Happy 30th Birthday to me! (and you, if it is your day too, but if it is I doubt you are reading this! LOL!)
Today I am celebrating with a BIG giveaway! In honor of my 30 years, Im doing THREE random.org winners!!! So THREE people have a chance to win. The winner will be drawn Monday morning, since Im celebrating ALL weekend!
Here are the GOODS!! SORRY for the yucky photos, it was to the point that if you wanted MYTIME MAIL- this was as good as it was getting.
Package 1-3 Lizzie Anne Designs sets-Samantha Alphabet, Dreaming of Dots, and In the Meadow. There are also 2 Paper Bouquet templates. (2) template sizes in each-one is a take-out box, the other a pillow box!
Package 2-Hero Arts Cupcakes (no birthday give-away is complete without them) and Bird-Day Designs
Package 3-Crafty Secrets Kitchen Classics and a Paper Salon mini tin with my favorite flower! A Tulip!
Just reply to this post with any of the following-your very best birthday memory, a gift you would love to receive, one thing you have learned from life, or words you live by!! You pick!
WOW! 30 years flew by fast! After 17, I don’t know what happened.
Thank you for the b-day wishes and those who sent me cards! WOW! So touched by that! Oh and lets not forget the emails! I had over 600 emails! OMG!! That is a gift in itself. I am slowly reading each and every one.
OK TODAY IS STILL SATURDAY SKETCH TIME!!!
So here is the reminder! Remember this will enter you TWICE!! So you should all try it.
I believe it was 2 years ago, I began the tradition of making MYSELF a birthday card! I found it to be so fun. This is the sentiment (from www.impressrubberstamps.com) that will be used on every card, from here on out! It is the first anniversary of my 29th birthday! LOL!
Sine I LOVE purple, Bella’s and bling, this card was super fun for me to put together. I also love vellum, and the tag thingy’s. Lets not forget Copic markers! I am actually sending this to a fellow blogger, who is my “Birthday Twin”. Her name is Becky. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!!
I’m all emotional and long winded today so get the fresh cup of coffee if you feel like reading! LOL!
This part begins the REFLECTION section.
This is Ohsoprettybella. Perfect. I am beginning to start this decade with self acceptance! What better Bella to use than this one? This is me! On the inside! LOL!
Did you notice the reflection in the mirror? Pretty cool huh? I was so happy that the “idea” translated to paper.
OK I am actually excited to be turning 30. My brain has clicked in, that it really isn’t the end of the world, but really a whole new start! I have so many amazing things taking place in this new decade of my life!
My daughter is finishing her Cancer treatment! That is number ONE amazing to me. By far the best thing I could ever ask for. EVER! As mother’s we all just want our children to be HEALTHY & HAPPY. I know that is my number 1. Then it is to know God and have faith. I want them to grow up and find a fulfilling job, that they love, someone to share it with, and become people in the world who are kind, respectful, thoughtful and give a little something back to the world.
I could not ask to be in a better place right now! I have the BEST husband in the world. He is my rock and my very best friend. He has been there for me every second, never, letting me fall. He treats me like we are still dating, and looks at me the same-kids later & all!
I am getting to do something that I LOVE and find fulfilling, and think it’s safe to say I found my niche in life! I cannot tell you what this crazy stamping life brings to mine! Then the ability to reach others doing so. I never would have thought I would be where I am today, and I have enjoyed that journey! I’m so excited to begin teaching these classes in this setting!
When I look back on my 20’s, they were quite full. Some good, some awesome, but also some of the worst things I could have gone through! All amazing in the aspect that it lead me HERE! To a fabulous place, that I wouldn’t change one step for, because I would not be who I am today. I can’t tell you how each step affected me in phenomenal ways. Making me stronger, more independent. Unafraid to go for what I want.
Here is a 20’s recap
-finish college to become a nurse, got married at 20, at 21 had first born child with life long disabilities but an amazing blessing, becoming a single mom by 22 and getting divorced, eventually meeting my husband and moving forward in life, packing up and moving to a place where I know NO ONE, remodeling a home, having 2 more children-both healthy, getting re-married, getting into stamping, finding out someone you love has Cancer (and that its your baby!!), pushing through that, someone I love beating cancer, then somehwere in the midst of all that, finding myself, sharing it all, and working to do what I love. WHEW! What a decade.
I think I may even be glad to say good by to my 20’s! I think that some of what I did takes most a lifetime! LOL! CRAZY!
So this is going to be a Decade of Different! A Decade of Fabulous! A time to enjoy life!
I am happy to say I have absolutely NO REGRETS. Let’s hope I get through my next 30, and can say the same.
30 things I learned along the way-in no particular order.
1) FAITH! The single most important thing I could ever have. Without it I would not have gotten through some of the worst times in my life. Same goes for family & friends.
2) You NEVER want to talk to ANYONE who calls from an (800) number! TRUST ME! LOL!
3) Make time for yourself and the things/people you love. You never hear anyone say “I spent too much time with so and so”. Usually only regrets of not enough time.
4) Try to be positive. It can ALWAYS be worse, and when it is, then know it has to get better-right?
5) You miss 100% of the chances you DONT take.
6) NO! I am learning to say that word to things I dont really want to do, or just don’t have time to do.
7) Shopping really is therapeutic! For me anyway! LOL!
8) You will never love anything more than your own children! Who else in the world would you GLADLY give your life for?
9) Work to LIVE, not live to work.
10) Money cannot buy you happiness. Memories are something that will long outlast any fortune.
11) If it comes easy, it goes away easy! Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, than those handed to us.
12) There is a reason that the older I get, the more I become like my mother! The older, the wiser!
13) That brings me to the understanding of “Youth is wasted on the young” While Im not “old” I am older, and I now GET IT!!! I wish at 20, I knew what I know now!
14) It is much CHEAPER to go to the dentist every 6 months, rather than wait a decade! I know what I am talking about.
15) Make sure you Pee before leaving the house too! You never know when you may ge stuck in traffic! LOL!
16) You really can have too much of a good thing.
17) Say what you mean, and mean what you say! Words are never forgotten and can hurt forever.
18) I hate sports! ALL of them, unless my child is involved.
19) Don’t wait till you have over 20 mice, to make your husband buy DECON! If ther is ONE there is a BIG problem-period!
20) If your husband takes you shopping for something (like a dog) he better be ready to buy it-THEN AND THERE!!
21) Everything has a reason and a purpose. You have the ability to make the most of very situation.
22) Take out does taste better! LOL!
23) When a house project gets started, there is a 2 year period from start to finish, anything sooner is a bonus! LOL!
24) If you want something done a certain way, then do it yourself 😀
25) To Do lists really do work! They are essential to my life. OCD isn’t all bad, it can actually come in handy.
26) In only ONE second you life can change forever. Don’t waste one minute.
27) Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today! No one is guaranteed tomorrow.
28) Live life to the fullest.
29) Twenty Nine-Once you leave it, its not the end of the world!! And speaking of the world, stamping can make a difference in the world! It can relieve stress, make someone’s day, capture a memory in an amazing way, and some of the best people do it!
30)THIRTY Is just the beginning of many great thing for me and my family!
I am SO up for the journey.
If you are still reading WOW! You must really like me! LOL!
I can’t wait to finish reading my emails & your comments here! Best of luck!!! I am off to a fabulous day! Thank you for the support and well wishes!
MWAH!
674 Responses for "30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!"
Lauren,
Happy Birthday! I read your blog every day and am so inspired by you and all you do with your kids, stamping, etc… You are very wise! I think what I have learned from life is that my family and faith are the most important things and that I am truly blessed to have three wonderfully energetic boys to raise up and teach these things to.
Lauren you are at such a *GOOD PLACE* in all aspects of your life and I wish you another 30 years of continued bliss and health :0)
My BEST b’day memory was back when I was about 6 yrs. old and in the mornings before we went to school, my brother and I watched this kid’s program called “Rocket Ship 7” while we ate our breakfast on TV Trays. Each morning there came a point where they would announce people’s birthdays … I was clueless, had no idea, when suddenly the announcer said,
“I hear Robyn is having a big St. Patrick Day party this weekend with some friends to celebrate her big birthday, but her Mom, Dad and brother Robert wanted you to look behind the front drape to find a special B-Day present Happy Birthday Robyn”
After I scrapped my face off the floor I ran like a wild child searching for my gift … all the time I was replaying the TV announcer’s message in my head …. me, six years old, and already a *STAR* on the morning network kid’s program ! haaaa ! Finally I discovered what my special gift was …. it was a beautiful Barbie, the doll I loved to play with the most, way way until I was in my pre-teens even.
And guess what? I still have that Barbie as it still gives me flutters of butterflies in my tummy when I think of how excited and loved I was, and still am, even in my 44th year of life :))
Words to live by~
Live the life you love 🙂
Live each day as if it’s your last.
Don’t sweat the small things.
Tie a knot in the end of your rope and HANG on!
Believe in yourself.
Things can always be worse.
I absolutely love your blog. Read it every day. I should start one of my own but really don’t know much about it, but would love making so many new friends.
Have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I have found your blog very inspiring and check back way too much 🙂 Here is a short and sweet phrase to live by that I have stolen from my hubby. Simplicity is good. (I guess that’s another quote too – hehe)
“It is what it is” Short, sweet, and true.
[…] Good For Your Health wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt […]
Happy 30th, Lauren! A special day indeed. Some good words to live by: Live today as if it were your last on earth and make it memorable, as there will never be another one like it.
HAPPY birthday Lauren! Welcome to your 30s! They really will be better than your 20s! We are always trying to find ourselves in our 20s. In our 30s, hopefully we have and we can enjoy who we have become and what we have accomplished!
Your blog is amazing! I love reading it every day because you’re so motivating, honest, and just refreshing! Thanks for sharing all you do!
And to answer your blog candy question.. I just asked my hubby for a photo book from Shutterfly! Even though I scrapbook – I kinda hate doing it.. and would love to just have a book, made by my husband, of my family, that I don’t have to make!! So I am hoping for Mother’s Day that will be my gift!
Again, Happy Birthday! I hope it’s the best one yet!
-Jen Ofiana
Lauren,
You are wise beyond your years and an inspiration to all who know you.
My birthday is May 4th and my 21 year old son just bought me a coach bag with the wallet and all accessories. My favorite present is a poem my husband wrote me when we had very little money. I still have it and will treasure it always. If you knew my 6’5″ tough guy husband you would know that it was so out of character and that is why it is my favorite present ever. Happy Birthday To You! We are blessed to know you through this blog.
Debi
Happy birthday again Lauren! Your cards are always amazing
My best memories about my birthday…the snow! I was born on 7th-December, and here (Italy) it didn’t snow so often, so it was amazing when it did snow and we could play with the snow on my birthday 🙂
hugs
You are awesome!!! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Wishes from the land of Mozart! Living so far from my family (born and raised in Ontario Canada and living in Vienna, Austria) a gift I would love to receive is being able to celebrate any day with all my family and friends from Canada.
happy birthday lauren!!! thank you for your post, so open and honest…love that! i am in the home stretch of my 30’s…and can honestly say…you are gonna LOVE them!!!
my best birthday present EVER was the conception of my daughter…born 10 months after i turned 21…the most wonderful blessing…
i hope your day was filled with surprised, love and laughter!
chelle
Happy Birthday Lauren!
One of my favorite birthday memories is from the 4th grade and I turned 10. It was memorable because there was a school-wide party on MY birthday! I pretended it was all in honor of me. It was great.
Happy Birthday! I love your blog! your cards are so creative and inspiring. One of my birthday memories comes from when I was a little girl turning 8 or 9 and my mother made me a Barbie cake, with the cake being the Barbie’s dress, I thought it was so pretty and the doll in the cake was also a present. This memory is more special to me as I get older and reflect on my past. During that time my mom was single and working two jobs struggling to raise her two daughters, I’m amazed at her ability to muster up energy and creativity to give me such special memories as a child.
Happy 30th Birthday !!!
I wish I was turning 30 on my birthday but I will be 40.
What I have learned about life is LIVE each day as if it was going to be your last cause you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Thanks for the oppertunity. You have a GREAT ideas. TFS
ENJOY!! Your Day.
Happy 30th Birthday !!!
I wish I was turning 30 on my birthday but I will be 40.
What I have learned about life is LIFE each day as if it was going to be your last cause you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Thanks for the oppertunity. You have a GREAT ideas. TFS
ENJOY!! Your Day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!! I love those Hero Arts stamps (makes mental note to track them down in the future). Don’t bother entering me in the contest but I had to come on here and wish you the bestest birthday ever since the card will be late (as usual! ;))
*smooches*
Happy Birthday to you! Have a Wonderful 30th Birthday!
My best Birthday was in 1999 when I turned 36. I was in the hospital…I gave birth to my son the day before. I was so happy because it was a hard pregnancy. I had preterm labor, but we went full turn. Plus I gave birth before I turned 36th!!! It was a happy time in the hospital!
Happy 30th!
Thanks so much for sharing your talent, wisdom and yourself with all of us. I am fortunate to have found your blog, it inspires me in stamping and way beyond.
My favorite birthday was when I turned 21 as I had given birth to a daughter the day before – she was the best gift that I ever received – and my sister in laws made a cake and brought it to the hospital which was a big surprise and yummy!
I have learned that life is full of surprises, twists and turns and everything happens for a reason and DOES work out for the best. It may be years before one realizes the whys. Each experience in life we learn something – smile throughout is so important as it helps to keep one’s spirits up and focus on the good (and there is always some good in every experience if one looks for it).
Here’s to the next 30 years – ENJOY!
Ag.
Happy Birthday! One of my favourite birthday memories is getting a giant (or what seemed giant to me at the time) bag of stickers for my birthday present as a kid. Well… that was just the beginning… because now I have a giant box full of stickers. Its an incurable disease… but they make me just as happy now as they did then 🙂
Hope you have a great weekend of celebrations!
Happy Birthday!! It is my Birthday today also!! I am 58 – a long way from 30. I read with interest your list of 30. You have learned a lot in 29 short years – it takes most people a life time to know what you know already. I agree with your points. The point I know from expierience is:
There is nothing in life that is worth more than your family and friends. Without them you have nothing! All of your ‘things’ are worthless without your loved ones to share them with, and mean absolutely nothing.
I am sorry for all you have been through in such a short span of life – but it puts you way ahead of most of us in the learning curve. I know that you will have the expiereince to get through any thing that could possibly happen to you now – and in the mean time you are going to enjoy each day that you wake up to in the fullest way possible.
May you enjoy many long and happy years ahead.
My favourite Birthday was my 50th when my usually uninterested Husband held a surprise party for me at a restaurant and invited everyone we knew. What a great evening that was!
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!”
I visit your blog every time my computer is on, you are a gift to us! Congratulations on your special year. I celebrated mine on the 29th April although 33 years now and my gift was my second child daughter born the 2nd. A true blessing like in your great decade of lessons. God bless and congrats on the treatment ending for your daughter I hope all goes really well!
Have great birthday celebrations and I would love to send you a card!
Enjoy your Day! Kim x
hallo Lauren . Hartelijk Gefeliciteerd!! Happy birthday !! ( in dutch)
have a nice day ..your stuff is lovely
bye bye
goedendag
Kitty Franken holland
I am not sure that I can say that I have had one single fantastic birthday memory, but every birthday I do have is more special than I could imagine…I share the same birthday with my Grandma. We always do something together and spend as much time as possible together. She says I was the best birthday gift she could have ever gotten- I like to think that she is the best gift I have gotten too…
Wow 600+ emails…that is great. Happy birthday to you. You will love your 30’s…well speaking from experience that is….you know more who you are and are more comfortable in your own skin. I hope it’s the same for you. My motto to live life by….do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Great blog candy…thanks for the op:0))
HAPPY Bday darling!!! I wanted to come and wish you a happy and wonderful Bday before I left out the door this AM.. As far as what the one thing I’ve learned really is don’t sweat the small stuff and that each day is a blessing and its up to you what you do with it… Not to long ago.. (hmm come to think of it when I turned 30 2 1/2 years ago) It was a yr. I will never forget because that was the year my eyes were really opened as we lost my oldest baby girl to SIDS but with God’s love we have been able to keep going I was blessed with another little girl and each day I have with her and my boys that is the biggest gift ever for me … So as you do already enjoy your babies and enjoy life.. I love coming to your blog because you push foward and share with us your ups and downs and trust me we are right there with you!! SO Happy 30th to you my darling!!! 🙂
happy birthday, lauren 🙂
my best birthdays (since the when i got my first barbie doll!) have been since my kids were born (4 and 2 years) nothing better than a scribbled on birthday card, it makes me so happy
Happy Birthday Lauren! Just want to thank you for your fantastic blog. I find it so refreshing and full of wisdom – and that doesn’t even touch on the cards!!!! I have to say that I find stamping the most theraputic activity in the whole world. After a really tough day at work and with the children my husband will often say – ‘Go and do some stamping’ and do you know it works – every single time!!!
Have a lovely day!
I first want to wish you a very happy b’day! When I turned 30, it was a sort of traumatizing and depressing time for me. I am so glad that you are looking forward to it with so much excitment! God bless you on your new journey. You seem to have accomplished so much through many obstacles and I trust that you will continue to do that.
I suppose the gift I most wish for is the ablility to find out who I am and where I’m going in life. I had a tough childhood and married at age 16. I am still married to the same man and he is a great guy. I have been suffering from empty nest syndrome and since it’s basically just my husband and myself, I feel that I am done with my life. I have been a wife and mother and although I have had a few outside jobs, it’s not been what I have wanted. I would love to do something with my life that would use the “creative” side of me. I wish to find a sense of purpose to my life that would include the gift that I believe that God has given me. I don’t know exactly how to find that other than prayer and trusting that He will show me the way. This would be the gift that I would wish for. Again, I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays and may God bless you in all you do!
Happy Birthday Lauren. I’m so happy that you have takent the time to reflect on your life so thoroughly…decade birthdays tend to do that to us. It’s true when they say that Life Begins at 30…it’s a time when we become more comfortable with ourselves, and believe me when I say that life really does get better with time. Thanks for sharing your reflections with us!
Happy Birthday! Mine is coming up soon. The perfect gift someone could give me would be paying off my credit card bills.
Happy birthday! 30 isn’t so bad! My bithday is new year’s eve, so it is always a big party. i remember as a child, my parents would always go out, and leave us with a baby sitter. they’d throw parties, and then the party goers would give my twin brother and I “hush” money!! They’d tell us it is a bday present!! LOL!! Have a great day!
Hi,
I always enjoy your blog and shortly will turn twice your age! Certainly don’t feel it and love my life. My motto: Never give up. I’ve had some challenges, too, but looking back they got us where we are today which is a very fine place to be. Enjoy your day. Take lots of pictures, get in close! (That’s my major regret about the photos I didn’t take of my kids.) Recently I read on a blog about a lecture given by Anne Lamott and Elizabeth Gilbert. I think it was Gilbert who said, “Take pictures and make plans.” Today is worth living, and make sure you have something to look forward to.” Have a great birthday.
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!
My favorite birthday memory happens to involve my own “Lauren”. In 1982, I was 6 weeks from delivery and lived in Chicago. It was an exciting and nervous time because we had no family close to us. My friends had a surprise shower for me and my mom and grandmother drove up from Kentucky to attend the shower. My birthday and the shower were within days of each other and SURPRISE, my daughter arrived 7 days later. She was a premie and after the first couple of hours, she did very well. She is now living in TN and will be getting her Master’s Degree in July.
Hi Lauren and Happy Birthday!
I read your post everyday and love the beautiful things that you make. The best gift I have ever received was from my husband before we were married. He knew that I loved dogs, German Shepherds in particular, and had always wanted to have one. I came home from work one day and he had a surprise for me in his car. A German Shepherd named Sheeba whom he had rescued from the local pound. She had been with us until this past December when she became sick and we think and speak of her everyday. She was the best gift I have ever received and someday when we are ready we hope to rescue another dog again. This to me is the best gift I could ever receive.
Happy 30th Birthday! I hope it’s fabulous!!! Your blog is so inspirational to read everyday!!! Hum…best birthday memory…I guess my 18th. My mother’s birthday is only 3 days after mine and I grew up in Louisiana so we spent the weekend together in New Orleans eating, shopping, eating, shopping, etc…I was finally legal so I had my first visit to Pat O’Brien’s for a Hurricane out on the patio, we ate at Commander’s Palace (Emeril was chef there back then but who knew Emeril way back when?!?!?!) and I got to tour the wine cellar and kitchen after the kept bringing us samples from the cellar!
Happy Birthday Lauren! Maybe I technically got my birthday gift for your birthday!! My birthday isn’t til September, but my husband told me last night he was going to give me tickets to the Dover Nascar race in September (they have to be bought early) so I was SOOOOOOOOO excited last night I thought it was MY birthday!!! Best wishes to you!! Vicki
Happy Birthday Lauren. Hope your 30’s are even better than your 20’s were. I guess my words to live by are to live every day to the fullest. We never know what will come the next. That and to trust in God. He will not give you more than you can handle.
Happy birthday, Lauren!
I have a couple quick sayings I use pretty often … “Remember, the last perfect person was crucified” and “Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff” …
Thanx for being a constant source of inspiration – that, and the chance at some t’riffic blog candy!
later, alligator!
– SueB
Words to live by from Gilda Radner:
I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.
Happy Birthday! If my birthday was right now, I would love to receive a gift certificate for hundreds of dollars to a greenhouse as I would love to improve my perennial garden!
-Nancy Ann
Happy Birthday Lauren,
Thirty was tough for me. Forty is much better. My mom just turned 70 and she says it just keeps on getting better. I think God has it all worked out for us. Peace Cynthia
Happy Birthday Lauren. I can barely remember my 30th………it wasn’t 30 years ago but close. LOL
All I wish for at this stage in life is good friends and good health!
Happy Birthday! I think that it is such a fantastic idea to make a card for yourself…..
Words to live by – “Never let them see you sweat.” My mentor at work said that to me one day in passing and I will never ever forget it.
Happy Birthday to you. Hope it is the greatest day ever for you. I try to live by these words (it is very hard, but I do try)–“Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” It seems that I am always worrying and I try so hard to focus on “right now’ but it is very difficult. Anyhow, it is what I try to do. Can’t wait to hear all about your day!!! Thanks for the candy.
Cheryl Sims
Have a great birthday, Lauren. I try to live by the words- treat others as you would like to be treated. Joan
Have a happy, happy day, Lauren! I can’t believe you’re “here” today! I’m glad you are, because you are so inspiring to me and I think of you as if I know you! I vaguely remember hitting the “30” milestone…how quickly that decade went! Working on a house, getting married, having two of my three children…and 7 months ago I hit another milestone – I turned 50! I guess one very important thing I have learned is that life is short – take chances! Live every day as if it’s your last! I feel like you are doing that, Lauren. Have a wonderful birthday and thank you for sharing yourself!
Happy 30th Birthday, Lauren! You are such an inspiration to so many people! Thank you for sharing YOU with us! ((HUGS))
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I’m looking closer to 40 now than 30 but I LOVED turning 30! It was right before I married my dh! That one was such a blur because I was in love la-la land! (I still am!)
One of my favorite b-d memories was when I was in college and thought my roommates had blown off my birthday and at the last minute invited me out to Cafe Latte in St. Paul, MN. When I walked in, there were about 20-30 of my college friends there! It was such a neat surprise. They had planned it for days. And…I got to have the BEST cheesecake!!!
Happy 30th Birthday Lauren! Hope you enjoy your Birthday Weekend!
Love your Bella card – so pretty! Lets see, words to live by – Chocolate makes most problems/issues a little easier to deal with.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I hope you have a fantastic day full of family and things you love! My best birthday memory was last year when my teenage daughter made me a cd with MY favorite songs – she looked them up online, downloaded them and burned them onto a cd for me. I was so touched! Hugs, Jackie
Happy Birthday! I can remember my 30th b’day like it was yesterday. I too had a rough 20’s decade. First child by 21 second by 23 and divorced by 29. Now I have been married for 16 years to the best man ever! We have a 13 year old daughter who keeps us very busy with sports. I like you was never into sports, now I actually know what is happening in basketball and soccer and even some sport terms!!
Have fun and your paper crafting is fantabulous!
Ellen
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I hope you have a fantastic birthday weekend.
I have learned in my 35 years on this planet to just let the little things go & enjoy life & all the precious moments we have with our children, the little things can wait.
Happy 30th Lauren! You will love being 30 and beyond. It’s not the number that matters, it’s your attitude about it. You’ve got the right outlook. Remember that all of our gifts come from God! He has blessed you with many.
Happy Birthday !!! I am celebrating my 30th in July – I love your reflections! I am at peace with turning 30 – I am thankful for the life and family I have. I couldn’t ask for anything better!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope you have a fantastic year…it’s your’s to live!
Words to live by…Be Happy…Be true to yourself!
I enjoy visiting your blog. You are so creative and seem to take life as it comes, which is important. So, Be Happy…Be true to yourself!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I love reading your blog, seeing all your wonderful creations, and seeing your love for your family. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that the next year is filled with blessings.
My birthday was just a few days ago and I almost forgot about it until one of my friends sent me a wonderful package filled with homemade goodies. 🙂 I love simple gifts and gifts from the heart so that was super special. I love having such great friends!
It’s awesome just to know that it’s all the little things that people do for us that count. 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful year!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I read your blog everyday and am always so inspired by you. I hope you have a wonderful day. My best birthday memory was finding out that I was pregnant with my first daughter- best gift of all.
Happy birthday Lauren! I’m turning 30 this year too and it’s good to see someone who is happy about it! I think my 30s are going to be the best decade yet — watching my little boy grow up.
My best birthday memory was in the fourth grade. My birthday was very close to one of my friend’s birthdays and our moms threw us a joint party. My mom made the cake and I remember thinking it was the prettiest cake ever! Really, it was just three round cakes frosted in different colors and set up to look like a balloon bouquet. But to a 9 year old it was perfect!
Happy birthday, girl! I was pregnant with my first child at 30 and basically bedridden! You will find that being 30 only means your better than you were at 29! Kidding! Enjoy your day, love all your creations and appreciate all your hard work!
Happy Birthday fellow May baby 🙂
When I was small, 6, 7, 8, my mom used to invite the neighbourhood kids to celebrate my birthday in the backyard. I’m sure this sounds silly, but one year she hung those round cookies with a hole in the centre from strings on our clothesline and we ‘bobbed for cookies’ with our hands tied behind our backs. 25+ years ago and it still makes me smile!
Enjoy your day 🙂
Happy Birthday Lauren!! I am a decade ahead of you, the 30’s were wonderful, you have most of the squirreliness behind you ;). (is that even a word, lol??)
My husband often reminds me, “don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff”. SO true hahahaha
Happy Birthday! I will turn 40 in October and my favorite birthday was actually turning 30. We went to Las Vegas with a large group of friends and had so much fun. The 30’s are a ball – you stop being caught up in the opinions of others and start really enjoying being in your own skin.
Favorite quote: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Attributed to Mark Twain, unconfirmed
First of all let me say “Happy Birthday” and tell you that your blog is one of my favorites that I frequent and your talent is a blessing that I am glad you share with the world…My favorite memory is when I turned 40…My husband planned a surprise meet up at the restaurant with my Nephew (who I had not seen in a long time….his Dad my brother had got killed when he was 12 and we never saw him much his Mom married and my Nephew was then adopted by her hubby) I never could seem to find him and was always searching the internet under people searches with no luck…then a God thing happened (thats what I call it) and I came across a number that got me in touch with my nephew….My hubby then went behind my back and set up the meeting….When we arrived at the restaurant my Nephew and his girlfriend were sitting at the upper level…the reason I knew it was him was because he looked just like my brother…I told my husband “Theres a guy up there who looks just like Michael (my bro) I was freaked out…when we got to our table they walked up and I knew it was him…I started to cry….but it was tears of happiness…all these years went by and I thought I would never find him…it was a happy sad moment cause he looks so much like his Dad and I miss him…but I was so Happy! We have been in touch ever since…
Thank you for sharing your life lessons with us! Wishing you many more wonderful memories and laughs along the way! My favorite birthday memory was a surprise birthday party my husband put together for my 30th birthday. He and all our friends kept the secret so well that I was truly surprsed! What a great time that was!
Hi Lauren
Happy Birthday! Have a fun day shopping to your heart’s delight. It’s so lovely to just be on the beginning of your journey. I am 62, have a daughter that is 37 and a son 19. So I have lived and loved my life. One of my most memorable birthdays was when I turned 30. We had a great circle of friends; always together doing fun things.
