A Fabulously Flawed Life

It's painfully obvious at this point that I'm never going to catch up on my posts. Therefore, here is one massively long one that briefly gives you an idea on how we celebrated the Christmas season. I hope you all had a wonderful time with your family!! Merry Christmas from Laurie, Jason, Davis, Dylan, and Drake Drake participated in his first pre -school performance. His teacher should have known better than to put Tyson behind Drake. I think Drake was more concerned about what Tyson was doing and getting his hands in his pockets. They sung J-E-S-U-S and Jesus was his name-o. The entire performance I couldn't help but feel sacrilegious! Putting Christ's name in a song about a dog. Geeze Louise. {{shaking head}} The kiddos had a hard time dealing with the paparazzi outside their classroom after the performances. We have had a LOT of friends over to play the past several weeks. Davis and Dylan both had their first sleep overs! They each went well and therefore t...

Jason is now home from Russia and I can't tell you how good it feels to know he's home for good. He has been gone more than he's been home and it's been exhausting to say the least. Now that life can get back to normal, it's time to tackle some long over due projects around the house. It's time to paint the study! I really do love to paint. There's just something about completely making over a room with $50 and a couple hours. {{heaven}} The finished look, subtle and neutral. I've also been really frustrated lately with my master bathroom drawer. It's seriously a jumbled mess and it's been bugging me. A quick trip to the Container Store and $12 later - a place for everything. {{bliss}} Jason's home and off work the rest of the year. I can't wait to see what we do next! {{evil laugh}}

I cannot tell you how excited I was go to to the annual Christmas party at Julie's. I missed it last year due to my back surgery and so it was extra sweet this year to be in good health and be amongst some of the coolest people on the planet. It's always a fun time as everyone hangs out, pokes fun of each other, and is there to have a good time. The white elephant gift exchange is the highlight of the evening. The most creative gift gets the prize. This year Julie set it up a little different and used this white elephant gift exchange poem to get the party started. As always, there were some really good ones. The runner up was a women's roller derby picture photoshopped with some familiar faces and gear. The winner is pictured above, BRV Extreme system - patterned from an infomercial. Each item inside had custom made labels and tags. It was so amazing! Man, it was such a crazy fun night!

We are a lucky bunch, as Santa comes to the local High School every year and his elves make breakfast and organize all kinds of fun games for us. Drake really got into it this year! The elves outdid themselves this year and we really enjoyed the early morning with Santa. Dylan was a master at several of the games and came away with all kinds of treasures. Find the white duck in the snow. (Almost impossible, actually.) This picture is blurry - but you can see how Drake really loved the games. Everyone was so helpful and happy to be there. It made it a really fun time. This is our third time to see Santa this year. Needless to say, it has fueled Drakes excitement for Christmas morning.

Davis had his 2nd performance for honor choir. He did such a great job and I was really proud of his behavior. According to his Choir Teacher, he's a natural.

Yep, I'm still at it! Couponing, I spent $140.39 and I saved $169.78. Whoohoo! I was in a huge rush and didn't have time to lay everything out nicely this week. Lame, I know. That night dinner was an easy one with lots of free food.

Now that the boys are getting older, I thought it would be a good idea to have them buy each other a Christmas gift. It was a brilliant idea I daydreamed one morning of 3 boys scouring Toys R Us with the exact gift in mind for their sibling. Shopping would be done in a matter of minutes and the hardest part would be checking out. Well... things didn't go that smoothly with the Turk boys. However, they each ended up with presents for one other. However, Davis was the only one who came in under budget. The other two were just too convinced that higher priced item was the best one. Yes, I caved. I love toys! We got home and they each wrapped their gifts (with the correct wrapping paper - each boy has their own) and put them under the tree. It was a fun afternoon. Huge thanks to Lisa for her help in wrangling the boys and helping to hide the gifts at check out. They should all be surprised come Christmas morning.

Well, I don't know how it happened but I've been invited to be a speaker at Blissdom '10 in Nashville, Tennessee February 4-6 th. I'll be speaking on 'connecting with your community of readers'. Who knew?!? It's an amazing opportunity and I'm humbled to be apart of such a fabulous group of women . {{squeal in delight}}

My dear friend Wendy had a birthday! Lisa and I felt that Wendy shouldn't have to order her own cake, so Lisa made her one and I supplied the flower. I totally got the better end of that deal! HA! Later that afternoon, Lisa brought over several chocolate covered strawberries for ME! Holymoly what a treat. They were seriously so yummy and completely brightened my day. Thanks Lisa! Lisa and I got Wendy this beautiful FAITH stamped necklace from RHB Designs . She's a Tip Junkie Mom-preneur and makes the most beautiful jewelry. Wendy loved it and it just suits her perfectly. Several of us were finally able to get together and celebrate Wendy's birthday together. I grabbed some treats from the Cheesecake Factory with Lisa (my sister) and met up at New Moon. It was such a fun girls night. I feel so blessed to have Wendy in my life. Many days I feel completely selfish for monopolizing such an incredible person. She brings joy and hope into a world that can be very dark ...

Mom life is a bit hectic right now. My oldest is full force into adolescence which comes with many new experiences. I've been reading like a maniac (while in the carpool line and random places when I have a couple minutes) and trying to get a grasp on this new life. Since Davis started Intermediate school, I have felt a huge disconnect in our relationship. Things have been stressful at home. Therefore, I decided to volunteer on Tuesdays in Davis' classroom during the Science lab and then we go to lunch together. I love being there on Tuesdays. It's a GT class (gifted and talented) so they do the coolest labs! It's been really fun to see Davis present his project that he's made with his team. Davis pretty much ignores me during class and lets me get my work done. (I kindly return the favor.) We usually get to leave first and walk hand in hand to the cafeteria. During that time I listen to all kinds of chatter as he tells me everything and anything that's ...

The next morning, after returning home from Branson, it was time to decorate the house for Christmas. My darling friend Emily was over to play with me and Drake and lent a helping hand with all the decor. She took it really seriously and let me know when I moved something that she didn't appreciate. HA! It was so cute. I had to convince her that this "wish" needed to be with the other silver stuff. She finally agreed. Drake and Emily squealed in delight at the opening of every box. They finally settled on playing with all the Nativity sets. Sadly, I had to do the rest by myself. Formal Dining Tip Junkie is hosting a Holiday Viritual Tour of homes , so head on over to link up your decorating post as well as get some new ideas for next year. {{giddy}} Here's my home all decked out for the season. Most of my Christmas decor I either made or received as gifts. So they each have a special memory associated with them. It makes decorating more of a "blast from ...