Saturday Afternoon Tribute

Scottsdale is really growing on me this winter. For all the complaining I did from July-December, Arizona is really making it up to me by producing some pretty beautiful days this month. Ashley and I are lucky enough to live within walking distance of a great running/biking trail that wraps around a golf course, two lakes and a huge park, so I decided to take a run this afternoon (witnesses might say it was more of a light jog/pet a dog/walk/pet another dog, etc etc...but whatever, I was exercising). As I made my way around the trail, I couldn't help but notice all the dad's out with their children today. Everywhere I looked I saw them. There was a dad helping his little toddler feed the ducks and kept holding him back as he tried to jump in the lake after them. There was another dad shooting baskets with his son, cheering him on at every shot; and another playing soccer with his daughter. They were everywhere. I was even asked to take a picture of a happy family for their dad's 45th birthday party/picnic. This continued most of the way along the trail. I think there is nothing more precious than seeing a father playing with his kids, and they were all on their game today. As I neared the end of my "run" I witnessed a particularly sweet moment where a father began jumping up and down as he watched his son whack a golf ball straight towards the hole. At this exact moment through my earphones, Chicago's, "You're the Inspiration" began playing. (This has become a continuous problem when I shuffle my songs while exercising since I have just as much sappy/church/Christmas stuff as I do other music.) Cheesy - I know, but true. Nevertheless, while it didn't help fuel my workout, it was completely appropriate in the moment and I couldn't help but get choked up as my thoughts turned to my own dad who I knew at that time was spending his afternoon cleaning up the yard and working around the house while nursing a cold. This is a perfect example of what a selfless, loving and amazing father I have. I feel so lucky to have him, and even a state away I'm reminded of and thankful for him every single day.

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad." ~Author Unknown

On a different note, I think I saw my first celebrity sighting today. Elizabeth Hasselbeck from The View was at the park today. It took me a second to recognize her, but I'm almost positive it was her. I think I remember hearing that her husband plays for the Cardinals??? So it fits, right? Lacey....I'm catching up!

Spotlight on: Darren and Lacey Neilson

I have been telling my dear friend Lacey that I was going to write a "spotlight" on her and my favorite friend-husband, Darren as I have become a weekend fixture at their home in L.A over the last couple of months. They are kind enough to house me, feed me, and stay up way past their usual bedtime to entertain me. I've compiled a list of interesting facts about this charming couple that I would like to share with you all:

• They keep the temperature in their home at below freezing. There has been more than one occasion that I have woken up and could not feel my legs. I have come up with two theories of why they might do this. A. Their have such warm hearts that it heats up their entire body and they don't need any extra, or B. They are sick of seeing me around their house, and are trying to freeze me out.
  

• They are Disneyland experts. This is very important to me as my love for all things Disney exceeds that of a 5 year old. They have annual passes and know how to navigate their way around the magical kingdom with such orderly grace and confidence that its almost like watching a work of art being composed. They took Cortney and me around in a such a parental fashion last weekend, that we didn't have to worry about a thing. We hit all the good rides and had the best day ever.
  

• I need both of them. I kind of look of them as a team. I need them both for different things, and they both provide me with inspiration, love, comfort, guidance and an open mind (and lets be honest, if you are going to be friends with me, you need that). I look forward to my nightly calls with Lacey, with Darren in the background, half-way in the conversation.
  

• They have a dog named Chip, who they treat like a child. Chip, who I have bonded with quite a bit over my most recent visits, has more toys than any child I know. I'm trying to think of any shopping trip I have spent with Lacey where something for Chip is not considered. Can't think of one. I feel sorry for my future children as they will undoubtedly be jealous of this sweet little cocker spaniel. He is spoiled rotten, and they know it.

• They are friends with celebrities. No, I'm not talking about myself. Dr. Rey, aka Dr. 90210, is in their ward. Last Sunday, we made eye contact and he asked me how I was doing. I'm now claiming that we are friends. I love going to church with Lacey and Darren. 
  

• They are hard workers who both know what they want. Darren, a fabulous student in law school, studies harder than any student I know (even when I beg him to stop and hang out with me). He is going to be a great lawyer and provider for his family. Lacey, now an official Los Angeles hair stylist, is always looking for ways she can help out their little family and is always on the move. I appreciate what great examples they are to me!
  

