A little Christmas-time reflection (longest post of the year)...

As the end of the year approaches, I have been looking back at everything that happened in 2007, and I'm a little amazed at how fast it has gone by. After an extremely rocky start, my year is ending as one that I know will be engraved in my memory as one of the most influential/maturing/crazy/amazing years of my life. I have grown so much from the experiences that I had and am learning to be grateful that I had them - they brought me to where I am now, which turns out to be one of the happiest places I have ever been. So, instead of reflecting on the harder/rough things of this year, I've decided to compile a list of my favorite. Kind of like "Oprah's Favorite Things" episode, and in no particular order, these are the things that I LOVED this year:

Family - I know this is an obvious one, but I have learned to appreciate my family on a whole different level this year. I have felt and seen their unconditional love for me, and feel so blessed to be a part of their lives. Knowing I am going to be with them for eternity brings so much joy into my life. My Mom is amazing in every sense of the word - I hope to be just like her some day. My parents have stood by me and walked with me through everything. I trust them, love them, I can (and do) tell them anything and everything and they have become two of my very best friends this year. My brother, Bryan, and his wife Amanda are two people that I look up to and respect so much. They are both so hard-working and treat each other so well - their marriage is what I hope my future one to be. Oh, and my sisters. There are no words. They are my two best friends - hilarious, intelligent, witty, kind-hearted and beautiful. I feel like their younger sister because I look up to them so much.

Friends (Old and new) - This always goes without saying, but I have never felt so lucky to have such a great group of friends. Most of us have been close since high school, and I always know that I can turn to every single one of them if I need to. During the rough times in our lives, I have seen them rally together - to support, love, listen and just be there for each other. There are a select few, who held my hand, and took care of me during part of this year - I will be eternally grateful. I love you guys. Also, after moving to a new state (and some I've reconnected with back in Utah), there are a few people that I have met and I am not quite sure how I ever lived without them. They have all meant so much to me, and I learn so much from each one. Friends are so important to me, and I hope I can always be as good of a friend to those who are always being that to me.

The Gospel - I know I said that there are no favorites, but if there was, this would have to be it. My entire life has changed after recognizing this great blessing I have in my life. I have put so much faith and trust in the Lord, and it has given me so much more of a sense of direction and purpose. This has become one of, if not the most important thing in my life. The peace and happiness it has brought to me is irreplaceable. I am amazed at how many incredible and spiritual experiences I have had once I opened my heart to all that is offered to me. It has made me a better person, sister, daughter, friend, and I know one day - a mother and wife.

Blogs - Being away from home, blogs have been so much fun to have - they keep us updated and in close contact with those we love most. I hope all of you know how much I enjoy reading your blog, and seeing what is going on in your lives. Our blog has also given me a creative outlet for venting, sharing and telling about the random spacey/stupid things I do. So, keep them up! Blogging is definitely one of my favorite things this year.

Silk Soy Chocolate Milk - You knew I'd have some weird things on my list, didn't you? This is a recent favorite. I've been trying to drink only soy milk, and once I found the chocolate version, I was sold. You should buy it - it's amazing, and I can't live without it.

Ashley - I could have easily included Ashley in the "friends" category, but she deserves her own. We have almost, quite literally, been together every single day this whole year. I have never spent so much time with one person (and I've been married), and amazingly, I never get sick of her. Our friend Jeff told us last night, "I could never picture the two of you not being together." I don't think I could either. She has been my greatest support, and I appreciate her more than words can express. She knows me better than I know myself, and is one of the people I trust most. I hope she knows how much I cherish her words of advice, her sarcasm and hilarious personality, and unwavering friendship. Having her as a constant in my life, has made this year wonderful.

Trees/Mountains/Environment - You really appreciate what you had when it isn't there anymore. Since we have moved to Arizona, I have missed how beautiful, mountainous and lush Utah is. Not that Arizona isn't pretty in its own way, but I love the outdoors and feel lucky to have grown up in such an amazing place. It makes me want to take care of everything around just a little bit more, and I definitely appreciate it on a daily basis now.

Music - Another kind of silly one, but I have grown to have a whole new appreciation for music this year. And all kinds. It can put you in a good mood, help you feel the spirit, and reflect a certain time in your life. It seems like I have been introduced to a lot of new music this year (a lot from Ashley), and it makes me want to be more musical. I think one of my New Year's resolutions is going to be to learn how to play a few instruments. A little far-fetched, but its a goal. I will let you know how that goes.

