We're no choir...

As plans were being made for the activities of Christmas 2009 in IL one of Brandon's cousins suggested we go to the nursing home where Grandma Bice lives and sing Christmas carols for her and her neighbors! I remember thinking this was such a sweet idea. I actually recall thinking....They will be so happy to have us there. Why don't more people do sweet stuff like this? (I was really tooting our own horns....internally, of course)

The Sunday after we arrived in Essex, Brandon, his sister Sara and her husband Brett, his sister Lindsay and her boyfriend Dustin, his cousin Cassie and cousin Amy, and I put on our Santa hats and headed over the the nursing home to light up the hearts of the residents and bring them some holiday cheer.
We didn't practice our carols, who needs practice? These are traditional Christmas songs that most of us have sung since childhood. We were prepared enough, with our optimism alone.

As we were walking into the nursing home another family was walking out. They asked if were were there to join the other "carolers"? What? What other carolers? You mean we were not the only ones to think of this idea? Well....my bubble had deflated....but only a little. I mean, how naive am I to think we were the only ones bringing joy to the hearts of these people? Naive......v.e.r.y. n.a.i.v.e.

As soon as we entered the facility we encountered these "other carolers". You would know them easily by their heavenly voices, organization, and synchronising. So...they are good. Really good. And are they an actual choir? Yes, they must be. But, we have Santa hats.....they did not. HA! Oh my gosh...are they harmonizing? This isn't their first road show....I mean...THEY ARE GOOD!

Hmmm....well...we have Santa hats.

If anyone had asked, I would have told them I am not much of a singer. In fact...I like to say I was kicked out of the children's choir at my church. This is not true, at least not to my knowledge...but I can NOT sing. At all. It's bad. And sad. When Brandon and I first started dating I told him he would probably NEVER hear me sing. Of course, that has changed, and he does hear me...but probably wishes otherwise.

So...needless to say, I was not planning on leading our choir. Cassie and Amy would not arrive for about 15 minutes, so the first few songs only included Brandon, Sara, Brett, Dustin, Lindsay, and I (mostly moving my mouth but with few words coming out). Initially we were not intimidated by the other carolers...we still had our optimism...and dignity. We set ourselves in the front sitting room and prepared to spread our holiday cheer. And here we goooo...

The first song was a Disaster. Please notice the capital "D". I know Brandon can sing, but apparently the mix of him and the family and OH MY GOSH...there goes our dignity. The awkward joining of all our voices and the deflated bubbles of optimism came together all at once to create sounds that resembled nothing anywhere close to lovely carols. Thankfully Brett had copies of all the carols we were to be singing, so we knew which words to sing, even if they were sung off key.

So many people were trying to put their wheelchairs in reverse and change directions to get away from us that collisions were happening all over the hallways. People were falling out of their wheelchairs, knocking eachother over, holding their ears and moving as quickly as they could in the opposite direction. Someone even tried to run through a glass window...just to find relief in other sounds or silence. Fine...none of that actually happened, but it could have....or maybe should have.

We were encouraged by the staff to relocate to an area that was less public and more private....we were led into a small activity room...located in a locked wing of the nursing home. FINE...that didn't actually happen either, but we did relocate, only because they were about to have their Sunday evening church...someone had to pray for us!

Thankfully after a few more awkward songs (at this point we were just going with the flow....we had nothing ELSE to loose) Cassie and Amy showed up and joined in our chorus. With their help, and lead vocals, we did not sound quite as lost. The best part was getting to see Grandma Bice. She knew almost every word to every song. And although she may not have thought we sounded very good, she seemed to enjoy the experience!

In the end...it was a lot of fun. And if nothing else a great laugh for all of the grandchildren. These memories will go right up there with Taylor's baptism and the church's version of "Silent Night" played by the stand in organist. And in the now famous words of that pastor "Let's try that one again!"




Grandma Bice with her grandchildren

Christmas eve....

