Our Turley Life

Made With Love....

2012-01-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

I came across these cute labels on one of my favorite blogs Eighteen 25 and had to share. I already have cute heart shaped paper doilies... Now I just need some bakers twine. I printed off a stash because you can use them on just about anything!

Worth The Wait

2012-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Carter is our money man. He loves money! But, he does not like to spend it! He is a saver. So, when he told me that he wanted to spend some of his money on some Nike high tops I was a little surprised. But, he thought and thought about it and decided that's what he wanted to do. So, we spent a day at the mall... looking at every pair of Nike's we could find. Nothing was perfect. And it started to be a little bit emotional for him. I told him that we could look on line.... But, the thought of having to wait a week for them was almost more than he could handle! It was a good thing Grandma Wall was with us and with her help I convinced him they would be worth the wait. So, we scoured the Internet and the moment he saw them he literally gave out a little shriek! The perfect shoes! He printed a picture of them off and showed everyone he saw the new shoes he had ordered! Even the office ladies at McKay's school! We tracked them on UPS all week and knew when they were going to deliver. This morning as he and McKay were lying in my bed I heard McKay remind Carter that his shoes were delivering today! He truly was so excited for him! I think that from the smile he has had on his face since the moment they delivered that they were worth the wait!

Christmas

2012-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we always open the pajamas that Grandma Wall makes the boys and each boy gets a new game for the family to play. This year they got a couple of their favorites that they had lost in the fire. And by the way... Carter is the Jenga KING!

Christmas was on a Sunday this year. So, we had been preparing the boys all week that we would get up and open our presents from Santa and cousins before church and open the rest after church.

This year McKay thought he would be funny... and every time he saw Santa he asked for a Barbie!

He had been very good to not let James and I hear! But, others had! What he REALLY wanted and literally dreamed about were the new Air Jordan's! But, when he woke up Christmas morning all Santa had left him was a Barbie!

What made things even worse was that as he was opening his Barbie Carter was opening his new Itouch that Santa had brought him. He had saved his own money to get one... But, Santa was good enough to bring it to him so he could save his money.

McKay didn't know quite what to think! He looked around to see if he had missed something and then quickly told us that he had just been kidding! Right when he was on the verge of tears Mom noticed another package that Santa had left tucked behind the couch!

Santa was good enough to leave another gift for a good little boy who likes to play jokes! It looked as if he got his Air Jordan's after all! But, i don't think he will ask for something funny again next year!

I was a little worried this Christmas... I had lost all of our decorations, stockings, ornaments , etc. in the fire. I had put a big push on in November to try and get everything purchased to have the house all decorated. But, I was finding very little that I liked & it was stressing me out. It was taking away from the enjoyment of the season. So, I decided that I would get everything to decorate the tree and find stockings! If I found other things they were just an added bonus. What I did find was that by having less "Christmas" decorations our Nativity really became the focus & I really liked that. The Nativity was the only thing salvaged from the garage that was in perfect condition. The totes had melted all around it. But, the styrofoam that the nativity was packaged in had protected it. It's a true treasure to have!

We were blessed this year to be able to have a "Secret Sister" to take little things to throughout the month. She is a widow who lives just a couple houses down and the boys absolutely adore her! It made our Christmas. The boys really got into it! They would sneak down together and ring her doorbell to leave a package and run like crazy to get home before she opened the door! If James would help them they would hide in the bushes and she would always yell out her thanks to them. I liked that there was less talk about Santa and more talk about the things we were going to do for Sister Davies that day! That will for sure become a tradition that we do each year. It made it a very merry Christmas!

The Boys

2012-01-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

The boys continue to grow like weeds... and I continue to wonder how the time passes so quickly. I will be honest and admit that being the mother to three little boys is a lot of work! But, these three little boys bring me endless joy and happiness.

I sat down several times to write a Christmas card to send out with pictures... and every time I did I was just over come with emotions and couldn't pull it together as I tried to do a re-cap of 2011! It was a crazy year. We suffered the loss of a miscarriage, had our house catch on fire & lost almost everything, moved 2 times & dealt with some pretty severe family health issues... I am grateful that I can look through all of this and see that the blessings the Lord blessed us with were so much stronger than the hardships. The miscarriage was heart breaking... But, I have three beautiful boys that many doctors told me I would never have. There were many tears to get them here and I have never once taken them for granted. I am grateful that my hardships in getting pregnant has taught me to love and appreciate them so much more! Our house did catch on fire. We did loose just about everything. But, James was in the house when the fire started and he is safe. Things are things. It has allowed us to be the recipient of so many peoples love and support. I have always loved to serve others. But, it is so humbling when so many people are serving you. We moved two times because of the fire... I really don't like to move. But, the moves allowed us to stay in the same neighborhood and ward. It kept McKay in his same class at school. The moves were worth the blessing of being able to stay in the area that we have grown to love so much. As I look back over the last year I am humbled. I am brought to tears at the blessings the Lord has blessed my little family with. I have said before that our trials are a part of our story. What we choose to do with them is what determines how we choose to live. We can't control what happens, but we can control how we handle it. I pray every day that I can handle my trials with grace.

So, with that we are excited for the new year! Life is feeling back to normal. The boys are skiing & McKay is on a little ski team this year at Brighton. This is Carter's first year of skiing and he is already attempting every jump that McKay does! He just assumes that if McKay can do it he should be able to! He comes home each time and tells me all about his back scratcher's and 360's! I enjoy that McKay can read... I often come across him cuddled up in someones bed reading to his little brothers. It brings a lot of joy in our home! I received a new calling in our ward... Primary President! That's what happens when they ask you to teach primary and you tell them that you will teach any class but your children's! So, life goes on... and we look forward to it!

Buzz

2012-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

We have a little Buzz Lightyear at our house. He tends to go everywhere with us... To the grocery store, to the school, to the doctor... He also tends to make little old ladies and men smile! They love him! And I have to admit that I love watching McKay give him countless rides on his back so that he can feel like he is flying!

I have to say that one of the best things I ever made my children was this chalk board table. A neighbor gave me the little table last fall & I really wasn't quite sure what to do with it. One day I got a wild hair & painted it with chalk board paint! It entertains kids of all ages for hours!

Life

2011-12-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

After the last 5 months that we have had I am really focusing on slowing down... We are in our house. We are for the most part unpacked & feeling settled. I still have a few piles here and there that I am trying to figure out where to put! James & Carter went and picked up our Christmas tree yesterday & it is glowing with lights & decorated with ornaments! The neighbor kids come to play. The boys go skiing. Life is starting to feel normal again. I am happy to be home. The kids are happy to be home. Just in time to enjoy the holidays!

Carter Price

2011-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

This little man is now 5!!!! I think I say it every year... But, I really don't know where the time has gone! Carter is his own little man! He is captivating! People tell us all the time that they love to just sit and watch his mannerism's, listen to him talk & love his little personality & expressions. * When he cries it truly breaks your heart! His eyes can well with tears deeper than any I have ever seen! * He crawls in bed with me every morning to cuddle. * He wakes up in the night with leg cramps & has to have his Dad! I can't rub his legs hard enough! * I also cannot make his porridge (Cream of Wheat) just perfect & won't eat it unless James makes it for him! But, would eat if for every meal if we let him! * He loves homemade cinnamon toast. * He can build amazing ships and creations out of Lego's. He seriously amazes me! * He LOVES to draw. * He loves to do school with Mom. * He is a perfectionist. * He still hums as he wakes up in the morning. * He listens to his ipod every night as he goes to bed. * He is a tough little man and can hold his own pretty good with McKay! * He analyzes everything. * McKay is his idol. * His Dad is his Hero! * His Mom is who he run's to for comfort! * He know's the rules & he follows them & it drives him crazy when other's don't! * He LOVES to go all by himself to visit his Grandma & Grandpa Wall in Idaho. He has a very special bond with them. * He has NO fear! It does not intimidate him to do a back flip off the house boat at Lake Powell! And doesn't understand when his mother tell's him no more! * He loves Michael Jackson music. * Rocky IV is his all time favorite movie. * He is a saver! He loves to have money in the bank! * His laugh is one of the greatest things I have ever heard! * He loves bbq ribs & shrimp! * He is a hard worker & loves to work. * He is the King of movie lines! * He loves to go camping. * He is picky about his clothes... they have to fit just right. * He is my little man who truly brings me & so many others so much joy in life!!!

A Couple Projects

2011-11-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

I found this little desk at the DI! This is what it looks like after I painted it and added the cute little handles! I paid way more for the handles then I did the desk and the paint! But, I think that they really make it! This desk will go in the boy's room... I'm going to hang clipboards above it for them to display their drawings that they are constantly trying to tape on my wall's!

This cute little bench that I found at a thrift shop will go in Cannon's room. I haven't had time yet to find cute fabric to make a pad for it. But, I envision a cute little mustache pillow and a zigzag pillow to go on it too! I have a fun vintage wire basket that I am going to hang above it with all of his favorite books...

And this beauty will sit under the bench with Cannon's little dress up's stored in it! Yes, little boys do dress up! They just dress up as Spiderman & Buzz Lightyear! Something that Santa Clause might be bringing him for Christmas this year! Mrs. Clause knew that he had a really cute little suitcase he could put them in! Funny how that works!

I have heard over and over again that it must be so much fun to buy all new things... First, I have bitter-sweet feelings about that... You loose all of your precious things and see how you feel about it! Second, I like old things! Vintage things! Yes, you can go out and buy new couches and dishes... But, these are the things that can be hard to find and take years to build up... So, slowly but surely things are coming together!

I Have To Admit...

2011-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that my heart skips a beat every time I come across one of Carter's army scene's... I find them everywhere! In the bathtub, on my desk, on my nightstand, under dressers... there are so many places for a little man to set up his army guys! I love the conversations he has with himself as he sets them up and changes them around. Cannon has learned that they are not to be messed with! There are plenty to go around and Carter will take an extra minute to set one up for Cannon so that he will leave his alone!

On a side note... I had been eyeing these old vintage suitcases at a thrift shop for a couple weeks! They are the perfect size for all those army guys, Lego's and car's! They fit perfectly on the shelf on my new coffee table. (You can see the corner of another one in the top left of the photo) And, I absolutely love them! They are a navy blue color... the other one is a tweed with navy piping... So, they will be kinda perfect in the boys room too! I have another one that had red stripes on it - But, it is being saved for Cannon's room. They too make my heart skip a beat!

It Is Time!

2011-11-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day! Carter has been counting down to go skiing for the last year! He has been soooo anxious to join James & McKay! This morning he was so giddy he couldn't even eat his breakfast! As I helped him get all of his little ski clothes on his hands were shaking with excitement! James will be pretty busy with two little men on the ski hill this year... The only thing that makes me a little nervous is that Carter has absolutely NO FEAR! He will try and do anything that McKay can do after skiing for 3 years! Thank goodness for helmet's!

