The Turcsanski's

We're Moving!!

2009-04-08T00:13:00.006-06:00

Ahhh, made you look! Well not really physically, but more like VIRTUALLY. I've been working on a new blog ....what, a new blog you say? Yes like my 12,000th blog that I can't keep up with...it's different though this time...I promise! I really was trying to keep up on the photography and the family and the helpful hints but it wasn't really working out ya see. Now I just have one and for some of you that could care a flying rats behind about my photography...sorry...it's all in one spot now. Family, photography, workshop and yada yada.

So check it out and if you want a chance to win a free iTunes gift card follow the rules on the new blog.

www.jennifereliason.com/blog

Photography Workshop

2009-03-17T12:12:00.005-06:00

{edit add: wow! I'm so excited!! thanks for everyone who inquired. I decided to open a Tuesday class to accommodate more people and I changed the name of the workshop to I "heart" Photography...just because I thought that was WAY!!! more fun and WAY!! less stuffy... ;) I'm not sure I'm going to be able to sleep tonight my brain is racing with a million ideas for you guys!} I have a few more spots open if you are interested email me the day that works best for you.

I'm starting my FIRST ever group Photography Workshop.
Yikes!!~I've done some one on one teaching and trained my assistants over the years but after some encouraging....I'm offering a little 6 course Workshop. I don't claim to know everything so don't sign up to try and stump me ;) But I do have 12 years in the business and I wish I had someone to offer me something similar to jump start my career WAY back then! Depending on demand I might open up a second class. Right now it looks like I have 6 people that are serious and I will close this class once I have 8 people enrolled. So if you're interested or have questions...drop me a line at:

jennifer@jennifereliason.com

Should be fun!!

You can check how my most recent friend/student has been doing here: http://sweenyfam.blogspot.com/

One of these things is NOT like the other

2009-02-19T21:04:00.003-07:00

My "Beary" cute baby! I know the "beary" is a little cheese but I just couldn't resist!

Valentine + Pirate + Arrrrr + Me Boys

2009-02-12T21:29:00.002-07:00

blah bla blah

2009-02-02T10:01:00.008-07:00

Wow...it's been a blogg-n while. I know so many of you could put me to shame with mother of 7, mother of 5 , mother of twins, mother of every kid one year apart but...me...Mother of Three...wowie! I feel like the day is over before it's begun and all I have to show for it is my bed that is made. (It's the one thing that I HAVE to do if I do nothing else all day!!) Lately, I've been making great strides though...I at least get my work out clothes ON...some mornings I make it to the treadmill or break out my Turbo Jam video, most others I just pretend I worked out and hope my Mind Powers trick my brain into actually thinking I worked out.

So here's the latest: Charlie is sooooo cute and sooo fun! Smiling and giggling when we sing do a deer from the Sound of Music to him. Jack loves to sing him the song he wrote called "You're So Smart" which he repeats about 100 times. Max is a good helper always making sure Charlie has his binkie and reminds him to "shhhh" when we say prayers.

MAD MAX: he is crazy and into everything and climbs up everything and swings from everything and breaks everything and eats everything and must be NAKIE or in JAMMIES all day! But...capitol "B" we think he is the cutest and funniest and cuddliest little bug ever so we've decided not to ship him off just yet.

he's ticked that I made him take the plate of cookies back to the table.

So when I find the sweet crazy boy like this...I just leave him there.

JACK: has been the best big brother and is growing up WAY WAY too fast! He is shredding it on the slopes this year and is always looking for jumps and trees to ski through....ahhh a boy after my own heart. We've had fun skiing with him this year and it won't be long before Ted and I can't keep up with the Bonsai Bullet!

This is the new tunnel they built at Snowbird that leads you to some pretty difficult bowl skiing. Big mistake...Jack wasn't quite ready for that one! While you're in the tunnel they have some U2 playing and jack says "I'm not scared mom...this music is calming me down."

The Littlest Wiseman

2009-01-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

I thought of this cute little video when I found Max today playing with my Nativities.

Didn't he do an awesome job arranging the Nativity?

I was about to get mad at him for playing with them again when I noticed everyone crowded around baby Jesus and it just melted my heart.

I guess he got a little hungry while working with the Nativities

This one I just had to laugh! Mary and Joseph going for a little "Joy" ride.

Christmas Faces

2008-12-28T16:44:00.007-07:00

The older I get the more I just love Christmas. Not for me but for the kids. I love their expressions, reactions, comments and HOW GRATEFUL they are for every little thing. We had a fun Christmas with the boys. Max really got it this year and it was fun to watch him and Jack share in the excitement. Jack was the first awake and came in our room at 5am to inform us that Santa had been in his room. Ted told him Santa would be back to collect all the gifts unless he went back to sleep. Kind of mean... I know, but VERY necessary for the sleep deprived mother. Max woke up next and noticed the Star Wars gear under his tree and ran in our room saying "Tanta Tanta!" It was so cute.

Yep, my boys are still sleeping "Little House on the Prairie" style.

Does he look like a Bobble Head or what?

I think he'll have to grow into this one...but I HAD to buy TWO of pretty much EVERYTHING this year or I knew it would be a fight over every present Jack received.

If you need any BYU football paraphernalia just come on over. We got it all, down to floor mats for your car!!

Charlie Brown

More BYU stuff!

I made this collage for Ted's office with pictures of him and the boys. His favorite gift of course!!

Zoe seeking refuge from the sea of wrapping paper

More Family Parties

2008-12-28T16:18:00.005-07:00

We had a wonderful time at my in-laws and enjoyed yummy food, singing, chatting, presents and family. This year instead of spending lots of money on gifts for each other we decided to draw family names and then MAKE a gift for that family for under $10 and then spend the rest doing something charitable as individual families. It was so fun to see how creative everyone got with their gifts to each other. We had a great time and sure enjoy this special time of year.

Grandma Lynda leading us in the Nativity Song

Grandpa Jack & our dog Zoe

Great Grandma Frieda with Charlie and Max

Manny deep in thought

I'm so glad Max loves trains as much as Jack did. It makes me feel a tinsy bit better about the small fortune I spent in "Thomas the Train" stuff!

Jack watching the video about the Savior

Enjoying some cookies!

Great Grandma modeling her hip new jacket

Our gift from the Italy Turks. Chocolate from Germany and Italian pasta.

Anthony striking a pose

A BaaaaVery Unhappy Lamb

2008-12-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Eliason Christmas Party

Max wasn't the happiest Lamb in our Nativity...As soon as his costume was on all he could think about was getting it OFF!

"Somebody please help me."

"Seriously, what are you all standing around for?"

"Guess I'll have to figure a way out of this thing myself."

"Phew! One arm out...now what?"

"Kind of stuck here people."

"Fine I'll stand here for one picture and them I'm out!"

"Finally, back to my favorite, White Trash...no shirt & bare feet lifestyle"Our Angel Maggie

Brody the Wise Guy

The girls checking out Baby Jesus

Waiting for their present from Grandma & Grandpa

I'm a little concerned at how excited Jack looks when he sees the girls present

a DOLL HOUSE!

Thanks for a great party Mom & Dad!!

"Holiday Cheer"

2008-12-13T21:12:00.009-07:00

Tonight I sent Ted to the grocery store for........

THIS

and THIS

and THIS is what else Ted thought we might need....

Before I even saw the loot...Ted said "I had the BEST time at the grocery store tonight."
I knew something was up ;) When I asked how "this" happened. I got...
"you know it's just a little HOLIDAY CHEER Jen."

Ted...you seriously crack me up.

