#RIPTom

This is hitting me kinda hard. I don't {didn't} know the kid. Never met him. Never talked to him. Don't know his friends. Don't know his family. But I am affected.

I do not know what happened and like a lot of people in our area I keep refreshing social media and news outlets looking for answers. Was he mixed up with bad people? Did he drink too much? Was there a horrible accident? These are just some questions going through my head and I'm sure there are many other questions and rumors going around especially since the last tweet that he ever sent gives everyone an eerie feeling. He was found/seen after the tweet but it is almost like a foreshadow and/or crazy coincidence!

This is the 2nd missing North Dakota college student that ended in death this year - This type of thing isn't supposed to happen here!

North Dakota is a close-knit state. That of course comes with too many people knowing your business but it also comes with a feeling that we are all connected one way or another. NDSU also has it's own feeling of being connected, of being a family and I think Alumni across the state are feeling this one! I was a freshman just 8 years ago and I think of all the dumb shit my friends and I did, this could have easily happened in my group of friends too.

I have a heavy heart. My prayers & deepest sympathy go out to Tom's friends and family. I pray answers are found and justice is served!!

Remember to tell your friends and family you love them - tomorrow is not promised

…

Has a case like this ever affected you?

Updates: Death Ruled Homicide

Happy Monday - New Design

If you are a regular reader of Mrs. Laura Beth you will notice it looks a little different around these parts!! I am so excited to have a fresh new design from Ash @ The Grits Blog Design and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Today, because I had an amazing weekend and I love my new design, you get a chance at free stuff!!

There will be two winners : One will get a copy of Blog, Inc. the other will get $15 credit to Erika Joy Design

You don't need a blog to enter this giveaway - just mention in the comment you would rather have the etsy credit 

Log in with your email below and Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Night Cattle Drive

Before I knew there was this huge blogging world I would write the most random posts, just posts about day to day life and nothing special - seriously people, I'm talking really random. Guess What?! I miss those posts. The ones that required little thought but I look back at them now and am thankful I wrote about those little random moments and memories. 

So I'm bringing them back, throwing some 'blogging rules' aside and just writing!

…

Last night we went to chase in some naughty calves that had escaped under the fence, which was fine with me because it turned out to be a beautiful night for a drive.

The pairs (cows and calves) have been out to pasture all summer and it is almost time to bring them home to the feedlot - when they come home they will be weaned (mothers and babies separated) and all I will hear is mooing and bellering for weeks, can't wait to see Brea's reaction to a full feedlot and all the noise!! Brea did really well last night, though, hardly barking at the cattle and did only when they got close to her window to sniff her out!

The fall colors last night were out in full force even though we have been having summer-like temps in the high 70s and I don't mind at all because 50 just seems too cold right now! Plus this warm weather will be perfect if it stays the weekend because I've been invited to a blogger weekend in Grand Forks, complete with a wine event - I am super excited and can't wait to meet up with some other North Dakota bloggers! Follow this hashtag on IG and Twitter to see what we are up to #grandforksgetaway

Has Fall hit your area yet? What are you excited for this weekend?

Linking up with Nicole

Oh Hey Friday

Is a link-up on Friday cliche?! Well I guess I don't care I'm doing it, so I hope you enjoy my Friday 5!!

1 // I CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW - It is the Bison home opener and ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY is coming back so if you are downtown Fargo tomorrow or watch GameDay I'll be in Yellow, look for me!!

{side note on football I won my first fantasy matchup so I hope my boys keep it up this week}

 2 // I have already mentioned I'm excited for fall but the below 50 degree weather can stay away for another two months ... or more

3 // I am in the process of getting a new blog design and I'M SO EXCITED

4 // I hung out with my best friend on Wednesday and it was so great to catch up with her over supper and wine - now I just wish we could make it happen more often

5 // These two just make my heart so so happy - oh also Brea is 5 months old now, she is 50 pounds and growing every day!! Where did my puppy go?!

Do you have any exciting weekend plans?


  Linking up with Karli

Year Two As A Mrs.

Today equals year two. 

Two years of loving each other as husband and wife.

Two years of growing with each other.

Two years learning from each other. 

To my Husband of two years,

I love you today as I have for the past 7.5 years. We experienced many exciting things this year and I can not wait to see what God has in store for our future. I love that we never have to put on a show for each other and I am my best self when I'm with you. Thank you for loving me!

