tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70798927188743868202023-11-16T01:53:21.637-06:00Wherever you are, be all there...Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.comBlogger372125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-85975425718480496552018-06-29T12:07:00.003-05:002018-06-30T10:15:13.779-05:00An Impending Farewell<div style="text-align: center;">
For all 29 summers of my life, I have spent time in <a href="https://lauragracecarroll.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-believe-heaven-will-be-like-harbor.html">Harbor Springs, Michigan</a>. It seems random, I know. A little town almost to the upper peninsula of Michigan. A girl from Nashville, who has always been a Tennessee native. But my mom's side of the family has had a house up here for generations, and if you took one breath of the fresh air and felt the breeze off Lake Michigan as you cruised in to town on a bike, you would completely understand why we make the trek up every summer. </div>
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Sadly, this summer will be the last.</div>
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When I was a senior at Wake Forest,<a href="https://lauragracecarroll.blogspot.com/2012/09/one-year-later.html"> my grandmother passed away</a> suddenly. Since that terrible day in 2011, my parents have had the house up here (shared with my aunts) but it just doesn't make sense to keep a second home that is 800 miles away and costs more than my annual salary in taxes alone each year.<br />
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We have been talking about selling it since Ma's death, but it always felt too sentimental. "Maybe one day we should sell this place." Well, that day has come. My parents listed it this spring and it rendered multiple offers immediately. They picked one and we will officially give up the place at the end of this summer.</div>
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With all the talk of selling, I was really sad. When I learned how much money it was selling for, the practical side of my brain kicked in and I was like, "This makes total sense. It's what we need to do. It is ridiculous to be spending that much money on a vacation home that we seldom use." And then I got off the plane yesterday, and the sentimental side kicked right back in. I had forgotten how this place has the innate ability to transform you into a relaxed, better version of yourself!</div>
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I feel like I am in a position where I know I have to break up with the guy, but I am still crazy about him and want just a little more time hanging out. And I know I have the next 10 days to relax in this wonderful place. But it just feels like there is a dark cloud looming over, knowing this summer will be the last. </div>
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The worse feeling of all, though, is that it feels like losing my grandmother all over again. It feels just as harrowing as receiving that phone call on a sunny Thursday afternoon. And that is the most heartbreaking part of it all.</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-75489463187244543502018-06-26T21:33:00.003-05:002018-06-26T21:39:16.019-05:00Felicity Grace Price<div style="text-align: center;">
When my niece was born in the fall of 2016, I immediately hopped on a plane to San Francisco to meet her. I knew I would be obsessed with her, but I had no idea that I could love a tiny human that much! And the more her cute little personality comes out, the more I love her...</div>
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Two weeks ago, I persuaded Ali and Jonny to leave Felicity in Nashville for 5 days for "Camp Grandmama". I was pretty proud of my accomplishment because 5 days is a long time to leave your less-than-two year old AND it was a last minute decision. But my parents and I were SO glad that they did...we had the best week with sweet little Fizzy.</div>
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Felicity is quite the little artist (which is not shocking, considering who her mama is!)</div>
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Aunt Bea is, to put it nicely, an obsession. She has a stuffed animal named "Aunt Bea" that she takes everywhere, but the real life dog is her absolute favorite.</div>
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We had such a blast toting Felicity around Nashville! She went to dinners with friends, ate lots of Las Paletas, went on plenty of walks, and genuinely just enjoyed exploring.</div>
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Fizz also learned some new skills...like making the famous Carroll chocolate chip cookies and going "Beep Beep" in Pooch's car!</div>
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One day, I invited some of my precious students from school to come to the zoo with us and Fizzy girl. They were SO sweet with her and she loved speaking with them in Spanish (and meeting their Mom, too!).</div>
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Felicity was not a huge fan of actually swimming in the pool, but she loves "agua" in about every other form!</div>
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I would also like to give myself a pat on the back for flying solo, on a 5 hour flight, that ended up being 5 hours delayed, back to San Francisco to return Felicity to her parents. She was a champ and we arrived in style!</div>
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And then we had a lovely weekend with her parents in California, before I sadly had to say "bye-bye" and head back to Nashville alone.</div>
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But, thankfully, Felicity is starting the campaign to get her parents to move to Nashville!</div>
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xoxo</div>
<br />Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-17488367453282102992018-06-19T22:30:00.003-05:002018-06-26T16:19:29.175-05:00The immigration crisis.<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight, as I dropped four rising 12th grade girls off after swimming at my parents pool, we were talking about their upcoming senior year and going to college after. One walked away from the car laughing saying, "Oh Mees, you know I can't go to college because I'm illegal." And less than two minutes later, one of the other girls who was still in the car said, "Oh Miss Carroll, I have been thinking a lot about all this awful immigration and deportation stuff, but the one good thing I was thinking was, 'If I get deported, I bet Miss Carroll will come visit me in Honduras since she likes to travel.'"</div>