Today is Christmas Eve day! We are blessed with a gorgeous 50 degree day in Knoxville. Brandon and I drove, really Brandon did all the driving, from Chicago to Knoxville yesterday. We left a day earlier than originally planned, but a potential weather hazard was looming and we decided driving and ice were not a combination we wanted to include in our holidays this year.
Glad to be home, in our own beds, but sad to have to leave the family we don't get to see often enough. This year the Bice family has had many blessings. Brandon and I finally got the opportunity to meet new nephew Evan, and cousins Ryan and Cara. It is amazing how family can change from one year to another.
Pictures will be posted within a day or two....I promise.

I have found I am not as Christmas-y this year....just not quite gotten into the full mood. Even though we have done all the things we normally do, and even enjoyed beautiful snow in Chicago, it just hasn't quite hit me this year. That is, until today. As I walked through the Food City grocery store. And saw their Santa Claus. He was not very convincing, to me, of course. But...the kids shopping with their parents were so excited.
Now don't get me wrong....I understand that Christmas is not about Santa Claus and gifts and reindeer. But, for children...there is something magical about Christmas. And I forgot how fun it was to have that magical feeling....even if it was a fake beard and wig hung over a young man with black hair and stubble showing. I found that little bit of magic at the grocery store. In aisle 4...right in front of the canned meats.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love to all,
Lauren and Brandon

I knew I was happy.....

Apparently Tennessee is the 4th Happiest State in the US! I can not disagree with that, especially since I have never lived in another state. But...I will tell you that I am very happy!

How could these things not make you happy?!







If you have ever been in Knoxville during the fall....you will know that during the right season, nothing makes a Tennesseean happier than....



Having said all of that....
This makes me a little unhappy....

http://www.sphere.com/nation/article/tennessee-toddler-found-drunk-wearing-stolen-dress/19285857

But, in the end...Tennessee is a happy state! It's beautiful regardless of the season, the people are kind and things sometimes go at their own pace....but its what makes us happy!

I haven't really had an opportunity to blog since last week. I fried my work computer(although I am sure it wasn't my fault)....I think I shocked it to death(with love)...and I have been without internet and network connections during the day for almost a week. I did not realize how much I loved being connected to the world each day. It's like I am living in a hole, in the dark, with sunglasses and a mask on or living in the 80's (aaaahhhhhh)! The good news.....I am all caught up on all my non-computer related tasks (mostly). Such as- .......? The bad news....my computer still hasn't been picked up by the repair company, so who knows how long it will be before I get it back. Thankfully....my home computer has internet connections!
So...what's new?

I had a thought yesterday...randomly-
Is Carrot Top on steroids? See picture below...



What's up with him? That's just freaky!

If I never heard another word about Tiger Woods I would be happy. I think what he has done to his wife is just awful....and my heart hurts for her. But none of this, NONE OF IT, is any business of the publics. And yes yes, by being a celebrity he puts himself in the position to constantly be in the eye of the public, he's a role model and all, but give this family a break. What a mess.

The media can be a menace.

Something I took for granted- Knowing the channels on a tv. Yeah, I know...shallow yet simple. I have lived in Knoxville basically my entire life. The only time I would get confused on channels was when the network would change them. Brandon, coming from Chicago and only living in Knoxville for 4 years barely knew any channels. I was his crutch. Him- "Honey, what channel is Lifetime Movie Network" (kidding of course....but I would know it). It used to bother me a little bit, because instead of learning the channels on his own, he would ask me. How lame is that that I was even a little bit bothered by that? I would say "Husband, you need to figure them out on your own. I can't always tell you your channels". What? Why not? We had the little guide box on the screen, so it's not like I was wanting him to pull the info out of thin air (my attempt to sound like it wasn't kind of critchy of me). Recently we switched our cable provider. Now the only channels I have memorized (in two weeks) 280- The Learning Channel and 247- TBS. How sad is that? It's harsh to walk that mile in the other shoes.

It's rained for what feels like a month straight and our backyard looks like a lake. Because of this...our dogs are not able to go outside and run around. And because of this they are driving me nuts. Is this what it's like to have kids on a rainy day?

Critchy- a word Brandon uses. A combination of Crabby and Bitchy. He uses it lovingly and I generally laugh if he uses it, because it's funny.

