So Envious

I must confess that for the longest time I have been so incredibly envious of a certain type of person. Ever since I was little I have longed to be like them. I have tried, oh how I have tried to be this type of person but to no avail. I think it is time for me to realize I will never become one of them. This type of person is...the Silent Sneezer.

I was sitting next to someone (who shall remain nameless) at church on Sunday. As I was talking to her she paused, bowed her head, touched her nose and then twitched. That was it. That was her sneeze. It was the most quiet sneeze I have ever heard! How come I can't be that way?! My sneezes are so loud and powerful, I swear the Earth shakes. But not only are they loud and powerful, I feel like I need a shower afterwards. Actually, I feel like I just got a shower and gave everyone who happened to be sitting by me a shower.

Like I have said, I have tried my whole life to become a Silent Sneezer. I just can't do it. I think that either you've got it or you don't. Unfortunately I don't but for those of you who do, you don't know how lucky you are!!

Slacker

I have been a total slacker lately. But not anymore. I can't afford it. This Thanksgiving was sort of the last straw for me. I have got to start eating better and exercising more. I have updated my Round To Rad blog. You can check it out if you dare. I have to warn you though, it's ugly. It is a private blog documenting my ups and downs with weight loss. If you are not invited and would like to see my progress (and failures) let me know and I will invite you. I could really use all the support I could get. And if I knew more people were checking in, it may help me work harder. Also, it may help you feel a little better about yourself. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving...

...from the Pilgrim and the Indians!!

Singing In the Shower

Last night I heard Ben singing in the shower. This is what I heard...


"Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away."


Ben makes me smile. I LOVE him!

To Fold Or Not To Fold

I try to do one load of laundry and fold one load of laundry everyday so I don't get behind. But lately that has not been happening...

I know doing laundry is kind of weird to blog about but this pile of clean clothes was so impressive I just had to document it.

I have one word for this "after" picture...BLISS!!

Who knows, I may even get crazy and fold the socks!

Loco For Cocoa

We are loving the chill in the air and the cocoa yummies that warm our tummies.

Emma had a cute comment yesterday as we were driving in the van listening to Christmas music. She said,

"I just love Christmas time and not because of the presents. It makes me so happy and you can smell it coming in the air."

I agree with Emma. It is beginning to "smell" a lot like Christmas. And this family couldn't be happier about it!

Tag, You're It

I have been tagged by my good friend Lauren who is so creative and interesting. I am a simple gal and have a hard time thinking of interesting things about myself. But since I am a team player I will endure this once again. I was tagged last year. If you would like to read those things about me click here.

7 Random Facts About Lara:

1....

After a lengthy courtship of 1 week Lee told me he was going to marry me. I said, "OK".

2....

I would much rather eat brownie mix than brownies fresh out of the oven.

3....

This may make some of you jealous. For that I apologize, but I was the school tetherball champion in third grade. Napoleon, eat your heart out.



4....

I love love love snuggling with my babies.

5....

I have never had a broken bone or stitches. This can only mean one of two things: either I have a body made of steel or I am not exactly living life on the wild side. Hmmm, which one could it be?

6....

I am my biggest fan. Don't take this the wrong way. This just means that I work at loving my weaknesses as well as my strengths. I am proud of who I am and how far I have come even if I do fall short in certain areas. I want to teach my children to have love and respect for themselves so it has to start with me.

7....

My Dirty Little Secret: There is a rumor going around that I am a clean freak. Well, my friends, it's all a front. I am not as clean as some people may think. The picture above shows a laundry basket filled with clean socks. And that is exactly where they stay. I do not match up socks and roll them up cute for everyone in the house like a good mother does. It is something I despise doing. My kids and yes, even my husband just know that when they need socks they go in the laundry room and dig for them themselves. I think the last time I have matched up socks was close to a year ago. Can you believe that? And because I am feeling generous I will show you one more...

This is my junk cupboard because my junk drawer was too small. Nowhere else can you find walkie talkies, children's medicine, and unread magazines coexisting.

That actually was very theraputic. I highly recommend sharing a dirty little secret. It was quite liberating.

Well, there's my 7 random facts about Lara. Now I tag Kristine, Laura, Julie B., Mechelle, and Melissa O. to tell 7 random facts about themselves. Good luck. I have no doubt you girls will not disappoint. I cannot wait to read them!

Modern Day Pioneers

Having been born and raised in California I have been impressed with the many stories from friends and family members about all that is going on with Proposition 8. I get tears in my eyes thinking of the countless people lining the intersections with their "Yes on 8" signs. For some it is hard to stand up for what they believe in. They are a little fearful, but they do it. For others, they take charge and even bring their kids to share in the momentous event. They have been asked by the prophet to do whatever they can possibly do for the cause. People are giving money, they are picketing, and they are sacrificing their time. They are also being persecuted and threatened all because of what they believe in. These modern day pioneers are showing extraordinary faith and courage not unlike the pioneers of old. To all of you Californians rallying the cause, thank you for your great example.

We need to win this one!

Halloween 2008

We hope everyone had a Spooktacular Halloween!

emma

eva

ben

ella

tayli

Thoughts from tonight: Emma and Eva carved their own pumpkins for the first time. Mother nature blessed us with the most amazing weather for Halloween night. The kids didn't have to wear their coats. It was even warm! Tayli got to come with us. Even though Ella's flower bit the dust half way through the night, she was still the cutest little stem in town. My vampires scared me. Eva made me wish she really was still a baby. Time goes way too fast. Forget the passing out candy thing. I am going trick or treating with the kids every year. How many more days until next Halloween?

"Focus On The Family"

On Saturday, this family took a much needed break from Life and spent a few hours at the park together. We had a picnic and thoroughly enjoyed one another's company. It was just what we needed. We laughed and we played and, of course, we took pictures...

On Sunday, we got to go up and visit Grammie and Papa and also Ryan and Cheryl and the kids. We got to see the cousins participate in their Primary program which Grammie was in charge of. Everyone did such a great job. It was also Tayli's 12th birthday and we were so lucky to be able to spend it with her. Before dinner we all decided to go on a leisurely hike. Warning: Lee and I did not come up prepared for a hike hence the mismatched clothes and shoes. On the way, we stopped at the old house where my Nana and Papa spent their honeymoon:

I loved thinking back to how times must have been back then and wondering how the house was decorated and what went on behind that wall, although I do have a little bit of an idea. ;) That property is currently up for sale. If I could have anything in the world right now, it would be to be able to purchase that property to keep it in the family.

While the rest of the clan was exploring the old house Ella and Papa stayed behind and threw rocks together.

While on our hike we found this cute little area that the kids wanted to explore. Tess and Tayli were so nice to help all the kids across the wet swampy part.

All the kids were in line patiently waiting for their turn to go across.

They all made it!

Lee taking a moment to enjoy nature.

Following in Daddy's footsteps, literally

Tess and Tayli helping the kids back to safety. What would we do without our cousins?

Lee asked Ella what she would do if she saw a bear. Ella said she "would go like this". She then put her arms up and growled. Then Lee asked her what she would do if the bear came after her like this and he growled at Ella. Ella then said with a serious look on her face, "Oh that would die me, Dad".

Pausing for a quick pick.

I just love how much Ella loves her Papa. They are so cute together!


Oh, how I love these men! My brothers and my Dad are such amazing examples to me. Eric and Julie, I was missing you so much right about now.

After we got back to the house Grammie had a nice , yummy dinner waiting for us. Thanks, Mom!!

We had a great family filled weekend and it's times like these that help me remember just how important our families really are. It's worth it to take time out of life and enjoy them every once in a while.