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Let me back up a minute. For those of you who do not know, I work as a social emotional counselor in a school setting. That means I work with students on anything and everything, ranging from suicide to peer pressure, sexual assault to immigration, and conflict resolution to relationship drama. I also happen to speak Spanish, which is the spoken-at-home language for more than half of my 650 students. As you might imagine, I have some thoughts on the immigration crisis.</div>
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This is not new for me. Over the past several years, I have had a front row seat to the trauma caused by the atrocities at the border. And what I realized tonight is how de-sensitized I have become to these horrible labels and the effects of the trauma that many of my students have endured.</div>
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I have a student who refused to speak for weeks upon his arrival to school, only to find out later he had been detained for three months at the border. Alone. In a cell.</div>
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I have a student who regularly tells me, "Oh Mees, if I was still in El Salvador, I would be dead." And as traumatic as that is for a 17 year old boy to realize, what truly breaks my heart about it is not for this boy at all. It is for the thousands and thousands of kids that I don't know. That, for a myriad of reasons, did not make it out of their gang-ridden countries and died there.</div>
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I have a student with scars all over her arms from climbing the wall to get into the United States.</div>
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I have a student who told me about how he, his older brother, and little sister set out of the United States, but the little sister got caught by border patrol and he has never been so scared in his life because they didn't know what would happen to her but had to keep going.</div>
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It is chillingly normal to have a student come in crying, or a family member call to let me know, that the students' parent(s) have been deported.</div>
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<b>I wish that I had some earth shattering resolution to this multi-faceted global crisis. I do not. But here is what I do know. As a believer, I feel called to treat others as I want to be treated. As a human being, I feel called to treat all people with respect and dignity. And I can assure you, that has not been the case at the border in recent years, but especially in recent months. </b></div>
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I wholeheartedly disagree with splitting up families. And I know that if I was born in a dangerous, gang-ridden place, I would most certainly hope that I would be allowed to move to a country where my life was not constantly at risk, where I could live safely and be given an education and afforded opportunities for my future. </div>
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I also wholeheartedly wish that you could get to know my students. I feel incredibly privileged to know them and know so many of their stories. I wish you knew the 17 year old boy, who makes the honor roll, is captain of the soccer team, picks his two younger brothers up from school each afternoon and works as a painter every weekend to split the rent with his single mom. I wish you knew the mom who buses tables at a restaurant that I frequent, who's two boys have been awarded full scholarships to one of the most prestigious high schools in Nashville. I wish you knew the 16 year old girl who uses a fake social security number because she is so desperate to work at a fast food restaurant 20 hours/week, who translates for her entire extended family of 20+ people and makes sure that all her little siblings and cousins are enrolled in charter and magnet schools to be getting a good education, all while maintaining a 4.0 and being one of the most compassionate humans I have ever met. Because these are the kids that crossed the border illegally. And these people are the future of America that this country needs. </div>
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So, for now, you can<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kidsattheborder"> donate here </a>if you are able. You can march in your respective city. You can call your local lawmakers. All of which I highly recommend, but I also urge you to personally get to know immigrants. Get connected with a family who is new to the country. Become a mentor for a student who is learning english. I promise it will broaden your understanding in the best way. </div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-46671297052054783312018-06-19T21:29:00.001-05:002018-06-19T21:29:28.020-05:00I'll be right back!<div style="text-align: center;">
All two of my readers can rejoice...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9XHpPdZtjtSCIztvy5y3l1FAfGPs5jl2u0wl026CVwM8JQ5rqEL28eV3mC4D2x7IJQMBwP5y2G3kwRLr7-qbXW4qhLiNe3TS6YyGGkZZKhRczw02EtvzXGAI5POzoMvcHZYkj39U5dY/s1600/brb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9XHpPdZtjtSCIztvy5y3l1FAfGPs5jl2u0wl026CVwM8JQ5rqEL28eV3mC4D2x7IJQMBwP5y2G3kwRLr7-qbXW4qhLiNe3TS6YyGGkZZKhRczw02EtvzXGAI5POzoMvcHZYkj39U5dY/s1600/brb.jpg" /></a></div>
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...because, after a two year hiatus, my blogging days are back! </div>
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Hang tight for a few days and regular posts will be coming your way.</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-37030462798033166602016-02-09T15:38:00.001-06:002016-02-09T15:38:02.279-06:00What is filling my brain...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">T<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">oday is a snow day. Which I greatly appreciate. I always enjoy having the time to doodle and draw. Here is what is filling my brain at the moment.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg319C1FMwisnClm7To9RMlt825xAOhgIHCDc00O0kEVetDH_qPhAb4DCpgCHI-B3uvltsEJ3ASQTfWtjsxgZgCP2PuOdg_645uhVd_PnZ_qfm6OufokyMvL73wwNlexvWebFcmPFemzIk/s640/blogger-image-646734569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg319C1FMwisnClm7To9RMlt825xAOhgIHCDc00O0kEVetDH_qPhAb4DCpgCHI-B3uvltsEJ3ASQTfWtjsxgZgCP2PuOdg_645uhVd_PnZ_qfm6OufokyMvL73wwNlexvWebFcmPFemzIk/s640/blogger-image-646734569.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What occupys your mind?!</div><div>Xoxo</div>Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-59124354861853261272016-01-10T22:39:00.003-06:002016-01-10T22:40:17.090-06:00Jamie and Leah's Wedding<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend, my kind-hearted oldest brother married the lovely Leah…and I could not be more thrilled for them!</div>
