Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!(yesterday)

yep. its that day. we stuff our faces and share what we're grateful for. An excellent holiday in my humble opinion.

I'm thankful for so much! Its kinda ridiculous how blessed I am. Why do I often focus on what I don't have rather than the many MANY things I do have? Just to name a couple of blessings, I have great health, a loving family, the most amazing friends anyone could ask for, foooddddd, a love of learning, my basketball team(yes, I claim them:)), warm clothes, a cell phone, the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

This year I was priviledged to indulge in not one, but TWO thanksgiving dinners. Yesterday with the Websters and today with the Maxwells. Tight.

Its kinda become a tradition for me to wear my favorite sweater to thanksgiving, so yes, the tradition still lives on! Here are some lovely pictures of this picturesque sweater. A true gem. Oh and the best part is that all of my cousins on the Webster side have these. Girls in red, boys in blue! Yes sir, we love them...or at least I do!



Doesn't that empty mug make the whole ensemble seem much more cozy? haha I thought so too:)

Oh don't worry, I just found these pictures of the one and only Paige Maxwell on my computer. She's a keeper! And I'm proud to say that she edited the green one all by herself and it is currently her profile picture on Facebook.







mechale lauren

today

I feel ill. not seriously, just ill. I woke up to death itself. No bueno. Cero divertido.

see-




oh and the basketball game i've been counting down to got canceled due to the "blizzard." lovely. but that just means we have a game tuesday, thursday and friday next week. tight.

mechale lauren

Accomplished.

I had a debate tournament today. Me and Hannah competed in Parlimentary Debate which is an impromptu, current event, debate event. So hard. So fun. So crazy! Basically, we went into the tournament thinking we didn't care and just wanted to have fun. After the first two rounds we knew we had won so why not just try hard for the rest of the time? For our last two rounds we put so much effort into it. We wanted to win! They were way hard debates but we did really well and to our utter surprise we took FIRST PLACE!!! YeeHAWW! Honestly I was shocked. I thought we did well, but not that well! and there were a lot of teams! I'm so proud of us:) I feel accomplished. We placed in something other than duo haha.. (its kinda a whimpy event even though I LOVE it...) Well thats all I have to say:) Oh and we got these way big trophys and viking hats!




I'm elated.

mechale lauren

I've been thinking...

I've been thinking that I don't want to grow up and decide where to go to school. I've always wanted to go to BYU and I think that's where I'll end up but what if USU is better? I could easily get full ride there. To never have to pay for school would be incredible. Good thing I don't really have to worry about that for a year.. ish.

I've been thinking that it would be fun to move. I've lived in the same house my entire life. Yes, I have roots here and it would be so hard to leave everything, but how cool would it be to start a new life. Meet new people. Have new experiences. I just want to get out for like a year. I guess college is like moving.. I'll wait until then.

I've been thinking that I'm home. Baskeball season is my home. Last night at Meet the Team night I kept the score book for the boys scrimage. Honestly, no one will understand this, but I felt like I was home. Watching 10 boys, three referees, two hoops, one ball and a court interact is the best thing. I love all kinds of basketball, but without a doubt, my favorite is high school boys basketball. The NBA is amazing and the players play with such skill and precision, and their plays are so exciting. College is just fun. The best month of the year is March because of the NCAA tournament. But high school is my favorite for its unpredictableness(uhh new word?) and its intimate setting. Some of the best days I've ever had have been those where I get to watch 3 back-to-back basketball games, keep the book for the first two and pour out my soul cheering for the third. Best ever. I love basketball. This season is going to be amazing.

And that's what I've been thinking!

mechale lauren

Thats how I feel about you

"Well she was wearing a skirt and he thought she looked nice,
and yeah, she didn't really care about anything else
because she only wanted him to think she looked nice.
And he did."
-Kate Nash, "Birds"

How true is that? Well sometimes. I know that looking good for someone isn't the most important thing, but really, think about it, we all do it. I definitely do it. A LOT. hahah the things we do for boys...

This song is my favorite right now. Its darling. And Kate Nash's british accent is right nice. I also love her style. Her lyrics aren't super rhymey or anything. They just tell a simple story. I HIGHLY reccommend her. For "Birds" listen here

Anyways, enough music musings. Sometimes I hate my best friends. Not really, but really. I'm not getting into that here though. I just needed to throw that out there.

And then there are those others. Best friends but somehow casually thrown to the side. Yet always in the forefront. There are two in particular who have saved me tonight when those other friends weren't there. They are my cousin Jessica and she-who-must-not-be-named-in-this-post:)

My cousin Jessica(the one in my profile picture over yonder ----->) is the most caring person I know. She truly is one of my best friends. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. She knows more about me than anyone else. Really though. There are many things I've never told anyone but her. I know she will never judge me or look down on me. She just cares. I know she loves me and is happy for me when things are looking up and takes my sorrow when I'm feeling down. I don't know how many times I've texted her randomly when something's not right and not a minute later she responds with an honest caring reply. Like tonight. I miss her so much. Now that she's in college I don't see her nearly as much as I used to. I look up to her so much. I'm so grateful families can be together forever.

