Genuine

The Power of Prayer

Laurie6 Comments

Lately I feel like I’ve been bombarded with problems, nothing huge or even worth complaining about. A couple of these issues alone would be no big deal and life would go on as normal. However, with having them all at the same time I’ve become a little overwhelmed.

It’s nothing I can’t handle and I even hesitated blogging about it. I decided to because these small issues have completely dominated my thoughts. It seems like for months I’ve been putting out fires only to have new ones sparking the flame. It’s highly annoying.

I’m the kind of chick that likes to take care of things on my own and I rarely ask for help. Yes, it’s a total pride thing and I promise I’m trying to kick the habit. After feeling defeated I realized that it was past time to take it to my Heavenly Father in prayer.

I have a huge testimony of prayer. To be honest, I felt a little dumb that I hadn’t talked to him about these issues before but since their so small individually it wasn’t until I realized that they were making me so unhappy that I realized what my solution really was – to pray and ask for peace.

Of course it worked and it was such a wonderful relief to talk to my Heavenly Father with the knowledge that he understands. I didn’t specifically pray for answers to these pea sized problems but I of course I got a couple anyway. I was enveloped in the love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. It was exactly what I needed to let go of the burden and to have the encouragement to move forward in the direction that I now see so clearly.

The power of prayer is the most amazing gift.

Girly Girl

My Day Off

Laurie3 Comments

The past couple years, I’ve been keeping sane during the summer by getting a babysitter one day each week. This year my official day off is Wednesdays. {{squeal in delight}}

As Jason has been traveling so often, those days have become sacred and full of everything girly. I’ve been lunching with friends, seeing chick flicks, window shopping, and picking out new makeup.

Christina, Chanda, and I set up shop at Ulta one morning trying on make up, hair accessories, and taking advantage of the makeup assistants.

Being at the pool 3 hours a day – my skin is a bit bronzed and my regular makeup is no longer the right color. Did you know that the People Magazine articles with celebrities without make up; actually do have on tinted moisturizer!?!

Once I realized the truth, I was off to try it out myself. I ended up with the Smashbox moisturizer and I really like it! I just rub it on, add a little Bear Mineral warmth on my checks, and off I go.

My new favorite mascara is the new one by 2000 Calorie. It’s fabulous as it doesn’t flake, rub off, and it extends my lashes like the expensive brands.

Next week it’s home decor shopping in Dallas. I can’t WAIT!!

Mother of Boys

Growing Up is Hard to Do

Laurie4 Comments

It’s official, Davis is now acting like a tween. He’s been begging to mow the lawn as well as displaying his independence. Davis has new found abilities like washing the car and doing mom’s chores to earn money.

It’s a new stage for us that we are both excited about and both a little weary. I can tell that he desperately wants to grow up however, he still wants the perks of being a young kid. He’s completely torn between these worlds as displayed with his complete meltdowns a couple times a day.

It’s important to him that I “listen to what he is saying” as he repeats this phrase several times a day. It’s quite comical as he doesn’t realize that asking in a more grown up way will not change my answer to “yes”. {{wink}}

I realize that it’s important to him that I talk to him and treat him differently; so I’ve been trying to be more aware of my tone and how I approach him. I admit this is going to take a little getting used to as I still see him as my little boy (and he still acts like one).

He’s also been more affectionate and seems to need a lot of hugs and encouragement. This part is easy! I hope he lets me hug and squeeze him forever.

Although this transition is a bit of a tough one I’m relieved to see that my little guy is budding into a bright young man.

Family Cruise Director

Waaz Up!?!

Laurie2 Comments


{{Paparazzi – no pictures. Please.}}

As expected, summer is wet n’ wild.

Drake has successfully completed his 2 week swim lesson. It was a bit dicey in the beginning as he does not like to be told what to do. By the third day, I resorted to using his latest fascination (the big Disney Sheriff which he’s been asking for for months) as his reward if he cooperated. That did the trick! Granted, he reminded me of our arrangement every day – several times a day – but now he’s officially a little minnow.

