tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87900562685075894822024-03-05T06:20:07.450-06:00the simple lifeLaura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-42259923925612489122013-06-27T20:47:00.001-05:002015-07-24T21:24:56.429-05:00Fourth of July!I cannot believe that the Fourth of July is ONE week away! Where has this year gone? Anyways, one of my favorite things to do to get in the spirit of any season or holiday is to update some of my decor. One of the easiest things for me to change out is the frame on my entry table. I always have some type of print in there, and this will be my current one that I just finished.<br />
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For those of you that aren't into all that color, I just added a chalkboard version one as well:<br />
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I've decided to offer this as a free printable, so go ahead and get it <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-U3End7Wj2gc1NpajRvRDVhRGs/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> (for the chalkboard one click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-U3End7Wj2gLVFWekhPZGZlWGs/edit?usp=sharing">here</a>). Just download the file to your desktop and print at home. It is sized for an 8x10 frame. Feel free to share with your friends, but please don't claim it as your own. <br />
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I hope everyone has a great and safe Fourth of July!<br />
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Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-64580876283729204632013-05-30T21:00:00.000-05:002013-05-30T21:00:43.298-05:00Meet Harper | 7 days young...Remember <a href="http://www.lauraacton.com/2013/04/katie-steve.html" target="_blank">this</a> amazing couple? Well... their sweet daughter, Harper has finally arrived. She was born on May 19th and is as precious as ever.<br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-60534731779404966962013-05-13T21:35:00.001-05:002013-05-13T21:35:35.652-05:00ForrestThe best part about heading to Indiana for a few days? Why seeing my handsome nephew of course! Forrest is almost 9 months old now, and I am so in love with him. His smile and laugh seriously melt my heart.<br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-7585523907511117052013-05-12T19:11:00.001-05:002013-05-12T19:16:26.950-05:00Happily Engaged!I spent the last few days visiting family in Indiana, and I had a really great time. I was able to spend some serious time snuggling my handsome nephew (post is coming on him!) and hanging out with my parents and sister-in-law. It was a pretty low-key time, so imagine our surprise when we get the call that my little brother is ENGAGED! Say what?!<br />
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We love, love, love Lindsey... and I'm so happy she is stuck with us now! I have the hardest time believing this even happened because I still think of my baby brother as the 14 year old he was when I last lived at home. Obviously he's done some growing up over the last few years, and I'm really excited for them both. Growing up as the middle child stuck between two brothers wasn't always easy, I remember I always wished for a sister. Lindsey will make sister-in-law #3 and I. Am. THRILLED.<br />
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Obviously I had to sneak in some pictures of these two love birds before I headed home, and here are some of my favorites!<br />
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Gerrit & Lindsey.... congratulations on your engagement. I hope and pray that marriage brings you both a lifetime of happiness and joy. The best is truly yet to come!Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-82721423657973458322013-04-21T15:26:00.001-05:002013-04-21T15:26:36.604-05:00Katie & SteveLast weekend I had the pleasure of taking some pictures of Katie & Steve who are expecting their very first baby next month. Let's just say little Harper is going to be one blessed girl, and she definitely has the CUTEST nursery I've ever seen!<br />
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Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day...<br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-83083050917913595892013-04-07T13:02:00.002-05:002013-04-07T13:02:27.624-05:00Spring has sprung!I think it is safe to say that Spring is <i>finally</i> here! Spring is definitely one of my favorite seasons. There is a fresh smell to the air, and the budding flowers can certainly brighten anyone's mood.<br />
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The best part about Spring in Texas? Beautiful blue bonnets. They fill up the fields and line the highways for the most breathtaking sight.<br />
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Here are some of my favorite shots from last night! <br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-73142409831800354152013-02-16T22:49:00.000-06:002013-02-16T22:49:30.581-06:00Love of the ball...Today Damon was playing fetch with Dozer... and somehow he ended up throwing his FAVORITE ball over the fence into our neighbor's yard. We didn't want to sneak in to their back yard, and we're pretty sure they have a newborn so we didn't want to ring the doorbell.. so what do we do? Go buy a replica of course!<br />
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One of the reasons we got a bulldog was because they were a lazy breed. Apparently not ours. He can run SO fast when it comes to his favorite toys. <br />
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I love his tongue :)<br />
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And just because I love my husband's eyes.. I mean.. look at that...<br />