Sorry honey, I have a headache!

Today I have been suffering through another migraine, my third in the last month. I started getting migraines as a young child and have continued to suffer through them over the years. When I was younger, the migraines would start with flashing lights throughout my field of vision. I would say this is similar to having your picture taken with the flash on, and having that flashing light that remains for a few seconds after the picture is taken. Except, for me...that flash can last anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours. My flashing lights were accompanied by terrible nausea and vomiting, followed by a massive headache so harsh that I would consider manually cutting my head open to alleviate the pain. Luckily, as I got older, my body started "growing out" of some of the symptoms, mostly the nausea and vomiting (so grateful). As a teenager and an adult, migraines essentially meant flashing lights and headaches.
I do consider myself lucky, as I have heard of people who get migraine headaches every day. Mine have a tendency to come and go. I might have a span of 6 months migraine-free, then experience 4 or 5 within two months. Sporadic, unpredictable, and unreliable.
They say I get these from my father. "THEY" of course, refer to the medical professionals, Doctor Mom and Doctor Dad. I don't mean "medical professionals" in the terms of medical school educations, but I do think most parents earn their own level of medical professional-ness by using their valued skills of experience, intuition, and common sense. These skills have been enough for me my entire life....and when Brandon and I start a family, I can 't wait to put my own skills to the test. But, in all seriousness, my Dad suffers from migraines also! So...I get them from him. I would have much rather inherited his business sense and organization...but you can't be too picky!
Anywho...
Although my body "grew out" of many of my original migraine symptoms, this past month has changed. The nausea has returned. These headaches are hard enough, especially when dealing with them at work....I beg my body to please NOT include the nausea...and vomiting.
We shall see where this goes, but I truly hope these headaches will start to be fewer and farther between. Otherwise.....I be resorting back to my completely black rooms with no sound, no light, and wastebasket at hand!

Dixie's birthday

On this day, two years ago, our sweet little Dixie was being born. Of course we did not know her for several more months...but today is officially her birthday.

When Brandon and I decided to get another dog, there was not a moment's hesitation in the breed we would get. After having Noah (who by the way is the best dog on this planet...seriously...meet him and dare to disagree) we knew our hearts would only be content with another pit bull. I had my reservations when getting Noah, but that was mostly because I had never spent long periods of time around pit bulls and I was misinformed and uneducated about the breed, as so many people are. And that is understandable, how would you know how special these dogs are unless you had the opportunity to find out. I am thankful for having that opportunity, and now having two incredible dogs.

When deciding on the exact puppy to get, Brandon and I were very picky. I think it's important to note we did not take home the first puppy we met. We met several. We met some pups out in Grainger County. They were sweet, but looked scrawny and their mom and dad were no where to be seen. When picking out a pit bull it was important for us to meet the mom and dad if possible. To me, their temperment and attitude could show a glimpse of how the puppies may turn out (although this is not always the case). We also wanted to see how the owners interacted with the dogs. Dog can be very impressionable, even at a very early age.

In Newport, we found a good looking puppy. She was all white except for a big blue patch on her head. She was going to be a great looking dog. But, the owner was gruff and made no attempt to be compassionate or loving to the puppies. And the adult dogs were in runs in the back yard, and easily excitable. At one point they got so worked up they were getting aggressive, thankfully they were seperated. This was not the type of home we wanted our pup to come from....pretty dog or not.

Dixie came from a home here in Knoxville. When we pulled up the street for our first meeting, the neighborhood kids were in the fence with the puppies....playing and cuddling and laughing. The puppies loved it, as did the children. Her original owner was a young man. He owned Dixie's mom. And her mom was his baby, much like Noah is my baby. He was so proud of her and wanted to show us all of her cool tricks, like how she climbed trees (that was awesome). She was a sweet dog who was used to being around people, not caged in a back yard. She loved children and was good with other dogs. There was no doubt in our mind we had found the right family!!

