Adddiction!

A friend of mine recently turned me onto these new types of slipper shoes. They are soooo cute, sooo warm, and soooo fuzzy! They are girly but practical. Perfect for a quick run to the mailbox or go to the school and drop off your kids lunch that they forgot that morning.

Today we went shopping and I thought I'd get a few for my sisters and moms. This is what we came home with......

It was a really good sale! These babies are usually 30 and we got them for 8 each! Seriously, how can a person pass up that type of sale! Especially if that person loves shoes, shopping or just spending money.

Jake even got a pair and loves them. They also have bags, pillows and blankets.

My cat seems to like them too.

I'm no Betty Crocker

This weekend while Bob was home I thought I'd make some homemade Apple Dumplings. I've made this recipe before so I thought I could breeze through it super quick and get back to cuddling up with the family.

I get the apples all covered in dough and go to make the syrup. Butter and brown sugar go into the pot to start to melt. Then I realize the water is on and forget why. So, of course I figure that I was going to do dishes while I wait for the syrup to start melting.

After the butter is all melted the syrup is a little lumpy but I figured it would finish melting while it baked. 30 minutes later and the syrup didn't melt! This is what it looked like.....

That's supposed to be a nice carmely syrup for the dumplings but that water I had running? Well, 2 cups of it was supposed to go into the syrup! I wasn't really going to do the dishes afterall. That is why I shouldn't mulit-task while cooking!!!

While you were out...The Harness Edition

Does anyone remember that old show from TLC. They tricked someone into leaving their house and the spouse who was left behind would redo a room or two in the house with help from a VERY large crew? I did that this week in the front room. Although my husband was gone I didn't have to trick him at all. And my crew consisted of me, my friend Canesa our children and then a dose of our husbands to help bring in heavy things and finally hang stuff.

I love this room. It's a grown up me. I fought my designer (Canesa) on some of the elements but she was right and this room is TOTALLY WICKED! At least in my opinion. My kids have been trying to spend every spare moment in that room, Ok, I have been too. Bob really loved it. I still have a few touch ups to fix with the paint and pictures to put in a frame but the room is almost done.

Here is the room before.....(actually this is circa 2006. I couldn't find one from this year but you'll see the difference in a bit)

Here are the renovation pictures....

Isn't it adorable! And did you notice those red curtains on my chocolate wall? I really didn't want those, my decorator made me try them and THANK HEAVEN she did because they are sooooo cute in that room. Sometimes you just need someone else to push you out of your comfort zone and have a fresh eye. This room is earthy yet comfy, elegant but livable. It's different from usual me but still me. It's Laurel all grown up!!

Vision

This week I started to paint the inside of our house. We've only been here 2 years so I may be a little quick to start but I'm on a mission people! Don't judge.

Monday morning my front room was totally a mess. Things were everywhere so that I could tape and begin my little project. This is what it looked like...

Books were everywhere, nothing was in it's place, no one could move anywhere! All I could think about was the big mess I was creating and I needed to hurry up to get painting done and the mess cleaned up.

My kids however saw something so much more exciting... they saw a place to have a puppet theater (the broken entertainment center) or a place to be exploreres through the maze of the room.

It amazes me that as we age and "learn" more we seem to become more grounded in our beliefs. We forget about imagination and just the simplicity of being. I don't think one adult would have walked into that room and thought "wow! How much fun are we going to have!" They would have been like me, able only to see the work and the mess ahead of us.

My new goal is to try to remember that things are not always what they seem. Sure, in my adult head I think I know more because I've experienced more or read more or studied more but it may not always be true. Although the facts may point to my front room being a mess the truth of it is, we had fun in that room just being simple.