My ex-husband made me a surprise 30th birthday party and I was clueless. I went about my day, shopping, doing things with my little girl (she was 6 then) and just having a great day. Well I was out all day and thought we were just going to hang out at home. Some of our friends lived right across the street and my ex said that our friend wanted us to stop by and hang out there. When I got there, there were all of our friends and they were dressed up and here I was in everyday raggy clothes. I was happy and surprised but being young, all I could think of was that I had no makeup and my hair was not good and I didn’t look pretty. All that doesn’t matter anymore. It was the thought that everyone cared about me and did this for me. That was one of my most memorable birthdays. You will find this to be the best decade of your life. You will be more confident with yourself and find that your life is only just beginning with many more wonderful times ahead. So Lauren, love your day and be the happiest you can be (which is not too hard for you!). Love, Genie
Happy Birthday Lauren. I hope you have a wonderful day. I guess I would have to say my most memorable birthday was last year. My family and I live 45 southwest of Philadelphia. To avoid the traffic my mom and I took the train into the city for a day of shopping. My bday is 12/7 so just in time to see all the Christmas decorations. Every year Macy’s has a light show and a Dickens village, all in the store, so we had to go check that out, and it was awesome. Then we finished shopping, had a late lunch and took the train home. It was great. I’m a few years older than you 32. When I turned 30 I was bummed out, my boyfriend of 2 years still wasn’t ready to settle down (even though he bought a house and I helped him remodel) we lasted one more year. At 30 I was totally ready for a family, and freaking out that I might miss out (my mom started menopause at 40 along with her mom. I’ve come to realize that what comes will come, and I’m happy with the way my life is right now. We all make choices, some good some bad, it’s in us all to get over the bad and forge forward. Have a wonderful day of shopping, there really is no better way to spend a birthday. Hugs ~Julie
You took my words to live by: Work to LIVE, not live to work.
I only have one daughter and couldn’t have anymore. I learned when she was very young that I needed to center my life around her. I had to work somewhere, but I refused to work somewhere if I couldn’t attend to the little things she needed. She is almost 14 now and I wouldn’t change a thing! I still work to live, not live to work!
Happy 30th Lauren! I have loved my 30’s which will be over in a year! Hard to believe! Loved your life lessons! It is amazing how we change and yet don’t at the same time! I have had many wonderful Birthday memories over the years! I have a summer Birthday and have spent many on vacation with family and friends! One of my favs was spend my 30th Birthday in Germany with my best friend and her family! We had a wonderful time seeing the area and eating wonderful foods and greating great wine and beer! Have a wonderful day and I wish you many many more! Love reading your blog! And seeing your wonderful cards! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hugs! Jessie
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! Thank you so much for sharing your life lessons, they are so true!!! My favorite birthday memory is from last year when my 4 year old daughter sang happy birthday to me all by herself (she did it about 20 times on my birthday plus the next 3 days). It was so sweet and true. Still brings tears to my eyes! I hope you have a terrific day!!!
Lauren,
My best birthday present was actually a dinner. I was 38, going thru a divorce, my son decided to live with my husband, soooo it was just my daughter (9 years old) and myself. She made me a dinner of homemade mozzarella sticks, which were very good I might add. Kraft macaroni and cheese and I thought it was punch for a beverage. I said ” Jillie you even made punch?” She said “No mommy, it’s jello for dessert, It just didn’t get hard yet” THAT was my best ever!! We still laugh at that and now she is married and will be 30 in August.
Happy 30th Lauren
May all your wishes come true.
Linda Darling
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I know now that nobody trumps being with family. My best birthday memory is when I was a little girl, my aunt made for me a Princess cake. The icing was beautiful, and there was a girl-figurine on top, dressed in icing. I thought I was on top of the world! I can’t imagine, now, how much time it must have taken her to make it, but I recall thinking how beautiful she was, and how I would look like that, one day! Have a wonderful 30th birthday, Lauren! We love you!
Lauren I love reading your blog everyday! I wish you the happiest of birthdays today!! Thirty was a good birthday for me, night out in the city to see a show and dinner then the next day a surprise brunch with my family.
Words I live by: there are three sides to every story, yours, theirs and the truth and it can always be worse.
Enjoy your special day!! And thank you for the chance to win presents on your day!!
Melissa
Congrats justtttt love all the things you said on your blog and those are things i will be thinking about when i turn 30 i just wish it didn’t have to happend sooner anyways loveeeee the bella card how did you make the image on the mirror do tell???
Lauren,
Happy Birthday!! I love reading your blog-added it to my favorites months ago! I lost one of my brothers’ two years ago in a car accident-he was only 35. The thing I have learned about life IS TO LIFE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST because we never know when it will be our last! Your blog has inspired me not just from a place to get ideas for my cards but also in life! You are truly in inspiration!
I’m pretty new to the blogging world, but certainly LOVE your space here, so thank you!
I would have to say my words to live by are “It’s just sand in the glass”. Do you know this analogy? I’ll summarize it here. The prof fills a jar with large rocks and asks the class if it’s really full. They say yes; then he proceeds to fill in the spaces with small pebbles, asks the class if it’s full now and they say yes. But no, he fills the rest of the spaces with sand; now it’s full. He tells them the rocks represent all of the really important things in their daily lives (friends, family, health, food, shelter); the pebbles represent the less important things and the sand is all the stuff that can just wait (the cleaning, the dishes, the laundry). The moral, don’t fill your jar with just sand; make the rocks your focus.
Happy, happy birthday!
Have a great weekend!
BA
Happy Birthday Lauren! 30 is a good year – trust me!! My best birthday present was last year when my family blew me away with a stand mixer. I love that my kids get excited about others birthdays now – it’s so fun to see! Love your blog and love that you share yourself with us! Blessings and thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Lauren,
Happy 30th. You are so awesome, I view your blog daily. You are extremely talented. One of the best in this industry.
Here are some words to live by that I love
RELAX,RELATE AND RISE ABOVE IT.
Have a great Birthday weekend.
Happy Birthday Lauren. Beautiful card, as always. Love your blog and admire your creativity. Thanks for sharing with us.
Keep smiling…that’s my motto.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I can only tell you that life is what you make it. Priorities: Faith – Family – Friends (and in our house Football!) Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday to you. You have achieved a ton by this milestone in your life, and now you get to sit back a bit and enjoy the 30s. The 20s are all about discovering yourself, setting up your life the way that makes you happy. The 30s are about appreciating what you have and enjoying all you have worked for.
I hope you have a wonderful day! And congrats on the new gig teaching at Paper Tree. I visit family in NH often, and would love to attend a class when I’m there next! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
sing with me…. “Happy Birth-day to You! Happy Birth-day to You! Happy Birth-day dear Lau-ren! Happy Birth-day to You!!!! ((and many more) ”
Hope that your day is as special as you are.
The card is really neat. I love the little flowers. Uber-cool!!!!!
love ya!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I agree w/SO many of the things on your list! I’ve learned to live by this “We are only responsible for our actions.” Think about it – it keeps you sane to realize that we are not in control, or responsible for what anyone else does. That said, if we can close our eyes each night and know that we didn’t do anything to hurt anyone else in any way, it’s all okay. May this be the BEST birthday you’ve had yet, but pale in comparison to what is to come!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I get so inspired by your blog! I love your style … and you got some style! 🙂
Favorite birthday memory was just last year … my sweet, sweet sister threw me a suprise birthday part at a local luncheon place with all of my crafting buddies. We dressed up in hats, boas and 50’s jewelry! It was so much fun. It was like a little girl’s tea party… we did a craft project that day as well! It was a perfect day.
Hugs to you,
Kimberly
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!!! You are such a great inspiration. You have gone through quite a lot and have great determination and outlook. I enjoy reading your blog, seeing your craft inspirations and reading about your family. Keep up the good work. My birthdays have all been good, one of my daughters actually turned 30 on April 15th and she was kind of freaking out about it also, but all in all it is just another day. Enjoy your day and many years to come!!
Oooppps I was too busy singing happy birthday to you.
My favorite birthday memory.. 15 turning 16! AND I was getting off my crutches (from my cancer surgeries to get into my 1965 candy apple red convertable mustang. My dad (now past away) is in the picture with me, holding onto me and the crutches in the other hand. (tear) Good memories!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I enjoy reading your blog & seeing your creativity flourish. The gift I would love to receive is a massage. My words to live by are: “a day without laughter is a day wasted.”
Happy happy happy happy birthday to you Lauren! Hope you have a GREAT one! I’ll definitely give this awesome sketch a try!!!!!! {SMILES}
happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Lauren, happy birthday to you! And many moooooooooorrre………….. Hope you have a fantastic weekend! You truly are an amazing woman and have been through more than most in your 29 (second time around *wink*) years! I have two quotes that I love:
‘The aim of life is to live and to live is to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.’ ~Henry Miller
‘Life is not measured by the numbers of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.’
hugs – Alyssa
I have heard that 40 is the new 20! You are just a teen (with all that great wisdom!)
Have a super 30th birthday! My 30th my hubby set up a surprise party for me! It was AWESOME! Now, I try to do AWESOME parties for my kiddos! In fact, this morning marks the final few hours of a sleepover for my daughter ( 8 girls)! Last night I seriously rethinking my sanity! Ha Ha! Have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday! The best is yet to come!!!
One of my best birthdays was my 50th – I was not sure of how I was going to feel about being 50, but when it came, I found it actually felt good saying “I am 50!” For my 50th, my mother gave me her grandmother’s ring – her only 3 grandchildren are my 3 children, so it is now my mother’s ring, which I am so pleased to have and wear.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!
Thirties were my best time! I’ll be turning 40 in a few weeks. Now that is starting to strike me hard. This ol’ bod is starting to feel it too.
My best bday will be this one as we’re going to Portugal with the kids and have rented a house close to the beach for 2 weeks. Very exciting. I want to see the olive trees and the wine regions and hopefully buy a nice pair of shoes.
Anyone know of any stamping stores in Portugal? lol
Have a great weekend!! Thanks for sharing.
HAPPY B DAY!!!Best b-day was when I turned 21 and I spent it with my later to be husband…Love, laugh, and live!!! fav present a book my grandma wrote to me
Lauren,
I was thrilled when I stumbled upon your blog yesterday…it must have been an early birthday present – mine is today, too!! You give this now 29-year-old (argghh!!!) inspiration just through the little that I have read and I thank God that you put your heart out there for all of us to read. Keep up the beautiful cards and beautiful attitude. Wishing you all the happiness in the world on the 2nd 29th birthday! 🙂
Happy B-Day to you! My best birthday memory – April 14, 1983, my 14th birthday, and 14 inches of snow. The best part? School was cancelled!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You will love you thirties – mine have been wonderful and far better than my 20’s. I’m also hovering close to 40 and can’t wait to see what those years have in store.
I read on your blog a long time ago when you were talking about “doing” things to make life happen. You asked the question (not verbatim), “What are YOU doing to make your dreams come true?” And I’ve been thinking about that ever since. It really struck me. I also like your saying that you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. So – I’m doing things I never would have done before and giving things a try. I’m not nearly as talented as you – but I’m trying to get better!
Thanks for inspiring me each and every day. Enjoy your day with your hubby and kids and I hope you have a wonderful time.
Heather
Happy 29th with one years practice! You know as we get older I think the birthday celebrations become ‘great’ for different reasons. It used to be the most exciting gifts or dinners or trips, but once you start adding family members like in-laws and grandchildren, it becomes more special with just the gathering. So each new birthday becomes better than the last for me just because my children keep adding grandchildren to the party! I have 2 now and 2 on the way! I’m only 49 (really… not 49 and holding, trying to avoid 50) so I still have a lot of special birthdays to go.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I wish you the very best….
It’s weird, it’s like the older I get, the less I want..
I think the most memorable was my 21st birthday..I had an overall good day and had my first, and only, tattoo done.
Lauren, first off HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Second, Congratulations on Alexa only having one more treatment to go! YAY!!! This is so huge for you guys and must be so thrilled!!! Well I will say my favorite birthday gift I ever received because I would love to win some of those stamps. They are all so awesome. They best birthday gift I ever received was my daughter. I was only 17 when I had her and she was born 11 days after my birthday. I was so scared to be having a child so young, but I knew that no matter what her father and I would always love her. She is almost 3 now, and I am so blessed to have her. She changed my life like I never would have imagined something so tiny to do. She has made such an impact in my life, and I thank God everyday for her.
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I don’t have a best birthday memory–they are all un-memorable. I can’t even remember what I did when I turned 30! Wait, my first born was about to turn 1 and I worked full time, so that may explain why I don’t remember my 30th birthday.
I’ve learned many life lessons and most of those were learned the hard way. I am happy for you and all the blessings in your life and hope the rest of your weekend is fabulous!
Happy Birthday! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your fabulous ideas. I think that I have learned that laughter is the best medicine. I hope that you have a wonderful year. Thanks for sharing.
why, yes — I really do like you (I read until the end) you had so many NUGGETS in there; you are such a mature 30 (and I’m sure what you have gone through the past 10 years has a LOT to do with it) You are right on! You are an inspiration to so many people and your DH & children (and I’m sure everyone else who is fortunate to know you IRL) are blessed! I know us PSF’s are I can only imagine how the Real Friends are!! Happy Birthday, Lauren! You deserve the BEST because you give your BEST!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend surrounded by your family and friends! Enjoy the moment!
You don’t need to enter me in the blog candy. I KNOW it costs a small fortune to mail things…lol! Especially to me and those packages look HUGE!
I’ll be back later with a card for the sketch though! LOVE it! Big hugs to you!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY from S.C.!!! My most memorable b-day is my 30th, which was on a Saturday. My husband kept acting like it was no big deal, 30 is just a number, we’ll probably just have cake, yada yada yada… I was so bummed because he did not make it seem like we were doing anything super special..YOU only turn 30 once, right? We usually go to friend’s house on Sat. nights. That Sat. night we went to our friends and there was a surprise party!! I had no make up on and was wearing a thermal t-shirt and jeans. I was so embarrassed!
I hope it’s a great one for ya! You are super talented and your creativity is very inspiring!
Joey T.
Happy Birthday Lauren! My best memory was my 30th birthday celebration. I was in a great spot in my life – I just had my 3rd baby, all 3 of my kids were healthy, and my husband surprised me by showing up at birthday dinner with my family when he was supposed to be working. Enjoy – 30 is not as bad as you may think! 🙂
happy birthday to you!
happy birthday to you!
happy birthday dear lauren….
happy birthday to you!
many good wishes for your 30th birthday – turning 30 isn’t bad…..now turning 35 – not so good! lol!!! at least for me!! hehehehe!!!!!
you have such a wonderful outlook on life! i’m sure you can attribute that to what all you have been through in the last decade. i am so glad to hear about alexis! that little girl is a trooper, but i’m sure i don’t have to tell you that!
anyway…i would love to be the proud owner of any of your blog candies…especially that cupcake set…i have been eyeing that set for quite some time now!
happy birthday, lauren!
regina
Yes I read to the bitter end! I’ve never met you, but I really do like you! Happy Birthday! And I would say my favourite thing to get on my birthday is flowers, just a nice bunch of fresh flowers can make me just about the happiest person on earth! hope you get flowers on your birthday too!
Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy birthday Lauren!
What a wonderful card to make for yourself! Let’s see, my happiest birthday memory. Very sad, but I can’t think of one. I do have a sad memory though. My 16th birthday was on Mother’s Day and I had to mow the lawn. This year it’s Mother’s Day too.
Have a great day and a fun dinner with Paulette and Matt. Love ya!
Lauren, Happy Birthday!! Your card is simply amazing. Hope day is wonderful and the next year is full of blessings. I love your blog and I read it everyday.
Happy Birthday Lauren! Your card is absolutely fabulous!! My favourite birthday memory is the year my husband bought us VIP tickets for a concert with my favourite band- the Tragically Hip. We laughed, sang and danced all night together…it was awesome!
Happy Birthday, Lauren. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I just love that card and the sketch. I’m currently trying to decide on paper to try it out. My favorite birthday memory was my 16th. My mom and best friend threw me a surprise party. It was great!! I hope this year supplies great memories too.
Love reading your blog, Lauren! My favorite birthday was when I was pregnant for my 1st son, very close to my due date. We went out to dinner at a fab Italian restaurant & I was so paranoid I would go into labor & miss eating the great food that I was so looking forward to! Little did I know, I would go 2 weeks over my due date!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I love checking out your blog everyday. I hope you have a lovely birthday weekend. Me winning the lottery would be a great birthday present 🙂 … so I can buy all the stamping/scrapping stuff I NEED ! (JK)
Happy B-Day to you!
I love reading your blog and you always have something to write about every day! Love it! You have a wonderful week-end, enjoy every minute. I guess my favorite saying how I try to live life is “don’t sweat the small stuff”. I know how hard that can be at times and I try to not worry about things but sometimes it is just so darn hard. Anyway, don’t sweat the small stuff and have a great day!
Wow, Lauren, that is SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME that Alexa is almost done w/ Chemo!!! Conor is still doing very well and we’re just over a year away from him being “officially cured”!! The best words a mom can hear, huh? I would have to say one life lesson I’ve learned is to tell ALL of the people in your life that you love them, even if you’re not getting along, and to never let anything little issue come between you and your family. After losing my younger brother so unexpectedly in Jan, I now have so many regrets and I think it’s making it that much harder to deal with his passing. I can only hope and pray that now he knows how much I always loved him and was proud of him. Ok, you didn’t ask for my life story, did you? (yes, I can ramble, too!) I hope you have a WONDERFULLY MAGNIFICENT birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hugs ~ angel
Happy Birthday, Lauren!!!
For my birthday- I would love Copics and Nestabilities! I’m dreaming!!!
Enjoy your family!
Jamie
My best birthday memory is was just last year when my husband surprised me with a trip back “home” to see my family. I hadn’t seen them in 4 years. So anyway just 2 days before my vacation he says “Pack up, we’re driving back to Neb.” Now mind you I need a week to pack for any thing! Anyway we had a great time, surprised everyone and even did some sight seeing on the way home. Just to let you know the 30’s were great but my 40’s are even better. Have a great birthday weekend. And thanks for the great give a way.
Jannette D.
Happy Birthday, hope it is a wonderful day.
One birthday memory for me was my sister and I were visiting our brother who lived in Colorado at the time. We were there for the weekend and on Sept 29th, I awoke to 13 inches of snow. I had never seen snow on my birthday. They had put a large candle on top of a snow laden drum table on the patio and wrote Happy Birthday Jean with Dawn dishwashing detergent.
Enjoy each and every minute of your life because you never know what lies ahead.
Happy, Happy Birthday Lauren! I am sitting here (with my cup of coffee!)–throughly enjoying your blog which I check every day but weekends are my favorite as I have time to take more time and relax! Loved your list–both the inspirational thoughts and those that made me smile! You can really be proud that you have been able let the difficult times, as well as the good times, be enriching rather than destructive! You are very wise for your age! And you are so inspirational to those of us with whom you are willing to share your thoughts.
As I am twice your age, I know it is important to experience each day to its fullest. Take advantage of all those precious moments and don’t fret over the small stuff! I so enjoy being a grandparent as I have been able to do this so much more!
Have a fantastic day! Enjoy all the special moments yet to come!!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♪ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LAUREN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU. ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♪
Wishing you all the very best today and always!
My best birthday? Hmmm… You know, they’ve all been great! I’ve learned along the way, that age, really is “just a number”. Live, laugh, love! ♥
Enjoy your day. Love ya!
Hugs,
Renee
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I let this be the shortest one you read today. Have fun.
-*Linda*-
I love all the giveaway sets! They’re great! Thank you so much and have a very happy birthday! I enjoy your blog and love your cards. Hope your birthday is great!
Happy Birthday!!! I too turn 30 next month, pretty crazy! My birthday wish is to have a healthy baby–when I decide to get pregnant, having a child with special needs really puts the scare into you 🙂
Happy, Happy Birthday and I hope you have many more!!! I love reading your blog everyday…..so inspiring! My husband was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer last year and has gone thru two stem cell transplants……..we found out that he is in total remission and we pray that it stays that way………what more could I ask for!! Thanks for the chance!
Cindy C.
[email protected]
Happy Birthday Lauren! You seem like an awesome person and I’m so happy for you and your family! IF ONLY, we knew then what we know now! We can only move on from here and learn from the past. It’s hard being a mother and trying to help your child go in the right direction and do the right things. My child is now 33 (older than you, kiddo!) and he is now being to see the light! Unfortunately things are like that in life but at least he’s a good person and married to a sweet gal. I will never have grandchildren but have the sweetest furry grandanimals! Have a great weekend!!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I remember turning thirty and not doing it as gracefully as you! But, here I am six years later, and my thirties have been some of the best years of my life. My best birthday memory was when I was 10, and I begged my parents for a unicycle. My father was completely against the idea (I was pretty accident prone back then), but finally caved. For my birthday I received a beautiful silver unicycle with two poles (which I later learned were great for chasing my little brother with!). My birthday was in March, and I can still remember being all bundled up in my winter coat and mittens, so determined to learn to ride that thing. I never did learn…and that is one thing I wish I would have done. Anyway, Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday! Thanks for sharing all that you do. . .even all of your thoughts. I LOVED the recap of your 20s and the 30 things you learned along the way. You are such an inspiration in life as well as papercrafting! Big HUGS to you!
My birthday wish is is to be as creative as you are!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! The next one for me is #29 and I am not sad about getting closer to (or turning 30) either! Life has taught me that not everyone gets to see 29, so for me each year is an accomplishment. I look at all the things most other women complain about like gray hairs (yes, i have LOTS) and crow’s feet and think they are things I’ve been blessed to live long enough to experience. (Okay, remind me of this when I’m older and considering botox!!!) ;o)
Happy Birthday Lauren! Oh, to be 30 again…I’m jealous! 🙂 My favorite birthday memory was when I was 8. I wanted a pink bike with the white basket on the front really badly! After I opened my gifts, and discovered no pink bike, I was kind of bummed out. But, my Mom said, hey go get the newspaper in and so I did that, and when I opened the front door, there on the porch was my pink bike with a big bow around it!
So, all was not lost, and I rode that bike to death that day! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing with all of us. Have an incredible birthday!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I read your blog everyday. You are such an inspiration, both in your gorgeous projects and your attitude towards life in general. My best birthday ever was my 40th. My dearest friend had arranged for my parents to fly in and other family members to surprise us. She got me out of the house and decorated up the front yard while I was gone…it was truly amazing!!!
Oh wow! It’s only 9:45am and already over 110 responses! Lauren, you are such a blessing. All the things you have been through, have accomplished, are accomplishing. You are just getting started. I’m 25, so not far behind you. I work with 6 people that are twice my age, and they are still full of life. So girl, we have lots of years of youth in us! I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Well, I am off to hopefully do the saturday sketch in peace…LOL HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Oh, and I love the cupcake set! (I’ve got my fingers crossed! LOL)
You are so, so, so inspiring! Your outlook, your creations, all so inspiring. Thank you for that. I’ve been trying to “not sweat the small stuff” but I seem to like to worry and sweat the small stuff…but I’m working on it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!! You are wise FAR beyond your years! 🙂
Let’s see…one of my best birthdays was actually my 30th! Hubby worked shift work and was on 3-11 that day. He met me for lunch and then left for work…or so I thought! A friend took me out for dinner right after work and when I walked in the house afterwards, it was full of people for a surprise party! He had arranged the whole thing AND taken off from work AND kept it a huge secret!
What I like to live by is JOY! Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last.
All the Mytime Mail is wonderful, but those Hero Arts sets are AWESBOMB!!
Hope you have a FABULOUS day!
Huge Happy birthday Laurren ,hope you have a fabulou s Day ,
love the make a card for yourbithday idea ,brilliant xxx
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I hope the 30’s hold many wonderful things in store for you. I am 54, and I have to tell you that each decade just keeps on getting better than the last. Something I have learned is to always keep an open mind- it seems that I learn something from every person that I meet along the way. I love your blog. Thanks for sharing with us!
HAppy Birthday-one piece of advice for your thirties….don’t sweat the small stuff-if you can look yourself in the mirror each day and know that you are true to yourself that is all that matters!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I am so proud of you, you got it right and I can’t wait to see your 30s. TFS them with us. And just to let you know the 40s are even better:) My best b-day was 50, I woke up with such a feeling of gratitude. I had made it. And now at 52 I can truly say Now IS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE. Knowing the NOW is a wonderful thing. I would say have a great B-Day weekend, but I know you are. I loved your list of 30 again TFS.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You are truly wise in your young age! You are so inspirational. Thanks for everything you do. What I have learned in life…Love every minute with your spouse and children. Time goes by too quickly and we should enjoy every minute, moment, day, everything. Have a great day!
Happy Birthday Lauren
I love reading your blog. its always a pleasure to tune it and see what Lauren created today or will say. I hope your birthday is fabulous
barbara from CT
Lauren love your blog and all that you do. Miss seeing what you are doing if I am away as I try to visit most days. Talking of being away that was the best Birthday – an encounter with a full grown male elephant on an evening game drive followed by the starriest sky ever. One thing I learned that day big elephants move very quietly!
Sorry forogt the most important thing – Happy Birthday enjoy it you are still young!
Happy Birthday!!!!
Celebrate your day… you deserve it.
My favorite birthday was my 26th… newly married, my husband and I drove to Chicago for the week. We went to the museums and celebrated the day. It is a day I will never forget.
I love the give aways… those stamps are totally cute! Thanks for being generous with us on your birthday.
Gaby
Lauren, Happy 30th Birthday! It is wonderful that your brain has kicked in and you now view this birthday as a new beginning to the rest of your life rather than the end of the world. Each new decade has its own special rewards and promises. Thanks for sharing your life with us through this blog, it is inspirational.
Happy Birthday!
My best birthday was this year as I no longer live in the same city as my family and didn’t think I would get to see them but they drove the couple hours to spend the day with me!
Working in the hospital has led me to try to live by the words of appreciate all that you have and spend time with those you love!
Happy Birthday!!! I love your blog and read every post, and your cards are amazing. I think that I will tell you my birthday wish being as my birthday is in 4 days. I would love to get a new digitail camera, the one I have now is old and not very good. I hope you have a great day enjoy it to the fulllest. Thank you for giving the chance to win.
Your bella card rocks…what super coloring (I find these skinny gals a challenge!). I guess I will add some words of wisdom that I always try to live by (even if I don’t always succeed!): the best thing in life to achieve is BALANCE. Balance means a sprinkling of all things: family, friends, hobby, chores (yuck!), etc. You can enjoy and appreciate all things only if you have a balance of all of them! Happy 30th to you!
Happ Birthday, Lauren! I hope your weekend is fabuloso! And remember “Birthday Calories Don’t Count” Ü
Now my favorite words to live by . . . “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right!”
Love your blog . . . your enthusiasm for life is as inspiring as your wonderful creations.
Hugs,
Colleen
Happy Birthday! And welcome to 30! I just got here in March. ( : I have two great birthday memories-my 21st my husband proposed to me! And my 30th-he threw me a surprise party and boy was I shocked. I am one of the most difficult people to surprise but he did it.
Have a great weekend celebrating and here’s to another great 30 years!
Jodi
Happy, Happy Birthday!!!
I Hope you have the BEST decade this time around, you certainly had a very full one in your 20s!!!
I love the little phrase “kindness matters”, it just means a lot…if we can always be kind to others, then we will hopefully get that in return!
You know I read your blog every single day, and absolutely LOVE what you create. I’m so happy you are in such a great place in your life! May it only get better and better for you from now on! 😀
Happy Birthday Lauren!
My birthday advice would to live every day as if it were your last, appreciate and love those around you, this includes yourself. Have fun!
My best birthday memory was my 31st birthday when my ladies group got together for our regular meeting and it landed on my birthday, well I brought the snack to help the ladie whose home it was being held in (she had twin babies). Well someone else had brought birthday cake, and thier present to me was a 6×6 album and each of them created a page that had thier favorite verse on it. They knew mine so that put that one on the front. I couldn’t have felt any more loved than that!!!!
a great memory: my junior prom was on my birthday and the banquet sang happy birthday to me. what I want this year: another baby! Have a great Happy Birthday! It wasn’t long ago that I was 30. I will be 33 in two weeks, how time flies. Thanks!
Happy Birthday!! You have a quite a list of wisdom….I’m glad you shared it in your blog. It’s hard to pick a favorite birthday memory. Now that both my parents are gone…I’d have to say any birthday I shared with them. I never expected to be an orphan at 40 and yet, here I am. I’m going to take a challenge from your post and look ahead with anticipation, rather than behind with regret. I know each thing we go through gives us wisdom for what is to come. Wishing you all the best in the year to come!