The boys are doing well on their swim team and having fun. It’s quite the commitment as we’re at the pool every evening for a couple hours until mid-July. Neither of them have Michael Phelps potential, but I’m glad their doing it anyway. It’s good for them to learn how to compete and to push themselves physically. (Neither of which they like to do.) For me, it’s been fun to hang out with my friends and bond with my little minnow while at the pool.

We’ve had several adventures at the lake already this summer. It makes me so grateful for my family and for the memories that we’re making and creating together.

It’s amazing at how little I get done during the summer and how tired I am at the end of each day. Seriously.

I keep trying to remind myself that now is the time to be with the kiddos and just enjoy the ride. For a work-a-holic who likes results (like laundry done in 1 day – or a constant clean house) it’s been really hard on me to lower my expectations. I’m doing the best I can and am trying to let the rest go. Man, it’s difficult.

However, the sore body is worth it as I am currently Drake’s favorite. (Yes, it rotates from different people in the family.) It secretly gives me great pleasure! {{evil laugh}} Geeze, this little guy makes you work for it but I have quite enjoyed him this summer. He’s growing up and on occasion, struts like a man and talks in a deep voice when he’s especially proud of himself. It’s really funny.

What I appreciate most is how still Drake can be. We went to the movies today and he sat during the entire movie and just laughed and made loud comments. The people next to us greatly appreciated his commentary and gave approval with their constant giggles. I’m so grateful to finally be in this new stage with Drake. Although he is still very stubborn he seems to be a happier little man and I a more content mama.

Family Cruise Director

Father’s Day

Laurie1 Comment

We had a really great Father’s Day. Jason slept in and then had his favorite breakfast in bed, breakfast burritos and bacon.

We went to church and then had steak with all the fixin’s for dinner. Yes, Jason grilled his own steak – I mean it needed to be editable for heavens sake.

The boys were a bit disturbed that daddy made part of his own Father’s Day dinner. However, he was able to convince them that a quality steak was his favorite dinner and he agreed to make it ahead of time. I just know Davis is going to bring it up next Father’s Day, “Remember when you made daddy make his own dinner for Father’s Day”. Just wait – it will totally happen.


We also made Jason the DAD frame that I featured a couple times on Tip Junkie for Jason’s office. After he opened all his presents, we headed on over to his top secret, high level office and decorated it with all his new goodies.

It was the first time I’ve seen his office and to say the least it needs a woman’s touch. It’s stark white! You can bet I’ll be making a visit to Garden Ridge Pottery for some greenery, frames, and clocks. {{evil laugh}}

Girly Girl

Bumpits Baby!

Laurie8 Comments

Last week was hands down the craziest week. Drake got sick, the kids had 2 doctors apts across town, Drake had swim lessons every morning , the boys had swim team every evening, and we had Scout camp which I chaperoned all day on Thursday.

On top of that I was doing a post in the morning and every evening for Tip Junkie celebrating the new look with 50 giveaways. Needless to say my work load via Mommy & Tip Junkie was out of control.

No matter how busy life gets, I always try to squeeze in some girl time. By Friday, I was completely spent but could not wait to get some projects done with Chanda and her daughter A.J.

Since I had completely forgotten about my date with Christina, she popped by to give me a present. YES it was Bumpits!! OMGosh! I was in hysterics. Christina and I had talked about them a while back. When she found them at Bed Bath & Beyond, she couldn’t resist and got me some.

We were all in my bathroom trying to figure out how to use them, when things got a big out of control. I said that I felt like I should be going to prom with my big Texas hair and we’ll one thing let to another and…

I put on my fusha sequined homecoming dress. Bwaaaaaahhhh!!! That’s right my mom made me this beauty for my Senior year homecoming. Ahh the memories.

Just in case you have no idea what Bumpits are or what I’m talking about, here’s a video on how to go from drab to fab!

Watch out people – HAIR I come!