A little slice of Heaven

It's called Pizza. And it is the VERY BEST pizza EVER! It's from Papa Murphy's and it is the bacon artichoke delite. I can't get enough of this pizza. I had it last week with a friend and got it again today because I needed a little retail therapy! So many things going on and I've just been too lazy to post anything. Let's just take a little looksy into my boring little life, and some of the reasons I turned to Pizza instead of chocolate or the new wardrobe I'd rather have, or the furniture or , well you get the picture.
This is the end of Spring break for the kids. They go back on Monday for the last 6 weeks of school! I don't know where the school year went. I've just become use to the routine, FINALLY! I usually love spring break. One full week where the kids and I get to do whatever we want whenever we want. We do some outings to the zoo or the like and then sit around and just enjoy eachother. This year however we started off the break with Easter and Bob's birthday the next day. And well, it snowed ALOT. I think I heard 10 inches around our neighborhood. The kids played outside for bit but I really am over the snow and am ready to get my shorts on and hang out at the pool in sweltering heat. I feel like we got jipped out of our spring break. My kids were indoors most of the time! And the 6 more weeks of school? Holy cow time flies! Next year Jake will be in school full time, did you hear that FULL TIME! I could cry just writing that. I think he's ready but I am not. Natalie will be a third grader and Grey will be 8th. When did I get this old? Half the time I don't act any older than they do!

We also saw alot of Bob this break because he took the rest of the week off in order to spend a little time with us before he starts a 3 month stint at another worksite. He'll be home every so often but it still sucks! I'd love to throw a fit like the kids do and just walk around with a kleenex and watery eyes talking about how much I miss daddy and I don't know why it has to hurt so bad a la Natalie/Jake. But, I'm soon to be 36 and I don't think that is appropriate plus I think the kids would freak out if they saw me do that! So, instead of going anywhere he hung out at home and played wii games. Hasbro family game night is really fun. I really hate complaining when my hubby isn't home because so many women do so much more without hubbies. But I love having that man around, if nothing else just to drool over him. He is my best friend and it feels weird not having him home at night to talk or complain too. It's just not complete around here. We have great technology though so we are keeping up through skype and texting. (Thank you Amber).

With Bob being gone though I have finished one whole book and half of another, I have decided to paint my whole house (inside only) and plan on catching up with The Tudors and checking out Big Love. My kids, and this is what really surprises me, have banded together and have played games or just "hung out" together. Yes, they have fought some and that's normal. BUT, Grey has asked the kids to play or watch something. This morning Natalie was all sad and he went and SAT down by her and asked her what was wrong. She of course yelled at him like any normal woman would. I have NEVER seen that kid do that. Well, he did when he was younger and Natalie was still a baby. Jake and Grey are having a blast chasing eachother on a Need for Speed game and they BOTH like it. I am so amazed at how they have been treating eachother. I guess maybe I am doing something right.

So, let me recap. My kids are growing up way too fast , I hate my husband being gone, I like to eat lots of things or spend money when I feel crappy. However, my bank account can't get smaller and my hips can't get bigger so you all had to listen to my little saga. I have so many things planned that I'll most likely shirk those to-do's and actually update my blog more than I currently have been doing. Yeah for you!

Sushi

Doesn't that look delicious? It's the first time I have ever made sushi myself instead of buying it! But, since I made it on April Fool's day it was more Rice Krispy treats disguised as sushi.
The kids LOVED them! Jake and Natalie actually like sushi so they were a little upset that it wasn't real but Greyson was very relieved.

Real housewife of Utah County

Just typing that post makes me laugh. I know, I'm easy.
Let me give you some background here.....
Once upon a time I use to laugh at the high society women who listed thier jobs as fundraising. First ladies who would say that fundraising is hard, especially for Presidential candidates. I always thought what spoiled little brats. They need to come down and live with the rest of us who actually work for our money!

Next step in this cute little story .... a few weeks ago I was ironing some clothes and as I do this crappy chore I like to watch crappy TV. Jon and kate was already one that I had watched so I watched this other crappy show called Real Housewives of New York City. These are those women who do list fundraising as thier job.

