Genuine

Welcome To My Life

Laurie5 Comments

I can always tell what mood I’m in, by the music I’m listening too. I love the band Simple Plan! They’re a group that I can totally relate too, especially when I’m angry. šŸ˜‰ I’ve been listenting to this song for the past week, to help deal.

I don’t believe the lyrics “No you don’t know what it’s like” because I think you do. We can all relate to difficult struggles no matter what the forum.

So here’s a “shout out” to everyone out there who’s dealing with hard trials with kids, spouces, finacially, work, or with health problems. I’ll let Simple Plan unite us with “Welcome to My Life!”

Genuine

Grumpy!

Laurie23 Comments

I was trying to save this post until I had the results to share with you but I’ve got to vent a bit and let it out. I’ve been seriously so grumpy the past week! I’ve been diving into project after project trying to keep my spirits up and keep my mind distracted. But it’s not working.

I spent 8 hours at the psychologistsā€™ office and had Dylan tested. For what? I have no idea. Learning disorders, audio response issues, ADHD, you name it. Iā€™ve also had his hearing and vision checked.

I’m at a complete loss as to what is going on with my little boy. He’s been having problems at school and a couple weeks ago, his teacher called and asked me to take him home. He’s also had some problems at church as well.

The doctor needs another week to gather all the testing results and paperwork to come up with his final diagnosis. Iā€™m tired and I donā€™t want to go through this whole process all over again (like weā€™ve done with Davis several times already).

I was counting on Dylan to be the ā€œnormalā€ one and to help me out by being a good example for the other two boys. I donā€™t know whatā€™s in our future but my heart is broken and Iā€™m trying to find the strength to be positive and do what it takes to move forward.

Girly Girl

Pantry Make Over

Laurie31 Comments

We had a power outtage on Tuesday which toasted my router. So I’ve been without internet for the past couple days. Not able to work and respond to e-mail; I was cursing Verizon all day but finally had a change of heart and decided to make the best of it!

With Denae’s closet make over challenge recently, I was inspired to finally take the time to tackle my Pantry! I’ve been wanting to do it for a while. Here’s the before picture.

You may think that it didn’t look too bad, but it was GRODIE! I went all out and I scrubed and painted the shelves and walls.

I had alot of help from Drake and Ed who tried out all the new tubs and baskets.

While I was painting, they played with the garbage cans. I learned all kinds of things you can do with them such as: push them around, throw balls and toys in them, and of course jump off of them. šŸ˜‰

Here’s the finished product! I was inspired by this pantry – gorgeous! When the boys came home from school they were so impressed! Davis said, “Wow Mom. You had a great day!” I thought that was cute. Dylan took the time to read every label and inspect what was in each one.

I got all the tubs and cloth bins at Wal-Mart. I was amazed at how much extra room I had by using the bins. I just grouped everything into catagories. I also got rid of most boxes. For instance, I dumped out all the breakfast cereal bars into the bin – which gave me so much more room.

I also made some rules like after school they can have something out of the snack bin. After dinner they can have something out of the treat bin. You get the idea.

What’s your pantry system?

Blogger

A Close One…

Laurie4 Comments
You Act Like You Are 28 Years Old

You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel like an adult, and you’re optimistic about life.
You feel excited about what’s to come… love, work, and new experiences.

You’re still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up.
The world is full of possibilities, and you can’t wait to explore many of them.

Whew! I was a little worried about this one, since it’s only 4 years off, I guess I’m right on track!

About Laurie

Create Your Own Experience

Laurie4 Comments

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!

Small Talker

President Hinckley

Laurie5 Comments

I was saddened last night when I heard the news of the President Hinckley’s death. He was the president of my church and such an amazing and loving leader. I was constantly impressed by his witty personality as well as his ability to connect with the members of the church throughout the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

For some reason, I can’t help but think about the celebration and reunions that are happening in heaven at this very moment. His wife passed away almost 2 years ago and what an amazing relationship they had! I’m not sure how it all works out – but being a prophet – he’s probably being reunited with some pretty amazing historical leaders right now.

