Wrap it Up!

Okay, so my idea to blog the 12 Days of Christmas did not work. Christmas is crazy, crazy fun! So instead....

Turner Family Christmas Highlights: (not in any particular order)

1. Zoo Lights

2. Grandma Austin's Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

3. Gingerbread Houses

4. Willard Bay Lights

5. Snowstorms

6. Chocolate Mint Pie

7. Family Parties--The Austin Family party was originally planned to be a sleepover, We (I) had decided that we would not sleep there because Ryan needed to work and I was feeling sick so we were just going to spend the one day. Once there we were having sooo much fun we could not leave so decided to stay (Ryan left us there while he returned to SL for work--good boy). Regan, Will, my Mom and I got to sleep out under the Christmas Tree--it was so FUN--thanks for playing Regan!

8. Games left by Santa

9. Baby Jesus--I hope to remember it always as read by my youngest Turner--with the same excitement, love and joy that he did this Christmas Season. (I can't even begin to describe it so I won't even try)

The 1st and 2nd Day of Christmas

The First Day of Christmas we watched a Holiday Movie. This year it was Elf. I don't know why for sure but it makes us all laugh hysterically. Alec was not present because he was at the Winter Formal.



The Second Day of Christmas we wrote letters to Santa. The letters not only include what they are asking for from Santa, but also what they have accomplished during the past year, as well as what their siblings would enjoy from Santa. They write great, thoughtful letters. Good job kidos--Santa should include you on the NICE LIST.

What Traditions?!?

To prepare for the Season I chatted with each child and Ryan about Christmas Traditions. More specifically I wanted to find out which ones they loved, which ones they thought they could do without, and which ones they absolutely couldn't stand. This would help me decide what I wanted to do this year without making it crazy.

I got the same answer from each one of them: "What Traditions--we don't have any Christmas Traditions!" Are you kidding? I was under the impression that the whole season was just getting in one tradition after another--and it was getting hectic. I GUESS I was WRONG.

But maybe NOT! In an effort to prove them wrong, I will document them here over the next 12 days. Oh yeah--celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas is a TRADITION. (This is where they all said, and I quote: "oh yeah...I forgot about that."

Starting with Day N. (This is a substitute day for when I am too tired, crouchy, or unable due to multiple reasons to celebrate a day).

DAY N: DECORATION GINGERBREAD HOUSES







More Gingerbread House FUN:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas FAQ's

My sis-in-law emailed this list to me and I thought it was fun--not so much my answers (I already know them), but hopefully those of you who read it will answer the questions and blog it too!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love wrapping paper--it can make a "good" gift into the "best gift ever". My Mom is awesome at wrapping gifts.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real (cut), we used to get a potted tree so that we could plant it outside in the spring. When in Cedar City a couple weeks ago seeing those trees made me homesick!
3. When do you put up the tree? My kids would tell you just a couple days before Christmas, but I promise we usually get it up by the second week of December.
4. When do you take the tree down? January 1st.
5. Do you like eggnog? NO, Ryan loves the rotten stuff, my kids won't touch it--smart like their Mom.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? So many, my Mom was the master santa. A baby doll highchair stands out, as well as the many books of lifesavers.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan--if he wants it he already has it.
8. Easiest person to buy for? (Me--I tell you exactly what I want) Regan--again like her Mom.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a beautiful one my Mom gave me for Christmas a few years back, I hope to keep building on it. I also have a wooden block one that my kids love to play with. Alec, Austin and Will just built a tower of wisemen and a star last night. Can you image my surprise when I saw that this morning!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. I would love to send cards. Maybe next year.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The year after my Dad died everything was bad--it is better now!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love all Christmas Movies, even the cheesy ones on the Hallmark channel. Ryan and I watch them and laugh/make fun of them, but I still LOVE them.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Haven't yet, maybe in a few days!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes--a bread slicer. Ryan was mortified!
15. Favorite thing to eat or drink at Christmas? Mom's fudge, sugar cookies, Grandma's cookies, hot chocolate, chocolate mint pie, Ham.
16. Lights on the tree? Clear lights belong on trees, my kids fight for colored.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Little drummer boy by BNL and Sarah
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home, we used to spend it every year at my Mom and Dads, but the kids got too old. It is nice to be home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, if I sing them.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel, reminds me of the family I have lost.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning after breakfast.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Doesn't last long enough, and the let down after.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love the silver bells that we get from Ryan's parents every year.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Doesn't matter as long as we have lots of family, one year we all packed into my house in the living room, we couldn't even open the front door--one of my best Christmas memories.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Books, slippers, and a good H2O bottle. (See I tell you exactly--if you want to know the books just say the word!)
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Hopefully Jamie, and neighborhood ladies.
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? Brothers and Ryan
28. Favorite thing about Christmas? FAMILY--my kids are growing up and I am not their favorite person to "hang with", so I hoping for some good quality time with them, and of course my extended family--I miss you all!