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The ceremony was sweet and Christ centered. Since Leah's family is Korean, they did several Korean traditions during the ceremony. One of them was walking down to hug and thank both sets of parents, which I thought was such a sweet moment.</div>
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The wedding was in Atlanta, and one of the wonderful perks of being the groom's family is that all of our extended family, close friends, and so many people I wanted to see were there and we had the luxury of having the time to hang out and catch up!</div>
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The dance floor was hopping, my favorite being my soon-to-be 90 year old grandmother who was tearing it up as usual :)</div>
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One of the things I loved most about the weekend was all the high compliments that so many friends and family members spoke about Jamie and Leah and the way they constantly love and serve those around them in a quiet, humble manner. I truly admire that about them and cannot wait to continue to watch that for years to come.</div>
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As a part of another Korean tradition, Leah changed into a Homboak (which my mom was also sporting!) for part of the reception. Once again, she looked lovely and the festivities continued!</div>
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I'd be lying if I didn't say that as much as I love my family, I'm not thrilled about my current 9th wheel status that I now hold seeing as I am the only single one left. Here is a fun picture of the original Carrolls…</div>
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and then the up-to-date Carrolls...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy7ThWCzuu0s3RPuH_uZ5OA02ZV-uMkrgZNhyphenhyphenhuGZu3DPAi5Hd_v7i_un_WvOaBHZWJkTTjLIs6SkdBgVRTEsV2mFl7tfiljXLHL6w22UGvl-g1psJnIRgdeB8em34oiVE3qfP74EFIc/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy7ThWCzuu0s3RPuH_uZ5OA02ZV-uMkrgZNhyphenhyphenhuGZu3DPAi5Hd_v7i_un_WvOaBHZWJkTTjLIs6SkdBgVRTEsV2mFl7tfiljXLHL6w22UGvl-g1psJnIRgdeB8em34oiVE3qfP74EFIc/s400/IMG_2386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I could not be happier for the newly weds, and I am so excited for their future together! I love you two!</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-66277114487683050002016-01-01T22:01:00.001-06:002016-01-01T22:06:38.469-06:00Cheers to 2016!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello my long lost readers,</div>
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So 2015 was wild and busy and this blog unfortunately took a back seat to the demands of daily life. But I am back and promise to post more in the new year. Here is a quote that I love...an eloquently written wish for excitement and blessings in the year to come.</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-64641045508873168442015-11-19T18:10:00.006-06:002015-11-19T18:10:55.671-06:00The Refugee Crisis<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been particularly bothered this week by the recent announcement that Tennessee, along with 25 other states, will refuse to allow Syrian refugees enter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYjxLhaSxAbc69cck3Kbd0HfKbCZExSDZoIexuKopJq6gx9MfSNs6KhUQFPcqN1y3VCe661w7H9Ka-gvpArfYihG1xl7wzESaCw_UB0LT8cpdd5bxU0vNk_8MQ0_m2-e2rNyARMF7Ffc/s1600/20151026_112039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYjxLhaSxAbc69cck3Kbd0HfKbCZExSDZoIexuKopJq6gx9MfSNs6KhUQFPcqN1y3VCe661w7H9Ka-gvpArfYihG1xl7wzESaCw_UB0LT8cpdd5bxU0vNk_8MQ0_m2-e2rNyARMF7Ffc/s200/20151026_112039.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />For one, I am bothered because many of the students I counsel and teach are refugees and immigrants. By and large, the refugees and immigrants are the well-behaved, driven students that do not cause problems. From an academic perspective, they are the ones who are incredibly motivated and dedicated to learning and creating a better life for themselves. From a counseling perspective, they are the ones who have seen horrific scenes and dealt with losses that I would not wish upon anyone. But these kids are the ones fortunate enough to have made it out, to have been taken in by America. They also happen to be some of my favorites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisArChqiYeUqR9e1uAOjqCpHqxqP6Ru08ydYdRWSd8FszVRU0HKxy36q1gCJMuoqYCFP86bZ3hePvQnmibYdQYQT_3CUalU1rsKuhvEAmNAZa4myoFc-62J9Yii2G6sTnVTOB1w-YjW0E/s1600/imgp3640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisArChqiYeUqR9e1uAOjqCpHqxqP6Ru08ydYdRWSd8FszVRU0HKxy36q1gCJMuoqYCFP86bZ3hePvQnmibYdQYQT_3CUalU1rsKuhvEAmNAZa4myoFc-62J9Yii2G6sTnVTOB1w-YjW0E/s320/imgp3640.jpg" width="320" /></a>While thinking about this situation, this verse from Matthew continually came to my mind. As a believer, I do not feel peace about turning thousands of people away. I realize that safety is an issue, but it seems completely unfair to turn away tens of thousands of endangered people based on the actions of a few. And The Bible does not say that you fed the hungry, when it was convenient for you. Or cared for the sick, when there was zero risk of you catching the sickness that they had contracted. It simply says that the love shown for the least of these is love shown for Jesus Christ.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTdM9MfkGYLjMX7yU8IqaLc6X7vGYGneUPQmiDUGNZrbdchcdDVCuCd_8TrKoI2SBuaROqO4m3OATmlII-oiSazrbqmHrMeTVDRCcQE8rOWZF0yalvKgUhfGz4d56ZFAgpSZrGBfsVcc/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTdM9MfkGYLjMX7yU8IqaLc6X7vGYGneUPQmiDUGNZrbdchcdDVCuCd_8TrKoI2SBuaROqO4m3OATmlII-oiSazrbqmHrMeTVDRCcQE8rOWZF0yalvKgUhfGz4d56ZFAgpSZrGBfsVcc/s320/IMG_3803.JPG" width="320" /></a>I will admit, I have been annoyed by the Facebook rants about this situation. I just do not think Facebook is the appropriate platform for political debates, but I came across <a href="http://www.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/186716/historical-review-americans-views-refugees-coming.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=morelink&utm_campaign=syndication">this article </a>that was posted by a friend who I respect, who also happens to have spent a great deal of time in the middle east. Having personally seen the atrociousness of the concentration camps after the fact, I cannot imagine that anyone in their right mind would have kept these people there instead of letting them come to the U.S.</div>