I am glad to hear you are so happy about your 30th birthday! That’s a big one. I can’t wait to hear what gifts you get. Your husband always seems to know what to get you. Mine, on the other hand, needs some help in that area. Last year he got me a GPS thingy to put in the van. He thinks I don’t go anywhere and the reason I don’t is because I don’t know where i’m going. Well, it was in the van for about a week and moved it’s way into his truck. I’m glad he knows where he is going. My birthday is coming up in July and he does not think buying me stamping stuff is a good idea. He is not as supportive of my craft as your husband is. The big plan for this year is a pink rifle! My husband and my boys are very into hunting and target shooting. They each have their own .22’s and think mommy should have a pink gun (yes, you can actually buy pink guns) so we can all go target shooting together. I don’t really know what to think of this idea as I am not an avid hunter type of person. I like to sit at home and make cards not go to the farm and shoot gophers! The only thing I like about it is that it gets them all out of the house for the weekend. Oh well, I hope you have a happy day with your hubby and your kids. That is the best way to spend a birthday. Me… well, I get a whole 31 hours to myself. I’ll be thinking of you today as I sit here in the peace and quiet.
Happy happy birthday to you!!! Thanks so much for the chance to win such awesome candy! I am 31, and can totally remember the big 3-0…but like you said, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. My life I try to define by being a Christian. If I had a life quote, it would be from the Bible, but since I have so many favorite verses, I can’t just pick one. May you have a 30s wonderful decade!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN! What a wonderful and insightful post.
One of my most memorable birthday moments was when I was about 8. I had always wanted to go to Disney World, but my parents always worked and lived paycheck to paycheck. That year my mom and dad surprised me at school and picked me and my brother up early. Then they told us that we were going on a week long trip to Disney and staying at the hotel on property so that we could ride a tram everyday. I was so excited and to this day, I remember that trip like it was yesterday.
Happy Birthday! I so enjoy your blog and it has provided me with tons of inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of creativity with us! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy 30th Birthday! I just celebrated my 31st last weekend and it was great. My husband and I flew from CA to DC to visit one of my best (and farthest away) friends. Just spending time with her and having her in my life is a gift and I’m really lucky to know her. With that said, my birthday wish this year is to meet friends in our new town. I love the adventure of moving to a new place but I also miss having good friends who live close.
Anyway, happy 30th birthday and thanks for the opportunity to win! Lyndsay
Happy Birthday Lauren. Your only 2 decades behind me, and I still feel young. This is my quote for you today taken from the best book ever written. ” In everything give thanks for that is the will of God. Nothing comes by chance but by His Fatherly hand. Hope you have a wonderful day and may the Lord bless and keep and make His face to shine upon you in the year that lies ahead.
Oh 30! I was in the hospital after giving birth to my last child when I was 30!(and he is now 22!) How the years fly by. I cherish everyday with my children, and now with my brand new grandson! It all starts a circle of life. Happy Birthday Girlie!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope your day and the year to come are filled with wonderful surprizes, and wishes come true! I do not really have a favorite birthday memorie, it seems like the last birthday I had is always my favorite one, so every year is a new favorite memory! Last year we went to the beach, just my husband, I ,and our 2 kiddos. What could be better than being with the people you love the most in a beautiful place, just enjoying life!!
Happy Birthday my PSF! I hope you have a truly wonderful day.
My best birthday was when I was 32. On my way to work I saw a double rainbow. My friends at work took my to lunch at a place where you paint stuff and then they glaze it. It was so fun! Then my husband brought me flowers (which he NEVER does) and they charged him the wrong amount so he took them back in and they gave him ALL of his money back. How great is that?
My words to live by are “Suffering is Optional” and ” Accept your Greatness”. They work for everyone.
Have a great day!
Love,
Kathy
Happy Birthday! I can’t wait to see what your next decade brings! Please don’t worry about adding me to the blog candy…..I just wanted to wish you a good day! 🙂
Happy Birthday Lauren!
My most favorite birthday was my 27th—my best friend flew in from California and threw me a party and invited my closest friends. It was amazing and we had a blast!
My best birthday memory is my 40th! My DH planned a huge surprise party for me along with my co-workers who were all mum. He even did a Powerpoint presentation with old pictures and stuff. It was so sweet. He put so much into it. He is the best!!! Thanks for a chance to win.
Three cheers for thirty years!!!!!!!
Pam in Ar.
Lot that tradition you have! I hope your birthday weekend is the best!
Lauren:
Happy Birthday! I was just introduced to your blog today. I will definitely be back!!
Something I try to do is live so that when I look back on this time in my life I won’t have regrets. Ten years from now when I look back on certain situations, what will I wish I had done? That’s how I want to live today.
Welcome to the 30s, Lauren! I’ve been here for 6 1/2 yrs, and highly recommend them. I loved reading your post, and hope that you enjoy the next decade (or longer if you decide to stay at 39 forever). For my 30th b’day my darling husband threw a surprise party at my favorite Indian restaurant. I was certainly surprised (our twins were only 2 1/2 mos old, so I was also sorely lacking in sleep, or I might have figured out that something was up). Enjoy!
Smiles,
Anne
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope you have a fantastic weekend. My son’s 22 Birthday is today to. I am dating myself here. I guess one thing I have gotten from life is to enjoy those babies while they are still babies. They grow to fast and with that comes attitudes and such. Kiss em and love on em all you can because there will come a day when you don’t get that so much anymore. Have a super Birthday and go stamp something. Oh ya, your card is adorable and I am not so much a bella lover. Those colors are to die for! Hee hee they were my wedding colors 26 years ago. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday!!
I read your blog everyday and love love love it!!
One thing I would like for a birthday giftt would be a spa day. Nothing beats pampering yourself! =)
Enjoy your special day!
Happy Birthday to YOU! Count me in onthis sweet celebration candy. I hope your love ones are treating you as special as you are treating us in blogland. One thing I try to live by is..always thing of something positive in everthing you do. Hope your day is the best one yet. Thanks for a chance at your sweet cany MYTIME MAIL!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! My birthday advice is “never go to bed mad” and “live well, laugh often, love much”
Wow, Lauren! Happy Birthday! I’m inspired that you’ve maintained such a positive attitude through all of your trials! You’ve been through a lot in a short time.
My best birthday gift completely caught me off guard! My sister conspired with her husband and mine to give me a trip to NYC sans children to see The Color Purple on Broadway. The fact that they all went to such trouble for me was the best part of the gift. I was completely overwhelmed that they would do that for me. Thanks for the chance to win.
Happy Birthday! My favorite birthday memory is having slumber parties for my birthday when I was little. They were so much fun and carefree!
Happy Birthday Lauren…. many happy returns!!!
Words I live by….. Live life for the moment, not the tomorrows or the yesterdays!!
Have a fabulous day girl! Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!!!
OOPS….my face is red! I hit the post button before I was finished. Let’s try again…
My favorite birthday memory is not of mine but that of my daughters….When I turned 30 (18 years ago ugh!), a friend of mine gave me a coffee mug that said, “3 cheers for 30 years”….I kept that mug…used that mug …and loves that mug for these past 18 years. Last Sept. my own daughter turned 30 and what do you think I gave her?….that’s right, I gave her my 3 cheers mug! She cried, I cried, (I’m crying now just thinking about it),but that is my very favorite birthday memory…I hope one day she will pass it on to her daughter (only 23 more years to go LOL)
Have a great one Lauren…..3 CHEERS FOR 30 YEARS!!!!!
My best birthday memory was on my 40th birthday. My family and extended family rented a cabin in the mountains. My husband gave me $400 to go shopping and we were near outlet malls! I love the mountains, being with my family and shopping. It was heaven! As far as a gift I’d love to receive — Nestablilities. I don’t have any yet, but I do have Nestie envy. 🙂 And finally, words to live by…so much of youth is spent waiting for something we want to happen. I believe that “waiting” itself is one of the largest lessons we learn in this life. We are told to “wait on the Lord”, and I believe that waiting here on earth is investing in our future in heavan.
Happy Birthday….may this be your best yet!
Happy Birthday to you dear Lauren. I remember the 30’s as the best time of my life.
What I have learned is Laugh everyday and leave some time for yourself and don’t the small things bother you.
My best birthday was when my dh made arrangements for my mom and me to go to a spa where we got a mesage, facial, and had our hair done. When we got home, he was making my favorite dish for our dinner. We just celebrated our 41st and he is certainly a keeper.
Happy Birthday! Are you sure you are only 30???? I’m almost double (ouch!) your age and wish I had found the wisdon you have earlier. I guess two of my favorite sayings are:
“Each day is a gift-that’s why its called the present”
“Put on your big-girl pants and deal with it”
The following decades keep getting better and better-honest! So rejoice and enjoy!
Happy 30th!! My 30th was the very best one (17 years ago, gulp…) I was single and foot loose. A group of us went downtown and decided to try a new drink at several different bars. Someone, I don’t remember who and I doubt it was me, decided it would be best to put the “birthday girl” in a shopping cart and travel from place to place in this manner. Could there have been balloons on the handle and a few streamers…. I’m thankful that there was no marathon runner in our crowd that night. There is a flash of going quite fast. Hope you have a very exciting day.
Happy Birthday to you. I was so touched when I read your post. You seem very wise for 30 and talented as well. I try to stop every day and reflect on the things I am thankful for and when you do that it is amazing how many things are taken for granted. I also always try to be positive even though sometimes that is hard and I don’t always accomplish it.
Have a wonderful day and thank you for sharing with us.
Happy 30th Birthday!!! We sort of have the same year together but instead of it being my birthday it will be our 30th Wedding Anniversary in a couple of months. Time does fly but it has been a good time (and some bad of course). I love reading your blog. Enjoy your weekend celebrating your birthday.
Happy Birthday……I totally love your 30 things to live by! I am going to think about those all day today. I try to live by “Smile, it makes people wonder what your up to.” LOL!!!! I love it! Thanks again for sharing!
Happy, happy birthday once again, Lauren. My favorite “words to live by” can be found in Romans 8:28. The older I get, the more I realize that …”ALL things”..even the terrible,horrible, awful, no good, very bad things (part of the title on one of my fav children’s books, do work for good, when we trust in the Lord and not in ourselves. May all your 29th birthdays be healthy, happy ones. Blessings!
Happy Birthday!
What I would most like to receive for my birthday or any time for that matter is handmade items from my son. He’s currently only 10 1/2 months. I am so looking forward to the days of cards with hand prints on them, macaroni necklaces, dandelions, etc… I hope that we are able to teach him that handmade items really are the best gifts.
Hi Happy Birthday to you.. I have made it to 30 twice now.. (can’t be, but it is..) My wish is for the cricket for my next birthday in Augest. I think it would be a blast to have one of them and I could get caught up on my scrapbooking. Again, Happy Birthday.. glenda
Lauren, First off, A Very Happy Birthday to you. – Love your cute card.
My favorite birthday memory…hmmm there have been quite a number of birthdays in my life so it may be hard to pick just one. I guess when I turned 40 it was pretty cool. My hubby had a big BUZZARD sign put up in our yard (you could rent them) that said something to the effect, “The OLD BUZZARD’S turning 40!” – So everyone who drove by knew it was my 40th birthday that day. My brother (middle one) made me a sign for inside the house and everyone had such fun cards to commemorate the big event. It was hard not to have a good time with all the ribbing that was going around. I hope your big milestone birthday is just as eventful and fun. – Oh and I love the prizes and would love those birthday cupcakes so please let “random.org” pick me! – Have a great day. Ida
You cracked me up with some of your 30 things there!…. 😀
I think you have the right attitude, new decade, new possibilities!
And you are so young and have accomplished so much!
What have I learned in my 38 years? I really like that quote from John Lennon “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.”
I do believe that one of the secrets to happiness is our capacity of “awe”. If you are still able to get amazed by tiny little things in life, like a flower that just bloomed in your garden or a new leaf on a tree or a funny shaped cloud, or a gentle breeze on your face… or your child’s smile…. well you get the idea LOL!, then I think you can have a bit of hapiness in your life even when it sucks…
Have a wonderful birthday celebration!♥
Enjoy the specialness of the day and the rest of your life! It sounds like you’ve “got it all together now! Congratulations and give thanks for every day and all of the good things in it!
My favorite birthday was my 13th. My mom and dad planned a surprise party for me. They didn’t have much money so this was a real gift from them. Thanks for the memories!
First of all Wishing you the happiest of Birthday’s and so fun you can celebrate all weekend long, sounds like it has started off with alot of fun!
I really enjoyed reading all your lists, some were deep and some made me laugh!
My husband was in the Air Force for 23 years and many of my birthday’s were missed because of deployments or TDY’s, well I can remember 2 very special Birthdays when my sister flew from Michigan too Idaho to be with me on my birthday and the other time is when my parents came to be with me while my hubby was away for Desert storm. It meant so much to me that my family didn’t want me to be alone on my special day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! My fav birthday memory was from my 16th birthday. I am a musical junkie and my parents surprised me with tix to Phantom of the Opera at the Kennedy Center. A Dream come true!
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be–
Abraham Lincoln
Happy 29th Birthday again! I thought only me and my neighbors did that! I’ve been celebrating the anniversary of my 28th for years, and her 29th! The great thing is, people believe us!
Hope you day is filled with birthday wishes come true!
We’ve had a challenging year so far financially, but we’re taking steps in help our financial future. Because of what’s happened, the words I NOW live by are FAITH, HOPE, AND BELIEVE. I have deep FAITH in God and have put my life into his hands, because of that I am able to have HOPE again, and BELIEVE that things will get better! Just might have to stamp something with those words on it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday tooo youuuu!!!
Happy birthday to ooooo oooo youuuuuu
Happy birthdayyyyyy dear Laurennnnnnn, Happy bd to you!!! cha cha cah
My kids always add the chachacha…
I hope your bd is the bestest ever. When I turned 30, my sister made me a scrapbook with saying from different famly members. In that is something written to me by, my sister in law that was killed in 05. I cherish, that book more than you know. It was the best gift ever.
You have had some great things happen in your 20’s as well as some crazy!! I wish for you a decade of happy memories, healthy babies, and nothing but ups….Dawn
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I always look forward to reading your blog everyday. The way you put so much of yourself into the blog and your work…I am always inspired and touched.
Words to live by…always trust your instincts…never second guess yourself…live life with no regrets…you can’t go wrong that way!
Have a great weekend!
Charmaine
Thanks for jump-starting my day, girl! Have a wonderful day! Here’s my sketch card! http://oodabugalley.blogspot.com/2008/05/life.html
Happy Birthday, hope you have a FABULOSO day!!!!
Hope to try your sketch this weekend. LOVE your card!
I’m 32 and feel that this is my best year yet!
Lauren,
Happy Big 3-0! I would love to say “Live each day to the fullest” but we all know that sometimes we turn around and not only is the day gone but possible a month or even a year and even more amazing, sometimes a whole DECADE . I love birthdays! They were always a big deal growing up and as an adult I now celebrate my birthday MONTH! It’s more fun that way:)… I hope you have a great one.
God Bless,
Kim
Happy Birthday Lauren! I visit every day and am so inspired by you and your outlook! Hooray for making it to 30!!! 30’s are great! I just turned 37 last week…40 around the corner….woah! Anyways, have a great day today and enjoy every moment you have! Unfortunately I’m off to a funeral of a father of a 4 and 8 year old…so sudden and tragic and freak accident. Live every day like it’s your birthday!!!
Love and hugs!
I would love to get a cricut expression for my birthday….maybe next year.
Happy Birthday! I really enjoy your blog, thank you for sharing so much of you, with all of us! My words to live by are “Always treat others as you want to be treated” Have a great day!
Laurie
“Happy Birthday” I hope your day has much
Happiness! You have a wonderful outlook on Life…
and turning 30 will be just more experience.
Stay true to all that you believe in….
Life is a interesting journey.
I read your blog daily and find it so inspiring.
*I have many great Birthday memories…
The birth of my first child(my daughter)is right
at the TOP of my list 🙂
*I think each year of your life holds a special
memory.
*Have a Great Day !!!
*Thanks for a chance to WIN your
gracious blog candy.
Dee
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND AT LEAST 60 MORE – LOL!!! I HAVE PAST MY 30’S ALMOST TEN 10 YRS AGO AND TIME HAS FLOWN BY…AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ABOUT ENJOYING EVERYTHING YOU HAVE AND YOUR LOVE ONES…..TIME IS TOO SHORT!!!!
ANYWAY – I LOVE YOUR 30 THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED – NOT TOO DIFFERENT FROM ME – LOL!!!
I ALSO LOVE THE CARD YOU HAVE MADE AND THE WONDERFUL CANDY YOU ARE GIVING AWAY!!!
HOPE YOU’LL ENJOY THIS DAY AND MAY THE MEMORIES LAST YOUR FOR A LIFETIME!!!!
GOD IS GOOD AND HE HAS DEFINITELY BLESSED YOU WITH A WONDERFUL GIFT AND FAMILY!!!
~SILKE~
Happy Birthday, Lauren! Thanks for all the joy, laughter, and tears you give us each day!
A favorite birthday memory – my daughter gave me a surprise party with my first and second grade class – balloons, streamers, noisemakers, and cupcakes. It was so sweet.
Have a great birthday weekend!
Happy 30th, Lauren!
I’m subscribed to your blog and read it everyday … even if I don’t post everyday, LOL! Your ‘list’ is full of wisdom and experience … are you sure it’s not your 40th?!?
One thing I’ve learned is that the older you get, the wiser you become … and not just wiser, but more tolerant. When you’re young, everything is black or white. As you age, you realize that nearly everything is in the gray area!
Oh. And to love unconditionally!
Happy wishes for another 30 years of love, laughter, inspiring and sharing! You rock, Lauren!
~Hugs, Deb
Lauren,
As usual, I’m getting in late on the game. I can’t believe you will have time or energy to read all of these comments. With all of these responses, I hope you come to realize how much your “pretend” friends really care about you!
I love your 30 things I’ve learned along the way! So many of the things you’ve learned are the things I’ve learned too! One other thing I would add to the list that I say ALL the time, I swear I’m going to have it put on my tombstone: EVERYTHING TAKES LONGER THAN YOU THINK. At least that’s the way it is for perfectionist me.
I’m like you in respect to sending cards. I make them by the dozens. Help people make cards by the hundreds. Yet, I rarely send cards. I always have good intentions, have tons sitting around the house, I just never seem to follow through. I need to work on that.
Your birthday is the same day as my mom’s. She’s been gone for 10 years now and I think about her every single day. So, now on her birthday I’ll think of you too! I’m glad you’re having a birthday weekend…I always gave my kids a birthday week when they were little!!! It’s made for some wonderful memories!!!
God bless you! Debbie
Happy Birthday! I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I never get tired of reading it. Have you ever thought about writing a book? You really should you know. You are an amazing person, artist And Mommy. At 65 now I’m wishing I had you around when I was 30. I’m happy now and I cherish each day! God bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday Lauren!
“May there always be work for your hands to do, may your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine on your windowpane, may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you, may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”
Enjoy EVERYTHING about your weekend.
~~Diane~~
Happy Happy 30th! I read the entire post and have only one thing to add…it only gets better as you get older. ( I have 20 yrs on ya!!!)
Oh, no one will see that will they? (j/k) 🙂
Favorite memory….being surprised by my kids with breakfast in bed last yr on the big day! 🙂
Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Happy Birthday Lauren. Wow! I always enjoy reading your blog and get such a kick out of your stories, i.e. the mice story; so much inspiration from your family’s battle with cancer, and learned so many wonderful stamping techniques, but today’s entry got me. I actually copied and saved your 30 lessons. You have more wisdom at 30, than some people ever posess in their entire lives. So, happy, happy birthday Lauren, you are living an incredible life.
My most memorable birthday would have to be my 40th, six years ago. My daughter and I have birthday’s very close together, and in the midst of preparing for her 12th birthday party, I developed a terrible headache. I took some Tylenol and kept on going, you know how it is. Everyone else in my family was at my daughter’s volleyball game, so I was alone when I totally lost my sight. I don’t remember how I called an ambulance, but I did, and I ended up in the hospital with bacterial meningitis. I was in a coma for 4 days, not expected to live, but to the surprise of all, I woke up…..on my 40th birthday!!!
Happy Birthday to You; Happy Birthday to You; Happy Birthday Dear Laurenl; Happy Birthday to YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! Okay, you’ll have to add your own music!!!
I absolutely LOVED your card. I will definitely be “CASE”ing it – only in PINK!!!
I was at the Craft Warehouse yesterday in Kennewick, Washington, and I had in my hands that cupcake stamp set you’re giving away and ended up putting it back (I was at my $50 limit!!!). How awesome would it be to win that!!!
My philosphy in life is to always be yourself. I am what I am, and that’s what I am. I think Popeye said that – but that describes my hubby and I to the letter. Hmm, maybe that explains our 34 years of wedded bliss!!!
Again, Lauren, hope your birthday weekend is wonderful!
Anita
http://stampinwithanita.com/
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Dont make mountains out of mole hills. That is my little gem of wisdom that took a very long time for me to learn. Great posts, love the 30 things. Have to check them later when I am back to high-speed. -Molly B
Happy 30th! And wishes for a wonderful 3rd decade of your life. My best BD gift was a grand piano from my husband on my 60th BD. That was 5 years ago – I don’t think he’s going to be able to top that! Hope you have a great BD weekend.
Happy Birthday! Thirty is wonderful and I hope you’ll have many more wonderful years. You are amazing with all you do not only with and for your family but for all your stamping fans! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful cards and ideas! My new favorite saying is “Just do it now” as I am a procrastinator!
My favorite birthday has to be my 21st! I know you think it would mean big wild party, but no it was great because I was living in Tokyo running a daycamp at the Embassy. Also, my brother’s birthday is the day before mine, but because of the time change I was able to call him on my birthday and he was also celebrating his birthday at the same time. What a memorable birthday and summer!
Happy Birthday Lauren!! I love your blog and read this insert all the way to the bottom! You just get my attention with your great insight and inspiration. Thanks!
ONE of my favorite birthday memories is when I turned 30. We started a tradition in my family to go to vegas on our 30th birthday but a lot of birthdays are in the summer so it usually works. My birthday is in January and with Christmas just ending and sucking our money out of our bank accounts I usually don’t get big surprises. Well, my sister in law and her husband are always going somewhere and she asked if I could take them to the airport. I got up that morning to get ready all the time my husband was still in bed. I was thinking why he can’t get up at 0 dark 30 to take HIS sister to the airport. Finally at the last minute I got up and that was a card on the bathroom counter. I opened it and it was from my hubby. It said, “start packing, YOU are the one going to the airport!” I was so excited but confused! That mroning was amazing. We got to the airport and he would not tell me where we were going. He kept telling me all different places. We even got on the plane and I still didn’t know where we were going. He did a good job of not letting me find out. Well, we landed and I figured it was Las Vegas. I was looking forward to the weekend. We got to the hotel and a lady opened the front door for me and as I looked up it was my brother’s wife (who lives in Arizona) and as I looked around there was my brother, mom, dad and his wife, aunt and cousin! My hubby had been planning for months! and kept it a secret! What a great surprise!!!! and I was 2 1/2 months pregnant so got to share that with my family. My paents did a great job as I was a kid giving me fun birthdays but as I got older the special birthdays are more for the kids but this is one “adult” birthday I will never forget! I have such a wonderful hubby! I hope you can all enjoy special moments and special birthdays! Thanks for letting me share! Hugs, Maria J
Happy Birthday! I wish you a very happy day! I love being in my 30’s!!! It’s so much easier than the 20’s! Things settle down and you get to be so much more confortable with yourself! Love your blog…visit it daily and am so inspired! I’d have to say my favorite birthday gifts are crafting things…I have a hard time spending money on myself, and I consider them to be real splurges! So I love it when someone else splurges for me! Happy day!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I hope this birthday is the best one yet!!! I love reading your blog (at least once) daily- I find it so inspiring; you are truly talented. It is so apparent through your writings that you love your family, your stamping, and your life in general. Thanks for letting us be a part of that.
Words I live by right now: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature, and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Enjoy your day! You deserve it 🙂
Katie
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I know you will make it a wonderful one. I enjoy visiting you on your blog and sharing your family and art with you. You are such a beautiful person.
My favorite birthday was 7 years ago when I had a great niece born on my birthday, her name is Victoria and she is such a beautiful, sweet, little girl, I love her dearly, and we are very close.
Oh to be 30 again…….. I have a birthday coming up soon too, and with the past few birthdays I’ve realized that life just gets better with each one. I’m not afraid of getting older anymore, mentally I still feel like a teenager, and that’s what keeps you young! Happy Birthday Lauren, go put on your New Kids on the Block music and dance your heart out!!
Happy 29th Birthday Lauren LOL! Your 29th birthday card is hilarious. Have fun today with your friends and eat lots of lobster 🙂 Don’t worry about turning 30. You’re still so young and I think even when you hit 40 you will still be young because you have a very positive outlook on life.
Here are words that I live by:
Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne ~
This is another favorite of mine:
According to aerodynamics the bumblebee can’t fly. But the bumblebee flies anyway and gathers honey everyday. So when things seem impossible, listen to your heart, and follow your dreams.
AND these are are the final words I live by when I’m having a really bad day:
When life gives you lemons, ask for tequila and salt! (Yes, I really love my cocktails …. especially Margaritas and Hurricanes).
Happy 30th birthday. First I want to thank you for all that you do. You are a true artist and I look foward to your blog everyday.
What I wish for my birthday is that my family will be thoughtful and kind. I know that sounds goofy but I am sincere. It is not the gift that makes it special for me but the fact that they thought of me. I love when they go into my craft room and make me a card or some kind of a gift. I hate it when my husband runs out the night before or on my actual birthday to get a gift. I makes me feel like that forgot. I want my kids and my husband to make me to feel that I am just as important to them. I sacrifice so much of my time and energy for them, plus work, that I just want to feel appreciated . One can only keep hoping that they notice all that moms do everyday
enought of that. Have a great day
Nancy
Happy Birthday Lauren. I hope you have many more birhtdyas. My favorite birthday was when I turned 40, my family gave me a surprise party. Worfds I live bt is treat others the way you want to be treated. I hope you have a wonderful day. Enjoy that lobster dinner. Susan
Happy 30th Lauren! a milestone indeed. you know what they say about birthdays. Birthdays are a gift from God, that’s why you can’t give them back. 🙂
my favorite birthday memory is turning 40. my husband surprised me with a birthday dinner at a very nice restaurant with several of my friends and their spouses. just being with the people who matter most in my life was a gift all by itself.
i have enjoyed your blog so much. your cards are an inspiration. i have also enjoyed reading about you and your family. feel like you are a distant relative that i don’t get to see often. weird, huh?
God is good and His love endures forever. May he continue to bless you and your family as you walk with Him in every aspect of your life.
A very Happy Birthday!!
My best birthday present was the birth of my second daughter 4 days before my birthday! Both of my daughter’s are teenagers now and I love getting poems and stories written by them as gifts.
Happy Birthday!!
The first memory that comes to mind when I think about my birthday is my cake. My sister and I both loved ice cream cakes when we were little. She loved mint choc. chip ice cream but I hated it! She would always “remind” our mother right before my birthday that Julia loves mint choc. chip, make sure you get her that. So every year, I had a mint choc. chip cake but I didn’t have the heart to tell my mother until years later that my sister always ruined my cake by picking her favorite instead of mine.
Happy Birthday! What an inspiring post. I would say the words I live by the most are be greatful for what you have and to try and focus on the positives because things could always be worse. I would also say one of my favorite presents was a piano for my 30th birthday. I hope your 30’s are great. Next yr I turn 40 but I am looking forward to it and hoping they are better than my 30’s. I hope yours are great though.
Happy Birthday! It really is true that life gets better and better as your get older! You gain insight and wisdom. Enjoy every day and I wish you the best of everything.
Congrats on your birthday!!! I loved my 30’s and am loving my 40’s even more! Rock the decade, Lauren 🙂
Thanks for a chance to win some awesome blog candy too! One of my best birthdays was my 19th. Was in university and over the course of the day I had 19 different guys give me a rose and a kiss. First one arrived before breakfast, three guys interrupted my Sociology class of 450 students to give me a rose and a kiss (funny thing is the prof. even used their interruption as an example of what he was talking about), got one at dinner and when the guy and his buddies started to sing me HB the whole cafeteria of about 500 people joined them too!, one guy showed up in a scuba outfit, one guy in a tux and violin on which he played HB to me and my last rose came at bedtime along with a teddy bear and a good night story. It was a truly amazing day — my buddies were wonderful to me!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I’m going to try to do the sketch later so I can double my chances of winning one of your wonderful blog candy birthday giveaway extravaganza! LOL! I guesssomething I’ve learned over the years and try to live by is not to waste time worrying about things that most never come to be.
