A Fabulously Flawed Life

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. ;) Here's the finished product! I was inspired by this pantry - gorgeous! When the boys came home from school they were so impressed! Dav...

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. What Age Do You Act? Whew! I was a little worried about this one, since it's only 4 years off, I guess I'm right on track!

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 p...

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 wond...

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. ;) 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 ...

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 o...

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!!

My man sent this quiz to me. I didn't understand half of the questions. But this is what he e-mailed me: Iron Jack Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) HA! HA! Here's the link to the quiz, I couldn't get the code to work properly: http://www.piratequiz.com/ That's SO my man. Love you honey. {{kisses}}

It's 8:40 am and I walk upstairs to find this. Happy holiday everyone!

I joined Kelly's Travel Swap ! If you're interested, e-mail Kelly quickly her deadline is tomorrow, Monday January 21st. Sorry, I just found out about it myself. To enter is simple: as a participant, you will be asked to send at least three objects (i don't think anyone would mind if you decide to send more) that are some of YOUR favorite travel related things. Click here to learn more about it and get some fun ideas to swap.

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 r...

I've got to give a huge shout out to my sister, Lisa , who watched my kiddos for 4 days, over the weekend! Lisa you're the BEST! I not only came home to a clean house, laundry done, and happy boys, but Drake has learned a few new tricks as well. When he's hungry, he climbs into his high chair! Who knew he could do that! ;) I gave up on the high chair quite a while ago, but it's so nice to have him strapped down and stationary while eating again. Lisa also taught him to "punch it" after giving a high five - seriously it is sooo cute. You can tell he feels like such a big boy. I couldn't let another day go by with out bragging on her a little. I truly feel so blessed that we've worked on our relationship and now have an amazing one. I rely on her a lot! She's one of the most generous people I know. If you haven't already, you'll have to check out her blog posts about babysitting my kiddos. Poor Lisa! I just hope she's blessed with sleep...

What Laurie Means You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty t...