Genuine

My Psychic Reading

My siser has been doing a lot of testing, cleanses, and cranial therapy the last year to try to heal her body so she can get pregnant. At one of her visits the assistant suggested that she call this Psychic to find out what’s wrong with her “plumbing”. Lisa finally decided to call and got an impressive reading.

My biggest fear lately is “what’s next”? Since last year was 12 months of one huge trial after another, I’ve become a bit worrisome for the future. I mean really, how much bad juju can one girl take!

Therefore, I decided to take the plunge and call the Psychic as well. What do I have to loose?

Here’s what she said:

* I’ve been doing a lot of serious thinking lately.

True. I’ve been debating the pros and cons of putting myself more in the public eye and pursuing speaking engagements. I’ve been concerned with the added stress to my family and trying to make sure this is really my purpose in life.

* I have a smart man in my life who has a strange sense of humor that I totally get and I love that about him. He’s disciplined. True, he’s fabulous!

* I’ll be going on a weekend vacation soon. It will go well.

True. I’ll be going to speak at Blissdom February 4th.

* There is someone who is acting up and causing conflict. He’s attending a day camp or something that should be fun. I’ve been down this road before so expect it. He’s smart but bored.

True. Drake is a pill at preschool. I’m bummed that Drake will cause me the same problems the other two have. However, the moment they told me I has having my third boy – I knew I would just be repeating the same process. This is a let down – but nothing I didn’t already anticipate.

* I’m worried about money but I can stop. True. There will be enough.

* In one month my desires will change. I will start a new schedule.

Interesting. I’m wondering that if after I speak at Blissdom and attend Mom 2.0 Summit in February that I get completely burned out or if I find a difference passion.

* She said that she’s not sure why but testing keeps coming up. I will be doing testing for the next 4 months. I have elevated hormones. She asked if I was pregnant.

Hell no I’m not pregnant. However, I’m hoping Lisa will be soon and she’s been doing a lot of testing. Lisa was right next to me during the reading – so maybe that’s why she picked that up.

* I am healthy. However, there will be a removal of some sort this Spring. It’s small and there’s light at the end of the tunnel. She said it’s something like a cracked tooth or something. She said to start putting money aside but it won’t be a big deal – not major.

I SO hope that I am healthy. My back surgery completely changed my perspective on life. I used to be completely fearless with my body – now not so much. I feel my mortality more than ever.

* She said that I have been congested lately and it’s because I have allergies. I should go see an allergist.

True. My nose has been bothering me for a couple months now. Weird she brought this up.

* She said that she keeps seeing that I’m 45 years old but she knows I’m not. I told her I was 34. She said that it’s because I’m finally seeing life as it really is and that I’ve finally got a back bone. She keeps pulling the “fight me” card. {{giggle – I got a new back that’s for sure.}}

HA! It is true that my perspective on life has changed quite a bit. I’m no longer a dreamer and am trying to be content with my life as it is right now. It’s hard for me as I do not have the life I had envisioned for myself. I’ve been actively trying to just be grateful and feel like “this is enough”.

* I’ll be having a great celebration soon. Maybe a family reunion.

I told her that I will be going to Arizona in May and seeing some dear friends. She said that I see friends as family so maybe that’s what it is.

* She asked who the independent woman is in my life. I told her it was my sister. She said that she will be needy the next 4-5 months.

* She said that I’m tired of being needy.

True. In my sisters reading, the Psychic brought me up and said that I would be needy the next 4-5 months. I feel like I’ve been needy the past 12 months, and I’m sick of it. It’s been a goal of mine to become completely independent again and not have to rely so heavily on others.

* I need to separate myself with a child because his problems are his own and he will figure them out. I don’t need to be a worry wort. She asked if my son was 11 years old.

True. I am in constant fear of Davis’ future. He doesn’t communicate with me, so I have no ideas what’s going on with him. I worry about my boys all the time. Their challenges seem so overwhelming to me and I just want them to have a happy life.

* I have good partnerships and good alliances. True.

* I will be getting away from my sleepless nights.

This almost made me cry. I cannot even remember the last time I got to sleep an entire 7 hours with out interruption. My sleep cycles are completely messed up. So even if a child doesn’t wake up in the night – my body still wakes up! I’m so exhausted – I can’t even begin to explain it.

* Then I asked her about my speaking engagements. She said that I will have 3 this year and that I will loose one. It’s only because of a scheduling conflict – nothing else. They will be fine.

True. I had to drop out of the Casual Blogging Conference (Mormon Mommy Bloggers) because of a scheduling conflict with EVO.

* I will talk about autism. She said that keeps coming up.

* She said my life is just starting and I will come full circle and see the benefits in 1 year.

I hope this is true. 🙂

* My biggest problem is that I’m afraid I’m not accepted. True. She said that I am and will do fine.

* We chatted a bit about Davis, who has high functioning autism. She said that she can’t read Autistic people. Her grandson is autistic and she can only read him if he allows her to. She said that I should get Davis online so he can chat with other high functioning children. They communicate easier with each other and it will give him comfort. I need to give him his own society. She ended our conversation that I should know that Davis is a good kid.