Back later, hopefully with a sketch!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN ! Be happy, laugh at the little things, take pleasure in the small things, the smell after a spring rain, the smell of freshly mowed grass, a flower in your garden that you didn’t plant. Welcome to the 29 and Holding Club !
Happy B-day! My best birthday memory is very recnt … On my 4X? birthday, we went to a favorite italian restaurant (my favorite food!) and the whole evening was wonderful – so simple, but wonderful … the food was delicious, the girls ate very well (ages then 2, 6, and 11), they had FANTASTIC manners – lots of please’s and thank you’s (without reminders!), very enjoyable conversation, when the birthday dessert came they’ll all said no thank you to tastes because it was Mom’s birthday dessert – I thanked them greatly and then said they really should have a taste because it would make my dinner so much nicer, and I walked out CONVINCED that my family was truly the best in the world!!! What a birthday present!!!
Lauren a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It has been a long time since I was 30 but I do remember that birthday. Actually that was the one I remember the most. At the time I thought I was really over the hill but in reality life was much better for me after 30. I now have four grandchildren and I am involved in their lives a lot. Love it!
So very nice of you to give away gifts to us on your birthday. I love the choices and I love your blog. Visit it everyday except starting Monday I am getting away with my husband of 40 years for a much needed vacation but I will catch up when I get back. Have a wonderful day and enjoy every minute with your family.
Have a wonderful birthday Lauren! I have really loved coming to your blog for inspiration. I don’t know if you realize how inspiring you are both as a person AND as a crafter. I’ve learned to not take advantage of anything these days- my health, family, friends, etc. I’ve learned to enjoy each day as it comes and try to live my life to the fullest.
Wishing you the best birthday! Thank you for the chance to win this amazing giveaway.
My fav memory is a birthday lunch with a bunch of my friends!!! I would love a bind it all and a mini sewing machine!!!
A very happy birthday to you!! I wish you a wonderful day ! It sounds like you have the right attitude to start this decade! I’m a few years in…. 🙂 For my birthday that is coming up next month… I wish for happiness and love for 2 people – my sister and my very good friend. I want them to find great men who will love and respect them. They both deserve it so much… it makes me sad to think that someone is missing out on their love!!
Lauren—-You have to be the most energestic gal I “know”! Happy 30th—–the best is yet to come! Words I live by…..” Sometimes life is hard, and my problems are “big”…..but God is always bigger!!!!”
Happy Stamping!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!! You are too funny!!!!
Okay from life I have learned……..LIFE IS NOT FAIR!!!!!! You just have to roll with it!!!! You are only given what you can handle so just do it!!!!
I love reading your blog!!!! You have a wonderful family and a great life. Enjoy celebrating YOU!!!!
Love,
Jamie
Happy Birthday Lauren!! Your blog has truly inspired me!! Thank you for your dedication to the craft. I like to think that the best is yet to come so I think (this year I turn the big 40) this year will be better than the rest. Hope you enjoy your day. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!! Your card is obviously late. Enjoy your birthday weekend and your time with your family partying too. One thing I’ve learned along the way, is birthday’s are what you make them. If you want it to be bad, then it is. If you want it to be a good one, then it is as well.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I honestly believe the thirties are the best! I would never want to go back beyond 30. Move ahead, yes, I have done that since I am now approaching 60. I, like you, have had some trials in my life, but I believe you are never given more than you can handle. In reading your blog, I believe you have handled more than most women your age, and you have handled it well. I also believe the saying that “when a door closes, a window opens”. The trials in our lifetime only make us stronger and more appreciative of all the good that is in our life.
My all time favorite that I try to live by is: Live well, Laugh often, Love much.
Have a great day!!!!
I spent part of my 21st birthday in labor with my daughter and just hours after my official b-day was over I gave birth to her. Best gift a mother could receive for her birthday!
Well Happy Birthday!! Thanks so much for a great offer. My favorite birthday memory is from when I turned 25. (3 years ago) I had just moved back to Canada from the US and my entire family got together at one of the local “Fancy Schmancy” Restaurants and each one had written a list of reasons they were glad that My husband and I and our First Daughter had moved back. I was very deeply touched by that!!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I have had twice as many Birthdays as you and I love them all. I have seen some of my grandchildren born and so Birthdays are very special to me. We celebrate the whole week of a Birthday. Love your blog. Thanks for the great give aways. Nancy P.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I just celebrated my 31st on April 15. My favorite birthday memory is when my DH and parents threw my a surprise 30th party last year while I was on bedrest with our daughter. I had been on bedrest for 4 months at that point and missed seeing people. It was such a great surprise!!! Words of wisdom….mountains into mole hills and mole hills into nothing. Saying this to myself helps me to realize what is really important and some things just aren’t worth getting all worked up about. Enjoy your day (& weekend) and thanks for this opportunity!
Happy Birthday. Lauren! Welcome to the 30ies club! I think that the older we get, the more we learn from our life experiences and it not only humbles us, but makes us the people we were meant to be. I also believe that God doesn’t send us anything that he doesn’t think we can handle, even when we don’t think we can ourselves. That is the mantra I live my life by, so it’s kind of like words to live by as well! I visit your blog everyday for inspiration and I think you have so much talent. I only wish we lived close to you so that I would have the chance to take your awesome upcoming classes! Good luck with that endeavor and celebrate today! It only gets better!
Happy Birthday! My favorite Birthday memory is of my 18th birthday. It was a grey, rainy day (I love them though) and I had to go to school (boring). After school I went to my boyfriend’s house and he gave me my birthday gifts. There was a bunch of Veggietales stuff! I loved Veggietales (and still do). Then he walked me home in the drizzly rain. Halfway to my house he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said Yes of course, and now we’ve been married for over 7 years!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I love reading your blog & all the wonderful ideas you inspire us with. As someone who is closer to 50 than I am to 40, I can honestly say life only gets better & better as you get older. The 30’s were great, and 40’s are the best so far. Enjoy your birthday weekend!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! You rock! I just turned 30 last November. I celebrated my 30th with the birth of my first daughter in the same month! What a way to celebrate! Needless to say it was a very lowkey event…DH and I had dinner at PF Changs! Let’s see…some birthday advice that I can think of…age is nothing but a number! You’ve mentioned so many great words of wisdom…thanks for the reminders! Living for the moment and the day is so crucial, as well as enjoying it too. As for a birthday present I”d love to get…a scor-pal!!! You keep talking about it and it’s been crawling up my wish list!!!
Who needs coffee when I have you?! I LOVE your upbeat-ness! Thanks for helping start my day off right, every day!
The words I live by:
“this too shall pass”…I have 2 girls who I LOVE and ADORE, but they are nearing their tween & teen years and I need more patience! 🙂
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jer. 29:11…how comforting to know that the maker of everything has already thought out my life and I just have to rely on and follow Him!
Have a good week!!
Happy Birthday Lauren!! Remember – age is just a number! I truly could care less about the number! I actually forget my age a lot of the time!! (I believe I turn 45 this year)! HEHE – I always have to caclulate back to my birth year! And you know what – turning 30 didn’t upset me, turning 40 didn’t and the fact that 50 is creeping up doesn’t phase me one bit – its just a number! What matters is how you feel, how you perceive yourself (not dwelling on just a “number”) and how you spend your time enjoying life, your family and your friends! (And finding a really good wrinkle cream) LOL You have an amazing head on your shoulders and seem to have learned at a very young age what life is truly about and what really matters – you’re way ahead of most people twice your age!! So – live it up, enjoy yourself, keep on doing what you love and always stay positive and know you can conquer anything!
Thanks for sharing your creations and so much of yourself with us all! You are truly appreciated. I hope you get everything you want for your birthday!! Have a wonderful day of celebration with your family!
Happy 30th Lauren!!! I hope that you have a great B-day weekend!
I know this is crazy, but right now I would love to get a Roomba vacuum as a birthday gift. I have wanted one for a long time, but didn’t know how good it would work. My friend just got one and she has now convinced me that I also need one.
Holy cow lotsa responses! Happy Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope your card makes it in time!!! I just love what you did with OhSoPrettyBella! Gorgeous!
I’m going to post about the words i live by…. “The only constant is change” I tend to be someone to wants big things (and really, i dont do anything small… the other words i live by) but i also tend to get really comfortable in my surroundings. So after being courageous and packing up my little car and moving myself out west to california i was very happy with the way my life was and then BAM i get pregnant (on birthday control no less). Life changes on your everyday and when you learn to roll with it, it’s beautiful. So thats my motto!
WOW happy b-day my words to live by are simple but I have found very meaningful “PICK YOUR BATTLES” thats it and its served me well …thank you for all the time you put into your blog I really enjoy coming here ever day to find happy thoughts and beautiful works of art!
Thank you so much for posting on your blog. I really love coming here everyday and gaining some inspiration and a few laughs along the way. Just today I was reading someone else’s blog and she said you gave her the inspiration she needed today to get some crafting done.
I really wish either you were over here or I was over there (I am in CA for the time being). I would love to go to one of your classes and gain some inspriation in person, maybe gain a friend. We have a few things in common, a wonderful husband named Jason ;), we are both celebrating 30 this year, we love the color purple and the flower tulip. 😀 hehehe
I do want to thank you and Emily Giovanni. With both of you having your 30th birthdays before me doesn’t make me dread it as much as I have been. I have actually been hating the fact that hubby is planning a HUGE bday for me this year. Now, I guess it doesn’t sound so bad. thank you for being a good blog friend and most importantly HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR 29TH BIRTHDAY!!! 😀
Happy 30th! One of my favorite b-day memories is my 40th! (I actually think life is BETTER after 40) I was newly married (yup, for the first and ONLY time), so the big Four-OH didn’t seem so traumatic. And to top it off, I had two surprise b-day parties in two different states! Not bad for a landmark birthday that a lot of people seem to dread. 🙂
I would have to say “words to live by” for me would be “Follow your dreams”.
I lost my father when I was just 20 years old. I will never forget him telling me that, “communication is the most important thing in this world.” At the time I thought it was strange. Anyone I have ever told thought that it was strange too. But you know what? I now believe that to be 100% true. Love is nothing without communication and action. How do people know our intents without communication. So happy birthday to you! Hope it is a good one! Liane
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You have lived MANY lifetimes in 30 years than most people have lived in just one life. You’ve been through so much, but you are absolutely right about those experiences making you the person you are today . . . and we wouldn’t have you any other way! Wishing you many blessings and happinesses for the rest of your life! Happy 30th Birthday and thank you for sharing it with us, your blog stalkers! Hahaha
my favorite saying is”How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”
Now as I am almost reaching into the 70’s, I pretend I am still in my 40’s LOL
Hope your day is Super…
Happy Birthday Lauren! I celebrated my 38th birthday yesterday and I wish I could be turning 30 instead! Life goes by SO fast, especially when it comes to my kids. They are growing up TOO fast, so I try to live in the moment every day instead of spending my time worrying over the past or the future. Hope you have a great birthday weekend!
Happy 30th Lauren! We should be giving you gifts with all the inspiration we receive from you! You’ve been through a lot of life in such a short time. I’ve found in life that God’s grace is sufficient. I’ve also found that eating ice cream & cake for breakfast on your birthday keeps you young!
Happy 30th Lauren. I’m finding things only get better as you get older – I’m in my early 40’s and am happier and more self confident now than I ever was when I was in my 20’s and early 30’s. You start to realise what is really important in your life. I have few regrets in my life, and as the saying goes, they are all about things I didn’t do, rather than those I did do.
I can remember having birthday parties at McDonalds when I was a child – it was such a treat as they were a long drive away. We never had much money but Mum always managed to do something special with us. I miss her the most as I now live in the UK and she lives in Canada.
Have a wonderful 30th with your family.
Susan
Oh, Lauren! Happy, Happy Birthday :^)
Such gifts to share — I am swooning! Thanks for the chance! Oh, please, please, please pick me! Hear that, God? I would LOVE to win ;^)*
Words I treasure and work to live by:
“Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the
triumph of some enthusiasm.” – Emerson
I see you living by them every day! I love your enthusiasm… it is catching…
Happy birthday Lauren! I’m glad you agree 30 will be wonderful…I alway thought it was my best years…here’s to your best years!!
I think I remember my 30 birthday the most! I met my husband that night, and to this day he will tell you he was my birthday present! We married 3 years later and will celebrate 13 yrs in August!
Happy birthday, sweetie! I spent years looking forward to my 30th birthday, because I felt like once I turned 30, people would quit treating me like I was a dumb kid. Well, not sure that has changed so much, but I do know that I have learned to care less about what people think, and more about my loved ones. I swear, I almost could have written your list myself LOL! Just slightly different situations and ages when things happened ;o)
Anyway, enough rambling – I think the most important thing I have learned in my 33 years is to enjoy every moment you have with your loved ones. Whether bad or good, the moments are all precious! And another thing is that there are much worse things than having a baby that won’t sleep thru the night ;o)
I hope you have a fabulous weekend celebrating your birthday, and that your family makes you feel like a queen! You are amazing, and I really appreciate your taking the time to share so much of you with us!
Happy Birthday Dear Lauren! May this next year bring you even more blessings than the past!
hugs to you,
dana j
Happy, happy 30th birthday!!!!! We were all truly blessed when God brought you to us those 30 years ago. A testament to this is all these e-mails of people telling you how much they appreciate you. Next, I think you should have your own syndicated TV show so we all could see you in person while you share all your great talents and ideas. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
My greatest birthday present was the birth of my daughter on my 32nd birthday. A child that we had been waiting for for 12 years. To make it even more special she was adopted. It just seemed that God meant it to be.
Continue to enjoy your weekend of birthday celebrations. Don’t forget to make some wonderful memories and be sure to record them.
Happy Birthday Lauren!! I’m sure your 30s will be fantabulous!! One thing I’ve learned is that there are no “do-overs”, so do it right the first time! <– Easier said than done!!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I will have to say the best birthday gift would be a maid for a year 😉 Then I would have way more time to spend with my family! And my very most favorite saying is Live, Laugh and Love! Life is so much better when you have laughter and love!
Hope your weekend (I like to celebrate all weekend too; ) is wonderful and your year is filled with many Blessings.
Happy Birthday Lauren! 30 is glorious- enjoy it, revel in it, make the most of it! 40 and 50 aren’t bad either and with 60 looming I’m hoping it’s even better! The words that I live by: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This translates into a life worth living. If everyone learned the tolerance, understanding and compassion that this rule engenders, the world would be such a better place. Hope you have a glorious birthday. Thanks so much for all the wonderful talent and wisdom you share with the rest of us. We love you for it! ~chris
Live each day as if its your last.
Dear Lauren!
The best wishes to your 30th birthday! May all your dreams come true! Everyday I take a look on your blog and I´m everytime inspired by you! So I want to say “thank you” and I wish you all the best for the rest of your life! Will your life be full of love and fun and only good things. (sorry, for my bad english, I learned in school several years ago…)
Have a nice day!!!
Steffi
Happy 30th, Lauren! Hope you have a great day!
We go to the beach every year for my birthday so my fave memories are from those trips. Walks on the beach, hiking, sleeping in, getting a coffee and window shopping, eating lots of ice cream…those are some fun times!
Happy 30th to you, my dear! May you always be wise and content with what ever comes your way. Someone from the bella group I am in sent us your blog and what an inspiration you are to her. So I thought I would check you out myself. She is so right. You are an inspiration for me as well, even though I have celebrated many more birthdays than you. LOL!
My words to live by came from my grandmother. To enjoy life to the fullest; make each and every day count; and to treat others as you would have them treat you. Ok so it is more than one set of words to live by. She was such a wonderful, loving and smart woman. I still strive to be like her each and every day.
Enjoy your day!
Wow Lauren! You sure have had a lot on your plate the last 10 years… let’s hope this next 10 will have just the sweet stuff for you and your family…
Reading your story reminded me again how good life has been to me… I get very emotional about things… and between 3 step-children, 3 step-grandkids, parents, in-laws… there’s always something going on… but still… life is good… but if I am down these days I like to tell myself to “just breathe and I will see things differently the second time”… TFS!
Happy Birthday, Lauren!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! I enjoy your stamped art work….to be sure….but I’m truly inspired by your words of wisdom and perspective on life. May God bless you today….and every day of the journey He has laid out for you!
Happy Birthday! My favorite birthday memory was when I turned 30! My husban gave me a Birthday/ Housewarming Party. We had all of our friends and family over and celebrated! Great times!
Happy Birthday Lauren
I love that Bella card….Adorable !!!
My best Birthday was in 1988…..I got engaged !!! We’re still married, and lovin every minute !!
I would love to win one of these giveaways….you are sooo generous. Thanks.
JoAnn
Happy Birthday all weekend long!!! Hope it is great!!
My favorite birthday was years ago, before there were very many craft stores, my friend took me out to lunch and to one of the only craft stores in our area. We had an awesome day.
Happy Birthday Lauren! Mine is tomorrow and I love that you make a card for yourself, I just might need to do that! As for a memorable one, it would be my 30th which was spent with close friends and co-workers out for dinner and drinks at one of our favorite local spots. It didn’t hit me as a hard year but I think that this years is hitting me hard making me feel old, 37. I know it isn’t old at all, just feeling a little blue about it, probably because I am very busy raising a 3 and 4 year old and have a husband working full time and going to school full-time! My DH, DS and DD have big plans tomorrow to make my day special, cooking a nice breakfast and dinner and making my favorite cake. That is all that I could ask for, except maybe for a little time by myself! I already have my present, a new laptop that I have been wanting and recently DH told me to go buy what I want! Couldn’t ask for anything else!!! Have a great day and thanks for being an inspiration here on your blog! ~Shannon in VA
My 30th Birthday was actually my most memorable! My husband threw a surprise party for me with about 45 of our friends. It was a really special night because I was really surprised that he did that for me. I was especially emotional that day because it was my last day of a job that I loved and had been at for a long time to be a SAHM, and I had gone to a funeral for a college student who had died in a tragic accident. The whole day was about doing what’s right for you, making the most of what you have and loving your those in your life with everything you’ve got.
Happy Birthday, Lauren!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I am a faithful reader of your blog, although I seldom comment (I know….bad girl!!) You are truly an inspiration in so many ways! What a refreshingly positive outlook you have! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that all your wishes come true!!
Heather L.
Surrey, B.C. Canada
Happy Birthday to All of Us!! I have a favorite saying that carries me through the tough spots: There’s Always Something Good in Everything!
Happy Birthday Lauren! It’s funny that you mention your mom and being more like her; These words that my mom (and many others) always said come back to me often! “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything”! Good advice that works for me!!!!
Kathy Camasso
Lauren~
Happy Birthday to you! I hope that you are blessed with a wonderful weekend! You are so inspirational….and I am adding you to my daily blog list to check! I love your writing and oh my goodness are your projects BEAUTIFUL! I would love to spend a week with you….just to learn craft techniques!
You are so kind to be giving away 3 prizes because it’s your birthday!
Have a BELLARIFIC Day!
Mway and Hugs to a Sistah~
Kim
Holy Moley! I remember 30! Just kidding I am only 33 but will be 34 this year. And like you I have had a crazy journey in life. I am a SAHM of 5 boys, married for the second time & so in love!! He cares & allows me this crazy opportunity although some days I wish things were different but here is my words I live by…………EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! Life lessons come from everywhere & it just takes sometime for as “know it alls” to figure that out! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope it is your best so far!!! Oh & your Bella B-day card is soooo pretty! Thank you for the fantastic idea; I think I will start doing that for myself! Big HUGS!!! MWAH!
Happy Birthday to an amazing woman! There are 3 things I can pass along. First, if God see us to it, He will see us through it. Second, don’t sweat the small stuff. We usually drive ourselves crazy over things no one else even thinks of. And last, we can’t control or fix everything. We can do what we can and somethings we must let go. Life is so beautiful when we open our eyes to our blessings. Thank you for being an amazing example and good “e-friend” to so many.
Ad
Happy Birthday!!!!
My best b-day memory is when I turned 8 and my Aunt Jeanne had a surprise party for me while we were visiting them in New Jersey!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!
I hope you enjoy your special day surrounded by loved ones!
It seems in our 30’s we start the path of self-acceptance and we stop caring so much about what others think/perceive about us. It is by far the easiest decade (for me) but then I’m only “sliding” into the next. I hope you will find contentment and peace here, and Alexa’s health battles are few and far between. You will certainly understand what you are “made” of and appreciate it even more. Enjoy yourself to the fullest!! You are worth it!
Happy Birthday! 30 wow! I wish! My word of wisdom from my 61 years. DREAM, without dreams we can’t go forward in life..
I’ve found your website resently and am truely inspired by your work as well as many from this site. I’ve been stamping 20 + years. Gotten out of the habit until recently when I joined a friend ( a former stamping student of mine) at her 1st Thursday stamping group. Have missed stamping and didn’t realize how much until I started with this group. It’s so nice to see stamping continue through your eyes and inspiration. Keep up the good work.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I love celebrating other people’s birthdays. My most vivid memory of birthdays (when I had a birthday) was my fifth one. No mommy or daddy but a big birthday cake on the table. Aunts, uncles and cousins were around, but no mom or dad…waiting and waiting and waiting and it’s getting dark, my little brother is nodding off and little sister was tucked in bed and I’m tired and cranky, but wait! here comes daddy….but still no mommy..and no presents….Everyone starts singing happy birthday and they light the candles on the cake and daddy makes a big announcement. I got a new baby sister for my birthday……NO! NO! NO! I don’t want another baby sister, I want the doll in the window of the five and dime and all I have is a new baby sister and she stole my birthday. Is there no justice? As I get older, I get smarter…I gladly give my sister my birthday. Now I don’t have one! That means I can’t get OLD! I celebrate my sister’s birthday every year and watch her get older. Yes, there is justice. My greatest joy was when my youngest son went to get car insurance in his name for the very first time. He still lived at home and the agent asked him for information about me. He gave them the day I was born and the agent said then she is…my son quickly and firmly added…”she’s 29…you do the math.” He loves telling that story… hehehe…so do I…….and I love not having a birthday.
Happy Birthday! 😉
Everything is possible~ the impossible just takes longer!
~~~learned this the hard way~~~~
hugs to you!
Happy Birthday! 30 is a great age but wishing you many more. One thing that I have learned is that I can never have enough great stamps and opportunities to make lots of really nice stuff by checking in on your blog often. Thanks
Lauren –
Happy Birthday to you. The best is yet to come! I hope you have a wonderful day and an awesome year!
I’ve learned so many things along the way (I’m 44), but I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to live in the moment and value/appreciate what I have. Too often we get so caught up in the future and worrying that we fail to just look around and enjoy the present for what it offers.
Monday is my b-day and my wedding anniversary,so my favorite birthday memory is getting married and having happy birthday sung at my reception.
Hi Lauren!
Thank you for your generosity! I stalk your blog everyday…and enjoy reading about your family, dog and last but not least, your amazing cards!!! what I’ve learned is that life is too short therefor I have to cherish it and can not take things for granted at all. the last time I really truly celebrated my B-day with friends & family was my 21st b-day…that was about sooooo many years ago! lol….Now, my husband and I just keep it to the downlow…he’d bring me flowers & treats me to dinner. My favorite gift to get??? isn’t it suppose to be stamps??? hahah…j/k…I would love to get Copic markers! but I don’t think my hubby is that good…ok, ok, I’ll settle for a nice pair of shoes! a girl can never have enough stamps nor shoes, right? Happy Birthday!!!!!!
Oh to be 30 again! These really are the best years of your life. We all go through many ups and downs as the years fly by but good or bad the words I live by are “Everything happens for a reason”. If you can really believe that you can weather any storm. I hope your birthday is wonderful. I really enjoy reading you blog daily. Be Happy!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
Today is actually my 5th wedding anniversary. These 5 years have flown by. I guess I’d have to say that I would love a special gift. My special gift would be for my son to get through his health issue. After three years of trying to conceive, we hit the jackpot. My son and daughter were born to us March 2, 2007. We learned in my 5th month that my son (didn’t know the sex at the time, just that he was Baby A, first one to get out of the tunnel), had a CCAM, forgive my misspelling, cogenital cystic adoanoid malformation. Basically a cycst on his lung. I was followed closely by MFM drs and after birth referred to a pediatric surgeon. He’s been followed ever since and at one year they wanted to do an Xray. If they found something, then there would be a catscan. Well, they found “something”. I took him for his catscan 2 weeks ago and this coming Friday morn we find out what’s going on, if he needs surgery, etc. So, work has been a blessing keeping me ever so busy and of course my children and husband. So, my special gift would be that he gets through this ordeal and is healthy.
Have a blast celebrating this weekend.
Kathy
Happy Birthday Lauren!
You have accomplished more at 30 than most accomplish their entire lives!
My words to live by: Treat Others As You Wish to be Treated Yourself
I know it isn’t fancy, but I believe in it.
Hope your birthday is full of things that make you happy.
Best Wishes,
Meredith
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! Hope you have the most wonderful of days. The words I live by are “If it’s for you it won’t go by you” and “Everything happens for a reason”. I don’t think any explanations are needed.
Much love x
Ok Lauren
My husband is wondering why I am standing at the computer and crying on Saturday afternoon!!
Hope you have a wonderful Day, a great weekend filled with friends and love, you deserve it!!!
Happy Birthday!!!!!
lauren,
i still don’t know how you do all you do. but i think you’re amazing.
promise me one thing- do something for yourself this weekend? just you. no kids, no hubby. something for you.
and happy happy happy birthday!
Lauren you are just so amazing. I am way past birthday 30 but had my second daughter at 30, so I remember that I still felt young. Hitting 60 in another year and I still feel young!!! It must be this stamping “thing” and the comraderie it brings. My best advice to anyone is “Age, is only a number. You are as old as you want to be, and even though my body knows different, my mind is trying to tell it something else. I wake up every morning to a jingle on our tv “Good Morning Arizona”. When I hear it, I know the sun is going to shine and it just brightens my mood and my spirit. Birthday wishes to you.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I can’t think of any birthday memories that stand out, so I share that I’ve learned in the past 5 years that no matter how bleak things might seem to me, I am still extremely lucky, and things could be much worse. It’s not an easy lesson to remember sometimes, but it’s the truth and I just need to keep reminding myself of it!
Happy Birthday CHA CHA CHA (as my girls say)! I really don’t have any birthday memories that I’d consider “special”. I’m a Christmas baby so pretty much each year my b-day was forgotten about by family due to the hussle and bussle of Christmas. Or…I get the famous “Save one gift and open it later as a birthday gift” Something a kid does NOT want to hear! LOL! However, my absolute favorite gift every came from my DH…he gave me a beautful diamond necklace – one week prior to my birthday (Christmas). He said he wanted to make sure I received it on a day that was just for me. That meant alot as he knows how crazy Christmas day is and the birthday tends to slip by. Hope your next 30 are just as good as the first!
Barb M.
Happy Birthday Lauren. It seems that you have learned a lot in your 30 years. I know a lot of 30 + men and women who have not learned half as much as you have. I am so very happy to hear that Alexis is finishing her cancer treatment. I hope that she will remain cancer free forever.I have learned so many things in my life but I will share only one. Take care of your health. Without good health you become limited in the things that you want and love to do. Okay one more thing. My family is every thing to me! I do not take any of my them for granted because they will not always be with me or I with them. Thanks to my husband and my daughter every single birthday that I have had has been very special. I am a very lucky woman.
Hope your special say is filled with much happiness.
Mary
Happy Birthday, Lauren! That’s excellent news that your daughter is finishing up her treatment – yay! I *love* your card! Love the purple paper and the way you gave her a reflection. Have an awesome day!
Happy Birthday and what an awesome give away – love the cupcake stamps. I live by “when God closes a door he opens a window and you just have to find that window”
Hope you have a great day and again thaks for the chance to win
i am turning 30 this month too and my dream gift would be to have one of those tv home organizer people re-do my chaotic house so that I can have a more peaceful decade!
Lauren,
Happy Birthday!! Enjoy your 30th birthday ~ the best is yet to come! I LOVE your card ~ especially the reflection!! Enjoy!
Mary.
Happy 30!! I would like all my best girlfriends and myself to go out and see “Sex and the City” movie, carry on to lunch with beautiful food and some nice wine and enjoy each others company. I couldn’t think of a nicer day. Hope yours is great too.
ss
Happy Birthday to YOU!! With love and best wishes for a long and happy life ahead!
My birthday is June 30, so every birthday party when I was little was at the lake. My favorite memory was when I was 6, and I opened a cute little suitcase from my Mom, and she had wrapped all my other presents and put them in the suitcase. Looking back on it, it was such a simple idea, but to a 6 year old, it was so fun and exciting. My Mom passed away 2 1/2 years ago, so I treasure the memories I have with her. Thanks for the opportunity to share!