A Little Inspiration

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

This is what I am thinking for McKay & Carter's new headboards... I have a lady who has a "in" on some pallet's working on it for me.... (Sorry, a couple of the pictures uploaded a little fuzzy... But, you still get the idea!)

This is a must because I REALLY don't like it when my children tape things on the wall's! But, they always have a new art project they want to show off...

I REALLY think I need to order these houndstooth pillows from Etsy for Cannon's room and make him a cute little mustache pillow too!

This owl piggy bank from Amazon would be perfect for Cannon...

And I am loving these numbered bookend's from Etsy for the boy's book shelf...

I'm on the search for the perfect chevron rug like this one... Found a couple that I am looking at at Urban Outfitters... But, they have grey and black & I would really like navy blue...

Oh & if I just so happened to run across an amazing necklace like this one... I would be a little giddy!

Pinterest Recipe Reviews

2011-11-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Monterey Chicken

I decided that it was time to stop just pinning recipes from Pinterest and actually try a couple! Last night I made this Monterey Chicken. It was an all around winner with James and the boys loving it and it being a really easy recipe. I did marinate the chicken like it recommends & would suggest doing that. And I used Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce instead of Bull's Eye & fresh Roma tomatoes instead of the canned. James was excited about taking the left overs for lunch today... That will tell you how good it was because he is usually not too excited about leftovers!

The recipe is here: Monterey Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

The second recipe was a 3 ingredient crock pot meal. I really liked it. James thought it was good. The kids thought it was a little too spicy... It is a little spicy! So, if you are making it with a family with kiddo's I would add a little brown sugar or something to it to sweeten it up a bit.

The Recipe is here: Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

After School:

2011-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

McKay gets home from school everyday around 3:15 p.m. He always gives each of us a hug, tells me what he had for lunch & we discuss three things.

#1: What made him happy at school.

#2: What made him sad at school.

#3: What he did nice for someone at school.

As we talk about these things I make him toast with Nutella for a snack. It's what he always wants! He is always starving when he gets home... It makes me wonder how much of his lunch he really eats!!!

This year I decided once again not to put Carter into pre-school. I enjoyed the time that I had with him last year teaching him & wasn't quite ready to rush him off to school... Yes, I do know that he does have to start Kindergarten next year and I better come to grips with it! We do school everyday at 12:30 p.m. when Cannon goes down for his nap. We do it for one hour. Sometimes we cut it a little short... because he is a perfectionist and if he can't get something perfect than there are tears & we stop and take a break & start again the next day! He gets a sticker each day for good work & at the end of the week he gets to pick a prize out of the prize bucket.

Carter will always set down with McKay as he does his homework & do his "homework" to. It's one of my favorite times of the day as they sit and visit with each other about their days.

Our Little Red Dragon

2011-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween we had a werewolf, Rocky Balboa & a little red dragon!

Cannon Was The Winner...

2011-11-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Cannon was the winner of the first broken bone in our family... He does not understand why his little body will not let him keep up with his older brother's! He tries very hard to... There are many times that I have to go running after him to stop him from doing whatever they are doing! It usually entails me carrying him kicking and screaming back into the house! More times than not he is the one who tackles them trying to get them to wrestle with him. Which is just what happened.... He tackled Carter by his ankles and as they were rolling around wrestling each other it went from laughter to a painful scream in a second. His hand had gotten pinned backwards and one of his little bones in his hand broke. For the couple weeks that he had to wear his cast if anyone would ask him what happened (which happened a lot!) he was always quick to blame it on Carter! I have a feeling that this will not be the last cast that this little man will have!

Pinewood Derby Winner

2011-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

I will tell you this... I DO NOT LIKE THE PINEWOOD DERBY!!! It stresses me out! James and McKay worked so hard on his car. McKay spent weeks drawing out what he wanted it to look like and there were multiple trips to the hobby store to find just the right paint color and decals. James felt so much pressure to make it just what McKay wanted it to be. Because James had lost all of his tools in the fire he was grateful when a gentleman that Jason (James' brother) knew offered to help them. He had a few special tricks! One included only running your car with three wheels!!! Yes, you should have seen the judges faces when McKay showed up the night of the derby with a car that only had three wheels! And to be completely honest I was sick to my stomach. Literally! I could not even watch the first race... I turned and closed my eyes! My friend Amber was standing next to me and had to offer emotional support! I wasn't into having to win... I was just worried about my little man! He had put so much heart into his car & I was really worried that the three wheel thing wouldn't work out and that he would feel stupid... But, it just so happened that he won every race!

What I do want to remember about the night was how much support McKay had. He had friends and their families come to watch him. Grandma & Grandpa Turley & Brett came. The Wall's were calling from Idaho for updates! And Uncle Jason was on pins and needles for Mac & just may have been as excited as McKay was when he won!

I am good with this being our first and only Pinewood Derby! But, with three little boys I'm sure that I won't be able to talk anyone into that!

Coming Out Of The Haze...

2011-11-07T22:22:00.000-08:00

It truly feels as if we are starting to come out of the haze. It has been a little more than three months since the fire and life is starting to feel a little normal again. Well, whatever our new normal is... When something like this happens to you it forever changes your life. So, we are adjusting to our new normal. Some days we do better than others... But, we are starting to have way more good days than bad! I feel that throughout this journey I have been able to stay pretty positive. But, there are times that my emotions get the better of me. I am human after all.

I get asked all the time if something is new... Why yes, everything is new right now! If it wasn't with me in the trailer at Redfish (when the fire happened) then it is new! The first week or so was rough with learning at in opportune times of things we needed... Like Carter waking up in the middle of the night with leg cramps & us having no medicine... We have had to make a few trips to Walmart in the middle of the night! Another trip was for a humidifier! Or it snowing really bad last week and McKay being in a panic when I didn't have snow boots for him to wear to school! He used to have a really nice pair of Sorrel's! I had to promise him I would have a pair to him before his first recess. And it just so happened that when I went to load Carter & Cannon up to go and get the boots is when I realized they no longer had winter coats! We have all of our rental furniture through the end of the month. So, I have been slowly but surely getting the furniture and household items bought. It's a process that we are working through! One day at a time...

I have so much to catch up on... Redfish pictures, McKay's Baptism, Lake Powell, Cannon breaking his hand, McKay winning the Pinewood Derby, Carter turning 5, Halloween... And in the mean time life goes on! I try to take it all in stride!

We did enjoy a weekend with my parents visiting. Carter had spent a week with them in Idaho and they brought him home and spent a few days with us for his Birthday. It's always wonderful to have them here. Cannon had spent a week with them while we were in Lake Powell & he was especially excited to see them. The boys had taken a tire out of our neighbors garbage pile & leave it to my Dad to put it to good use! It might be true that every little boy needs a tire swing!

Update

2011-08-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that the fire was a month a go today. In some ways it seems like it has been a very long month... and then in other ways I wonder where the time has gone. I have been in a haze. We weren't allowed into the house until the insurance companies had done all of their investigations. I stayed in Idaho Falls for that week before I came home. I had seen pictures. But, it was much worse in person. I wasn't quite prepared for it. I had a lot of emotions when I first walked through it... mostly just gratitude that James was ok & that the boys hadn't been home. And a very humble heart that for some reason I had had a feeling to not take that lantern camping with me & the boys. It could have been so much worse.

I will admit that even though I was so grateful that everyone was ok there were still emotional times. There still are. I know that everything that we lost were just "things". I was ok with the furniture, electronics, decorations, clothes, etc... I did struggle as I saw burned baby blankets - the blankets I had so lovingly made my boys & wrapped them up in to bring them home from the hospital. As I watched all the things I had made my boys being tossed into a dumpster I did cry. My wedding pictures are gone. My scrapbooks are ruined. These are the things that I struggle with.

There were some tender mercies along the way. My Grandma Wall has always written amazing letters. I think that I have kept just about everyone she has ever sent me. I found a wet soggy box that contained all of those letters. It also had all of the letters that Travis had written me while he was on his mission & all of the letters that my Mom & Dad had sent me while I was at college. I spent a whole night gently unfolding each & everyone of them and setting them out to dry. They look and smell a little rough! But, I still have them. When my Dad retired I wanted his lunch box. I remember watching him take it to work everyday for as long as I could remember. I found it in the rubble. It is a little burned & rusted from the water - but, I have it.

I have had the strength of family and friends holding me up. My friend Ilona came from St. George and spent the first 4 days with me. She was just what I needed. She took charge for me & got the things done that I wanted. She worked through the mess, happily slept in the trailer & was fine eating breakfast at the gas station!

We had so many people offering to help that it was overwhelming. Thank you to Adam & Amber who spent a whole day cleaning out the garage, to the Fauver's that fed us so many delicious meals, to Amber & Toni who spent hours helping me inventory everything that was left in the house. Thank you to all the people in our ward who had us over for dinner and to everyone who has helped with my boys. Thank you to Megan... I am beginning to think that it is amazing how much a like cousins can be! You get me. And when I felt like I couldn't breath you always knew just what to say to make it better. Thank you.

We have tried to have a little fun a long the way... We may or may not have put our burned furniture on our neighbors roof! It looked pretty good with my big topiary tree and lamp! And we may or may not have stayed out until the middle of the night penny tapping our neighbors! By the time we were done we had 4 couples running the neighborhood with us! They do say that laughter is the best medicine!

When we were done cleaning out the house we weren't quite sure what we should do. Becky had had the boys for us. We didn't know if we should buy a house, rent a house, or stay in the temporary housing that the insurance provided. We looked at a couple houses to buy. We looked at a couple houses to rent. Nothing felt right & I was extremely overwhelmed. I did know that McKay needed to be with his friends. That he needed to go back to his school & his scout group. That Carter needed to be in his primary class. That they needed their life back. It was too much to take it all away from them. So, instead of making a big decision while we were so overwhelmed we decided to do the house that the insurance would provide. They found one for us 2 streets away from our house that we can stay in while they fix our house. It provides the boys the things they know.

In the meantime we have been staying with Jason and Kristin (James' brother & his wife). When we first walked through their doors Kristin gave me a big hug & told me "My house is yours". She truly has made it so. She has helped so much with the boys as I have had to meet with adjusters and as I spent days working on the claim. The boys have LOVED being with their cousins. I have truly enjoyed the time that we have spent here with them. I cherish the relationship that we have so much. It truly touches my heart to see the love that my boys have for you. You have truly made this trial so much lighter. Thank you.

There have been so many friends and family that I know would have come in a second if I would have asked. You have called and left message after message to check on us & to send your love. Every message, every text message, every card has meant so much. Thank you.

So, we continue to take it one day at a time. It is all we can do. The first week was hard. But, it continues to get better each day. Tomorrow our "temporary" house will be ready for us. The insurance company provides all the furniture, electronics, sheets, towels, dishes, washer and dryer.... until I can get what I want purchased. I continue to pray each day that I can handle this trial with grace.