Let me just give you the list so you can get the full affect of what I experienced.

1. Low fat Egg Nog
2. Soy Milk - Pumpkin Spice flavor (K- this kills me since we totally don't even drink soy milk)
3. Three 2L bottle of Diet Coke (thank you- I love you)
3. Oreos - regular
4. Oreo Fudgees
5. Honey roasted nuts
6. Cashews
7. Hershey Minatures
8. Hershey Kisses
9. M&M's (holiday colors)
10. One HUGE Sausage
11. Kipper Snacks -fillets of herring (WHAT?)
12. Sardines (gross)
13. Smoked oysters
14. Martinellis Sparkling Cider - grape flavor
15. Martinellis Sparkling Cider - apple/cranberry flavor
16. Three boxes of Triscuts
17. Rocky Road Ice Cream
18. Cookie dough
19. Crab Cheese Ball

That's my Tedy...gotta love him!

Merry December

2008-12-04T10:31:00.003-07:00

I love December! You know what else I love??? That new Beyonce song "Single Ladies" I know I'm 12...but seriously, it makes me want to get up and exercise! Speaking of exercise...my scale is so stoked I'm down 20 lbs but my jeans are still screaming "Don't you dare try to fit that booty in here!" Not that exercise had anything to do with losing that first 20. Now its the last 20 (yeah, yeah, you do the math... I gained an awesome 40 lardo pounds!) that is going to require the exercise, flax seed, egg whites and protein shakes! Dang...my days of cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes have finally come to an end. Oh well at least it's December!

(How about that for a STRING of thoughts?? Can you tell I got ZERO sleep last night?)

Sorry Charlie

2008-11-16T12:19:00.022-07:00

Quietly, Ted and I hoovered over Charlie as his nurse took out the last of his tubes and tape so we could go home when we heard her say..."Sorry Charlie." Our eyes all met at the same time and we busted out in laughter. In that moment we both realized the fate of this poor kid....

"Can I have another cookie"
-Sorry Charlie

"Can I stay up late"
-Sorry Charlie

"Can I take the car tonight"
-Sorry Charlie

Charlie Jay Turcsanski
(don't EVEN think about calling him CJ)
8lbs 1 oz 19.5 in
11-11-08 3:00pm

Shortly after Charlie was born my nurse came in to check on me and noticed Charlie was having some trouble breathing and said she wanted to take him to do a quick "little" oxygen test. About an hour after that Ted and the nurse came back and informed me that he was going to be needing a slew of other things done and would need to stay in the NICU. I was pretty calm about everything until I went to visit him for the first time and saw him like this.....
It was the strangest thing having what I thought was a perfectly healthy baby leave my room only to see him an hour later with this machine hooked to him pumping air into his lungs. Of course my hormones were on an absolute rampage so that didn't help and the flood gates just wouldn't quit. Later that night the doctor gave us a lot of explanation on everything and that really helped. He assured us that Charlie just needed a little more time in the hospital and it was nothing life threatening or permanent.

I love baby FEET!

Max has actually been so sweet with the baby even though he seems a little bugged in this picture.

Jack and Charlie holding fingers

Grandma Lynda and Grandpa Jack

Grandma Cathy

It's A.........

2008-11-08T22:54:00.003-07:00

just an UPDATE! Naah, no baby yet. Only massive amounts of pictures that have been haunting me to get caught up on before this bambino gets here.

The Pumpkin Patch x2

2008-11-08T22:14:00.017-07:00

My mom has a little Halloween Party every year for the grandkids so we hit the Red Barn and Hee Haw Farms for our little family tradition this year. I just can't get enough of fields of pumpkins and hayrides. Although I thought I was going to go into labor at Hee Haw. Their hay ride was a litte bit CRAZY!

THE RED BARN

HEE HAW FARMS

Max is the happiest kid as long as he has a STICK, SWORD, or LIGHT SABER in hand! Unfortunately most others around him are not quite as happy.
(check out Jack's face)

I could sure use a little California right now

2008-11-08T21:28:00.033-07:00

I was actually starting to feel warm looking back through all these pictures. Our FREEZE OUT finally came to an end this week. Ted and I broke down and turned on the heater! I love that in between time of year when you don't need your heater or AC and your electric bill seems to disappear for a brief while....a very brief while ;)

Back in September we took a little Family Hurraah down to Cali. I had a wedding and we thought it was a good excuse to get away. We had the greatest time. On our drive down we stopped at Calico Ghost Town which I have always wanted to do but never done. It was a pretty cool ghost down just DEATHLY HOT!! Our poor dogs little feet were dying on the pavement.

kicking their feet up for a little break

house made out of glass bottles

panning for gold! the boys even found real gold nuggets. We cashed it in to pay for our gas though ;)

Ahh another break from the heat.

refreshing!

DISNEYLAND
Disneyland was a treat this year. No crowds and we got to hang out with our cool cousins from AZ who happened to be there the same day. Jack and Max loved having Evan around to enjoy the rides with.

Nap time

How does anyone STAND this ride??? Rich was kind enough to take the boys while Ted, Carly and I all passed.

ANGELS BABY! We love the Angels and my uncle Kelly scored us 10th row seats behind the first base line.

And of course.....THE BEACH! One day we hit Crescent Beach in Laguna my old hang out from high school and the day I shot the wedding the boys and cousins hit Balboa. Free entertainment is the best! They had the greatest time in the sand and water.

I love this picture!

More than meets the EYE

2008-11-08T21:20:00.004-07:00

Jack had a fun "Transformer" birthday party this year. We had the balloon guy/magician come back since he was such a hit last year and I'm starting to really enjoy parties where I don't have to do the entertaining. After the party I did what every mean mother does... made him turn over ALL transformers to me and only let him open one a day, you know...just to give us both a chance to figure out how to transform those dang things before another robot emerged from the package only to end up in pieces and me staring at the directions in complete confusion.

First Day of Preschool

2008-11-08T16:46:00.007-07:00

For the 3rd year....because Jack is my first I didn't quite understand all the deadlines and things with school like holding boys back if they are close and all that good stuff....so he'll be making his debut at preschool once again.

"Jesus is NOT your friend"

2008-10-17T08:35:00.004-06:00

So yesterday I pretty much had a Mommy Meltdown. I've really been trying to follow what Pres. Monson said...you know the talk...The one where he says ~Stop being so freakishly obsessive about your house, your work, your life and don't worry about picking up the toys and mopping the floor that you keep sticking to because the whole neighborhood helped themselves to an entire box of otter pops, the one about the piles of laundry and that little 2 year old that takes his diapers and clothes off at least 10 times a day and can't figure out what he wants and emotionally drains every last ounce of sanity out of you~ you know the one right???

So yesterday I was really trying to "Enjoy the Journey" I mean I was really REALLY trying. But by the end of the night one thing led to another and another and another and Mommy LOST IT! I yelled at Jack & Max for emptying ALL the bath water onto the bathroom floor and Jack just looked at me with this stern expression and yelled back......
"Jesus is NOT your FRIEND!"

Then since I'm 33 years old going on 5 years old I shouted back "Well he's not YOUR friend EITHER!!" (I know...I'm so mature huh?)

Then I started to cry :( boo whoo boo whoo ) really I was crying though... mostly because I knew I was jerk and Jack was right.

So today I'm going to TRY all over again, mostly because Jesus is one friend I can't afford to lose ;) And these boys are just too cute no matter how crazy they get.