The day we brought Dixie home, we introduced the dogs to one another across the street from the house in an open lot. I am not sure if anyone has ever seen a 75lb. pit bull submit IMMEDIATELY to a 10 lb puppy, but that is what happen. Noah had absolutely no issues with letting this little puppy be "in charge". We laughed alot watching there roles play out. Here are some pictures from the first night we had Dixie....




She loved Noah instantly. I am not sure he felt the same way, at least not initially. And although (if he could) I am sure he would not admit it, but he loves her too!

Just like real siblings...

I am pretty sure Noah was scared here...

For the first 6 months or so...this is how she slept (when not with Noah). With her head completely cranked back. It was hilarious to see!

She always wants to sleep right beside Noah


I will not tell you we brought Dixie home and everything has been easy since then. We went through some rough times with her in the beginning. Pit bulls are very smart dogs and also stubborn. We were not completely prepared for Dixie. She tested our limits many many times. We had moments of doubt with her...something I do not like to admit. There was a time where I had thought we made a mistake by getting another dog. Thankfully, that time has passed. She's not perfect, but we would not be the same with out her. She has taught us a lot about dogs, and pits too. I have never in all my life met a sweeter dog than Dixie. And I am not just saying that because she is mine. She wants to love....ALL THE TIME! She is the best cuddler I know, loves children, and just wishes to please. We had a rocky road with her in the beginning, but it was worth the wait!






She is our sweet little girl and we look forward to many more birthdays with her!

Our Christmas lights

Please look past our shrubs that need to be trimmed and my blurry camera work!
These are the lights we put up this year!

Is your house on fire, Clark?

No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.

Last night Brandon and I thought maybe our house was on fire when the fire truck and ambulance pulled up. As the firemen piled out of the truck onto our driveway I actually considered saying to them "Is my house on fire?"
No, you wingbat....it's not. Although it did smell a little like burning plastic, but I think maybe I was imagining that to make the scene more realistic. After I put up all the Christmas lights on Sunday and we had some many problems with fuses and extension cords, I suppose I was just waiting for our own disaster. Brandon said last night "If our house had been on fire I was going to be so mad at you." I bet....I would have been pretty upset myself.

Turns out something was wrong with the neighbors. I couldn't tell exactly what was going on, but someone was put into the ambulance. We were trying really hard not to stand out in the street and stare, so I don't have a more clear explanation....I plan to stop by today and make sure everyone is okay. It was probably the first time I was envious of the neighbors ACROSS the street. They could watch from their dining room windows and seem less like "looky-loos". I just hope everything is okay.

Brandon and I have decided that we are definitely taking BOTH dogs to Chicago again this year. Although we may have avoided one disaster last night.....we might be in the process of planning a new one!

Dogs and Decorations

During the night last night Brandon and I woke up to the howling of coyotes. Well, actually, Brandon woke up, then woke me up to listen with him. It's not unusual for us to hear coyotes and on occasion see them, just as I did one morning on my way home from the gym about 8 months ago.
This morning we stopped by my mom and dad's house to give hugs and kisses to my Grandma who was headed back to Rock Hill. I guess I still had coyotes on my mind, because as we started to turn onto Wright's Ferry I stopped. I said "Oh my gosh...there is a coyote. HE's HUGE!" And Brandon said, "What? Go that way, let's go see him!"
As we got about 20 feet down the road (in the opposite direction we needed to go) Brandon says "That's not a coyote, that's a german shepard."
He was right. Whoops....
Coyote-

German Shephard-

They are kind of similar....right?