And did I mention that I found my first grey hair!!!! Seriously! As if my house catching on fire wasn't enough!

Here Is The Story...

2011-08-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

In life good and bad things happen. They both become apart of your story. And only you can choose how you handle them and what you make of them. Everyday I pray that I can handle this trial with grace.

When we moved to Sandy from Logan last fall we had put all of our camping gear in the trailer. It made it easy to move it all together and to store it through the winter. When it became apparent that James was not going to be able to leave with us to go to Redfish Lake I started gutting the trailer. I decided that I didn't want to take a lot of things because I wanted to keep it simple for me.

Last Friday James was in the garage and noticed that I had left the lantern. Since he was leaving that day to meet us he decided that he would bring it so we could use it for the weekend. He started it in the garage and let it burn for a few minutes. We have used it dozens of times and have never had any problems with it. He stepped into the house for a few minutes to switch some laundry out when he heard a loud crash. He ran to the garage and opened the door to black smoke. He tried to run in & couldn't even get in a couple feet. The lantern had somehow exploded. He ran out the front door & around to the back yard. There is a window above the bench in the garage & he thought he could break it & spray the hose in to stop the fire. As he ran past the window it exploded. He realized that the fire was much more than he could handle & ran to our neighbors to have them call 911. As they were making that call for him James ran back into the house... He grabbed our family video's, my computer that holds all of our pictures, a blanket that his great grandma made him & a emergency stash of cash we had in the closet. He quickly tried to find the blankets that my grandmother's had made for me - but, couldn't find them & needed to get out of the house.

Friday morning I had an anxious feeling. I always get a little nervous when my family travels & I had a lot of loved ones that were going to be traveling that day for McKay's baptism. I had tried to call James a couple of times & it would just go straight to his voicemail. Then sometime in the late morning I received a text from a friend in my neighborhood telling me how sorry she was & to let her know if there was anything she could help me with.... I really started to get anxious. I tried to call her... But, she didn't answer. So, I called Brett (James's youngest brother). I asked if he had talked to or seen James that day. He said that he hadn't - but, that he was supposed to be there in 5 minutes to leave with them for Redfish. I could hear Wayne (James's dad) in the background & asked Brett to ask him if he had talked to James. Wayne said that he had at about 7:00 that morning. I told Brett about the text I received & told him to call me when James got there. I immediately hung up & called James's office. His secretary answered & I asked her what time James had left the office... She told me that he had never came in & told me that Wayne was calling in on the other line... I'm sure he was! We were all worried now.

I walked out of my trailer & told Megan and Greg what was going on. I was so anxious I was sick to my stomach. James still was not answering his phone... all calls were going directly to voicemail. It took about 30-45 minutes before my phone rang again. It was my friend from our ward calling... I was afraid to answer the phone. But, I made myself & was so relieved when it was James. I walked out by the cars as he told me about the fire... I think I asked him almost a hundred times if he was ok! Travis came up and sat in his car & listened as I talked to James. He was getting bits & pieces of the story. After I got off of the phone with James I went & sat with Travis & just cried. I remember Greg coming up at some point. I had just lived 45 minutes of hell & was in complete shock. Travis let me cry & then he talked me through it in only a way that he could. The things that he said are to special & personal to share. Shortly after Carson arrived with the kid's... they were coming to spend the weekend with us for McKay's baptism. The Lord truly put the people that I would need most there with me at that time.

Our Bishop was at the house with James & told him that he had more important things to do. They would take care of everything for him... But, that he needed to get to his family. It seemed like forever until he arrived. He gave me a huge hug & told me how sorry he was that he couldn't find my grandma's blankets! I laughed & told him that I had put them in the trailer! I remember when I was putting them in there I was wondering why I was taking them camping!

We are truly blessed. Blessed that the lantern did not explode while James was standing there. Blessed that he was not burned. I have sat and thought so many times what would have happened if I would have taken it with me. If I would have used it in the trailer & it would have exploded in there with the kids... It makes me shudder.

I have come to Idaho Falls to stay with the kids for a few days. James went back to Sandy to get everything figured out. Being married to a insurance man does have it's benefits! We did have renters insurance and everything is covered.

We had just in the couple weeks before moved all of our stuff that was in storage in Logan to our garage. We were in the process of sorting through it all. The garage is completely burned. I had hopes for much of the things inside the house. But, it appears that a majority of it has been damaged due to smoke damage. Right now they are telling us that pretty much the only things they can salvage are our hard wood furniture items & our glass dishes. All couches, TV's, bedding, mattresses, toys, books, washer & dryer, pictures, food...etc. is damaged. My car was in the garage and as you can see it is gone. All skiing equipment, tools, camping stuff, baseball stuff, baby stuff, holiday decorations, lawn mower, snow blower, golf clubs, cedar chest, freezers, kids clothes... it's all gone. Burned. My list goes on and on.

I do have my family video's, I have my hard drive with all of my family pictures, I have my quilts from my grandmother's & most importantly I have my husband. I lost a lot of important things... But, nothing is more important than he is.

I am taking it one day at a time. It's all I can really do. The out pouring of love, support & help has truly touched us more than we can ever express. Thank you!

It's that time of year...

2011-07-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again where I have a million different lists going, my mind is racing & I am running around crazy trying to get all of the groceries bought & anything that we might need packed (my family always teases me that I pack everything... But the kitchen sink!). We leave Monday for Redfish Lake! As soon as Christmas passes my boys start asking how much longer until Redfish!

It's a very special year for this little man! McKay will be baptized at Redfish this year!

James isn't able to leave with us... We both decided that it wouldn't be fair to the boys to make them miss out on part of the trip. And in all honesty it would be as hard on me as it would be on them! Sooooo... that means that I will be leaving at the crack of dawn Monday morning... pulling a trailer... with three kids... for 6 hours... By myself!!! You don't need to read that again! You read it right the first time! Wish me luck! My saving grace is that I will be traveling with Megan & Greg. Now I just need to figure out how to sneak Cannon in their car with them!

Thank you's

2011-07-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is my very first attempt at photoshop! I have had photoshop for years & it has always scared the living daylight out of me! It's my goal this year to get more comfortable with it! With the help of my friend Lindsey (thank you Lindsey!) & a LARGE bag of peanut M&M's this is what I made! If you by chance get one of these in your mailbox... look on the back because there will be a personal message from McKay!

Summer Bathing!

2011-07-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Summer Bathing! This is what happens when Mom says it's time to leave the fire at Grandma and Grandpa's and go in and take a bath... And the big brother offers the little brother $2 to get bathed in Cannon's pool! I have to admit he was a sport because the water was pretty cold! He was very quick to collect his $2 and then cuddle with Grandpa again by the fire.

Summer Utensils

2011-07-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

How stinkin' cute are these to have in your picnic basket! I'm going to head to the thrift store this week and pick up a bunch of odd's & end's utensils & paint them up to put in our trailer! Here is the tutorial :

Colored Utensils.

Rock Candy

2011-07-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Seriously, How can you not think that Rock candy is fun & cute! They are perfect for a candy table & birthday parties! I think that we might have to make some up this week & when we get home from Redfish they will be all ready for the boys! Then I don't have to have them ask me a bajillion times if they are done yet! I found this tutorial on how to make Rock Candy at Mom's Crafty Space. But, I am totally lovin' the mason jar too... I just might have to paint me a couple!

Temple Square

2011-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time before he dipped his head in the water!

Piggy back ride!

McKay has been asking to go to Temple Square all summer. The only time he has been there is to see the light's at Christmas & he wanted to go when it wasn't freezing cold! We have our friend's the Randall girls here visiting us this week so it was the perfect time to go! I was afraid that I was going to have to fish a child or two out of the fountains... But, for little boys they did pretty good! As always the grounds were absolutely beautiful!

Mac

2011-07-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

This little man just turned 8!!! And I have to admit that it has been quite an emotional little milestone for his Mother! He is a pure joy in my life.

Here are a few things about Mac:

* He has always called me Mama

* He LOVES bacon cheese burgers

* He has the most contagious laugh

* He loves to try & scare his Dad!

* He Never cries when he gets hurt... If he does you better move it to check on him!

* He is my Mr. Social... He can walk into a room full of stranger's & have them all as his friends within minutes.

* He is a spender... Money burns a hole in his pocket! But, he will quite often spend his money on other's.

* He loves Mustang's & loves when his Uncle Jason takes him for a ride in his. He can seriously spot them miles away!

* He absolutely adores all of his Uncles & truly looks up to each one of them. He's a lucky boy to have such wonderful Uncle's!

* His Dad is his Hero & they truly have a special little bond. Probably because Mac is a little James!

* He comes and cuddles with me every morning... It is our special time & I always make time for it when he wakes up.

* He can't eat soup... Don't even try! He throws up every time!

* His favorite color is green.

* He fall's asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow... It drives Carter crazy!

* He loves Michael Jackson.

* He likes a little girl at school named Zoe!

* He is very in tuned to my feelings... I have to be careful because he can sense when I am upset. If he thinks that I am sad he won't leave me until he knows that everything is ok.

* He LOVES his cousin's!

* Addy Beattie has a very special place in his heart!

* When we are eating breakfast he asks what is for dinner!

* He can hear a song or a movie line once & can remember the whole thing! He has an amazing memory.

* Rocky IV is his favorite movie.

* His favorite place is Redfish Lake! It's in his blood!

This year Redfish will be extra special to our family. McKay will be Baptized there this year! We have hoped that this would be possible since we found out he would be born in July! Yes, I have truly been planning this for 8 years!

Oh How I truly love this little man! He has truly blessed my life & fills it full of joy everyday!

A Tree Is Like A Magnet To Little Boys...

2011-06-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

As a Mother I have learned that there is no way to keep little boys out of trees... just like a muddy puddle... it's just not going to happen!

Toothless...

2011-06-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I love this little toothless smile! McKay can't stand loose teeth. If they wiggle a little he works at them and works at them until he pulls them out. He even pulled his last one out in class at school & just put it in his pocket and brought it home! He does question the reality of a Tooth Fairy... He's not quite sure what he thinks about her! But, he doesn't mind the money that she leaves under his pillow!

Little Man...

2011-06-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

It's the simple things that keep this little man happy!

Lemonade Jar's

2011-06-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sooooo... i have been obsessing over these jar's lately... I thought that they would be the perfect little jar to go along with my Old Fashioned Lemonade recipe.... And in all honesty I thought that the $36 for 12 jars wasn't too bad of a price... I'm still thinking about them!

But, then I saw this way cute idea and tutorial at
A Bit Of Sunshine
and think that it is a darling alternative... And as a mother of three little boys that is constantly cleaning up spilt drinks at the dinner table... It's also a really cute alternative to a sippy cup!

