Life~

No matter how I get prepared for something scheduled it rarely turns out the way I have planned. I had friends stop by today from Salem to spend the day with us. We were all very excited to see them. After Josh and I dropped Hannah off at school we went home to clean house. Josh helped with the dishes, I vacuumed, did dishes, cleaned bathroom, dusted, etc... Our guests got lost and I wasn't helpful in my directions to get them back to where we were so they got really lost. When they came over Josh was in a mood. Very whinny and complained a lot after we picked up Hannah. It was hot over 90 degrees outside and he was hungry and tired. Not so fun combo. We took our friends out to lunch and my coupons wouldn't work because I didn't read the fine print. Josh didn't want to eat anything healthy, he wanted the chips. He was constantly competing for my attention while I was trying to have a nice conversation with our friends. We then took a tour around before heading back home. When we got there Austin our dog threw up inside all of his breakfast. After cleaning that up Hannah went into the bathroom and threw up her lunch. Both kids were so tired by the end of the day Josh was very whinny, Hannah was ready for bed. I was stressed, but really tried to keep calm through the events of the day. Even though "life" still happened, we had a great time seeing our wonderful friends again. They were so gracious and were able to relax and that was one of the biggest goals I had was for them to rest and relax. Good day all in all. But don't expect me to do anything that requires much effort until tomorrow. lol.

Remembering Darian ~

I have learned so much from this little six year old boy. The strength and determination he had were simply amazing. The way I see life has changed because of him. I am more thankful for each day than I was. I look at my children differently with a more understanding compassionate heart. When I need strength I think about Darian and the strength that he had. When I need more faith I think about his mother Abby and how her faith impacted so many and brought some to Jesus. I realized because of Darian and his family's example that I need to give of myself whole heartedly to others, loving them like Jesus loves. There example has blessed me so much. I know that little boy will be so missed. Darian's family, friends and church family surrounded him with tons of love. I know many hearts are sad today.

Darian you are going to be very missed. All that to say, my heart rejoices knowing you are completely happy with God right now. No more pain, no more sadness. You had to go through so much this past year. You now get to rest. Even though I am sad, I also at the same time am happy you can be yourself again.

His celebration of life is today. I wish I could be there to show how much he ministered to me. And how much I love his family.

http://legacy.com/statesmanjournal/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=126971615

God bless,

Lara~

I Changed My Mind ~

Okay I have decided to come back and stick with this blog as well as the other one I have. Why? Because I want to talk about mommy things. Like kids are disgusting! My new best friends are clorox disinfecting wipes. Ever since Josh started potty training my eyes have been opened to transferring potty from the small potty to the big one, washing hands, how boys go to the bathroom, what boys are facinated with (oh brother). If I didn't have my wipes I would shut down and pretend like nothing was wrong in the bathroom. Until my husband comes home and finds our house is full of yucky germs. Ah______________

Now can you see why I don't want to blog about this stuff on my website. lol! If no one reads this anymore that will be fine. I just have to vent about life here. If anything encourages others than that's a bonus. = )

Now on to laundry, disinfecting, dishes, organizing, fixing, monitoring (kids), and the list continues on.

Lara~

Changing Sites ~

I have a new website. I am no longer going to be blogging here. If you would like to keep up with me my new website is:

http://www.laramarriott.com


I am still planning to keep up with all of you. I have loved reading your blogs and seeing all of your awesome pictures. God bless friends ~

Life Change ~

Being a pastor's kid and now a pastor's wife I have come to realize my life is not my own. It is lead by the Lord's work. It has come to be time for us to leave our home, our church, our city for a new place. We have loved our time here in Salem and at our church Court Street Christian. I will always feel a deep connection here with the people we have met. It will be very difficult saying goodbye. Brian and I feel we have been called to go to Pleasanton, CA to be worship pastors for Centerpointe Pres. Church. It has been a long journey taking almost a year, but we believe full heartedly that this is what God wants us to do. Our last Sunday will be this coming Sunday. It will be a celebration of the years we have spent together, but also a sad goodbye to everyone we've loved. In some ways I am looking forward to the celebration of being all together, but at the same time I know I am going to be full of tears. We will move Feb 9th and start at Centerpointe Feb 15th. I think I am still in shock to be honest with you. These next couple of weeks will be crazy, but when I find another moment I will blog in more detail about all that God has done and about our new home. God bless dear friends. I hope to write again soon.