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So, not that that anyone who makes decisions will read this, but I want to be able to say that I did everything I could do for the least of these. Don't you?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGlhWGiV9Y9FJ0WSVw-tvaorTbgTSyxUtjL_I4XIvveSR2z0qLJsarnNcKNkyDsH-rPQDBv1vBU_tDk5sAiQaTjm28GOA5qKdrp2BZsRnQa6ZXwEmJfTFDPlx2Ow3u7qes1OVUrWTJuE/s1600/least_of_these.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGlhWGiV9Y9FJ0WSVw-tvaorTbgTSyxUtjL_I4XIvveSR2z0qLJsarnNcKNkyDsH-rPQDBv1vBU_tDk5sAiQaTjm28GOA5qKdrp2BZsRnQa6ZXwEmJfTFDPlx2Ow3u7qes1OVUrWTJuE/s320/least_of_these.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-49623709423711578022015-11-13T20:04:00.001-06:002015-11-19T21:10:19.962-06:00#prayforparis<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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My heart is breaking...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKHWqsVKYe-jn3_26oqkdjT6AcYpsj__VsVIHpd-C59qLnqUs7lIHQD4hBVA6m7BypRjSP-xaOy7ZmQfdgMGNb8JawVTasvOJ0ZryaRz-k7Dps-8rUV1e2D2P_zr5nTYmsnvGU87cpwo/s640/blogger-image--1944079504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKHWqsVKYe-jn3_26oqkdjT6AcYpsj__VsVIHpd-C59qLnqUs7lIHQD4hBVA6m7BypRjSP-xaOy7ZmQfdgMGNb8JawVTasvOJ0ZryaRz-k7Dps-8rUV1e2D2P_zr5nTYmsnvGU87cpwo/s640/blogger-image--1944079504.jpg" /></a></div>
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For a city that I have grown to adore. </div>
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For a city that took an acquired taste.</div>
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For a city full of fond memories.</div>
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For a city representing a time that I miss.</div>
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For a city that has seen undeserving hate.</div>
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For a city that is always known for love...</div>
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Pray for Paris.</div>
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Xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-27930897800631353152015-10-12T21:50:00.001-05:002015-10-12T23:17:40.013-05:00Costa Rica Dreamin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week, I was zip lining through the rain forest and stopping mid rafting trip to be served fresh fruit on the bottom of a boat.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkXJQ4U3XTr4HxIKAu3qIedBFcwOsrHxARXVyJWvYKvEb-lCxn7alVr8SZ_eKMdjOzcG-U_iFtmG5Z-lnb67LLsha4mdyjCNu37XU9jcIm_VXArj_dV3Xjj3SupLIIDkoARZpx-GaD4Q/s640/blogger-image-1034605101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkXJQ4U3XTr4HxIKAu3qIedBFcwOsrHxARXVyJWvYKvEb-lCxn7alVr8SZ_eKMdjOzcG-U_iFtmG5Z-lnb67LLsha4mdyjCNu37XU9jcIm_VXArj_dV3Xjj3SupLIIDkoARZpx-GaD4Q/s640/blogger-image-1034605101.jpg" /></a></div>
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This week, I am scrambling to throw snacks in my school bag as I rush out the door for work. The times change fast and I am learning to embrace every stage, knowing I will soon be on to the next thing. But its hard not to miss this dreamy Costa Rica life.</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-60286907806206279792015-09-28T22:09:00.000-05:002015-09-28T22:09:08.924-05:00A Weekend in The District<div style="text-align: center;">
The past few days have been a wonderful whirlwind. Like I told a friend last night, "I just do not think feeling rested is in the cards for us right now, so we may as well have fun!" And this weekend was plenty of fun, indeed.</div>
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First of all, I love the city of DC. I have visited a good bit in recent years and it never ceases to amaze.</div>
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Second of all, having the whole family in one place (despite the fact that I am perpetually 9th wheel these days….) is always a recipe for a great time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLK7hPReKlE/Vgn-mmeRxQI/AAAAAAAANP4/HWomEb1bbz0/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLK7hPReKlE/Vgn-mmeRxQI/AAAAAAAANP4/HWomEb1bbz0/s320/15%2B-%2B3" width="240" /></a> </div>
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Of course, I cannot leave out the purpose of the whole gathering, which was the wedding of my cousin Carlton and Ian!</div>
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The wedding was lovely, but the entire weekend was planned to perfection. This Bloody Mary bar at brunch pretty much sums up how pristine and delicious every meal tasted.</div>
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Our best friends in the entire world now live in DC, and any time spent with the Campbell clan is time well spent.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1llLQ5E6Cf0/Vgn-uLS__sI/AAAAAAAANRE/V0yIXw0bJEQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1llLQ5E6Cf0/Vgn-uLS__sI/AAAAAAAANRE/V0yIXw0bJEQ/s320/15%2B-%2B3" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcbH1CdGbMY/Vgn-mvIdpqI/AAAAAAAANQQ/47hFHcx5j4s/s1600/15%2B-%2B6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcbH1CdGbMY/Vgn-mvIdpqI/AAAAAAAANQQ/47hFHcx5j4s/s320/15%2B-%2B6" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBjXAa3THig/Vgn-uKivqjI/AAAAAAAANRM/QSmKCoNTGBo/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBjXAa3THig/Vgn-uKivqjI/AAAAAAAANRM/QSmKCoNTGBo/s320/15%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-motHuZCx8VQ/Vgn-uO14hUI/AAAAAAAANRc/SnthSkLI3po/s1600/15%2B-%2B4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-motHuZCx8VQ/Vgn-uO14hUI/AAAAAAAANRc/SnthSkLI3po/s320/15%2B-%2B4" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just a few snaps never sum up the hilarious moments, meaningful conversations, and precious time spent together. Here is a mix of pictures that try to capture little tidbits like my 89 year old grandmother's killer dance moves or last minute DC purchases like Jonny's British socks.</div>
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I feel full and rejuvenated after the weekend in DC!</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-40981632145881675662015-09-22T20:53:00.001-05:002015-09-22T20:53:11.289-05:00Fall is Finally Here...<div style="text-align: center;">
The breezes are finally getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn every hue of the sunset, but it has strangely felt like Fall for a while. With the kids coming to school at the start of August, it felt like I said goodbye to summer so long ago. So it seems only fitting that it finally feels like fall. The busyness of fall certainly set in a long time ago. I am glad the weather and football has finally made its way into my life.</div>
