Happy Birthday Monika

Today is my Mother In Laws Birthday and as everyone knows she is still only 29. I feel blessed to have such a marvelous mother in law. She can juggle more things than anyone thought possible. She grew up in a small town in Austria close to the Swiss border and my favorite story she has told me is that when she was bored as a child she would go to the Rhine River and throw rocks and call insults to the Swiss on the other side. I love her accent. She is an amazingly talented artist and can paint the most beautiful watercolors. I now have 3 original paintings she did in my house. She is infamous for her wonderful food. At Christmastime I have people beg me to bring them some of her cookies, fudge, brownies that she makes at that time. She is an amazing host and always has something to serve people when they come to visit. She has the patience of Job. She loves to read and is always sharing her books with me. She has the best laugh and takes great joy in her grandsons. Happy Birthday Monika. I hope it was a fabulous day!

Movies MeMe

So, now to copy Carrie and Emily.

1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.
Ever After, Cinderella (the cartoon), You've Got Mail, Sound of Music, Pride & Prejudice (both versions), Singin' in the Rain, Maverick, French Kiss, Pirates of the Caribbean, Little Women, !0 Things I Hate About You, the list goes on and on

2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in the theater.
Pirates of the Caribbean, Ever After,

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.
Matthew Macoughnay, Christian Bale, Reese Witherspoon, Johnny Depp, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, Robert DeNiro, Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins

4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.
Sean Penn, Bill Paxton

5. Name a movie that you CAN and DO quote from.
Sound of Music, Pride & Prejudice, The Man Who Knew Too Little, Undercover Brother, Singing in the Rain,I'm sure there's more just can't think of them right now

6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Singing in the Rain, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Phantom of the Opera, Grease,

7. Name a movie you have been known to sing along with.
Any movie that has music that I know, I love to sing

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.
Pride & Prejudice (new version). Beautifully filmed and the most amazing love story ever

9. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?
All the time Kersten and I love the drive in. I know I saw Tomb Raider, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Village there. Hmm, I know there are more but can't think of them

10. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven't yet gotten around to it.
Superman Returns, The Illusionist

11. Ever walked out of a movie?
Yes, Calender Girl. I was in high school, and I was on a date and after the opening credits we decided this was not what we wanted to see and snuck in to "So I Married An Axe Murderer"

12. Name a movie that makes you cry.
My Life and First Sight

13. Popcorn?
Yes with a Diet Coke

14. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?
Before kids at least 2 to 3 times a month (We love movies) now it is like 4-6 times a year

15. What's the last movie you saw in the theater?
Music and Lyrics at the dollar theater

16. What's your favorite/preferred genre of movie?
Anything, but scary movies.

17. What's the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
I honestly don't remember. but my parents used to always take us to the Villa theater when a new Disney movie came out. My first PG-13 movie was "Can't Buy Me Love" My dad took me on a daddy-daughter date to it and I thought I was so cool because I was only 12

18. What movie do you wish you had never seen?
Mars Attacks, (My cousin forced our entire family to watch it on the Fourth of July and we missed the fireworks when we were on vacation in Oregon)

19. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
If I enjoyed it, then it must not be weird.

20. What is the scariest movie you've seen?
Sixth Sense (I really don't like scary movies)

21. What is the funniest movie you've seen?
The Man Who Knew Too Little (cracks me up every time) and as my husband reminded Undercover Brother

22. Name new releases that are on your "to see" list:
Miss Potter, The Illusionist, DreamGirls, Superman Returns and The Queen

23. Name some of your favorite movies not listed above:
Oceans 11, Batman Begins, Moulin Rouge, Center Stage, Just Like Heaven, Casion Royale, 10 Things I Hate About You, Litte Women, Chocolat, The Italian Job, The Notebook, Elf, Stranger than Fiction, Finding Neverland, Big Fish and many more. I love Movies

Studio 5, My Mom

http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=25&sid=1142193

Today my Mom was on a show called Studio 5 on KSL, it is a show that is based here in the state we live. She did a segment on Preserving your Memories which is her Expertise. She was amazing and did not seem nervous at all. She look so beautiful in her new green jacket. They only gave her 6 minutes which definitely was not enough time. I put the address to the Studio 5 website where they put her tips. Good Job, Mom. You were incredible

What's your Style?