Teaching - I have always had about a million things that I have wanted to do, career-wise. I've gone back and forth with medical school, law school, marketing/sales, novelist, entrepreneur, etc...but always, teaching was in the back of my mind. In the little time that I've spent working at a school, I have never felt more personally rewarded and confident in the fact that I'm exactly where I should be. Knowing me, there is a possibility that my mind will start wandering, and I will get on a different track, but for now, it fits - and I've never been happier.

Olivia - If you know me, and you are reading this, you know that I am obsessed with babies. If you have one, I'm sure I have already smothered him/her. I never did realize though, the amount of love you can have for your brother's or sister's child. She brings an indescribable amount of joy into my life. I love watching her smile, laugh, grow and turn into the beautiful child I always knew that she would be. Its so hard for me to be away from her, and I get so excited at every chance I get to be near her. I think of her often, and hope to be the kind of aunt that she deserves.

My Dad - In a way, I've kind of saved the best for last. I have counted heavily on my dad this year. There are too many good things to say about him and not enough time. What seems to fit best for me right now though is- he makes everything OK. When I need him most, he is there. He is a constant support in my life, and makes me want more out of it. He makes me more ambitious and driven, he gives me hope, teaches me to be humble, kind, and to always put family first. He was there and walked with me through the hardest of times, and I don't think I could have done it without him. He is the most amazing, loving, hard-working father I could have ever been blessed with, and I hope to find a future husband just like him. He is my best friend.


I hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Mesa Temple Lights

Just a little glimpse at the Temple lights in Mesa, Arizona. Not Salt Lake, but not bad.

Gym stories

All Scottsdale, AZ LA Fitness male members....PLEASE READ:

1- A skin tight t-shirt with Armani Exchange written across it in sequins is not appropriate gym attire.
2- Also, that same shirt that is cutting off the circulation in your upper body, is not in fact, defining/showing off your muscles. They don't look any bigger. Nor does it qualify you to give out fitness advice of any kind.
3- Use sweat bands sparingly. If at all possible, for sweat.
4- It does not matter how much college memorablia you wear - no one is going to actually believe you played college football. Try and keep it to a minimum.
5- A tight choker/necklace does not make your neck/traps look bigger.
6- Bronzer is for women. Stop. We know you are wearing it.
7- The aerobic/yoga rooms, though they are surrounded by mirrors, are not to be used to practice your dance/clubbin' moves.
8- The black hair dye/greasy spiked hair/orange-tan skin look is out. Shower and rinse that stuff off. Its getting everywhere.
9- The mirrors in front of the weight room are actually there for you to watch yourselves as you lift the weights. NOT for standing in front of them trying out your many sweet facial expressions and to see how many people are "checking you out".
10- The hours between 5-9 pm are not considered "happy hour" and therefore should not be used for picking up women. There have been complaints.

Also, LA Fitness EMPLOYEES:
**Though your position is called, "Sales Professional" the tucked-in shirt/slacks/blackberry-clipped-to-belt is unnecessary. You're not fooling anyone. You work at a gym.

Yes, this is mean. But all true. It couldn't be helped.

Green is sexy

For those of you who remember my promoting of Sheababy Naturals a couple of months ago, the day has finally come. All of their adorable designs are available online now, and are truly one of a kind. These charming baby clothes are all made of 100% cotton - pure, clean, and best of all, helping to preserve our planet. If I had kids, they would only be wearing sheababy. Of course, since sheababy was developed by family, and since the babies/kids on the website are my nieces, I'm a little biased. Check them out:

www.sheababynaturals.com

Also, in an attempt to be more "green," I recently made a purchase that I feel everyone should be able to get in on. On one of my 17 trips to the store this week, I couldn't stop thinking about how many bags were being wasted on me. I don't even want to do the math because of the disappointment I'm sure I would feel about myself. Even asking for paper, it is still a disservice to the environment. I started thinking of what a great business idea it would be to make reusable bags and sell them online. I started doing some research, and it turns out, someone beat me to the punch. I stumbled upon a website that sells really cute/awesome 100% recycleable/reusable bags. BYOB (bring your own bag)! They are pretty good looking, and maybe we can get a trend to catch on. Every little bit helps.

www.bagthehabit.com

Happy Holidays from Ashley and Laura...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1123009712

Happy Birthday C-Rod!!!