I know, I’m weird. But that’s been my perspective about death since I was a young child. I guess having a sister who died of SIDS has helped me keep focused on the positive. Also, after reading “Embraced by the Light” so recently, I tend to dwell on Heaven and what a wonderful place it will be.

Mother of Boys

Dear Drake

Laurie8 Comments

Dear Drake,

Mommy loves you so much! You are such a spunky little boy who’s full of life. There are many things I love about you. I love how your favorite thing is to “go bye bye” and are ready at any moment to get in the car and embark on an adventure.

I love how you adore your brothers and love to play with them. I know you don’t realize this but FYI you’re 6 years younger than Dylan. Just thought I should clue you in. šŸ˜‰

I love that you insist on eating every meal on Daddy’s lap! Because of this you’ve developed a very “manly” pallet. You’ll eat meatballs, pasta, and your favorite is lasagna.

I find it so funny that you’ll eat moss, gravel, and dirt but you won’t eat banana’s, crackers, or cereal.

You’re quite the rocker! You’ve got a great rhythm and some great moves, kid.

I love how you’re a Daddy’s boy. I want you to know that I’m not offended when you hit me because Daddy’s kissing me. Or when Daddy and I are snuggling watching TV, and you try to pry me away from him with your feet. It’s also OK when you pull my hair; it doesn’t hurt, that much.

When you do smile – it’s so AMAZING! It’s lights up the entire house. I love how ticklish you are and even when you’re grumpy you can’t resist the urge to laugh.

I love how you like shoes. I think you like shoes more than anyone else in the family, including me!

However, little guy, we have a huge problem. With all the things I love about you, there’s one thing that you need to work on. Baby, PLEASE stop throwing your binki and blanket out of the crib the moment you wake up.

I don’t know if you realize this but because of your screeching, Mommy hasn’t woken up in the morning to a quiet house in 22 months. This is a bad habit and we need to do something about it.
Love you more than the Universe,

Mommy

Blogger

My Word

Laurie7 Comments

My word for 2008 is {{drum roll}} CHERISH.

I exhausted myself the last couple of years trying to achieve some personal goals of mine. Now that I created those experiences, I feel the pull to refocus, slow down, and cherish the life I’ve worked so hard to create.

Cherish

I cherish the moment that I am now living,
I live every day like it will be my last,
Breathing the air that’s so pure around me,
The times I remember that go by so fast.

I cherish the moment that God has now given,
As I slowly walk along life’s endless shore,
And see his creation the mountains and valleys,
The seas and the oceans the land I adore.

I cherish the moment and chance I’ve been given,
A fine treasured gift I can never repay,
The love that I feel and the peace that’s surrounding,
So precious the feeling that’s with me each day.

by Andrew Blakemore

To encourage everyone to pick their word, I’m hosting a give away for a custom bauble necklace with your Word for 2008, compliments of Executive Homemaker.

Don’t forget to leave comment on Tip Junkie to enter the contest! It ends Saturday, February 2nd.

Small Talker

I’m Outted!

Laurie6 Comments

I’m coming out of the closet, sort of. D-dawg is doing something fun over on her blog. She’s collecting pictures of every one’s closet “as is”. Here’s the info:

“If you would like to share closet woes, please send me a picture of yourself in your closet “AS IS!” I MEAN, AS YOUR CLOSET LOOKS THE VERY MOMENT THAT YOU TAKE THE PICTURE!

No cleaning it up at all. Take the picture and send it to me. I want you in the picture too. I’ll post them later this week. It will be funny. If you’re a clean person, send me a picture and impress everyone!”

I gave my closet a make-over when I first started blogging so it’s pretty clean the majority of the time. I’ve got a good and easy system to keep up.

Anyway, join D-dawg’s challenge it’s should be fun!!