Girls Weekend

2008-10-13T10:50:00.015-06:00

A few weeks ago we had the BEST girls weekend with my sisters, mom, aunts & cousins at my Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. It was so much fun to hang out and just talk and talk and shop and shop and beatify our faces with lovely masks, laugh, watch chick flicks, eat good food and listen to all my Aunt Lee Lee's stories, play crazy music games and best of all learn the dance moves to THRILLER!! Unless you were there it's best you not watch the video since it might be a bit scarier than Michael Jackson's face.

My mom on the chair with a few of her cute sisters.

The Face Mask....it took years off our faces;) Wish it took pounds off my butt.

Chick Flick Time

The Silky PJ sisters

Em, Lyd & Steph listening intently to one of LeeLee's amazing stories!

Allen & Eliason sisters. I love these girls!!

Saturday some of us went shopping and some hit the BYU game.

I miss everyone already! Can't wait for next year.

Tooting my OWN hOrN

2008-10-07T09:15:00.005-06:00

So I randomly found this little diddy about my photography...particularly highlighting my "Day in the Life" albums that I do. Anyway, I thought it was cool and a good excuse to get that picture of Jack giving everyone the BIRD off the opening post.

Salt Lake Sites

Salt Lake Sites - Site of the Day

Jennifer Eliason Photography

I stumbled on Jennifer Eliason's blog and found a photographer doing something really cool. Ms. Eliason is combining professional quality photography with scrapbook style layouts. The result is a really fun collection of pictures that show people really enjoying life.

Of course, this process of combining different art forms is the way that new art forms emerge.

Most photographers fall into the rut of imitating the styles that
they see in the photography magazines from the New York or San
Francisco. Combining Utah's love of scrapbooking with photography
creates a unique Salt Lake photography style.

Jennifer Eliason's main site uses flash animation with fun background music to show her vision of lifestyle and wedding photos. The Day in the Life page is a fun online photo production that celebrates everyday life.

Before you JUDGE me......

2008-09-29T09:44:00.005-06:00

just hear me out.
We are in a babysitting co-op with some friends so we get to go on hot dates 3 Fridays of every month! sweet huh?
My boys happen to be the ONLY boys...so they are learning lots a cool things like...how to be Prince Charming, being the "Dad" when the girls play house, how to be more sensitive, hold hands, use words instead of....Vrrroomm vroom, crash, bang etc and of course...painting FINGER NAILS!! Wait a second!

So a few weeks ago at the Perry home all the girls were painting their nails with Kenlie's latest nail polish. Ted said NO WAY when Jeff and Kristin asked his approval but after half the night of Jack sulking they decided a compromise would be to just paint ONE finger nail in "blueberry blue". Well, that was the ONE finger nail Jack choose to have painted.

Wow! we sure are proud of him.

p.s. thanks kristin for letting me steal the photos off your blog.

Greasy Food + Whirly Rides

2008-09-17T10:56:00.017-06:00

just don't mix!
Ted could not even drive us home after the fair because he was on the verge of throwing up. Which was probably my fault since when he suggested eating dinner somewhere else before we got to the fair I GASPED in disbelief!!

"We can't go to the fair and not plan on eating greasy corn dogs, gyros, fries, caramel apples, cotton candy, soda and my ALL time favorite...FUNNEL CAKES!!"

We voted this the best ride of the night! The BIG Yellow SLIDE

Being too little for the cool rides stinks

This is before the ride actually started doing it's whirly thing....

This is AFTER

Big Brotheritis

2008-09-08T09:18:00.007-06:00

The last few months I have just been loving the relationship between Max and Jack. I know things won't always be this cute between them but I'm just going to soak it up while I can. I love listening in on Jack talking to Max and how Max just hangs on every thing Jack does and says. At 18 months Max gave up his sippy, crib, highchair and booster seat all because Jack does not use any of those. He wants to be a Big Boy sooooo bad and many tantrums are a result of him not being able to ride a two-wheeler bike yet.

Jack just learned to snap, in this first picture I LOVE LOVE how Max is leaning toward Jack listening to the faint little sound of his SNAP with an expression that says it all. You can often find Max trailing behind Jack making a clicking sound with his mouth but moving his fingers like he is really snapping.

Max trying to figure out how Jack climbed up.
"My turn!"

Until I can figure what I am doing with the bunk bed vs. trundle bed decision and since Max refuses the crib the boys have been sleeping in Jack's twin bed together. One night Max was being fussy and having a hard time going to sleep when Ted and I overhead this little bedtime song from Jack. It's pretty dark and the volume isn't the best but it just melts my heart.

Where Was I ???

2008-08-21T09:26:00.006-06:00

I'd just like to know.....WHERE WAS I when they were handing out the "Cute, Skinny, Baby Bump, Pregnant" genes??? Oh.....that's right...I was standing in the Chocolate Shake, French Fries & Girl Scout Cookie line, my bad.

So this is pretty much the last picture of me I'm posting on my blog until after the baby minus 100lbs occurs...which could be awhile...a really long while. So don't go holding your breath or anything. Not like you were....but I just thought I'd let you know. Oh yeah...this also wasn't one of those "Fishing" for compliments, "Feel Sorry for me," "You're not Fat" kind of post. Believe me...I have a scale...I know the TRUTH and it's not pretty.

This is my friend Rachelle. She is one of those "Cute, Skinny, Baby Bump, Pregnant" people and if I didn't love her soooo much I'd hate her ;) By the way we are due the same week. NICE.

Our cute boys...Jack, Jamison & Carter

Max..down for the count

Mommy Questions gone BAD

2008-07-23T09:31:00.006-06:00

So I saw this on my friend Bryn's blog last week and I thought to myself....
"That is so sweet, I've just got to do that with Jack."
So I go down the hall all excited and interrupt Jack who is happily playing with his transformers and say...
"Hey Jack, come in my office I want to play a little game with you and ask you some questions."

I should have known things would not turn out as PERFECTLY as I had imagined them in my mind.

This is the picture I took of him about half way through the questions. He is totally into this Mother/Son moment.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
“ this is not a game mom.”
2. What makes mom happy?
“Uhh, I snuggle with you.”
3. What makes mom sad?."
“When I do bad things.”
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
“burp things.” (K-that is so not true)
5. What was your mom like as a child?
“a girl.”
6. How old is your mom?
“26.” Sweet!
7. How tall is your mom?
“I don’t know”
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
“I don’t know, I don’t want to do this okay.”
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
“I don’t know, just nothing.”
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
“I’m just done okay.”
11. What is your mom really good at?
“I want to go play, I don’t want to do this.”
12. What is your mom not very good at?
"Mom, come on, I don’t want to do this.”
13. What does your mom do for her job?
“Take pictures”
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
“Oreos” -those are jack and ted's favorite food. I won't deny I can put away entire box of girl scout thin mints in a single sitting though ;)
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
“Oreos”
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
“bumble bee.” {The transformer}
17. What do you and your mom do together?
We make sandwich stuff and Oreo stuff.”
18. How are you and your mom the same?
"I don’t want to do this anymore."
19. How are you and your mom different?
“baseball.”
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
“I just don’t want to do this anymore.”

Oh What do you do in the Summer time???

2008-07-14T14:15:00.001-06:00

Apparently, I'm not much into blogging....but for the sake of our yearly book I'll attempt to play catch up on what we have been doing even though I really can't stand the sight of my computer after editing non-stop weddings.

I HEART Ted

2008-07-05T13:12:00.003-06:00

Happy Anniversary to us. It's funny how your perception of "True Love" changes over the years. It seems like every year that passes with Ted the things I think equal TRUE LOVE become different things.

