Myth or Reality?

They say she doesn't exist. They say she is a myth. They say she is not real because there are no credible sightings of her. Well, as her official paparazzi, I'm here to tell you she's as real as they get; just hard to capture in pictures! Meet Lauren! She is my 2nd daughter. Contrary to the attitude portrayed in the photo below, she is the sweetest girl around! But the truth that is portrayed is her quick, dry wit. She is HI-LAR-I-OUS!!! She can get us all laughing till our belly's ache with her comebacks and body gestures!


Lauren is very pleasant to be with. She is also as loyal as the day is long - and then some; especially toward her twin sister Ashley. When they were little, if Ashley was hurt or sad, Lauren was right there doing anything she could to cheer her up. She could not stand to see her crying. In fact, as an infant, she never really cried until Ashley cried. If she loves you, she loves you deeply and forever. As a toddler, this characteristic was portrayed by her hoarding all her favorite toys in one spot, usually the mini-trampoline. She would sit next to them, not necessarily to play with but to protect.

Her empathy towards others allows her to capture emotion in her art. One day she drew the face of a girl. She showed it to me and I was truly moved by her drawing. Yet, she didn't care for it and ripped it up. The next time I saw the picture it was in 4 pieces and I asked, "Lauren, why did you rip this picture?" She exclaimed, "I don't like it!" I showed her how in each of the four pieces of the girls face, she was able to show the expression of 4 different emotions that when the pieces were put together, caused the viewer to feel deep emotions and connect with the picture. She said that was why she didn't like it. She thought this was a weakness in her art. "That, my dear, is raw talent many artists work a life time at accomplishing!". She simply smiled, and still occasionally will draw a picture or two - which can only be viewed by the public as often as she is - rarely!

Lauren will be completing the 8th grade and promoting to HIGH SCHOOL! And she, too, will be going to early morning seminary. When this is mentioned, she replies with an eyeroll - a different-than-hilarious kind of body gesture! :) Everyone likes Lauren. Not just the boys, either. She is going to have such a great time during her high school years, and she will be a great asset to her school and friends! She is simply FABULOUS! I love her so much!