TURNER TIMES 6

January 2012

2012-02-07T00:56:00.000-08:00

January was a special month in our house. Our little babies are growing up. Kelsey and Kayley made the choice to be baptized. I was emotional the whole week. I'm sad because they are growing up too fast but proud because of the amazing young women they are becoming. AND, I'm emotional because I'm getting OLD!! Here are some pictures of their special day. Thanks to all our close friends and wonderful family for coming to support them on their day.

The Rest of 2011

2012-01-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

WOW...here it is..middle of Jan 2012 already and I haven't updated in so long. Of course you all forgive me cuz you know how crazy life is right? OK...here is the recap of Nov and Dec 2011 in pictures. ENJOY!

November 2011
Jacob continued to play football in a couple of tournaments.....we survived the freezing cold to cheer him on!

Twins turned 8 and had their own cakes specially made by dad!

Then they finally got to have their own birthday party with their close friends. They had a cake decorating party. Each girl got to design their own apron and then decorate their own cake....they got pretty creative with the frosting....yummy!

December 2011

For Kelsey's birthday she got to go to the Penguin Encounter at the Aquarium....did you know she is obsessed with penguins? We got to go sit in the back room of their habitat and see them interact. They kept waddling in and out of the room then back into their pool. It was freezing in there but worth every second. They even do enrichment activities with them to stimulate their minds. This day they blew bubbles for them. It was cute. Kelsey had a smile on her face the whole time.

This is how close we were to them

Bubbles

This one liked to nibble on my boots

We had a great Christmas Party up at my parents house with everyone. They have 15 grandkids now with #16 on the way.

Kelsey and Kayley got pogo sticks!!

My mom and dad wore their cute Mickey and Minnie Santa Hats

Always a funny face by JP

My new best friend.....Caleb! Isn't he ADORABLE?

Mackenzie modeling in front of the tree

Christmas at home....
Jacob got golf clubs

Cameras for the Twins

Piggy Bank for Mackenzie

Happy 2012!

Halloween and Girls Night Away!!

2011-11-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

AHHH!!!! Thanksgiving has already come and gone and I haven't even posted about Halloween or the fun Mother/Daughter Overnighter we had with Mackenzie and her "Brat Pack" Friends. I think the pictures explain themselves.......

Amador Cheerleader....GO DONS!!

Chef Turner...he takes after his dad and has become quite the cook around here!!

Dead Zombie Amador Cheerleader!

Nerdy Witch!

The Brat Pack as Nerdy Witches

Zombie Cheerleaders vs. Alive Cheerleaders

Mackenzie and Emily

Me and Delynn...I am always refereeing her!!

Let the Party Begin!!

Wedding Dresses out of Toilet Paper!

Back Home

2011-10-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

I HAD to go back to San Francisco to visit my new nephew, Miles. He was born the day Mackenzie and I left San Fran last month. So, back I went, this time without my own kids!!! I got to hang out with Cara and Jeff and their beautiful kids, Sienna, Dylan and newborn Miles. We hit the Yogurt Shack (a MUST when you visit them), Farmers Market, and a Halloween Carnival. I even got to babysit so Cara and Jeff could have a night out ALONE! The kids and I watched movies and ate yummy popcorn. I LOVE those kids.

My friend Delynn came out Saturday (my last day) and we hit the City running....or should I say "go-carting". Hilarious....I've never laughed so hard driving a go-cart around San Francisco. We did A LOT of sight-seeing and A LOT of honking at everyone. Delynn was welcomed into the big city with a big "Occupy" Protest that shut down Powell street. It was a true SF protest with a naked guy and drag queens. I think Delynn was scared for a moment. We just enjoyed the view while eating our Blondies pizza. After go carting around the whole city we met Cara, Jeff and kids for an amazing meal at OSHA...Thai food. YUMMALICIOUS!! Thanks Jeff for treating us. Of course you have to end the night with Ghirardelli ice cream and chocolate and a Cable Car ride. Delynn crashed on the way home. I think I wore her out!!! Thanks for coming Delynn...it was SO MUCH FUN!!!

Relief Society Retreat

2011-10-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of October I had the chance to go on an overnight Relief Society Retreat. What a needed break for me. It was fun, refreshing and peaceful. We went up Sardine Canyon and the Fall colors were starting to show. I am so grateful for the friends I have made in this ward already. I KNOW that we were meant to find this neighborhood and ward. We LOVE it here!!!

Fall Update

2011-10-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe September is already over and we are well into October. WOW...have we been busy! Especially since school started. The kids are all loving their classes and are all doing really well....phew!!! Here is a photo update of what we have been doing....

I took Mackenzie to San Francisco for her 13th birthday and I got to see my cute nieces and nephew while there....AND, Cara had Baby #3 on Mackenzie's birthday!

Here is Cara's Dylan...he is such a stud!

Dylan again

The cousins swimming together...Abby, Sienna and Mackenzie

Mackenzie wanted to see Chinatown while in San Francisco

Dinner in Chinatown with Aunt Laura

While in SF...you HAVE to do Dessert at Ghirardelli Square. YUMMO

For Mackenzie's 13th birthday party she wanted to have a Mall Scavenger Hunt. I found some pretty funny samples online. AND, I wanted to have them do hard, crazy tasks to accomplish. The girls had a blast. It took them 1 1/2 hours to complete....so while waiting, my friend, Delynn and I, decided to participate as well. We had TOO much fun. I think everyone was wondering who were the 2 crazy moms on the scavenger hunt.

Mikell and Kennedy on the first task

Mackenzie and Megan freaking out

Rachel and Emily running from store to store

Delynn posing with mannequins

Delynn and I wearing Hats

We had to find a T-shirt with a funny saying!

Also had to find something your grandma would not wear

We had to find a Salesperson wearing RED heels

A teammember ready for BED

Wearing Sunglasses

Saluting customers as they leave Dicks Sporting Goods

Found an umbrella

JP made her amazing cookie monster cupcakes

The teenage gang

LOVE all her friends

Duct Tape day at school....John Paul helped her make this skirt

Jacob earned his Arrow of Light in Scouts in September. I can't believe how much he is growing up. He is my "little" man. I'm so proud of him and the man he is becoming.

Proud Dad

Proud Mom

My sister Liz had baby #4 in September. We all went down to visit them now that they live in Provo. Yay for close nieces and nephews!!

Here is where I ALWAYS spend my weeknights...watching Jacob at Football practice.

School 2011-2012

2011-08-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

I LOVE when it's time to go back to school and everyone is back on a "normal" schedule (if that even exists). But, this year I had a harder time.....probably because my oldest baby started Jr. High. Before you know it they will all be out of the house. Don't wish the time away...it's going TOO fast!!!

The Jr. High Girl

YES....I followed her in and embarrassed her!!! You do know me right?

She found her good friend Rachel

There she goes....walking to her first class....she's too "little"

Now, HE would fit in "size wise" at Jr. High. The big 5th grader is 5 foot 1 inch and almost ALL muscle. That kid is SOLID!