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_33320,00.html

I found this quiz on a blog I look at occasionally and thought it was fabulous fun. I currently am obsessed with fixing, painting and beautifying my home. So this is what it said about me

Your Style is SWEET

What's Sweet is Chic. Nothing stark and modern for you! You're drawn to cozy itneriors and a welcoming Palette (think soft, sun-bleached hues.) You like your patterns whimsical and your buildings quiant. You enjoy heirlooms with sentimental value, like a rocker that once graced your grandmothers nursery

Birthday Celebrations

We had birthday celebration for Noah, Josh and Grandma Monika on Sunday. It was so much fun. We had German weenies and potato salad for dinner and beautiful cakes that Aunt Ginny made for the birthdays for dessert, Grandpa was really excited to open presents so we ended up opening presents before the cake. The Boys loved it and I think Grandma did too.

Aunt Ginny totally out did herself with this cake. She has been planning Noah and Josh's birthday cakes for months now. With Noah's she gathered all of these figures of his favorite things. Like Darth Vader, Buzz Lightyear, R2D2, C3PO, Obiwan etc and made a yummy chocolate cake and she used Chocolate chips (upside down) to look like craters of a planet. It was so cool cool and Noah totally loved it. Ginny is such a fun Aunt and so good to these boys. They are so lucky to have her.

What a lucky boy that he got to blow out candles twice for his third birthday. He loves it. And says it is cool,cool.

This is the animal cake that Aunt Ginny made for Josh.

Josh received his first big bike. He was so joyful and happy to have a two wheeler. His helmet was a bit big and kept falling off. He was so hilarious. He is obsessed with animals and received an abundance of new animals. He is so smart for he doesn't just say it is a monkey, he calls it a red tailed mandarin or it's technical name of every animal. It amazes me.

This has the cutest story. Grandpa talked to Josh about giving Noah his John Deere tricycle that he got when he turned 3. Josh thought it was a brilliant idea since he is now to big to ride it. A couple minutes later Josh comes inside the house and says "Grandpa we have a problem, we can't give my bike to Noah, it is to dirty." So Grandpa and Josh spent a couple hours on Saturday cleaning the bike. They used Q-tips and even waxed the bike. It had to be perfect if Josh was giving it to Noah. It is a really cool trike, It has a dump trailer on the back. Noah is thrilled. Right now he is better at going backwards then forward. He will figure it out.

Grandpa and Grandma F* spoiled Noah with this cool Star Wars vehicle. It is a racer and turns into a Tie-Fighter Spaceship. Noah adores it. He has had some sharing issues with it already.

Three

Noah took this picture of me

THREE'S.......

I LOVE
My Husband
My Noah
My Religion

I MISS
Sleeping late in the morning
Having no sense of fear.
The optimism of my youth.

I HATE
Gooey things
snakes
Unkind people

People who make me Laugh
My husband Kersten
My brother Nik
My cousin Dave

SCARE ME
Serial Killers
People who text message while driving (idiots!)
Disappointing People

On my Desk
Many books
electricians Tape
Camera

I Want to Do in this Life
Raise well-adjusted children.
Want to be happy and help people around me be happy
Accomplish what I was sent here to do.

Things I CAN do
Be creative
Remember conversations from long ago (it can frighten people)
Spend time with my family

Things I CAN'T do
Cook gourmet meals
Do the splits anymore
Keep my house spotless

Things I would like to Learn
To cook well and like it
To speak Spanish & German
Photoshop

I REGRET
Not finding a way for Kerst to get through school faster
Not going on more vacations before kids
Spending time being self-conscious.

Favorite Foods
Mexican Food
Blueberry Muffins
Ice Cream

Favorite TV shows as a kid
Who's the Boss
The Love Boat
Growing Pains

Happy Birthday Maralise

My friend Maralise has a birthday today. She is one of the very most talented people I know. She is an amazing photographer and took the most amazing, make a mom cry pictures of my son last fall. She has a photo blog if you want to see some of her talent. Her husband Matt and Kersten used to work together and became really good friends, I did not meet her for awhile but I did get to know Matt quite well. We became fast friends. It was so fun because we got along so well as couples. Mara has impeccible taste. She has a definite sense of style. I admire her drive and desire to better herself. She is ambitious and beautiful. Right now she is getting her Masters degree. Every time I talk to her I know I will be uplifted and inspired in some way. She is the mom of two boys, Stone and Grey. She is an incredible mom and inspires me to be a little bit more patient and enduring every day. She has also taught me how to keep your identity as a woman and not just a mom. Although, they moved far away, she is the type of friend that it does not matter we will be friends for life. Love ya Mara

