Letter To the Editor--The Tennessean

My friends' aunt wrote this letter to the editor this month due to all of the "snow" days we've had here in Tennessee. Tee-hee!

To the Editor,

When Carol Birdsong sings, people listen. It's a crazy thing, but when the phone rings and the caller ID shows Williamson County Schools, the reaction in my house is as follows: The children squeal with joy; the parents cry with sorrow. Why, oh why, Carol, have you been calling me so much? So what that there's a little snow on the ground. So what that there's three plows for all of Williamson County. So what that the 4 inches of snow is covered by 2 inches of ice. Carol, can't you remember what it was like when we were kids? You know, walking three miles to school, in 6 inches of snow, barefoot, uphill, both ways. Didn't that build character? Aren't we better adults for having suffered through the storms as kids?

Carol, listen to me. We're going to have to have a new game plan if we're both going to survive the rest of the school year. Of course, we know that on day one of the storm, school's going to be closed. I've lived in Middle Tennessee long enough to know that it's a given. But here's the twist: On day two, I want you to call and leave the following message: "This is Carol Birdsong of Williamson County Schools calling to let you know that if you don't get out there and start shoveling your own road, school ain't happening tomorrow and your kids are staying home again!" Carol, I predict the roads will be snow-free faster than you can say, "Mommy, can you make pancakes again?"

And while you're at it, please suggest that it's OK for folks to go out on the main streets and start sprinkling salt from the shaker. Hey, the entire container of Morton's costs about 58 cents, and it will be the best 58 cents they could spend if it allows the buses to keep rolling!

Seriously, Carol, the Chuck E Cheese's parking lot is clear, why not the schools'? How come we can go to the Y, the library, the mall and everywhere else except school?

So here's the deal, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. You make the revised phone call, and I'll get out every shovel, broom and pooper-scooper I can find to clear the roads. We can do this together, Carol, barefoot, uphill, both ways.

Fam

My sister, Michelle (a.k.a. Mickey) with Regan at the airport. My cousins, Amy, Desiree and I at the care center. I so wished I lived close to these wonderful women! I miss my sisters, brother, my cousins, my aunts and uncles, and my mama! I really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Lovell or Bust

Aunt Barb and Regan.

Mickey, me, mom, Barb, and Kirk at Uncle Henry's birthday party.

This picture was taken at was once known as the "Rose Bowl" a car-hop type of restaurant my mom worked at in the 1950's when my dad pulled up in his brother Cleve's convertible and saw my mom for the first time. Well, it was all history after that. . .

My sister, brother, sister-in-law and I went to Lovell, Wyoming to surprise my mom who is in a care center. I haven't seen my mom in 2 1/2 years and I was nervous. My sister and brother and sister-in-law went into her room first and surprised her. She was shocked to see them. Then, my sister said that she needed to call me to tell me what my mom's reaction was. She called me on her cell phone while I was in the hall and said, "Sister, I wish you could be here." Then I said, as I walked into the room, "Maybe I can." My mom looked right at me and just stared! She couldn't believe it. Everyone was crying. Regan went right to her and snuggled her for a long time. We only stayed 2 days but it sure was worth it for her to see her last grandchild. I miss my mama! It was so hard to leave. Tears were shed knowing I might not be able to see her again for a long time. It was all very emotional but I'm so grateful to all the people who made it possible for Regan and I to have experienced it all!

Famous Amos

When I arrived in Billings, MT on the way to surprise my mom I spent the day with my AWESOME cousin, Amy. She has a wonderful family who spoiled me and made me feel right at home! I miss you Amy, Clint, Patrick, Paige, Karissa, Kyla, and Randon--ya buncha Pollocks!

First Flight

Trying to get a decent shot of Regan on the plane going to surprise Granny in Wyoming! Oddly, sat next to another mom that lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee who is also from Anchorage, Alaska. Pretty cool.

Special Occasion Week

So, my sister really wanted one of my Christmas advent calendars but due to time restraints I wasn't able to make her one before I went to see her. So, my wheels started spinning and I came up with a "Special Occasion Week Advent Calendar". Cheesy, no? Anywho, I had this little muffin tin (for children's use in a play kitchen) and put magnets on the back of paper I cut out and did a mini advent for my sister. She can use it all year long for special events like birthdays, valentines, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, etc. I know it's a stretch but my seester loved it! That's all that matters. . .