~Alicia
WOW!!! With 600 emails and over 300 (right now) comments, it will be your next 29th birthday when you get finished reading them all!
I so enjoyed your list and your reflections. I am so happy for you that you are embracing yourself and have become SO possitive about life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Happy Birthday!!! Hope it was wonderful! I love, love, love how you made her reflection in the mirror, that is really cool! My favorite birthday memory was when i was younger my mom had gotten together with one of my girlfriends moms and planned a sleep over for me, only they came and “kidnapped” me in my PJ’s and took me to my friends house. I am the youngest of 10 and a twin, so it was hard to find my place but that year my mom really went out of her way to make sure I had a great birthday.
Yep, read the whole thing! Good luck reading everything to you too!! Happy Birthday and thanks for giving gifts for your day! 🙂 You sound like you’re havinga great time.
My happiest birhtday memory is giving a surprise party for my HUSBANDS birhtday. He didn’t get parties growing up so I celebrated his 25th in a big way! He was floored when we got there, and it was just priceless.
Anyway, thanks for all that you do share. Enjoy your next decade of adventures!
Happy Birthday! I used to dread my birthdays, but since finishing my cancer treaments in 2004, I cherish ever one that God gives me the grace to have. This year I turn 50 and I’m proud of it!
I read your blog everyday and you are a constant source of inspiration to me. May you have a wonderful day and many more years to cherish your children and your husband.
God Bless!
Happy Birthday Lauren! My favorite birthday memory is from when I was a teenager. My girlfriend’s “kidnapped” me from my house and we drove to a pet store. There they had me pick out two hamsters. Those two hamsters of course turned out to be opposite sex and then I ended up with more hamsters than I knew what to do with! Such a silly memory, I know! Enjoy your day! I’ll be joining you at 30 in January!
I LOVE your website and outlook on life! One of my birthday memories is when I was 5. My birthday is on the 4th of July and I really didn’t have any understanding that it was a holiday other than my birthday. I remember riding in the car and being in awe that everyone would put up their flags for my birthday! I definitely get a big party every year!
Blessings to you and your family!
Happy Birthday. Hope you have a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter, and love. One of the gifts I would like to receive is a computer class for photoshop.
Happy Birthday Lauren!
Words I’m TRYING to live by are “Que sera, sera” – Whatever will be, will be. i.e…. be okay with not controlling everything!
My favorite memory is when my mom baked my birthday cake, she use to hide little surprises inside the cake,so as you ate you peice of cake you would find a toy or charm in it. It was so much fun to eat cake back then, Lol, Hope you have a great day celebrating!!!!
HAppy Birthday Lauren!! What’s the old saying, “Come with me the best is yet to be”? That’s how I feel now and this year in October will be my 50th Birthday and I’m actually looking forward to my 50’s being the best yet to be.
My favorite birthday memory was when I was younger and I got out of the hospital for my 12th birthday I believe, I had one of many since age 3 burn reconstructive surgeries, to go home in time to celebrate my birthday with my family. It was just my Mom, Dad and little sister but I was so glad I got to go home in time.
Enjoy your special day and most of all your family.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to you!!
When i was a silly teenager, I had a huge crush on an older man. I was 18 he was 30!!
we had an interesting relationship for about 5 years, but he was a child of the 60’s and although i am more a child of the 70’s I always like the music of the generation before mine. Well he would always tell me “Life is what happens while youre busy making other plans” I didnt know it was a lyric from John lennon till years later. Lookin back on my life and things that I have been thru and the path that my life has taken I see how true those words are! Life is what happens while youre busy making other plans!!!
I’m a wee bit older….like almost X2 and the most valuable insight I’ve learned is “GOD IS IN CONTROL” so RELAX! God didn’t create us to be tied up in knots….and we can’t do anything without HIM….so RELAX and enjoy the life HE has given you. Happy Birthday and may HE bless you with many many more.
First off HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! 30 for me was a great milestone and I wish you the best day ever! I decided to pick two thinkgs to comment on. #1 thing I learned about life is that its too short and to live life to the fullest. Secondly I would love to recieve a scrap weekend retreat as a present from my hubby! hehe
Thanks for the chance and your blog is AWESOME!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! God is so good and He truly shines through you ! I too have a child with special special life long needs and i know what it can do to a persons spirit but I also know how strong we become and what everlasting gifts we are given from enduring all of it! Press on toward 40 girl and grasp on to every moment and know He is with you always Celebrate this 30th will bells and whistles you deserve it and p.s I love your blog it makes me smile and realize I am not alone!!! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Leslie
Happiest Birthday!!! My fondest birthday memory was my 34th, when my friend threw me a birthday party with a Paris theme- since we had just gone to Europe that May. It was amazing. Done outside with a tent canopy – it was August so the weather was perfect. The colors were black,pink and white. There were black chandeliers with pink candles, Eiffel towers everywhere, pink dishes, black and white damask/flourish patterns on almost everything. We had Racqlette and other fancy french dishes, and chocolate fondue fountain for dessert. There were about 10 other couples there, there was french music playing in the background, some beautiful pieces of furniture were even moved out to create the ambience, I’ll tell ya it was the best party I’ve ever had. You really felt like you were in Paris.
This year will be nearly impossible to beat that!
So don’t fret about turning 30 Lauren – the best years are still out there!
Happy Birthday! My favorite words to live by are “Everything in Moderation” Of course….that doesn’t apply to stamping supplies!
Happy 30 years! For my 50th b-day…I had a casino party! I found a great place to host this! Then I ask my friends to bring food for Ronald McDonald, donate money for a food bank, and I gave stamping gifts for door prizes! It was fun to be on the outside looking at all my friends…they were having a blast and my heart was filled with great joy! I also liked the giving to the community~kt
Happy 30th Lauren, I love your blog , But mostly LOVE your inspring story about your Daughter… I think I have read it 20 time !!!
Anyhoo, I guess my favourite memories are those where I spent my birthday surrounded by friends and family, it makes you look around and realize how lucky you are!!
Regan
Hey Lauren – Happy Birthday again! what a great post today from you! thanks for sharing it all!
My biggest birthday wish is to someday have a log house! I just love them and would want it to be in a country area with a view of the NH mountains – so don’t know if that will ever happen but it could!
congrats again – and what fun blog candy today! thanks for the opportunity to win it!
Congrats on your birthday….oh to be 30 again!!
I enjoy your blog on a daily basis. Such a talented lady.
OK. Heres what I did:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=903642
this isn’t with the sat sketch, but I thought it was so cute, and it relates to birthdays. I made these invitations for my daughters birthday party:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=903658
Happy Birthday! My best b/day memory was just last month – my gd made me a beautiful scrapbook of her four children, ages 1-9. What a fantastic gift!!
NancyS (momsnack)
Congrats on joining the THIRTY club! By far the best decade of my life…so far! I love your card to yourself! What a great idea! And loved your 30 things you learned along the way! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a FABULOUS DAY!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
Enjoy your day and everyday! My husband got me a cool gift for my birthday this year…a Cricut Expressions! It will hopefully speed up my scrapbooking:) Happy Birthday again!
Happy 30th Birthday Lauren! I read your blog EVERY day. I love it! I hope to get into one of your classes at the Paper Tree. Your work is unbelievable! A quote I found and have on my fridge that I like is “Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect…It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections.” Everyone’s life has a path, and it may not be clear at that moment…but I truelly believe that everything that happens in life (good or bad) has a reason and all will make sense in the end! Enjoy your birthday weekend!
Lauren,
Happy Birthday!!!! It only gets better from here……..I love reading your blog.
One thing you have learned from life is to never take any day for granted…..live everyday like it is your last….the past is in the past.
Thanks Tania
I check your blog often and you are such an inspirational person! Wishing you a wonderful birthday!! I agree with some of the other ladies that you have much wisdom in your young years! I guess I would say that the words I try to live by is ‘every day is a gift’. I’m just thankful for each day I get to spend with my family – my hubby and kids – and to remember that esp on those hairy days when things start to get to me. Have a fabulous weekend!
WOW!!! Happy Birthday Baby!!! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend long celebration!!! I think you’ve got a good head on your shoulders and are so grounded in your life and family AND work!!! Good for you!!
I guess I live my life by the motto that ‘life is too short’. Don’t fret or get worked up about the stupid stuff. Don’t worry about what other people think. Let people’s words and negativity roll off your back. Don’t freak because your house is a mess. Life is too short, so do what makes you happy, spend time with your kids and your husband, and spend time on YOU!! Sounds like you know all this already though!!
Rock on, girlfriend!!
A very happy birthday to you–and let me tell you, you’re only beginning! Thirty is so young!! I have so many fun birthday memories that I couldn’t possibly isolate just one, and they all gravitate around my family–of whom I think are all pretty terrific! I just say every year that this one is going to be better than the last–and then try to remember I said that. So far, so good. Every year has it’s ups and downs to be sure, but when on the anniversary of your birth you look back and can relfect and see more positives than negatives, life is truly good, don’t you think. Best to you and yours–and many more…Rae C.
Happy Birthday! I would love some Copics~ all of them actually! But we just got a new Trailblazer~ so no Copics this year!
I’ve had 47 glorious birthdays…I stretch the celebration day out over several days to make sure they’re good. (Hey if your birthday lands on a rainy Monday, its hard to make that one special.) I love each and every year. (except those Jr High years….yuck) I don’t mind being 47 at all, because I still feel young. The best gifts I’ve received aren’t expensive but the simple full-of-love kind. In fact, I don’t need gifts on my birthday as I feel loved all year. (Besides, I indulge myself in a little personal shopping on my birthday anyway. ) 😀
My 30s, I finally felt comfortable in my own skin. I hope this birthday is one of many happy ones for you too. Happy Birthday Lauren.
I have regularly read your blog for a while now, but this is my first post. I’ve been in my 30s for almost 5 years now (gasp!), but love it more than my 20s (which were wonderful!).
My fave birthday memory (only 1, really??) was in 1996. You gotta know though, that I LOVE my birthday… we celebrated BIG growing up. In fact, I still celebrate a Birthday Extravaganza each year.
So, my then boyfriend and I were planning to get married the next year (I already had the dress, the flowers, the church, the wedding party, etc) but I had NO ring. I WANTED that ring (I knew it was coming, but not when). So, we spent the day together- can’t remember what we did earlier in the day- but by dinner (a nice one) I kept expecting the ring… watching the waiters, watching him, not eating much (who wants to have a mouth full of food saying Yes). NO ring… off to the movie (maybe there??)… 2 hours later and NO ring. It’s later in the day and we have a 30 minute drive back to his apartment. I am FUMING by the time we get to his place (and he can’t seem to figure out why). I walk in and straight to the bathroom… still so mad!
I walk out and can’t find him. He calls me out to the balcony, I go out and there, on a lace covered table are a dozen gorgeous roses (my fave) and Harry Connick, Jr playing in the background (also my fave at the time). He gets down on one knee and pops the question (and brings out the RING). I didn’t know what to say (that’s right- totally speechless!). he had to prompt me (haha!). I said YES of course (and we’ve now been married 11 years!).
Great memory- thanks for that!
ENJOY!
Happy Birthday to you! I hope you enjoy the day and let the celebration last for a long time. I love to celebrate for at least a week!
My favorite birthday memory was when I was 9 or 10. I had a pool party with about 15 girls. We played games, grilled food, swam, and had a blast. I had broken my back the year before and was thrilled to be able to do all the things that were so fun.
Happy Birthday! My best birthday memory was when my church stamping group surprised me with a 50th birthday party complete with gifts from their stash of stuff and goodies.
a gift you would love to receive
I love getting stamps. And since my sister and mom do the hobby I got them stamps for each holiday have so far.
one thing you have learned from life
Life is not simple, it throughs you hard balls, and can send you blessings in disguise.
or words you live by!!
Always be you, and true to yourself. Be honest, hardworking, kind. That is my motto.
I will post my card on splitcoast unless I get email how to show you elsewise.
Happy 30th!!!
Happy Birthday to you! I remember my 30th birthday (well the first part of the day anyway….the last half got fuzzier and fuzzier with each cocktail..lol!). I DREADED my 30th. To me, 30 was OLD! I loved my 20’s so much….I got my nursing degree, was married and had my 2 boys. So MUCH happened in my 20’s!
I got up the morning of my 30th, plucked out the stray gray hairs (they literally popped up overnight!), and went back to bed and pulled the covers over my head. As the day wore on, things got better and I had a party to look forward to.
Now, I’m 33 and I feel like I’m “grown up”. After 30, you have a sense of maturity—like you really are an adult. I am secure about who I am and it feels really good!
Best wishes to you, Lauren. And welcome to the 30’s club!
Elyse
Minnesota
Lauren-
Happy Birthday. My best birthday present just happened last month- I turned 40. My DH had me picked up by limo and spend a day at the spa, picked me up, we went to dinner and a movie, then the next day my very dearest friends and family, and their families spend the sunny day at my house, with children playing, adults laughing, looking at old pictures (40yrs worth) and totally enjoying the blessings of health and safety we share. Hope your day was super!!!
Happy Birthday to you! I love the saying, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” I am also just about to leave my twenties and the last ten years have taught me a lot!
Hppy Birthday Lauren!!
My words to live by and it is something I learned from my Mom and I am true believer in it….
“Everything happens for a reason”
We may not know why or understand it at the time but there is always a reason and it makes us stronger in the end.
Thanks for the great give-aways!
Jen
Lauren it sounds like you are one smart cookie, and are taking the world on with a wonderful attitude. I have followed your blog (and cased you many many times 🙂 )for some time now, and am always in awe when I see how much you get done in the same amount of time as I have. Are your 24 hrs different than mine? I seem to think so! What a great attitude to have about your 30th. I too greeted with a smile, and have enjoyed my 30s immensely. As I am now closer to 40 than 30, i am thinking I won’t be quite as graceful!
My favourtite bday memory is during my 3rd year of university when I had the opportunity to live abroad in France for my year. Well we were leaving in Sept, and my bday is in Novemeber, so My mom had planned this huge surprise party for me. Although itwas a going away party, we had a birthday cake, a houseplant decorated like a christmas tree with presents underneath, an easter egg hunt, and thanksgiving turkey somewhere along the way. EVERYTHING I would miss with my family while I was away!
Thanks for your inspirations Lauren!
Have a wonderful birthday!
Diane
Happy Brithday to you!!!! Our family song is Put another wrinkle in your birthday suit! 🙂
I pick what I have learned out of life. …. Each day is a gift. Enjoy and live it. Especially the simple things. Don’t say when I loose weight I will….. Or when my kids grow up I will…… Cherish now. Life can change in a heartbeat!!!
Happy Birthday!! I’ve been following your blog for awhile. You are so talented and inspirational! Thanks for all you cool ideas.
Birthdays are always so fun. I think one of my best/ happiest/ memorable memories is of my daughter being born two weeks early and it being a day before my 30th birthday. Of course, now my birthday doesn’t seem to matter much anymore… not sure if that’s cuz I’m over 30 or because my daughter’s birthday takes precedence. Probably a bit of both! 🙂
Happy Birthday to you! I am glad I stopped by your blog today your words have inspired and lifted me. My favorite birthday memory is when I was 8 years old I had my b-day party at a pizza place with my family and friends all the attention was on me. There was laughter and fun by all. Life was so sweet then. I had a wonderful childhood.
Happy Birthday to You!!!! 🙂
Enjoy your day (oopps I mean weekend;)). I enjoy reading about your life and seeing all the beautiful stuff you make. I am a member of the 30 club too! Only 3 years! But they have definately been the best so far. My favorite birthday memory has to be from this year. My DH surprised me with Rascal Flatts tickets for both of us to see them in Vegas !! It was so much fun we actually stayed up till 3 a.m. playing on the strip. Which is unheard of for us! 🙂
Lauren, I hope you are having a wonderful birthday! Thank you for sharing your talents, energy and love for life with us everyday.
What I’ve learned? My 40’s have been even better than my 30’s, so look forward to that! Though I like to say I don’t look a day over 37! 😛
Happy Birthday, Lauren!! : )
My birthday is May 10th and I will be “40”! I can’t believe it – time flies. I absolutely love the card, and the reflection of ohsoprettybella was amazing! I love your tradition in making a birthday card for yourself. I might have to do that since I have an hour to myself today, YEA ME!! With 4 kids it gets busy, as I am sure most of you know.
As I look back this last year, I can say I do look forward to “40”, I am not upset and do not think of myself as getting older. I think of myself as a fun, loving life and I try to stay on the positive side (path) of things. I do not hold grudges or let things (overly)bother me life is too short. As for my kids I am grateful for them, kids will be kids, but I love them with all my heart. Also have to share, yesterday May 2nd just had my 21st anniversary. We went out to dinner and a movie, I let him pick the movie this time – Iron Man. : )
I think my words to live by are Live-Love-Laugh as much as you can in your life.
Deborah
I’ve learned that it’s okay to take time for myself. I can’t give to my children if I’m constantly depleted. I need to do what makes me happy (stamp) so that I have more to give to them.
I am 39 and have had plenty of wonderful birthdays! I have to tell you what happened on my 30th. My DH had a surprise party for me that he had to cancel. I made itailian sausage and peppers but did not cook it long enough and we both ended up in the hospital with food poisioning!! I have never cooked it again!! and till this day do not eat it! LOL
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Birthday! I just turned 30 in March:)
Words to Live By:
“Did not God sometimes withhold in mercy what we ask, we should be ruined at our own request.”
I thank God He knows what’s best for our life, even if I don’t understand why.
Wow, what a gorgeous card!! I love the reflection in the mirror. Happy Birthday to you!! To share my ‘something I’ve learned from life’, I’ve learned that the people we need are sent to us just when we need them, even if we don’t see it at first. Looking back at 30 (I am 36 now), it was a year of rollercoaster ups and downs – moving back to my home state after years of traveling as a military wife, reconnecting with friends and being with family, but prompted by the sudden passing of my mother. Through it all, a good friend was there for me to lean on, laugh with, listen to. Circumstances have changed and we no longer talk, which was hard for me to accept but I know now that the relationship happened for a reason – and maybe my mom was pulling strings up in heaven so I’d have someone to help get me through. That being said – being 30+ is, in my opinion, all over being 20+. You’re gonna love it!!
Thanks for sharing your creations with us – they are very inspiring!
Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you have a super day! and good for you for buying yourself somethings!!! My most memorable birthday was my first one with my son. I got SPOILED…I even got to sleep in which does not happen very often!
I love your blog!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (HUG and a SQUEEZE!!) You have been through so much already and the better is yet to come!
What I’ve learned thru my 40-something years….it’s not the year numbers that count, it’s how you feel and what you do with those years. Actually, I only feel about 20-something (looks are another thing – LOL!!) and only starting now to do ME things….REAL ME THINGS!
Enjoy your day and I hope you have many more joyous ones to follow!!
MWAH!!
Bev
My Favorite Birthday Memory is when I turned “Twenty Ten” I e-mailed you about that one earlier today.
I was having a hard time with “30” but then when I came across Twenty Ten it just made it easier, and realizing I had wonderful kids (2 little girls then 3 and 9 months, who are now 6 and 3 plus a little boy 10 months old).
My Twenty Tenth Birthday happened to fall on Easter Sunday and I got to Celebrate my Birthday while we Celebrated the birth of Christ at Church and then got to do a wonderful Easter egg hunt in our back yard. Just our little family. We both live far away from home so every holiday is usually spent on the road to his family or mine.
This one was special it was just us, in our home Celebrating Jesus, and even my gulp 30th! It was wonderful and made me appriciate everything I had in my life that was so fulfilling.
My Husband,
My Kids,
My Husband who allows me to be mostly a stay at home Mommy and now a Stampin aholic as well.
Life is great and if I do not get older I can not enjoy my kids getting older as well!
Have a Wonderful 30th!
Heather Schlatter
SU Demo – Kansas
Mommy to 3
Very Very, part time RN
Happy Birthday Lauren! 30 is a celebration! (It certainly is better than the alternative…) I don’t know what words of wisdom I can pass on, but I carry this in my purse everyday…
“This is the beginning of a brand new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. But what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. Iwant it to be gain and not loss, good and not evil; success and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it”. I guess that’s my motto!
Thank you for making a difference everyday!
Hope you had a great birthday! I love the sketch! So nice n simple! My favourite birthday memory would have to be when I was 6 or 7; we were living in California at the time and my grandparents were in NJ. My mom flew to NJ for a wedding and came back with Grampa and table full of birthday presents for both my brother and I. I just remembered screaming GRAMPA! I just loved having my loved ones with me. My gramma didn’t come because she doesn’t like to fly but it was great to see Grampa. That was probably one of the best early childhood birthday memories I have.
Thanks for letting me share my birthday memories with ya!
Happy birthday!!!
What I learned??
So many things… Could write a book about it!!!lol!
Enjoy your life, appreciate what you got…
I so hear you about turning 30, I just did that end of March and it really can be a great turning point. You are not longer just some kid anymore…and now that I am having our last baby I will be glad to have my house full of kid noises. I love your sharing and agree with you on all things…life is short live it to the fullest is the best. Thanks for sharing everything and I am so glad that your baby will soon be cancer free.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! AND MANY MORE! 🙂
ONE OF MY FAVORITE BIRTHDAY MEMORIES THAT I HAVE IS THE LAST ONE WITH MY DAY-IT WAS MY 17TH BIRTHDAY..AND HE GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL THAT DAY! TOMORROW WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY AND ON MAY 19TH WILL BE 20 YRS SINCE HE WENT TO HEAVEN. 🙂
Hope
Wow! you are too generous on your birthday. My favourite birthday moment so far was this year. I was out running errands during the day, and my partner came home on his lunch break with a bouquet of flowers that he put in a vase, and left on the kitchen table. It was an amazing surprise and oh, so sweet!
I hope you have a fantastic birthday and create many beautiful memories.
Wow, I love your blog and all of your creations! You are so talented…. I love ohsoprettybella and the reflection!!!
I am a teacher and these are the words that I try to live by:
One hundred years from now,
It won’t matter what car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
How much I had in my bank account,
Nor what my clothes looked like,
But, the world may be a little better
Because I was important in the life of a child
– author unknown
Happy Birthday!!! 🙂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Birthdays are a big deal at my house. When I was growing up my mom would give us the day of chores, decorate the house, make our favorite meal. (even if all food didn’t go well together. In the case of my sister all green veggies. What kind of dinner is that.) We always got to eat of the red Celebration plate only used for birthdays. Mom would clip a candle on the side of the plate to make it that much more fun.(Think candle clip used on victorian Christmas trees) My Mom gave me a 16 pink roses for my 16th b-day that was really special. Now my Sweetheart make a very yummy meal he plans and researches it. He make my favorite desert. And Pick out very thoughtful gifts. I couldn’t ask for more.
I am starting a new tradition I am making a birthday card for my self. Thanks for the great idea. How fun to receive a card truly designed with you in mind your bound to love it!
What gift would I like to recieve? None. I have come to the conclusion that I too am in a very happy place right now and any material gift will not make me any happier. You know what? Happiness is a choice, too many people don’t realise that…but we do and today, that is enough.
Well wishings on your birthday! May the Lord shower you with his blessings.
Alyssa Byron
Happy Birthday Lauren and thanks for taking time out of your special day to share with us. Hope you had a great Birthday. Thanks for the chance to win some awesome prizes. Ann
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN! The thirties rock! I hope you have an awesome day! As far as birthday memories… When Stefan was in Iraq the first time in 2001, I thought no one would remember my birthday so I invited some friends over for a church meeting just so I wouldn’t be alone withthe boys. My neighbor brought me a cake, and Caleb who was almost entirely nonverbal at the time sang me “Happy Birthday!” It was the BEST gift I’ve ever received. Such a hard time for our family, but wow that little moment brought me tremendous joy.
Happy Birthday! I love your 30 things you have learned. I think that I am going to do this every year just as a reflection. Thanks for the inspiration. I am so glad that you are moving forward with confidence, excitement and anticipation. It is so true that if we knew when we were 20 what we know now, we could have probably taken much different journeys. However, as we age, living in the moment and living to the fullest and saying no when we need to without feeling guilty (why is it that in church circles you feel the most guilty when you say no?) is the ONLY way to experience life. Thanks for the reminder. I hope your day is GREAT!
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day! My best birthday was when my boyfriend (now husband) took me away to a bed and breakfast, and then proposed! I had no clue he was going to do this! It was the best birthday present ever!
Nicole
Happy 1st 29th Anniversary!!!! I hope it’s a great one! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your purple birthday card! So Cool!!! I’m glad that your child has beat cancer! I can’t even begin to imagine what you have gone through! My life lesson I’ve learned is: Make the most of the opportunities that come your way & to make sure you give more than you get! Hope you have a Blessed Day!!!
Kim
aka Koreanbella
Have a wonderful birthday! One more year till my 40th – I’m going to enjoy everyday of the next year – stamping!!!
Happy Birthday!!
Words to live by:
Love yourself.
Listen to your “gut”
Remember what is truly important- and forget the little things
Wishing you the happiest birthday.
Words to live by from Gandhi “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
Shannon
Lauren,
Happy 29th (hehe) – I’ve been 29 for many years now. Probably the most amazing thing I learned about life was from a child. That true love is unconditional, that money isn’t everything and that strength comes from the inner most parts of your heart. This all from a baby and now a 7 yr old. Much like the wonderful lessons your daughter has taught you. Somewhere along the line they became the instructors and we the students. My saying for life that I live by……….. “Isn’t that Ironic” It helps to shrugg off the little things and enjoy the great things, like 29th birthdays. My greatest birthday gift would still have to be a very large piece of jewelry. Sorry but bling tends to win out when it comes to plain ol, “my dream gift would be………” A big fat diamond. My eyes are squinting from the glare just thinking about it. LOL.
Hope you had/have a great weekend and thanks for sharing with us!
Cheryl
i would love to recieve a cricut!!! my most cherished gift was from my 16 year old…he bought me roses for my big 50…all by himself and with his own money…what a sweetheart!!! He was so proud of himself I loved that more than the flowers!!
great blog..thanks for the chance to win great items!
Best Wishes for a wonderful day! The best birthday present one can get is to spend their day with the ones you love. It always makes the day so much more special and you feel so loved. Happy Birthday! – Mandy
you really make me laugh, you’re so funny, “down forget to pee…” you almost made me pee with laughter!
what have i learned? if you’re happy with who you are, then it is probably a good idea to follow your parents examples when you raise your own kids, so that hopefully they will be happy with who they are too. =)
although i think that is just a longer version of – the older i get the more i’m like my mum – thank goodness!
Hi Lauren! I hope you have the best 30th birthday ever! It will just get better from now on! I’d like to remember last year’s birthday as the best one ever. I lost my mom 3 days later but I would like to remember it as a good birthday not a bad one. I was with her for that one last birthday and I will forever keep it my heart. FAITH…I hope and pray that I never lose this for this will get me through my day to day living.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I’d like to say that for your age, you’ve learned some of life’s best lessons but the greatest gift of all is that each day will be another lesson and life never stops teaching. Keep an open heart and a willing mind because the next 10 years will be even more amazing than the last. One of my favorite birthday memories was turning sweet “16” on the 16th of October (many years ago) and getting my driver’s license on that day and celebrating with friends. What a wonderful day that was!
Happy Birthday! I have learned in my 52 years that it just gets better with every year especially with God by your side!
Happy Birthday Lauren. I love your blog. It is so inspiring. You are one talented 30 year old (had to rub it in).
Our pastor has this great saying that I’ve come to live by: You have a plan. God has a plan. Your plan does not matter. IT always reminds me who is in control.
Happy 30th Birthday Lauren. I’m a little older than you (almost 41) but was moved by what you wrote, very wise words. My favourite birthday was when I was 26 and on my honeymoon in Antigua. My husband secretly arranged a cake and the waiters sang Happy Birthday to me. It was all very romantic and my husband is still as wonderful to me almost 15 years later!! Enjoy the rest of your day. Lots of love, Denise in the UK
[email protected]
Happy Birthday, Lauren. I loved your 30 reflections on life and agree with them all. I tried your sketch and loved doing it. You can check it out here, if you wish.
http://barbscardcreations.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-should-have-been-sorting-out-stuff.html
The older I get, the more I realize that I have no words of wisdom, but just learn something everyday. My favourite gift would have to be my grandchildren, hands down!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!
My favorite b’day memory was when I got my first “big girl” bike. I was 5. My grandmother got on my bike to ride it. According to everyone who was there (although I know I would never act that way…LOL), I threw quite a fit that Nana would break my bike.
I’m glad you had a great day shopping with the kids!!! Your new treasures sound like so much fun. BTW, I hear ya with those shoes. No way I am wearing skinny heels ever again!!!
Enjoy the rest of your day!!!
