Keep Vermont...Sleepy?

Happy Friday cuties!

I'm currently writing this from the beautiful mountains of Vermont. A few years ago my Aunt and Uncle relocated to this marvelous state and ever since I visited I have been smitten. The air is crisp, the mountains are breathtaking, and the greenery is so lush- plus some of the best food I've ever eaten has been here, maple creme brulee anyone?

If you're familiar with the state, we are in the Quechee/Woodstock area. Let me just tell you that Woodstock is one of the neatest little towns, like, ever. There are the best shops (a girl has to do some shopping) a bangin' farmer's market, and plenty of beautiful sights to take in. Quechee is also a neat little town full of fun summer activities (like hot air balloons). I can't wait to show my new hubby around the area!

From the hot air balloon festival, 2010

Quechee Gorge. It's gorg, right?

 This trip to the beautiful mountain state was different from times past- this time, my sweet hubby and I had to wake up at 3:30 am to catch a cab to the airport, holy early, y'all. Then we had to wait around at the Boston (Logan) airport for a couple hours so that we could catch the Dartmouth Coach bus to Lebanon, NH where my Aunt could pick us up without having to take on Boston traffic- it's Friday and everyone is heading to Nantucket. Let's not play that traffic game. Our day finished up with a cookout (steak and halibut, yummmm) and visiting with family. To say that we are dead tired is an understatement. I'm heading off to sleepy land, but I will leave you with some snapshots of my day!

We can't take a normal picture to save our lives.

Boarding pass, what an artist I am.

 Stay tuned for more photo updates from my trip! Thanks for stopping by!!

Xx,

LG

Wedding: Part II {Ceremony}

Good morning beauties!

Last week I shared some of our pre wedding moments with you, and today I'd like to share some photos from our ceremony.

My heart is so full thinking about it, honestly it couldn't have been more perfect. Michael and I could really feel the love from everyone around us, the Lord truly had his hands on those precious moments. I was so worried about saying my vows because I literally had NO VOICE due to being terribly sick, but Michael heard me, and more than that, he saw my heart and felt my love- I couldn't ask for much more than that.

So, without further delay, here they are!

Our ring bearer- he is only 18 months old and he walked down the steps with that sign all by himself! I was impressed!

My daddy the tough guy : )

Yep, he cried. I have never met a sweeter man in my life

I'll be there to dry your tears

 Instead of doing a sand ceremony, or candle lighting, Michael and I decided to do a foot washing ceremony. As Christ followers we believe that our marriage paints the picture of that of Christ and his bride, the church. Jesus served his bride, and presented her holy-- out of humility Jesus even washed his disciples' feet. We couldn't think of a more perfect way to show humility to one another, as well as showing our willingness to serve one another to all of our guests. 

My Mama, Father in law, and Dad. So blessed to have such wonderful parents.

My sweet Scarlett again

Michael's precious Mama.

I hope you enjoy these-- thanks for stopping by!

Xx,

LG

Fight Rules: All is not fair in the war of love (but it can be)

Happy Hump Day lovelies!

You may have read about my non negotiables which I posted about last week, today I am here to share our fight rules with you! (The idea of fight rules was given to us in our Engaged class, which we did through our amazing church)

I'm sure that many of us, if not all, have been in an argument with our loved ones. Every couple will have times of conflict and disagreement, in these times it is important to remember that God tells us to "Be angry but do not sin in your anger" which is often more easily said than done.

Being the selfish, sarcastic, hot-headed lady that I am, my mouth usually gets me into hot water. I so frequently say things I dom't mean, do things I wouldn't normally do, and just act like an all out crazy person- and I do these things to the love of my life, my best friend, and sacred partner. Often I find myself forgetting that my husband is a blessing and a great gift from God, my heart hardens almost in an instant and I act quickly out of anger.

Marriage puts two imperfect, sinful people together, so there will always be bumps in the road but there are ways in which you can learn to navigate much more effectively, and without causing much damage.  Every couple needs boundaries that will help promote restraint during times of conflict, they need rules of engagement. What I'm going to share with you are some of our guidelines, which you can instill to help you maneuver through the tough moments, these are called FIGHT RULES 

These rules are things that both of us expect from one another, as well as from ourselves. These "rules" go along with our core values and help guide us and keep us accountable during abrasive moments. Just like with the non negotiables, these are not weapons against your spouse, but rather a set of boundaries, a loving structure with which you can "fight fair" with your spouse. We implemented these soon after we got engaged and I can't tell you the world of difference they made on how we communicated with one another- which by the way, fighting is a means of communication, though it is often a poor way of doing so.