I spent most of the afternoon putting up our Christmas lights! I can barely sit still waiting for it to get dark so I can check them out. Pictures will be posted if they look okay!
I think I finally talked Brandon into getting a real Christmas tree...even if it's just a little one. When we got married we did not register anywhere because we both felt like we did not need any more "stuff". So...some great family friends threw us a party last Christmas, kind of like a late reception for our wedding. They asked people to bring us an ornament for our tree. Which I thought was really clever and creative. So now we have like 100 ornaments....and it would truly seem ridiculous to NOT get a tree...even if we will spend most of the holiday season in Chicago.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Ryan and Bice family gathered this afternoon to celebrate Thanksgiving!!
This year's holiday was topped off with the extra seat at our table, Grandma Ryan or Grandma GG, as she is also known! The GG, of course, for Great Grandmother. And she surely is great! My Grandma will celebrate her 90th birthday in January and is as sharp and healthy as she was 20 years ago! She is a lovinng Grandma to 7 grandchildren(not including those brought in by marriage) and 6 great grandchildren! She is a true blessing in my life and one of the many things I am thankful for each and every day! It is always fun just being around Grandma, but I really like to listen to her tell stories about herself, and her marriage and about my dad and his sisters growing up. Today Grandma told me a little about when she and her sister played basketball in high school. She played in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade and was a guard. High school only went up to 11th grade then and it was not until the year after she graduated that they changed it to 12 grades. I was surprised to hear that she was a basketball player, but I suppose I should have known. I hope one day my children will be interested to hear the stories my parents tell! Today was definitely a day to be thankful for!

Brandon and I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday! Sending all our love to those we were not able to see today!

Counting blessings!

Yesterday Brandon and I, joined by my mom and dad, and about 200 other volunteers at KARM, handed out Thanksgiving baskets and turkeys to the needy in our community. This is an event we have participated in for several years. Not only do you distribute the baskets and turkeys, but generally you help the recipients with these items back to their car. It gives you a chance to talk to the individual or individuals and connect on a more personal level. Sometimes you learn a little about their lives or what circumstances brought them to where they are today.

Working at Second Harvest we have seen such a shift in circumstances this year and this shift ties in directly with many of the stories I heard yesterday. ANYONE at any given moment can be just one pay check away from needing assistance. Whether it be an auto repair or medical bill, one week you can be fine and the next you might need a little help. Approximately 75% of the individuals we help at Second Harvest are working poor. People who get up each day, go to work, and do the best they can to support their families. And sometimes...that's just not enough.

There are many blessings in our lives. Ones that I hope I can learn to acknowledge on a regular basis. I am thankful for a husband who is supportive and makes me laugh, for a family that loves me regardless of my faults, and for friends who listen even when I babble! And I am thankful for the opportunity of service yesterday. I am grateful for the chance to connect with people I may not normally meet, for the fellowship of volunteers, and the gift of a family meal by KARM.

Please remember this holiday season how lucky we are for the blessings in our lives! And don't forget to tell those you love how much they mean to you!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

It goes like this....

Here is a little background into Brandon and I!

Brandon grew up in a little town south of Chicago called Essex. He is the oldest of three children, with two younger sisters Sara and Lindsay. Brandon grew up playing sports, but I think his favorites were baseball and football. He dabbled in basketball, but that was apparently enough to hold the reigning H-O-R-S-E title between us. I have yet to win a game of H-O-R-S-E against him, which disgraces me.
Brandon went to Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a degree in Accounting. In his words he "graduated in the half of the class that made the top half possible."
In 2005 Brandon moved to Knoxville, TN to continue working with his childhood friend at Metal Solutions. This business has since grown to recently include Knox Recycling.

And...now for me! I grew up here in Knoxville and am the younger of two children. My brother Matt also resides in Knoxville and is married with a son! I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in geography. I currently use neither in my occupation. I have worked at Second Harvest Food Bank for just over two years. It is a job that I feel good about every single day!

Brandon and I started dating in October 2006.
This picture is from the first time he met the extended Ryan family!

I found him to be my perfect match in almost every way. But, best of all, he makes me laugh! And I like to think I make him laugh. When we got married, he said "I DO" in his Christopher Walken impression (which isn't very good!) The picture below was taken at that moment!

Here are some of my favorite photos from our wedding!







Brandon and I are lucky enough to have a bond that started out extremely strong...and it continues to grow!
Some time in the future we plan to grow our family, but for now, we are the proud parents of Noah and Dixie, our fur babies.





So...there you have it...the Bice's in a quick nutshell!

Blog in progress!

Hi to all our loved ones and friends! Brandon and I will be working out the kinks in this blog shortly and posting a new blog very soon! So please stay tuned!