LIKE....
when we first met on this singles Water Ski trip I thought....
"Wow, that guy can really lay down some sweet rooster tails....it must be TRUE LOVE."
OR...
"This Ted character is quite the skiier...This is for sure TRUE LOVE."

and when.....
Almost every one of our dates revolved around the Olympic events or Concerts...
I for sure thought..."TRUE LOVE."

AND...when he always left me cute little notes and messages...well, of course...
"TRUE LOVE"

then when he asked me to marry him.....come on! who gets married unless it's...."TRUE LOVE."

Now, things are different. Don't get me wrong I still love that Ted is a maniac on the slopes and love to water-ski with him on those off years when I don't happen to be pregnant but I'm finding the things that define "TRUE LOVE" to me are the simplest things.

LIKE...
Ted's cousins shaving his head into a Mohawk hours before a family wedding reception last week! TRUE LOVE...right?
When he thinks he is Randy Jackson and while I'm singing says stuff to me like:
"those were some MAD VOCALS dawg."
or
"Yeah, I don't know dawg...it was a little pitchy for me."

and when the boys ask him for something.....
"It's gonna be a no for me dawg."

and sweet little moments with our boys. TRUE LOVE.

And finally, the #1 reason it's TRUE LOVE....he cleans the bathrooms for me just because he knows how much I HATE cleaning bathrooms.

Happy Anniversary Tedy!!

Boys go Camping Girls go to Grease!

2008-06-20T11:53:00.002-06:00

When I was growing up we used to chant ..."Boys go Camping, Girls go to Grease" the day of the Father and Sons camp out. The boys would leave for the camp out and the girls would head to the drive-in to watch Grease that apparently always played at the local drive-in.
Well, this year the "Boys went Camping...and Jen cleaned the house." Tragic really, but it had to be done. The "Girls Go to Grease" part may also never happen since we are expecting our 3rd BOY! I'm afraid the burping, farting and skinned knees will continue. As loud, crazy and crud as our house can be, I still wouldn't change a thing.

Brave Ted looks a little worn after a night of camping with Jack & Max

Max is clearly wiped out after giving Ted a run for his money.

There he is now...giving Ted that "run" for his money.

Swim Lessons

2008-06-16T11:34:00.006-06:00

The boys took swim lessons this year and did great. Jack is a pro and Max...although not a pro is fearless and loves to jump off the diving board and swim/glide with a push between me and the stairs now. Max learned some great survival skills for the water which in my book is worth EVERY penny of swim lessons. If you are tired of the rec center group lessons that consist of blowing bubbles, playing games and about 4 min of time with your kid let me know. These guys are awesome and teach year round.

Turk Family Reunion

2008-06-12T11:19:00.013-06:00

We had a great time camping with the Turks down in Kodachrome Basin. The kids love spending time with all their cousins and we had so much fun finding all the treasures on our Geo-Caching adventures. One night the ranger gave a little lesson on the stars and we got to see Saturn and the Moon up close through the gigantic telescopes!

What the Hail!!

2008-06-10T14:35:00.004-06:00

My sister-laws, mother-in law and my mom all did the 36 mile Little Red Robin Hood Charity bike ride. It was pretty fun for the most part. I could have done without the HAIL pounding me while riding and the really sore REAR & LEGS. Luckily the hail only lasted 10 min...Unfortunately, the rear and legs part lasted more like 3 days! Oh well...all for the Breast Cancer cause. Other than those few things I really enjoyed the following:
1. It wasn't a race
2. They had cookies, diet coke and chocolate bars at the rest/aid/ gain 10lbs stations
3. the scenery was beautiful
4. When you crossed the finish line they poured you sparling cider in champagne glasses for a toast.
5. Subway sandwiches and hot chocolate at the finish.
6. Hanging out with the girls!

I wish those other "competitive" races would wake up and start serving cookies instead of bananas!

Rice -a- Roni...The San Francisco Treat!

2008-06-09T23:03:00.015-06:00

That was the tune Ted and I couldn't get out of heads our entire trip. Despite the song we still managed to have some fun. I had a wedding on Saturday and Ted joined me for a few days of quality time together....without kiddos! Ted and I RARELY (yeah right) disagree on anything...except for how to spend vacation time. He likes to -go go go...see it all...read every sign and fill his smart little brain with EVEN more knowledge then he already has jammed packed in it. I on the other hand like to....sleep, read, eat, go to the pool, sleep, read, eat...you get the idea. So we did a little of both. The only thing I would never recommend or do EVER again was this stupid 4 HOUR bus tour. The tour guide was a little crazy. Rules like...Turn off cell phones and no talking! If you ABSOLUTELY needed to communicate it was to be done in a WHISPER! and try not to use the bathroom in the back of the bus. What? So I just took a nap instead. We also missed our plane coming home because SOME IDIOT (me) thought we left at 7pm not 7am. Yikes! That was an expensive mistake. After a few tears from an emotional pregnant lady we ended up on a different airline and home at 2am. I'll never make the mistake of leaving the a.m. or p.m. part out of my planner again.....very key info apparently ;)

(p.s. just so you don't think I'm a total jerk when it comes to sight seeing...this was not the first, second or even third time we had been to San Fran and "seen the sights.")

The Painted Ladies

Muir Woods

I left my brain in San Francisco

The view from our room

The wild bus tour

The "I don't want to ask anyone to take our picture shot."

Foggy Golden Gate

Ted letting me be artsy with him

Street Cars

I LOVE this picture

China Town...of course Ted was striking up conversations with everyone he could find that would talk to him in Chinese. I could never have learned that language.

The Shoe Cobbler

2008-06-02T20:56:00.003-06:00

I have these types of conversations with Ted on a regular basis:

ME: You can't wear that
Ted: what? why not?
ME: It just doesn't go...gray and brown just don't go together and p.s. your belt should also match your shoes...it doesn't.
Ted: Says who? What fact based evidence do you have that these things don't match? Where is the book? Your degree in clothes matching? huh? huh? Why should I believe you???
ME: Trust me hun...it just doesn't go. I'm only looking out for you -k.
Ted: Whatever, you're the only one that even notices, I don't need to change my clothes....

To which I roll my eyes, smile and walk away because I know in 1 minute he will most likely be in something different.

We also have conversations about old clothes and shoes that he refuses to throw away. One particular pair of shoes (shown in the photo above) have been haunting me ever since we got married. They are old, ugly and the soles are completely pulling apart. I beg him to let me throw them away at least once a month... the conversation goes like this:

ME: Can I throw those piece a crap shoes away please?
Ted: Those are awesome, good quality shoes Jen, I've had them since my mission.
ME: Exactly....what was that like 50 years ago?
Ted: They are in great shape I just need to get them re-soled
ME: I'm sure you can buy a new pair for cheaper then re-soling them would cost.
Ted: I doubt it...

So today I opened our garbage to find the VERY SHOES I've been dying to throw away IN THE GARBAGE. You can imaging my SHOCK! So I frantically call Ted:

ME: Ted....there must be some mistake! Your shoes are in the garbage and I swear I didn't put them there!!!
Ted: (Laughing because he knows I'm being sarcastic) Well I took them to the shoe repair shop and it turns out it would cost me $55 just to have them re-soled.
ME: Wow, you totally made my day ;) Thanks, Love ya~

I TRIed to TRI...but it was so hard so I just finished.