Now it's your turn---fill it in send it on

Happy Holidays

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Did ja know it?

Thora Barbara Austin. My Grandmother on my Dad's side. It is her Birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma!

Growing up I heard these words from her a lot: "Did ja know it?" They always followed a sincere compliment, such as: "You did a good job, did ja know it?", or "Your hair is so soft and shiny, did ja know it?", or "You were the best one out there, did ja know it?", or "You are a great cook, did ja know it?" (yay, seriously she would say this to me after I opened her a can of campbells soup). She went to everything I did as a child, teenager, college student, and young mother. The first time I gave a talk without her being present was at her funeral (and technically she was there). I always heard those same words. She spent endless hours at my dance recitals, colorguard competitions, and church programs, talks and advancements. And I could always count on those words.

After she died, many people--her friends and family would come and tell me how much she loved me, how proud she was of me--they would ask if I knew how much I meant to her. And YES I DID. I did know it!

So to celebrate her this year I have made a goal to be more like her. I want my loved ones, family and friends--but especially kids to know that I love them. I am going to tell them more often, I am going to show up to things more often, I might even utter those words.

Thanks Grandma, I know!

BTW, I can't mention her without telling of what a blast she was. Austin Family: remember when she went sledding with us when she was very old (Alec and Regan were alive), and cheated at cards, and teased Gramps, and made us eat hot spicy peppers, I even have a pic of her swinging with Austin.

PLUG/UNPLUG

First the plug:

I told my little bro I would plug his new website: http://www.kcelevation.com/ Check it out.
Enjoy. Preserve. Elevate. Outdoors.
It has some good articles about the Outdoors. He has promised to add "Great Hikes for Little Legs", and "30 Minutes from Salt Lake"--both suggestions from the Turner Household. Plus you get to see Ryan pull a fish hook out of my baby brother's finger as my other brother films it...what were they thinking?? If you listen closely you can hear Ry call k. a pansy--we still laugh about it here.

Now the UnPlug:

At dinner the other night: We were all jockeying for our position at the table (the best place to sit as to see the t.v.), we had our plates full of the food that we had to throw an elbow into a blood relative in order to obtain (not really, but I swear the kids act as if they have not had a bite to eat for days--not minuets, and that if they did not take possession of the food immediately it would disappear) when Ryan asked Regan to say the blessing on the food.
(This is when the UNPLUG comes into play) Will immediately unplugged (took out his pacifier) and said: "ankyou, ankyou, ankyou! Men! (thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! Amen!) Then plugged back up. We all sat there in a bit of shock. The first time our dinner table was quiet. Will had never said the prayer before. I guess he has been listening to all the lessons we have had lately about saying our prayer's of gratitude.

It was awesome.

Warning: Sappy Post

Austin has been begging me to take the picture of Will's bare buns off the blog (he claims child abuse for William). Anyway instead of deleting the photo, we compromised on just publishing a new post:

I was reading a blog recently that had posted SIMPLE PLEASURES. I loved it. It made me become aware of those small, little things that make me so happy (even if this happiness is only seconds long). In today's world these "things" are priceless. I hope that all who read this (both of you) are inspired to think of your own SIMPLE PLEASURES and be awed by them as I am by my own:

