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.

2 Months

Here are pictures of Regan at 2 months old. She's getting big! Love her!

Little Girls, Everywhere I Turn I Can See Them

Dear Miss Hannigan,

Sorry you don't like little girls, little socks, and little bloomers. I feel sorry for you. You said some women are drippin' with diamonds and some women are drippin' with pearls, but your drippin' with little girls. You were right--Little girls are the real gems! I must be rich!

Love,

Mother to 4 giggly, girly-girls

Circus

We took the girls to the circus on Saturday and they had a blast. Unfortunately we didn't have much battery left in our camera so we didn't get many pictures but it was a great experience--just a little too long for my taste. I think Coco liked the dancers the best and Bryn and Scotlyn loved the human cannonball. In fact, Scotlyn wants to be a human cannonball when she grows up. . .

The Photographer

Apparently, I have an aspiring photographer on my hands. I have seen her occasionally use my phone to take pictures but this time I found these random pics on my real camera courtesy of the little munchkin. Thanks, Coco!

Middle School Choir Concert

Bryn's first choir concert was fantastic! She did a great job and I could tell she was proud of herself. Here she is with her friend, Thea! Congrats, girls!

Now that's a Root Beer Float

Some friends in our ward challenged us to drink this vase full of a half gallon of ice cream and a huge 2 liter root beer. It took over an hour for our family to drink most of it. Lots of burping took place during this event.

Stayin' Alive

The were lucky enough to be invited their friend's (Addi) birthday roller-skating party! They were all pretty timid at first with the whole idea--but as you can see they got over it real fast. Everytime they would fall they didn't cry. They just got up and kept. . .stayin' alive.

First Bath

Regan's first bath at home. She didn't care for it...at all.

The Debut of Regan Meabh Turner

Regan Meabh (pronounced REE-gan MAYVE) (Gaelic/Irish for "child of a king" and "intoxicating") was born August 18, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. She weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and is 19.5 inches long. She is a very happy, mild-mannered baby (so far). It feels as though she has always been a part of our family and she finally made it here! We are doting on her and the girls are showing her "the ropes" around our house.

My Sidekick

Dear Bryn,

I already miss having you around everyday now that you're at school. Don't get me wrong, I do not miss the arguing with your sisters or the 20 repeats of everything funny said or done, the endless tormenting me with potty jokes. . .but I do miss you. I miss you making lunch for the girls which you always, er. . .usually did with a smile. I miss you following me everywhere and asking, "Whatcha doin?" I miss you telling me how bored you are and me getting to tell you I'm not the entertainment committee. I love that I got you addicted to the Anne of Green Gables books and that we could talk about it and then watch clips from the movie on YouTube. I asked so much of you and you amazed me with how responsible and dependable you are becoming. Thank you, Bryn, for giving me a more relaxing, quieter summer than the last few. I really enjoy your company and your amazing sense of humor!

All My Love,
Mom

First Day 2009-2010

This picture isn't very good but this is Scotty (2nd Grade) and Bryn (middle school) on their first day of school. Scotlyn was extremely excited and Bryn was extremely nervous. By the end of the day they both had a great time and were less worried. I'm so proud of them for being so brave!

Nashville Sounds

Nashville has a baseball team called The Nashville Sounds. Jared took the girls and Bryn's friend, Carly, to a game last week. They had a cool experience with a homerun ball landing right in front of them as they were in the parking lot getting ready to leave. They brought it to Coco for good luck!

Admittance, Ambulance, Asthma. . .and Flarp??

For journaling purposes let me re-live the account of our little Zion McKoy's journey to asthma. For months she had been struggling with her breathing and she was diagnosed with pneumonia about 3 times in the past year. We were always given the same drugs to relieve her but no one seemed to know the answer to why she kept getting sick. We knew something was awry when we were visiting Coco's best friend, Reagan, on July 30. Coco fell asleep with rapid, shallow, wheezing breathing and a very fast heartbeat. Once we got home I gave her something to take away her fever and gave her a nebulizer treatment that has always seemed to work in the past. It didn't this time. Jared took her to the hospital that night where she was admitted with pneumonia. After a few hours in her room there, the doctors were extremely worried because despite feeding her 100 percent oxygen her heartbeat refused to slow down and her fever was getting worse. Next stop--Vanderbilt Children's Hospital where she was transported via ambulance.

Once at Vanderbilt, she was admitted and they were better able to care for her and diagnosed her with asthma which is something we had only recently suspected. Now we know.

I should probably write a whole other post for this but I'll say it here since I don't have pictures. WOW! I am so impressed with my ward family. They really were there for us just as a family would be in a circumstance like this. Jill took Bryn and Scotlyn for the day to the zoo. Sally took me to the hospital (I would have never found it without her), Cristina, Gayle, Janet, and Urquia brought us wonderful meals. My visiting teacher, Gail, came over and weeded our front yard. The Bishop and his wife (Sally) came back again to the hospital to bring Coco gifts and see how she was doing and so many others called and wanted to help. I just can't thank everyone enough. I really understand what the meaning of a ward family is now and I want grow up to be just like my ward sisters!

When Sally came bearing gifts Coco got pretty excited about the pink bag and all that was in it. Her favorite thing in it, of course, was FLARP. The stuff is gooey and green and when you stick your fingers in it you hear the sound of toots. Coco thought this was the most hilarious thing ever. Whenever a doctor or nurse came in the room she hurried and grabbed it and did her business and laughed hysterically. It has been a big hit in our family ever since. I highly recommend this product!

Exhibit A. Flarping for personal enjoyment.

Exhibit B. Finger position when flarping.

Exhibit C. Demonstrating the loudest impact by putting your arm way up and then flarping.

McKoy's First Haircut (FINALLY!!)

Jared has a hard time letting go of his little girls. Usually 4 years-old is when he gives up on the no cutting of the hair string. Today, all the girls got their haircut for school but the most noticeable change was of little Coco that must have lost at least 6 inches. We all love it on her and thinks it fits her personality. As long as she still feels like a princess. . .and believe me--she DOES!