Happy Birthday Dave

Today is my cousin's Dave S. Birthday. Oh, the things I could tell you about Dave. First of all he is one of my favorite people. And has been probably only since high school, before that he use to torture me by putting me in the potato cellar at Grandma and Grandpa's house or by chasing me pretending to be a monster. We got in a lot of scrapes and trouble together growing up. I love having long talks with him, he could always get me to think or understand things differently. He is one of those rare people who get me and loves me for who I am. He is so hilarious. And any one who knows him also knows he has a very strange sense of humor. I know that is why Kersten and him are the best of friends. Dave is Noah's Godfather which is a high honor. It wa a big deal to Kersten and I that Dave be a big part of Noah's life. Well, they had to screw up those plans by moving to Florida. It was good though because now he is a airplane pilot and making his dreams come true. Him and his wife just adopted an adorable baby named Kaitlyn. I wish I could see him as a Dad. I know he is the most devoted, amazing father. What a lucky little girl she is. Dave, I love ya and I will claim you as a relative.

Fitzwilliam Darcy Series

Oh, just typing the name Darcy makes me sigh a little bit. I love the book and movies from Pride and Prejudice. My friend Kristi introduced me to a trilogy called the Fitzwilliam Darcy Series by Pamela Aidan. It was fun to see the authors view on what Darcy was thinking through the courtship of him and Elizabeth. I liked hearing his thoughts about why he acted in a certain way, what he said to Bingham about Jane, what happened with Lydia and Wickham and a different view of the whole process. There are quite a few diffrent books out there expanding Jane Austen's book and I think these books do her credit. They stay true to the characters and their feelings and don't stray from the main objective of the book. I am really glad Kristi told me about them. I finished them at the beginning of last week and have wanted to post about them since. I had to return them to the library or I would have written some of my favorite parts that are not in the original. I realize that I don't post about books I don't like that I read (and there are some) so when I do post about them they tugged at me and inspired me in some way. So, Happy reading everyone

Happy Birthday Noah, You're 3

Today my baby Noah Lawrence turned 3. Although, if you ask him he is still 2. He is very ademant about it also. We have been trying to explain that when his birthday comes he will be 3 for the last couple of weeks. Well, according to Noah he is staying 2, No Matter What.

Okay, my boy is so majorly spoiled. We actually bought this train, construction truck table for Christmas. He received so much from all the people that love him that we decided to save it for his birthday. He was so cute about his present. We "rested" in mom and dad's bed after the zoo. When Noah finally got released he looked down at his table and said "Wow, that cool cool". So I think we hit the spot on the nail. I know it will get played with a lot. So I am excited too. He had a difficult time leaving for our adventures of the day.

We went to the Hogle Zoo. We wanted to do something fun since it was a Saturday and Dad and Mom are home. It was so much fun. His favorite animals were the peacock and the elephants. It was fabulous to be together .

My dear friend Kieran made him this amazing Super Noah cape, that does not choke him. (Sorry, inside joke) Isn't this amazing. Her son Heber and daughter Avery both have one and they played and had so much fun together on Friday. Thanks Kieran. We could not get if off him this evening. He had to sleep with it.

After dinner in the end of the day, his friend Jaimason came over to say Happy Birthday. They had the best time playing with his train table and being super heroes. They both cried when we seperated them for bedtime. We had to literally put the house to sleep so they would know it was bedtime. We asked him if he had a happy day. He said Yes and gave us each huge sqeezes, And then I asked him once again "Noah, how old are you?' he yelled "Two" and we both said "Three"

R2D2 Cake with a Party

Yesterday I felt like such a "Cool Cool" Mom. I made Noah for his birthday party with my family an R2D2 cake. Anyone who knows me, also knows that baking, cooking or anything to do with food is not my strong point or talent. So this was a feat to say the least. In all honesty my sister Emilee helped a tiny bit, but most of it was ME. And I am so thrilled with the result. Spencer who is a 6 year old expert on Star Wars even told me that it looked just like the real R2. Noah heard me talking to someone about it and ever since goes around making beeping noises. His whole face lit up at the sight of his cake. It made all of it worth it. I wanted it to taste very yummy so it is a cinnamon swirl cake with cream cheese, whipped cream frosting. My mouth is watering just to think about it. And as requested I will type the recipe for the frosting at the end of this post (never thought I would post a recipe).