1. Folded laundry with nothing in the washing machine or dryer or on the laudry room floor.
2. Hearing an old 80's song on the radio -- and noticing that my kids are singing along too--in the same off tune, off rhythm way that I did (do).
3. The phrase "NO homework tonight, I did it all in class".
4. Nap time.
5. Having a day, then being able to meet friend(s) and pound it out on the treadmill.
6. Having an "Indian Summer" Fall. And all the outdoor fun that comes along with it.
7. Ovaltine. Especially with Costco milk.
8. Reading a good book, recommendations from friends to read these good books.
9. William's learning to talk and the crazy, mixed up way he says things. My favorite right now "aunie (regan) my eesster (sister)?!? Bell my eester!! OR the way he reads Mr. Brown can Moo, can you? OR......
10. Holiday decorations. My neighborhood is full of them right now, the houses, the grocery store, the zoo, it is soo fun. (Halloween right now, but will soon change to Christmas)

Best Friend

She is stinky most of the time--I believe from what she eats.
She leaves her hair on everything--just because she needs to comb more often.
She eats anything--this is a good quality as well as a bad one.
She snores, she is overweight--hey, but who isn't.
She leaves her crap (for lack of a better word) anywhere, she does not know how to pick up after herself.
She annoys (for lack of a better word) the neighbors.

BUT....she is a best friend......................

She shares.
She is a comforter, warm and soft.
She listens without interruption.
She is always available--never is too busy for sharing chats, walks, snacks, or snuggles.
She does not judge--bad words/feeling can be shared without consequence.
She is LOYAL, and very, very protective.
She is a blast--in that fun mischievous way.
She will take the fall if things go bad (from the fun mischievous behavior), never pointing a finger away from her.
Although she can run faster, she always keeps her pace just a step ahead so the chase is sooo fun.
She will play games for hours, long after others tire.

Will loves Bella. Always upon arrival back home he calls for her yelling: "Bella I ome"and then gives her a big hug. He rides her as if she was a horse. He wrestles her. He shares his meals with her, including his drinks. He mostly loves to sit next to her and play, insisting that Bella is playing with him: "Bella play cars, Bella build house", ect.

Will and Bella have been in their share of trouble together too, from getting into the cereal cupboard (cereal everywhere, including their mouths), playing chase in the house and knocking over Mom's stuff, soaking the house with bath water (Will's water), and eating a weeks supply of snacks (human and doggie).

Today when Mom insisted that Will stay awake--way too late in the day for a nap. He found his best friend snuggled up and went to sleep. Bella stayed next to him for about 1 1/2 so Will could get a good nap in. (no pics because Ryan has the camera at the office--arghhh!!)

So Bella, where are you going to be at midnight tonight when the house is quiet, and everyone is asleep except for Will (and his Mom)?!?

Here are a few pictures of their friendship over the past 2 years:


Will is upset in this picture, Bella was the only one interested in trying to comfort him.



Sorry about the bare buns--some of their mischief.

YEaH HOO!!

HHS Mens 1st place!
HHS Women 2nd place!
The kids out did themselves, both getting PRs (this means personal record--not what it stands for if you are in the nursing profession!?)
Alec 17:01, Regan 23:23
Both will move on to STATE next Wednesday (so I guess we will be doing it all over again!)
I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Normal Wednesday?!

(While getting ready for school this morning:) The stereo blasts, the floors jump, the windows beat, and the kids chant:
"This is 10% LUCK,
20% SKILL,
15% concentrated power of WILL,
5% PLEASURE,
50% PAIN,
and 100% reasons to remember MY NAME."
Quickly followed by "We will, we will, ROCK YOU", and "We are the CHAMPIONS my friends and we'll keep on FIGHTIN'(sometimes substituted by RUNNIN') to the end".

Is this just another "NORMAL" Wednesday in the Turner Family?

No, today is special, today is not only RACE DAY, it is REGIONALS.

Carb loading has been done (we had the team dinner here last night--and can I just marvel again at how much food 22 teenage runners can put away--awe inspiring!), spikes have been cleaned, pep talks have been given, legs have been shaved--girls and BOYS alike, and the PUMP UP music has been made (the team downloaded music onto a CD for each team member--so they would all be listening to the same inspirational tunes--can you image what the bus ride over to the meet must be like?) and listened to (over and over at record breaking noise levels).

The RAMS are ready.... RUN RAMS, RUN! Goodluck!

(I tend to giggle a little at their intensity, but I do remember these days myself, when what I was doing was my LIFE--it is fun to remember.)

BTW, I am nervous, Alec is expected to medal (pressure!) and the coach has Regan (my little girl) running Varsity (she is a freshman).... I guess if you are as FAST as the big girls...you get to RUN with the big girls.