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Hope everyone had as great of a day as we did!Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-13199106495188674282013-01-09T21:27:00.000-06:002013-01-09T21:27:24.699-06:00Sin City<i>What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas</i>, pretty sure that phrase is referring to my money. There is none left. We spent last weekend in Vegas, and as usual, had a great time :) <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Typically Damon and I tend to play more tables games than anything, but this trip we were all about the penny slots. My new favorite machines are Wizard of Oz and Batman. Like the hardcore versions. They have huge interactive screens over 2 - 4 machines, and the seats have speakers in them. It is quite an experience when you make it to a bonus! AWESOME. We also played some electronic craps and some spinny game --no clue what its called-- but we won a bunch of money on it, which we lost later obviously.<br />
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We also went to see KA which was the Cirque Show at the MGM. It was a-ma-zing. I seriously could watch an all day documentary of behind-the-scenes of this show. It was so incredible, and I loved every minute of it! <br />
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Other than that we really just ate a lot and gambled :) Here are a few pictures from some of our favorite things:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Largest Chocolate Fountain!</td></tr>
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Hope everyone is enjoying 2013 as much as we are!<br />
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Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-2371974997420609042012-12-26T20:31:00.000-06:002012-12-26T20:31:08.214-06:00An Acton ChristmasI can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. I've started taking some of the decorations down, but the house was looking SO empty, so I stopped!<br />
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Spending Christmas 1,000 miles from family definitely seemed daunting our first Christmas in Texas, but thanks to Skype, we don't even miss a beat!<br />
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Here is a quick glimpse into the VanderLugt Family Christmas. The best part is, we didn't even have to get off the couch :)<br />
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Dozer always loves a cheese and bacon filled bone... <br />
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Not so sure he loved his new vest quite as much... <br />
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Damon surprised me with SO many great gifts this year, I loved them all. Two of my favorites were this Carhartt Vest and super cute apron.<br />
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Some of Damon's presents... <br />
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Dozer enjoying a toy from Grandma VL (that lasted all of 10 minutes) and his new "flannel" jacket. His camo bed is where he spent the majority of Christmas sleeping!<br />
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I hope everyone had as an amazing Christmas as we did!<br />
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Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-73289280725720419012012-12-24T07:58:00.000-06:002012-12-24T10:48:14.301-06:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas!<br />
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I decided last night to force Damon & Dozer to take a picture in front of our tree before all of the presents are gone... getting those pictures *with* the dog can prove to be a disaster, see below:<br />
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So we will settle for this instead...<br />
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Merry Christmas :)Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-57011702818059488862012-12-23T15:19:00.004-06:002012-12-24T10:48:26.284-06:00Backyard ProjectDamon and I have been in this house for almost 10 months now, and we are finally doing a little back yard makeover. We are *so* thrilled that this is happening! Our yard is pretty big (and Dozer loves it!) but our concrete patio was so tiny.<br />
<a name='more'></a>We are extending our back patio and also adding a fire pit! We've always had a fire pit and we love them so much. I can't wait until next week when we will be able to use it. Next on the agenda will be to create some kind of shade over a portion of it and then some landscaping. Our hope is to spend a lot more time outside in the evenings, and I think this will help.<br />
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Before / During:<br />
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After:<br />
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We also got our shed this week! One thing we've had to adjust to since moving to Texas is the fact that basements don't really exist here. We've really utilized our attic space, but our garage is over-flowing. We've been waiting and waiting to be able to get this shed. Damon can't wait to reconfigure the garage and move stuff to the shed.<br />
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It is amazing what kinds of things get you excited as you get older... we are hoping to have our first fire for Christmas! Hope everyone has a happy and blessed Christmas!Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-36951614293055702292012-12-19T19:56:00.001-06:002012-12-19T19:56:37.518-06:00Baking Extravaganza'Tis the season to bake! One of the best things about the holiday season is all of the amazing food, specifically, desserts! My mother-in-law brought some delicious cookies to us a few weeks ago when they were visiting, but those are <u>long</u> gone by now... so I thought I'd make some of my own. Damon also swears that we need to leave cookies out for Santa, but I know this is really just his ploy to get me to make gingerbread men for him.<br />
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I tried a few different recipes this year and thought I'd share them here.<br />
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<b>Gingerbread Men</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://tonispilsbury.com/recipe-for-a-perfect-gingerbread-man/" target="_blank">Toni Spilsbury</a><br />
