Creating Moments That Matter
Be sure to check out Lisa’s blog and read all about our antics last week. Click on her music and listen to the first track before you read the post – it makes it funnier!
(btw: Lisa took off her music auto-play after the Q&A at Jill’s Blog Party Sat. night.)
Here’s something to look forward to: Tomorrow Lisa will be posting some great video footage. Seriously, Lisa and I really do lack self-control, pride, and shame. {{giggle}} So enjoy!
Saturday I slept in and then met for lunch at Melissa’s Mansion. Afterwards we went over to see Martha’s new house. I’ve been watching the progression of it on her blog and couldn’t wait to see it. It’s even more beautiful in person! She did an amazing job picking everything out and showing off her personal style.
I didn’t want to leave, we were having such great conversation. Not to mention everywhere I looked I kept seeing new things in the house I loved. The living room ceiling is really incredible!!
We spent the late afternoon having some retail therapy. This headband could be yours for only $78. {{say what?!?}}
Love the hat Melissa!
Lisa looks great in any hat! If she ever gets around to posting it, we have some great video. {{giggle}}
Saturday night it was time to Par-Tay blogger style with Jill and her posse. I really love how honest and open Jill is on her blog. She does ‘Sunday Thoughts’ posts and shares her testimony and what she has been inspired to do on a weekly basis.
I find so much strength in those posts. During church I’m usually with one of my boys so Sunday isn’t usually the spiritual boost that I need to help me endure the week. Jill’s posts have filled in that gap and make me think. So thanks Jill not only for the fun party and all your preparations but also for being YOU!
The table centerpieces were keyboards wrapped in ribbons on top of cute gingham fabric.
It turned out to be a family affair since my brother James DJ’d the party and his wife Cecilia is a blogger too (thanks to my Christmas card).
All the food was really good. But take a look at these cupcakes, aren’t they so beautiful! The ribbon is actually hot glued on.
You know I appreciate all things OTT. I had to find out who brought these cupcakes and give her the credit she deserved! Thanks to Jill’s comment – I found out this is Erin from Blackfoot, Idaho. Your neck of the woods RO. Erin is so adorable and I loved her energy. I’m really glad I took the time to seek her out.
We each brought a door prize and Kristi pulled our names out of a bowl and then we introduced ourselves and opened up the gift. I got a great black and iron frame. Yeah!
Jill had us write down questions we had about blogging and she put them in a bowl. Around the end of the evening, after great food and conversation, we gathered in a circle and read the blog questions.
Kristi asked me to record the questions and answers and post them on Tip Junkie. I was happy to do it, you’ll find them here and here. Hopefully, you’ve had the same questions and find it helpful.
I was so giddy to meet Kristi! {{can you tell on my face – I’m a dork!}} I’ve been reading her blog since I first started blogging. She’s been a staple in my life for almost a year and it was such a treat to finally meet her in person.
I didn’t get a chance to tell her this, but she’s one of the reason’s I started the Tip Junkie blog. Every time I read her blog I wanted to talk about her latest project or idea she inspired me to do. She also plugs giveaways and women’s businesses. I wanted to do that too! I found that I needed to have a completely separate blog to showcase those ideas. So thanks Kristi for your inspiration and your passion for life.
Side Note: Kristi has 3 girls (thus her blog name is Everything Pink) and I have 3 boys (thus my blog name is Create Your Own Experience). Teehee I thought that was really funny.
Thanks for the fun night Ladies! It was a pleasure meeting you. I think I finally got to bed after 1:00am. {{You know I LOVE a silly pic!}}
Friday, Lisa and I took some family time and had lunch with my brother James. It was great to catch up on his life and hear all the goings on of his business, as a mobile DJ. Afterwards, we did a little shopping and I got the kids some gifts to bring home.
