About Laurie

Happy Birthday Jason!

My man turned 36 last Thursday and the boys wanted to throw him a Guitar Hero III birthday party. I was a little worried about finding a cake but as usual Wal-mart to the rescue!

This was a Hanna Montana birthday cupcake cake but I asked them to change the colors to black, blue, and red. I think the cupcake guitar turned out amazing! (and only $13) The boys loved it and I’ve been ‘having my cake and eating it too’ ever since. {{giggle}}

Jason wanted some new shirts and he bought his other presents himself. Which included a gaming key board and prime seats to a Rush concert that was the next day.

Before I wrapped Jason’s gifts, I gave the boys a choice on what shirts they wanted to give him and Dylan kept saying, “No one wants shirts for their birthday. What else can we get Dad?” Even after all my assurances that Dad will love his new shirts, Dylan still wasn’t convinced. I’m glad that Dylan’s got your back J!


Our Engagement Picture

In honor of my man, here’s a ‘Honey Love’ meme:

What is his name? Jason
How long have you been married? 12 1/2 years. 13 years on August 18th or is it 19th? (Inside joke)
How long did you date? 13 months
How old is he? 36
Who eats more sweets? Me! He likes ice-cream but that’s about it.
Who said I love you first? I don’t remember.
Who is taller? Jason. I’m a shrimp.
Who can sing better? Neither of us. ha ha

Who is smarter? Jason’s a rocket scientist so he is.
Who does the laundry? All me.
Who pays the bills? Jason does.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does
Who mows the lawn? Neither of us. Jason’s in school getting his MBA every Saturday morning and Monday night.
Who cooks dinner? Jason’s excellent with the grill. I don’t like to cook, so I warm up.
Who drives? When we’re together – Jason does.
Who is more stubborn? We both are!
Who kissed who first? I’m quite sure it was reciprocal. he he
Who asked who out first? Jason asked me out on a 4th of July picnic at a Singles activity.
Who proposed? Duh, Jason did. But we talked about it a lot before the actual proposal.
Who has more siblings? I do with four and he has one sister.
Who wears the pants? We both do. We both feel that when our spouce is happy – the family is happy.

I love you so much, honey! I feel truly blessed to be your wife. You’ve been my support through all our trials together. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t married you. Thanks for all you do and the man that you are! xoxo

About Laurie · Genuine

Laurie in Real Life


{{Me ready to party, like a rockstar!}}

Since Blogapalooza is next week, people have been doing their “In Real Life” posts. Basically, it’s to give you a heads up on what to expect when you meet me in real life. {{so you won’t be disappointed}}

Honestly, I’m not sure what to share with you that you don’t already know. Hmm

  • I have a LOUD laugh. {{not kidding}}
  • I’m a hugger. If I recognize you, I’ll probably give you a hug. {{you’ve been warned}}
  • I hate my profile – which is flat with a pointed chin. {{although like you, I haven’t seen myself in 3D}}
  • I’m short 5’3″.
  • I moved to Texas when I was 11 years old. However, I don’t have an accent because I grew up in the burbs.
  • I say what I think, which usually gets me into trouble. So don’t be offended – I’m just flapping my gums. 😉
  • I say “Shoot Yeah!”, “seriously”, and “dagum” a lot. {{I don’t know why}}

  • I don’t take myself seriously.
  • I love to be silly! It doesn’t bother me if other people judge me. I’m out to have a good time. {{pretty much at all costs}}
  • I also like to be helpful at a party, usually as the photographer. It helps me mingle, gives me something to do, and gives me a reason to move around the party. {{So smile or do something silly dagumit when I come to take your pic}}
  • I have a TERRIBLE memory! So don’t expect me to remember you – just come up and introduce yourself. I’ll be doing a lot of that myself, “Hi, my name is Laurie from ‘Create Your Own Experience’. I have the blue header with the vector girl leaning on a dryer.”

I have my tickets and I’m ready to PAR-TAY with all you crazy girls!! Can’t wait until next week.

Also, while I’m in Utah I’ll be attending the 3rd Annual Blog Party at hosted by Jill. I’m so excited and can’t wait to meet those ladies as well. Let me know if you’re attending!

About Laurie

What a Poser!!

I’m really missing my camera! The flash is broken and I’ve got to get it serviced. Not having a camera accessible has really made me realize how much I’ve come to depend on it. As a blogger of course, but also as comic relief!

In memorandum of adventures with a flash, I’ve dug through the archives and picked out pictures of me growing up where I’ve thrown all caution (and good sense) to the wind for a good pic and laugh. Enjoy!


Lisa and me on the roof posing (guy removed to protect his identity) {{wink}}


My BFF’s in Rockwood, Tx. I’m in the pink on the right.


Our downtown Houston adventure – I’m on the right.