BUT....
I haven't laughed at these women this time. I found myself sympathizing with them. Fundraising is hard! I have found some new best friends! They just don't know it yet.
So Why do I suddenly feel different this time about the Fundraising as a job? Because I have been doing it for 4 long and miserable months now and I.HATE. IT. ALOT. NO, I'm not joking. We've been trying to raise money for Grey on his Europe trip. One, because the group recommends fundraising and two, because we can't afford all of it on our own.
Let me tell you that fundraising really is a job and it's TOTALLY going on my resume. Seriously, this stuff stinks.
We have done a bake sale (sort of), snow shoveling through the Winter, Christmas tree recycling, letters to friends and family, looked into roses for Valentine's day, Craft sales, blog posting and most recently a yard sale. We are about 1/4 of the way there! That's IT. UGHHHH, we're tired of thinking of the next project, what we need, will it be cost effecient, spreading the word. Our neighbors are tired of hearing us talk about it and donating what they can.

Fundraising is a Real JOB. It is, and if you are lauging at me right now and don't believe that fundraising is that hard, you just wait because Karma will come kick your butt! Trust me, she got mine!

So, This is why I believe I earn the title of Real Housewife of Utah County. I'm the fundraising snob. I just need to find the rest of the cast. If you think you can fit the bill please leave me a comment as to why. I'm pretty sure this show will be coming to a TV near you and will be sponsored by Diet Coke.

Does your man need some Class?

Found in a local e-mail.....
Classes for Men

at THE ADULT LEARNING CENTER
REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED
by Friday, April 24th 2009
NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULT Y LEVEL
OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM

Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours..

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?--Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5
Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning
at 7:00 PM

Class 6
Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups.
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things--Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8
Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9
Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost--Real Life Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined

Class 10
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations.
4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11
Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12
How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion
Relaxation Exercises, Meditation, and Breathing Techniques.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14
The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used.
Live Demonstration.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

Weekend project...whatever!

This weekend Bob finally decided to tile the bathtub in our downstairs bathroom. When we bought the house there was no downstairs bathroom so we have done everything to that bathroom! Everything that is except the tile splash around the tub. So, after 2 years Bob was in some type of rush to get these tiles done. Saturday he had a friend come over to help and they replaced the backerboard we already had on there for a more friendly type. Whatever, some tiles did get laid on sat.

Here it is after a little more work.

And a little more work.

Here's the full back wall.

This was about all he got done through Sun. Just the long wall and one short wall.

It looks really nice but he was hoping to have it all laid and grouted by the time he went back to work this week. He probably won't even have it grouted until next week. It does look alot better. It's nice to get one home improvement project out of the way even if it does take an extra weekend.

A trip to the zoo with detours

Jake loves the Zoo. He is the main if not only reason why we have a Zoo membership. For his birthday every year he asks to go to the zoo, he also asks about 50 other times throughout the year but his birthday is the one we try really hard to make. So, the weather turned a little nicer this last week and off we went to the zoo.
Nothing really changes at the Zoo so we pretty much know our favorites and the best ways to get there. It's fun to see the kids run around and still be amazed by the animals. The cooler weather lets us see more of the animals. The tigers and Gorillas were close up and the kids always get a kick out of them being so close. Natalie is doing a report on Zebra's so we stood around the zebra enclosure for a bit.
We meandered around for a bit longer, got some kettle corn and decided to head home. Our first detour was when Bob decided to take us throught the Canyons on the way home. It's a gorgeous route and takes us right by Park City. The mountains still have tons of snow on them and Jake was excited to be able to see the ski trails. We can see the other side of some of those mountains from our house and the kids think that's cool too.
Park City has an outlet mall there and so we decided to take detour number two into the malls. I had a fun time shopping- duh. I found some great deals but had to limit my stores because of time. I'm not complaining though. I'm ready to go back.
By the time I was done shopping it was dinner time and we decided to take detour number three for dinner. The Last Samurai is a Japanese Steakhouse in Park City and we stopped there. We love the Japanese steakhouses because they cook your food right in front of you with a show. It's a fun place to go to once in awhile. Bob was in heaven when he found out that they offered Kobe beef. Of course he ordered it and says it was wonderful! Grey says it was ok and I think it is more tender, in case anyone was wondering.
It was such a nice family day and we had alot of fun just hanging together. I love those days. No matter what really needs to be done at home it's fun just to be a family and ignore the "jobs".