Lisa and I can’t stay out of mischief. So that evening we decided to check out the massive house being built behind Melissa’s. It totally took her view of the valley and she’s a little miffed about it. {I would be too!}
This house is really INSANE take a look at that ceiling!! To our good fortune, while we were trespassing, the designer stopped by to inspect the progress. He was so warm and kind that he took us on a tour and explained what was what.
The architecture of the home is outstanding. There are so many cool curves and unique designs. He said that due to the economy he hasn’t worked in 6 months. So if you’re looking to drop a cool Mill on a custom home in Utah shoot me over a e-mail and I’ll hook you up with a designer that will make you feel like the Millionaire you are. (I take a 1% referral fee.)
Friday night we went and saw Iron Man with Melissa’s in-laws. The movie was really good – not for children though. Anyway the best part was afterwards we went into the bathroom and saw these 2 girls primping in the mirror. The entire time I using the facilities I was tyring to figure out how I could get a picture of them!! It turns out Lisa was doing the same thing.
(You know you’re a blogger when you can’t pee because you’re laughing so hard trying to figure out how to get a picture to post on your blog.)
Anyway, we came up with this idea. Lisa and I posed next to the restroom and waited until they came out and then Melissa took the shot. How’s that for making it work.
So here’s a glimpse of what the goth population is wearing in Payson, Utah. The picture doesn’t do their hair justice but I’m glad we got it on film. Talk about priceless.
Lisa only gets her hair done when we are in Utah and now she is a completely loyal customer to Liesl. She works miracles on Lisa’s hair.
Here’s Lisa before (no make up)
Here’s Lisa after (with my make up Bare Minerals). She’s all ready to Par-Tay at Blogapalooza tonight.
Blogapalooza was more fun than I imagined it would be. Denae, Paige, Celia, and Jessica really out did themselves! It was so well planned with tons of fun games. I don’t think anyone felt awkward or out of place because it was so organized.
The girls had gone the extra mile and printed out each of our blog headers on photo paper and made into these cute place cards! They really came in handy when I was trying to familiarize myself with the other bloggers. I may not have recognize their face – but I’d know their header. 😉
My favorite was these fun green and teal name tags. The girls were so brilliant to include our profile pic on the name tag! It made it so easy to recognize the people who frequently comment.
Doesn’t Martha look so amazing pregnant! It was so great to see her again.
We started out the evening with a great get to know you game. The questionnaire had questions where you found the person that fit the fill-in-the-blank description. The winner was the one who figured out the most. It was such a fun ice-breaker.
The next game incorporated the door prizes we brought. Each person presented their door prize and why they brought it and then picked a name out of a bag who then received the gift.
I got Holly’s Saturday Splurge box filled with yummy candy. {{perfect for my sweet tooth}} It was meant to be as Holly and I hit it off immediately!
Here’s Sally (no blog but professional commentor) who got Denae’s gift. It turns out Sally and I were in the same Church Ward while at BYU. She knows the Shanks (who were also in our Ward at BYU) who just moved 5 min from me in Texas! Crazy small world.
I talked Lisa into bringing Cow Pee and a Rocky Mountain Apple. It wasn’t really Cow Pee just lemonade. It was so funny and yes, we’re still laughing about it!!
Celia brought her marriage mat. She demonstrated and it was hysterical!
Here’s Lisa and me with Mique and Diane. I was really looking forward to meeting Mique as we have tons in common. She is such a sweet heart and doesn’t she look great in that green jacket. Diane and Lisa totally bonded over swear words and church stories!
The last thing we did was split into tables and discuss Blogging Issues. My table picked me to represent and give an overview of what we discussed.
Paige was fabulous as one of the hostesses!!
Here’s Kara (my Witch Switch partner), Annemarie (who I met last time I was in UT), and Holly. All super fab girls I really enjoyed meeting. We totally bonded!
Two things that really made the evening flow so well was the Google Group that the girls set up and invited each of us to participate in. It was so great to talk to people via the group and make plans and throw out ideas. The member list and the profiles really helped me.