Michelle and Me (top) during our Austin excursion


Traci and me (right) on Bourbon Street, Louisiana.


Don’t dare me to jump in an unoccupied vehicle – I will do it!


Even stuck in traffic on the way to Galveston brings a photo op not to be missed. (I’m driving)

I’m all about props too! Here’s our rendition of the “Dancing with Wolfs” dance around the fire while camping then tubing down the Guadelupe river.

Here I am laying on my side, on the right, in this tree at Rockwood, Tx after camping and rock climbing.

I love silly pictures!! I like to believe that I’m a sophisticated grown up – but as far as goofing it up for camera – not much has changed. If there is something I can jump on for the perfect picture, “I’m all over it!”

Miss you Nikon!
xoxo

About Laurie

Workin’ Girl

After being so sick that I couldn’t eat for 4 days, I’m feeling a little lighter. I was at the point that I was completely ok with my curvier figure and recently went ahead and purchased some clothes in a larger size.

However, feeling lighter has given me the motivation I’ve been waiting for to get moving. Here’s Lisa (who’s a personal trainer) trying to help me strengthen my back, since it gives me great grief when exercising.

I know you want another one! Here goes. Disclaimer: No children or animals were actually hurt during this video. 😉

To help keep me moving, my man bought me a treadmill. Yeah! I hated having to put it in my bedroom but I couldn’t bear to ask him to haul it upstairs. So much for my “bedroom retreat”. Sorry Oprah!

Where do you keep your treadmill?

About Laurie

Workin’ Girl

After being so sick that I couldn’t eat for 4 days, I’m feeling a little lighter. I was at the point that I was completely ok with my curvier figure and recently went ahead and purchased some clothes in a larger size.

However, feeling lighter has given me the motivation I’ve been waiting for to get moving. Here’s Lisa (who’s a personal trainer) trying to help me strengthen my back, since it gives me great grief when exercising.

I know you want another one! Here goes. Disclaimer: No children or animals were actually hurt during this video. 😉

To help keep me moving, my man bought me a treadmill. Yeah! I hated having to put it in my bedroom but I couldn’t bear to ask him to haul it upstairs. So much for my “bedroom retreat”. Sorry Oprah!

Where do you keep your treadmill?

About Laurie

Workin’ Girl

After being so sick that I couldn’t eat for 4 days, I’m feeling a little lighter. I was at the point that I was completely ok with my curvier figure and recently went ahead and purchased some clothes in a larger size.

However, feeling lighter has given me the motivation I’ve been waiting for to get moving. Here’s Lisa (who’s a personal trainer) trying to help me strengthen my back, since it gives me great grief when exercising.

I know you want another one! Here goes. Disclaimer: No children or animals were actually hurt during this video. 😉

To help keep me moving, my man bought me a treadmill. Yeah! I hated having to put it in my bedroom but I couldn’t bear to ask him to haul it upstairs. So much for my “bedroom retreat”. Sorry Oprah!

Where do you keep your treadmill?

About Laurie

Why I Blog

talk to me tuesday_white

This post has been edited for Tip Junkie’s Talk To Me Tuesday post on Why I Blog.


(This picture is too funny, I had to use it again.)

Lately, I’ve been evaluating all the time and energy I expend blogging. Is it worth it? I call this my “Blog Identity Crisis”.

Every couple months I go through the same dialogue in my head and ultimately decide to keep going. I really do love blogging. Since I have a terrible memory, I’m glad that memories which would normally be lost, are caught on film and in writing here on my blog.

I love keeping up with friends near and far. I really enjoy making new blogging buddies and connecting with people through our trials and interests!

What I love most about blogging is the excitement I feel when I get inspired by someone! I’m constantly amazed by YOU strong and talented women.

I’m inspired by your writing style, I’m inspired by what a compassionate person you are, I’m inspired by the fun things you do and your travels, I’m inspired by your imagination and what you create. I’m constantly amazed at how open you are about your life and how you’re able to let so many people in to your deepest thoughts. I’m inspired by your business sense and how you go for dreams and make them come true. I’m inspired by your mothering skills and it makes me want to be a better one. You’ve made me laugh and you’ve made me cry. I could go on and on.

To think, I almost didn’t blog at all. I would consider my writing, grammar, and story telling abilities to be my worst attributes. I’m not kidding. However, I decided to bite the bullet, put my insecurities behind me, and go for it. I’m really glad that I did.

My goal for this blog is not only to keep it real and share my life, but also to share the tips and time-savers I learn along the way. I hope you find it valuable and uplifting.

I created the Tip Junkie blog to promote Executive Homemaker as well as to promote other bloggers‘ fabulous ideas and products. That’s such a passion of mine but it’s very time consuming.

So my question to you is, why do you blog and have you had a ‘blog identity crisis’?