And they are not quite as cute without the straws.... So, you can find the cute paper straws here at
Hey YoYo's Etsy Site.

Old Fashioned Lemonade

2011-06-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

So, I have a TO DIE FOR fresh squeezed lemonade recipe. It is simply de'Vine! And so simple to make. But, I warn you... If you make it once... you WILL make it over & over again!

Old Fashioned Lemonade:

1 Cup Water

2 Cups White Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Fresh squeezed lemon juice

8 Cups Cold Water

2 Lemons Sliced Thin

In medium sauce pan combine 1 cup water & 2 cups of sugar. Boil on low, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved, for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice to sugar water and stir well. In a large pitcher, combine sugar & lemon syrup with 8 cups cold water & add sliced lemons. Serve over ice.

It takes about 6-8 lemons (depending on the size) to get your 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice. I have actually been adding closer to 2 Cups of fresh lemon juice which takes 8 lemons.

And check out these cute ideas for using Mason Jars to serve that fabulous lemonade after you make it!

A Little Chore Chart Love!

2011-06-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

My boys list of chores changes with the days... So, when I came across this free printable at
Brought To You By The Letter B
I thought they kinda looked perfect... and cute! But, you don't tell little boys they are cute or they will just turn their little noses up at them. Because if there is one thing I have learned... that is that boys don't like cute things! Unless they are girls & then they seem to not be able to help themselves!

A Story I Never Want To Forget...

2011-06-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

McKay and Carter got home Monday from spending a week in Idaho with Grandma & Grandpa. They were truly spoiled in every possible way! They got to spend a lot of time with their cousins & have sleep overs, go swimming, go to movies, spend a day with the Beattie's, go on special dates with Grandma & Grandpa, go out to dinner, go camping.... Like I said... They were spoiled!

They spent the weekend camping up at Palisades. My Dad's friend owns Palisades Park & they were up there helping him get flowers planted & projects done for the summer. My Dad provided the boys with endless willows to carve which gave McKay an idea...

We have a friend who is here at Shriners Hospital. I have mentioned him before. Ned, is a young boy who has scoliosis & had surgery on his back yesterday to try and straighten his spine. It was a very intense surgery as you can imagine and lasted 11 hours. McKay, loves Ned. McKay worries about Ned & tries to do anything he can to make him happy.

So, back to McKay's idea... He decided to carve willow sticks and take them around to all the other campers and try to sell them. He was selling them for .25 - $1 a piece depending on the size. He told each camper about Ned & that he was trying to earn money to buy Ned something really special for after his surgery. Seriously, how can you turn a little boy away that has that sales pitch!!! McKay ended up earning $7.75. Later that afternoon he asked my Mom for some paper and a pen. He then proceeded to write each one of the campers a thank you note for buying his willows & hand delivered each one! (Yes, this is where the proud mother tears enter!)

When I met my Mom in Malad to pick up the boys the first thing McKay did was give me the money for Ned. It truly touched me so much! He has something that he is really wanting right now & instead of keeping the money to go towards that he wanted it to go to Ned. He realized that $7.75 wasn't enough to buy much... But, I assured him that it would be enough to buy him whatever he wanted to!

I am so honored to have this little man as my son. He has always had the most compassionate little soul & never ceases to amaze me. I love you McKay!

Ohhh... How I Dream!

2011-05-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ohhhh.... How I dream of doing this in my house! Once we finally get settled this will be one of the first projects I bribe my Father to come from Idaho & do for me!!! I love all of the color & character that it gives to a room! I LOVE children's books & think that this is just dreamy! I found it at Ohdeedoh.

It's What's For Dinner!

2011-05-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce & Spanish Rice

We have a friend that we have been having over for dinner on Saturday nights. His name is Domingo & my boys LOVE Domingo!!! His son is here in SLC at Shriners Hospital waiting to have a surgery done to straighten his back. He has scoliosis. It has been a very humbling experience for my little family as we have been able to be apart of this with them. I asked Domingo last Saturday what I could make him this week. He asked for Mexican food! The only problem is that Domingo is from Mexico & it's very intimidating for ME to make HIM Mexican food! In all honesty I seriously considered getting take out at the Mexican restaurant down the street! But, Domingo looks forward to home cooked meals after eating cafeteria food all week... So, this is what I came up with... we are going to give it a try! Here are the recipes: Spanish Rice & Chicken Enchiladas.

Coach Thank You Treats

2011-05-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am always grateful for the coaches that take so much of their time to coach my boys. I grew up watching my Dad coach my brothers & saw all of the time it took. I'm making these cute little Thank you's for the boys to give their coaches at their last baseball game. I found the cute idea at eighteen25 - and the lovely thing is that they have the tags all ready for you to download! It can't get much easier than that!

Stink Bug

2011-05-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

This is what Cannon does when he doesn't want to give McKay his football back... he uses it as a pillow... There was no getting him to let go of that thing! I even tried to bribe him with a Ring Pop! Stubbornness is for sure a Turley trait! He might look ohhhh soooo cute... but, he was being a little stink! It's a good thing he has McKay wrapped around his finger... Because Carter would have yanked it right out from under him!!!

Band Aide?

2011-05-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

This is why I bought 5 boxes of camouflage band aides at the store a couple weeks ago... they are just way too cool to wait for a injury! And he is just way too cute to get mad at for waisting band aides!

Sticky Mango Chicken Skewers

2011-05-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Sticky Mango Chicken Skewers with Black Bean & Pineapple Brown Rice

The flavors of this recipe are simple and splendid. The perfect combination of sweet and spice, a teensy bit fruity and full of hearty goodness. Love this recipe especially because of it's health factor. There's just good stuff in there, not to mention how quickly you can cook it up, should your night be as hectic as ours was tonight.

Ingredients:

For the Sticky Mango marinade:

1 very ripe mango, peeled and cut from the pit

1/2 jalapeno (seeds removed)

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons vinegar

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, sliced very thin

For the Pineapple Brown Rice:

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 can black beans, drained

1/2 fresh pineapple, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced

1/3 cup scallions, finely diced

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions:

For the Sticky Mango marinade:

In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Spread over the thinly sliced chicken, then cover the chicken and refrigerate for 1-8 hours. When ready to cook, thread the chicken onto skewers, then grill or bake in an oven preheated to 500 degrees for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve over pineapple rice.

For the Pineapple Brown Rice:

Stir the rice, black beans, pineapple, and red bell pepper together in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until hot. Remove and stir in scallions and garlic salt. Serve with Sticky Mango skewers. Enjoy!

Another Recipe I found at Cheeky Kitchen. It's that time of year when anything grilled looks fabulous!

Iced Lemonade

2011-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

I Love anything lemon... Haagen Daz Lemon Sorbet... the frozen Lemon Ice at Lagoon & Disneyland... Hot Dog On A Stick's fresh lemonade... I even buy the big 5lb bag of lemon's at Costco because I can't stand to drink plain water! I have to jazz it up with lemon! The only problem with that is that I now have little men who refuse to drink water unless it has lemon in it... Oh the things they learn!!! Anywhoo... this recipe looks divine for a hot summer day! {In all honesty I would probably drink it in the dead of winter as I sit in front of my hot fire!} And I have seriously got to find me some of those darling straws! I found the recipe over at

Cheeky Kitchen.

Ingredients:

7 whole lemons, with rinds cut off

2/3 cup sugar

3 cups ice

1 cup water

Directions:

Place the lemons, sugar, ice, and water into your Vitamix. With your blender on variable speed #1, begin blending. Quickly increase the speed then turn the blender to high. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately & enjoy, or pour into small plastic cups to make your own Iced Lemonade cups.

If you've got a high-powered VitaMix blender, you're just seconds away from an icy lemon smoothie that is as delicious as it is refreshing. If you don't have a VitaMix, you can recreate something similar by juicing your lemons first, then adding them to a regular blender with the remaining ingredients

Grandma

2011-05-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma teaching Carter how to use his new Leap Frog... And Cannon trying to take it over!

My Mom came to visit us last week. I don't know what is better... for a daughter to have her Mother here? Or for a little boy to have his Grandmother! As always the time goes by way too quickly & we are always sad to see her go! Cannon has been walking around the house calling out for her all morning! Love you Mom! Thanks for coming!

What A Lovely Spring!

2011-05-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we woke up to inches of snow... And of course McKay & Carter's baseball was cancelled for the day. So, they bundled up & spent the day skiing at Snowbird!

Sunshine Sugar Scrub

2011-05-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

I made my Mom some of this amazing Sunshine Sugar Scrub this morning before she left to head home to Idaho. It was wonderful & smelled soooooooooo good! Yes, I realize that's a lot of "o's" - but, that is how wonderful it was! I found cute little jar's just like these at the Dollar Store too! I have made a few other hand scrubs over the last year or two & I think this one is by far my favorite! Here's the recipe at Momtastic. Enjoy!

The blog gave this advice on the scrub: Since this scrub does not have any preservatives, the shelf life is limited. The orange acts as somewhat a natural preservative, but I would say to use it up within a month. Also, like any other store-bought scrub, it does need to be stirred before each use.

***The recipe calls for olive oil. I used light olive oil because I was out of my regular. It seemed to work just fine!

DI Discipline!

2011-04-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is what happens to McKay when he has to watch everyone else eat ice cream!

It just gets worse & worse!

As you can see it's not as heart breaking for Carter! We need to find another form of discipline for him!

Tonight we left as a family & went to the DI. My Mom is in town & she loves thrifting as much as I do! So, we were going to hit the DI & go & get ice cream afterwards. I have one rule with the boys at the DI... they have to stay together. They can walk around & look at the toys or movies - but, they have to stay together. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO MATTER WHAT! Tonight they did not stay together. I have to admit that it was the first time they have ever wandered away from each other... As their discipline they were told that they didn't get ice cream! As you can see it was much more earth shattering for one than the other!!!

I Have Got To Make Me A Couple Of These...

2011-04-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

I saw these darling tops at All Things Heart & Home & must have a couple for myself!!! Think spring colors!!! Think layering with cute cardigans! They look like they would whip up in a snap! Myranda... if you are reading this this just might be your first sewing lesson!!!

I Love This Little Man!

2011-04-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love this little man! And oh.... how I love him in his little uniform! I will be honest and tell you that for as much as McKay loves to pitch... I can't stand it! I am a wreck every time he gets on the mound! I grew up watching a brother pitch! And McKay is really good! But, it's different when it's your little man up there! However, I do love how he takes his hat off & wipes his brow between batters! And I do love how he chews on his upper lip for a split second before he throws the ball... and there is always a little smile that comes across his face when he strikes someone out! And when he throws a "ball" he always shoots up a quick glance to Mom & Dad for support! Yes, I love this little man so very much!

Have You Seen Chris Brown?

2011-04-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Carter LOVES Chris Brown. He loves his music (the ones that I approve of!) & he LOVES to watch him dance in his music videos. I often find Carter glued to the computer watching his video's over & over again!