Next is she-who-must-not-be-named-in-this-post. I don't even know how to adequately express how much she means in my life. We've definitely had our ups and downs as friends. Honestly, sometimes I wonder how we've remained such good friends. We've managed to get through some tough times. She's one person I know I can always go to for anything. She knows how to get mad when I'm mad but gently bring me back to reality. I love her. Really, there are so many other things I could say about her but I won't bore you with those details. I hope she knows how grateful I am that we're friends. She's blessed my life in countless ways. I feel like she does WAY more for me than I ever do for her. Thanks she-who-must-not-be-named-in-this-post:)

mechale lauren

12 days until basketball season officially starts

I wish so badly I had something good to say right now but the fact of the matter is, it don't. But I want to blog so I'm faced with a serious dilemma. I'm never at a loss for words, I love talking. This is weird.

Maybe I'll just go read the Scarlet Letter instead. Oh no, did I really just say that??! I'm such a nerd. But really. Calculus and Chemistry are my two favorite classes. Oh dear. I should have kept that in. But now its out and it'll take too long to erase.

There are the most beautiful bananas on my kitchen counter right now. In case you were wondering..? What's with me?

Just so you know, anything I start to write right now, I'm not erasing. Thats why I'm getting so random.

I really have nothing thought provoking or deep to say right now. How tragic. Usually when I blog I'm thinking about something worthwhile even if I don't post it. Not right now! haha gah.

I'm just a waste of space this second. Give me something to think about!

Everyone reading this now thinks I'm a freak. I promise, its just an off night. I should be hot tubbing at Hot Tub Thursday with friends right now. But instead I'm here. Maybe that's why I'm so bored. I definitely should have left my homework for later so I'd have something to do right now.

I kinda want to go to my room but its FREEZING! I'm on the corner of my house with windows on two sides and wood floor with just the garage beneath me. It's an ice box. Thank goodness for electric blankets!

I love it when my brother plays the piano. Like now.

The Prestige is great.

My brother just stopped playing and said, "Mechale, how do you right a song? Like the words." so I said, "search your innermost feelings and write what comes hahaha" then he said, "I have no innermost feelings." well Johnny, you've got a problem.

I miss my cousin Jessica.

Bountiful is in the semi-finals for football! WOOT! so now we play at Rice Eccles Stadium tomorrow! YAY! and we get out of school early for the game. Tight.

well this is just such a waste of both of our time so I'll be signing off.

Peace out girl scout

mechale lauren

Psh, Yeah Right!

My brother just told me I look like a polygamist. Jerk. Granted, my hair is doing a sort of wooshy up-do thing. Shoot. I look like a polygamist.

mechale lauren

We All Have Our Things, I Guess

Guess what. This morning I accidentally got toothpaste in my eye while brushing my teeth for the third time. It hurts, and burns, and feels minty strangely enough. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN!!!! Normal people don't get toothpaste in their eye, yet I have 3 times. Talk about embarrassing.

I really like the rocket summer. a lot. especially "do you feel." good song.

Also, I DO NOT want to go to the christmas dance. I don't even know why, this time last year I would give anything to go but not right now. I just don't want to go with someone I don't want to go with and I don't want to go with anyone in particular so... and it saves $$$ haha. I'm so cheap.. but it just means more christmas presents for little Max! and others haha.

the guitar is fun to play.

I love debating.

I also can't wait for basketball season to start. First game, two weeks from today! go braves. We're taking state this year, realistically. We're basically amazing. Oh and the starting five all run the 2 mile in about 13 minutes which is where my dad said his other state champion teams were at. And Mckay ran it in under 12 minutes! thats fast. We're lookin good this year!

again, I'll just throw this in because I always do- I love calculus. end of story.

I'm not opposed to christmas music right now. Usually I am, but not this year. In moderation of course.

mmm Hot Chocolate from Corner 22. delicious. but super sweet.

I neeeeedddd new headphones. Mine broke forever ago so I've been using these macho ones that my brother stole from BHS. And they're terrible.

anyone know any good songs? like not too chill, but not super pop, or edgy. just good and catchy. catchy is a must. I'm in need.

mechale lauren

All about Us

April 28, 2010: SLC, UT- coming home from my grandma's funeral in Oregon.

July 21, 2010: Logan, UT- At a family reunion in Bear Lake

July 22, 2010: Provo, UT- At a family reunion in Bear Lake

November 5, 2010: SLC, UT- Finally at the concert

In the past 6 months, He Is We, my favorite band, has been to Utah 4 times and finally last night I was able to see them live at the venue after a year of obsession. Honestly, It was one of the most insanely incredible concerts I've ever been to. I loved every second of it. From the first opener Allred (soo good) to the second opener He Is We (Best eeverr!) to the main act The Rocket Summer(absloutely incredible) it was a night I'll never forget. Luckily my brother Jordan had bought tickets early and because he couldn't go, gave them to me. If that hadn't happened I wouldn't have gotten in. My friends Hannah, Natalie, Nick and Jason couldn't get in because the concert sold out! So thank you Jordan for the tickets!! It was the best night of my life.