Ruth Lake

This last weekend we took a quick trip to Ruth Lake. I was supposed to be going with the young women from my ward, but as it turned out they all had other things to do. So I made my family go with me instead. We also got the chance to go with the Jackson family. It was BEAUTIFUL.

It is always so amazing that we have places like this to go to that are so close.

The kids were very proud that they got their tent up first--and actually before Ryan got up our tent Alec had to come lend some assistance.

We just had a very relaxing time sitting by a little fire, hearing BEAR stories, reading Thomas Payne (Alec) and Eragon (Regan), going for a hike in the morning, and playing UNO (Austin).

I wish we could spend every weekend this way! That last pic I had to put in because Regan adores this little Jackson boy (she took a ton of pics of him).

And the Mother of the Day Award goes to.....

Are you kidding me? Today has been when of those horrible days when I feel like I should just work 7 days straight so that I have an excuse as to why I am a "slacker mom". Let me just make a list of my award winning day:
1. woke up too late to pack the highschoolers a good lunch (today is race day).
2. did not have gatorade in the house for the highschoolers--they "need" this on race day.
3. promised to leave some gatorade and snacks in kids car (parked at highschool) so they could have it for lunch.
4. pulled into highschool parking lot just as I heard a bell ring, I asked some deliquents (being judgemental here--yet another winning mom trait) what the bell meant--LUNCH OVER! So they missed getting their pre-race snacks.
5. took Will to the park--thought it would be good to take him to Liberty Park (to change things up a bit) NOT a good IDEA. Usually I really like this park but today it was full of smokers and people who were fond of screaming the f-word about.
6.pushed Will in the swing while reading my book. Some dork in the swing next to me said--"that must be some good book for you not to beable to put it down even to push your kid". To which I just ignored him and kept reading.
7. pushed Will right out of his swing. He did a somersault in the air and landed spread eagle on his tummy--some bleeding from his mouth also occurred.
8. now Will is napping, I am not doing laudry, cleaning a toilet, or making a great dinner--I think I might just finish reading my book.
So why make this into a blog--it helps to talk about it?! Try harder tomorrow--oh yeah I go to work tomorrow.

the mundane...or just plain chaos?

6 bipeds live here, thats 12 feet total. Those 12 feet wear a sock a day (some wear more than one a day). Times that by 7ish days and this is what you get on laundry day:

a basket full of socks

When you don't match and fold these socks this is what you get from the Turner Family:

Kids who won't take the time to match up their socks so they just wear the first two socks they can find.

Mom's solution: Sock Sorting

This consists of the family gathering together in the family room. Each sitting in a designated spot--far enough as to not get in each others way. Then one member of the family (usually Dad) will throw each sock from the basket to the corresponding member of the family so that they can then match and fold their own socks. I guess you have to be there but things can get pretty crazy. After a few minutes everyone is just throwing socks. Regan throws a sock at Austin, Austin then returns fire and hits Alec, Alec then feels the need to get Austin back and there are socks all over the family room. Nobody will claim the crazy colored or worn out socks so they are the first to become ammunition.

After many a sock has been thrown and many laughs have been had a truce gets called and the socks do get sorted, matched and put away.

At least for a few more hours.

Peaches and Rice Krispies

Yummmy!!

2 Years

In two years your baby can go from a craddle to a crib to a "big boy" bed. In two years you can rearrange the nursery so that it looks just like a kids bedroom (no changing table, no baby powder or lotion). In two years you can learn a new language, like: air annie o (where did Regan go), eat! eat! eat! (sesame street--repeated until it appears on the tv), or inckler on in ass (the sprinker is on the grass). Two years can literally fly (sit-up, crawl, walk, run) by.

But is two years enough? Is two years enough to teach a young man all he needs to know before he goes out into the world? Is two years enough to get your fill of his company at the dinner table? Is two Christmas Eves enough? Two Mother's Days? Is two lazy summer vacations enough?

Now, I am not planning a tragic family event. But Alec turned 17 Sunday. That means that if everything goes as planned (as planned from his very birth), he will be leaving us (ME!) in just 2 years. I know he will still be around when he returns but I do believe it won't be the same. WOW--2 years!!

This Labor Day weekend we celebrated Alec's Birthday, and also moved out the crib and changing table from Will's room and added a twin size bed and drawers. Thus the craziness above.