About Laurie

Hair Evolution

Since I need a “pick me up” post – I decided to make fun of myself and do a quick post on the evolution of my hair. I love to talk hair! I had my hair done yesterday and it got me thinking what will be my next new do?

Elementary, 1986: Perm. Here I am with my baby brother Scott, who just returned from his mission. I’m 11 years old. Notice the butterfly clips in my hair.


Jr. High: My 8th grade dance picture. My mom made this dress for me in my favorite color. Notice the “puff sleeves”. Can you tell I was a huge Anne of Green Gables fan?


High School: long hair, curled at ends, no bangs, a little “poof” in the front


Single Adult – long hair w/ bangs to the side


Mom: 2001 – short w/ bangs pinned w/ a bobby pin. This is cutie pie, Dylan.


2002 – Short and choppy cut with a flip and criss-crossed part


2003 -Blonde


2004 – A-line w/ bangs and choppy highlights


2005 – Still a-line w/ bangs but a more natural highlight. (Here’s when my flower hair clip obsession started.)


2006 – Bangs and shooting for long hair


2007 – Finally long hair for pony tails!

Present: long, natural highlights and low lights for a darker look, layers with very thin ends to make styling easier.

Your turn! If you post your hair evolution – be sure to comment so I can check it out!

About Laurie

Create Your Own Experience

My sister, Lisa, tagged me about explaining how I came up with my blog title….

Actually, I borrowed the saying from Dr. Phil. LOL! It’s true. Life Law #2 You Create Your Own Experience.

“Your Strategy: Acknowledge and accept accountability for your life. Understand your role in creating the results that are your life. Learn how to choose better so you have better.”

Several years ago I went through this huge self-discovery and healing phase and I read a lot of self-help books. However, the one phrase that resonated with me the most was “Create Your Own Experience.”

I know this sounds weird, but up to that point I was just so busy putting out fires and going through life – I didn’t realize that I could stop at any moment and redirect my life to what I really wanted. That’s also how my parents lived their life (and still do), they just put out fires. I guess it hadn’t occurred to me that everyone didn’t live this way.

That statement is so powerful to me because after reading that chapter in his book, I took control of my life and have been creating a much different life ever since. I look at how my life has changed and Ladies, it’s amazing. I’m humbled and so grateful for that time in my life, as dark as it was, because now I’m on a much brighter path.

Now it’s your turn. What inspired your blog title…

Heather (Yep, still my blog crush!)
Kim (an amazing woman!)
Lacie (I’m dying to know how the flamigo came about.)

and anyone else who’s up to the challenge!

About Laurie · Shopper

Power of Positive Thinking

Months ago I read a great post from CrazyMama where she talked about the words in her home. I loved the post and haven’t forgotten about it. I’m finally taking the time to feature the words in my home.


“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections.”

Years ago, when I was in my “self-discovery” phase I read my Self-Confidence Formula and my Creed for Self-Discipline out loud daily. (No, I’m not kidding. ha ha) I can’t help but laugh remembering those days. They were filled with self-doubt, a lot of anger, and concern for the future. That time in my life was dark but completely necessary.


“Today’s test is tomorrow’s testimony.”

Back in the day Dr. Phil and I were BFF’s! Yet, here I am today purged of past hurts, trauma, and guilt. I relied on the Lord to help me heal and really took that time seriously. As a result I guess I’ve subconsciously filled my home with reminders to myself of how to live and what’s important to me.

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ


CHRIST The Center of our home – a gift from a friend. The frame was also a gift from a friend.


“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15

Family


The Turk Family, Established 1995


The love of a Family is Life’s greatest blessing. – a gift from a friend.


TURK love one another


Families are Forever – I was so convinced I would have a girl, I added one when I made this quilt. hmm


Boys will be Boys


FAMILY a journey to forever


DYLAN I am a child of God


DRAKE I am a child of God


DAVIS I am a child of God

Friends


A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart – a gift from a friend.

Love & Enjoy Life


Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured – I won this at Mavens.


Eat, drink and be merry – a gift from a friend.


Life Laugh Love iron – a gift from a friend.


Love at Home magnet board – I made with Katri


Live Laugh Love


Home Sweet Home


Refreshments – a project I’m working on in my media room. I’ve got quite the sweet tooth. 😉

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

Subliminal Messages to Myself & Family


You are Special!


Be grateful, Be smart, Be involved, Be clean, Be true, Be positive, Be humble, Be still, Be prayerful.


For Chosen Mothers Poem


Thoughts become words, Words become actions, Actions become habits, Habits become character, Character is everything.

Holy Cow! I’ve got a lot of words in my home. Maybe I need to branch out on my decorating style a bit. ha ha. Each one of these pieces holds a special meaning to me. I’m glad they’re in my home speading positive thinking and joy.

What are the words in your home?