Very cool, huh! Even if nothing she said is true, it felt good to hear it. I really needed the encouragement and someone to just say, “It will be fine”.

So, I guess I won’t be dying of cancer this year or completely hosing my reputation by choking at a conference. Whoohoo!

Girly Girl

Coupon Wrap Up

Yes, in case you’re wondering – I’m still couponing. Last week I spent $81.17 and saved $100.86.

This week I spent $67.88 and saved $74.04. I’m using the Grocery Game and binder method.

It’s been really nice to have a stockpile of food in our pantry. I’ve also started building up our 3 month food storage. As we used most of it last year to keep our expenses low so we could pay off medical bills.

I only buy things that I know we’ll eat. Otherwise it’s just a waste of money. Couponing is a lot of work but I can’t tell you how good it feels to have an excess of food and supplies again. {{whew}}

Family Cruise Director · Party Planner

Happy New Year!!

We hosted a family New Years Eve bash this year with several of our favorite families. My brother and sister (and their families) were both able to come as well. So it was a par-tay!


Lisa, Wendy, and Tricia


My brother and his wife and daughter


You know Lisa (my sister) and Billy


You might recognize this devoted couple {wink}}


John taught us a new slap game. It got pretty wild – watch out!


This year we had a bunch of tweens. {{Holy Hannah}}


There were nerf wars and all kinds of antics going on upstairs.


However, a night with fabulous friends, loud music, and a lot of laughter is my kind of night. I’m honored to ring in the New Year with these lovely ladies.


Chanda was the photographer for the evening trying out her new camera. Thanks babe – you ROCK!


The little kids had a blast and we rarely heard from them. Now I know why. HA!


There was Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk Staking, dancing, eating, and all kinds of fun going on all around the house.


The balloon drop is my favorite part of the night.


The night wouldn’t be complete with out a little silly from the Turks. {{holla}}

I’m so glad to see 2009 end – you have no idea. It was a terrible year for me on so many levels. It kicked my butt and I so there’s no love loss here. Good riddance!

Happy New Year!!

May 2010 be the year we meet in real life, make many happy memories, are financially stable, have good health, hang out with friends more often, eat yummy food, and get our craft on.

Bring it!

Girly Girl

My New Jewelry Organizer

talk to me tuesday_white

For Talk To Me Tuesday, Tip Junkie is hosting a favorite project show and tell. Even though I didn’t post this until a week ago, I made it for myself for Christmas and it’s by far my favorite project.

Take a look at my new jewelry organizer! {{whoohoo}} I’ve had the vision in my head for over a year now and I decided that I was finally going to make it for myself for Christmas.

My problem lately, is that I’m always in a hurry. I’m throwing clothes on as I’m running out the door. Very unlike me – I know. Life has just gotten too busy to property coordinate my accessories. Therefore, I devised a system where I could color coordinate my accent pieces at a quick glance. Yep, you guessed it! The flowers above the hooks identify the color of jewelry. I hung the bracelets right next to the necklaces so I could grab them quickly as well.

Everything in one place. Well, that is until I get too many. Then I’ll have to make this just for necklaces and hang bracelets underneath. (I’ll find some cute wrought iron hooks.)

Quick Jewelry Organizer Tutorial:

I should have done a blogger style tutorial with lots of pictures but I was too excited and a little worried that it wouldn’t work. It’s been a long time since I crafted.

Materials:

Large photo frame
Fabric as your base
“L” hooks to screw in
2 wrought iron decor
4 nails
Paper flowers
Rhinestone stickers
Black paint
Hot glue gun

Directions:

1. Discard the glass for your frame.

2. Hot glue your chosen fabric to the frame. I did it quickly by laying the fabric down, fastening the frame backing to the frame. Cutting the extra fabric away. Then hot gluing the fabric only to the back of the frame – making sure to keep it tight. It only took a couple minutes.

3. Nail in the wrought iron decor pieces. I bent the nails in the back and then used duct tape to tape it down so it doesn’t scratch the wall.

4. Paint the nails in the iron decor black so they don’t stand out.

5. Measure the frame and decide on the width of the “L” screws. Also decide if you’re going to add bracelets and if so – how far apart you want them to be. I used a Black & Decker laser leveler and it was fabulous. (A must have for every decorator.)

When you screw in the “L” screws – they will go through the back of the frame a little. Don’t worry about it. When you’re done screwing them in – use duct tape to cover all the screws poking through to protect your wall. It’s important that the screw is in far enough so it will hold the weight of your accessories.

6. Lastly, I organized my jewelry in colors and then chose fabric flowers to coordinate. I hot glued the rhinestones and the flowers onto the frame right above the “L” screws.

Voila!

Now, I can also see the colors of jewelry that I’m missing! {{evil laugh}} Time to go to Charming Charlies!

Blogger

Word of the Year for 2010

My word that I hope will represent 2010 is

Abundance

{{crossing fingers}} Here’s my video on why I chose that word as well as a plug for a giveaway on Tip Junkie. Three women will win a necklace with their word of the year on it by Tip Junkie Mom-preneurs.