There's something about a tiny club filled to the max with people and acoustic music. And He Is We live is beautiful. She sings with such feeling and emotion. The lyrics mean so much more to me now hearing them live. It was so fun being with 5 other crazily obsessed girls. Belting every word of every song and dancing like no one was watching. K, this sounds so dumb but I was just in the moment haha, you'd understand if you were there.

Also, I had a slightly awkward moment. So I was standing by one of the girls I was with who is also in love with the band and she suddenly told me to turn around. So I turned and squeezing past us was Rachel, Trevor and the other people of he is we. So I kinda missed Rachel, but just as Trevor was passing I said quietly to Jorgen, "Ahh thats Trevor," right as I accidently hit him on the shoulder. So he turned around and I didn't know what to do so I awkwardly said "hi" haha oh man i felt soo stupid, but it was way funny!

Then the Rocket Summer. So its just one guy, Bryce Avary, and he plays every instrument. Acoustic and Electric guitars, keyboard, harmonica, bass, drums, the works. He was so good too! I was a little worried that he wouldn't sound as good as his cd's but my expectations were far surpassed. He was way better live! I loved every second of it.

All in all, it was an amazing concert. I loved every second. Oh and He is We finally set a date and said their debut album will be out before Christmas! yessss.

mechale lauren

p.s. the post title was my favorite song he is we played last night

Thanksgiving letter

So this is probably one of the most enjoyable things I've ever read. I decided to crack it back out as its now Thanksgiving season! It's from awkwardfamilyphotos.com enjoy!

November 26th, 2009



From: Marney

As you all know a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner does not make itself. I need to ask each of you to help by bringing something to complete the meal. I truly appreciate your offers to assist with the meal preparation.

Now, while I do have quite a sense of humor and joke around all the time, I COULD NOT BE MORE SERIOUS when I am providing you with your Thanksgiving instructions and orders. I am very particular, so please perform your task EXACTLY as I have requested and read your portion very carefully. If I ask you to bring your offering in a container that has a lid, bring your offering in a container WITH A LID, NOT ALUMINUM FOIL! If I ask you to bring a serving spoon for your dish, BRING A SERVING SPOON, NOT A SOUP SPOON! And please do not forget anything.

All food that is to be cooked should already be prepared, bring it hot and ready to serve, warm or room temp. These are your ONLY THREE options. Anything meant to be served cold should, of course, already be cold.

HJB—Dinner wine

The Mike Byron Family

1. Turnips in a casserole with a lid and a serving spoon. Please do not fill the casserole all the way up to the top, it gets too messy. I know this may come as a bit of a surprise to you, but most of us hate turnips so don’t feel like you a have to feed an army.
2. Two half gallons of ice cream, one must be VANILLA, I don’t care what the other one is. No store brands please. I did see an ad this morning for Hagan Daz Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, yum!! (no pressure here, though).
3. Toppings for the ice cream.
4. A case of bottled water, NOT gallons, any brand is ok.

The Bob Byron Family

1. Green beans or asparagus (not both) in a casserole with a lid and a serving spoon. If you are making the green beans, please prepare FOUR pounds, if you are making asparagus please prepare FIVE pounds. It is up to you how you wish to prepare them, no soupy sauces, no cheese (you know how Mike is), a light sprinkling of toasted nuts, or pancetta, or some EVOO would be a nice way to jazz them up.
2. A case of beer of your choice (I have Coors Light and Corona) or a bottle of clos du bois chardonnay (you will have to let me know which you will bring prior to 11/22).

The Lisa Byron Chesterford Family

1. Lisa as a married woman you are now required to contribute at the adult level. You can bring an hors d’ouvres. A few helpful hints/suggestions. Keep it very light, and non-filling, NO COCKTAIL SAUCE, no beans of any kind. I think your best bet would be a platter of fresh veggies and dip. Not a huge platter mind you (i.e., not the plastic platter from the supermarket).

The Michelle Bobble Family

1. Stuffing in a casserole with a serving spoon. Please make the stuffing sans meat.
2. 2.5-3 qts. of mashed squash in a casserole with a lid and serving spoon
3. Proscuitto pin wheel – please stick to the recipe, no need to bring a plate.
4. A pie knife

The June Davis Family

1. 15 LBS of mashed potatoes in a casserole with a serving spoon. Please do not use the over-size blue serving dish you used last year. Because you are making such a large batch you can do one of two things: put half the mash in a regulation size casserole with lid and put the other half in a plastic container and we can just replenish with that or use two regulation size casserole dishes with lids. Only one serving spoon is needed.
2. A bottle of clos du bois chardonnay

The Amy Misto Family (why do I even bother she will never read this)

1. A pumpkin pie in a pie dish (please use my silver palate recipe) no knife needed.
2. An apple pie in a pie dish, you can use your own recipe, no knife needed.

Looking forward to the 28th!!

Marney

could she be a little more demanding? hahah. classy.

mechale lauren