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After work today, my mom and I stumbled upon a cute little apple festival going on at the local farmers market. And this fun photo booth was a part of it.</div>
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Another perk of fall that I absolutely adore is wearing flannels. Last night was my (actually it was Rita's…) debut flannel wearing for the season. And this adorable puppy is another thing I adore.</div>
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Happy Fall!</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-84954454835994635462015-08-31T20:52:00.002-05:002015-08-31T20:53:19.735-05:00Exquisite Alabama<div style="text-align: center;">
Alabama has been getting bad press lately, but I had the most lovely, refreshing time there these past few days. Smith Lake did not disappoint, nor did the beautiful countryside on the trip down and back.</div>
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That picture speaks for itself, and it was just one of many breath taking sights as we glanced out from the cozy porch or delicious meals we were enjoying at The Crane's Nest.</div>
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Along with the beauty of the place, I had plenty of fun with two of my best friends, Emily and Bizzell. With the busyness of school in full swing and the stress of a new job, I was wavering on whether or not I needed to be taking a weekend trip. But I cannot express how grateful I was to have spent the weekend relaxing with these friends!</div>
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As for laughter and exercise, this activity filled my quota for both.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7WhKtk3vIus/VeUC_LZQFdI/AAAAAAAANNo/zzL5v8kl71c/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7WhKtk3vIus/VeUC_LZQFdI/AAAAAAAANNo/zzL5v8kl71c/s320/15%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just some simple three person paddle boarding…</div>
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With a few natural spills off the board...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sZsssE4_Sw/VeUC_L7CP-I/AAAAAAAANNk/-1G2yHKWDxQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sZsssE4_Sw/VeUC_L7CP-I/AAAAAAAANNk/-1G2yHKWDxQ/s320/15%2B-%2B2" width="320" /></a></div>
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And one good, old belly flop!</div>
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It truly was a luxurious, rejuvenating, Alabama weekend!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-87496052254531866192015-08-25T21:58:00.003-05:002015-08-25T21:58:56.465-05:00The Working Life<div style="text-align: center;">
I hate that I am turning into one of those people that lives for the weekend. Its not that I do not enjoy my job, it is just heavy and busy and taxing. I have fifth graders that cannot read the simplest sentences. I have seventh grade refugees that sit in school for 8 hours a day not understanding a single word. I have ninth graders that cannot spell the word "rape", but they know that they have been victims of it.</div>
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And its not all bad. I walk in every morning to adorable smiling faces. I love seeing the English Language Learners light up when I speak to them in Spanish. I have read incredibly insightful poems written by my freshman this week. </div>
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But all that to say, it does feel like I am just "powering through" the weeks to catch up on sleep, rejuvenate, and squeeze in some social interactions when the weekends roll around. I hope that will ease as time goes on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH2X2YZ8pktFQga7BgkQFgDg02iTIBLHSowTEyAvBusXI7KBxz7RXGhRI1QM4ALDEHO1RF3iB5CT4G2yzACkreXUcILXAfH8Fiuh7sYVtRpdhGF8Kuyk3OL_VZIS_l0cTMuWgnpt3pfY/s1600/tumblr_lrxme1Vuld1r1o6z3o1_5001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH2X2YZ8pktFQga7BgkQFgDg02iTIBLHSowTEyAvBusXI7KBxz7RXGhRI1QM4ALDEHO1RF3iB5CT4G2yzACkreXUcILXAfH8Fiuh7sYVtRpdhGF8Kuyk3OL_VZIS_l0cTMuWgnpt3pfY/s320/tumblr_lrxme1Vuld1r1o6z3o1_5001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, I am clinging to this truth.</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-76896944435300898652015-07-21T22:09:00.001-05:002015-07-21T22:09:13.199-05:00Messy Life<div style="text-align: center;">
I tend to only blog about the good, fun parts of my life. In all honesty, when I am not blogging, its usually because my life is in shambles or I am doing nothing interesting at all. Currently, the latter is true.</div>
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I snapped this picture of my bedside table as I climbed into bed tonight. Embarassingly, this is exactly what it looks like lately. Everything is a mess. I just started a new job. I am exhausted. I wrecked my car. I have not cooked or exercised in days. That list could go on for days, but I won't bore you with all the mishaps of my life lately. So, if you are wondering why I am on a blogging hiatus, it is because my life is too scattered to even clean my room, much less organize a cute blog post.</div>
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Hanging in there.</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-18530817727171351252015-07-03T14:55:00.001-05:002015-07-03T14:55:22.664-05:00Off the Grid<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, I am vacationing in the beautiful, quintessential American small town of Harbor Springs, Michigan where my family has a summer cottage. </div>
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As a result of the busyness and feeling the weightiness of sin in this world, I have decided to go "off the grid" during my stay up here. It is relatively easy to do because we do not have wifi at our house. I turned my phone off and left it in the car upon arrival, and bikes and boats are the main means of transportation up here. I will check my e-mail a time or two because of work, but other that that, I will be entirely un-plugged. And do you blame me when I have this view to enjoy? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_iKEKCUIBUU48MxAB-AXmk900mS253vNon_DhN7-oFZKhPydHYpOGR2xMYq4L5UZtp9c-X7A3bDMfiFzrCQA-ohAUaCp2nW4ueRSzqV1WaRrgJS1Lb_LgObcKTkKRO_Ic5Xj57xWPSQ/s1600/IMG_4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_iKEKCUIBUU48MxAB-AXmk900mS253vNon_DhN7-oFZKhPydHYpOGR2xMYq4L5UZtp9c-X7A3bDMfiFzrCQA-ohAUaCp2nW4ueRSzqV1WaRrgJS1Lb_LgObcKTkKRO_Ic5Xj57xWPSQ/s320/IMG_4220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See ya on the flip side!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-84077483670674627982015-06-21T22:50:00.001-05:002015-06-21T23:13:56.093-05:00Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