Lauren, this morning I read some ofyour blog and finished reading it now (8:30PM) my time. Anyway, you are a wise young woman and you have your head in the right place. I feel like i know you from reading your blog and enjoy your enthusiasm and your ups and downs as we all have. I hope you had a great day today. Love ya, Genie
Happy Birthday Lauren! May your 30’s be the best yet!
My best birthday memory/gift was today’s: my MIL wrote me an IOU for the amount I still need to go to convention!
Thanks for the chance to win some awesome blog candy!
Happy 30th!! I turn later this year and I am so excited. Hope your day was a blast.
It’s a good life!
Terri E.
First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY! My words? I live my life in a way that when I become and old lady I don’t regret anything. Have a really good day today and every day of your life, Gina
Happy Birth-weekend! Happy Birth-weekend! Happy Birth-weekend!!!! I hope it has been great!!
Your blog is like my morning cup of coffee…(and afternoon and evening) I have to check it first thing in my morning in order to begin my day with a smile. And then I check back several more times through the day…… And if there is nothing new, I read old stuff!! 😀
One thing that I have learned (well, not quite, but I am trying) is that life is too short to let your in-laws bug you!!!
Hi Lauren,
Happy 30th birthday to you! Although I am more than twice your age, I find the best advice I can share with you on your special day is simply this……strive to be tolerant and accepting of differences. This has served me well through the years! And above all have faith. God never gived us more than we can handle, although we do wonder at times.
Happy days to you!!
Birthway wishes from New Jersey!!
Joan F
happy Birthday Lauren..you rock!!! My favorite words to live by are:
You either get better or worse every day…….
the choice is yours!
best wishes…Deidre
Happy Birthday Lauren!
30 seems so looong ago, as I just celebrated my 55th last week, with family and friends. My crafting moms group took me to a Thai restaurant, and we just enjoyed each other for a couple hours, and had dessert back at one of the moms house!
I celebrate each year with great thankfulness! I thank God every year, that I made it to another birthday! For my 50th checkup, my doctors found that I had to have heart surgery to replace a heart valve, and with all the complications, etc, it wasn’t til my 51st birthday that I had the surgery, and began my road to recovery. With all the support of my family and friends, I made it through all the rough times.
“If God can bring you to it, He will bring you through it” has been my mantra these past 5 years!
You inspire me to do the best I can everyday!
Hugs to you, Gail
Happy Birthday to you (and me!). It’s my 29th + 6 birthday today. 😉 I love this card – so cute! Thanks for doing such awesome give aways. How nice of you!
Cindy Keery
[email protected]
Happy birthday! I can definitely say my best birthday memory was 2 mos after my son was born, being surprised by him and my husband while at a spa being pampered. It was amazing just to see him and daddy and feel so loved!
Wow 30!!! Wait until you reach 40!!! I’ve learned to not care what anyone thinks and to say what I am really thinking if they ask. To cherish everday with family especially the healthy ones and be thankful that the rough times make me a stronger more appreciative person of all I have. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday!! I turned 50 this year, and my advice is to trust in the Lord! Seek Him in all you do! Live for Him! Read His word! He is SOOOOOO good!!!
Have a great 30 more!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I just read your entry for today and you have accomplished so much and should be so proud. Congrats to you on getting to your daughter’s last chemo treatment. That is awesome. Wish I could tackle your sketch…..but we are stuck in the hospital with our son who has a line infection. It’s a bummer, but as you said, things could be worse. He’s doing great and hasn’t had a fever since sometime yesterday. Hopefully we’ll be going home sometime on Monday and I’ll be sure to send you a “belated” card. I love your idea of making yourself a card!
One thing that I’ve learned in life: Take life one day at a time and quit saying I’ll do that later. If the kids want to make cookies, make cookies. If the kids want to go for a walk, go for a walk. If the kids want you to hold them and you have a billion things to do, just hold them, they are only young once and lastly something that I’ve been working very hard on is having patience and not worrying so much about the future. We can’t predict it, so why worry about it. My attitude towards life has changed so much especially since our son got diagnosed with cancer last year and not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings!
May you have the best birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love your blog. You are so creative and I find all of your work is an inspiration. What I learned in life is that it is too short. You must live each moment as if it were your last and to be thankful for who you are an not what you have.
Happy Birthday to you!!! Today, you share your birthday with my son – who is 3 years old!!! Oh to be like that again!!! My favorite memory isn’t really of MY birthday, but of my 3 year old this morning when I went in to wake him up with BIRTHDAY KISSES and the big smile on his face when he woke up and said “Am I FREE now, Mommie??” and I couldn’t help but just smile at him.
I love your blog, keep up the great work and you & your family are in my prayers.
Tracy
You are truely blessed. I too like many others read your blog daily. I just love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! To you. The next 30 will be wonderful I’m sure.
Happy birthday and many more. I don’t have any words of wisdom and don’t feel like going into my favorite memory and all that good stuff. Just wanted to wish you a birthday wish and thank you for all your inspiration. Have a good time celebrating with your family!
Happy Birthday Lauren… Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday Dear L A U R E N… Happy Birthday to you… & MANY more!!!
One Birthday wish would be a LONG family vacation to Disney World!
Hope you day is filled with tons of fun, family & friends!
Birthday Hugs,
Jennifer 🙂
Happy Birthday! If you thought your 20’s went fast, wait til you see how fast the 30’s go 🙁
Something I have learned in life is in my 20’s I just thought I knew it all and was so independant, my friends probably came before my family then my 30’s hit. I think I was about 31 when I began realizing I can’t be all independant, I don’t know everything and my family went to the top of my list. Oh and I realized that my parents really do know what they’re talking about. The early 30’s were rough and now it’s just flying buy.
Now that Ive depressed you, have a great birthday 🙂
The first thing I do every morning after I brush my teeth is read your blog. It is the most inspiring blog out there. As for this one, you have learned early the things it has taken me twice as long to learn. There are so many similar things in our lives. the cancer, the divorce, the great guys the second time around, etc.
I love your reflection card but how did you do the reflection? That is not the same bella, right?
As for the giveaways, I LOVE them all – I have both of the sets in the second group but would love to be a winner! The most fun birthday was when my dh and girls took me a lady turning 50 (years ago) to TGIF and told them it was my birthday. They came and hung balloons all over me, tied to my ears, tied in my hair, around my neck, on my arms, on my legs – everywhere! TGIF is in a mall and I had to walk through the mall to get to the car.
What have I learned and how do I live? Kindness is the most important thing you have to give to each other. If everyone was just kinder it would be such a nice world.
Again, Happy Birthday Lauren. Keep up the great work!
Sheri
Wow – happy birthday! What great lessons you have learned – here’s to another happy decade!
My best and favorite birthday memory would have to be receiving a Lane cedar chest from my parents for my 21st birthday. That chest has moved with me at least four times and I love it. I even got the matching jewelry box that came with it as it was a special anniversary edition for Lane.
First of all… happy birthday to you Lauren… I truely enjoy reading and learning from your blog. You have sooooo many good ideas and you are so special to share your life with your stampin friends. You are a true inspiration!!!
I believe in being kind to those around you and reaching out even to those you don’t know. Also looking to the positive and thinking positive helps make me happy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lauren!!! Hope your weekend is as wonderful as you are! I have learned that the older we get, the faster life goes, treasure each moment. Be happy where you are, life is what you make it. With God, ALL things are possible, look unto Him for your every need.
Hugs,
Marge
Happy 29th again!! What a gorgeous card you made yourself! I love Bellas. I am going to share my favorite birthday story. It was my 21st birthday and my boyfriend and I were off to celebrate with my best friends. We stopped at the grocery for beer and of course, I was carded and so happy about it. When we showed up at my friend’s house, there was a surprise party for me. I was very shocked and so happy that someone would go through all of that for me. My dh is turning 40 this year and I am hoping to return the favor to him.
I will have to add you to my bloglines, I see lots of followers who say you inspire them and gosh, I want to be a part of that!
Thanks,
Wendy
Happy Birthday and may the next 30 be filled with love, laughter, good times, and happiness. You are wise beyond your years and someone whom I would be blessed to have as a friend if our paths were to cross. I love reading your blog and am always inspired not just by your art but by your sharing your life with us.
My favorite birthday presents are the ones that my children make for me because I know that they come from their hearts.
Oh my goodness Lauren! How amazing to have so many comments and birthday greetings, you must feek si great!! I hope you had an absolutely wonderful birthday – I loved reading your lessons learned! One thing I’ve learned in my 30’s is to relax a bit (ok it was really the children that taught me this!) I know that 10 years from now I won’t be saying “I wish my house was cleaner” but I wish I had spent more time with my children or doing what I love! Happy Birthday Lauren! 🙂
I have had many great birthday memories—but a recent one was a few years ago. I decided I wanted to do take out for my birthday instead of going to the restaurant, waiting, dealing with the then 3 year old son, etc. My girls are older, and they were fine with that—-my husband is easy going, so we got PF Chang’s—-LOVE THAT & Cheesecake Factory. We came home and ate around our little table. I took some amazing picture of my kids that night—all huddled around a piece of cheesecake—I just enjoyed a quiet evening at home with the people I love most—it was very nice! Happy Birthday to you! I hope it was/is happy~I LOVE your card! That is SOOOO cute—who can’t love a Bella?! Thanks for the chance!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I enjoyed your post today. You have a fantastic outlook on life. My words I live by: “tomorrow is a new day.” I always try to have a great day, but I know that I can start again tomorrow.
I think one of my very best birthday memories was going out to a fancy restaurant, just me and my Dad. My mom and dad couldn’t afford for the whole family to go out so it was kind of like a special date to go out with Dad on your birthday. That’s one of my best memories.
Happy birthday Lauren!! Sounds like you had big fun shopping!! Not necessarily my *best* birthday moment, but certainly the most interesting/memorable for me….my DS #2 thought about being born on my birthday last year! I went into preterm labor at 32 weeks, which the hospital was able to stop, and then I got put on contraction-suppressing meds and full bed rest until I passed 36 weeks, after which they said he could be born any time. But they did such a good job stopping it he decided to stay put. Then on my birthday, after dinner, I started getting contractions again {this was past 36 weeks so was ok}. They got stronger and closer together, real contractions and everything. So just about 11 pm as I was saying “ok, time to go back to the hospital, they stopped. Guess he changed his mind. So even though both my kids were born within 2 weeks of my birthday {one on each end}, all three of us have our own special day.
Happy Birthday, 30 is young. I read your blog everyday. You are truly an inspiration to all of us in blog land! I read this quote and it has always stuck with me through life.
Fear knocked on the door, Faith answered, and behold, No one was there.
Wishing you all life’s blessings for the next 30 years!
Happy Birthday!!! It just seems like yesterday that I turned 30……but it was 13 years ago. Time flies the older you and your children get. My only advice is to keep your faith strong…..it will always get you through. But you know that already. Here’s to a great 30’s decade!
While I was young we would celebrate my birthday every year at Hoogle Zoo, did that for the first 12 years of my life. But my favorite birthday memory happened on my 23rd birthday, I gave birth to my middle child.
Celebrate your birthday with lots of fun, family, and friends!
Thanks for all your inspiration, great stories, and creative energy. Your always my first stop on my blog roll.
Happy, Happy Birthday! Love looking at your creations. Best wishes for another 30 years of happy memories.
Happy Birthday!
My birthday is later this month and I hope my husband gives me the same thing I gave him for his birthday….$100 to spend as I wish. I rarely spend money on myself since things are so tight for us….but, this way I can take a stamping class or buy some stamping things, without feeling guilty. For me, every card is a limited supply challenge!! Ruth
Happy Birthday, Lauren. Celebrate with style. You’ll only be 30 once so make it memorable.
I love your blog and check it every day, sometimes more than once. Your creativity and energy are an inspiration.
My most memorable gift was a watch. Not a new watch, but an old one. It was over 30 years old, and I wore it every day. My dear husband had it rebuilt for me. I loved my old watch, and I loved him for even thinking to have it restored.
I would absolutely love to win one of the prizes. Several are on my most wanted list right now.
Happy 30th Lauren! Great big hug! You have such a great attitude! Something I have learned from living life is that you should choose your battles wisely! Don’t waste time or energy stressing over the little things! Don’t nag when you can gently nudge with better results! : ) I hope that you have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I’m a May baby as well (the 5th) so I hope your day is special. I have been so inspried by your blog..I too have a daughter with DS and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s to live each day to the fullest, with no regrets!
P. S. You rock girl!!! Thanks for sharing your craft AND giving us a glimpse into your life!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I read your blog every day, it helped me through a very difficult week recently, you truly are a blessing, and oh so inspiring!
What I have learned, the most important message,
PRAYER WORKS!
Happy Birthday to you! You are just beginning the best part of your life (I know, I am 45 and lovin it!)… Advise for the fab goodies (please I really want the kitchen set…)
a) during times of stress everyone won’t react as you want them to but they are doing the best that they can
b) life is not all about work… it’s about living
c) spend time with the people who mean the most to you… don’t forget your Friends!
Again – Happy Happy Birthday and good luck on your classes – wish I lived closer to attend!
The best to you!
Wow! You deserve only the best! You’ve lived a lot of living so far, but my saying is, “The Best Is Yet To Come”!!!!! Wishing you the best girlie~
Hugs and happy 30th!
Elaine
Hi
My best birthday was when I was 10 and my parrents decided to bring my cousin she was my best friend and we went to Disney World.
Sandra
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I have a feeling that if you lived next door we would be fast friends!!! I love “knowing” you through your blog and am so happy that you are in a good place. Here’s to the next thirty!
Oh my gosh! YOu crack me up! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your thoughts. My favorite is Home Projects time span of 2 years. Gotta love that!!
Elizabeth lizardscraps
First of all, Happy Birthday! That is really fab birthday candy you are giving away! 30 is still so young (as I approach 40 this year, wow, I can’t believe it!!).
My favorite quote is one from one of my very best friends, who I tease is older as her birthday always comes months before mine. I was teasing her one day and asking her how it feels to be 40. She told me, feels the same…I guess we look a bit older, but you never really feel older since you soul doesn’t age. So the ageless soul is one I always think of when I “feel” old…and I find I repeat to other people often. Love it. So have a happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! OK I can say that I had a memorable birthday in 2000 when my husband bought me a digital camera. It was a great surprise and I loved that present. He hasn’t even tried to out-do himself, I guess he thinks he did it once and that’s enough! I like my believe that God answers all my prayers but sometimes He says No, and that’s OK. As for a gift I would like to receive involves traveling anyplace, anytime, anywhere (I’m not picky). Thanks for the chance to win some goodies. Sandra
On my 30th birthday my husband threw a surprise party for me, and I was actually surprised! I was a bit down about the big 3-0 so the party just really made it a wonderful day and I felt very loved. Happy 30 to you, too!
Happy birthday, Lauren! I must say, my 30th birthday was my most challenging for me. Actually, it was my 29th year of life that was difficult. I grieved off and on that entire year to be leaving my 20’s! Now, in my 50’s, I think it was silly! Now. for my best b-day memory. My children were about 4 and 5 years old. We went to the Christmas lightening celebration downtown St. Paul, MN. They had Sesame Street characters and other fun things. Unfortunately, the weather turned ice cold and we all froze! But, we had so much fun! Thanks for the great memory!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! After 30 it only gets better. I promise!
My favorite birthday memory is when I first became a Mom. I cried to hard when I got my first “Happy Birthday Mommy” card. Another favorite is when my husband and I went away to a bed and breakfast. It was a total surprise so it was even more special.
Wow I can’t believe how many comments you already have. You must be well loved! I hope you are having a fabulous 30th birthday. That’s a special one and you have already accomplished so much.
Thanks for the chance to win some birthday candy! My most memorable birthday was the one where my husband proposed to me. It’s surely one I’ll never forget!
I hope your day is filled with those that you love!
First of all…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Wow Lauren! Your blog always makes me feel like such a stronger woman when I am done reading! You have been such an inspiration to me not only in stamping, but also in other areas! I love the fact that you share your cards AND your heart. It just means the world to me. Thanks so much for being the sweet and awesome woman that you are. Who else gives away blog candy on their birthday??? Hehe. I am so glad that you have gotten through all of the hard times in your life. Know that I am praying for you, your family, and your sweet daughter. I can’t even imagine dealing with that. You are one strong woman! I am not 30 yet but when I am, I hope I can be as amazing as you are! 😀 Thanks so much for everything!
Happy 30th Birthday, Lauren! Loved your tour thru the decade. I truly LOVED my 30s…now I’m closer to the 50s! Yikes! Where did time go? I’ve been blessed with many fabulous birthdays, but one that sticks out is the year my grandparents gave me a roll-top desk for my birthday. I love it!
I wish you the happiest of birthdays! I love your list of what you’ve learned. It’s so eerie that I should read this post at this very minute. To explain….I initially sat down at the computer to start writing my thoughts out for a small speech I am giving at my father’s memorial service, which happens to be tomorrow. He passed away 2 weeks ago. I’ve been procrastinating all day, not wanting to write it. So I procrastinated more by reading blogs, and I arrived at your blog via Charmaine’s post. The topic for my speech is supposed to be something like “what I learned from my dad”. And here you are, writing a list of things you’ve learned in life. Freaky! Anyways, I’ve learned that you should not be afraid of saying things to someone, no matter how uncomfortable it may make you feel, especially if you know that you may never get the chance to do it again.
Lots of birthday smiles to you!! 🙂
Ms. Lauren,
I first came upon your creative greatness with your fab mother’s day card. Now I see you doing this reflection thing. You have got to come up with the secret for this!! My best birthday memory (as of yet) would actually be turning 30 myself (even though I tell people I turned 21 for the 12th time this year, ha ha ha). It was an open house and I had both my friends and family and my bf’s friends and family over. This was the first time that both sides met each other and it was great. In total we had about 50 or so people come through our house that day (and night!!). For a bday present my bff gave me a little album with pictures taken from my birthday. I would say the best one is where she is focusing down the length of our pool and there are a bunch of girls dangling their feet in the water and one of the boys is actually in mid-air about ready to hit the water….All the girls are screaming, it’s a great picture….
That would have to be the best birthday evah!! Spending it with family and friends…
Happy Birthday – PARTY TIL THE COWS COME HOME!!
First off, you’re being super generous on YOUR birthday. Thanks. I am now 31, so older an wiser than yourself. HA! I have learned that in life, all the important things take work and dedication. If it comes to easily, it’s probably not that special. You appreciate things more when you have to put more of yourself into them. Take care and have a great birthday.
Misty
Well, happy birthday Lauren! I actually love my birthday every year. My DH makes it very special for me each year so it is so much fun and impossible to choose just one favorite year. Hope you’ve had a great day! :o)
Happy Birthday Lauren! My Dad is celebrating his 67th birthday today!
I love your blog and read it everyday! I am 37, to be 38 in July, and can remember my 30th birthday like it was yesterday! My husband and I spent the day in Columbus, Ohio with my best friend (Amy…she is on my blog). I was carded when I ordered a glass of wine with dinner…too funny!! It made me happy because I was soooo having a hard time with this birthday. I received the best present ever from my DH….he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Pretty awesome!
Anywho, I am salivating and majorly drooling over give away package #2….I hope I win!!
Thanks for being so generous!
Leeann
Happy Birthday! I’m happy for Alexa finishing her cancer treatment too! I hope I am as wise and thoughtful as you when I turn 30 (though I’ve only got 2 1/2 years!).
I’ll choose words I live by for the fabulous Mytime Mail. I am LDS (a.k.a. Mormon), so I like to try to live by C.T.R., which means Choose The Right.
Thanks for the chance to win prizes on *your* birthday!
Oh I would love to win. I would love to be given a nice vacation for my birthday..that would be the best present ever. Thanks so much for the chance to win.
Happy Birthday! It sounds like you are having FUN
Happy Birthday! It sounds like you are really having fun celebrating. What I would enjoy most as a birthday gift is a weeklong reunion with all my siblings and their families. Thanks for sharing your birthday with gifts for others.
Swedie
I have a magnet in my office that says “Nothing is worth more than this day”. I think it is true and I try to appreciate every moment as much as I can. Have a wonderful birthday!
Lauren,
Happy Birthday! You are so insightful for being so young. I say this as the mother of a 33 year old daughter. Even though I had been married since I was 20 and had three young children when I turned 30 too, I finally felt like an “adult” and that people would finally take me seriously. Like you, I have also had some medical crisis over the years with myself and family, and I truly believe that faith is what gets us through, and the love of our family. I now have three wonderful and very lively grandsons who I adore and am so glad to be here to see them grow up. Believe in God’s plan for our lives. Bless you for sharing yourself with all of us, I truly find you an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
Sue H
Wow! What an awesome message you posted. I hope you had an absolutely fabulous birthday. You have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I hope the next 30 years are just as wonderful! I realized I have a lot of perspective to gain in the next couple of years. LOL! And…although I don’t ‘personally’ know you, I do like you:)
As for what I live by…
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end!”
I can’t remember where I heard this, but it was in the past year and it sure has helped me…expecially recently.
Happy birthday and have a great weekend!!!
My 30th birthday was my best, ironically. My then boyfriend (husband now) got me a golden retriever puppy! He’s the best thing, ever. Haven’t gotten a birthday present since. There’s no topping Tucker!
Happy Birthday!
Happy 1st Anniversary of your 29th Birthday. I am going to steal that line as I am celebrating my 21st Anniversary of my 29th birthday on August 1. Its my 1/2 way day! I learned to borrow other peoples lines when they made me chuckle in hopes they will do the same for someone else. I learned no matter how much time passes its never to late to pick up a phone and call an old school mate. I did this last week after not seeing each other for 31 years he drove 9 hours and we went to dinner. The package on the outside might be a different shape but we talked and laughed like we had not missed a day. We will not let another 31 years go by. We also plan to get the old gang together this summer for a BBQ. I love refinding lost friends.
What an amazing post! Keep moving forward! My favorite Birthday was my 30 and mom’s 60. Bro and Dad planned a 5 day trip to New York. A car picked me up at the airport, we saw shows, ate at the Palace while Martha dined in the same room… It was a great family experience I will always treasure.
Happy Birthday! I agree with you, you won’t miss your 20s a bit… I am turning 32 this year and loving it! The words I live by while being a SAHM to three kids 4 and under: “The days may be long, but the years are always short.” I bet you know just what I’m talkin’ about! Thanks for all the hard work you do to put this blog out there, you never fail to inspire!
~Michelle C.
Something I would love to get for my birthday would be a diecutting system – most any would do! 🙂 It’s a big, huge, unrealistic gift, but since we’re wishing, there it is.
Congratulations to you on your 30th! I just turned 30 a few months ago and fortunately have had no “mid-life crisis” about it — yet.
I love your blog and can’t wait to see what you come up with everyday. You are my kind of stamper!!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Lauren! And nice name, by the way — we have some pretty cool moms 🙂 I don’t have any great birthday memories or words I live by, in particular. But I can tell you that the one thing I’ve learned in life is that you’ll never have enough time to do everything you want to, so you need to prioritize and not procrastinate. It’s taken me almost 35 years to figure that out!
HBD!! You are so wise and so right!! I dreaded 30 but it turned out to be a great year!! And each year since has been great but I will tell you they seem to be going faster all the time!! Take time to enjoy (which it sounds like you are doing!) life, friends and family. Congrats again and gorgeous card!! Thanks for the chance to win some great blog candy!! Happy Birthday, Tracy Smith, [email protected]
Happy Birthday!!!! My philosphy that I try to live by is: NO REGRETS. Live each day to the fullest!
Oh wow – speachless. You are great. HAPPY BIRTHDAY you are a star.
Gees, quite a few posts there!! Well, I haven’t stopped to read them but I had to say, I finally read your top 30 list and I agree with most if not all of them! The only thing I would add is – trust yourself and your instincts! Hope you had a great birthday!
[…] Do you remember that song? …The Life & Times….. – http://dawtch.blogspot.com/|||30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!9) Work to LIVE, not live to work. 10) Money cannot buy you happiness. Memories are something that […]
[…] Do you remember that song? …The Life & Times….. – http://dawtch.blogspot.com/|||30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, […]
[…] 30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, than those handed to us. 12) There is a reason that the older I get, the more I become like my mother! The older, the wiser! …My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence – http://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/ […]
Happy Birthday! Oh how I thought I was old when I turned 30. Just wait until you hit 40. The crazy thing is it only gets better. The best advice I can give you is wear a good SPF and buy every wrinkle cream you can find. So when you get to 40 they will say you look 30. Enjoy your birthday.
[…] Do you remember that song? …The Life %26amp; Times….. – http://dawtch.blogspot.com/|||30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, […]
[…] Do you remember that song? …The Life & Times….. – http://dawtch.blogspot.com/|||30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, […]
I wish you a very Happy and Special 30th Birthday, may you have many, many more to come. I wish I was turning a young 30 again!! It’s a wonderful age to be, enjoy it. You won’t believe what each decade will bring to you. I enjoy your blog, and this card is just gorgeous WOW, thanks for sharing your inciteful thoughts. All the very best!
[…] laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com […]
Happy Birthday! I have mine in December and my best memory is my mother giving me a bus trip to a German christmas market. It was real fun: the two of us shopping, drinking gluwhein, etc. Since then we repeat it every year!
Happy Birthday! I can’t zero in on one particularly good birthday memory because my family has always done everything to make every birthday the very most special for each of us!! One birthday that really impressed me though was when my husband went clothes shopping for me (he even did really good!!). He bought me a whole outfit including shoes, than took me out on the town! That’s the only time he tried to buy me clothes and I know it was way outside of his comfort zone which made it extra special!! Jeanne
make money online…
Suppose there are two online merchants both offering web hosting services on their sites. The first merchant offers a one- time commission type of affiliate program that pays 80 for every single affiliate initiated sale. The second merchant also offers…
Happy, Happy Birthday! I loved reading your post today. 🙂
I tried out your sketch but I’m afraid I didn’t do it right. I had to turn it to accommodate the image and then it all went to the birds. LOL!
Hope you enjoy your day!
Oh yeah here is the sketch tryout…like I said in my post, it is the thought that counts, right? 😛
http://ohmycuppycake.blogspot.com/2008/05/and-then-camera-died.html
Hi there and a Happy Birthday to you Lauren,
I never had my birthday celebrated as such but my most memorable was my most recent and what a gift I got. My four year old came out of her comatose state in Intensive Care Unit from a complete respiratory failure…..and she missed the bullet of brain damage that they warned us she could have…..what more could I ask for.
I have discovered that I do not believe in Heaven or Hell as afterlife places. They are both right here, right now and occurring at the very same time – you just get them in varying degrees.
Your blog has helped my through some of my tough times …… thank you for being you.
Happy 30th birthday Lauren! Here’s to another wonderful 30. I love reading your blog and getting so many ideas from you. This year for my birthday I would love for my husband to come home from Iraq. He’s been gone almost a year and we still have 5 months to go. Unfortunately he’ll be missing my birthday twice during this deployment. 🙁
Happy Birthday Lauren
Happy 30th Birthday Lauren. Your blog is truely inspirational and amazing. I check it so many times during the day and night – it has become an obsession almost. Your ideas amaze me – how can you possibly come up with so many fab ideas? I am up to my neck in papers, stamps etc but hey they just dont take the same form when I manage to put them together.
I take inspiration from this quote “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful”
Happy Birthday, you will love your thirties >”<
words to live by…
~Never deprive someone of hope, it may be all they have~
~Protect your enthusiasm from the negativity of others~
~Be the first to forgive~
~Be grateful that God doesn’t answer all your prayers~
~Don’t let weeds grow around your dreams~
~Whisper in your sleeping childs ear “I love you”~
~Don’t carry a grudge~
~Don’t forget a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated~
~Keep secrets~
~Don’t waste time grieving over past mistakes, learn from them and move on~
~Beware of the person who has nothing to lose~
~Envy is the source of much unhappinesss~
~Be loyal~
~Listen to your children~
~Pray, there is immeasurable power in it~
~Follow your own star~
Have a wonderful year, its going to be fabulous!
Happy Birthday again,
Latisha
First off — Happy 30th Birthday!! I hope you get through all your e-mail and such before your 40th rolls around! LOL I love reading your blog and looking at your amazing creations. One of my memorable birthdays was when I became a grandmother for the first time in May of 1998. I became the “G” word before and I was 36 years old! Think about it Lauren…..could you imagine yourself 5 years from now becoming a grandma?! How wierd is that thought! I LOVE the bella birthday card!! What a cool idea with the mirror!! Turned out perfect 🙂
Happy Birthday, Lauren!
My most memorable birthday was my 50th. My husband and daughter took me out for lunch on Sunday (3 days before my birthday) and when we came home, I was surprised to find a house full of friends and family! My husband and 2 of my close friends had been planning it for 3 months. I had NO clue and I usually am not easy to surprise! Then on my actual birthday, there were lots of reminders at school and a carload of balloons when I went to go home.