My baby Kayley

My baby Kelsey

The big 2nd graders

Jacob

Kayley

Kelsey

Wiping the tears away now..........

Bear Lake 2011

2011-08-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Every year we take a trip or two up to Bear Lake. It's the closest thing to the beach for me, so I love spending time up there. This year we were lucky enough to have more of the Germany side of the family there. AND, Mom and Dad rented Jetskis. What a BLAST!!!

Ryan and Collin (they belong to Elizabeth)

Shaylee (she belongs to Elizabeth too)

Girl Cousins: Kelsey, Abby (Laura), Ashlyn (Liz), Taylor (Robin)

Older "Cooler" Cousins. That's JD (Robin's boy) with Mackenzie and Jacob

JP and Kayley

Mom and Dad went out together...but under ONE condition.....Mom had to drive!!!

My Jake

Abby (she belongs to Laura).....too many cute red-headed nieces!

Pregnant Elizabeth....she's gonna kill me for posting this....love ya Liz!

Beautiful View

Bird in Flight (practicing my photog skills)

All the kids LOVE playing with JP in the water

A Post Forgotten

2011-08-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Because I work for an AMAZING company, I was able to get exclusive "Premiere Harry Potter" tickets for the day before it even came out in theaters. It was a huge event that JetBlue put on for their employees. They rented out a ton of theaters and had prizes and drawings, etc. So, Mackenzie and I invited some friends and had a blast. MK and friends even made it on to FOX 13 news with an interview. I posted the clip on facebook. SO CUTE!!! Here are the pictures they posted of them and my friends, Carla and Trevor, on their website (FOX13).

Summer Overload 2011

2011-08-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

I didn't think this summer would be busy, but I have a LOT of pictures to post so I guess we have been going non-stop since school got out at the beginning of June.

We took a ONE day trip to the beach in May for my birthday. We started the day out with breakfast at Schooners in Long Beach. Our favorite place!!

The "Mess"....best breakfast meal ever!!

Our kids are FISH. They spend the whole day in the water.

They LOVE to boogie board too!

Kelsey and Kayley even rode the boogie board together! SO CUTE!

6th Grade Graduation....See who is speaking as the Valedictorian?

Awards

Mackenzie and her "twin" Rachel

Mr. Sanders

The clan headed to Jr. High!

Mackenzie keeps in touch with one of her really good friends, Brittany, from her old Elementary school. Brittany and I share a birthday. We have a little tradition of shopping and going out to eat for our birthdays together. This year they bought these cute shirts and nerd glasses. We had a fun photo shoot. These 2 are FUNNY together.

Typical Mackenzie and Brittany!

Our friends, Jen and Steve, live in a townhouse that has a community pool. We LOVE to go swimming with them. This is their cute son Keitan!!!

JP always having fun with all the kids.

Jacob and Chloe

We try to see our Besties in Idaho every summer too. Mackenzie spent a week with them and then we met half way and celebrated Kinsey's 11th birthday at the Golden Corral.......we were all grossed out. Not the best choice for dinner Kinsey!!

We had a fun JetBlue Carnival in July and SeaWorld brought some of their penguins. If you don't know Kelsey, she is obsessed with penguins. She just sat there all day and watched them!!!

I LOVE this girl. Taylor. She is Robins cute daughter. She has finally moved back to Utah, so I get to see her all the time!!!

Nothing like a good old Beach Boys concert in the summer! Can't believe they are still performing. Thanks Mom and Dad!!

In the midst of it all....Jacob was asked to play on the city's All Star baseball team. I LOVE baseball season.

We took another DAY trip to the Beach...

Kelsey

Kayley

Our favorite beach.....Newport!

View from my parents house in Providence

View from another JetBlue party at Seven Peaks. I am loving the mountains this year.

Our good friends, Jen and Steve Grover, were sealed to their cute new addition, Keitan!! They are truly blessed. This is his birth mom, Kjerstyn.

Jen and Keitan

This is their complete family along with their amazing birth mom Kjerstyn.

Girls Camp 2011. Lake Lyman

Mackenzie decorating our mailbox.

Paige

Sister Stoddard (my fellow Bunkie)

Mia and Tea

Our Amazing Girls

Serving Dinner in the Lodge

The Priesthood leaders performed "I'm a Little Teapot" everynight in different variations. Good entertainment.

The View from the Lodge

Sister Snow...she is my visiting teaching companion and is in the Stake YW presidency. I LOVE her!!

Our ward out in the canoes.

Cleaning the Lodge

We had some amazing "rope obstacle course" lessons that applied to the gospel and our daily lives. In this one they all had to swing across an imaginary ocean full of sharks and land on this one plank of wood (the island). At first we thought there was no way we were all going to fit....but, we did!!! It was a great learning tool!

On the last night of camp, I decided to jump in the lake with some of the girls. All the leaders thought I was crazy cuz the lake was freezing and full of leeches. But, I am a FISH too, so any chance for me to swim, I am there!!! I also took advantage and washed my hair!! Video of the jump may be coming soon!

Before the Jump.

After the Jump.

Washing the Fro!

My Glow in the Dark Earrings!

The Fro after a good wash!

Well...that's all for now. We have one week till school starts and I still need to post a couple more things from summer and then I will be caught up. Can't believe it went by so fast!!!

New York Wedding

2011-06-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

My little brother, Glenn, got married on April 30th to Aviann Etherington in the Manhattan Temple. What a BEAUTIFUL wedding. All the siblings were able to be there for the weekend with NO KIDS. We had a blast!!!

First things first.....Shake Shack!

Wedding Dinner night before the wedding was at a great Italian Restaurant near Times Square. We had the whole place to ourselves. YUMMO

My sister Laura and her husband Mike

Always start your day with Donut Plant....thanks Liz for the wake up call!! Yummy PB & J Donut!

I LOVE the colors on the buildings.

We took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty

My brother the Groom

Future plans for Ground Zero

Beautiful Sky above Ground Zero

Waiting for our transportation.....LOVE the subway system in NYC!

Empire State Building

Another stop at the Shake Shack...you can never have too much Shake Shack

My mom in Madison Square Park

This was the first time we had all been together in a long time so we just hung out in the middle of Times Square catching up.

Laura and Mike again

JP and I

Glenn and Aviann showed up in the middle of Times Square to get some cool wedding shots...we were their paparazzi...It was so FUN to see them. I like the FOREVER sign behind them.

Even strangers stopped to take their picture. They thought they were famous. HAHA!

Had to post this one for my sister Liz in the background....she is so funny!

Coming out of the Manhattan Temple

Their ROYAL wave...they were married the day after Prince William and Kate.

My Family

My sister Cara and her husband Jeff

My sister Robin and her husband Dave

The Newlyweds

Cute Sisters

WICKED for the 3rd time in NYC.....we are spoiled!!

The whole gang at WICKED

Robin and I met "Glinda" after the show....she was amazing!

Back to our hang out in Times Square. We had the best Thai food this night in Hell's Kitchen. I would definitely go back there. Always get food tips from the locals.

We took my dad to see the Ed Sullivan Theater....

And of course, Rupert's Hello Deli.