I think what helped us get to know each other best before the party was Celia took the time to list everyone and link their blog on her side bar. We were then able to take the initiative to familiarize ourselves with each other before the party. I’m so grateful for the extra effort the girls put into the party. It was completely worth it – there wasn’t a dull moment or person in the group.
Blogapalooza was such an fun evening. I felt honored to be amongst such incredible women. Big thanks to Denae for the picture!
More to come…
In preparation for Blogapalooza I’ve been crazy busy making some fun things. Amongst them are Beaded Bookmarks for my door prize and Blogapalooza Directories for each guest at at the party.
Blogapalooza Directories
While I was waiting for Lisa at baggage claim in the Utah airport, I ran into Diane who’s going to the Blogapalooza! She is crazy fun! We were so busy chatting that I didn’t even see Lisa – who was waiting for her OTT welcome from me. Sorry Sis!
Considering our last visit, we couldn’t disappoint Melissa upon our arrival. So we changed into Neo and Trinity costumes from the Matrix. However, this time, no one knew who we were – dagum Utah. I guess that’s what I get for picking a rated R movie.
Don’t laugh {too hard} but I had no idea what this was. Do you?
Here’s a random tip from Melissa, for those of you who have a jet bath tub. You’re supposed to clean out the jets once a year. Use a product like this “Swirl Away”.
There’s been a lot of fuss about Cafe Rio in blog land. So Melissa, Lisa, and I decided to give it a try.
Over rated! I guess we’re just too used to yummy Tex-Mex.
“You wanna mess with us!?!” Here we are having a little fun in Target getting some last minute things for the Par-Tay.
As we were leaving Target it SNOWED! You can’t see the snow – but yes Ladies – it snowed TWICE while I was there. I sure miss my 80 degree Texas weather. {sigh}}
To be continued…
To My Family: I’ll miss you and know that I love you so much.
To My New Friends Traveling to Utah: Are you ready?
My bags are packed and I’ll see you all soon. If you need to reach me, you can e-mail Jason (jason at turkfamily dot com) and he’ll send you my cell number.
xoxo
Look who finally made it to book club. Me! We have it on Saturday afternoons which is probably the most difficult day/time for me to attend. However this month, I got our favorite babysitter to come and I was off for some much needed girl time.
We read ‘The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette’ and Katrina out did herself! The food was delicious and the decor was so incredibly beautiful! I was amazed at all the details and love she put into the afternoon.
There was silver tulle and vibrant flowers everywhere!
Even on the chandelier, there were fresh roses and pink tulle. Breath taking!
She brought out her china and tons of tea lights for the special occasion. Those napkin rings are to die for.
Here’s a peek at Katrina’s mirrored buffet – so elegant.
Did I mention how yummy the food was? Scrumptious.
Cheryl (middle) even did her hair for the event! Be sure to go to Katrina’s (left) blog. She has more details on decorating and the food.
Here’s Chanda and Caroline.
It was such a beautiful afternoon. I can’t thank Katrina enough for all her efforts. It really made my day so much brighter!
That evening we met several couples at the Town Square where they were having a little festival of sorts. It was such a nice and relaxing evening full of great conversation and yummy food!
Thank goodness for close friends – you are very dear to me.
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
{{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 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!
Today was a big day for our family. Davis earned his Bear Scout, yeah! Here he is pinning the Mom pin on my collar.
It was also the Pinewood Derby. Davis drew a picture of the car he wanted and Jason realized that it looked just like the Speed Racer car! We did our best and here’s how it turned out.
Ready, Set, Go!
He won the ‘Most Futuristic Award’ and 1st Place!! No joke. Not only 1st place but he broke a track record. {{dumb-founded}} Who knew? No one was more surprised than Jason and me.
After he won, I felt a little silly because Laurie M. and I were hamming it up by trash talking to each other all night. Her son and mine had each won all 3 races but we didn’t actually race each other. So when her son won 2nd place – I just assumed we got 4th or something. We were shocked. Great Job Sweetie!