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These turned out really great! The cookies have the perfect gingerbread taste and are soft and chewy. If you let them sit in the fridge overnight and then bring them back to room temperature the dough is easy to work with. I used <a href="http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/cookie-decorating-how-tos/" target="_blank">royal icing</a> on some of them, and store bought frosting for some others, with sprinkles and m&ms to finish them off Damon really likes them, but decorating is so. much. work. <br />
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<b>Skinny Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://dashingdish.com/recipe/skinny-chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge/" target="_blank">Dashing Dish<b> </b></a><br />
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Katie over at Dashing Dish is incredible. Seriously. I have made *so* many recipes off of her website, and all of them have been amazing. The best part is they are healthy versions of your classic dishes, and they still taste great. This fudge was no exception. It doesn't taste like your traditional fudge because of the cream cheese, but I think it tastes even better. Next time I would definitely use saran wrap in the pan to help get it out easier. <br />
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<b>Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/raspberry-almond-linzer-cookies-00000000046663/index.html" target="_blank">Real Simple<b> </b></a><br />
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I wanted to make these cookies just because of the way they look. I think they are so pretty, and with the Christmas shaped cutters I found at Michael's, they are even festive! This was probably the most time-intensive recipe, but they are pretty good. I think I rolled out the cookies a little too thick, so I would change that next time. Overall, this recipe worked nicely.<br />
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<b>Peppermint Chocolate Sugar Cookies</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/951668/peppermint-chocolate-sugar-cookies" target="_blank">Martha Stewart<b> </b></a><br />
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These are probably my favorite cookie that I made. The actual cookie has a subtle mint flavor which pairs so well with the mini-chocolate chips. The cookies are then topped with icing and crushed candy canes. Super easy to make, and I think they are delicious. Just keep an eye on them in the oven, I burnt my whole first pan!<br />
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When making more than one cookie recipe, I found it easiest to make everything in stages. I made all of the dough one day and let is set in the refrigerator overnight. The next day I made the cookies and once they cooled all the way, I froze them. I took them out yesterday to bring them all back to room temperature and added the icing and finishing touches today. Does anyone have any traditions or must make recipes for the holidays?
Please let me know if you end up making any of the above recipes and
what you think. <br />
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Hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas!<br />
<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-77190116049667955602012-12-16T22:56:00.001-06:002012-12-17T07:56:16.319-06:00ListsLists are one of my favorite things. I love the satisfaction of crossing an item off after it has been completed. Yes, I even will add things to my lists after I've done it JUST so I can cross it off. I'm that girl.<br />
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I absolutely *love* having a clean house, but I am not so in love with cleaning. I am constantly telling my husband how much easier it would be if we would just maintain the clean house instead of trashing it and having to start over each week. I also loathe Saturday morning cleaning days... they are just the worst.<br />
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I happened to be on Pinterest the other day (imagine that!) and found this <a href="http://www.my3monsters.com/2011/09/housekeeping.html" target="_blank">Housekeeping Post</a> from Amy over at My3Monsters. I was inspired by it, but wanted to create one of my own. She splits her days by focusing on different rooms or areas of her house each day. What a great idea! Mine is very similar, but it is split up by the chore itself. It's easier for me to focus that way.<br />
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I am also going to laminate mine and throw it on the fridge so I can cross off the tasks as I do them. I think the key is to find what motivates *you* individually. For me, it's crossing tasks off my list and seeing that I actually did it. A cute paisley header might help too!<br />
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I designed mine to be 4x6, but you could make one any size. I haven't actually used this yet, but I will let you know if this helps at all. I'm going to do a thorough deep clean, and then see if I can handle this list. It really shouldn't be bad, I tried to keep all of the tasks under 30 minutes a day. Please keep in mind this list is not comprehensive. I didn't put laundry or dishes on there since I don't typically have a problem getting that done. Also, there may be some other tasks that you find more important in your house.<br />
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I decided to go one step further and create a "Monthly Reminders" list for our house for all of those boring tasks like washing the windows and cleaning out closets. We have a tendency to "forget" the last time we flipped our mattress or cleaned the blinds, so hopefully this will help. I'm also hoping it will help us spread these tasks out over the whole year, instead of tackling them all during Spring Cleaning. I'm sure I'll add more stuff to it, but these are the basics I came up with for now:</div>
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I tend to spend a lot more time *thinking* of all the ways I can keep up with housework better instead of actually doing it, so we will see if this helps at all :)</div>