It was so fun to be together as a family. What a blessing it is to have temples on this earth so we can be together forever. Congrats to Glenn and Aviann!! We LOVE you!

We interrupt these travels to bring you our normal daily schedule.......

2011-06-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

We managed to squeeze an Easter Egg hunt in at Grandma Ann's

Kelsey started playing Soccer and LOVES it.

Jacob started baseball and is doing really well at it. He is the star catcher of the team and even hit a homerun this season. These pictures were at the beginning of the season...don't worry, he has perfected his catching stance for those of you who noticed (hint...grandad)!

Last Day of Spain- Granada!

2011-06-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex constructed during the mid 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada, Spain. The Alhambra's Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain and its court, of the Nasrid dynasty. The Palace of Charles V, built by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1527, was inserted in the Alhambra within the Nasrid fortifications. After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was "discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travelers, with restorations commencing. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country's most significant and well known Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions.

I took TOO many pictures on our visit to the Alhambra so it was hard to choose which ones to post. So here goes....

My sister Cara at the entrance of the Mexuar

The Muslim art is so gorgeous

The hand carved Stonework was beyond amazing. I couldn't stop staring.

Patio de los Leones

I LOVED the Honeycomb Vaulting on the ceilings and arches

Inside the Palace of Carlos V

Outside the Palace of Carlos V

Views of the city of Granada

We saw this big school in the middle of the city with kids outside playing "futbol"

Do you see the cathedral in the middle of the city?

The Gardens were AMAZING

Our last activity in Spain was "finally" enjoying "churros y chocolate" which is a MUST in the afternoon (5pm to be exact- no earlier, no later). That is when the city and plazas come alive with people after they have had their "siestas". The siesta is one of my favorite things about the Spanish culture and I still practice the art of napping today. I was definitely meant to serve my mission there!! Yes, the missionaries got to go home during Siesta!

The plaza in Granada where we ate our churros was so colorful and bright. I loved it. If I lived in Spain, I think I would live in Granada.

What an amazing experience it was to go back to my "homeland" with my husband, my sister and her husband. I am so grateful that I was able to return to my mission after 15 long years (whoa, that really ages me). Next year we plan to return to JP's "homeland" of Germany. Of course it all wouldn't have been possible without our amazing parents and friends, Carla and Trevor, who took our kids willingly (I think) for the whole week. AND, for Cara and Jeff, for inviting us along....here's to many more adventures with you guys!!!!

SPAIN DAY 4- MALAGA

2011-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Malaga was the second area I served in. I was there for almost 6 months. I spent my only Christmas in Spain here in Malaga. It is a very large city with a little over a half a million people. It has such a rich history. It was fun to take JP back.

Fresh Fish Market in the center of the city.

So many choices.

JP was in heaven.....NOT!

The fruit and vegetables were so colorful!!

Cathedral of Malaga built between 1528 and 1782

Picasso Museum- has 155 works donated by members of Picasso's family. It was amazing!! No picture taking allowed inside.

Birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Yep, he was born in Malaga, Spain.

Roman Theatre dating back to the 2nd century with the Alcazaba above it.

Alcazaba of Malaga- The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortification built around the middle of the 11th century during the rule of King Badis to serve as the palace of the governors of the city. It is the best-preserved Alcazaba in Spain.

You can definitely see the Moorish influence in the architecture.

The grounds of the Alcazaba were incredible.

View of the city of Malaga from the Alcazaba

Bull Ring of Malaga

Cathedral again.

This was one of the main streets we used to make contacts on.

The Marriott in Estepona on the Mediterranean Coast

On the beach of the Mediterranean

Can't leave Spain without dinner and a Flamenco Show.

SPAIN DAY 3- RONDA

2011-04-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Day 3 we spent in Ronda which is about 65 miles northwest of Malaga. I never had the chance to visit Ronda on my mission, so I was excited to see the beautiful city that sits atop a canyon in the mountains.

The Plaza de Toros ("bullring") in Ronda is one of the oldest operational bullrings in Spain.

Cara and Jeff above the cliff

This shows where we were standing before.

The Bridge that connects Old Ronda to the Newer part of Ronda

Walking the narrow, hilly streets

The countryside and olive groves

On our way home from Ronda, we stopped in Puerto Banus. Puerto Banús is a marina to the west of Marbella, on the Costa del Sol. It was built in 1970 by José Banús, a local property developer, as a luxury marina and shopping complex for the jet-set and the super rich. It has berths for 915 boats, including those of the King of Saudi Arabia and several of the world's wealthiest individuals. Behind the harbor lie streets filled with bars, boutiques and nightclubs. I bought my first Louis Vuitton here......knock off of course!!

SPAIN DAY 2- SEVILLA

2011-04-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

Day 2...we set out early for Sevilla. What a beautiful city.

You know you are in Spain when you pass these "billboards" on the Freeway!

Beautiful Plaza outside the Cathedral

Sevilla Cathedral....is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. It was completed at the beginning of the 16th century.

The outside is so incredible. All hand carved.

I LOVED seeing the Organ pipes inside the cathedral. They were getting ready for an Organ concert that evening so we heard them practicing. WOW!!

They "say" Christopher Columbus is buried here.

View from the Giralda Bell Tower. Over 700,000 people live in Sevilla. Can you see the Bull Ring??

The Giralda Bell Tower is the city's most famous symbol.

My Tortilla de Patata with Garlic Mayonnaise. I was SOOO excited for this!

The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza is the oldest bullring in Spain. It is the site of the annual Feria de Abril in Seville, one of the most well-known bullfighting festivals in the world.

I love the colors and architecture

Plaza de Espana was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It is a landmark example of the Renaissance Revival style in Spanish architecture.

We went for a boat ride around the Plaza de Espana.

Jeff rowed the whole way...but no serenade!!

I couldn't stop taking pictures of the beautiful artistry on the building.

Day 3....coming soon!

SPAIN DAY 1

2011-04-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

JP and I finally had the AMAZING opportunity to go to Spain last week with my sister Cara and her hubby Jeff. I served my mission in southern Spain, 15 years ago, and haven't been back since. We have been talking about returning to Europe together since we got married. JP served his mission in Germany (that trip is next year)!!

Cara and Jeff booked a last minute week at their timeshare in Southern Spain and they invited us to join them. I screamed and ran to the passport office the next day. We had the best time. Cara and Jeff kept us running the whole time. We saw and ate EVERYTHING.

First things first, grocery shopping!

ColoCao for Chocolate Milk

Milk in a box..not refrigerated

Fresh Pigs Leg...Hoof included

Yummy, Cured Ham

The men with their grocery bags

Our Apartment

Kitchen

Here is Day One in my favorite area of my mission......CADIZ!

Cara and Jeff

Cadiz lies along the Atlantic Ocean. The older part of the city is on a small peninsula (almost island) out in the Atlantic. So Beautiful!!

La Caleta Fortress

Cadiz is said to be one of the oldest cities in Europe

One of my favorite Cathedrals...probably because of the palm trees!

