Genuine · Mother of Boys

Just My Luck

Laurie20 Comments

I blog-jacked this song off Lisa’s blog. It explains how I’ve been feeling this week – life’s seeing what I’m made of. Unfortunately, I can barely stand it.

Currently this is what my study looks like. I’ve had the most stressful week I’ve had in quite some time. And that’s saying something! To get you up to speed, we are currently going through an IRS audit. Just my luck.

It gets better. Here’s the conversation I had over the phone, (following said in a cheery and sweet voice from the auditor) “This isn’t a normal audit. The IRS is developing a new software program and you have been randomly selected to participate. This will take 2 full days from 9-4 and we’ll be going through your finances with a fine tooth comb.”

WHAT!?! Yes, Ladies. 2006 was the first year we paid someone to do our taxes and the first year we’ll be audited. It did take 2 days and will likely be many more. Just my luck.

Just in case you’re wondering here are a few things that triggers an audit:

1. A schedule C business even when it had a net profit
2. Cash Donations and Non Cash Donations
3. Self Employed Health Insurance with W-2 Income
4. Home office deductions

To add to the stress, I hosted the Blogtique Challenge and compiled 34 posts this week on Tip Junkie!

Friday night was Davis’ scout camp awards and dinner. Drake was a bear and wanted to play in the road and everywhere dangerous. After fighting with him for over an hour, I put him in the car and turned on a movie.

Davis started doing push ups while in line for his award. {{embarrassed}} Once Davis finally got his award, I drove 3 hours to Lisa’s for reinforcements.

The boys are pretty good travelers but they don’t sleep in the car. Drake finally fell asleep 40 minutes before we arrived. Once we got to Lisa’s all 3 D’s where wide awake and ready to party. Just my luck.

Drake didn’t sleep at all that night. Around 2:00am I drove to a convenient store to get some Benedryl and Children’s Tylenol to make Drake a little cocktail but it was closed. Yes, I was that desperate for sleep, make the crying stop!

After many attempts by me and Lisa to get Drake to sleep, we gave up and at 4:40 in the morning drove to Walmart. Can you believe what an amazing sister I have! Since I didn’t know my way around her town she took me.

I’ve seen Walmart in the wee hours of the AM many times due to children refusing to sleep. But I think this was Lisa’s first time. We had a blast! Of course, Lisa makes everything more fun.

Finally, Drakie got his cocktail and slept from 5:30 to 9:30 am. Bliss. Well, it would have been except Lisa and I were wide awake – so we watched 13 Going on 30. I think I finally fell asleep around 6:30 am to be woken up by Davis at 7:00 and then Dylan at 8:00. Just my luck.

Saturday Lisa and I took the kids to a little water park. The boys LOVED it and had such a blast. {{excuse the cottage cheese and farmers tan}}

Lisa replaced Jason as the favorite and he shadowed her the entire weekend.

We had to leave early because Drake kept insisting on riding on these slides. He made a mad dash for them at every given moment. He wasn’t tall enough to ride them so he kept crying “slide”. Just my luck.

After we wore the kids out at the water park Lisa and I got a sitter, watched a movie, and did a little shopping. We watched ‘The Happening” which was way too gruesome for a public service announcement. I give it a C.

That night, the boys all went to bed at a reasonable hour and even slept through the night. Except for me. Around 3am my stomach started getting really upset and around 4:00 I started throwing up. Yep, just my luck.

Lisa and Billy took care of the kids and let me sleep in a little. That morning I packed up the boys and made the 3 hour trek back home. With a huge tummy ache and so sleepy.

I don’t know how I did it, but we made it home safe and sound. The good news is that this crappy week is officially over.

Blogger

Tip Junkie 20 Day Giveaway!

Laurie1 Comment

Tip Junkie is 1 year old this week! Can you believe it? To celebrate this special blogiversary and all your support – we’re giving back.

Tip Junkie is hosting 20 days (Mon – Fri) of incredible giveaways by fellow bloggers and Mom-prenuers.

Here are the details!

Announce our incredible giveaway on your blog using our giveaway button. Copy & paste this code:

Just copy & paste the following code into your blog or website:

Please help us spread the word. We’ll start the 20 Day Giveaway on Monday June 30th – July 28th! This event is not to be missed!!

Mother of Boys · Small Talker

Wuz Up

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It’s been 3 weeks of summer and we’ve been constantly on the go since school got out. Drake is officially done taking his naps since we can’t keep his normal schedule. However, since we’re at the pool with Davis’ swim team and Dylan’s swim lessons spanning every evening from 5-7, little Drakie is exhausted!

I feel like I haven’t stopped moving since June 3rd and I’m exhausted. The boys have really enjoyed Vacation Bible school and Scout camp the past two weeks.

Here’s just a sample of some of the treasures they made these in “Daddy’s Workshop”. Can you guess what each one is? I had to ask.


Paper holder with holes for pens for Daddy’s office


Cup and Toothbrush holder for the Bathroom


A Napkin Holder – According to Dylan it’s so when it’s windy the top holds the napkins in place. I can actually use one of these. {{wink}}

I helped out at Davis’ scout camp last Thursday. For the first time I felt completely useless. They did exercise drills and played flag football. What!?! Neither of which I know anything about.