Crafting Again

My Year In Review

Saw this on a few blogs and thought I'd try it:

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Went to a Celine Dion concert
Went to a Harlem Globetrotters game
Went to see Celtic Women in concert

Sewed my first and only quilt

Made my first advent calendar

Exercised my entire pregnancy
Went to a civil wedding
Visited the Memphis temple

Had a child admitted to the hospital for illness

Had a lemomade stand with my girls

Visited the one and only Corvette Museum

Cheered my husband on in a few half marathons

Went to a Janet Evanovich book signing

Had a baby in the state of Tennessee

Ate tomatos from my own garden

Did you keep your new years' resolutions?

I only made one and I kept it--to exercise my entire pregnancy no matter how tired I felt.

What are some of your resolutions for 2010?

Lose the rest of my baby weight and say "yes" more to my little girls.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Me, myself and I. My cousin-in-law, friends.

Did anyone close to you die?

Yes--my cousin Pat died unexpectedly. He will be missed so much.

What countries did you visit?

None--except through google earth I travelled to all sorts of places.

What states did you visit?

Kentucky, Alabama

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Patience has always been a problem for me.

What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

August 18 because it was the day our beautiful baby Regan Meabh was born (same birthday as her big sister, Bryn, her Grandpa Turner, and her Aunt Desiree).

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Exercising and gaining minimal weight during my pregnancy-- a first for me.

What was your biggest failure?

Blogging (my journaling) was lacking and I spent too much time in front of the computer than playing with my kids.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not me besides the effects of pregnancy. However, we had a scary experience with Coco having to be taken by ambulance to the hospital because she couldn't breathe and the other hospital didn't know what to do for her. But, we now know she has asthma and is on medicine she must take everyday so that doesn't happen again.

What song will always remind you of 2009?

"Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus, of course ;)

Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer?

Absolutely happier! I am beyond blessed and I have no complaints at all.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Said "yes" to my girls about the small stuff that really doesn't matter which brings me to this year's resolution.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Talking--I wanted to do more listening

How did you spend Christmas?

Friends house for breakfast and they came over for dinner. It was a wonderful day!

What was your favorite TV program?

The Office, The Little Couple, Cake Boss, Dancing With the Stars

What was the best book you read this year?

"Hunger Games", "Chasing Fire", "Eve's Daughters", "The Ladies Auxilliary", "The Giver"

What did you want and get?

A healthy baby girl, and a beautiful picture of the temple

What were your favorite films of this year?

"Up" and "New Moon"

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Not sweating the small stuff when it came to my kids.

What kept you sane?

My witty husband, my amazing sisters and friends, having two girls in school most of the year.

What drove you insane?

My girls arguing and tattling

What political issue stirred you the most?

Health-care reform.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

To accept acts of kindness from others. It blesses them just as much as it blesses you. Also, that a ward family is just that--family. Heavenly Father has organized His church in the model of a family and we are all connected as brothers and sisters even if not by blood.

What are you most excited for in 2010?

Surprising my mom for her birthday (Regan and I), Scotlyn getting baptized, Bryn entering Young Women's, Coco going to Kindergarten, Regan walking & talking, lots of fun Enrichment Meetings to plan, helping Jared prepare for a marathon, creating special memories for my kids, planning and creating new traditions for our family, etc.

What are you least excited for in 2010?

Bryn growing up and going to Young Women's, Scotlyn growing up and going to Activity Days, Coco going to Kindergarten, Regan growing up and becoming a toddler instead of a little baby.

Who Are Those Chicks That Are Rockin' Kicks?

(To the tune of “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus--see real song and video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA)

We hopped off the year 2009

with a new baby on our hips

Welcome to the year of 2010,

Four girls--are we equipped?

Regan jumped in our life,

Here she is for the first time

Looks to her sisters for some sort of sign

This is all so crazy

Everyone seems so familiar

Our Coco Turner is such a great big sis

Her baby status in the family is sometimes missed

But then mommy turns up the youtube video
and a Miley song is on
and a Miley song is on
and a Miley song is on

So we put our hands up,
Regan’s digging this song,
and Coco is dancing away,
Scotlyn’s giggling like yeah
Bryn’s prancing ‘round like yeah,
And we got our hands up,
It's playing our song,
We know we're gonna be okay
Yeah, it's a party at the Turner place,

It's a party at the Turner place.

Still in the south with no southern drawl

Everybody'll be lookin at them now

Like “who are those chicks, that are rockin’ kicks?

Are they really from this Nash-town?”

So great with all girls in our home now

We won’t be trying for a boy—that’s a vow

Cause’ we’re real happy with these ones

Too bad Jared will never have sons

Scotlyn is turnin’ eight and getting baptized this year

Too much water and she’s nervous

That's when the Daddy dances to her favorite tune

and a Miley song is on

and a Miley song is on

and a Miley song is on

So we put our hands up,
Regan’s diggin this song,
and Coco is dancing away,
Scotlyn’s giggling like yeah
Bryn’s prancing ‘round like yeah,
And we got our hands up,
He's playing our song,
We know we're gonna be okay
Yeah, it's a party at the Turner place,
It's a party at the Turner place.