Authentic Spanish Food...paella, croquettas, calamari, fried fish, prawns, etc.

City View from Bell Tower of Cathedral

Zulima was my FIRST investigator in Spain. She was 17 years old at the time and her parents refused to let her get baptized until she turned 18. We worked hard on them. After a lot of work and prayer, they finally agreed to let her get baptized before her 18th.

Zulima's parents. Mi Familia Espanola. Within a year or so of Zulima getting baptized, the whole family was baptized and sealed in the Switzerland Temple. What an amazing gift to see how the gospel spreads and changes lives. This day was one of the best parts of the trip for me. What a blessing to see the work I took part in on my mission.

La Capilla where I went to church in Cadiz

Valentines, Disneyland, and Wizard.....Oh My!!!

2011-04-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna do a quick update of the last couple of months so I can post about our wonderful trip to Spain. I like to keep things in chronological order (OCD). So here is what we have been doing since my last post.....

Mackenzie and I took a quick weekend trip to Idaho in January to visit our BEST FRIENDS. She has known these girls since she was 18 months old. They are all getting TOO BIG!!!

JP and I took a day trip to Long Beach for Valentines Day. We golfed, ate good food and sat on the beach taking in the sun. It was perfect.

Mackenzie had her 6th grade Valentines Dance at school. I surprised her and showed up with my camera. She was SOOOO mad!!! Probably embarrassed cuz I headed out on the dance floor to take pictures. HAHAHA!! Kelsey and Kayley however loved having me at their party.

Two of my sisters came to visit Utah in February with their CUTE kids. We had a fun snow weekend up at our parents house in Providence. I love seeing all the cousins together. AND, I LOVE all their adorable kids.

Our Annual passes to Disneyland expire in April this year so we had to take one last trip. We are getting so good at doing it cheap. Any better and it would be practically free.....don't I wish!!

Mackenzie was the star of the school play, the Wizard of Oz, and the twins were perfect Munchkins. It was a lot of work and preparation on their part and they did AWESOME!! So fun to see my kids develop their talents.

WOW...that was a BIG update. Next up will be our Spain trip!!!!! Coming Soon.....

14 Years!!!

2011-02-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

JP and I took a little trip to LA and San Francisco for our 14th Anniversary. It was great to be alone, together for a couple of days. Of course, we planned our trip around food, family and sleep!!! We also went to a live taping of the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in Hollywood. HILARIOUS! We weren't allowed to take our phones or cameras in so we don't have any pictures...but, you can sure hear us laughing in the audience. That was a fun experience and we can't wait to do it again. And, of course, we had to make a little stop at Disneyland. Just for a couple of hours. Boy was that weird going on the rides without the kids. Thanks to our dear friends, Carla and Trevor, and my mom for babysitting the kids. They were spoiled rotten. I don't think they wanted us to come home. Enjoy the pictures and all our self portraits!

Schooner or Later in Long Beach for Breakfast
(as seen on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives)

We stayed with Cara and Jeff and their cute kids in the Bay Area. AND, we got to do a date night with Laura and Mike at Fentons Creamery!!

We got to cruise the Bay Area freeways in this bad boy. I swear it felt like the BatMobile!!

Of course we spent a day in San Francisco.....that is where we spent part of our honeymoon 14 years ago!

Can't believe it has already been 14 years together. AND, I can't believe that JP has stuck with me this long. I love ya CHIEF!!!

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

We decided to save money and not send a Christmas Card this past year. So, in honor of a New Year here is my hope for you and your families.......

May 2011 be "INCREDIBLE"

Christmas 2010

2011-01-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

We were supposed to go to Disneyland in October 2010, but since we had our car and identity stolen within a 2 week period, we had to postpone the trip. We told the kids we would have to wait till sometime in 2011 to go. They were very disappointed but understood the circumstances. In the meantime, JP and I decided to surprise them before Christmas. They had no idea.

We woke them up early one morning (5am) and told them they had to come with JP to drive me to the airport for a work meeting (I work for JetBlue Airways) cuz only one car was working (not true). We told them to get ready for school cuz once my meeting was done it would almost be time for school to start. Little did they know we had a flight to catch to Long Beach at 7am. So they started getting ready and Mackenzie (pre-teen) starts freaking out because she can't find any of her clean clothes she had washed the day before. (OOPS, I had packed them in her suitcase for her). Then she freaks out MORE cuz she can't find her brush to brush her hair (also in the suitcase). It was PURE drama. Finally we just said...."SURPRISE....it's a surprise trip on an airplane....get ready!!!" They were in shock. Since I've been working for JetBlue, only Mackenzie has gone on a trip with me. So, the twins and Jacob were excited to hear they were actually going on a plane. Once they heard the pilot say Long Beach, they pretty much knew where we were going....It was the PERFECT trip. Get ready for a picture overload!

Waiting for World Of Color...they had fun making FUNNY faces!!

P.S. Kelsey and Kayley also had their 7th birthday the weekend before our Disney Trip, so it kind of turned into a birthday trip too!!! Can't believe my babies are 7 years old. SPOILED!

Catching up.......

2011-01-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

My laptop (my lifeline) has been down for awhile now and I finally was able to get my files, pictures and videos off of it from the past couple of months (thanks to my brother, David). So, before I post about our SURPRISE Christmas trip for the kids .....here are 2 videos (coming soon) and some pictures of what kept our schedule busy from August through December.

MACKENZIE PERFORMS A SOLO AT NUMEROUS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Kelsey and Kayley celebrated their 7th birthday....They CANNOT be that old!!

Halloween 2010!

2010-11-06T18:27:00.001-07:00

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum! My mom has had these costumes over 15 years. Little did we know we would have Twins in the family. Thanks for making the hats mom...they turned out perfect.

Jacob was due for a hair cut...so we buzzed his hair to make him an old man!!!

Mad Hatter. Costume built thanks to the DI!

Here is the Proof!

2010-11-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

JP has been talking about running a marathon for probably a year now. After many months of "off and on" training...he finally completed the Layton City marathon on October 9th. I am SO proud of him. Here is the proof......

Home Sweet Home

2010-10-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

My next travel adventure was to visit some of my siblings who are still living in the Bay Area where we all grew up. I haven't been back in about 4 years. JP wasn't able to make it this time. Too much going on with the kids schedules and work etc. So, he let me go by myself. Thanks JP. We'll head back soon!!

It was fun to play with my nieces and nephew (I have the cutest nieces and nephews in the world) and visit with my sisters (also very cute). I always learn SO much from them. We fit a lot in in just a couple of days. Scrap night with Brookie, San Francisco Farmers Market, Giants Game, ChinaTown with Dave (JP's brother) and Britnee (JetBlue friend), a walk through my old house, the Drive-thru Dairy where I used to work, and the P-town Farmers Market downtown. It's always good to go "home" and feel a part of your childhood. I miss that place. Here is my trip in photos. Thanks sisters for having me. I had soo much fun!!! I will definitely be back SOON!

My Mackenzie turns 12!