2008-05-28T14:16:00.015-06:00

(Aaron- my brother, Diana- family friend, Me - Crazy)

Well the Triathlon was interesting. I don't think I'll EVER do that particular race again...especially pregnant. My Dad "conveniently" forgot to mention to me that it is ranked the hardest Tri in Utah and you have to run in SAND the entire WAY!! Thanks Dad...I should have known you'd pull something like that ;) It was freezing and windy that morning and I was secretly FREAKING out about the swim. The white caps were crazy and I watched a ton of the Olympic distance athletes (you know the ones who actually know what they are doing) being pulled out of the water by jet skis and onto this boat to take them back to shore because they just couldn't make the swim in those conditions. So at that point I start praying for a miracle since I'm WAAAAAY too proud and stubborn to bow out of something I know will most likely be the death of me. All of a sudden before the Sprint Distance heats started they announced they would be canceling the swim because of the danger and we would just start on the bike. I'm telling you right now GOD answers PRAYERS!!! It was one of a few miracles I've witnessed in my life. Anyway, everything else was fine SLOW but fine. It was still windy on the bike and if you've ever biked in the wind....it's pretty much like biking UP hill the entire time. Like I cared. I was too busy munching on my power bars and enjoying the breeze the other bikers shared as they raced past me. Wait, what....was this a race? Ted was dying that I took a 10 min pit stop in the transition area before starting the run while everyone else was in and out in 2 or 3 minutes. Again... this is a race??? I guess that competitive spirit in me just decided to take a little break. So I finished. The End.

Uncle Kelly & Ted...most likely talking about the Angels

Dad starting the "wet-suit jam your body in" portion of the morning

Diana- did the Olympic distance,took 2nd place in her age division, finished the swim!
( Wonder Woman)

I haven't even started and I look sooooo happy
( this was before I found out they canceled my swim)

the boat bringing the almost drowning victims back in

This is my brother Aaron who I saw in this position as I was leaving for the run. He was already finished with the ENTIRE triathlon. Stud.

Uncle Kelly from Cali

I can see the finish line at this point. Which is the only reason I am smiling.

Cheering for my Dad on the home stretch.

Max and Diana on a little hike in Snow Canyon

The Family (well some of them)

Try Tri Tri

2008-05-10T05:14:00.002-06:00

So today I'm going to TRY to TRI in my second TRI. Did you get that??? Yep we're having baby. Complete shock for us seeing how we fell into the 3% category of contraception not working! Apparently, someone else had a different plan for us ;) Things have been crazy around here lately and as my mom put it..."That's just life Jen." Ummm, thanks Mom...I guess. So I'll be attempting to finish this Triathlon and hoping there is not too much puking along the way. I'm sure I'll be bringing up the rear in the race pack that I won't have to really worry about anyone getting offended by it. Anyway, I'll post after the weekend. Not sure if any beached whale pictures of me in my wetsuit will quite make it to the blog but at least I'll confirm if I'm alive.

Here is the last Triathlon I did at 11 years old coming in last place! Somehow I scored a First Place trophy and medal for the honor of coming in last but first in my age division. Don't think that will be happening again.

p.s. I know you want a pair of those sweet running tights. Gosh I had style.

Really Bad Day

2008-05-08T21:23:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was pretty much the worst day of my life. About 5:30pm I sat Max down in front of the TV, left the room for about a minute to grab a load of laundry to fold. When I got back in my room Max's eyes were rolling back in his head and his face was pale. I picked him up and he just laid there in my arms lifeless and unconscious. At this point I'm really starting to freak out and lose it, I dialed 911 and could barely talk through my tears and hysterics but managed to get our address out to the operator. He was asking me a gazillion questions and trying to keep me calm but all I could think was "my baby is dying right in my arms what do I do." A few minutes into the 911 call, while still unconscious Max started having a seizure in my arms and as I'm sure you can imagine that really sent me into an emotional tail spin. Within a minute the seizure was over and he opened his eyes and just started screaming for about 10 seconds then went right back into this unconscious state. About that time Ted got home and a few minutes after the Firetruck, ambulance and police car arrived. Quite a scene for our little Ginger Place cul de sac The paramedics checked all his vitals and made sure he was stable to transport. He came out of his unconscious state while they were checking him over and just kept doing this blank stare and unresponsive look. By the time we got loaded in the ambulance he was pretty alert and doing well. During the ambulance ride he zoned in and out a few times but mostly just seemed really agitated and fussy.

The hospital was another joy....finding a vein for an I.V. in a chubby 18 month old sure was fun. The plastic straight jacket contraption they put him in for the chest x-ray was heart breaking to watch, Ted had to hold his head down while they tried to get a decent CT scan which didn't really happen because he had really had it by this point with all the test, prodding and poking. Finally, Max decided to pull his I.V. out which resulted in quite a mess and another screaming episode while we pinned him down to get it under control.

Anyway, it was just a really long night for all of us. We were sent home with little answers and told to see his pediatrician and schedule an EEG at Primary Children's. This morning his pediatrician seemed to think the seizure was most likely brought on by sudden spike in his temperature. I checked his temp through out the day and he never had a fever he just seemed to sleep a lot through out the day leading up to the seizure. Apparently, even a slight change in his temperature by a degree or two could be enough to bring on the seizure. So we're going to go with that for now and hope it was a one time thing.

Today he has been doing great and seems to be completely back to his crazy self. After a sleepless night I am just grateful to have Max back to his normal self as wild as that may be. Ted was so great through out the whole ordeal, kept things positive and gave Max the sweetest blessing at the hospital. We are so grateful to have so many of you as friends and family and are so thankful for all your sweet phone calls, prayers and concern for our family. After we got home from the hospital I just cried as I listened to all the messages on our machine. We are truly, truly blessed to know you. Thank you so much. We love you.

Jumping Jack

2008-05-05T18:02:00.001-06:00

Organized Chaos

2008-04-26T15:27:00.008-06:00

Today was Jack's first Soccer game and about the only part of the game that was organized was their shirt color. It was one crazy and hilarious game. Most of the time it was like a herd of kids all clumped around the ball. There was zero passing and I saw a lot of ball hogging by one little boy in particular....mine! He was so proud of his 3 goals which I believe is called a Hat Trick if my very minimal knowledge of soccer is correct. Speaking of "Minimal Knowledge" I guess the socks go OVER the shin guards. Yeah, didn't figure that one out until about half way through the game.

This is a great shot of Jack pushing his OWN team-mate out of the way.
Max enjoyed the water and cheering from the sidelines. And if you are not from around here, that indeed is snow on the mountains.....don't even get me started!

Spring Break in St. George

2008-04-21T16:26:00.011-06:00

The boys and I spent last week in St. George with my brothers and my parents. It was nice to get away from the 40 degree weather at home and enjoy some sunshine! I had a great time biking with my dad in decent weather. He is training for another Ironman (crazy) and I'm attempting to get ready for my 2nd EVER triathlon next month. The first was when I was 11 and I came in LAST place with a police escort but walked away with this huge trophy since I was the only one in my age division. Nice huh? I'm hoping for anything but the police escort this go around ;) We had a great time at the pool and took a day trip to Zion's for some hiking. We sure missed Ted but, hey...someones got to pay the bills.
On our way out of town I snagged a shot of my dad cruising home from the pool on his beach cruiser. My mom has a sweet one too! They are pretty cute riding together on their cruisers.
Grandma and the boyz
Grandpa, Jack & Max building towers with dominoes (Max was actually doing the destruction.)
Hike up to the Narrows
Jack and my brother Sam
Grandma got her work-out pushing Max up the trail.

I'll take a Naked Sandwich

2008-04-07T18:39:00.002-06:00

Alright, alright...get your mind out of the gutter! I asked Jack yesterday what kind of Sandwich he wanted me to make him.