Bryn’s like growin' up too fast (too fast)

We have a tween and we’re aghast (we’re aghast)

Young Women’s here she comes

Now to make-up, phones, and friends we must succumb

So we put our hands up,
Regan’s diggin our song,
and Coco is dancing away,
Scotlyn’s giggling like yeah
Bryn’s prancing ‘round like yeah,
And we got our hands up,
We’re playing our song,
We know we're gonna be okay
Yeah, it's a party at the Turner place,
It's a party at the Turner place.

Happy New Year everyone! Hope it’s full of miracles! Yeah!

Love, The Turners

She's Got Betty Davis Eyes

Regan, 4 months. Too cool for school.

Dear Mommy

Dear Mommy,

I don't like my carseat. Not one bit. It limits my desires to explore and be cuddled. I seem to always be in it because of the usual daily activities of my sisters. Now that it's Christmas break I hope to see it less often. I would like to stay home and relax, recline in my swing and taste new exotic foods like fruits and veggies. . .maybe ice cream, yes?

Love,
Regan Meabh

#2 & #4

These two were playing together the other day and it was so cute listening to Regan giggle while Scotlyn talked to her. Maybe because Scotlyn looked a little different with her tooth missing! We are trying to get her other one out before Friday so she can sing, "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth!"

Turner Clan, Est. 1997

For years now I've been meaning to make a family stitchery. I had very good intentions and even started it a few times but somehow I never got into it or managed to find time to do it. Well, I am so grateful it didn't work out because I would've had to redo it with the birth of our little Regan 4 months ago. It would have been a large task, indeed. My friend, Jill, gave me the frame about a year and half ago and I couldn't figure out what to do with it until now. Hmmmm...where to hang it...that may take some time.

Memphis

Jared's estrogen gang--all in pink.

Jared ran in the Memphis St. Judes half-marathon on December 5. I didn't get any pictures because it was SOOOO COLD--especially for the great city of Memphis. I was trying to keep Regan warm and safe from the temps (also, I forgot the camera in the van). Luckily, we were able to see the Memphis temple while we were there. It is actually just like the Nashville temple and sits on the lot with the Stake Center as well.

Bama

My friend, Jenn, from high school got married in Alabama on November 20 and we made the 2 hour drive there, stayed for about 3 hours and drove home. It was a whirlwind trip but it was so worth it. I wish I could have gotten pictures of the bride and groom but they were being swarmed by family members. Regan slept through most of it but danced with her sisters later to "Party In the USA" (I can tell she digs it by her huge grin when we all start groovin).

Scotty Girl

Scotlyn wrote the following letter to Santa:

"Dear Santa, My wish for Christmas would be one thowsend tents and some food for the poor. From your pal, Scotlyn. P.S. Send some pictures of all the reindeer. Christmas ROOLS! You rock, Santa!"

I thought it was so sweet of her to want to give instead of receive--except a picture of the reindeer.

The family photo was obviously drawn before Miss Regan joined us. I think the picture of Jared is especially striking. Don't you?

You're Fired!!!!

Donald & Ivanka Trump were seen at the Famous Daddy-Daughter Activity Day Girls Dinner & Dance. The funny thing is that wig Jared is wearing was a lot longer and used for his Halloween costume (he went as a hippie). We just cut it to make it look somewhat like "The Donald". Of course, no one can pull off a real "Donald" but Mr. Trump himself. That's it, Jared. YOU'RE FIRED!!!!

Beautiful

Regan was blessed on November 1. The blessing was beautiful and so was she! Love the double chins!

Getting My Craft On

Well, I've been crafting again--surprise--surprise! I made the "M" for a family that had us over for a FANTASTIC Halloween party! I have never been to anything like it! The other craft was made for our Super Saturday last Saturday--my advent calendar. I used chalkboard paint on a piece of magnetic board so that I could change it up and make a Thanksgiving "thankful" calendar (for next year). I put magnets on the back of wedding favor tins and embellished the Christmas paper with buttons, brads, ribbons, old math books, etc. I think my girls will have fun opening one a day and finding an act of service they can do for each other inside--maybe an m&m or two...

Ward Trunk-Or-Treat

Bryn--the psychedelic hippie.

Coco-rella.

Scotlyn. . .Grrrr!

2 Little Monkeys

Jared took Scotlyn and Coco to see "Curious George" at TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) last month. They got there a little early so Jared decided to do a photo shoot.