I know a lot of women get really depressed with each milestone birthday, but the numbers are just that–a number. I have not had a birthday yet that made me feel bad and I am now 55!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Happy Birthday!! Wow. Those are all great prizes. Thanks for sharing your special day with us.
Every birthday has a memory. I always get something I want and I spend it with my family. We all have dinner and then have cake and open presents. Yes, I just turned 46 and I like cake and presents. lol
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!! I just found your blog and love it. I’m a newbie to stamping at 53 years young and loving it. My best birthday memory is when my nieces (12 and 15) surprised me and took my out for breakfast with their mom. They thought it up by themselves and even treated me with some $$$dollar store$$$ stamping goodies for my birthday. Enjoy and live one day at a time. Carol
Happy (belated) Birthday Lauren!! You will LOVE your 30s! I feel like I’m more “settled” — we have our house, our kids, our lives — and it’s a wonderful feeling. My most memorable birthday was my 27th — I had just given birth to my first child the day before 🙂 She was (and always will be) my best birthday gift. And I guess my second child will alwasy be my best anniversary gift, since she was born 3 days before our 8th wedding anniversary.
I hope you enjoyed your day of shopping and hanging out with friends!!
Wow- you are right. What a decade. I do hope you have a fabulous decade in your 30s. You’ve earned it! As for me, my 50th (2 years ago was pretty special.) My husband had the “Linda Land Ball” and all the guest wore black and white except me; he told me to wear red! I felt like Oprah! There was a “toasting” and everyone said the nicest things; it is wonderful to hear what you mean to people before you die. Best to you and your family- Linda Wince
I love your blog… I think my best birthday is when i got involved in Stamping.. I had a stampinup workshop the same weekend and became a demonstrator… (5 years ago!) what a wonderful road to take.. There are SOOO many talented stampers out there.. I am soo happy to see all the blogs!
I hope you had a fanatastic birthday! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration everyday! All the best to you as you start a new and wonderful decade!!!!
Happy Birthday…the best is yet to come!
My best birthday was 37…I finally felt grown up an adult not that I wasn’t it was like coming of age to me.
Thanks for the chance to win that fabulous birthday blog candy and the cupcakes set… I hope I win that set.
Sharon
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!
My Best Birthday was when I received a brand new 2005 Denali for my 27th Birthday. My Husband really spoiled me that year.
Oh Lauren!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you had the most wonderful birthday EVER! I too will be celebrating my big 3-0 come this November!
Best B-Day memory – this one is hard I don’t have alot of happy childhood memories – nice but nothing awesome. Best gift would probably be the camera my hubby gave me last year!
Gift I would love to recieve – decked out computer equipped with lots of memory and scrappin software with 12×12 printer and training on how to use!
One thing I have learned from life – Things will not go away simply because you want them to and ignore them – deal with life head on! Oh and insurance companies are a PITA to deal with!
Words to live by – Life is too short to spend it cleaning – go play with your kids or stamps!
Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!! The BIG 30!
I would love to receive a trip to Ireland for my boys and I…..That would be the ultimate gift for me!
Many Blessings on your B-day!
Congrats on reaching the big 30! Sending lots of birthday wishes your way.
Something I’ve learned in my 45+ years is a quote from a poster that says,
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be NICE.”
Great words to live by. Thanks for giving us a chance to win.
You’re are too generous.
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! May your year be filled with good health and happiness. Words I live by, during hard or sad times are, “This too, shall pass!” It is something my mother-in-law would always say to me and it is so true! The problem is – “It” passes all too quickly. A gift I wish for is Hero Arts Cupcake stamp set and a modern kitchen (my appliances qualfy as “antiques!) Thank you so much for your inspiration, generosity and for this opportunity!
Barb
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!! I love your blog, and I love everything you wrote about on your big 3-0!! I am 30 too (but I only have a few months left until 31), but I know all the hardships of being a young single mom, then how wonderful it is to find the man of your dreams to make your life complete! I’ve been there too! So… I wanted to share how wonderful my 30th was this past August! I went shopping with my mom and was down because I didn’t think my husband had planned anything for my 30th. He then called and told me he had made reservations to my favorite resturant Ruth’s Chris. So I hurried home absolutely thrilled that he had thought of something wonderful. I flung open the door and there were all my friends and family shouting “SURPRISE!”. It was WONDERFUL!!! He couldn’t have done it any better! It was the best birthday I have ever had!
Anyways… thanks for sharing such wonderful words on your big day! I hope it was great!
Lauren,
Happy Happy Birthday to you!!! Hope your day was full of memories, and surprises! 30 is not that bad….I am approaching 50 and I think the same way about knowing then what I know now….
Have a wonderful day!
Percy
Happy Birthday! The older we get, we do get wiser. God has been so merciful to me, even during the “hard” times.
I have had many wonderful birthdays. The best are always when both of my kids (and now grandkids) get to celebrate with me.
Happy Birthday Lauren.
YOur blog is truly an inspiration.
I am amazed by what you do with 3 kids.
30 is just the beginning for you,Live each day
to the fullest and you will have many amazing days.
Happy birthday Lauren! Hope the next decade brings you much happiness, peace and self-fulfillment for all you’ve discovered up til now. It is good to look back and find the silver lining even in the things that have caused us the most anguish. Life is certainly full of surprises and how we deal with those surprises determines who we are. I have learned the importance of living life to the fullest and to the best of my capabilities always keeping in mind to treat others as I would like to be treated. As for my best birthday – my hubbie and girls placed 40 flamingos on my front lawn for my 40th and surprised me with a trip to New York – I really felt spoiled that day and it was nice to feel like a queen for a day. Again, all the very best on your b-day and enjoy!
Hi Lauren! I just found your blog today and it couldn’t have come at a better time than today. Your words have encouraged and inspired me. Thanks so much. Well for my most memorable birthday…I would have to say when I turned 4. Growing up things were not always happy. My mother was the breadwinner of the family. On my fourth birthday she surprised me with a birthday party with my neighborhood friends, cake, balloons and party favors. She truly made this a special day for me. My mother is now 83 and I will call her and let her know how much I love her and thank you her for the most memorable birthday for me. Thanks, Pam
Have to say the best birthday memory I had was this year, now that my six year old daughter can write, she made be a beautiful birthday card and wrote in it, with such beautiful handwriting, I’m looking forward to many more.
Lauren,
Happy Birthday, My DH has a birthday on the fourth of May. Isn’t it funny how we spend our twenties thinking thirty is old. That is until we get there and realize WERE NOT OLD!!. Wishing you a “thirties” full of laughter, love , discovery, health creativity, and all the blessings you heart most deeply desires. The giveaways look FABULOUS and the card is MARVELOUS!!
Michelle
I look on each birthday as the celebration of a year lived and learned. My favorite birthday memory was probably my 34th. My dear friend threw me a huge surprise party. My family and friends from all over came and it was so fun to be with everyone and feel so loved.
One of the most important life lesson’s I’ve learned is to be happy. Happy where I am right now. That doesn’t mean I don’t look to grow and learn, but that I can look to the future while still enjoying the present.
Happy Birthday Lauren!
Missi
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I read all the way to the end of the list, so I MUST really like you!!! I’m thinking of a birthday gift that I would like is the Nestabilities! It just seems like I NEED them, LOL!! Lately, it seems that I have been celebrating my birthday doing Parent/teacher conferences, and since I’m a teacher I HAVE TO ATTEND!! We have school during the day and conferences at night. However, this year we have NO SCHOOL on my birthday, woohoo.
Have a wonderful day, My dear daughter will turn 30 this year also so I think of you as a “Young One”.
SAndy
I think my 16th birthday was the most memorable. My Mom took me to New York City for the day. We saw a Broadway show, shopped, and ate a big fancy meal. So, this week as my oldest daughter turned sweet 16 we had a trip to NYC and saw Mamma Mia. We had her favorite meal last night and we shopped. I hope she will have fond memories of her 16th like I do of mine.
Happy Birthday Lauren! Hope you enjoyed your day shopping. I loved your #23-in my case it’s six years and counting……:) My best birthday is the one I celebrate every year. Knowing first hand that you’re not guaranteed any tomorrows, each and every one is a blessing.
Tina Phillips
Happy Happy 30th Birthday to you Lauren!! I hope you enjoy your weekend celebration! On my 20th birthday my dh, then boyfriend took me to a Mets game in the afternoon, in the evening we went to see Cats on Broadway and then to dinner at Tavern on the Green in NYC Central Park. I got the whole nine yards, jewelry and flowers too. He has yet to top that one. I’m still waiting and it’s been 20 years, now. This year I celebrate the big 40, we’ll see what happens.
Happy Birthday!
My favorite birthday memory was when I had a Christmas party instead of a birthday party. My birthday is very close to Christmas. I had my friends bring white elephant gifts for each other and we had a Christmas tea. I felt so grown up!
Sara
WOW!! Happy Birthday Lauren!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
I think my best birthday was the one my dad took me to Chicago. I had been there once before but didn’t get to see much. So my dad took me back and we had a great time! I have the best dad ever!! He is currently going through treatment for cancer so I am glad to have these memories!
BTW, 30?! Come on…you’re just a kid. 😉 I turn 36 on May 11th. That puts me on he other side of the hill to 40! UGH!
Happy B’day! Mine was May 1 but the 3-0 was a few years back! The best b’day was my 40th when my son, age 17, organized a surprise party with all my family and friends and he totally pulled off the surprise!! It was a blast.
Best wishes and remember to value the moments.
Feed your creativity!! Jo
happy b-day to you!!!! I hope you tons of gifts!!!
happy birthday lauren!
all hail to the girl who inspires us all (ESP ME!) every day! what a great list!
my favorite birthday “memory” happens EVERY year. since my birthday is on christams day, i get to spend my birthday with everyone that i love! sometime the shuffle from house to house can evoke some whines, but how fortunate i am to be able to travel so many places filled with people that i love and that love me!
i hope that your next thirty are even better than the first 30!
~sarah
[…] miss the chance for MYTIME MAIL HERE!! One more […]
Happy Birthday Weekend! Favourite quote: To thine own self be true. I turned 42 this year and was telling everyone I was 50 so they would say, “Wow! you look great for your age!” It was lots of fun…
from Moe in Canada (who is also 30 with 12 years experience!)
Good morning to you and I hope that your birthday was a great one as they all should be! I love coming over to your site and just looking at all your beautiful cards and reading your inspirations. I am a bit new so reading all the items and suggestions give me the inspirition that is so important. When a new person is starting out it is hard to build and create the cards but with your website and all the many others I have visited make things appear to be a learning experience.
thanks again & keep up the great work
Marge
My favorite bday memory…was this past year. My husband drove to Austin and got some yummy delicious cupcakes for me! It was a bakery that runs out of a airstream that I had seen on a blog! It was so cute and the cupcakes…so yummy! Happy 30th! Lisa K in Texas!
Lauren, I hope you had the best birthday of your life!! You are such an inspiration for so many things to so many people! Your blog is one of the blessings in my life and I thank you so much everything I get from visiting each day.
My best birthday gift was the birth of my first daughter a week before my birthday. What can top that???
Cherie
Happy Birthday! You are a true and genuine inspiration. Such words of wisdom from such a youngster! I don’t have a favorite birthday memory…each and every year I can celebrate with my family is a joy and a blessing!
Happy Birthday Lauren !!!!!!
I read your blog daily. Thank you for all the great inspiration. My favorite bithday memory is when my oldest was born … he was born 5 days before my birthday, so being he was only 5 days old on my birthday … he was and is one of the best gifts I have ever received.
Keep up the awesome inspiration !!!!
First off…. Happy, happy birthday. My best birthday memories are of my childrens birthdays….. and of celebrating those days each year. What fun kids birthday parties are!
What fantastic stamp sets…I’m so excited.
TFS
DianeL
Happy Birthday, Lauren! May you have many more and may your years all be blessed. I love your Bella card. My best birthday memory… I turned 30 on my honeymoon. How special is that! Still in love 28 years later (May 10).
WOW!!! I wish you a special Birthday!! You have been through a lot in the last year and have shared it with us all…Love visiting your blog, if not for the art, for learning more about your family and you. Hope this is the best Birthday ever 🙂
Let’s keep it to good memories–my 30th my husband told me we were going to dinner–no kids. When we got there, all my girlfriends were at a table. He left me with them for a surprise birthday “girls only” dinner–and footed the bill! Fun!
I am so inspired by you nearly everyday, happy birthday, I hope its a great one, you deserve it!
This is something I keep by my bed and read often, I think it is a wonderful guide for living, and full of things I believe you may already know 🙂
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Wishing you a very HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY! Thanks for sharing your adundant talent! You have such a fresh, creative style — I love that your cards and projects are so innovative! AND — it’s really remarkable how seemingly effortless it is for you to do single layer cards, layers, scrappy, stampy, whatever, and they are all totally Lauren and totally beautiful! Enjoy!
Oh, and my son was born just a few days after my Birthday — pretty special memory for me! 🙂
Glad you had a good birthday. Can’t wait to hear about it.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I have turned 30 many times — it’s a wonderful age. Thanks for offering up these goodies and for keeping us inspired with your blog.
OK, what I’ve learned from life is NEVERto expect other people to act/react the way you would, or according to your unwritten script. You will almost always be disappointed. Remembering this has kept me sane
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You SO deserve to be celebrated! You continue to inspire me through all that you do and the positive attitude to keep. Enjoy your 30’s- they will be wonderful years (I think I can still remember mine, lol!)
As for a favorite birthday gift, it is funny to admit this, but what the heck! You certainly share a lot of your personal life with us, so I will share something with you: Of my four children, I got pregnant with three of them ON my birthday. And no, they were not triplets! That was three separate years 🙂 I have always thought that was both funny and at the same time the best gift I could ever receive! And last year on my birthday I received my precious puppy Sophie, shortly following the loss of our 16 year old dog Maggie. So, I have been truly blessed every day, but especially so on some of my birthdays!
I would also like to mention one thing I have learned in life regarding raising children: Always do your best. You will make mistakes and later learn you could have done things differently and possibly better. But, all you can do is what is your best at the time. You can not go back and do it again. So as long as you have done what you believe to be good and right, then you can have no feelings of guilt later on. No parent is perfect- only our Heavenly Father is perfect! But your children are really His children whom He gave you to raise and nurture and love. So as long as you do it with your best intentions and make the best choices and decisions you are capable of, you can feel you have been a good parent. I was always so afraid of doing this most important job “wrong”, but through the almost 24 years I have been doing this, this is the conclusion I have come to. Oh, and while you’re at it, have FUN! The years pass so very, very quickly!
So Lauren, I hope you continue to have a wonderful time celebrating your birthday! I love that you even make yourself a birthday card! You are such a special person and deserve all the happiness you receive!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!! I celebrated my 30th PLUS 14 anniversaries! I love your blog and look forward to receiving the daily updates.
My favorite birthday present was from my DH – my embroidery sewing machine. I also have learned from life – It is way too short so enjoy it!!!
ENJOY your birthday Lauren and thanks for the chance to win – pick me, pick me:)
Hugs
Sue in Kelowna, BC:)
Happy Birthday! It only gets better from here!!
Let’s see..my favorite memory….I guess it would have to be this past year. I was turning 50 and not taking it very well…my DH decided he would make every day of birthday week special! He did little things (making me breakfast before work) and big things (presents – a new lens for my camera was one of the things) all week. Each day was different. That’s when I realized that 50 is like 40 is like 30…it’s just a number and it needs to be celebrated with gusto!!!
OK…now for a gift I would love to receive….I would really love to receive a hadnmade card from any of my blog faves – you are among them! I ooh and ahh over the cards created here and it would be cool to have an original!
And finally, the words to live by….I always treat others the way I want to be treated. As a teacher I think it’s one of the most important things I do. Many kids where I teach come from not so wonderful places. And sometimes, the only kind words they hear are the ones in my classroom. And as for the rest of my day, life is too short to be unkind.
That’s it. That’s “ME” in a nutshell!! Happy Birthday. I hope it’s been wonderful this weeken!
I hope you’re having a whirlwind weekend and the best birthday EVER!!!
You are an awesome young lady filled with wisdom, passion, and caring.
My favorite words to live by are; “find the JOY in EVERY day and thank the Lord!”
and “PEACE is WONDERFUL”. My mother would say that all the time, but not until I became an adult did I truly understand what she was saying.
BIRTHDAY HUGS!!
Hope you’re enjoying your brithday weekend. I absolutely love reading your blog (thanks for all of the inspiration).
My best birthday memory??? My parents threw me a suprise 21st birthday party (12 years ago – yikes!) – it was a month before my birthday, and i didn’t suspect a thing. It was great to have so many people I loved there to celebrate with me.
Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Happy birthday! What a great message to people who are completely wigged out by the big 3-0. 🙂 Frankly, I found that I finally acted my age when I hit 30. It’s been one of my favorite things. My birthdays seems to get by without much to do, but it’s all good. What I’ve liked, is showing my kids how to have a fun birthday, without the aid of Chuck E. Cheese and bouncy castles, and so much hoopla. Just chilling with family and keeping it simple, keeps a good perspective. Again, happy birthday!
Life is too short, live it to the fullest.
Yesterday is the Past, Tomorrow is the Future Today is the Present that’s why its a GIFT. ( I believe that is the way it goes…hehe)
Have a Happy 30th Birthday Weekend. I would love to win one of your goodies.
Wow! You have had an amazingly full life for someone so young, and to share yourselves with us on a daily basis is another amazing feat you accomplish. Your family is truly blessed, as are we whom you share your talents with. I am so happy to hear that your daughter is now cancer free, I have been following your blog for quite some time and happy to know that you all have moved to a “better” place and are ready for what life hands you next – praying for freedom from cancer for your daughter and family.
Thank you Lauren for being who you are and allowing each of us to grow a little by making each of us a part of “your life” also.
Judi V
My best birthday memory was four years ago. My son was born 3 days before my birthday. I came home from the hospital after a high-risk pregnancy with a beautiful, healthy boy, escourted by my in-laws who had driven 5 hours to pick us up. They got us supper, had a little celebration with us, and left again. The next day, Sunday, we went to church for coffee hour so the church could rejoice with us. Then my mom, sister and bro-in-law and nephew came over to celebrate, bringing several meals, cake, flowers, and excitement with them. The memory is still relaxing and makes me smile.
You are so amazing on so many levels. You inspire me to be a better crafter but more importantly a better woman. You are so strong and I admire you for that. I love how you look to the positive and see the beauty in everything. Thank you for being you! Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday!
I think one of my best birthdays was this year ( I celebrated the 2nd anniversary of my 29th birthday!) I had breakfast with my mom, my sister, one of my nephews, and one of my nieces. My niece was so sweet and told me I was the best aunt in the world and that I wasn’t old! lol!
Happy birthday! your blog is great. i check it everyday. you are full of amazing ideas!! my best birthday is everyone that i get to spend with the special people in my life. sometimes with everyones crazy schdules these days its hard to get together for things, so it makes birthdays extra special when i know people that i care about are taking time out for me.
Happy belated birthday, Lauren!! Sorry I wasn’t here yesterday, I was with family celebrating my nephew’s 20th birthday!
One thing I have learned from life is not to envy what someone else has or does but to enjoy what you have – because someone else’s *wonderful* might come with strings! I live in a happy place:)
Happy Birthday weekend Lauren!
You deserve it!
Enjoy all of it!
I really enjoy your blog and all you share with us!
Happy 30th
love,
becky
SCS belledancr
Happy Birthday – may your next 30 years be even more creative, exciting and wonderful!
My words to live by – you learn something new everyday! It is SO true – did you know that dogs are not supposed to eat asparagus – it is like poison to them…I didn’t until yesterday!
Happy Birthday!!!! My best birthday so far would have to be when I got to spend the day with family 🙂 It always makes birthdays that more special. I love your blog, so inspiring 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful day!!!!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!!! Thanks for a chance to win 🙂 I really enjoy your blog 🙂 My best birthday memory would have to be celebrating with my sister 🙂 We have the same birthday but a year apart. When my nephew was born, my family and I flew to Alaska and stayed the extra few weeks so that we can celebrat together 🙂
Hi Lauren! Happy Birthday!
I’m a newcomer to your site and absolutely LOVE it! I wish you so much happiness and peace for your birthday and for years to come!
I guess my favorite birthday memory was when I turned 15. Being Spanish, we, culturally, do something like a sweet sixteen, but at 15 instead. However, being what others would call poor (but what I call financially challenged) we didn’t have money for a party or anything. It didn’t stop my dad from making a FANTASTIC birthday dinner (I can still taste it, it was THAT yummy!!!) and my aunt bought me an exquisitely beautiful cake. I just remember the feeling of being loved…it didn’t matter we couldn’t afford a lot. We were all together and happy and that was all that mattered. Again, best wishes for a lifetime full of love!!!
happy bday Lauren!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend.
As for one of my fav birthdays, I’d have to say last year was memorable. My family totally snowed me with a planned family get-together in Banff, AB. I thought we were all travelling so that we could spend a nice weekend together, seeing as we don’t get together very often, they had planned a surprise and sent me off to the spa for the weekend. They took care of all the kids!!! Pure relaxation for me. It was so very sweet and i really didn’t want it to end 😉 But the nicest thing of it all, was the phone call, saying that one of our twins was past the 3 year hurdle of off tx and cancer free. Nothing could be sweeter than that.
Happy birthday! i love reading your blog–you’re very talented and very inspirational! I’m celebrating the 6th anniversary (cough, cough) of my 29th birthday this year!! HA! If you think the last few years flew by, wait until the next five–they go at lightning speed…
Lauren,
When you see that you have well over 500 responses to wish you a very happy birthday you know you are much cared for. I enjoy your site. Love hearing about your children. I get inspired by your designs and always, always tell others about your site. I am getting close to 50 now and you are right, I wish I knew then what I know now. I have a daughter with physically disabilities and if I could go back with wisdom I would. But since I can’t we get by with love and humor. Take care, belated Birthday wishes.
Oh and I did not reply for a prize.
Loved reading your list!
Others say: “May your next 30…..” but actually, as someone twice as old as you, I can say you have many more decades than 3 to look forward to.
Best birthday memory, my 30th — I had just learned I was pregnant. A new decade with a new baby to look forward to. The thirties were a blast with two kids.
30 years later I dreaded another upcoming decade, this first-born tells me she’s going to take me on a vacation. That immediately lifted my spirits and gave me a new perspective. We had a blast in Vegas.
Happy Birthday Lauren!! I am a lurker here. Just started tuning into your blog about a month ago, and I do love all your cards. They have been such an inspiration for me. I too have three kids and am trying to make time to get to my craft room and create beautiful cards. So theraputic, I agree. Your blog has opened my eyes to many new stamps, papers and companies. Thank you so much for sharing of yourself. . . . . . . a favorite birthday memory for me was turning 27 (just 2 years ago). A girlfriend and I flew to New Brunswick (Canada) from Saskatchewan and then drove a car back home. Through the states with a stop to see Niagara Falls. 5 days in a car may sound boring, but it was such a refreshing time. I returned home with a greater appreciation of all that my husband does for me, and my children (oh how I love them and would do anything for them). All of their smiles and hugs are never taken for granted.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hmm…When I was 16 we had a dance party at a clubhouse. Fun stuff! Thanks for the chance to win! I hope your birthday is FANTASTIC!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!!
I so looked forward to turning 30! For months I told people that I was almost 30 instead of saying 29. Now at 60 I can still say life is all good. Being optimistic really does make life good. Faith and hope make it all good (even with all the problems and challenges).
Happy Birthday, Lauren!! I hope it was wonderful. You are really an inspiration with your positive attitude and gung-ho-ness!! 🙂 A gift I would like to get is a SOLD sign on our old house. We moved 9 months ago, then the market went to the birds and we’re stuck with our old house! So scary in this economy. Anyway, hope you have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday Lauren! Age (and your weight) are just a number and subject to change! LOL Always remember life with all it’s ups and downs is always a joy. When times get tough quitting is never an option!
Happy 30th Birthay Lauren!!!
I just turned 30 myself, about a month ago…LOL… I still can’t believe it, I guess I will when I turn 31 LOL
The best gift I have received, hmmm, I think it was for my 26th birthday, it was from my mom, a plane ticket to the US. But I don’t think she thinks was the best gift, cause I never returned home (besides going to visit).
On a side note, your creations are amazing, and they inspire me so much, thank you for sharing the great work you are doing.
Ilina
I am also turning 30 this year (in August). I agree it’s not so bad. I am looking forward to what is to come. I wish you the happiest of birthdays.
I would love a pair of big diamond earrings. I don’t know if I will every get them, but it’s a dream of mine. My best birthday memory was the birth of my son. He was born the day before my birthday, so my husband tried very hard to make my birthday in the hospital fun. If anything, I have learned that money cannot bring happiness. You must live each day as if it were your last.
Have a great birthday!
i am so glad you had a great birthday!!! my favourite birthday memories are the ones where I was pregnant and new that I was sharing the next chapter in my life with the precious gift from God growing inside of me. My girls are my most precious things in life as I am sure most mom’s would agree. The gift I would love to get is a trip for my whole family to go on- like Scotland, Ireland, etc. The biggest thing I keep learning in life is ‘choose your attitude’. It’s all in how you approach something that often times leads you to who it ends. going forth with positive energy will almost always lead to a positive outcome, even if it’s not the one you thought you wanted. blessings, andrea
Oh my, LOOK at all these comments, WOW!!! Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a fantastic birthday Lauren!!!
My favorite birthday memory, was when my soon to be hubby surprised me with 21 roses on my 21st birthday! My dream gift & something that I want to do before I die is go to Hawaii, maybe someday! The one thing I have learned from life is that if someone asks you to go out somewhere or just spend time with them for the day, say YES, the housework & laundry, etc will be there tomorrow but that person may not be there tomorrow, so cherish the time you get with family & friends!
Thank you so much for offering up & sharing such awesome birthday blof candy!
Happy Birthday Lauren!! I read your blog every day but this is the first time I’ve posted. I love the birthday card you made. Very cute. I have a friend turning 30 this year and that card would be perfect.
My words to live by are I think from Dr. Seuss: Be yourself, no one is better qualified. I might be wrong about who first said it but I always try to be myself and I tell my kids the same thing all the time.
Happy Birthday again!!!
Heather
Scrappinmominky
“Mom of Elizabeth, Sabrina, Nicholas, Totiana, Ranae, Cathy and Patrick
Oh yeah, and two dogs and a cat!”
Happy, Happy Birthday, Lauren. You deserve it! I hope your weekend was everything & more than you expected it to be. You are such an inspiration to so many people…just look at all the posts left before mine. I thought I’d never reach the end!!!! My words that I live by aren’t expressed in the most literate way, but they definitely have worked for me through the years. The older I get, the better I get at observing them! Here they are: “Trust Your Gut”. I don’t say heart, because that brings emotion in and often I make a wrong decision based on that. I don’t say mind, because if I rely solely on logic, I miss out on subtleties that the mind doesn’t pick up on when relying on logic. So I use “gut” because when I trust my gut, I seem to get a feeling that indicates I’m headed in the right direction. Trusting my gut has helped me in recognizing health issues missed by doctors (like a broken back and meningitis). It has helped me in going for a job when I had been fired as a teacher because I had spinal surgery 1000 miles from home (got the notice while in the ICU!!!). It has helped me in deciding whether or not to tell a friend something she really didn’t want to hear and I didn’t want to say, but turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. I haven’t always trusted my gut, but as the years go by, I am more in tune with my “gut feelings” and thus more responsive.
My very best birthday memory came this year, in February. My very best friend invited me over to have Art Day with her children. This is a regular thing we do together, and my role is guest artist. I get the opportunity to teach an art lesson to 2 precious little girls (7 & 8). Well, I had been hospitalized in January when I collapsed in the Emergency Room at the hospital where I work. I spent 5 days in the hospital and about a week after discharge I had a relapse. Well, my birthday fell right after I got discharged, so my friend cancelled the “Surprise Party”, since I was still too sick. She rescheduled and then I relapsed so she cancelled again. The next week no one could come, so she rescheduled yet again. Finally it looked like it was going to happen, and I was CLUELESS. When I got to the house, all my friends jumped out and yelled happy birthday and I burst into tears! Those 2 sweet little girls were the ones that got their mom to do this party for me. I was presented with a tiara and a fabulous ring suitable for royalty and escorted to the kitchen where there was wonderful food to eat, presents and a Coldstone cake for dessert. I was totally overwhelmed and felt so very loved by all these people that I dearly love.
I look forward to hearing about your birthday weekend!!!!