FIRST DAY--Freshman Orientation

Regan went to freshman orientation today.

This is the "first" different school she has ever been to in her 8 years of education. This is the "first" time she did not have to don a plaid skirt/white blouse to go to school in. This is the "first" time she went to school without her cousin being with her--yes all 8 years her best friend/cousin was there (not always in the same class but always same school with a cubby right next to hers). This is the "first" time there were more than 28 kids in her same grade (let alone class). This is the "first" time she will use a locker.

Regan and Cora--basically inseperable, until now

This is the "first" time her mom circled the parking lot of the school trying to catch a glimps of her to make sure she was okay. This is the "first" time her mom cried when she got out of the car (yes, kindergarten did not even make me cry).

Congratulations Regan--You did great. You are going to have an awesome Highschool experience.

A Time of Firsts

As the summer tapers off into fall the Turner Family will experience a run of "First Times". The premire "first" was school shopping for Regan. Normally we would just go to the uniform store and try on the designated uniform, buy them, bring them home, and hang them in the closet. Nothing exciting, actually quite boring and the kids tended to hate it. But this year was different for Regan.
We went shopping for clothes. I can remember that when I was growing up this was a big day for my mom and me--I can't actually remember that my brothers were with us but I am sure my mom did not send them to school in their birthday suit, anyway-- we would take a whole day and go to the local mall and spend hours looking for the right clothes. Then I would come home and try them on again, giving a fashion show to my dad. It was a lot of fun.
Now, Regan and I are not big shoppers--I actually hate shopping for clothes. I decided the best place for non-shoppers would be the outlet mall in Park City. Wow!! I did not know that I could spend so much money in so little time. Especially on just jeans and t-shirts. We ended up having a blast spending the day together--and came home with more than just a plaid skirt and white button down blouse.

Boys will be boys..

This summer Austin has been having fun riding his bike, I tried to capture a few of the stunts he has been working on (my photography skills are lacking).

Also, Will at 2 years old is OBSESSED with his car collection, here he is with a fever and not feeling well but still playing with them. (Thank-you Grandma, Thank-you)

There comes a time in every young man's life....

He (we) has been putting it off for about 2 years now, but it is time for Alec to do his Eagle Scout Project. There are so many worthwhile things that a scout can do. As a matter of fact the Eagle Scout Project Workbook lists: build a sturdy footbridge, or set up a community study center for children who need a place to do their homework, or survey the remains of an old Spanish mission, or....

At this point I am in a full panic, I mean what happened to the days when my brother and his friend spent a summer building one picnic table for a campground nearby--and even this project seems overwhelming to me.

Well inspite of all that he (we) has decided on a project today. He (we) is going to make quilts for a nearby children's hospital (bet you can guess which one).

I actually think this will be a great project. Everyday at work I run all over my unit trying to find that one perfect quilt--for that one perfect little patient, that will make his day a smidge more comfortable. There are never enough!

So we are starting another great adventure--Eagle Scout Award here we come.

One word of advice for all you out there with young boys...start thinking NOW about a project and get your skills READY because before you know it it will be his (your) turn.

So how do you make a quilt anyway??? Stay tuned.

Austin Family Reunion 2008

When getting ready to go camping I often ask myself "Is all this worth it?" Well this year the answer is a resounding YES!! My family has been visiting Bear Lake every summer for years and years now (since I was about 8?). When I was younger I merely thought it was for the sake of fun--you know hiking, playing at the lake, eating a bunch of treats, campfires and staying up late playing cards. But now that I have kids of my own I see it as a way to connect with them. There are no cell phones, no friends competing for attention, no ipods, no disney channel, and although my kids had to take their runs, they were mine and I got to spend time with them. What a treat!! I also enjoyed being with family--we rarely get together anymore.

We ate meals together

We had a surprise birthday party for me (can you believe they remembered?) and Caleb-my adorable 6 year old nephew. My family (Stephanie) even decorated the canopy--it was too fun!!

We played at the lake. The wave-runners were going all day long. (Thanks to K.C and Andrea for taking the kids for rides all day--so sorry for the sunburns.)

We went on a great hike

We drank hot chocolate and played in the dirt

We played cards

All in all we had a great time and created a lot of great memories.

Now I must stop writting and get to unpacking....