One of the hardest parts of living away from home for me and Ashley is that we have to be away from our other third. I have known Carlee since junior high when I idolized her for getting all the guys and being so hot. I have to admit, I was really jealous. I really got to know her in high school, and even more in college where we became the best of friends. Years later, I only feel closer to her as the years go by. I get a little teary-eyed writing about Carlee because she has meant more to me as a friend than she will ever understand. She has been there for me through everything - her love, friendship and understanding always constant. The three of us have had so many memorable and fun times together. She turns 25 today and is only getting more amazing and beautiful with age. Ashley and I have come up with a list of the top 10 reasons of what we think makes Carlee great:

1- She is always positive and uplifting. Whenever something is going wrong in either of our lives, we can count on Carlee to bring us back up.
2- We can trust Carlee to always be honest with us. She always has our best interests at heart and is incredibly trustworthy.
3- Always a barrel of laughs, Carlee is always up for anything. Even when we know she doesn't want to do something, she will still humor us, and come along. She is easy-going and laid back and the day/night is always more fun with her around.
4- Carlee is incredibly openminded and doesn't judge. You will never find Carlee gossiping about anyone. It is beneath her and she will always consider another's point of view.
5- She is confident. Carlee has been a great example to us. She is confident with herself and it shows in all areas of her life.
6- She is caring and kindhearted. Everyone loves Carlee. Enough said.
7- Carlee will never tell us what to do. As much as I beg her to make my decisions for me, she will lend an open ear, give her advice, but always tell me that, "she is not going to tell me what to do". I know she truly cares and will be there for me no matter what decisions I make in my life.
8- She just cares. Carlee is the first person to call when something happens. Good or bad. She is just the person we want to talk to because she cares. She would be there in a second and drop anything if we needed her.
9- Her laugh. Carlee has the most contagious laugh. I laugh just thinking about it.
10- Her family. We L-O-V-E the Roderick's. They make us feel like family and we consider them just that. Its easy to see that the awesomeness runs in the family.

Ok, we couldn't stop at 10...
11- Her eyes. And smile. Carlee is gorgeous and everyone knows it. One time I got really sick of everyone telling Carlee how "pretty/beautiful/amazing" her blue eyes are and I told her. I was jealous. And now I feel bad about it. Cause they really are incredible.
12- Carlee is just an amazing friend. Everyone should have a C-Rod in their life. They would be happier if they did. She is the best and we love her.

There are about a million things to write about Carlee, but to keep things short....C-Rod, you are awesome. We wish we could be with you today! We love you so much! Happy Birthday!!!!

Thanks-Giving, Attitude, Service and all the good stuff....

With my flight home to Utah less than 24 hours away, I could not be more excited. I miss my family so much, and am anxious to spend some quality time with them. I think this will be my last post before Thanksgiving, so I thought I'd make it a sentimental one. With the holiday season approaching, you can expect a lot of these from me. Already being a bit overly-emotional, I get even worse around the holidays, so bear with me.

Ashley and I had the opportunity this last weekend to spend the day at the Phoenix Rescue Mission with our ward, passing out food for Thanksgiving and spending time with the kids. The families we were able to help were SO grateful, and it really set the mood for my entire week. We have so much in our lives to be grateful for, and it is so important to realize that giving back to others and the community, really is, "the pure love of Christ". We should all be taking the time to notice the little acts of service we can be doing everyday. It takes a lot of work, but I definitely notice a difference in my day. Because of this, I have also been thinking about 'attitude' a lot lately and how much it affects my everyday life. I was lucky enough to run across my sweet sister-in-law, Amanda's sister, Natallee's blog (does that make sense??) and she had an awesome quote about attitude. Over the last couple of months, I have noticed that my attitude about a lot of things has changed for the better. I thank the Gospel being present in my life for most of it...the rest to Bikram yoga - which has made me unusually calm and stress-free (for those who know me as just plain, crazy). And for those of you that were worried...I can feel the bitter cynicism in me passing. So, with this I leave you...I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than apperance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in certain ways. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one thing we have and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes." -Charles Swindoll


**The picture above is of a Arizona sunset, which I have really grown to love and appreciate. See...my attitute IS changing. I found something good about the core of the Earth that I live in.