2010-09-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

My little, first born Mackenzie turned 12 years old last week. I can't believe how fast these past 12 years have flown. I see little babies and feel like it was just yesterday Mackenzie was that tiny. Granted, she hasn't "grown" much, she is still tiny, little and petite in size. BUT, she is a big personality in a small package. I love her confidence, spiritual strength and love of life. She is the greatest help around the house and so fun to be around. She makes us laugh a lot. She started Young Women's last week and I teared up seeing her take that big step in her life. These are going to be the best years in her life. Since getting a job with JetBlue, I told her she could choose anywhere in the U.S. to visit for her birthday. Being big Disney fans, I thought for sure she would choose Disneyland. BUT, my little "Diva", all "Girlie Girl" chose New York for the shopping and of course, WICKED. How could I say no to that?? We had a great couple of days together. Girls Weekend, just her and I. The best was hearing her say, "Mom, this is the best trip ever!!"

Ground Zero (Humbling to be there days before the anniversary of 9/11)

This was between the 2 towers until they moved it to Battery Park in 2002. You can see the destruction at the bottom.

She was most excited about seeing the Statue of Liberty!!

Lunch at Chelsea Market.....YUM!

Shopping.

She was excited to see the Empire State Building too!!

Times Square

Must have a CRUMBS cupcake while in NYC.....to die for...

Wicked

She did not like the dirty subways...especially the Rats!

The family picked us up at the airport with this surprise for Mackenzie!

Football has taken over our lives!

2010-09-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

Jacob absolutely LOVES football. He played 2 years ago and then we skipped last year to see if he really missed it or not. Well, he definitely missed it last year and is so excited to be back. He has practice EVERYDAY of the week and then a game EVERY Saturday. Needless to say, this is all we do now. He has really improved this year. He is a team captain and they even have a play called the "Turner Special".

First Day of School

2010-09-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

First Day of School....
Mackenzie is in 6th grade
Jacob is in 4th grade
Kelsey is in 1st grade
Kayley is in 1st grade
JP and I are enjoying being "empty nesters" during the day, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays when neither of us work. We plan on golfing, attending the temple and sleeping more!!!!

End of Summer

2010-09-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

The last week of Summer, before school and football season start, we head up to Bear Lake with our bestest friends, the Wirths and the Grovers. This has become a fun tradition. AND, the closest thing to a beach for me. The kids really look forward to this trip.

Final Chapter of the GREATEST Trip!!

2010-09-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

So the real reason we took this amazing trip was to get the WHOLE family together (even Aunts, Uncles and Cousins) to Finally do the Temple Work for my Grandpa Bell (my mom's dad) and my Grandad Germany (my dad's dad) at the Newport Temple. What an amazing blessing it is to have so many temples on the earth so we can do this work for our family members who have passed on. Here are my final pictures of all of my family....extended family included and one last day on the beach (of course). I am truly blessed!!!

The Greatest Trip EVER.......Still going, Part 3!!

2010-08-23T01:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still blogging about this trip. And, I am only on Day 3 and Day 4. I am telling ya....it was the BEST trip!!! I am still living vicariously through sitting on the beach. Here are some more pictures.

This time we hit our favorite.....NEWPORT BEACH!!!

Have I told you how much I LOVE my nieces and nephews......I could eat them all up!

Day 4 we hit Sea World. Thanks Mom and Dad!!! We LOVED it!!

All the kids saved their money and bought souvenirs at Disneyland...except Kelsey....she saved her money to buy a Penguin at Sea World! That girl LOVES penguins!

The Greatest Trip EVER............Part 2

2010-08-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

My parents surprised the whole family (yes, all 20 of us, even the kids) with reservations at Club 33 in Disneyland. If you have never heard of Club 33, you can no longer be my friend. HA HA!! I'm serious. Club 33 is an exclusive "members only" club at Disneyland, right next to the Blue Bayou and Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Walt Disney originally built it to wine and dine his original 33 investors, not to mention dignitaries and many hollywood stars. At the entrance, there isn't a door handle, only a secret button you press to get in (only if you are on the list). My dad let me press the secret button to announce we were there for our dinner reservation. Thanks Dad!! The waiting list to get into Club 33 is 16 years long, and they actually are not taking names anymore, it is all on hold because so many people want to join. I think a membership starts around $25,000 and then you have to pay thousands of dollars each year in fees, so you can tell that it is not an easy task to get into this restaurant. It is a 5 star restaurant, with immaculate presentation, a full dress code, and excellent food and service. My mom and dad happened to randomly meet someone in the Los Angeles Temple who was a member of Club 33 (and high up on the list apparently) because he got our family 20 reservations for Club 33 within a couple of days of meeting him. What a once in a lifetime experience!! With the Disney fanatics that we are, we NEVER dreamed of going to Club 33. This was a dream come true for me!!!! (thanks liz for some of the wording) :)

Entrance of Club 33

Glass Elevator- replica of a Parisian elevator that Walt Disney saw and tried to purchase on vacation. Instead, his imagineers made an exact replica.

Jazz Band that Walt recruited from New Orleans over 40 years ago. Ernie (on the far right) still plays at Disneyland today.

Glenn and Aviann

Amazing DinnerWare. I wanted to steal the plates

View of Fantasmic (The tree blocked some of the view)

Glenn and Aviann on the balcony

Mackenzie and I on the balcony

Balcony that wraps around the whole club

Dinner Reservation at 9pm made for very sleepy Kayley

Kids "Mousse" Dessert

Glenn's Creme Brulee

Piano Walt bought for his wife. Elton John has played on it.

Table from Mary Poppins movie and an artist depiction of the castle from Walt's description before it was built.

Vulture that watches over you in the Trophy Room (Walt wanted to be able to hear and converse with his patrons by watching and listening to them through a hidden 2 way mirror and hidden microphones in the chandeliers. He was going to use the vulture to talk back to them)

Phone Booth from the Happiest Millionaire movie

Artist Depiction of Walt eating in Club 33. He never got to enjoy it because he passed away 5 months before its opening. But it was all designed by Walt.

View of Royal Street

The Greatest Trip EVER!!!!!

2010-08-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

It is going to take me forever to post about our great WEEK in Newport Beach with my family. I only took 375 pictures. That's how AMAZING the trip was. Here is Part One. Enjoy!!

The first stop we made was to visit my Grandparents gravesite. Afterall, this trip was all for them.

Then off to Newport Pier for Seaside Donuts of course.

A Drive by the Newport Temple...so beautiful.

My home is on the beach. It's where I belong.

JP out for his first Surf Lesson with Jeff

Master Jeff catches a wave in.

Boy bonding on the beach

Kayley

My beautiful niece Sienna

Mackenzie enjoying my man-made beach chair

Jacob and JD

Kelsey and Ashlyn (one of my adorable red-headed nieces)

Jeff assisting Liz...awkward.....HAHAHA, That's for you Liz.

Liz heading out to Surf

Almost up!!!

Kayley and Shaylee

My Surfer Boy Jake

Jake heading out to Boogie Board

JP celebrated his birthday in Newport like he always did growing up. Ah, memories!