Jack: "I'll take a Naked Sandwich."
Me: ( a little confused and concerned) "Umm, what exactly is on a Naked Sandwich?"
Jack: "Just nothing"
Me: (again confused) "so you just want to eat air?"
Jack: "Mom stop being funny, just the white stuff (mayo) and bread okay."
Me: "Got it."

Seriously, I've never heard of a Naked Sandwich before so if you know where he got this from, please enlighten me.

Random Stuff

2008-03-30T22:09:00.010-06:00

I got a call today from some one in the Primary Presidency....(you can imagine that my heart stopped as I thought he might have reverted to his D#!@ it ways). Thankfully, the conversation went something like this:

Sis F: "Jen I just have to tell you the funniest thing that happened in primary today."

Me: "uh-oh"

Sis F: "I asked for a volunteer to say the opening prayer and Jack's hand shot right up! We all bowed our heads and got ready for his prayer .......

"I'd like to bear my testimony, I know this church is true, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

They figured that was good enough for the opening prayer and Jack sat back in his seat so proud of himself.

Some cute singing BATH TIME pictures of the boys.

SWING DANCING:
Ted and I made a list this year...It's called 50 in 5. Basically 50 things we want to do in the next 5 years. Well, this weekend we got to cross off Swing Dancing Lessons. We learned the East Coast Swing which was SOOOO much harder than it looked. Well at least for me! I knew Tami would catch on pretty quick since she grew up dancing but during the lesson I kept watching her and she was out of control!!! I kept thinking "Am I that lame that I can't figure this Rock step, triple step stuff out?" Ummmm can you say NATIONAL SWING DANCE CHAMPION!! Hello! Nice Tami. Not exactly the information you keep secret when you are paying someone else for dance lessons. It was way fun though. We still need to learn West Coast, Charleston, Jitterbug and the one I'm really excited for...The Lindy Hop. Should be fun times.

St. Patrick's Day

Little Awesome

2008-03-18T22:29:00.011-06:00

This is the newest member of our family, my little nephew Austin Ryan. Since my sister Jackie has turned into such a BLOG FLAKE I'm posting these shots for her and our family who hasn't seen the darling little bug yet. My dad who "thinks" he is so funny nicked named him AWESOME Austin. His big sister Sidney thinks he is pretty Awesome too! They are so cute together. I love the picture of her just staring at her little brother.

The Hot Dogs

2008-03-07T23:04:00.007-07:00

Jack & Elle finished ski school last month. They did so good! Olympics here we come!

After one of Jack's lessons we hit the slopes together. Probably not the best idea...since it had started snowing, he was tired, cold and had to go to the bathroom. I could tell he was about to lose it, so in all my "Positive Mom" power I began saying....

"Way to go Jack, you're such a HOT DOG!"
his whiny response:
"I'm not a HOT DOG...I'm just a BOY!"

catching some "air" off their favorite jump

The Magic Tree that gave out candy before they started down the slopes.

Proud Momacita's had some fun too!

Quench the Thirst

2008-02-26T13:54:00.003-07:00

Come on....now who doesn't love a little watered down Diet Coke?

MAYBE

2008-02-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Me: "No."
Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Me: "No."
Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Me: "No."
Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Me: "No."
(This dialog occurs at least 100 more times during the day)

Ted arrives home from work......

Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Ted: "No."

Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Ted: "No."

Jack: "Can I play x-box?"
Ted: "No."
(this dialog occurs at least 50 more times)

Jack: "How 'bout you just say MAYBE?"

(side note: we aren't completely cruel you know...he has a few chores he has to do before he can play and somehow he couldn't put away the very toys he took out, so...the answer was NO all day!)

America's Next Top Model

2008-02-07T19:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had such a blast shooting my first ever FASHION GIG for a high end Granite Company. I'm excited for the concept to roll out (stay tuned for that). Utah County isn't going to know what hit them ;) You want to guess how old these girls are???? Try 17!! Anyway, I'm usually ANTI studio but it was so fun to play with the lighting and get some cool effects. I thought I would share a few favorites.

You know modeling would really be such a fun life if you didn't have to STARVE yourself!!! Although I asked these girls if they have to be super careful with food and both said they eat junk all the time. WHAT! Just wait until your 30 girls!!! Just you wait!

Deep Thoughts by Ted Turcsanski

2008-02-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

While watching American Idol last night...........

"It amazes me that Heavenly Father loves ALL of his children."

"What can we do so our kids don't turn out like that?"

Sleigh Riding

2008-01-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Grandma & Grandpa Turk had their Annual Sledding Party in Park City. We had a great time with tons of snow and the blue sky made for a perfect day. Jack the "No Fear" kid hit the jump as well as his crazy aunts, uncles and of course his dad. Can't wait for next year!

This is my favorite picture of Ted catching some sweet air

Fraidy Cat Paint-baller

2008-01-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

One of our New Years Resolution is for Date Night to be more than just dinner, a movie and some shopping. So thank you to Nate and Lacey for helping us start the New year off right, with a little hard core paint-balling. Only I wasn't really all that Hard CORE. I was just hard core freaked out of my mind! I probably asked the paint-ball workers a dozen times...so how bad is it gonna hurt?" "How big of a bruise will it leave?" "On a scale of 1-10...what is the pain like?" "What happens if I swallow some of the paint?" "Has anyone had to go to the ER after playing?" For someone who prides herself in having a decent amount of "toughness" I was sounding like an absolute PANSY! So with my 20 layers of clothing, ski hat and ski gloves on I decided to go for it. Anyway, we ended up having a great time. Happy Birthday NATE!

Christmas Fun

2008-01-08T19:49:00.001-07:00

If you've taken down your Christmas decorations and having with-drawls....feel free to stop on by for a little Christmas cheer!! I promise it is all coming down. I thought maybe Ted would surprise me while I was in California last week and I would come home to a Christmas Free house. No such luck. I think the boys kept him pretty busy :) I've been meaning to post some of these pictures for awhile now but I've been SUPER busy taking my Christmas decorations down (HAH! yeah right).

The video (Thanks Lisa & Ace) is my NUTZO mom leading us in her favorite holiday jig.

This shot of Jack is him embracing his long lost Monkey. He thought it was gone forever when he left it at the movie theater. Luckily Santa has connections and brought it to the Turk party the next day in his Big Red bag!

Drew & Carla doing a little Grecian dance for our Christmas around the world theme. That was the best entertainment we've had in awhile!
What would Christmas be with out my cute mom sitting at the piano in her Santa Apron.
The two hot preggers. Now it's only one hot pregger momma! Congrats Lydia and hang in their Jackie ;)

Sidney & Maggie singing their hearts out.
Here comes Santa Clause, here comes Santa Clause...right down....the hall!

This is a classic shot of Kaitlyn. Sometimes I wish if I cover MY eyes things will just go away! (Like maybe my Christmas decorations)
A visit to the Rest Home so Santa could do his Home Teaching. This was actually one of my favorite parts of the night.

ShazZZam Max in his big brothers cape.

Diva Sidney checking herself out on screen.
The girls loved grandma's new addition to the toy closet...PRINCESS DRESS UPS!
Maggie having a PRINCESS crisis....she can't decide which princess she want to be.
Meet our new Kitchen table CENTER PIECE. The thing is still on the table, we eat around it, do homework around it and in between................of course, RACE!
We also got to spend a few days of our holiday hanging out with Ted's "favorite" cousin Dave & his fun wife Alicia.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas morning. We sure had fun and now I'm off to take a nap with Max. Seriously....if I never put a race car track together again I will be TOTALLY fine with that. Can't they just come assembled instead of in a gagillion parts?? Oh well, still worth every minute for the the expressions Christmas morning :)

(p.s. I'm also not very fond of those twisty ties anymore ...why do they put 10 of them on a toy?...one would do just fine, thank you. )Here are a few more photos from our picture day that didn't make the Christmas card cut.

