To need....

Last night I called my dad up crying. I had not done that since I was eight or nine. I needed him.  In that moment I wasnt Laurel 21 year old aspiring teacher, I was a child needing her father, needing to climb into his arms and weep because the day had been too much for me to handle. I needed him to take me in his arms and stroke back my hair telling me how everything was going to all right and how wonderful I am. Now, my father lives in Delaware and I live in Arizona, so he was not able to hold me but he did the only thing he could.  He used his words to make the worries of the day seem like nothing but a puff of smoke that has now passed by. I have had my dad on the bench for 12 or so years.  I normally go to my mom when I have a bad day or need advice. It made me feel comforted that he can still get off the bench and pitch a few innings. We seem to drift further and further apart as the years pass and this saddens me, but as I grow and sore threw life I like knowing he'll still be there keeping that bench warm, waiting for my return.

xoxo

We bought a zoo....

OK OK you caught me maybe i stretched the truth a little tiney bit, it was more like we went to the zoo. On Saturday, a few of my girlfriends and I went to the phoenix zoo. The weather has just been so beautiful and we could not pass up the opportunity of spending time outdoors while we still can.  When June july and august hit nobody will be doing anything but swiming and ac hopping. We spent the whole afternoon milling around looking at animals and having snacks.

We went to the section where we could pet the animals and had fun brushing the goats. They are so lazy, kind of like my dogs just laying around waiting for someone to come by and give then some loving. Which we obliged happily. 

The monkeys were my favorite part.  We were able to go in their habitat with them and they were about a foot away from you just climbimg all around. They were so close that you could touch them if you wanted. I would have if there werent staff standing by saying dont touch them if they come to you just step back. I kept thinking yea right if one comes up to me Im stuffing it under my shirt and casually walking away. Maybe they could hear my thoughts because they stuck awfully close to me with those squirt bottles. I told my friend Cami that the squirt bottles were for us and that any moment they were going to start squirting us for being too close.

Over all we had a great day walking if the fresh air and spending time together watching the animals. Oh do you like my new friend? I tried to sit on him but I kept slidding around like butter. So this is what you get.

xoxo

The truth is a scary thing to admit...

This morning I put my courageous hat on and dug real deep into the complex things that I have been to afraid to face. I realized that in order to find someone who is worth having in your life, you have to show all your cards not expecting anything from them in return. By hiding a part of yourself and not giving your whole self, the truly beautiful part is being stunted like a tree not able to seek out the sunlight. I realized this morning that everyone deserves to be loved and with holding back any part of loving another person even, when its tough, can scar them and prevent them from growth and knowing love. Being one of Gods children comes with responsibility and hiding from it only makes you a coward and not a disciple. So I have come to the conclusion that I will show all my card always, Love everyone especially threw the hard stuff and be the strongest disciple that he has made for me to be. Because tomorrow may never come so I'm going to appreciate what life I have today.

xoxo

...

This is just how I feel today.

adventure is afoot...

The newest adventure to add to my list was hiking Wind Cave Trail. It was funny we even ended up there in the first place because we were headed to a different trail but got lost.  Instead of this being a disaster it ended up being pretty awesome. The hike was good, not too strenuous so that our group of all hikers could enjoy it.

The hike started off moderate, but as you get to the top the trail gradually becomes more of and incline and at the end, you guessed it there is a small cave.

There were these fun hallowed out holes in the wall and while we were waiting for the rest of our group to catch up we took a few fun pictures. My friend Jason kept calling me adventure woman, and joking that I should have my own show, cause I kept wanting to move on quickly. I didnt like stopping, I get into this mode while hiking where all I can see is whats in front of me and moving forward is the only option. Its almost like a trance or a high or something, it just makes me feel so alive pushing my body to new heights and lengths till my body is literally begging for mercy, and then I push it one step further, just to know that I can prevail through it.

Yoga pose!!!

The gang Scottie, Hope, Me, Jason, and Jen.

We made it yay!!! The top was gorgeous you could see over the whole valley. We stopped and had a snack and tried to depict what all the mountain ranges were before us.

You didnt think I would leave you without one of my signature awkward poses did you now?

Happy Monday Loves.

xoxo

Unplugged...

Today I took the time and blocked out the unnecessary gunk in my life, facebook, television, and cell phone. Now before you let the gasp of horror escape your lips let me tell you how wonderful it was.

I slept in til seven and to some of you thats no big deal but im normally up at five thirty, so BIG deal to me. I took a leasurely shower and got myself breakfast and ate it in the peace of the morning quiet, as opposed to scarfing down my breakfast in three bites because I couldnt get out of the shower fast enough which sets my whole morning back.

After breakfast I wrote my final copy of "the world needs more love" letters. It is this amazing organization that finds people in need that are going through a rough time in their lives and brings people all together to write them encouraging letters to help get them through their time of need. They have a list of people each month and you can write them a letter if you feel led to help bring them thrrough their nightmare. After I finished that I was feeling all pumped and decided to have a little fun with my camera outside. Then it was off to work.

When I get home, my mom is making dinner and listing to Andre Bochelli whom I love. He is a blind opera singer and his voice will bring you to tears with is beauty. Tonight was a special night. I had such a great day I didnt want to do our usual watch t.v. and eat dinner. So we ate at the table and listened to him sing. I had a great conversation with my mom about life and how I was feeling, things I hadnt realized I wasnt doing. After dinner I wasnt ready for the magic to end so we got out Mexican train and played a couple rounds. I lost, and you know what, I had so much fun loosing. My mom at one point drew all the tiles and still kicked my butt, talk about bad luck. Then she started making up rules as she was going and I began laughing so hard I cried.

Life unpugged isnt so bad after all, it is actually nice.  You grow closer to your loved ones when all the distractions around you cease to exist.

I dare you to try it one night with your family. come on, scared you might like it?

xoxo

Sedona getaway...

Went to Sedona for the weekend and its was a much needed trip. We hiked Bell Mt, it was quite the hike quick but strenuos.

What a beautiful view.

My infamous crazy shots. oh yea baby.

The kids and I attemped to take a picture of ourselves on top of the mt but didnt turn out so hot. (and yes I have both of my eye brows you just cant tell in the picture.)

After hiking we went to a little vinyard for some wine tasting for my biirthday, yea thats right im 21 lovelys. And that was the extent of my partying woo big party girl. (if you cant tell that was my attempt at sarcasim.)

mom mom, Todd, and me with a glass of an outstanding Pino

I took this incredible shot of the moon while we were out in the hot tub.

The next day, you guessed it shopping!!!!

I kissed a frog but i didnt get a prince, nothing but metallic lips yuck. I want a refund.

There was gorgeous arcitucture and i just ate it up, oh and took lots and lots of photos.

Im a little late but have an awesome weekend!!!

Happy Thursday!

xoxo