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I have some blank templates below in case you'd like to try this system as well. Just click on the image to enlarge it, right click, and "save image as." Please let me know in the comments if used it and how it worked for you!</div>
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Happy Cleaning!</div>
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Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-54587603581104138712012-11-20T21:01:00.000-06:002012-11-21T09:33:20.832-06:00Holiday PrintsGo check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laPAPERdesign" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop to check out the new Holiday themed prints! Feel free to leave me a note in the comments if there are any prints / invitations / designs that you'd like to see!<br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-53900451604376598332012-11-09T22:50:00.001-06:002012-11-09T23:04:39.639-06:00{LA} Paper Designs*DISCLAIMER* I am writing this post on my phone, so sorry in advanced!<br />
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Today I decided to try and open an etsy shop. I always have *loved* designing small things like invitations and prints... so I thought I'd give it a shot.<br />
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Please check it out and pass it along to anyone you think would be interested. I only have 3 listings right now, but I am hoping to add more very soon along with some custom listing!<br />
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Thanks! <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laPAPERdesign?utm_source=seller_reigstration_welcome_wagon&utm_campaign=shop_open&utm_medium=email&email_sent=1352507105&.user_id=19569364&euid=oP6R7Z_vrFJGIFUHsHxQvESMvfVq&link_clicked=1" target="_blank">My Etsy Shop</a><br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-70183284850698150432012-10-28T21:05:00.000-05:002012-10-29T17:04:20.132-05:00IronmanSo here's the deal... over the last 14 weeks, Damon has been training 6 days a week.. hours each session. Match this up with him working over 55 hours a week (plus traveling), and I basically haven't seen my husband since July. But that is ok. It was all for this. This one day. Race day.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Damon has done plenty of triathlons, but this 70.3 was the longest one he has ever done. For those of you that aren't familiar with this crazy triathlon world, a half ironman is kind of hardcore. It is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike course followed by a 13.1 mile run. And yes, a ton of people do this.. for FUN! Even though it is not my cup of tea, I'm always ready to support the hubby in his psycho endeavors :)<br />
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Our morning started around 4am to make sure we had plenty of time to get ready and get to the race site. Once we got to the expo center we did a lot of running around to check on gear while trying to stay warm (it was 45 degrees!)<br />
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It is so eerie to see all of the run bags lined up while its still dark out...<br />
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**DISCLAIMER - cheering and trying to take pictures is something I have yet to figure out.. especially that part about trying to get Damon in focus, please ignore the horrible quality of what you are about to see! I will work on it, I promise!**<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by the beautiful sunrise... it was freezing!</td></tr>
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We also watched the pros start to come in... this is a super blurry picture, but it is <a href="http://andypottsracing.com/" target="_blank">Andy Potts</a> so who cares!! (PS he won today)<br />
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8:25am finally rolled around and Damon's wave got started, and he was off!<br />
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6 hours and 15 minutes later he crossed the finish line (sorry for the <b>terrible</b> video quality) </div>
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Thanks Fernanda for grabbing this other angle:<br />
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There are no words to describe how extremely proud I am of him. He has worked his tail off, and I'm so happy that he was able to accomplish this. He is such an inspiration to me. He set this goal for himself a few months ago, and through dedication and determination - he reached it.<br />
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This man can do anything he sets his mind to, and I'm so honored to be the one by his side throughout it all.<br />
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Great job today Damon, I love you!<br />
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HUGE thanks to Agnes, Neil, Fernanda, Paula & Dario for keeping me company today and supporting Damon, you guys rock!<br />
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**PS - Macca (<a href="http://www.chrismccormack.com/" target="_blank">Chris McCormack</a>) was in the penalty box near where I was standing, so I obviously got a few pictures and then tweeted him... he tweeted me back :)**<br />
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So.. what did YOU do today? :)<br />
<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-43690678244806979582012-09-30T21:19:00.001-05:002012-09-30T21:19:11.395-05:00Forrest DavidThis weekend, Damon and I *finally* had a chance to meet our nephew, Forrest. Neither of us have spent much time around babies, so I'm pretty sure we were both freaked out <strike>a little</strike> a lot. He is 5 weeks old, and honestly the cutest thing ever. I'm already missing the way he snuggled his little head into me to get comfortable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby fingers :)</td></tr>
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Can't wait until the next time we get to see him.<br />
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Love you Forrest!<br />