So, last week while we were in St. George we ran to Walmart to pick up a few things. Carter was doing his best to be patient & was sitting on the edge of a bin of pillows. I was startled when I heard him scream & fall backwards into the pillows completely disappearing. Before I could get to him his little head popped out of the pillows & he was doing everything he could to get his little body up as he was pointing down the aisle & screaming "Mom, Mom, look.... It's Chris Brown"! I turned around to see a black man walking up the aisle! I quickly tried to grab Carter's hand to keep him from pointing at the man! But, he was beside himself with excitement! He continued to very loudly inform me that it was Chris Brown over & over again! The man got closer & closer & I was completely embarrassed! Once the man realized what was going on he stopped. He looked nothing like Chris Brown! The only thing they had in common was that they are both black! I apologized to the man as Carter looked at him with start gazed eyes! The man was kind enough to laugh at it! But, as he walked away shaking his head he mumbled something about a little white kid living a sheltered life & needing to see more black people! Maybe so! But, Carter is convinced he saw Chris Brown

Disclaimer: I understand that Chris has had some issues in his life. Issues that I don't support. However, my 4-year-old is to young to understand any of that! He just loves how the guy dances & sings!

Easter

2011-04-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Carter sleeps in his under ware... So, when I told him to go back & get some clothes on this is what he came out with! You have to love the open Puma jacket! Some how the Easter bunny knew that Carter wanted his own tools!

And knew that Cannon wanted a Buzz LightYear & Woody

Easter morning

All dressed up with ties that I made them for church... Cannon had one too - But, he stayed home from church sick. And he wouldn't have anything to do with getting dressed up just for a picture!

Treats for our neighbors

Watching Toy Story with his new Buzz & Woody

A bunch of Turley boys ready for an Easter egg hunt

Uncle Brett helping Carter

Carter would open the eggs to see if he liked the candy. If he did he kept it... is not he left it!

After church we went to Jason & Kristin's for an Easter brunch & an Easter egg hunt. We came home a little early from St. George because Cannon had been sick with a ear infection all week... I kept him home from church (nursery). But, thought some fresh air would do him good! We couldn't get him to come inside the whole time we were there! The sun was out & the weather was surprisingly pleasant! Happy Easter!

Spring Break

2011-04-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Carter landed on his back... so he tried it again... and again...

Only to land on his back again! Then he had to show me where it hurt!

McKay & Dawson - Dawson got to miss a day of school to hang out with McKay! They spent the day building forts & swimming.

It was that time of year again where we load up & head for warmer weather! Because of work James wasn't able to come with us this year... And because I was worried about Cannon by the pool Wayne & Becky (aka: Grandma & Grandpa) kept Cannon for me. So, It was just me, McKay & Carter. We LOVE St. George - But, We LOVE our friends in St. George even more! It was a week of playing with friends, swimming & pool parties, movie nights, late night trips for ice cream, riding bikes, eating really good food, an airplane ride, taking care of pigs, working in the shop with the big boys, sewing projects, pop runs, girls night out, sushi & a little shopping! It is always so hard for me to leave! It's hard for the boys too! We're already looking forward to going back in June! We Love & Miss you all!

Flying High Above Dixie

2011-04-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

While we were in St. George last week Uncle Dan took the boys & I up for an airplane ride. It was the first time that either of the boys have been in a plane! McKay's eyes were full of excitement the entire time & he was beyond excited when he got to "fly" the plane! And yes, I was praying the entire time we were up & was beyond thrilled when we were safely back on the ground! Dan works training pilots & there isn't anyone I would trust more to take us for a ride. However, if you are ever in a plane with Dan Ence & he asks you if you like roller coasters... Say NO! The boys loved it when their little bodies came off of the seat! I on the other hand did not!!! It truly was a special time for us that I am sure the boys will never forget!

Have I Ever Told You.... I LOVE Spaghetti!

2011-04-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

You know when you were growing up & you always got to pick what your family had for dinner on your Birthday? Travis always picked cabbage balls (they really are good! Don't let the name scare you!). Jason always picked enchiladas & I always picked spaghetti. I LOVE spaghetti... I always have & I am pretty sure I always will! Put some homemade garlic bread with it & I am in Heaven! But, I am PiCkY about my sauce. Very PiCkY! There is just no way that it can come out of a bottle! Unless we are at Redfish Lake camping & everything just has a magical way of tasting better there! Anywhooo... I saw this recipe at
In Between Laundry
and am pretty sure it will be on my menu this week! She uses it as a spaghetti sauce & with her lasagna.

Cuteness!

2011-04-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute Easter treat idea over at eighteen25 - And you can even download the tag! How cute & easy is that!!!

Drum Roll Please....

2011-04-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Last night was McKay's first baseball game of the season. We have had a few rain outs or I guess snow outs! But, he finally got his much anticipated uniform last night. James took him over a little early to get him all ready - as you can see his baseball socs that came with the uniform were to big... So, James made do with ski socs! Note to self: buy black baseball socs before Wednesday nights game! I will throw James under the bus and tell you that he admitted that he got a little emotional when he arrived at the ball park with McKay! McKay is playing all of his games at Flat Iron Mesa this year... which just happens to be the same field that James played all of his games on growing up! And since I threw James under the bus I better be honest and tell you that I started to cry when I showed up and saw my little man in his uniform! He looked so big! When I was going through the YEARS of fertility treatments to get pregnant with McKay I used to always tell James that I just wanted to be a baseball mom! And here I am!!! Between McKay & Carter we have baseball games every night this week! I guess I can officially say that I am a baseball mom! Love it!

He Swims Like A Fish!

2011-04-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Little man kept busy doodling and flirting with all the cute little ladies as they got done with water aerobics!

We go from swimming lessons to baseball!

Carter truly has a love for the water! And has no fear of it! He was literally doing back flips off the diving board when he was 2-years-old! He has just completed 6 weeks of swimming lessons & is swimming like a little fish! He can now do the front crawl across the width of the pool. Swimming lessons are now officially done & baseball has begun! Now I just need to figure out when to wash his uniform... because I can't seem to pry it off of him!

How Cute Would This Be...

2011-04-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

To take this little "You've Been Egged" idea & add it to a carton of candy filled eggs for your kids friends and neighbors for Easter! They numbered the eggs as a countdown for Easter - which I think is cute. But, I think it could be just as cute to not number the eggs. And I love the cuteness of the crinkle grass in with the eggs! It's all in the details! Darling!

Pictures courtesy of eighteen25.

Today Was The Day...

2011-04-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tear swollen eyes...

Today was the day that we were supposed to go & pick up McKay's baseball uniform. We were supposed to meet the coach at the baseball field at 5:30. McKay was beyond ecstatic! He had been counting down for 2 weeks! It just feels more real & official when you have a "professional" uniform. He woke up knowing that today was the day... it was the last thing he reminded me of as I dropped him off at school. And then I got an email from his coach saying they weren't ready... I knew he was going to be crushed... And he was! He cried & cried! He tried to pull it together... only to cry some more! It was so sad... I was trying all my tricks... A offer for a trip for ice cream didn't even snap him out of it. Then I saw one of Cannon's markers & I told McKay to close his eyes! As soon as he felt it on his face he started to laugh! (Drawing on yourself is strictly not allowed at this house! But, I was desperate!) He laughed even more when he saw it in the mirror & laughed even more when I let him draw the glasses on. It seems as though he is going to pull through his disappointment!!! But, what you do for one you pretty much have to do for 2 more around here... I currently have three little boys running around with all sorts of things drawn on their faces! I am really wondering how I am going to be able to go back to that strict rule of- no drawing on ourselves- that we had! O-well! It was worth it!

Great Grandma Turley

2011-04-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to live close to James' Grandma Turley. My boys absolutely adore her & love to visit any chance we get. James' office is less than 10 minutes away from her house & he is able to run her to doctor appts & run any little errands that she might need. He loves the time that he gets to spend with her. I try to go and help as much as possible... With three boys I always feel like I take a circus with me! But, she loves the circus! A couple months ago I had Carter & Cannon with me while I was taking her grocery shopping. We were in the produce section & we were looking at the packaged carrots when suddenly she screamed & jumped! When she turned to look at me she was soaking wet! When I looked past her Carter was standing a couple feet away with the watering hose! He was trying his best to put it away without getting noticed!!! I was mortified! And all she could do was laugh!

As soon as we arrive at her house she has the toys waiting for the boys. The boys take turns sitting with her and talking about what ever might be going on in their lives with her. She truly cares & truly wants to know! Before we leave she has to feed us something! It drives her absolutely crazy when we pick something up for her & won't let her pay us back! So, she called a couple weeks ago & informed me that she was ordering the Ensign & the Friend magazine for our family (I hadn't got them ordered since we had moved) & that I was NOT to tell James about it before they came!

I have all of her voice mails saved on my phone because I cherish them. About a month ago she cancelled her unlimited long distance! She decided she was paying to much for it! So, now she just pays for the minutes. I laugh now because her messages have got much shorter! She tries to get it all in in the free minute that she has!

A few years ago she started to go blind. We have watched as her life has changed. She has embraced it with such grace & dignity. Not allowing it to control her, but making the best of it in any way she can. She has been a widow for more than 40 years. Losing her husband at an early age & never re-marrying. She continued to raise 6 children on her own. Sending all 5 boys on missions. She works at the temple 2 days a week waking up at 3:30 a.m. to be there on time. She is truly the epitome of strength!

Last week was her Birthday and we were grateful to be able to take her dinner & spend the evening with her. We are truly lucky to have her apart of our lives & we cherish her so much!

A Moment Of Gratitude

2011-04-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

There are not words to express how proud I am of this man! What many of you might not know by looking at this picture is that Travis has a full prosthetic on his right leg! Yet, he does not let it stop him. Everything that the doctors told us he might not ever do again - he has done! He has shared a bit of his story on his hunting blog High Mountain Shorthairs. He continues to humble me everyday with his strength & faith. I continue to have so many people ask about him. Thank you all for your thoughts, love & support. As a family we have appreciated it more than you will ever know.

More Pillows!

2011-04-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Soooo... I have to admit that Cannon's room is a work in process! I have gone a totally different direction with his room than I have the older boys. Blues, oranges, greens, grey with a little red. It was all inspired from a rug I bought at Tar'jay! You have to love that store for sooo many different reasons! I have been making pillows for his bed as I have already posted about... But, came across these today & think that I definitely need to make a couple! I am adding them to my project list (that is growing by the day!) of projects to take with me to St. George for Spring Break! McKay, Carter & I are heading to St. George in a couple weeks to enjoy friends & warm weather! But, there will be plenty of time to do a little sewing too! Here is the very simple tutorial at Cluck Cluck Sew.

I think it's time!