Yummy Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake

Jacob got to do the Jedi Training again and fight Darth Mal

JD got to fight Darth Mal too

Space Mountain with everyone. Of Course!!!

Mackenzie and Ashlyn

Toy Story Gang

Laura and I

NYC and Palmyra Pageant

2010-07-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

JP and I took a quick 3 day adventure to New York last week. We spent 24 hours in the city and 24 hours in Palmyra with his parents who are volunteering at the Pageant. The rest of the time was spent traveling and sleeping on airplanes and airport floors. It was crazy but AMAZING. Here are pictures to enjoy!! I had to narrow it down cuz I only took 175 pictures.

Rockefeller Center

Meredith Viera

Today Show

Rockefeller Center

World Trade Center Site (Ground Zero)

Wall Street- NYSE

Empire State Building

Brooklyn Bridge

Times Square

Hello Deli....Dave? Rupert?

Carnegie Deli- Their sandwiches were to die for!!! AND HUGE!!!

M&M Store with High School Pal Julie who I haven't seen for 14 years

Times Square

Central Park....It was SOO Hot!!

Plaza Hotel...we did not see Mackauly Caulkin

New Years Eve Ball

Serendipity

Frozen Hot Chocolate.....DIVINE!!

WICKED!!! We found last minute tickets and couldn't pass it up!!

Smith Family House in Palmyra

Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith here!

Palmyra Temple

Walking into Sacred Grove...I was speechless.

Book Of Mormon Manuscript

Palmyra Temple Pageant

Catch UP!!!

2010-07-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a couple of months since I posted and A LOT has been going on here in the Turner Family. I don't have much time to write about everything that has been going on. So, I will journal in pictures. Enjoy!!

End of Year Choir Performance

Red/White UTE Game......WooHoo Pac 10!!!!!

End of Preschool Year for Me!!! I Survived!!

Pinewood Derby....Jacob got 2nd Place by 100th of a second!!!!

My Birthday.....I turned 21 again!

I got a new job at JetBlue and graduated their INTENSE 4 week training!!

First JetBlue company party in Park City. Free Alpine/Zip Line all day!!! AND, all you can eat food, soda, candy, ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy, etc!!

Liz and Family came to Utah. I could eat her kids!!!!
JP and Liz ran a Half Marathon together!!

For my Graduation Present from JetBlue University, JP and I just took a fabulous trip to New York City. That post will be coming soon. I loved it so much....Mackenzie and I are going back for her 12th birthday in September!!!

We waited 2 years for...............Disneyland!!

2010-05-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 years since we have visited the Happiest Place on Earth, so that made this trip extra special. We had an amazing week together as a family, we even got to see some extended family. The girls did well at their choir performance too. I will just post pix...I am sure that will explain the whole trip.

Sweet 60!!

2010-04-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

My parents are both turning 60 this year!! That's a BIG number, so we decided to have a BIG party. ALL 7 children decided to get together a couple of weekends ago to SURPRISE them. Robin was the mastermind behind the whole thing (she's really good at lying, haha). She "convinced" Mom and Dad to go out to dinner at the Mandarin in Bountiful on a Friday night and we ALL just happened to be there waiting. Liz flew in from Michigan and Cara, Laura and Glenn all flew in from California. Despite several obstacles, it all worked out and they were surprised!! AND, no heart attacks. We had a great weekend together!! Here are some pix....

Photo Shoot!!

2010-03-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

While waiting in the car for Mackenzie at Choir practice, the twins and I decided to play with my camera.......

St Patty's Day Run and Week #6

2010-03-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

So, last week was a little rough.......

1- The twins were down all week with bad coughs, asthma and nebulizer treatments (they missed 4 days of school, but came to school with me 2 days).
2- I had 75 preschool progress reports to write.....really?
3- JP got angry at the kids (I know, hard to believe) and kicked a blanket that was covering a toy and ended up getting a hairline fracture in his foot. BUT, he still ran his St. Patty's Day 5K (his first one) without knowing it was fractured, then went to the DR. 2 days later to get a soft cast and boot.
4- I only did 2 days of working out....a swim and a bike ride. Better than nothing I guess.

The only bright side was seeing this.....

Training Week #5

2010-03-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Week #5 Training for Amy

Monday- Swam full length of triathlon distance(750m)
Thursday- Rode bike 3 miles
Saturday- Swam full length of triathlon distance(750m)

Week #5 Training for JP
Monday- Ran 3 miles and swam 750m
Tuesday- Ran 3 miles
Saturday- Swam 750m

I still don't think I have lost much weight, but I certainly feel tighter and better overall. I guess that is what matters most. It feels good to be taking better care of my health.

Training Week #4

2010-03-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

Week #4 Training for Amy
Monday- Swam full length of triathlon distance in 30 minutes (750m)
Thursday- Swam full length of triathlon distance in 28 minutes (750m)

Week #4 Training for JP
Monday- Ran 3 miles and swam 750m
Thursday- Swam 750mm
Saturday- Ran 3 miles

Here's to a better week #5!!!!

Grandad/Grand-daughter Date

2010-03-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie had a Daddy/Daughter Dinner Date this week for her Activity Days group and JP had to work. So who do you call to fill in????? GRANDAD!!!!! Good thing JP couldn't make it cuz they ended up styling each others hair. Sorry JP!! They both did a great job with the hair styles. Grandad's curls came back with a little gel and Mackenzie was sporting a cool knot and comb in the front of her hair. What a great memory for both of them. THANKS GRANDAD!!! And thanks Grandma for taking me to dinner!! YUM

Bear Lake Triathlon Training!

2010-02-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

JP and I have been wanting to lose weight and get back in shape for a couple of years now. Over the years, JP and I have tried lots of diets, programs, drinks, formulas, etc. Some have worked (temporarily), and some haven't. We have finally learned that all we need to do is eat healthy (better choices and proportions) and exercise. DUH!!

I always do better on my goals when I have a deadline or something to work towards. Several of my sisters run in half marathons, etc. SO, JP and I decided we would too. We are both currently training for the Bear Lake Classic in August 2010. AND, JP wants to also do the Top of Utah Marathon in September 2010. To hold each other accountable, we thought we would post our weekly trainings on our blog. That way we can see our progress and of course, you can hold us accountable too!!! We need all the support we can get. I can't believe we are doing this!

WEEK #1 Training for Amy
Monday- Swam half of the triathlon distance (375m)

WEEK #2 Training for Amy
Monday- Swam full length of triathlon distance in 30 minutes (750m)
Wednesday- Biked 2 miles

Week #3 Training for Amy
Monday- Swam full length of triathlon distance in 30 minutes (750m)

JP will start tracking his trainings this coming week. Obviously we have A LOT of work to do. But, I am excited we are doing it together.

Ice Skating, Haircut and Vinyl

2010-02-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

We took the kids ice skating a couple of weeks ago when they had a Free Family Night. We definitely thought they would only last about 15 minutes, but they LOVED it and lasted for 2 hours. Who would have thought?? Maybe we have an ice skater or hockey player in our future.