-Aunt Laura & Uncle DamonLaura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-33209400671062480332012-09-16T18:56:00.000-05:002015-07-24T21:20:10.087-05:00DIY Restoration Hardware-Inspired ShelvingSite should automatically redirect - if not, please go <a href="http://lauraacton.com/2012/09/diy-restoration-hardware-inspired-shelving/">here</a> for the DIY Restoration Hardware Inspired Shelves!Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-37936859154434130862012-09-16T16:22:00.000-05:002012-09-16T16:22:17.358-05:00PUMPKiN DONUTSWhat else do you on a rainy Sunday afternoon but make pumpkin donuts? I followed this <a href="http://www.blueeyedbakers.com/home/2011/9/26/petite-pumpkin-spice-donuts.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> that I found on Pinterest (where else?)<br />
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I only put the sugar on the top of the donuts, but they were so good! I highly recommend you try making them RIGHT NOW!<br />
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Happy Fall!Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-22792540696357384832012-09-09T21:37:00.002-05:002012-09-09T21:37:13.411-05:00Lens Love - Part IIHeaded outside this afternoon to test out my new lens some more...<br />
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Damon wanted to test it out too!<br />
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<br />Hope everyone had a great weekend! Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-87012937560107548252012-09-07T22:08:00.000-05:002012-09-07T22:08:18.526-05:00Lens LoveI'm pretty sure my family is sick of me taking pictures of them, but what's a girl to do when her new lens comes in the mail? This week I ordered a 35mm f/1.8G lens from Nikon... and it arrived today :) So of course I forced my unwilling subjects outside.<br />
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I only got a few shots in, but I think I'm going to really like this lens. Only time will tell...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trying to catch his breath, it was 99 degrees out after all!</td></tr>
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-56378912686840675032012-07-03T23:19:00.000-05:002012-07-04T00:19:53.145-05:00And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air...Tonight Damon and I decided to head to the Dell Diamond to check out a Round Rock Express game and some fireworks. We sat in the lawn section which was so relaxing and fun.... until the entire area filled up with tons of people. This little boy was the cutest though!<br />
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Anyways, after the game they had a FABULOUS fireworks show. It was amazing, and I love, love, LOVE watching fireworks. We were in such a bad drought last year that we didn't get to see any, so this was awesome. I've always had a hard time getting good shots, but here are a few of my favorite pictures:<br />
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Aside from the BBQ & beer, please remember the importance of this day and what it means to be an American, freedom is never given, it is won...<br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July! <br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-39643172331117061812012-07-01T13:59:00.000-05:002012-07-01T13:59:26.719-05:00Photo Friday: DogThis week's <a href="http://www.photofriday.com/" target="_blank">Photo Friday</a> challenge is: dog! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j78gDdBkLWM/T_CdzGVd7UI/AAAAAAAAAM0/piGphcmRsks/s1600/712-Camera_0029-copy-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j78gDdBkLWM/T_CdzGVd7UI/AAAAAAAAAM0/piGphcmRsks/s640/712-Camera_0029-copy-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-78150068276292153442012-06-28T22:01:00.002-05:002012-06-28T22:01:57.543-05:00Surprise!Normally when Damon texts (or in this case tweets) something about having a surprise for me or trying to win the husband of the day award... I can expect that he is bringing me home ice cream or a cookie.. not today. No, no.. today was much better - he bought me a new camera :)<br />
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I've been eying this camera for a little while, and apparently my husband knows I would never actually buy it, so he bought it for me :) :) :) I am such a happy girl right now! Since Dozer was my only willing subject, you will have to suffer through even more pictures of my dog (cue the groaning). They aren't the best since the sun was starting to go down and Dozer was running around like crazy, but I'm still excited!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F77uCa23y9c/T-0aPyWPebI/AAAAAAAAAMY/ozZA3CHtExc/s1600/NewCamera_0628_0032-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F77uCa23y9c/T-0aPyWPebI/AAAAAAAAAMY/ozZA3CHtExc/s640/NewCamera_0628_0032-copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't wait to get our and test it some more this weekend. Stay cool everybody. xoxoLaura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8790056268507589482.post-72642647637834498172012-06-15T22:57:00.000-05:002012-06-15T22:58:00.773-05:00Bibs & Diapers & Cribs - Oh My!Since last week was really the first time we had been back to Indiana since the big move, this was officially the first time we were able to see Sarah (sister-in-law) pregnant! How exciting! My mother and I also secretly planned a surprise baby shower for her since I was in town. We went with a garden theme for the shower, and I hope she liked it! Thanks to everyone (Debi, mom,Teena, the boys-Mike, Tom, Dad & Damon) for all of your help.<br />
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I also had the honor of taking a few maternity pictures of the beautiful mother to be. I was actually quite nervous, I have never photographed anything other than my dog, flowers or buildings before. Thank goodness an old pro (dad!) tagged along and took photos as well. I ended up liking quite a few of them and learned so much! Would love to practice more on anyone who is willing :)<br />
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Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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<br />Laura Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17168389354291750506noreply@blogger.com0