2011-03-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

I think it's time for new pajamas! One morning Cannon woke up & his toes had popped out in the middle of the night! The funny story is that it was really bothering Carter! I didn't get Cannon changed out of them right away because we got busy with our morning routine & they weren't bothering him! Carter probably told me about 20 times that I needed to change Cannon's pajamas. He waited for me while I got Cannon dressed & marched the pajamas into the kitchen & threw them in the trash!

The Good & The Bad...

2011-03-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Good...

And The Bad!

As a Mother & Wife I am always looking for the healthy food options. Aren't we all! So, these Oven-Roasted Garlic Vegetables looked so good. Maybe it's because I have been craving spring & summer & fresh produce & home made fresh salsa.... I could go on & on! The recipe is from Peach Tree Cooking Oven-Roasted Vegetables. Carter would devour these while McKay would try and hide them in his napkin!

I took dinner to my friend last week & had to cheat with Costco Red Velvet cupcakes for dessert... I have to admit that I felt a little guilty! And a little guilty that there was about 300 calories in each one! That's when you give half of them to your friend & let your kids finish off the rest... except for that one that did call your name a little too loudly! I think I might have to redeem myself this weekend & take her these! Peach Tree Cooking Red Velvet Cupcakes.

Oh & the Tuscan Garlic Chicken was dee'lish! I was excited when James forgot to take the left overs for lunch! Eating that for lunch is causing me to have to go to Zumba tonight after I already went to the gym this morning! But, it was worth it!

I Think I Will Make This For Dinner...

2011-03-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Tuscan Garlic Chicken

I Love when you come across a new recipe that looks Sooooo good & you have all the ingredients to make it right now! I am off to make it! If you think it looks good here is the recipe that I found at Peach Tree Cooking.

It's That Time...

2011-03-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Everyday when McKay comes home from school he finds his list of to-do's here. This is what has to be done before he can watch any TV or play the Wii. Today there was a new activity that there hasn't been in the past. Can you guess which one it is??? Last night McKay's Babe Ruth coach called & he has his first practice this Saturday! He is ecstatic! So, from now until the end of the season he will play catch everyday (except Sunday) with James or I. I believe that if you are going to participate in something you give your best. And practice makes your best even better. Batting practice will also be added to the mix. It is at this time that I am more than grateful for the hours (and I do mean hours people!) that my Dad spent with me playing catch in the back yard. I often heard from him "I refuse to have a girl who throws like a girl"! (I often wanted to yell back that "Ummmm.... HELLO! I am a girl!). Or the countless times I was dragged across the street to throw batting practice for my brother's (who are 4 & 6 years older than me!). Seriously having balls ripping past you from big teenage boys was a little intimidating! Even as an adult as we visit my parents house during the summer my Dad will often grab the mitt's & a ball & we spend time together playing catch. He still even makes me chase after a bad throw! But, now as I have three boys of my own I am TRULY grateful for the first time that I don't throw like a girl!

Seriously...

2011-03-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

I really wish that I could say that this happened because I sent my husband and kids to the grocery store unsupervised... But I can't. I was there. This is what happens when a family runs to Walmart after the Family Home Evening lesson to get a treat. This is what happens when we all have a different idea of what we want & we all stand in the ice cream section of the store until Mom gets cold & Dad caves! And neither parent wants to give up their Mint Chocolate Chip (for him) or the Lemon Sorbet (for her)!!! I can honestly say that this is the first time in 7 years of parenting that this has ever happened! Yes, I'm just trying to make myself feel better!

Is There Anything More Precious...

2011-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

I really don't think there is much more precious than this! This little man had a hard time falling asleep today. He thinks it's fun to pull up his blinds & look out the window instead of going to sleep... But, finally sleep came & I hope his dreams are as sweet as he is!

Something I Love...

2011-03-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

This book was printed in 1947! It's 64 years old! I loovveeee the old pictures...

This old Lucky Star book is 53 years old...

McKay reads these old readers every day - he seems to prefer them as much as I do & loves all the old stories.

One of the first things I do when I find an old book is look to see when it was published! I love knowing how old it is!

And this book about Maybelle the Donkey is 60 years old.

These are my recent finds. I usually pick them up at thrift shops for .50 - $2.00.

I truly have a love for old books. When I was little I had all of my old books set up on a library system. All categorized by title & author! I still have some of my old books & smile every time I read one to the boys & see my number system written on the inside of the cover! Now I scour all of the little thrift shops looking for old books. I love the old, weathered, textured covers & the old fashioned stories and pictures. Most of them are from old libraries & still have their old "check out" cards on the inside flap. I simply love them!

Our Day...

2011-03-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

I love the little moments in a day...

Today:

Cannon is sick. Carter has been extra sweet with him & doting on him. After a trip to the doctors we are now armed with two antibiotics. Hopefully he starts feeling better soon.

I maintain that some of the best money I have ever spent is on Lego's. Carter especially plays with them for hours! However, I often times get tired of cleaning them up. So, today I put a pile of macaroni on the floor & turned on the vacuum... Carter was in the other room & could hear the macaroni being vacuumed up & came running! When he asked me what I was vacuuming up I told him it was his Lego's!!! Holy smokes he had a melt down!!! But, I don't think I will have to ask him to clean up his Lego's when he is done playing with them again! And yes, I did feel a little guilty!

McKay came home from school today thinking he could speak Chinese... he was talking to Carter in his "Chinese" & it just kept frustrating Carter. So, after I heard Carter ask McKay to stop & after McKay did not stop... The Mother had to get involved! I heard McKay again speak his "Chinese" to Carter & I called McKay into the office & told him he was grounded for swearing at Carter! He was totally confused & I told him that I Googled the Chinese words he was using & that he was swearing at Carter! He didn't know what to think! He had to go & apologize to Carter & I don't think we will have a language barrier at our house anytime soon!

We downloaded new songs onto the boys Ipod's yesterday. They both had a couple new songs that they wanted. I put the new song "I Won't Let Go" by Rascal Flatts on McKay's & told him that if he was ever sad or having a bad day that I wanted him to listen to the song & know that it was from me. He ran off to listen to his new songs on his bed & a little while later I went into check on him... only to find him bawling!!! Completely doing the ugly cry where you have a hard time breathing kind of crying!!! He had listened to the Rascal Flatts song & was convinced that he never wanted to leave me! I was so touched to see how much it had meant to him! I did have to explain to him that I gave it to him to make him happy & not sad! And after he worked through his emotions he finally fell asleep in my arms! What a sensitive little man he can be! Something my heart will always remember.

Right now I am loving watching Carter dance to Michael Jackson out of the corner of my eye! He is dancing like no one is watching! I think I will go join him.... I am so grateful to be a Mother!

Good Morning Sunshine!

2011-03-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

This little man keeps me company every morning as I clean up the kitchen after breakfast. He always sits across the bar & we have the best conversations! This morning we were discussing who was a better dancer... Chris Brown vs Michael Jackson! Michael Jackson won out! He stays with me until the kitchen is complete. Often jumping up to take the garbage out or the "help" sweep the floor. It's our time together & I look forward to it each day. And I do have to admit that those eyes do have a way of getting him out of trouble!

Darling Cupcake Stands

2011-03-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I saw these darling cupcake stands and thought of my cousin Melissa! She LOVES anything to do with cupcakes! I mean seriously who doesn't! Here is the super easy tutorial from Modern Moments to make your own. Is it okay to have cute little cupcake stands at little boy birthday parties?!?!?

A Little Cannon Love...

2011-03-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Cannon officially had his first band aid this week... not really a big deal.... after three boys band aids are a common thing! We buy them in bulk! But, it was a major deal to him!!! He did NOT like the band aid and just kept pulling it off - which just made the cut bleed worse...

And he just kept getting more upset every time I put another one on! I mean seriously they were camouflage band aids! How much cooler can that get for a little boy!

It really got to be a little much for him! So, that's when you bribe him with popcorn! Works every time with this little man! It worked until the popcorn ran out... Finally I just had to lay down with him until he fell asleep. I had to stay in there to make sure he didn't pull it off again! He did wake up screaming though... because he was trying to get the darn thing off again!

This is the new smile he gives to whom ever is pointing a camera at him....

He's all ready to play with his big brothers... the mitt full of golf balls is a little nerve racking!

Cannon LOVES hot dog & hamburger buns! Which is abviously apparent in this picture! He will go through the bread drawer until he finds them. I guess like in most cases 4 is always better than 1!

Super Delux Easy Pillows

2011-03-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

I had been looking all over for fabric to make Cannon some pillows for his bed... and wasn't finding anything I liked. Then I came across a tutorial at Lemon Tree Creations that showed you how to take a men's button up shirt & make it into darling pillows. ( I still haven't decided if you can use the word "darling" when you are referring to things for boys! But, I do!) I knew that I wanted an orange pillow... and I was really eyeing one of James' good shirts in his closet... But, I was lucky enough to find an orange plaid shirt at the DI. The last time I decided to use one of James' good shirts to make Carter a tie it ended up being Brett's shirt & not James'! Woops! Anyways, I bought both of the shirts at the DI for $3 each. I also bought decorative pillows there for $2 each to use as the inserts. It's a lot cheaper to do it that way than to pay for inserts. I did however have to come home & spray them down with Febreeze & Lysol & threw them in the dryer to dry them. So, two very cute pillows came to the grand total of $10! And it seriously only took me about 20 minutes to make them. I do have orders for a couple more... It seems as though McKay & Carter think that the pockets on the pillows are pretty dang cool!

Here's the tutorial: Men's shirt Pillow Covers

Wishing For Spring...

2011-03-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

I have a couple recipes that I really like that call for fresh herbs... I got tired of paying $4 for fresh basil that looked terrible. So, I went to a little greenhouse just down the street hoping to buy some fresh plants that I could keep in my kitchen. But, I was a little to early in the season. So, I did the next best thing... I bought all the stuff to grow my own! I bought basil, cilantro, rosemary & oregano seeds. It took about a week for the basil & cilantro to come up. I was a little worried about the rosemary & oregano. So, I fished these plastic containers out of our garbage (they are the containers that our croissant's came in from the grocery store!) & placed the starts in them for a couple days & now they are starting to sprout. One of my favorite things is to have a garden. So, as the snow has continued to fly outside it has been fun to bring a little spring gardening inside! The hardest part of it all has been trying to keep the fingers of a two-year-old out of them!

I'm A Lucky Girl

2011-03-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

One morning I woke up to this... I have to admit that at first I did not see it! I was standing across from Mckay at the bar in the kitchen giving him his breakfast & McKay read it to me (only after his father had whispered in his ear to read it to me because I was obviously a little pre-occupied!). I even had to turn around to see what he was reading! It made my day! I even left it up for a week!

Today I got a little package in the mail... I had been eyeing a cute pair of pumps at The Buckle. Somehow they ended up on my front step! They were paid for by a gentleman by the name of James Turley... It made my day! I even mopped the floor with them on! They made mopping so much more fun!