Mackenzie decided it was time to get her hair cut again like Alice from Twilight. It was getting pretty long. I LOVE it like this! She even printed her own pictures from the internet of how she wanted it. After the hair stylist cut and styled it we had to go buy her her first flat iron. I have no idea how to do straight hair. HELP!!

I finally found some cute vinyl to put up on the girls walls to make their rooms complete. I love the big flowers in the twins room. So much better than anything I can do with paint. Not to mention faster. Mackenzie went with the black and white dots. The black ones are chalkboard and the white ones are dry erase board, so you can write notes on them....pretty cool huh??

Hope you all had a great Valentines Day!! JP and I actually went on a date and Mackenzie babysat. It has become our weekly routine lately. It's nice to be OLD!!!!

What we've been doing!!

2010-01-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

Here is where I have been.......these are my 4 preschool classes at our Polar Express Pajama Party before Christmas Break.

We celebrated an early Christmas with my parents before they headed off to California. Don't you love their Christmas Tree?

Sledding down Grandma and Grandad's mountain. Don't you love the view??

Christmas Morning.....I can finally start my own RockBand!!!

Family Photos.....FINALLY!!!

2009-12-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Late Halloween!

2009-11-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

Update with Pictures

2009-10-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

My mom helped us recycle Mackenzie's old jeans with holes into cute capris with trim for the twins!

Because we are selling the house we had to say goodbye to Jacob's Darth Vadar wall

Our "Goodbye to Summer" Trip to Bear Lake with our friends!! The weather was chilly at first but the sun finally came out!!!

2009-09-20T20:52:00.001-07:00

Framed Temple Portrait Classes or Super Saturdays

$46 {class only}
Difficulty Level: Medium

Available Temples:

Salt Lake
Bountiful
Timpanogas
Logan
Idaho Falls
St. George
Manti

Schedule a class to make this beautiful piece of art. 18" x 24" temple portrait protected by a glassless finish and surrounded by a 4 1/2" chunky, black frame. The total size is 26" x 32" - HUGE! Cost for the class is just $46, and includes all of the materials needed to make the project.

A teacher will bring all of the supplies and stay to teach the class. The project can be completed in 2-2 1/2 hours. Fall dates fill up fast, and a 10 person minimum is required. Classes are available along the Wasatch Front, Logan, Idaho Falls, and Southern Utah. If you are outside of the area but are still interested in the project, please email us for more information.

Once you have scheduled your day/time, we will allow you the use of one of our sample displays for two weeks (deposit required). Payment is due in full two weeks before your scheduled date.

To schedule a date, please email me at amyturner6@yahoo.com or info@poppyseedprojects.com.

You can also visit http://www.poppyseedprojects.com/ for more information.

Available Class Dates are:

Tuesday, October 27th
Tuesday, November 17th
Thursday, November 19th
Tuesday, November 24th
Tuesday, December 1st
Thursday, December 3rd
Tuesday, December 8th
Thursday, December 10th
Saturday, December 12th
Tuesday, December 15th
Thursday, December 17th

Testing as Part of the Essential Experience

2009-08-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

I came across an article by Elder Christopherson in the June 2009 Ensign. This was exactly what I needed to find this week. Here is my favorite section of the article. I have italized my favorite parts......enjoy!!!!

A consistent effort will educate and refine our desires so that in time our desires will become aligned with the Father's. But we should expect to be tested. The gift of agency is intended to give us experience. We "taste the bitter, that [we] may know to prize the good" (Moses 6:55). And Jesus, "though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8).

Joseph Smith was told to expect some severe opposition despite making good choices. Said the Lord, "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7). We are in a mortal experience because we cannot become as God without that experience. We must prove to Him and to ourselves that we can consistently make the right choices and then stick to those choices, come what may.

Some think that they should be spared from any adversity if they keep God's commandments, but it is "in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah 48:10; 1 Nephi 20:10) that we are chosen. The Lord's promise is not to spare us the conflict but to preserve and console us in our afflictions and to consecrate them for our gain (see 2 Nephi 2:2; 4:19-26; Jacob 3:1).

Exercising agency in a setting that sometimes includes opposition and hardship is what makes life more than a simple multiple-choice test. God is interested in what we are becoming as a result of our choices. He is not satisfied if our exercise of moral agency is simply a robotic effort at keeping some rules. Our Savior wants us to become something, not just do some things.5 He is endeavoring to make us independently strong-more able to act for ourselves than perhaps those of any prior generation. We must be righteous, even when He withdraws His Spirit, or, as President Brigham Young said, even "in the dark."6

Using our agency to choose God's will, and not slackening even when the going gets hard, will not make us God's puppet; it will make us like Him. God gave us agency, and Jesus showed us how to use it so that we could eventually learn what They know, do what They do, and become what They are.

Remember that with His gift of moral agency, our Heavenly Father has graciously provided us help to exercise that agency in a way that will yield precious, positive fruit in our life here and hereafter. Among other resources, we have the scriptures that contain the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, mentors and parents who love us, the voice of prophets and apostles living among us, the covenants and ordinances of the priesthood and the temple, the gift of the Holy Ghost, prayer, and the Church. May we draw upon these resources constantly to guide our choices, always doing those things that please God.

The Kind of Person I Want to BE!

2009-08-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

WWII Pilot

In HONOR of a FALLEN HERO

"Our Life Together is Our Happily Ever After"

My dear grandfather passed away a couple of weeks ago, at the tender age of 86, just 6 short months after my grandma (his childhood sweetheart) passed away. His health wasn't too bad, his mind was still sharp as a nail, he just missed his sweetheart too much!! I miss him A LOT, but know that he is so happy to be reunited with his companion, his son, his grand-daughter, and other family members. Part of me is jealous thinking of the wonderful reunion they are having without us. But, I will patiently wait my turn. I was lucky to be able to attend his funeral and be with the rest of my family. What a blessing FAMILY is!!! AND, what an AMAZING man my grandpa was. I always knew he was one of a kind, but to hear and learn more about his life at his funeral, I am proud to be his grand-daughter. Here are "some" of his life accomplishments....just to name a few (thanks Liz for the summary).

He flew B-25 bomber planes during WWII and was enormously devoted to his country
He spent over 30 years as an educator, and an administrator at Mt. Sac College in CA
He recorded Math textbooks for the blind for 20 years
Was a member of the Lions Club for 40 years
Member of the Christ First Baptist Church for 57 years (and sang in the choir for 40 of those years)
Has four children, 21 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren

WHAT A LEGACY!!! I only hope I can accomplish HALF of what he did in his life. I want to BE like my Grandpa.

Here are some pictures of visits we had with them over the years in California. I am so happy my kids were able to know both my Grandma and Papa Bell. I hope I can keep their memory alive FOREVER. I will always be their #1!!

Still here...........barely!!!!

2009-06-30T02:40:00.001-07:00

Again.......time has flown by since my last post and I am sure you guys think I have given up on the blogging thing. I almost have. But then I look at all of your cute blogs and think I should share pix of my cute kids too. So here is a quick update of what we have been doing since my last post......

Jacob had his first Pinewood Derby and built a GREAT car.