Friends, you know your weaknesses, you know the areas that you need help with, I encourage you to meditate and pray on those things as you make that list. I will say that thinking of your fight rules can remind you of past hurt and anger, but it will be worth it! If our fight rules apply to you, then by all means use them-- use what we have as a template and tailor them to your own needs.

Laurel and Michael's Fight Rules:

1. We will not curse or use profanity 

2. We will speak privately (not argue in front of others)

3. We will try to avoid assumptions

4. We will not use sarcasm

5. We will not bring up past arguments 

6. We will not raise our voices at one another

7. We will allow one another time to cool off, pray, or think 

8. We will not hang up the phone on one another

9. We will never use the D-word (divorce) 

10. We will not slam doors or become violent

11. We will come to resolution 

12. We will keep disagreements between the two of us, unless we need to seek outside council (which is agreed upon)

We've also decided to display these in our home, next to our non negotiables and wedding vows! They're also great to keep inside your bible!

Tell me friends, what are some fight rules that you can think of right away? I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by- tomorrow I will be sharing more wedding photos!

Xx,

LG

Wedding: Part I {Pre Ceremony}

If you follow me on instagram, then you have witnessed the explosion of wedding photos-- I just can't help it! Our photographer (Sam Stroud) did such a fantastic job and I love remembering the sweet moments from that day. Here, my friends, are some more pictures for you to enjoy!

Steaming my dress was quite a chore

My sweet mama giving me a special monogrammed handkerchief 

My sweet, sweet Scarlett. We've been through so much together  and this was such a precious moment.

This was sent to Mike right before the ceremony! :)


Stay tuned for more wedding posts! Until next time, lovelies!

Xx,
LG

COOKIE COOKIE COOKIE DOUGH {Recipe}

To say that I have a "sweet tooth" is a bit of an understatement. More accurate ways to describe me include sugar mouth and Pillsbury dough girl. To say that I will go honey badger on you in order to lick the bowl is also accurate. You can ask my friends, mother, and especially my husband. When it comes to sweets, especially batter, you can find me hovering like a vulture to get a taste handful.

Yesterday I had a serious episode of what I'm going to call "sweet tooth mania." This involved me scavenging through our cupboard to find anything and everything sweet to eat. To my disappointment, there was NOTHING. This is when the internet saved my life, okay not really, but it may have saved my sweet husband from having a totally bonkers wife. (This sugar mania is serious business y'all). After browsing around, I found a general way to make cookie dough, that is safe for eating raw because it contains no eggs! I checked our cupboard once more just to be sure that we had all of the ingredients, and Praise the Lord we did!

So basically you just let the butter come to room temperature and soften (of course I couldn't wait, so I stuck it in the oven to make it soft) and add all of the ingredients to a bowl, and mix! Totally easy peasy lemon squeezy. I will suggest using a mixer (if you have one) because it breaks down the butter much more easily! Also, I didn't have chocolate chips, so my batter may look a little bare but it tasted great without them.

Non Negotiables

Hello lovelies!


Now that I'm settling in as Mrs. G I have reflected on things from our relationship, especially the 2.5 years we spent as an engaged couple-- I know, longest.engagement.ever. You're telling me! It seemed like forever and when our wedding day finally came, it didn't seem real!

A photo from the day we got engaged-- look at my short hair!

One thing that I really cherish is the strong foundation we set for ourselves. Early into our engagement, we attended an Engaged, or, premarital class at our church. It was phenomenal. We covered so many things that I consider to be incredibly helpful, but there are a few things that I really took from the experience.

"NON NEGOTIABLES"

Things that are essential to your relationship, key factors, values, and habits that you'd like to instill or avoid.

These NN (non negotiables) are one of the most valuable things that I took from our time spent in the engaged course. We spent a good deal of time composing our list, they're personal to every couple and they serve to be a great reminder of some of your core values. And, y'all, these are not to be used as a rule book, you don't use them against your spouse- for example, one would never say "Well you broke non negotiable #4, blah blah blah." NO NO NO. 