I know, I know…the cliche Father's Day posts are out of control. And I should appreciate my dad every day of the year. And I really do. I cherish our Sunday afternoon lounges in my bed under the skylight. I love swinging by his office during the week and the clipart pictures he texts me on the reg. But, today, I want to share a little more about what a difference Carlyle has made in the person that I am today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnVqw98fcBobN1PvbEpJyiuYqaBcEtRDEqslulCCAJ17MILF5oZdfFWTg0VAljBLuK9TRcYI4NGSGXDJh_Wnu0fAQjzUQf4rTKincCI8hxLxPcx5lNb_jUQjReUd3ylcxWZNvzK5w4iA/s1600/IMG_5594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnVqw98fcBobN1PvbEpJyiuYqaBcEtRDEqslulCCAJ17MILF5oZdfFWTg0VAljBLuK9TRcYI4NGSGXDJh_Wnu0fAQjzUQf4rTKincCI8hxLxPcx5lNb_jUQjReUd3ylcxWZNvzK5w4iA/s640/IMG_5594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pooch is the man who has raised four kids, who were born in a span of five years, and constantly been there to encourage, forgive, coach, and support us along the way. You have shelled out more cash than anyone ever should have spent…but you have taught us to spend money on the good things in life. To not skimp on education and experience, but that "money doesn't grow on trees". And I am grateful for that.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I still remember sitting in my dorm room bed with tears streaming down my face the first time I read </span><a href="http://lifetoheryears.com/50rules" style="text-align: start;">this article about Dad's adding life to their daughters' years</a><span style="text-align: start;">. And, fortunately, they were tears of gratitude. I was amazed by how my dad had accomplished the vast majority of these items. The tears were filled with sweet memories and thankfulness that I have an earthly father who is a great example of who my heavenly father is. And I am grateful for that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu-P0kkZAV28VaWEsxWIer1SKLt3Jeh_QXAHZGfZrRWdRR1zRHVVNn6B5w_D7qSb6CPcBIlS5dBxLKWO2kSabvh-q5AB6ZkDjcHiYZP2LarAIAEqhiyuuHUiwhvof3IIAMNfvSjsTTwE/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpu-P0kkZAV28VaWEsxWIer1SKLt3Jeh_QXAHZGfZrRWdRR1zRHVVNn6B5w_D7qSb6CPcBIlS5dBxLKWO2kSabvh-q5AB6ZkDjcHiYZP2LarAIAEqhiyuuHUiwhvof3IIAMNfvSjsTTwE/s320/IMG_4287.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp77FdyE8_5bz8_95ikBzWLzlj0hqCBPUtP1Fma4k0I6zx32hPPs_Mz44CShoAhWyC1iogjoPjvc3GEBzsdbCMY0WBL5JSZa-ssWi1w7OBUhxIm9omQtyqj2sbqTdHsFWp6TB1ZP1rg1o/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp77FdyE8_5bz8_95ikBzWLzlj0hqCBPUtP1Fma4k0I6zx32hPPs_Mz44CShoAhWyC1iogjoPjvc3GEBzsdbCMY0WBL5JSZa-ssWi1w7OBUhxIm9omQtyqj2sbqTdHsFWp6TB1ZP1rg1o/s320/IMG_5159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A father who loves to sit around and talk. He loves to enjoy good meals. He has fostered a sense of adventure in all four of us that has shaped the people we have become today. And I am grateful for that.</div>
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He is the dad who loves exercise. Who coached every sports team and still asks me about my (non existent) workouts. And who loves me despite my lack of athletic ability. And I am grateful for that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YioRRS_1D0mKZa4aVYAiFo8GszCAX37C-4-uzLmcH26W74hyphenhyphen3ZCDoVEPoU1JKUXUd1ow6aLLDxeXk51GrrCubjjo9bhqdAfpVFNItxKHNe1jFoYrZafB-kCPk-yZoEkcptiL4Qgom4s/s1600/IMG_5446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YioRRS_1D0mKZa4aVYAiFo8GszCAX37C-4-uzLmcH26W74hyphenhyphen3ZCDoVEPoU1JKUXUd1ow6aLLDxeXk51GrrCubjjo9bhqdAfpVFNItxKHNe1jFoYrZafB-kCPk-yZoEkcptiL4Qgom4s/s320/IMG_5446.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCDYXAkGTWzsJt7fUbGYGTj4BqjEvc25CPsX8T9ALPYIZ-9rlNQRKTnBuCJxOmU-QkHkRoE9rt9fDkC4v6gYXaPL0HjXS7gzuQVDqyaxpW3jS5HWv-hftCwf07gfV4ETmwLKrsAcscLs/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCDYXAkGTWzsJt7fUbGYGTj4BqjEvc25CPsX8T9ALPYIZ-9rlNQRKTnBuCJxOmU-QkHkRoE9rt9fDkC4v6gYXaPL0HjXS7gzuQVDqyaxpW3jS5HWv-hftCwf07gfV4ETmwLKrsAcscLs/s320/IMG_6168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A father with an incomparable sense of humor. Although some of his jokes aren't even worthy of a laugh, it is his fun loving personality that draws others in and and keeps the entire family always up to something entertaining. And I am grateful for that.</div>
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It is his worth ethic that is inspiring. Whether it is running marathons, "retiring" only to become a CEO, or constantly coming to my house for repairs, Pooch is always passionate about whatever project he is currently working on. And I am grateful for that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKoB1WFtjjG1X7PTr8Es8iySTeM6hUKXMRFlaaNXE8G9FpXG9iM6cWAvfS-QtbBgJIN99CzIJoXEl0f7daKWHiAedzpgT1T7A4n_8ObTMYON3vSQzGEzWlu-IxgnoRj-Pb-ILbFDcYU8/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKoB1WFtjjG1X7PTr8Es8iySTeM6hUKXMRFlaaNXE8G9FpXG9iM6cWAvfS-QtbBgJIN99CzIJoXEl0f7daKWHiAedzpgT1T7A4n_8ObTMYON3vSQzGEzWlu-IxgnoRj-Pb-ILbFDcYU8/s640/IMG_8618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And his love of traveling. While he has bankrolled more trips than I can count which I truly do appreciate, it is the fact that he will travel any amount of miles to see us that is inspiring. I am thankful to live a quick 10 minute drive from my parents currently, I am confident that I could move across the world and my dad would be there to visit me. And I am grateful for that.</div>
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I love the ways we are similar. Your love of costumes, sugary drinks, naps, and meals out have certainly been passed down to me. Your inability to sleep at night and your terribly weak stomach have been inherited too, but I'll forgive you.... And I am still grateful for that.</div>
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I almost can't forgive you for the fact that Aunt Bea will always be the favorite child, but since she's cute and wasn't around til y'all were "empty nesters", I guess I can let it slide. And I am still grateful for her.</div>
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But it is the intangible qualities that make you an amazing father. It is the qualities that cannot be captured in pictures. The fact that I can call you with any concern at any hour and I know that you will still love me. The compassionate, patient example of loving kindness. The example of asking for forgiveness when you have made mistakes. The example of love that you have set with 34 year of marriage. The love of our heavenly father that you have shared and exemplified. And it is those things that I will be eternally grateful.</div>