The whole time I was making Noah's Cake. He would come over to inspect it. He would start singing "happy birthday" to himself and then act out him blowing out the candles. You can imagine how excited he was when he finally could blow out his candles for real. It was quite the event.

The only thing Noah asked for other than cake was Balloons. When Kersten came home with this big bundle of balloons. Noah was jumping up and down yelling "Ba oon, Ba oon" . He is definitely a spoiled but happy boy.

In this picture above, we were trying to get a picture of Noah and Spencer with little corporation. So Amy asked them to "Show Me Love" for the camera and this is what we got. Hilarious

My son was a bit spoiled as always for his birthday. Audrey and Danny got him some Galatic Star Wars Heroes, Darth Vader and Obiwan (a favorite right now). My Mom and Al gave him a book with Glow in the Dark stickers and a puzzle Truck book. So cool. He has been pouring over it this morning. Emilee and her kids gave him A Luke Skywalker Speeder , It is really cool. His light saber even lights up. I don't think he could decide what to play with first.

Kristin, Noah's cousin made him this adorable sleeping bag for his favorite Donald Duck. It was funny because when he opened it. He took Donald out of his sleeping bag and gave him a hug. So excited to get a his duck. Kristin then showed him that she made him is own "B" or blanket for him to sleep. He thought that was "Cool Cool"

Noah now has his first fish. It is a cute little Beta Fish. Nik and Lena gave it to him. Lena even sandblasted his name into the bowl. Noah has not named the fish yet. He just calls it "ISh ish". As of 7 tonight the fish is now named Ernie

I was really proud of Noah last night. He showed so much appreciation without any encouragement from me or Kersten. Which as most people know. Noah just doesn't volenteer to give hugs to people. It made me really happy. Overall, it was successful and so fun. I hope Noah likes 3 as much as he liked 2. He still won't admit that he will be 3 on Saturday.

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
I small carton heavy whipping cream
In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.

An Anniversary of Sorts

I know you just read the title to my post and immediately wanted to know, what anniversary is this Laurie? It is not your birthday, you got married in May, so what could it be? Well, it might not be the happiest of anniversaries but, this day 16 years ago changed my life forever. It changed everything, the way I thought about myself, the way I ate, the routines I kept, the friends I made and kept and in a lot of way it reminded me of my immortality. I have such weird memories and images in my head of this day. I remember my Dad's face painted in beaver makeup for the play, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I remember driving away from the donut shop with a raised donut with chocolate icing, I remember the Eye Doctor squinting at my paperwork looking concerned asking if I had "Diabetes" which I responded with a rousing "NO". I remember strange words and confusion and no one explaining what was going on. They then dragged me into the break room for they needed my seat for another patient and the doctor finally answering some of my questions. I remember my Dad's face in anguish, kneeling in front of me as I told him as only a fourteen year old can with resolve and bravoto that "I would just go blind. for we could not afford the surgeries." And then how his face changed into relief and laughter as he explained it was not necessary. I remember rushing to Dr Gambles, my pediatrician right at closing and there meeting my mom. I saw his wife sitting on a bench patiently waiting for she had finally got a babysitter and they were going on a date that night. I still can feel the guilt I felt for delaying their date. I remember him frantically looking through books about how to care for me and what to do. I remember walking in the back door and seeing my brother and sisters in the family room. I remember looking at our neighbor Curtis Cannon who was playing checkers with Emilee and saying "I haven't eaten all day and all I can have is a tortilla with peanut butter." And him saying quietly,"I'm Sorry." Mad, confused, worried and hurt that I had been ruined and I had ruined my family.

It is funny looking back and remembering. I had two eye surgeries in the short time after that and will blog on those days also. I remember my mother tenderly waking me up in the middle of the night to help me test and eat. I remember being in bed for 4 months only able to watch TV. I did love to read before that but it became an obsession afterwards. I remember looking at the crumbs on my carpet with the strong desire to vacumn without being able too. I remember begging my siblings to do it for me. Vacumning is now one of my favorite household chores. I remember doing puzzles with a sweet 11 year old girl that would come and visit me when none of "my friends" never even called that whole time.

This day changed me and sometimes I think for the better. Other times I still get angry for all the spirling events that have acurd over the years. The stigma, the pity, the worry and the inconvience this disease poses. I now can also see the blessings that it has created in my life

So to celebrate I think tonight that Kersten and I will go get a donut. (Ironic I know)

What is in my Purse?