After lunch we went to the pool where they did several activities to pass off badges. I read the swim safety rules. I’m a great reader – so it was easy. {{sarcastic}}

It was a nice day with Davis and he told me that he loved having me there. I adore this little boy. He’s growing up so fast and for the first time I have to watch what I say around him. He’s listening to my conversations and asking questions. This is such a huge milestone and I’m really enjoying it.

I’m also trying to cut down on switch words like, crap and pissed off. I’ve found it a little tougher than I had imagined. {{Crap!}}

Blogger

Tip Junkie Birthday & Giveaway

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***To all bloggers who want to promote their blog***

Tip Junkie turns one next week and I am looking for several bloggers to participate in a huge giveaway, with 5 winners.

If you’re interested, simply decide what you want to giveaway and send me the details. I’ll host it on Tip Junkie but have them refer to your blog to pick out a favorite product or get a “secret code”. {{sneaky}}

Here’s an example of the Mother’s Day Giveaway which received 215 comments. I know – totally exciting!

I’m so looking forward to next week and can’t wait to see who participates! {{giggle}}

Family Cruise Director

Family Reunion

Laurie9 Comments

Over the weekend, we went to Jason’s family reunion and celebrated Nana’s 85th birthday. Timing was tough since it meant I would miss Maven’s on Thursday night at Julie’s (who I adore) and RO’s Book Club (her last big hurrah since she’ll in be Utah the entire summer). Just my luck – drat!

However, after the 5 hour drive, we arrived early Friday morning and a few hours later the boys were ready to get wet.

Davis knee boarded for the first time and did a great job! My baby’s growing up.

We spent Friday at Betty & Gary’s (Jason’s mom and step dad) skiing, eating, and catching up.

At the last reunion Dylan was a baby. So this time the boys had lots of cousins their age to play with.

Saturday we packed up and spent the day at the beach. This was my favorite day. D1 & D2 made some new friends and spent the morning playing in the sand and the afternoon in the water.

D3 was a little more of a challenge since he’s still insisting on being with Daddy at every moment. Poor Jason, this separation anxiety is really getting old – for BOTH of us.

We celebrated Nana’s 85th birthday and at one point sat around and told stories. I love watching his family interact with each other. They are loud and proud yet they love each other and are close to their siblings.

Several of Jason’s cousins are bloggers – yippee! So as you can imagine we had lots to talk about. I’ll be sure to welcome them properly when I get their blog addresses.

I didn’t take very many pictures – I was busy with D3 and enjoying the day.

Sunday we were back at Jason mom’s, who took the boys fishing. Davis caught a fish. Seriously that kid has some crazy good luck.

Dylan didn’t catch a fish but he caught a log. He quickly mastered the art of his “fish story” and told us all about the fish that got away because he hooked the log instead. Cutie.

Davis grabs my camera every chance he can get and takes lots of random pictures. However, every once in a while he takes a beauty like this one, of Dylan and Toby.

We went skiing one last time Sunday morning, went to church, and then out to lunch. I was a little bummed to have to leave. I adore my MIL and really hit it off with Jason’s family, once again. It was a quick weekend but one that we will remember forever.

Drake took a little nap on the way home but since none of them are fans of sleeping it made for a long ride home. We stopped for gas and the boys each picked out a treat. Here’s D3 with a rice crispy in one hand, Cheetos in the other, watching Blues Clues. Priceless.

Girly Girl

Laurie’s Next Top Summer Hair

Laurie18 Comments


Last Week

I’m having fun with this title. {{giggle}} These days, I’m all about keeping my hair out of my face but I also want a little lift. So here I used 3 bobby pins to pull it up a bit.


Now

Wednesday, LeAnne hooked me up with a new hairdo for summer. She lightened it up a bit so I’m a little blonder, cut some long bangs, and layered it around my face.

I love to change my hair often. What’s your summer hair style?

Girly Girl

Happy Birthday Katrina & Tricia!

Laurie2 Comments

I’m just going to be flat out honest, and admit that I would be a complete wreck if I didn’t have these women in my life. My love language is quality time and it’s very important to me. I love being around women who have qualities that I’m striving to have and who’s talents inspire me.

My home life is very loud, chaotic, and stressful. Most of the time, I feel completely overwhelmed with pressing issues and challenges. Therefore I feel blessed to be able to kick back and enjoy time with these amazing ladies.

Friday night it was Katrina’s birthday. She is so talented and has such impeccable taste. I got her the white flower ring and a gift card to a boutique. Rochelle and Katri put together a basket with all kinds of fun things for Katrina’s formal dining room. Chanda made her these and she loved them. It was such a fun girl evening full of great company and conversation.

Wednesday it was Tricia’s birthday. She’s having her 4th child on Tuesday, so it was perfect timing to get together and celebrate. We all chipped in at got Trish a gift card for home decor.

With summer, swim team, and constant mothering it’s such a wonderful break to get together and eat a real meal. Thanks Ladies!