Love your Wife xo

We aren't big production people so today really won't feel much different than any other. Instead of gifts we will be shopping in our department store on the lower level of our house - not kidding we have tons of unused shower/wedding gifts that haven't been touched since they were opened!!

I am so thrilled I get to walk through life with this man by my side, I may be biased but he is pretty spectacular! 

Our Wedding
Our Love Story
Year One

Currently // September

 



// Writing // I have been trying to read one chapter a night from the Bible and taking notes is always a big help for me to comprehend what I'm reading.

// Anticipating // This month and Fall in general. I know I'm probably giving the same answer as everyone else but I love this season. Steven and I will celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary and the colors will start changing and the men are busy with harvest - it is just a wonderful time of year!!

// Missing // My Tan. With fall comes the fading of the sun rays on my skin, hoping I can sneak just a few more in before colder weather is here to stay!

// Wearing // Most days I'm wearing my Kroner necklace. Kroner is the currency used in Norway and a few of their coins have holes in the center, thus making it super easy to wear as a necklace. Such a great keepsake and reminder of our trip!!

// Craving // Tomatoes : Mozzarella : Balsamic << I really think that combination just speaks for itself!!

Linking up with Jenna & Anne

Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Yesterday took a toll on me and I'm not sure why because I took full advantage of my day off by doing a whole lot of Nothing!! 

Today I wanted to share with you an easy recipe in case you are in the same boat as me and still feel like doing nothing today!

Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

What you Need:

:: 8 oz Cream Cheese

:: 1 Can Chicken {10-12 oz or can use 2-3 chicken breasts shredded}

:: 1 10oz can Green Enchilada Sauce

:: 6-8 flour tortilla shells

:: 2 cups Shredded Cheese

What to do:

:: Preheat oven to 400

:: Mix drained can of chicken with softened cream cheese

:: Spread mixture on tortillas and roll

:: Place tortillas in greased baking dish

:: Top tortillas with enchilada sauce and cheese

:: Bake for 30 minutes

Enjoy and serve with all your favorite toppings!! 

5 Tips for College Freshmen

When Nostalgia is hitting hard, you have 4 beers {your buzzed limit is 3} at a work outing, and you are steps away from your Alma Mater - Of Course you go walk around on campus pretending you are 19 again right?!  

Well I did!! I felt like I fit right in, I haven't changed very much appearance wise since I set foot on NDSU campus 8 years ago and being back made me really wish I had a class to go to - I even got asked what I was majoring in while at the coffee shop. 

The Communication Department {where I spent my time} got a remodel right after I graduated so I tried convincing my husband I needed to go back to school but he wasn't having it - plus if I went back I guess I wouldn't go for the same thing!! 

I had a great walk around the place I called home for 4 years and relived some amazing memories. Of course it got me thinking about what was awesome and about some things I may have done different so here is a little list for the Freshmen just starting out on their college journey!

1:: Experience Dorm Life - No matter how much you will be homesick, or just want to live with your friend who is a junior; don't do it! Have the college select a random roomie for you, you may never talk to them after that first year {like me} or you may become best friends, either way it is something you need to say you've done!

2:: Get Involved - Now this is something I didn't do enough of because I was either afraid of rejection or afraid of what others might have thought of me << Don't do that!! Get involved in everything that interests you because here you will find the people most like you, the people who you probably wouldn't have met otherwise!

3:: Be Single - {Okay this can be controversial and is totally my opinion & experience} I went to college with a boyfriend who was thousands of miles away and in my experience it held me back a little. I used the line "I have a boyfriend" a little too much {the guy was just inviting me to a freshmen event not hitting on me (embarrassing)}. And by this I'm not saying be a slut, I'm just saying if you decide to go into your freshmen year with a boyfriend don't let him hold you back!! 

4:: Make Mistakes - You are no longer living with your parents, you are {more than likely} away from your home town - this is your time! College is when you find out who you really are and some mistakes are going to be made, big ones & small ones and when you learn from these mistakes you are bringing out the true you; so don't be afraid to make mistakes as long as you take something away from them!! 

5:: Have Fun - this one is simple just make the most out of your days and Have Fun, create the memories that will last a lifetime so when you come upon your 5 year reunion you want to go back again!!