I'm hoping that you all know a little bit more about the lives of two of my very best friends. Thank you Darren and Lacey, for always taking care of me. I love you guys!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

I know a lot of you were probably expecting a bitter and cynical rant about how Valentines Day is the worst day of the year from me today. Maybe a little snipet about how St. Valentine worked for Hallmark, and how I will be spending most of the day stuffing myself with overpriced chocolates and listening to the song, "Love Stinks" over and over. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but its not going to happen. Truth is, I LOVE love. I love everything about love. I love loving people, and I love getting it in return. And, as it turns out, this has been the best Valentines I have had in years and years. So, in dedication to the holiday, I'm going to give you some of my favorite quotes about love, and I hope all of you are getting plenty of it today. I L-O-V-E you all!

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
~Franklin P. Jones

"Love is a friendship set to music."
~ E. Joseph Cossman

"Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!"
~ from the movie Moulin Rouge

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To love another person is to see the face of God."
~ Les Miserables

"Laura, I love your love."
~ Ashley Engar

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."
~ Mother Theresa

Happy V-Day!

TAGGED

TAGGED!!! My sweet friend Erin tagged us for the "all about my spouse" post. It seems appropriate, so here it goes (I've inserted my own version on some of the questions):

About my man (uh, friend)........
What is his (her) name? Ashley "Boo" Engar
How long have you been married? We dated on and off for about 5 years, but have been really serious for 1 year this month.
How long did you date (known each other)? I remember the first time I saw her on the soccer field. It was like all the other players disappeared the moment we locked eyes.
How old is he (she)? 24
Who eats more sweets? We both have a problem with them.
Who said I love you first? Probably me...I have so much love to give.
Who is taller? Ashley
Who can sing better? Ashley, though it doesn't stop me from trying.
Who is smarter? We both think we are geniuses.
Who does laundry? Both, but I've been known to sneak into her room to do some of hers.
Who pays the bills? She reminds me to pay them because I consciously choose to forget about them.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If we are sleeping in the same bed? I do.
Who mows the lawn? If we had a lawn, I'm guessing I would. I love yard work.
Who cooks dinner? We both microwave veggie burgers to perfection.
Who drives? I love to drive, so usually me. Her driving makes me a bit nauseous.
Who is more stubborn? We are both annoyingly laid-back.
Who asked who out first? Me, I'm a little more forward.
Who proposed? I did, when I kind of told her I was moving to a different state with her, and she didn't really have a choice.
Who has more siblings? Ashley
Who wears the pants? Touchy question...she thinks I'm a pushover, but I disagree.
I tag Ashley Lee, Amanda Campbell, and Lindsey Dumas!

Spotlight on: Anna Vincent Campbell

This sweet little gem in the back of my dad in this picture is my sister Anna. We were on a fishing trip in Maui last year and she hated life. And I was taking the picture, so she hated me even more. Many might think that I am rude for picking this picture, but she actually picked it for me to put on my blog. This is just a glimpse into her personality. You will never find a funnier, wittier or more sarcastic person. I don't even know where she comes up with some of the stuff she does. If you don't believe me, check out Anna and Amy's blog: http://annaandamycampbell.blogspot.com. It deserves a shout-out because she is hilarious. As she turned 17 on Monday, I couldn't help but noticing that she keeps getting cooler as the years go by (if that's possible). As far as sisters go, she is the best. I have always been close to Anna, but it has been so much fun to watch her get older. If anyone asks, I will always admit that it seems like I am the younger sister. She has been such a support for me to lean on, the best listener and an unbelievable friend. She calms me down, listens to my crazy stories (and life), gives great advice and is an even better example. I feel really sorry for people that don't have her as a sister. She definitely got most of the best Campbell traits; beautiful dark eyes and hair, full lips, impeccable style, and the heighth. Oh, how I would kill for an inch of two of what she got. Anyway... I once heard the quote, "We were born sisters, and grew up to be friends." This thought comes to me often when thinking of my sweet sister, because she is the best of both. A great sister and my best friend. Happy Birthday Anna...I love you!

"When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?" ~Pam Brown