Yes, I read it all to the end – I do really like you! I only know you through your blog, but you are a very wise young lady! You shared so much wisdom in your story – God bless you for the next 30 decades! (a little pun there!)
WOW. I REALLY appreciate your 30 “List”….so many true things! It’s so hard to think of something to add to add to all that! 🙂 I just turned the big 3-0 myself (in Dec)…I think right now, my words of wisdom has come from something I ‘struggle’ with, in a sense:
We all get caught up in the day-to-day living, complaining about this or that. Things can change in an instant, and I am making it my goal to appreciate my husband and daughters (age 4, age 20 mos) more. Spend more time with my daughters and not always be saying “not now….later”. It’s so easy to do…and so easy to be frustrated with them (for good reason! LOL)….but I’m trying to NOT take my life for granted, and LOVE on my family so much! Appreciate them! TELL them I appreciate/love them. Give them lots of hugs!
Thank you for all your beautiful work, thank you for sharing your heart! Thank you for the chance to win this candy!! You are so generous!!! It’s all so wonderful…I have to tell you, I’ve been WANTING that cupcake set soooo much — and here it is! LOL 😉
Happy belated birthday Lauren!!!! Here is my card for the sketc (which I LOVE!!!)
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/904699?cat=500&ppuser=83483
Happy Birthday, Lauren!
Your 30’s will great, but I would have to say that your 40’s will be FABULOUS! In my 40’s I really feel that I know myself and therefore my choices seem to be more conscious. I definitely live by the words “Don’t sweat the small stuff” and I choose my battles. With four kids, there is no other way to survive! My best birthday would have to be 40. That year I asked my husband and kids to make me a homemade birthday cake. They actually put 40 candles on top of their masterpiece…and subsequently lit the entire cake on fire! It was hilarious! The cake wasn’t half bad either… 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend!
Sally
Lauren,
Happy Birthday!! You are so talented and an inspiration to us all. All the things you have been through, and still such a positive attitude! God really is awesome! O really do enjoy reading your blog, and getting ideas for cards. I don’t have many of my own, but you do beautiful work! For my birthday this year, I am getting a new granddaughter. She’s due on my birthday, but anytime around the due date would suit me fine! Again, have a great birthday!
Carolyn
Happy Birthday, i am a May birthday person too! The 17th.
Favorite birthday memory, a surprise birthday party a few years back, thrown by my family, i seriously had no idea! Once i “clued” i had a great time. The sun was out, we had just spent a wonderful weekend at home, great food and memories.
Dawn Madigan
Thinking of you today and hoping this weekend’s birthday celebration(s) follows you through until next birthday…because with each birthday brings a BIGGER and BETTER YEAR! HaPpY BirThDaY!!!!!!
And,… I will share one of MY life’s advice,… “Let my children ALWAY remind of how simple life pleasures SHOULD be. Amaze myself in their WONDERFUL view of life!”
Hugs and a smile,
Tamrah :0)
Happy 29th times 2. You are really a good example on how to embrace 30. You know 30 is the new 20 anyway!!! I would love to own the first set from Lizzie Designs. I hope I take turning 30 as well as you.
Here is the link to my card…thanks for helping me take the plunge…LOL
http://myspringpeaandme.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-finally-did-it.html
Lauren, I truly hope this is your best birthday yet! Life can be so amazing with all the ups and downs, but at least having a birthday means we accomplished all those ups and downs for another year.
On a lighter note–I would love to receive a Score Pal as a gift. However I think my kids believe I have enough “tools” in my stash.
Again Happy Birthday, may you be blessed.
Darlene L
Happy 30 years Young and Many more to come Lauren!
To someone who is so very inspiring to so many. May you enjoy all the good things…no…ALL the Great Things you deserve…why….because you Are deserving!
Look at yourself in the mirror…….take your right hand and put it on your left shoulder and then take your left hand and put it on your right shoulder……you just gave yourself a BIG Hug……from me to you
Hau’oli la hanau (Happy Birthday)
Aloha
Happy birthday I wish your family happiness and health. I’m a new reader to your sight, learned about you through friends at The Paper Tree. I am impressed with your creativity – but even more so once I found out you are a fellow cancer Mom. Having that in common I’m sure you can relate to this – the gift I would LOVE to receive is a permanent clean bill of health for my son.
Thanks
Mel
Happy Birthday Lauren! I enjoyed reading your post and I’m so glad that things are going so well in your life… you certainly deserve it!
I’d have to say the one thing that I’ve learned in life is to say “I love you” to the ones you love as often as possible. We all get busy in our lives or we get into a routine but I think it’s really important to let our loved ones know how we feel about them and it’s so easy to forget that we all need those little reminders. 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend! Happy birthday again… life is good in your 30s (I should know, I’ll be hitting 35 this summer!).
Marica
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/903874?cat=500&ppuser=120493
Is this what you meant?
I hope you like it.
Amy S.
Happy Birthday Lauren! It’s so great to hear such a positive upbeat attitude from someone who has all ready gone through so much in such a YOUNG life. So many lessons in life…but I never let my kids or my hubby go out the door with out knowing I love them! You’re right…there may be no tomorrow.
Happy 30th……!!! I just celebrated by 29th B-day!! One phrase I live by was told to me by a friend my first year in college……..”Don’t do anything you will regret and don’t regret anything you have done!” I love it. When I am trying to make a decision I always lean on this phrase. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
My best birthday, so far, was my 50th…my husband gave me the most wonderful surprise party..he totally fooled me, and I had been completely horrible to him for weeks, because I wanted a party, and he told me he just didn’t have time to get it together right then, and he would do something in the summer!!! My sisters and friends still talk about how absolutely miserable I was, and he just kept listening to me, and refused to just tell me the party was already planned…I have wonderful memories of that night with my family and friends!hat was my best birthday
I am waiting on my DH to finially get me a journey necklace.. I’ve been dying for one for over a year now…
Love visiting your blog and your creations always amaze me…
Happy 30 birthday! I hope you have a good one!
Words to live by~
Don’t sweat the small stuff
and
Pick your battles carefully!!
Have a good one and thanks for the awesome blog candy
Thanks,
Christina Vertefeuille
Happy Birthday Lauren! You’re going to love your 30’s!
One of my favorite b-day – was the one I just celebrated – my 39th. I decided a few months before my 39th that I was going to go “out of the 30’s” with a bang. I’m so greatful for my family, children, and friends. I’m going to ask for what I want and say what I mean. Took me 39 years to realize that people can’t read my mind.
Have a great birthday!
Happy Birthday!!! One thing I have learned in all my years (turned 40 last fall) is to never, ever take any day for granted and always have the last words my kids hear when they leave the house be “I love you”. Hope you have a great one!
Jen
I hope I am not too late but I JUST now got my card made with your sketch. I used this sketch to make my Mother-in-law’s Mother’s Day card. Here is the link for the card in my Splitcoast gallery.
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/904976?cat=500&ppuser=157571
Again, Happy Birthday Lauren. I have attempted your sketch challenge, not happy with the way it turned out, but was too far into to it to turn back, so I’m posting it anyway. I flipped the sketch to accommodate the stamp, hope that’s okay (?):
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/904978?cat=500&ppuser=14246
Your blog is wonderful! My fav bday was my 34th. It occured to me that I hadn’t had a period in a while….we had stopped thinking so much about trying…after 10 years of marriage I found out I was pregnant with my son~ Jack is now almost 3! We are so blessed! 🙂 happy 30th!
Love your site! My favorite birthday was my 13th. My grandma gave me the greatest birthday party because she wanted my teenage years to be better than hers. (They were!)
What I’ve learned from life is put God first, family second, church third and life becomes much more fulfilling. “All we need is Love” — a sacrificial love.
Happy Happy Birthday. I celebrated my 13th anniversary of my 29th birthday already this year! hee hee
Enjoy your 1st.
Happy Birthday! I LOVE Birthdays! I have to say I love them more now that I have kids. My favorite memory of birthdays is celebrating with my Mom. We have a hilarious history of making horrible, disastrous cakes. Now, we are both great cooks, but for some reason, our birthday cakes for each other just flop. For example, one year, the cake overflowed out of the pan and set the entire oven on fire, which my grandfather tried to blow out… scary back then, but hilarious now. The next best one was the year of a heat wave in FEBRUARY. It was so hot, the cake would not stay together. We jammed it in the fridge to solidify the frosting; when we came back an hour later, the top of the cake was GONE… It was stuck to the Refrigerator door… They are fun memories to look back on… This year she just bought me Sprinkles cupcakes… yum!
Have a great year!!!
What amazing blog candy!! You sure give away some great sets!!
I am just going to tell you what I would like to receive as a gift (maybe if I talk nice to my hubby, I can get it for my b-day). What I would love to own is more nestabilities, cause they are the bomb baby!! Also, I can’t hardly look at a blog anymore without seeing copics. Kind of wish I had some of those too!!
Have a great birthday!!
Happy 30TH girl..
I love your work its awesome.. thanks for sharing all the good
stuff.. cheers to the next decade.. tu amiga kat..oh and a gift I would
LLLOOOVVVEEE to receive are COPIC SKETCH PENS!! I don’t have any and I can’t
wait to have some I would love a 72 set.. one day.. 🙂
Lauren–Great blog! I love your ideas…happy 30th birthday too! My favorite birthday gift was on my 16th birthday, I received a white gold diamond necklace from a friend of my parents! What a great gift!! –Whitney
Hi Lauren,
Happy Birthday to you! I read your blog all the time. I really like your style of creativitiy. It’s unbelievable the way you come up with different ideas. If I can have anything, it would be the whole set of Copic markers. I have asked for this for my first wedding anniversary from my hubby, but I doubt he will get it. Even though I am crazy for it, I would feel guilty spending so much on markers.
Carol.
So glad to hear that you had such a fun birthday! I am also 30 and since I hit the big 3-0 I am working on saying NO, just like you mentioned in #6. I am a people pleaser and like to help everyone out, but sometimes it can be overwhelming and I have no “MYTIME” left. I ran across your blog a few months back and have loved looking at your cards and projects, but you are so much more of an artisitc inspiration now. After reading your story and learning about how you have overcome so many obstacles, I look to you as more of a life inspiration. You’re the best!!!
Happy B-day Lauren… I know that you mean about turning 30… I am 37 now and I can’t believe that the years flew by I went to good times and bad… But I think up remember all the good… And as a parent you remember the good of ur kids…
My favorite B-day gift I ever got was when I was 10 my great grandmother sent me a real baby doll that looked like a real baby … and even smelled like a real baby … and I never played with her I just just dressed her up with dressed that I use to make for her… But the doll was really important to me because my great grandmother sent it to me and I was really close to her…
But I am glad you had a great time on ur B-day … And I am glad to hear that ur daughters last treatment is coming up… I know that is like instant relief for ur whole family… Thank you for sharing you life with us … I just love ur blog…
Happy Birthday Lauren! I can remember my 30th birthday. A girlfriend wanted to take me out to dinner at a local restaurant. I thought that would be fun. As I was driving to the restaurant I thought to myself that maybe other friends would be there. Sure enough, it was a surprise party! Even though I had a premonition, just moments before I arrived at the restaurant, I tried to act very surprised (which in a way I was). It was so nice to have a lot of friends who wanted to celebrate my day with me.
Here’s my sketch finally: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/905060?cat=500&ppuser=2910
Lauren, happy wonderful birthday! This year I am turning 40, so I know how you feel saying goodbye to a decade. One of the things I have learned over the years is to ALWAYS TRUST your gut!
Wow, there are over 600 comments on this post, if you ever get down this far know I was thinking about you and sending you cyber hugs. -michelle
Well, here’s my card! The picture is not the greatest because I took it at night. I will get a new picture SOON! Thanks for the great sketch and, again, Happy Birthday!
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/905070?cat=500&ppuser=157497
WOW!! I just hope my 30th birthday has me as optimistic as you are!! I think for me the greatest gift I could get would be a child. My husband and I have been trying for 4yrs and I am trying to stay positive!!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
You are such a great source of inspiration! I always love to read your blog.
What I would love to receive for my b-day is a dinner with all of my family there. With all of our schedules all over the place we hardly ever get to all sit down together.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Sarah
The perfetc gift to receive is something unexpected that makes you so surprised and so happy that you want to vry. (in a good way:))
Happy 30th birthday!
Wishing you a very happy birthday. I would love to get a present of Hero Arts cupcake stamps. How wonderful that would be – everyone over here in Australia are sold out. Have a happy 30th birthday and the years just keep getting better.
[…] […]
In my kitchen I have this statment stenciled on the wall, “To Know You Have Enough Is to Be Rich…Count Your Blessings”. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in having the “things” other people have that we forget how blessed we really are in the stuff we already have. I love this saying! Happy Birthday Lauren!
Happy birthday Lauren! My last was 30, and I think you’re right to look on it as a new beginning. You have crammed so much in already I’m in awe of you.
My best birthday ever was when my now husband proposed to me 🙂 We’d only been together 6 weeks but we both knew it was meant to be, and I had no hesitation in saying yes. I can’t think of a gift I’d like to receive that would ever top that! (lots of yummy stash would be a pretty good second though LOL).
One of the things I have learned is never to regret anything. I feel that everything I have ever done, whether it was really the right thing or not at the time, has led me to become the person I am now, and I like that person so how can I regret anything?
Hope you’ve had the most fabulous day 🙂
Happy Birthday Girlie!!!! Welcome to the 30’s!!!!
One of the things I have learned is how important family and friends are to me. And how you never stop learning….. even at 30. 😉
Happy Belated birthday Lauren! I tried to put this comment up on your bday but I was using a mobile device and it wasn’t working out too well! one of the things I have learned with age is that you can’t always trust everyone but you also can’t shut everyone out. Just feel people out prior to divulging any type of information. Glad you had such a great birthday and I love your Bella card!!!
Angie
Happy Birthday Lauren. You sure look younger than 30!!! I would love a Cricut for a birthday gift. Coool, right? But the best birthday I ever had was when I turned 50 and my husband threw a big surprise party for me. WOW!
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
I turn the big 3-0 this year also! I wasn’t exactly looking forward to it but after reading your post and thoughts I guess it isn’t so bad 🙂 Anyway, I hope that you had a great day and a wonderful year! I’m planning on going to Convention for SU! this year so, I think that will probably be all of my “presents” for the year, lol. So, I’ll give you my favorite memory…when I was 9 all I wanted was this Crayola kit that came with a spinning holder with EVERYTHING…paint, pencils, crayons…well I knew where my mom used to hide our presents and I found it one day (way up high in her closet…I know-I just couldn’t wait to be surprised:) Anyway, I was so excited that I kept going just look at it any chance I got. Finally, I must have gotten sloppy putting it back exactly how I found it and my mom figured me out. She confronted me and told me she was going to take it back-AHHH, I was devistated!!! Well, my birthday finally arrived and guess what I got…my awesome craft kit. My mom is AWESOME! So, I hope that you got everything you asked for and LOVE…Happy Birthday, Lauren!
First of all….I totally love your Bella card!
I love reading your list, and you are so right on with your answers!
I celebrated your birthday by doing your sketch! *4* cards!! (One of them I did two of so there are only 3 in my gallery.)
So glad you had a wonderful birthday!!
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=30589
Here is a much better picture of my card! Thanks again Lauren!
http://stephsstampinstuff.blogspot.com/2008/05/double-challenge-for-you.html
Lauren, you are wise beyond your years! I’m sure all that life has thrown you has made you grow up fast. I love coming to your blog for your amazing arwork and ideas but also for your wonderfully positive posts. Happy birthday!
WOW! Talk about a lot of comments! Just wanted you to know that the card is awesome (as usual) and I especially loved the reflection — I gave it a shout out on Card of the Week. Check it out… http://www.cardoftheweek.com/2008/05/card-of-the-w-1.html
Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Susanna
Happy happy birthday to you and many more! People are so great! I remember not too long ago when I was sooooo sick on my birthday that I couldn’t even get dressed. So one of my friends brought over a couple other very close friends, along with cupcakes. They stayed just long enough to really cheer me up and were the kind of friends who can see you looking your worst and it’s ok. It doesn’t take much to make life really special. DianeL
first off-that card was so cool! loved it- and happy birthday (belated) – I took a week and half off stamping to get my garage sale in order and spring clean my house. Whew – now I can get back to stamping, reading fun blogs and spring/summer sports games (well, and a little housework thrown in for good measure).
[…] BIG giveaway! In honor of my?30 years, Im doing THREE random.org winners!!! So THREE people have a chttp://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/05/03/30-things-i-learned-along-the-way-mytime-mail…In brief: Matters of Faith Anchorage Daily NewsMOTHER’S […]
[…] […]
I hope this decade goes smoothly for you ‘cuz your 20’s were certainly enough turbulance to last a lifetime!
A long-time fan, I just made a card loosely based on this sketch and thot I’d share (just realized you had an additional DP on the card … well, such is life, y’know?! – the card’s moved on to its recipient now, anyway!):
http://sueblondin.blogspot.com/2008/05/back-from-jessys-bday.html
later, alligator!
– SueB
hi lauren
you are truly one of the most amazing inspirational women ive ever had the chance to come across xx
your blog is from the heart and i wish i could move and be closer just to have a friend like yourself xx
stay true to yourself you are certainly a jewel x
love and magic to your lucky lucky family and friends x i love your top 30 tips and yes i read it all and yes i like you lots hehe
[…] 30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL! – My Time, My … hopfeed_template=””; hopfeed_align=’LEFT’; hopfeed_type=’IFRAME’; hopfeed_affiliate_tid=’WICKED’; hopfeed_affiliate=’mercator’; hopfeed_fill_slots=’true’; hopfeed_height=100; hopfeed_width=550; hopfeed_cellpadding=5; hopfeed_rows=1; hopfeed_cols=2; hopfeed_font=’Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif’; hopfeed_font_size=’9pt’; hopfeed_font_color=’black’; hopfeed_border_color=’transparent’; hopfeed_link_font_color=’#9d080d’; hopfeed_link_font_hover_color=’#3300FF’; hopfeed_background_color=’transparent’; hopfeed_keywords=”; hopfeed_path=’http://mercator.hopfeed.com’; hopfeed_link_target=’_blank’; […]
Its really great, this blog has got really very great stuff which helps us to know what is actually going on.Keep it up the good going.
In these years, asics online are so hot with no doubt. Do you know the history about ASICS? Asics named from the famous Latin motto “Anima Sana In Corpore Sana. This maxim means “SOUND MIND,SOUND BODY” which is also ASICS spirit of enterprise. From the beginning, the company pay great attention to series of Asics running shoes. Although Asics online are not hotter than Nike or Addidas, they are also professional running shoes brand,such as Onitsuka Tiger. Welcome to http://www.asics-tiger-shoes.com/,every customers. Try our best to provide good service for you is our pleasure!
Youth is not a time of life, it is state of mind.
every post is great!! thanks very much for your sharing. i like your writing.
Christian Louboutin Maggie – Tobacco Pumps with 140mm thin covered heel. Signature red leather sole.
discount Abercrombie & Fitch Available in Tobacco. Victoria Beckham
Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags and Wholesale Gucci Bag Online Here
Welcome to louisvuitton-gucci.com online shop.
On the internet there are many online stores that offer [url=http://www.hatsland.org/jordan-hats-c-40.html]Jordan Hats[/url] , but it is the best. In serving customers, it always put the best service and they only sell the [url=http://www.hatsland.org/baseball-hats-new-york-yankees-hats-c-3_22.html]New York Yankees Hats[/url] with the best quality. You will be pampered with a wide range of choices, many prestius brand hats offered by caps-hat.com, such as dc shoes hats, monster energy hats, bape hats,new york yankees hats and so on.
There is a YiLuoKui passport with the safety of the problem
Other north face sale team members were from the United States and Canada, although the team’s YiLuoKui Indian YiLuoKui family members of the nation.There is a YiLuoKui passport with the safety of the problem
Other north face sale team members were from the United States and Canada, although the team’s YiLuoKui Indian YiLuoKui family members of the nation.There is a YiLuoKui passport with the safety of the problem
Other north face sale team members were from the United States and Canada, although the team’s YiLuoKui Indian YiLuoKui family members of the nation.There is a YiLuoKui passport with the safety of the problem
Other north face sale team members were from the United States and Canada, although the team’s YiLuoKui Indian YiLuoKui family members of the nation.There is a YiLuoKui passport with the safety of the problem
Other north face sale team members were from the United States and Canada, although the team’s YiLuoKui Indian YiLuoKui family members of the nation.
Hey, just looking around some blogs, seems a pretty nice platform you are using. I’m currently using WordPress for a few of my sites but looking to change one of them over to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Anything in particular you would recommend about it? Agen Bola Bola Tangkas
http://www.real-uggs.com
http://www.real-uggs.com
http://www.real-uggs.com
http://www.real-uggs.com
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really realize what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked.
Welcome to buy cheap Canada Goose Jacket .We supply all kinds of Winter Jackets Sale
Your article is pretty nice and I like it very much.But at the same time, I want to share something which is pretty nice too.At cheap dvds customers all register now will get a coupon valued $5USD. The coupon expiration date is October 31.So I just want you to enjoy it.
walt disney 172 discs dvd
That’s what I am looking for.This is awesome and I also want to share something cool with you.That is cheap dvds and they have some discount before October 31 to celebrate the Halloween. I hope you would like it.
spartacus blood and sand season 1 dvd
That’s what I am akoya pearls looking for.This is awesome and I also want to share something bridal jewelry cool with you.That is cheap dvds and they have some discount before October 31 to celebrate the Halloween. I hope you would like it.
The første par gør brug af den livlige gule hele den øverste, mens sort rammer Swoosh, foring og Lunarlon mellemsål.
This post is genuinely a fastidious one it assists
new net users, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
This plan is particularly for the people who are paid and in core of thirty day period got jammed
to some economical crunch This debts are less than your amount owed, nonetheless, the amount depends on the IRS Thus, you might be at pleasurable to
enjoy a convenient these loans Presently, 24 hour loans on the internet are widely offered to help many consumers who are occupants
of UK The money contains a very essential devote our living and
we can simply not accomplish all the requirements without the deficiency of money The easiest way for society to
become educated about the influences each of our choices make,
would be to go to school and start creating these conclusions at a young age Before applying for these kinds of
loans, a number of the conditions that a new borrower will need
to satisfy will be that he must be 18 years old or above, must be the UK individual, must have long lasting income
source and ought to have an lively bank account for your
money transaction Economic crisis are often very intense throughout month, and also there
might be snug financial condition at the time or by
the end of month however we need to carry out it no matter the reason may
be Since the software for the recent school twelve months
expired, fascinated applicants can easily check the Scholarships for Navy Children web site or their local commissaries by means
of November, This year for the option of application forms
for the following school year, 2011-2012 The following tips will
help you understand the home loan, and also protect forget about the In other
words, bad equity happens when the value
of a tool is lower than the debt which is held from
it Human resources software is a different breakthrough in technology
thus not everybody has access to this gold mine Sign your agreement amongst you and the bank Some of the stuff that have come from the mouths with Sallie Mae customer service distributors have the fact is telling people
to borrow money by family and friends to cover their financial debt
off The actual post dated check involves borrowed quantity and lender
Companies declare these actions provide legal grounds for termination, arguing that will such content articles are damaging recommended to their corporate photograph and adversely impacts organization If the client meets these said problems,
lender may grant the income to the debtor While those that have any
credit rating background as arrears, chapter 13, insolvency along with poor credit past
can easily seek economic reduction with online payday
advances UK The dividend might be skipped if your company out of the blue found by itself strapped for
cash, nonetheless it might not be shed; this would rely
upon the inventory being final or noncumulative Military
divorce attorneys are difficult to read about because of it’s specialized
and various field, however the San Diego Separation and divorce Center makes it much easier
for soldiers married couples to locate lawyers accustomed to state and federal divorce proceedings laws
After submitting the online applications variety,
on line Simply no Faxing Needs Payday Loans transferred to your traditional bank
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It will always be exciting to read through articles from other authors and
use something from other websites.
Not all law firms are accredited to the Better Business Bureau.
By October 2007, Medtronic had notice of at least 665 chronic fractures in returned Sprint Fidelis leads.
After an accident you only have a short amount of time to document the scene.
You could certainly see your expertise within the article you write.
The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid
to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.
I think this is one of the such a lot vital information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. However should observation on some general issues, The web site taste is ideal, the articles
is in point of fact nice : D. Good process, cheers
owever should observation on some general issues, The web site taste is ideal, the articles
is in point of fact nice : D. Good process, cheers
Je voudrai vous dire que c’est v�ritablement du plaisir de vous lire
Je suis press� de lire votre prochain post
Un mmagistral bravo � l’auteur du blog
Vous nous concoctez continuellement des posts passionnants
Est-il possible de vous reprendre 2 3 lines pour mon site internet perso ?
Vous r�digez continuellement des aarticles passionnants
Je suis clairement d’accord avedc toi
It’s really a cool and helpful piecce of info. I am glad
that you simply shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Can I simply say what a relief to discover a person that actually knows what they’re talking about on the web.
You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it
important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised you are not more popular since you surely have the gift.
The jailbreak procedure will start automatically and will conclude after the device is restarted by
it. The telephone is zippy and manages apps well. This is significant without
which it would be of no use.
Her companion Derek Hough is a perennial preferred of
DWTS, and a previous champion with Brooke Burke. Appear at the numerous
lobsters and snow crabs kept in holding tanks. You can see the buoys for the traps all alongside the bays.
http://prizeegenerateur.fr/
I’ll immediately grab your rss as I can’t tto find your e-mail subscription link or newwsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly let me recognise so
that I could subscribe. Thanks.
hello!,I like your writing so a lot! proportion we be in contact extra approximately your article on AOL?
I require an expert in this areea to solve my problem.
Maybbe that’s you! Taking a look ahead to peer you.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you’re
a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and will often come back
later on. I want to encourage continue your great work, have a nice morning!
Amazing! Its actually remarkable paragraph, I have got much clear idea concerning from this article.
Salutations de Ohio! Je suis Bored to Death ennuyer au travail alors je ai d�cid� d’v�rifier site web sur mon iPhone pendant
la pause d�jeuner. Je appr�cie vraiment info offrir ici et ne peut pas attendre de prendre un coup d’oeil quand je rentre
� la maison. Je choqu� comment rapide votre blog charg� sur mon portable
.. Je ne suis m�me pas en utilisant le WiFi, juste 3G ..
Quoi qu’il en soit Quoi qu’il en soit, fantastique site!
Votre site de Blog ont une page de contact? Je vais avoir un moment difficile ennuis localiser, mais, je aimerais envoyer shoot-vous un e-mail.
Je ai quelques id�es cr�atives id�es pour votre blog, vous pourriez
�tre int�ress� audience. De toute fa�on, une grande place Blog et
je ai h�te de le voir d�velopper cro�tre au fil du temps.
I am in fawct grateful to the owner of this web page
who has shared this wonderful piece of writing at at this place.
The pair then transformed The Cosmopolitan magazine into a literary
magazine, which became a success. Have a good time and
remember, it’s Blind’ Jim Blind. We had been sent a package that day, we open it to find a 4 dvd box
set.
At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, after
having my breakfast coming over again to read other news.
The general told me the EC that won the bid will simply pay his
guys straight time for saturdays and sundays.
You understand her and you want to listen her problem ‘ expect her past relationship problems.
This is just to give you a little push, there are other techniques but use this for now.
It is now very popular to exercise right cleanliness and this can be attained with
the use of beauty and also bath items. Jason and I really worked
hard to find the comedic moments. It is understood that the
equipment and reagents in the official launch nearly 10 months of time,
only Shandong, Xinjiang, Shaanxi and business units,
each month, with regular and normal use of the purchase of
equipment and reagents, However, many areas of our province,
including the purchase and very few users, so far, sales to the province
of milk stations and dairy equipment companies only 11 boxes, and Urumqi, very different than a month
to buy 12 boxes. After several texts and a few phone conversations, I agree to go on a date with him.
Your physician may very well strongly recommend a extremely
good dermatologist. Doing online dating and then emailing a few guys is one thing.
Download now Dragon Blaze Cheats Hack Tool and fully enjoy the game by adding Unlimited Gold and
Rubies to your game!
I would agree there’s a great variety in the quality
distributed between various online schools.
Likewise, when i finished the body ointment
that my perfume included i paired it with Shower & Body Works’ Golden Woods.
Eyelets have two parts and you put in on top and below the hole before using the eyelet setter.
The different models of the Mini Copper available
that can choose from are Mini Cooper S, the Mini Cooper Convertible, the traditional Mini Cooper, the John Cooper Works and the Mini Cooper Clubman. Then your
staff can help them get more insight into what you provide.
Leave a reply