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Happy Father's Day, Pooch.</div>
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I love you. </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-60936960466488224052015-06-20T22:12:00.000-05:002015-06-20T22:12:02.477-05:00Rolling with The Rolling Stones<div style="text-align: center;">
On Wednesday afternoon, I was just hanging out with (new nashville resident!) <a href="http://lauragracecarroll.blogspot.com/2015/06/emilys-homecoming.html">Emily</a> at her parents house in Franklin when someone mentioned The Rolling Stones were playing that night in our GroupMe. I was annoyed because I wanted to go but had not been organized enough to get tickets. As the GroupMe continued to blow up, I was even more annoyed to find out that almost all of our friends were going to the show, so Camille and I briefly tossed the idea around of scalping them. Camille called me to discuss just as I left Emily's a little before 6. The problem was, she had a 6 o'clock hair appointment, and I was 30 minutes from home, in workout clothes, and we were both unshowered. The show was downtown at 8. We debated on the phone, debated when we got home, and I kept saying, "I just feel like we can go down there and get free tickets…" to which Camille responded, "You are the only person in the world that just thinks stuff like that is gonna happen for you!" Well, thinking it pays off, because a few hours later we found ourselves jamming out just a few feet from Mick Jagger and had paid exactly zero dollars to get there!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5TQPaKNvU8/VYYqLDIW5JI/AAAAAAAAM4c/QxsUVBQmKLs/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5TQPaKNvU8/VYYqLDIW5JI/AAAAAAAAM4c/QxsUVBQmKLs/s320/15%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a></div>
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And let me tell you, at the ripe age of 71, Mick Jagger has still got amazing dance moves.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYbh8v9EmgM/VYYrQLe94gI/AAAAAAAAM5s/f7eglVFDWf8/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYbh8v9EmgM/VYYrQLe94gI/AAAAAAAAM5s/f7eglVFDWf8/s640/15%2B-%2B1" width="640" /></a></div>
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It really was hilarious the way this night played out, because I was pushing so hard that we go downtown and try, but when we got there Camille stepped up her game and sweet talked an old man into giving us a $397 floor ticket for free. And by sweet talked, I mean saw his OKC hat and used her extremely limited basketball knowledge to act like we were huge OKC fans (#lebronsucks). After we had one, we were on cloud nine and knew we had to get another. We bumped into our friend Jordan, who introduced us to her friend and the friend's mom, who not only gave us a free ticket, but also two bottles of Fireball whiskey!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqwDK9dPX1c/VYYlemKLsgI/AAAAAAAAM3Y/Ui0O_W7vP0c/s1600/15%2B-%2B4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqwDK9dPX1c/VYYlemKLsgI/AAAAAAAAM3Y/Ui0O_W7vP0c/s400/15%2B-%2B4" width="225" /></a></div>
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We were beyond pumped at this point, but in my persuasion of Camille to go downtown, I said that we could just see our friends and eat burgers at Acme if we couldn't get tickets, so we decided to still indulge in those burgers (and skip the opener, Brad Paisley). We also needed time to devise a plan of how we were going to enjoy this show together, since our two seats were very far apart. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UphzDZFFA9Y/VYYlev6s9nI/AAAAAAAAM3I/wMpePFwmpps/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UphzDZFFA9Y/VYYlev6s9nI/AAAAAAAAM3I/wMpePFwmpps/s320/15%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a></div>
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Acme was delicious, as always. We ordered cokes and poured in some Fireball, while passing it around to all of our friends we saw on The Walking Bridge, new friends we met at Acme, etc. As you can imagine, we were high on life and really not in need of any alcoholic beverages. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGvDwHqLoVM/VYYqLMkYSoI/AAAAAAAAM4E/jE6zuI5XWUQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGvDwHqLoVM/VYYqLMkYSoI/AAAAAAAAM4E/jE6zuI5XWUQ/s320/15%2B-%2B3" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our game plan was to use both tickets to get into the arena, then Camille would go down to the floor and stealth pass the ticket back to me, and then I would go down to the floor too and we'd find an aisle to stand in somewhere. Well, they Xed the ticket when Camille went down. Luckily, the Xed the bottom so we ripped it, passed it back, got the top Xed and we were both in. We sweet talked the bouncers at the next ticket check, made it to our seat, which just so happened to be next to the old man who had gifted us the ticket. And luckily I am so tall (and Camille has been making tall jokes for the entirety of our 15 year friendship…) so we stacked doubly at our seat and could both see and enjoy the wonderful, classic music of The Rolling Stones. </div>
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Cheers to this old man who made it all possible!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-63883191966944486362015-06-20T21:23:00.000-05:002015-06-20T21:23:05.200-05:00Emily's Homecoming<div style="text-align: center;">
It is rare in life to have a best friend that has literally been there since day one. That is true of me and Emily Crane. Well, I guess technically I have only been there since day three for her, since we were born three days apart to parents who were friends and have been besties ever since.</div>
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Despite the fact that we have been close friends for so many years, we have no lived in the same city since 2008. Auburn, Winston-Salem, Kansas, Mentone, Uganda, Kenya, Cape Town, Wald-Michelbach, Nashville, Chongquing, Cheungdu…needless to say, we have been keeping Skype in business. But those days are over, Emily and I are both officially Nashville residents. And we could not be more excited about it.</div>
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We welcomed her in style upon her homecoming from East Asia on Tuesday night.</div>
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And, in typical East Asian fashion, she flew across the world with a bike! Poor Tyler had to carry it to the car while the rest of us celebrated Em's arrival!</div>