The "Other" side of the lens

2007-12-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today I had the thrilling experience to be on the other side of the camera lens. We had your typical crazy morning because, of course we were taking pictures. Max has been sick. I'd already rescheduled once before in hopes he would feel better so I was bound and determined to make this work with a sick baby and the current temp at 2 degrees! (well not really 2 degrees but it felt like it). We raced out the door and were on our way to pick Ted up from work when I had a little "mother prompting" to turn around and get some spare clothes for Max and take the shirt off he was going to wear for pictures. About 5 minutes later...disaster! You know what EVERYWHERE. So I pulled off the side of the road and began clean-up using the only thing I had on hand. An entire package of baby wipes. En route I realized I left Ted's jeans at home, so I made the embarassing call to our photographer..."Uhh Tiff, sorry we're going to be a little late (I HATE WHEN PEOPLE ARE LATE TO PHOTOSHOOTS! Don't they know were dealing with a limited time frame on light! gesh!) so yeah, Tiff we're going to be a little late, we gotta stop at the Mall and pick Ted up some jeans....please say you'll still be my friend." Fortunately, she agreed that our friendship would not be over. PHEW. I'm not sure how long we were out in the cold but I'm pretty sure Max will be either crying, looking away or lying his head down in every picture. I'm such a crappy mom for dragging him out in the cold (please don't report me to CSS). Jack did great as my seasoned model making sure he NEVER said "Cheese" with that crazy face and eyes closed look. Ted was a good sport and tolerated it all. In the end it wasn't so bad, but I did make a solemn pledge to TED and the gang that we will never be last on my list again and next year we will be taking pictures in the summer or at the beach with a minimum temperature of 70 degrees. Thanks Tiff you rule!

My Gingerbread MEN

2007-12-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Well it's starting to feel like Christmas around here. Snow on the ground, Christmas lights up and of course GINGERBREAD houses! We decided to build Gingerbread houses the old fashion way........you know buy the $8 kit from Costco. It was still fun and the boys had a blast.

Max did a great job cleaning out the frosting tube for us.Hard at work

Max got bored so he decided to go have fun at his usual hangout...The tree.

Building houses is a lot of work. Jack is pooped! Time for bed.

It's Business Time

2007-12-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

(Ashlin don't watch this until your 18)

When Ted and I were in the airport a few weeks ago at some insane hour of the morning we started checking in on all of your blogs. We got to Steph's
and just lost it. We were laughing so hard at 5:30am that people started to stare. I especially love the part where he trips over his pants because his shoes are still on. Thanks Steph you made our morning :)

What the ____!!

2007-11-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

(please do not read if you are a perfect Mormon)

Sunday I'm sitting in Ward Council and the Bishop casually mentions something about our meeting time at 1:00pm AGAIN next year. I shake my head thinking maybe my ears heard that wrong. Clearly, I thought I heard that wrong, seeing how we've already had the joy of meeting at that glorious hour this year. The entire room must have been privy to this information before me since I was the only one in the room with my jaw to the floor. Then in a louder voice then normal...I managed to get out "What the heck?" What I really wanted to say was "What the hell?" But I refrained for obvious reasons. I'm sure we're already labeled as the "potty mouth" family anyway after Jack's previous outburst in sunbeams. So after much thought, Ted and I have narrowed our choices down to these:

A. Stop going to church
B. Join another church
C. Go to a different ward
D. Suck it up and stop complaining

I know, I know, some people like that time. But here at the Turk house...we hate it! So don't leave a comment on how great that time is and how much you love it, because I'm still kind of bugged and I don't want to hear it.

Rollercoasters, Friends, Pictures, Oh MY!!

2007-11-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Last week Ted and I had the craziest 48 hours...

THURSDAY
3:45am - get up, get ready, head to the airport.
7:05am - Land and begin the search for my B-day breakfast at IHOP
8:00am- Located IHOP proceeded to stuff my face
9:30am- Disneyland....Yahoo...BIG KID RIDES baby!
3:45pm -Balboa Island engagement shoot
6:30pm - Dinner with friends
11:00pm- BED (finally)

FRIDAY
Wedding all DAY (Ted went to Disneyland again with his brother Gabe & Fam)

SATURDAY
3:45 am- get up, get ready, head to airport
11:00am- get home, give the boys hugs and kisses, shower.
1:00pm- back to SLC for another all day wedding
Okay I realize that was a little more than 48 hours but the other number didn't sound as dramatic :)

If you couldn't tell the chick with her hand in the air is me. I would have had both but my hat started to blow off. Cruella needed a beautiful model so logically she picked that hot hunk of burning love :)

Dinner with some of my good friends from Laguna. We missed you Shannon & Shelle. (Sorry about the flame coming out of your head Andy)
I know this picture is blurry, but it was with our PnS and the flash just washed out the whole ambiance so this is what you get. They were awesome, we just missed most of the dinner conversation because the volume was SOOOO loud. Yikes, I think I'm getting old...did I just say the volume was too loud? Yep...definitely another year older :)

Happy First Day Max!

2007-11-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Max's FIRST birthday which we celebrated last night with our family.
This was the FIRST moment today Max got to play with his birthday toys all by himself without his BIG brother hogging everything.
Max's FIRST steps on his FIRST birthday!

His FIRST fall of many as he starts learning to walk.
And finally Max's FIRST disaster. Guess it's time to move all my breakable stuff back up high again. Whoops.
I can't believe it's already been a year since this little guy was born. He is such a TURCSANSKI and we love him!

I've been Tagged!

2007-11-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks a lot Kristin! Don't you know I'm really not that interesting anymore. So here are "7 interesting facts" that I had to turn back the clock a bit for....

1. Yes folks that beauty was mine Sophomore year of college. See the deal was my dad said he would match what I made that summer I was home from school. So I saved every dime and at the end of the summer my dad showed up with a NEW proposition: I get this sweet Cadi (some client gave him to pay for a job) and I get to keep the money I made. Hmmm, I was a little embarrassed but then I remembered I drove an El Camino in High School! So I took the leather seats and power windows to snowy Utah. Much to my surprise it ended up being a hit with the guys. Anytime we did ANYTHING we had to take my Cadi. My friends would call it the "Pimp Daddy Cadi."
2. I love playing the guitar and writing silly songs. Since I was single for SOOOO long I felt it was only fitting I write a song about Christmas and being single. It was the number 1 hit on the family charts!! So EVERY freaking family Christmas party they made me sing it. Like it wasn't bad enough I was single for yet another year they still wanted to hear it.
When Ted and I got married I couldn't write bitter girl songs anymore so I wrote him a love song and sang it at our wedding luncheon. It was still silly... just not bitter.
3. Somewhere in my crazy head I thought I was born to be an ice skater. So at 24 years old I bought myself some white skates and took lessons. Seriously, are you laughing??? Well, just be glad I didn't put my competition video on here. You would pee your pants! Skate skirt and all.

4. I've finished (keyword finished) 5 marathons

5. I'm a "to-do" list junkie. I love lists, I love crossing things off, even if I already did the item and forgot to write it on my list, I'll put it on there just to get the satisfaction of crossing it off.

6. I raced on the Ski Team in college. I wasn't that great, I just loved the free season passes and fun trips we took when competing.

