning for youth camp and I'm anxious to see how I handle getting around on the beach! It will surely be an interesting week..ha I'm so excited to go to beach with all the youth and see how the Lord moves in mine and everyone else's life. I'll post pics when I get back! Be praying for those who don't know the Lord and that this week they will draw near to Him!

I know I haven't posted in awhile but it's been crazy lately so I'll leave you with a video of my "first" steps in almost 4 months!! Enjoy! Love you guys! :)

Home Sweet Home

So I'm officially home..and it feels pretty good! It's crazy to know this journey's not over yet and that I'm starting a new chapter in my recovery. I went to church last night and got to see all my friends which was super nice knowing that I didn't have to leave them again! I have some of the greatest friends!

This morning I had an early doctors appointment but it was well worth it because I got a great report hearing that in 2 weeks I can put full weight on my foot and I'm super excited. I'll be starting physical therapy next week starting to build up my leg muscles again! They expect after a month I'll be walking again..crazy huh?

After a wonderful report at the doctor, I sent my momma off back to Nashville (without me,sad. I love her so much!!!) then got to hangout with some wonderful ladies: Chelsea Barton and Kirby Rhodes! :) I haven't hung out with them in soo long! Love them!

All together I had a wonderful day and am looking forward to starting my physical therapy and seeing how weird putting weight on my foot again is gonna be! Super excited!! Woo Hoo! Looking forward to it! :) Stay tuned for updates along the way during my recovery! This should be interesting!! :)

Coming to An End

So people, it's finally started...my last and final week staying with my parents. A week and a half from now I'll be on my way back to Memphis to stay. I've enjoyed my stay here with my parents and loved getting to spend time with them!..I know they enjoyed it too! But it's been almost 3 months and the doctors said it takes 3 months for my ankle to heal and after that I would start rehab and learn how to walk again!

I've been thinking lately how crazy it's gonna be to learn everything again:walking, driving,and just being more mobile. But surprisingly I'm actually kind of excited about it. It's the next chapter in my crazy journey and I know the Lord has used these 3 months to prepare me for this very moment and to get rid of my selfish pride and be able to recover properly. I can't say that I haven't been Miss Independent but I think that's a good thing cause it's taught me how to do things on my own and when I get home I won't have my momma there 24/7 taking care of my every need, so I know I'm ready now.

It's been so hard being away from everyone, especially Jeremy, but the Lord got us through it! We hit some rough patches along the way just because we missed each other so much and it just all happened so quickly....we just weren't ready to say goodbye. Luckily we came back for all my doctors appointments and he came to visit as well and it made it easier, but it seems like it's getting harder again just because it's soo close. I mean we are 9 days away now..we are so ready and sooooo excited! I can tell we're gonna have a great summer!! :)

I'm so blessed to have had so many people praying for me and supporting me through this tough time, but spending time with the Lord and knowing yall were praying for me was what got me through it. Knowing that I have a great second family and awesome friends to go back home to gives me no worries and soo much comfort and I know my momma appreciates it as well! :)

I'm just waiting and praying that the doctors give me a good report when I go in for my appointment on the 20th so everyone keep me in their prayers at 8:40am..if you're up!

Thanks everyone for reading my blog and staying updated. Thanks for all the prayers, they were much felt and beautiful. Love everyone!

Lauren :)