Mother of Boys

Christmas in June

Laurie5 Comments

Look what the boys found hidden under the bed in the guest room. I cannot tell you how excited they were with their new found treasure.

I bought those huge candy canes for Christmas last year because I’ve never forgotten how I felt when I received one as a child. It was such a delight and surprise for me and I wanted to give that experience to my boys.

With my back drama, I had completely forgot that I had hid them there. I guess it’s not a total waste as it’s officially Christmas in June in our home. The boys are enjoying their minty delight in the middle of summer. {{yummy}}

Business Owner

The New Tip Junkie

Laurie3 Comments

The boys had vacation bible school last week as well as started swim team. Our first meet is tomorrow! It’s been a crazy week as Jason and I have been putting the final touches on Tip Junkie’s make over.

Today is the day! My little girl is all grown up and has on some new digs. What do you think?

Jason has been working for over 2 months learning WordPress and PHP code to bring Tip Junkie to the next level. It’s still not completely done as we’ll be tweaking it and making it more user friendly and cohesive over the next several weeks.

Monday I will host a Going Dot Com Birthday Bash and give away 50 amazing prizes. I hope you’ll come on by and participate. I’ve been entering giveaways to stock up on Christmas and birthday presents. Anything to save a buck these days. {{evil laugh}}

I’ve also created The Tip Junkie Community where creative women can network, market their products, and become a sisterhood. It launches tomorrow – so you’re the first to know about it!!

Genuine

Deep Thoughts

Laurie3 Comments

Have any of you been keeping up with NieNie’s recovery? I headed over there after a conversation with a twitter friend.

Her words are heartbreaking, enlightening, and motivating all at the same time. Man, that girl is incredible. As I read, I kept thinking to myself what a gift at expressing herself.

I’ve drawn such strength reading her blog. Personally, I always recoil while going through a difficult trial. I don’t reach out and express what I am feeling. Instead I turn inward, grasping for all the strength I can muster then plow forward with my head down.

It’s not until afterward that I can allow myself a voice and reflection. At best I give myself a day or two to let it sink in, process it, and make life changes before it’s old news and I’m back to the grind.

I barely talked about my back surgery and recovery once I was up and around again. Only a handful of people even know the gravity of pain I experienced and the toll it took on my family. I still struggle with my weak body every day and it frustrates me.

Having the same mind, goals, and ambitions I’ve always had but living in a worn out body at 33 years old is unbearable at times. I’m doing my part with diet and exercise trying to squeeze out as much energy as I possibly can every day. It’s terribly exhausting and maddening.

I hope to one day find my groove again. In the meantime, I’ll draw on NieNie’s strength and expression.

Mother of Boys

Davis’ Graduation Party

Laurie3 Comments

There are so many kids Davis’ age at church that are graduating from Elementary school this year. So Megan, Laurie M, and I decided to throw them a graduation party.

I made them each a photo cupcake topper with their new school colors on it. I also brought balloons in all of the school colors so they would feel united and more grown up. I wanted Davis to know that he isn’t alone in how he’s feeling – they’re all growing up together.

Megan has such a fabulous backyard with plenty of space for the kids to play and run around. The party started with water cannons and the slip ‘n slide.

Megan’s neighbor has a bounce house and kindly let us use it. The gymnasts had so much fun in it doing their flips and bonding with each other.

Laurie M was in charge of the games and they had a blast! The object of the first game was to transfer the water in the first bucket to the last bucket while blindfolded.

Next, they had to fill a 2 liter water bottle (cut with a window in front) that was on a child’s head, to the line with a water gun while taking turns in their line.

Lisa and I watching all the fun.

They also had to put on a wet suit, life jacket, and goggles relay.

They ended the party with a huge water balloon fight.

Davis really got into it. {{giggle}}

I still can’t believe it’s summer already and my little guy will now be in Intermediate school. I have an appointment with the new principle next week. I’m hoping I’ll feel better about the whole experience after talking to him. {{fingers crossed}}