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We sure are glad to have you stateside again, Em!</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-85452963369763627022015-06-11T22:47:00.003-05:002015-06-12T09:56:21.389-05:00The Pitches #backinaction<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer nights are here and kickball season is upon us. Pitches Be Crazy are ready to play. We took a break for the winter months (an to let the dust settle on a little team drama…) but we are back in full force! Tonight was our first game and we dominated.</div>
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I even scored the first run, which is a rarity for sure. </div>
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I forgot how much I loved some hilarious competition and kickball action on these long, warm nights.</div>
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Heres to another great season, hopefully ending in another championship!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-31297418373835997762015-06-11T11:00:00.002-05:002015-06-11T11:00:25.489-05:00A Boston Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
Back in cold, dreary January, my friends Meg and Jamie presented the idea that we plan a trip for Memorial Day Weekend. Boston was a city on all of our radars, so we booked flights and then went on with our lives. May rolled around and we were all thrilled to have this little trip in the plans.</div>
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Boston was beautiful, and this was the perfect time of year to visit.</div>
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We stayed in an adorable Air BnB in Beacon Hill, which made us feel like locals as we dined in local hotspots and wandered around the neighborhood.</div>
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We did not feel like locals when we went on the Duck Tour, but it was absolutely hilarious and a great way to get an overview of the city.</div>
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We stopped by all the must-sees, like the Duck statues and the marathon finish line. We asked this little girl to move for our picture, but she wanted to be in it so we obliged.</div>
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The food we consumed was absolutely amazing. Dinners each night were a highlight. And watching the sunset on the river with a bottle of wine before wasn't too shabby either.</div>
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Renting bikes and heading over to Cambridge was a great decision. </div>
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We stopped by the Red Sox game on our way, and loved the breezy ride around Harvard.</div>
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The weekend was a breath of fresh air and I cannot get over how much I loved the city of Boston. Cheers to a wonderful mini-vacation!</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-61351958515788300172015-06-08T15:47:00.001-05:002015-06-08T15:47:05.885-05:00Home again...<div style="text-align: center;">
The past couple of weeks have been a wonderful whirlwind. I just hung up the phone with my dear 88 year old grandmother who said, "Darling, your life is always exciting!" I don't know that it always is, but the adventures of the past three weeks have been exciting and so much more.</div>
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Boston was beautiful and refreshing and full of heartfelt conversation with friends.</div>
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Peru was enlightening and colorful and filled to the brim with adventure.</div>
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I cannot wait to share details, photos, and tidbits from my travels.</div>
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Until then,</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-16587692971106553762015-05-25T22:58:00.003-05:002015-05-25T22:58:44.642-05:00Traveling.<div style="text-align: center;">
I am in the 12 hour break between a wonderful long weekend in Boston with friends and my two week galavant around Peru. I am excited, relaxed, tired, enthused, stressed, nervous….quite the whirlwind of feelings. And I also recently came across this quote that I adore.</div>
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xoxo</div>
Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-82889536876036507852015-05-21T23:37:00.004-05:002015-05-21T23:38:52.094-05:00Graduated. Again.<div style="text-align: center;">
I walked across the stage in a cap and gown and was handed a very expensive piece of paper last week. I've done this three times in the past 7 years, so I kinda know the drill by now. </div>
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And every time, the graduation festivities are bittersweet. They are exciting but they bring forth uncertainty. They are celebrated but they cause sad goodbyes. And my graduation from graduate school was no different, minus the fact that it was tens of degrees hotter than any other graduation I have been a part of or attended. Whew. </div>
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I learned more than I can put into words during my last two years at Vanderbilt, and the counseling skills are something that I will continue to refine and use for the rest of my life. I met friends and colleagues and mentors and teachers, many of whom I hope to keep for the rest of my life. I was supported by my incredible parents, friends, and family, all of whom I am extremely thankful to have in my life.</div>
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Part of the weirdness of finishing grad school is that it really seems like this is the end of my formal schooling. I hope to be a lifelong learner. And I could always end up back in school for one reason or another, but, for right now, this looks like the end. </div>
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Cheers!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079892718874386820.post-6506295387403331232015-05-17T17:08:00.001-05:002015-05-17T17:08:23.264-05:00The Bluebird Cafe<div style="text-align: center;">
I spend the evening last night at one of Nashville's most iconic music venues, The Bluebird Cafe.</div>
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I am embarrassed to admit I had never been before, but seeing my dear friends' band, MamaDear, play was the perfect debut for me to this cute, authentic venue.</div>
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MamaDear was amazing, as always, and it was really neat to see them play in such a treasured space. I was glad I could be there to support, and with the nature of the venue, we were sitting right up close and personal. MamaDear, it was a great show!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Laura Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17170415183108201005noreply@blogger.com0