50 Random Things About Myself..this should be interesting!

1. Broken bones gross me out so the fact I currently have one doesn't help.
2.When I was growing up I always wanted to live
in a house you could get lost in.
3. I hate to be chased..it's one of my biggest fears.
4. I'm obsessed with comfy clothes..pretty much wear
yoga pants, jeans, and tshirts all the time.
5. I would love to save my money more but it just keeps
disappearing somehow.
6. I'm very much a pack rat. I save too much stuff.
7. Probably because I'm a very sentimental person.
8. I'm a pretty independent person and like to do things on my own.
9. I'm very indecisive.
10. I'm horrible at math and my family makes fun of me for it.
11. Two movies that scared me as a kid: Willy Wonka and Wizard of Oz.
12. Romantic Comedies are my favorite.
13. I've always wanted a tattoo but know for sure I'd chicken out at the last minute.
14. I have one pillow I've had for years that I can't sleep without.
15. I have to sleep with some kind of noise...sound machine=LOVE.
16. I'm very stubborn headed.
17. I love making things I see in stores and knowing I
made it for alot less than its worth.
18. I've always wanted a really cool nickname.
19. When I'm driving I love to sing super loud and then stop
singing when I'm at a red light cause I know people are watching me.
20. My dream job is being a photographer with selling handmade
accessories on the side.
21. I would love to travel the world one day.
22. Slow drivers, people eating crunchy foods,and people smacking
their food are some of my biggest pet peeves.
23. I'm actually pretty fond of my boyfriend's beard.
24. Going to Italy is a dream of mine.
25. Falling down the stairs is a fear of mine.
26. Apparently I'm a pretty funny person on morphine.
27. Being awake while a chest tube is being put in is one of my craziest moments.
28. Riding in an ambulance..not that cool like on the shows..disappointing.
29. I secretly wish I was best friends with a celebrity.
30. I love fuzzy blankets.
31. I'm cold majority of the time.
32. I love to knit. It makes me feel cool!
33. I wish I worked at Ace of Cakes so I could make awesome masterpieces.
34. Would love to have an outdoor wedding but it raining is a big worry of mine.
35. I worry more than I need to which sometimes makes me a control freak.
36. I can embarrass easily sometimes.
37. Bella and Kylee are the coolest kids ever! I'm so proud to
be their unrelated Aunt! :)
38. Having a boyfriend that loves to cook= a great future husband :)
39. I don't like painting my nails because I end up messing them up
before they are dry and end up picking at them 3 days after.
40. I hate scary movies but act like I love them for some reason.
41. I yell at the TV all the time.
42. Wish I loved to read books more. When I do I get pretty wrapped up in them.
43. Anything chocolate is pretty much my favorite.
44. My favorite ice-cream is Maggies fudge from Maggie Moos but
they rarely ever make it.
45. I hate eating breakfast, so I usually end up eating junk food.
46. I wear my emotions on my sleeve.
47. I love sunglasses but I can never remember to bring them or wear them.
48. You could say I'm a pretty unorganized person.
49. Music is a big part of my life and I can't live without my iPod.
50. And last..I'm pretty shy at first, but once you get to know me we'll be great friends.

A Medical Update

So Here's another update on me that yall might enjoy!...hopefully! So I went back to the doctor for my 6 week check up and everything went great! She said My scars are healing well and that my ankle stretches were good too! She said that these next 6 weeks will be healing time for my ankle bone and that it's still really important for me not to put any pressure on my ankle still.

On my next appointment on May 20th will hopefully be when they give me the OK to start little by little putting weight on my ankle again! I think after they give me the OK to put weight on it again then will start a 4 week process of weight bearing progression. Then after the 4 weeks I'll start rehab with walking, muscle strengthening, and just learning how to use my whole right leg again pretty much..ha So needless to say I got a great report and I'm super excited to start my next chapter of recovery which ends in me being able to go home!

May 20th is also the day I'll be able to go home as well so I'm really excited about that and being back in my apartment again with my bed and STUFF!! I'll be sad to leave my parents cause we've really grown ALOT together these past weeks and they've taken great care of me which I wouldn't have been able to get at home. There's nothing like a mother's care.

Before I end this post I'll leave you with the coolest pictures ever...my xrays of my ankle! Extremely cool!

This is an xray they did right after my surgery...I was still asleep.

Another View.

This is an xray they took at my doctor's visit. Front View.

Side view. I have 5 screws and a plate. In my foot FOREVER...

Another Side View. Super cool huh?

More Hair Decorations?

Here are some more I made yesterday cause I got bored and more or less had alot of time on my hands..ha The first picture is of the ones I made yesterday and then the second picture is of ones I made like a week ago. The smaller ones Im going to attach to a hair clip.

My New Hobby..

So when you're away from friends and not in school you need something to keep your interest so I decided to make my own hair accessories. Let me know what you think! I think they're pretty good for my first ones. Enjoy! :)

More to come!! :)

A new unexpected chapter...