Family Cruise Director · Party Planner

Christmas Round Up

It’s painfully obvious at this point that I’m never going to catch up on my posts. Therefore, here is one massively long one that briefly gives you an idea on how we celebrated the Christmas season. I hope you all had a wonderful time with your family!!

Merry Christmas from Laurie, Jason, Davis, Dylan, and Drake

Drake participated in his first pre-school performance. His teacher should have known better than to put Tyson behind Drake. I think Drake was more concerned about what Tyson was doing and getting his hands in his pockets.

They sung J-E-S-U-S and Jesus was his name-o. The entire performance I couldn’t help but feel sacrilegious! Putting Christ’s name in a song about a dog. Geeze Louise. {{shaking head}}

The kiddos had a hard time dealing with the paparazzi outside their classroom after the performances.

We have had a LOT of friends over to play the past several weeks. Davis and Dylan both had their first sleep overs! They each went well and therefore they’ve convinced me that they’re responsible enough to have the privilege.

This year we decided to forgo the traditional Gingerbread House and try a rice crispy one. Had I known that I would have had to make it first, I wouldn’t have bought it. You know I can’t cook! I was so worried I was going to mess it up and it would be ruined.

Luckily, Davis was in charge and everything turned out wonderful.

It has snowed TWICE this year!! Whoohoo. We had a white Christmas as it snowed Christmas Eve. They boys thought that was seriously so cool.

Christmas Eve we did all our traditions as well as had the boys open up their Christmas pajamas. I wasn’t feeling well and had been battling the stomach flu for 2 days. Therefore, the day was not documented very well.

Since the boys were getting one really big gift this year, we decided to have them play a little game and search for it! They each had a ball of string that started from their stocking and ended somewhere in the house where their big present from Mom & Dad was hidden.

They really got into it. Of course, Davis cheated and eventually just followed the string with his eyes (cutting corners and walking around the house) and found it pretty quickly. Drake’s string was short and I helped him.

Dylan took it the most seriously and played exactly by the rules, carefully winding up all the string before he allowed himself to find his gift. {{bwaahaa!}} They are each so predictable. 🙂 Needless to say, they loved the game and the anticipation of finding their gift.

Drake hit the mother load with all his gifts from grandma’s & grandpas. His age is the easiest to buy for and the least expensive.

HUGE thanks to all the grandparents for making this Christmas a wonderful one for the boys. We have 7 sets of grands & great-grands which really helped take off the financial burden this year. You ROCK!!

The big family gift from Jason and me this year was a Casio keyboard. It’s seriously so cool. I went to the music store and bought piano books for the boys. Davis has already taught himself to play 3 songs. Dylan and Drake just love having it play for them and enjoy all the gadgets and cool noises it makes.

It was a wonderful Christmas considering the devastating year we’ve had. I’ll be way to happy to ends 2009 and put the struggles and trials behind me. {{said in complete seriousness}}

I hope that you are also ready to ditch 2009 and enjoy the New Year. Bring it on, baby!!

Home Decorator

Projects Around the House

Jason is now home from Russia and I can’t tell you how good it feels to know he’s home for good. He has been gone more than he’s been home and it’s been exhausting to say the least. Now that life can get back to normal, it’s time to tackle some long over due projects around the house.

It’s time to paint the study! I really do love to paint. There’s just something about completely making over a room with $50 and a couple hours. {{heaven}}

The finished look, subtle and neutral.

I’ve also been really frustrated lately with my master bathroom drawer. It’s seriously a jumbled mess and it’s been bugging me.

A quick trip to the Container Store and $12 later – a place for everything. {{bliss}}

Jason’s home and off work the rest of the year. I can’t wait to see what we do next! {{evil laugh}}

Girly Girl

Annual Christmas Party

I cannot tell you how excited I was go to to the annual Christmas party at Julie’s. I missed it last year due to my back surgery and so it was extra sweet this year to be in good health and be amongst some of the coolest people on the planet.

It’s always a fun time as everyone hangs out, pokes fun of each other, and is there to have a good time.

The white elephant gift exchange is the highlight of the evening. The most creative gift gets the prize. This year Julie set it up a little different and used this white elephant gift exchange poem to get the party started.

As always, there were some really good ones. The runner up was a women’s roller derby picture photoshopped with some familiar faces and gear. The winner is pictured above, BRV Extreme system – patterned from an infomercial. Each item inside had custom made labels and tags. It was so amazing!

Man, it was such a crazy fun night!

Family Cruise Director

Breakfast with Santa

We are a lucky bunch, as Santa comes to the local High School every year and his elves make breakfast and organize all kinds of fun games for us. Drake really got into it this year!

The elves outdid themselves this year and we really enjoyed the early morning with Santa.

Dylan was a master at several of the games and came away with all kinds of treasures.


Find the white duck in the snow. (Almost impossible, actually.)

This picture is blurry – but you can see how Drake really loved the games. Everyone was so helpful and happy to be there. It made it a really fun time.

This is our third time to see Santa this year. Needless to say, it has fueled Drakes excitement for Christmas morning.