A couple years ago James asked me what two cleaning jobs I despised the most out of all that I did. I didn't even have to think about it! I quickly told him unloading the dishwasher & cleaning the toilets! Since then he has always cleaned the toilets & unloads the dishwasher! He gets up at the crack of dawn & I hear him out in the kitchen putting the dishes away. It makes my day!

More times than not I get a call as he is on his way home from work asking if he can stop anywhere for me and pick anything up... It makes my day!

Sometimes I get calls from him & when I answer all I hear is him singing along with the radio - when I listen a little closer it is usually one of my favorite songs! It makes me laugh every time!

In the middle of the night when I just can't get myself out of bed to go to whatever child is calling for me... He always seems to know & jumps up for me! I am always so grateful when he does!

And it always seems that the only time I crave sushi is later at night when he is all settled in for the night... And he always says - "Are you seriously craving that right now? If you are I would be happy to go get it for you!"

I'm a lucky girl! Yes, I am!

The Best Tomato Basil Soup

2011-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

James & I are huge fans of the restaurant Zuppa's - it's a little soup & salad joint here in Salt Lake. One time while we were eating there he asked me if I could make their Tomato Basil Soup... So, what does a good wife do? She google's it! Sure enough there were plenty of recipes that claimed to be just like Zuppa's! So, after tweaking it a bit I think I have got it down pretty good! It's so good that I seriously make it once a week! And what's even better is that it is really quite simple. I am not a fan of tomato soup - but, I love this. It is really good as leftovers to! I will show you what the recipe called for & make notes where I tweaked it.

1 tsp olive oil

1/4 C apple juice

1/2 medium onion finely chopped (I do 1 whole medium onion)

2 cloves garlic minced (I do about 3/4 TBS give or take a little)

1/2 C diced red bell pepper (I do 1 full medium red pepper)

4 C chopped fresh or canned tomatoes (I have always used canned)

1 C vegetable stock (I use chicken broth)

1/3 C Orzo pasta (I use a heaping 1/2 C)

1/4 C chopped fresh basil

1 pint heavy cream

1/4 C butter

In soup pot heat oil and apple juice over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic & pepper 8-10 minutes. Stirring frequently until onion is soft but not brown. Add small amounts of apple juice if vegetables get a little dry. Remove from heat & add tomatoes & broth. Stir. Puree mixture in blender & return to pot. Add pasta and cook 9 minutes. Stir often. Add butter & cream & simmer for 15 minutes - do not boil & keep stirring. Add basil & serve immediately. I like to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese & pepper on mine.

Serve alone or with a turkey, avocado & swiss croissant sandwich! That just happens to be my favorite thing to eat with it! Enjoy!

Confession...

2011-03-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am not a huge fan of the TV. We don't even have cable! In fact, I will even go as far as to admit that I take the boys to the DI on Saturday's & let them pick out a new movie for $1 & they think they are in HEAVEN!!! Saturday night is movie night here at the Turley house! But, with that being said I will also admit that the best $69 I have ever spent was the day after Thanksgiving last year on this little dohickey! This little man is usually super glued to my leg if he is not in my arms... It makes it very difficult to get anything done. But, man if I put a little movie on for him & stay within a five foot radius (if I venture further than that he starts to twitch!) of him life is good! Oh, you do have to throw a little bowl of chocolate chips in there along with his blanket to make the process complete! He won't watch the whole movie... but, I usually have a good 30 minutes! It's amazing what you can get done in 30 minutes if you go like mad!

The Simple Things....

2011-03-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

This happens at our house on a daily basis... The bag gets dumped out that contains the Bristle Blocks that were James' when he was young. (I would pay a lot of money to have a bunch more! I bought some of the new ones for Cannon for Christmas & they aren't nearly as good). The block's were made by my Uncle Curtis & I bought them a few years back at the auction at the Wall Family Reunion & wish quite often that I would have bought both bags! But, if I remember right Amy had her mind set on a bag of them as much as I did! They play peacefully for quite some time with them & it always ends with Carter building a huge tower & Cannon not being able to control the urge to knock it over! It ends with one of them in tears - either Carter because Cannon did get to it & knock it over or Cannon because I just remove him from the temptation & he gets mad! We are on a every-other-day rotation right now as to who ends it in tears! We try to keep things fair around here! But, before the tears do come I really enjoy watching them play together.

Just What We Needed!

2011-03-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

My Mom was here all last week visiting us. I think she is just what we all needed! James & I were able to go on a couple dates. She painted Cannon's room & sewed his bed skirt for me that I just wasn't getting done! We did some fun shopping - hitting all of our favorite little shops & she bought me the bowls that I had been stalking for quite some time at Anthropologie! She took McKay to & from school at his request! We watched a new movie almost every night & stayed up late talking. And she was even crazy enough to let two little men sleep with her! She didn't even care when Cannon submerged her cell phone in juice... after letting it dry out for a couple days we got it to work again! Grandma seriously beats out Santa Clause at our house! The best part of it all is just having her here with us. Even though I am all grown up with a family of my own I still need my Mom so very much! Thanks Mom for coming!

And It Is All Gone....

2011-03-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

I know that one day Carter is going to question my sanity on why his hair was the way that it was! I will simply blame it all on his father! His father loved it! I will admit that I loved his blond curls when he was younger... but, it was time... He was starting to look a little orphanish (yes, that's another one of those words I just made up!). I will also fully admit that this haircut started out as a trim! I totally botched it! And I knew I was in trouble! James came home from work and informed me I had ruined his hair & to just take it all off! That was after he was able to put his emotions aside & talk to me! He plays it down now... but, my Mom was here and can be my witness that it was not a pleasant moment at the Turley house! Carter was all for it because Grandpa Turley has been offering him a stash of cash that Carter found in Grandpa's closet if he would get a "missionary haircut". If anything drives Carter it is cash & he was on the phone the minute I was done claiming his cash! It has taken 3 more little trims to get it just the way we like it! And as much as I like it James even admits that he really likes it to!

Picture perfect... I don't think so!

2011-02-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

I came across these pictures from last summer... I know that they got put in the "trash" file because none of them were "perfect"! But, now they make me laugh! When am I ever going to get three little boys to sit still by a stream full of rocks and take the "perfect" picture... ummmm.... never! But, the memories that come back of that day on a drive with Grandma Wall are perfect!

Chocolate dipped strawberries anyone???

2011-02-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Maybe just a little tart!

I don't know what is more delicious... the chocolate dipped strawberries... or the little man eating them!

Wrapped around his little finger....

2011-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Cannon has McKay wrapped around his little finger! And he knows it! Whenever he gets in trouble with James or I he runs to McKay... In this picture Cannon has been crying because he got in trouble for dumping something out of the fridge & he went running out of the kitchen to find McKay. And McKay LOVES it! When it is time for us to go pick McKay up from school Cannon calls for him the whole time in the car on the way there... and screams when he sees McKay running for the car. If I say "no" to something he goes & asks McKay & McKay gives it to him! Lately the little man has been a little stingy with his kisses... but, he will give one to McKay anytime he asks for one! Cannon LOVES his big brother & McKay absolutely adores him to!

Can You Imagine...

2011-02-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

I know that we have all had our share of heart ache... we all have our own personal struggles. Some more public than others. It has never been a secret of the heartache that I have gone through to have children. Or the heartache and utter panic my family felt when we heard of Travis's accident... We all have our moments... when our worlds are rocked. Sometimes it is something little that builds or sometimes it is something life shattering. I am a firm believer that our life is shaped by how we react in those moments... in the faith that we have that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. It takes a great deal of faith to turn in over to the Lord and place it in his hands & have faith in the outcome. In the thick of it it is hard to see past the moment...

I have been sick the last week and have spent a good portion of time in bed. I will admit that I am a huge fan of a good sleep in every now and then! I am known to bribe James with all kinds of things to be able to sleep past 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning! He and the boys are early risers... I have no choice but to be! But, 10 days sick in bed is a little much even for me. I spent a good portion of my days surfing blogs and trying to not go insane! Somewhere along the way I found the blog Life In Grace and literally spent hours reading her blog. Edie is a mother of four who gave up her profession as a family practice doctor to stay home and home school her children. I admire her outlook on life and have to say that I think that her home is dreamy! However, a couple days before Christmas last year her beautiful home burned to the ground in the middle of the night... her family miraculously made it out a live... here is her account of that night:

http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2010/12/the-god-who-promises.html#

I will tell you that her faith humbles me. I learned a long time ago to not feel sorry for myself. It wastes too much energy & I am entirely to blessed in life.

James & I had to find a quick rental when we were moving here to Sandy. We literally rented our house over the phone... something I will never do again! I have been vocal about how much I don't like this house... the paint on the walls drive me crazy, the carpet is dated, the fact that if you are in the shower you cannot flush a toilet drives me insane! There is no storage & the layout of the kitchen is terrible... not to mention the terrible lighting in every room... I could go on. They are all trivial things. But, suddenly after spending a day reading her blog I was grateful for my home. Grateful to have my precious photo albums, outfits that I brought my babies home from the hospital in, my recipe books... I know that they are all worldly possessions... but, she lost it all. Can you imagine? I am grateful for the gentle reminders that the Lord gives me of how blessed my life is. I am grateful that people like Edie will share their experiences so that we can grow from their trials & strength.

Hey There Mister!

2011-02-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

This little man got one to... but, he was being a grouch!

A couple weeks ago I found these darling little glasses at the DI... they were the perfect size for the little guys in my life! I wanted to make them fun... a little "boyish"! With three little men I am constantly trying to make cute things "boyish"! So, I pondered for a couple days & while I was surfing Etsy one day I came across little felt mustaches on sticks - that people could hold up to their faces... anywhoo it gave me the idea to paint mustaches on the glasses!

I simply went to Google Images & found a pattern for a cute mustache. Copied it onto my trusty freezer paper & cut out the image with my Exacto knife. I used a glue stick to adhere the stencil to the glass - it held it snug, but was easy to peel away because of it tackiness when the paint had dried. And WaHla!!!! We have cute little mustache glasses for my cute little men! They LOVE them by the way & we use them every afternoon for our after school smoothies! Somehow the glasses have magical powers.... because they make the boys not notice the spinach that is in their smoothies! They are to busy pulling funny faces with their mustaches to notice the green things floating in the glass! Hee! Hee! We as mothers have to do anything we can!

*** If & When you want to make your own little glasses... make sure you get the right paint! I bought what the clerk told me to the first time.... grrrrr.... and it was not the right stuff. Washed right off in the dishwasher. So, make sure you get a permanent/waterproof paint.

Valentines Crush

2011-02-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

O.k. SERIOUSLY how cute is this! I think the boys will be handing these out to their special little Valentines this year! (Sam's Club has a case of them right now for $11) Photo & Idea from Design Aglow:
http://designaglow.com/design/photo-design-project-valentines-day/

The First Step...