The NN remind me of the things I need to strive for. We have both spent some time thinking about the couple we want to be, and I believe these are helpful in growing us in love. It's easy to get lazy and to let our selfish and sinful nature take over, but these give you a good pinch of reality and remind you that in a marriage, you must be intentional. 

Our NN are so very special to us, we even decided to display them at our wedding, and we will also be displaying them in our home!

My sweet hubby framed our non negotiables and had them placed next to our guest book. Love that man.

With all of that being said, I will gladly share ours with you! I encourage you to make a list with your partner as well!

Laurel and Michael's Non Negotiables:

1. We will invest in the other person's interest

2. We will not prevent our loved one from being a part of what he or she enjoys

3. We will ask and not order, "will you" rather than "do this"

4. We will keep conversations in the same room (face to face)

5. We will strive to keep our promises, and to make promises that we can keep

6. We will avoid joking at the other's expense

7. We will stick to a set budget and will not buy something that we cannot afford

8. We will strive to plan a weekly "family fun day" or date night

9. We will put a limit on our phones or other electronics and surrender phones during meal times

10. We will not put ourselves in compromising positions with members of the opposite sex

11. We will be a part of, and serve in the same ministry

12. We will read at least one relationship/marriage book together each year

13. We will strive to make and attend routine medical appointments (dentist, optometrist, yearly physicals)

14. We will try to acknowledge and express notice or appreciation of at least one positive character quality a day

15. We will strive to recognize each other's struggles and exhort them by looking for a scriptural passage of relevance or encouragement

16. We will NEVER use the "D-Word" (divorce) in respect to our own relationship

17. We will strive to avoid correcting the other in public, or in front of others

18. We will strive to resolve conflicts privately, avoiding outside party influence. If resolution cannot be met, we will seek outside council that is agreed upon.

19. We will put our family's needs above others

20. We will communicate our schedules and put appointments on an updated calendar

21. We will strive to pray and do a devotional together every day

22. We will work to remember that the other is a gift from God, not just a token (Proverbs 19:14)

23. We will not bring up past arguments, unless used in a positive example.

So maybe they're a little long, and yours don't have to be this detailed, but they really are great. I can say that after reading over them again I can see so many that I have "broken" or failed to execute-- that doesn't matter. Again, these aren't a rule book but rather a steady guide and gentle reminder of some of the promises you've made to one another. 

Later I will be sharing about our FIGHT RULES! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Xx,

LG

Getting ready: A Ready Heart

I spend a lot of time on Instagram, it's like a guilty pleasure for me...but the more I've "creeped" the more I've found a wonderful community of women encouraging one another. A few months before I got married, I stumbled across a devotional 'series' called "A Ready Heart" (search #areadyheart if you're interested). It's a great devotional, especially if you're preparing your heart and mind for marriage, though it is wonderful for married and single ladies as well!

As much as I planned to do this study prior to getting married, I just couldn't manage to squeeze it in, horrible, I know. Don't judge too harshly though, I did graduate from college only 1 week before I got married! Now that life has slowed down quite a bit, I am able to truly dedicate my time to committing to this- I initially made the commitment to encourage and lift up a sweet IG friend of mine as she is getting married in just a few short weeks!

I just completed the first couple of days, and a few things have really stuck out to me, which I'd like to share with you!

We begin A Ready Heart with Genesis 2:5-25, Genesis is usually a tough one for me to get into, but today was much different. As I read about man being alone and eventually being given a wife, I realized how sacred and special marriage is.

The thing is, Adam had so much around him, rivers, trees, and animals galore! Though of all of God's creation, he was still in need of a partner, a helper, a wife. I've always known that woman was created from Adam's own flesh, but today I really focused on that. Adam was created from the dirt/dust, just as all the other animals, but Eve, she was made from him. When God says that husband and wife shall become one flesh He means it- I can look back on this verse and see how man and woman, husband and wife truly are one flesh. Friends, I encourage you to focus on this verse and think of your partnerships with your husbands and wives.

You are one. Lift up your spouse as you would yourself, and cherish the wonderful gift of marriage, after all, it was God's idea!


With all that being said, I am proud to celebrate a 1 month anniversary with my sweet hubby! Cheesy, I know.

Stayed tuned for more on A Ready Heart!

Xx,
L