The twins spend most of their days playing with Erin from across the street...they might as well be triplets. They love jumping on the tramp in their swimsuits with the hose on.

The kids had lots of fun field trips and end-of-the-year school parties. Almost too many. Their school spoils them. I accompanied Jacob on his field trip to the Hogle Zoo. JP, Kelsey and Kayley came along too!!

I worked 9-5 for 12 days in May at Lagoon (our local Amusement Park), during their Field Trip/School Days, so I could earn Free Season Passes for the whole family. I worked in the games department. Luckily, my game was next to one of my GREAT friends and her sister, so we got to hang out together and visit during our down times. OH, the sacrifices of a mother.

The kids and JP LOVE Lagoon. They go at least 2-3 times a week. JP is able to take them a lot cuz he only works 4 nights a week. The twins are actually tall enough to go on everything (except 4 rides). I can't believe how much they love those BIG roller coasters. I'm almost getting too old for them. What a great FREE, summer activity. No more complaints of being bored. I go too, every once in a while. Sometimes I just stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet.

With the money I earned from Lagoon, I bought myself a new beach cruiser for my birthday. Now I just need a bell, a basket and a boardwalk. I even spent a day cleaning out the garage so my bike could have it's own special place. I'm hoping to ride it a lot and lose some more weight this summer.

We've already had a special visitor this summer......one of our cute cousins Abby!!! What a doll. She wanted to help me sweep my kitchen. It must have been real dirty!

We also got to spend a FUN day at Lagoon with our BEST friends from Idaho.....The Buchanan's. Sad that I only took these 2 pictures.......We LOVE and MISS them so much!

We are still doing great with our new HEALTHY lifestyle. JP is now down 30lbs. total. He won't let me post his before and after pix. He is really looking good. In fact, I think he needs to stop losing weight. We can only afford so many new clothes. I am still holding strong at 20lbs lost. I am hoping that by starting to exercise with my bike that I can lose some more this summer. I still have a long way to go. BUT, JP is a constant support. I am feeling great.

Our house has been on the market now for 8 months. A couple of homes in the neighborhood have been up for only 2 months and have just recently SOLD for asking price. We found out that the difference is their basements are COMPLETELY done. So, looks like we are going to finish ours by putting in some carpet, trim, doors and finish the bathroom. AND, the darth vader mural has to go. Apparently, buyers aren't too fond of it. Sorry JP!! Hopefully by doing all this work, we can raise our price a little and get it sold quickly. PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!! We really need to sell it ASAP! Well, that is it for now. We hope you are all having a WONDERFUL summer. AND, we look forward to seeing most of you soon!!!!!

Where have all the Turners gone?

2009-05-04T20:39:00.001-07:00

Well, this has been the longest I have gone without blogging. Either I am too busy (working, raising kids, and wasting time on facebook), too tired and lazy (too many sick kids around here for the past couple of months) or just don't have anything cool to post about (this may be the winner)!! So in an effort to catch up on my blogging, I will post pictures of whatever I have from the past 2 months. Beware....it may be TOO much for some of you.

The kids enjoyed a plethora of Easter Egg Hunts at both Grandparents homes and at the City park!!!!

We have also had a plethora of school programs and choir concerts.......

I have been networking with a lot of women lately to help grow my lia sophia business (plug...www.liasophia.com/amyturner) and in the process have met some AMAZING women who have inspired me to finally take the leap into taking care of my HEALTH and mySELF!!! Really, I can do that, I can take care of myself now??? I have looked into several diets, gyms, juices, pills, books, eating disorders, etc (all while JP rolled his eyes). At times it was overwhelming...only 30,000 options to choose from. Until, I finally found my MIRACLES. I started my new focus around the beginning of March. It has been slow, because of dedication on my part, (hard to get rid of bad habits), but with the little I have already done, I am down 18lbs. You can't tell much because I have so much more to lose, BUT I feel great. I actually have energy. The last time I had energy was in 1997 (pre-kids)....AND, to top that off, JP saw my results within my first week and jumped on board. He even attended a meeting with me. (UNHEARD OF)!! He is already down 20lbs and still going. In fact, I went to lay on his stomach the other day and it wasn't padded like it used to be. He has caught onto this Lifestyle better than I have and has become quite the example to me. He has even found his domestic side (well, I knew it was there all along) and is baking whole wheat bread, whole wheat tortilla chips with amazing salsa, and whole wheat pancakes. He has been off soda since March (Miracle-he will now live longer than me) and is looking GREAT!!! (Not that he didn't before). I feel so blessed to have met these women and to be a part of their programs. I didn't need a diet, gym, juice, quick fix gimic, just a LIFESTLYE change. Amazing how that can affect how you feel. It took me long enough to realize that it is MY CHOICE!!!! I still have a long way to go.......but I will get there. I can see that now. Here are some pics, links and video on what WE are doing!!!! I have spared you our BEFORE pictures (You are Welcome!!!) Let me know if YOU want to know more about what we are doing. I am so excited to share this with EVERYONE. Love to all.............

JP's New Hobby!!!

www.everlastingfitness.com

2009.........it's been crazy so far!

2009-02-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

So, I am sure you have noticed no new posts for awhile. 2009 has proven to be a crazy year so far. Nothing has been normal around here. My grandma fell ill towards the end of 2008 and wasn't given too much time to live. So first thing in January, I headed to California to say goodbye to her. She has played a big role in my life and I will never forget her for that. I am her first grandchild. We were very close. I consider her one of my closest friends and biggest examples. She has truly started a legacy for us and her family. She was a pioneer in her own time. She will never be forgotten. Two weeks after I said goodbye to her, while I was in Vegas for a lia sophia conference, she passed away. This time, the whole family headed down to California for her funeral. It was amazing to see 18 of her 21 grandchildren there in attendance from Utah, Michigan, Kansas, and California. What a tribute to her. We all love her so much. I am truly blessed to come from such a great heritage and AMAZING family!!! I took a lot of pictures from my grandmas house. The house they have lived in since 1965. We all grew up in that house and have so many great memories. Only my sibilings and cousins will understand these pictures and their memories. These are for you guys.........I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Here is Grandma and Papa with 8 of their 22(?) Great-Grandchildren!!!!!

As for February 2009............it's been snowing all month and we have all been SICK!!! So, no great pictures or news to post about. Here is to a brighter, sunnier, better March!!!!!

Finally..............Haircut!!!!!

2009-01-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE Mackenzie with short hair. The last time she had it short was in 1st grade. It was soooo cute and flippy and fit her personality perfectly. I have been begging her FOREVER to get it cut again. But, nothing mom suggests is cool enough. So, over the holidays, I took her to see Twilight and she loved Alice Cullen's haircut. That was all she needed to make her decision. (Apparently Alice is cooler than mom). I had a friend of mine do it and it turned out SO CUTE!!! Mackenzie LOVES it too!! I told her, MOM's are ALWAYS right, get used to it!!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-07T23:23:00.000-08:00

We decided to save money this year and skip the Christmas Card. Plus, I couldn't decide on a picture. So................here you go, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!