So for those who don't know or have been away from facebook for awhile, I was in a really bad car accident February 18. It was a normal Thursday morning, and I was getting ready for my first morning class. I got in my car like I normally do, not knowing what was about to happen just a few miles from my apartment. I was driving down Walnut Grove, the way I always take, and it was around 9 in the morning so there wasn't much traffic at all. I usually call my mom on my way to school so I just pressed my moms name on my iphone and the next thing I know I look up and there's a dumptruck RIGHT in front of me. I don't remember seeing any brake lights or flashers and he was in the fast lane. I had absolutely NO time to slam on my brakes really or swerve to get out of the way. After that I don't really remember much. I remember it feeling like a really bad dream and wanting to wake up really bad, but obviously I couldn't. Then a community worker ran up beside my car and asked if I was alright and I responded "I think so, I think I hurt my foot though." Then he said "Be still, I'm gonna try and get you out." So luckily the door opened he and was able to get me out and then laid me on the median. Thats when I asked for my phone so I could call my mom and she answered and I told her I was in a bad accident and that I was hurt and she said "I'm on my way!!" then hung up the phone. ha I was so upset and started to cry cause I knew my parents were 3 hours away. But the awesome thing is that God was in control and He knew this was going to happen and already had people to help me. That's when Marie comes in. She is probably the most wonderful woman I've EVER met. She told me she usually doesn't stop for things like this but when she saw me her motherly instincts kicked in and she came to my side. She stayed by my side and conforted and talked to me til the ambulance came. I mean she called people for me and even came to the hospital with me, which meant alot since like I said my parents were 3 hours away. So then the ambulance came and put me on the stretcher then put me in the ambulance and drove me to Baptist East which was luckily 5 mins away! I was in the ER for just a little while before I heard Jeremys voice coming up the hall and I instantly felt safe. Marie stayed with me for a little while then had to leave, but I was so grateful for the time she was there. We exchanged numbers and everything. So Jeremy and Shaun were with me for a long time then my sister finally arrived. We kept in touch with my parents while they were on their way to the hospital from Franklin. Once they arrived I felt even more safe. It took them awhile before they could get me back for xrays and a CT Scan so we had to wait a couple hours. I had many visitors which lifted my spirits alot. I found out that I had a broken ankle and the news my mom hated: A franctured rib which punctured my left lung, which meant they had to put a chest tube in my side to reinflate my lung. I was eventually moved to ICU because of my chest tube and had to get more xrays and scans done on the rest of my body to make sure nothing else was wrong. Then they told me some good news: That they were moving me to ICU:stepdown unit which meant my dad was able to sleep in the same room with me so I wouldn't be alone my first night. I actually stayed there for 4 and a half days. They monitored me all night, everynight. I was on alot of drugs so I don't really remember alot of things that happened, but my mom and sister fill me in on all the funny things I did or said. ha Towards the end of my stay in the hospital when I was getting fitted for a boot, my doctor told me that I couldn't put ANY pressure on my ankle for 3 full months and that I couldn't go to school for 2 weeks. My parents already knew what this meant. That they would have to take me out of school for the semester and that I would have to come live with them til I got better. Which meant leaving behind my home, friends, and family for about 3 months. I was devestated!! So I finally got to go home that Monday and we were on our way to Franklin. The first couple days were really hard. Trying to get around on crutches and a wheelchair. Everything was different, the way I did everything was turned upside down. Going to the bathroom, taking a shower, and just getting around in general. I was having to rely on my parents more and I didn't like it cause Im 20 and I'm supposed to be proving to them that I can do things on my own. That I'm an adult. I also just really don't like asking for help. I'm pretty independent, or I like to be at least. But the Lord was quick to teach me about being prideful.

So its already been a week since I left the hospital and almost 2 weeks since the accident. Wow. I don't even know where to begin to tell you how the Lord has healed my body already and how much He is teaching me!! He certainly has been faithful! My relationship and love for Him is better than ever! I've developed just such a joy and my days with Him are sweeter. I was truly blessed by all the visits and flowers I received while I was in the hospital. I know this was not how I intended to start out my year but the Lord knew this was gonna happen and He's just amazing me daily with how much I'm healing and just doing soo well! It hasn't been easy but I know this situation is temporary and that there is nothing to worry about cause God is and will take care of me.

I just want to say thank you to all who have been and are still praying for me! It's just been amazing to experience what the Lord is doing in my life and I hope to be a blessing to others and glorify God in the process! I love everyone of you who is praying and thinking of me daily and all of you who have been supporting me! Thank you and God Bless!!

In Him,
Lauren

I have come so that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10