2011-02-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

The first step on the road to recovery is to admit that you have a problem. I have a problem. I am becoming my Father.... (It is ok to laugh right now - I laugh about it!). When I was growing up my Dad would always come home and say "Moalee, Albertson's has chicken on sale." Or "Moalee, Smith's is having a case lot sale." Or "Moalee, Albertson's has their turkey breasts on sale." I think you get the point!

Well, here is my confession... I am totally addicted to the weekly sales ads from the grocery stores! I LOVE Tuesday's because they come in the mail on Tuesday's! McKay always gets our mail & is heart broken if I get it. So, on Tuesday's I sneak out and get the ad's and leave whatever else there is for him to get! I Know, I know I am sounding a little crazy right now! But, it only gets worse! I surf the ad's and then I call my Dad to ask him if they are good buys!!! Only on the meat... he doesn't quite care about the mayonnaise sale! My problem is that when spiral ham's go on sale I can't just buy one or two... no, I had to buy six! Yes, you read that right! I have 6 ham's in my freezer right now! Or, when 25 lb boxes of frozen chicken breasts go on sale I have to buy two!!! Do you know how much chicken 50 lbs of chicken is!!! I almost died when I called James at work & said "James, Macey's has their chicken on sale... will you stop and pick it up on your way home - I don't want them to sell out"! I am my Father!!! Or how about this - Lee's was having a sale on their Tri-Tip roasts & those just happen to be our favorite roasts! But, you could only buy 2 per customer. The sale went every Saturday for a month... I went every Saturday for a month & even made James go on a couple of the Saturday's to! I told you it was going to get worse! Whew, it feels good to get this out! I just feel very vulnerable if my freezer's are not stocked! And I have a really hard time paying $15 for a roast when I can get the same exact one for $8 a piece on sale!

So, my kid's LOVE Stephen's Candy Cane hot chocolate! And I always stock up on it at Sam's Club during the Holiday's. But, I was at Walmart the other night and their individual packets that are normally over .50 cents a piece were on clearance for .11 cents. James was out in the car & I called him & asked him how many I should buy... he told me to buy everyone that they had left! I'm rubbing off on him! I just needed someone to give me a little support for putting 150 of them in my cart!!! McKay's eyes were popping out as I just continued to throw handful after handful in the cart! People were starting to stare! And it hit me in that moment that I am soooo my Father & I don't even care!!! But, now I need to figure out where to put all of this hot chocolate!

Goals

2011-01-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:52 it says: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

We have started something new in our family that I am loving. We have used this scripture to start new family goals. There are four things the scripture lists that Jesus grew in: wisdom, stature, favour with God & favour with man. At the first Family Home Evening of each month we set our goals in how we are each going to grow in those four areas. The boys are responsible for coming up with their own goals. We set our goals & then decide what the reward will be at the end of the month. This month the boys decided on laser tag! If during the month they mess up on one of their goals there is a repentance process!!! (This is courtesy of James!) They have to drink half of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar! For each offense the amount of vinegar grows! Carter has only had to do this once!!! Once was enough for him and McKay! McKay almost threw up just watching Carter swallow it! This month the boys goals were:

McKay:

Wisdom: Perfect his reading on his 10 new Mercer Mayer books.

Stature: No junk food.

In Favour with God: Say better personal prayers twice a day.

In Favour with Man: Take treats around to neighbors once a week. Help a widow once a week.

Carter:

Wisdom: Learn 12 letters. Sounds, recognition & able to write them.

Stature: No junk food.

In Favour with God: No bad words.

In Favour with Man: Take treats around to neighbors once a week. Help a widow once a week.

It has really been a good experience in our home. For the first day or two I had to tell them what was and was not junk food... and what were healthy snacks they could have. But, after a couple of days they didn't even ask for junk food anymore. Carter will just go to the fridge & grab an apple. McKay even informed me that he isn't drinking chocolate milk at school! When McKay says his prayers he says them out loud. And I have to admit that I love to stand outside his room & listen to his sweet little prayers! It brings tears to my eyes as I listen to him ask his Father in Heaven for help in things going on in his day. Carter for the first couple days was asking if just about every word was a bad word! But, he has it down now! He did slip once! He did know a couple bad words... and used to say them for the shock factor! But, he has decided that they aren't worth vinegar! Tomorrow morning James is taking McKay & Carter with him to change a widow's oil in her car. They have been talking about it all week and are so excited to go!

James & I have our goals to & the boys know what they are and are always asking us how we are doing on them. My "wisdom" goal is to make two new recipes a week. The boys will ask me in the morning if I am cooking one of my new recipes for dinner that night. It has become a true family affair!

It's my hope that at the end of the month that the boys will keep on doing the things they have learned over the last month. That their goals will become more natural to them. And as we set new goals that they will just continue to grow one little goal at a time!

Practice

2011-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

Carter LOVES to practice writing. He carries a little notebook around with him and will copy down all of the words that he sees around the house. Then he will write the words over and over again to perfect them! Often times he will ask me to write down certain words so that he can practice his "homework"! I'm getting a little nervous to put him in preschool next year because I am afraid that he is going to be a little bored... McKay loves to carry my little camera around and take pictures. It's interesting to go back through and see the things that he thought were worth taking pictures of. It's kind of a fun way to document our lives... he thinks about things on such a different level than I do & I actually keep many of his photo's. Yesterday he took this picture of Carter's "homework" (that explains why it is slightly out of focus!).

Our Day

2011-01-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

While this was going on outside in full force...

I Finally started the zigzag quilt I have been wanting to make. I had to alter the pattern to make it bigger & I really hope I figured it right!

Because all of the fabric is cut & looks like this!

And while I was cutting fabric my little Man was playing with this!

Another reason to LOVE the dollar section at my beloved Target! He LOVES his little farm animals!

And sometimes the big brother joins in to!

But, when he is done he loads up all of his little animals in his cute little felt barn carrier!

We headed out early today... it's 6 months to the day that we want to go to Redfish! So, that means we have to be on the computer bright and early to reserve spots. James's office computers are the fastest - and you need to be fast - to get our lovely spots! On our way home it started to snow & then it started to really snow! So, we have stayed in our pajamas today... no one is complaining! Little boys like to stay in their pajamas to! Working on a couple projects that have been staring at me - time to get them done! Oh & we are going to do a little baking this afternoon... cinnamon rolls??? Yes, cinnamon rolls sound good! A lazy good day it is!

Feeling a little better...

2011-01-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day that Cannon woke up feeling noticeably better! So, we headed to Target - he had some Birthday money that he needed to spend! He got farm animals, trucks, a sword, coloring book & black Converse Allstars! You are probably wondering if he really picked out the shoes... McKay & Carter have them and he is constantly trying to wear them & gets upset when they fall off! When we walked by the shoes he got so excited when he saw them! So, he used his Birthday money from Uncle Jason & Aunt Amy to buy his very own pair! He wouldn't let me put anything in the cart! He had to hold onto it all! I love his funny little expression! So glad he is feeling better!

Homemade Yogurt

2011-01-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

My boys LOVE yogurt... I am not exaggerating in any way when I tell you that the boys go through about 6 yogurts a day! I buy 15 4-packs of yogurt every two weeks when I go grocery shopping! I spend about $50 a month on yogurt! It's a healthy snack & I am glad they like it. This is what my fridge is usually stocked with and there are more in our second fridge! But, I tried something new that started with this...

And ended with 4 quarts of homemade yogurt!

I count myself lucky to personally know the EXTREMELY talented Sherelle Christensen! And last week on her blog she posted a link for homemade yogurt & a recipe of her own for peanut butter granola! I seriously went to the store that night & got all the ingredients to make it. It's not that the cost of my yogurt budget was a burden - it's that I truly enjoy making things for my boys that they enjoy. And I was really excited to make this for them. You add a little peanut butter granola & homemade raspberry jam & it is simply Divine!

Here's the link for the recipe:

http://sherellechristensen.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/01/homemade-yogurt-and-peanut-butter-granola.html

So Blessed

2011-01-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

Monday night Cannon was strapped up in his booster seat up to the bar. He turned to adjust himself and the lock gave that held the booster secure in the chair. He fell forehead first into the hard wood floor. I loved on him & and he was happy & running around shortly after. The next morning he was really struggling... grouchy, clingy, wouldn't eat, he just laid around all day & if he bumped his head he would just cry & cry... I had a hard time getting him to wake up from his nap & noticed that his pupils were dilated. I decided to take him in to get checked... sure that they would probably just look him over & send us home. But, the nurse noticed right away that his pupils weren't reacting to the light as they should. She ran to get the doctor & he told me to take him to Primary Children's right away & that they would call ahead for me.... That's officially when the world feels like it stops spinning...

We spent a very long evening at Primary Children's and after a thorough check they determined that he had a "mild traumatic brain injury". Medical terminology for a severe concussion. They let us take him home & said it could take a week for him to start feeling better... poor little man! I decided that your children look so much smaller and much more fragile when they are sitting on a hospital bed! So grateful that he is ok! Truly grateful that the Lord heard & answered my prayers. So, for the next week or so life is going to have to be still... I'm going to hold my baby all he wants.

I am so grateful for our family & friends. Our cell phones weren't ringing for some reason in the hospital... but, the messages & texts were coming through. They were so uplifting to James & I. So quickly so many people rallied around us... It was extremely difficult for James to be there. He had a brain tumor when he was young and had brain surgery after brain surgery there at Primary Children's. So, for him to see his little baby sitting there - where he once was - with a brain injury was a little much... the Turley Brother's rallied as they usually do & I know it meant so much to him! Thank you all for your love & support! We love you so much!

Moments...

2011-01-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

McKay didn't have school yesterday. The boy's cuddled into McKay's top bunk & watched Rocky IV together. I worried when there was such an age difference between the two that they would not be very close. They have little moments when they have their differences... But, they truly are best friends!

Valentines Chair Backers

2011-01-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Sunday... Sunday means I get a nap! Carter & I always take a nap together on Sundays! I got a wonderful much needed 3 hour nap... the only problem was that I couldn't fall asleep for anything when it was time for bed. That leads to mindless blog surfing in the middle of the night! But, I found something I have been looking for for a couple years! I don't know if it is good or bad to admit that I use to watch Jon & Kate Plus 8... before they went off of the deep end! Anyways one Valentines she had little bags like these for her kids filled with little Valentines treasures & treats & I LOVED them! When I tried to order them from Pottery Barn Kids they were sold out! And sometime in the middle of the night last night I came across this picture! (I am sorry that I didn't write down where I saw it... like I said - mindless blog surfing) But, it had a link to a tutorial!!! One more thing to make before Valentines! I just need to make mine a little more boyish!

http://ourscoop.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-chair-backers.html