Well Carrie, Here you go. My sister Emilee gave me my purse for Christmas. So here is the picture of me and my new purse on Christmas Eve. And now here is what is in it

My Wallet, which has in itself, my checkbook, cards, cash, change and receipts
Keys
Cell phone
2 Diapers
My Notebook ( for notes)
My blood tester
3 pens
My glasses
Laffy Taffy Egg from Easter
Gum
4 chapsticks
1 lipstick
2 packages of Fruit snacks
1 baggie of Fish crackers
Light Saber

It is incredible what I can fit in this bag
Hmm what does this say about me? Well, you can tell I am a mom.
Now I tag, Amy and Lena

Easter

Well, Easter was so fabulous. We went to Kersten's family for Brats and red cabbage and an Easter basket hunt in the yard. And then off to my mom's house for a delicious Beef ribs and potato wedge dinner. Oh, did we eat way to much that day. It was very special and delicious. I wanted to post some pictures of some of the Kids in their Easter clothes. They were so cute I could not resist. Above is my Son, Noah. I actually had quite a few really cute ones taken on Easter, but I chose this one because this is what he looks like when he says CHEESE for the camera.

This is Noah and his Cousin Josh, They are so crazy together. They love each other fiercely. Noah was the first person to find his basket at Grandpa Heinz and Grandma Monika's house. They both received some books in their baskets with all of their Candy. Here they are reading together. So Cute. These boys can run longer than any of seen before

Okay, there are two pictures of this baby Allie, I could not decide my favorite so you get to see two. This dress was her mom, My sister Amy's when she was a baby. And now we get to see her cute daughter wear it.

And then there is this sweet one of Allie. Who could choose? That is the thing with Chubby Baby, it was just to hard to pick from these two pictures.

This is my niece Kara and my nephew Christopher, they are so darling. Kara got to pick out her own Easter dress. And much to her mom, my sister Audrey distress. She of course pick out the PINK one. My sister has always hated pink her entire life. It is hard for her tomboy heart to have her daughter love pink so much. I love her piggy tails. Christopher's little hat is darling. Such a smiley little guy. I took some darling pictures of each of them alone. But I wanted to let their mom post them if she wanted.

So sad that Kristin and Spencer were in Jackson Hole so I did not get to see them on Easter. Lucky kids that they were out of town. Anyway, it was a busy, fun and successful day. Noah now understands the excitement of Easter. Before church we read quite a few Easter stories and in nursery they talked about Jesus, so we tried to get the true meaning of Easter in our day. Hope your day was as fun as ours.

The Bonesetter's Daughter

I finished this book about 2 weeks ago and I am still thinking about it. Which I take as a good sign. The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan is an astonishingly good book. It is a book about a Grandmother, Mother and Daughter relationship and the emotions, struggles and truimphs we have because of where we come from. It was fasinating to see these women connected and changed throughout their lives. It is set in China and San Fransico and crosses the time of when the Grandmother was born until present time. There is a bit of mystery and discovery in this book. The Mother writes her history in Chinese and little by little her daughter Ruth, pieces together her mother and Grandmothers life. I loved the language in this book. I am completely driven by characters and these women really tugged at me. I laughed and cried during this book, which to me makes it a good read. Unfortunetly, I have already returned the book to the library so I cannot put any of my favorite passages. I love history and the the discovery of your family stories. I recommend this book highly. There are no graphic descriptions just beautiful language.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today Is my Mom's birthday. Above is a picture of my mom and her husband Al. They have brought out the best in each other. Her Name is Jeanne Renee'. I am so grateful that she is my mom. I have been told that I was given the gift of selecting my parents. At times, I have wondered what I was thinking. But I know that my mom is the best mom for me. She has always pushed us along so that we will develop our talents and become our best self. She has taught me to appreciate beautiful things and to find beauty in everything around me. She is an amazing photographer. As someone once said, her love for her subjects shows through the film. She loves her heritage and has taught me to feel the same. She preserves the past for a living and has a gift for restoration. She sacrificed and made due with things so that us kids would have what we needed. She loves to gather people together and have parties and makes beautiful, elaborate spreads of delicious foods for all to enjoy. Everything is always tastefully arranged and very creative. These past few years it has been fun to become closer to her. She has helped me be a better mom to Noah. It is very sweet to see her with my son and the outpouring of love she offers him. I believe that you never outgrow the need to feel loved from you parents. I know that my mom loves me and I hope that she Knows how much I love her