7. The last interesting fact about me is....I have a REALLY hard time saying NO to people. I think it is the people pleaser/oldest child in me. I look at it as a good thing most of the time.

So the truth is I really don't like doing these. I love reading them...don't get me wrong. I just don't like doing them. Sorry Kristin...you know I couldn't say no, I've got issues. So all of you...if you want to get tagged...YOU'RE IT!!! but you know you can say no. I just can't.

Dinner.........a waste of time.

2007-11-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Unless Corndogs are on the menu Jack usually takes a little convincing to eat what I've prepared. I don't claim to be the best cook by any means but when I busted out the Potato Bar last night I thought it would be a hit! It wasn't. So it began....Take 5 bites Jack and then you can be done....Way to go! How about another? You are such a good eater. Wow, you're going to be so strong. Usually, I can sidetrack him enough to tack on another few bites without him knowing. Apparently, he is beating me at my own game and wasn't having any of the bonus bites I tried to sneak in. Midway through this process, he looked up at me and said...."Mom, this is just a waste of time."

Gracias & The Bike Gang

2007-10-30T16:05:00.000-06:00

I'm still in Cali and just to tick my best friend off who is "Anti-blogging" (gasp!) I thought I would post directly from her house in hopes that one day she will break down and give into the blogging ways. So I need to do a shout out to my girls back in Utah that saved my booty last week. You know who you are. Thank you, thank you for stuffing my marketing envelopes, watching my kids, doing carpool when it wasn't your turn, squeezing me in for a training and letting me vent when I was exhausted and delirious from sleep deprivation. You rule and I love you! Thanks also to my hot hubby who came home early from work and stayed up WAY past his bedtime to help me get ready for my show. Thanks to my mom and mother in law who also watched my boys, helped with the Halloween program at school and otherwise did my job as a mother. I love you both.

Here is the hard core biker boys. They are so hilarious to watch. So far so good with the ramp and the ER. This was Jack's b-day present and while standing in the check out line paying for the jump I could also see "future" Jen paying the hospital for the injuries sure to come . That is when I ran to the back of the store and threw ... wrist, elbow and knee pads into my shopping cart.

Holding it!

2007-10-24T15:25:00.000-06:00

I have a hard time understanding Jack and his potty antics. He waits until the VERY very last second possible to dash to the bathroom where he then does this frantic dance to get his pants down in time. I'm not sure if he is just afraid he'll miss out on our exciting life or if it really doesn't register until it is the millisecond before disaster!

Me: "Jack where ya headed?"

Jack: "Nowhere."

Me: "Oh really, how 'bout we hit the bathroom dude?"

Jack: "Nah."

Me: "it really looks like you gotta go."

Jack: "Nah, I don't gotta go Mom."

This picture was taken after he finally broke down and went to the bathroom. He looks a little less tense, don't cha think?

Pumpkin Party & Zoo day (hour)

2007-10-19T22:04:00.000-06:00

This week was jammed packed full of kid fun! We went to my Mom's for a cousin Pumpkin Party and then hit the Zoo the next day. I'm pretty sure that was our last trip to the zoo until next spring. It was so stink-n cold! The nice part was...Zero crowds, all the animals were out and we circled the place in an hour flat! That was serious record Zoo time. I have such a hard time choosing which photos to post that I did another slideshow. I love the song. I sometimes sing it to Ted and he eats it up! It's so cute I still thought it was appropriate for kiddo pictures.

Uh... do I know you?

2007-10-18T08:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday in Costco (i love costco) I had finished the "important" stuff and proceeded to stroll down my FAVORITE middle section of the place. I was just cruising along humming a little diddy when this lady passes me, staring, with this HUGE grin. At first I was like "do I know her from somewhere?" Then I realized..... I was humming the tune to Elmo's World. Nice. I'm for sure a Mom and apparently so is she.

I love my Mom

2007-10-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

I la la la LOVE her! She watched my boys TWO days in a row for me while I shot some weddings. Jack could hardly wait to go spend time with her, on the first day he wheels out this huge suitcase and tells me "I need to take this to Maga's (grandma's)." I think he was hoping for a sleep over or extended stay vacation. Anyway, today she watched the boys at my house.... I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I walked through the doors to my IMMACULATE house! She is amazing. That is why God gave her specials powers to have 7 children! So thank you mom. I love you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo MUCH!!

I'm still here...

2007-10-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

just buried under insane amount catching up. Actually, come to think of it I ALWAYS feel like I'm catching up. Hopefully with a few new treats I got for my business, my workflow will get better. Anyway, it's fall picture madness so that is all I've been doing lately. I have been loving getting out in the canyons, hiking and enjoying the amazing colors. Tonight I shot up Little Cottonwood Canyon and it was gorgeous. I had to pull over a couple times and get some shots for myself. Other than that...it's all I've got. Haven't bothered to photograph the boys lately, although they are getting so cute and playing really well with each other. Today I was listening to Jack teach Max how to give him a high five while sitting in their car seats. That stuff just gets my GRIN ON every time!

It was WICKED awesome!

2007-10-01T22:22:00.000-06:00

So we had a "wicked" time in NYC. I'm still trying to recover, catch up, clean up, unpack and a million other things but oh well. Let alone the hours I spent getting current on everyone's blogs!

So first of all, you know how if you ever screwed up when you were younger, you'd get the ole' PARENT CURSE...."I hope you have a child just like you one day!" Well, seriously, I never really screwed up being the perfect child I was (well I might have had a party when my parents were gone once....but that was the ONLY thing I ever did wrong :), what I did do was a lot of "puking up." So, apparently my parents still deemed me worthy of the curse. And let me just say it is one thing to have a child that throws up in the comfort of your own home but while traveling...that just doesn't WORK. We were already running low on spare clothing because I decided it was going to be winter in NYC, when in fact it was actually HUMID and HOT HOT HOT!! So for no reason at all Max decided that every night, including the plane ride home he would puke like clock work and then be as happy as can be. So with that out of my system...the rest of the trip was FANTASTIC. The kids were great and put up with our sight seeing frenzy really well.

I won't list the million things we did because basically if you can do it...we mostly likely did it. I will mention WICKED because it was the absolute highlight for me. The soundtrack has been playing non stop and since I'm still working on Ted to memorize the lyrics I'm left to belt out all duets and parts single handedly. Sunday, while Ted was preparing to teach his lesson I went in to ask him a question and noticed he was wearing ear plugs, RUDE! Today Jack kept saying "Mom you're just too loud....Maaahhom I said you're TOO LOUD!"
**CHEESY ALERT**
I get chills and tear up every time I listen to "For Good." It just make me think of the people who have touched my life, some from highschool, college and my mission that I know I'll probably never see again, at least on earth. I love the part in the song when Elphaba sings:
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend

Anyway, I think this is the most typing I have ever done on my blog. So I'll just post my slideshow that includes 1/6 of the pictures.

p.s. just for the record I was not wearing SHORT overalls in those 90's pix of me in NYC it was an OVERALL dress. BIG difference people...HUGE!

The Big Apple

2007-09-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

Well we're off to NYC. When I say "WE" I mean the whole kitten kaboodle! Me, Ted, Jack, Max, Monkey and Julie. It should be a lot of fun. I have an awesome wedding to shoot and then the rest of the time we are just going to play. The last time I was there was so long ago with my girlfriends I'm afraid this experience is going to be just a tad different hauling around strollers and diaper bags. I was looking back at my pictures from that trip and I can't believe how much has changed in each one of our lives since then.Cherry, Shelle, Anna, Carrie and Me (what is up with my hair..seriously I don't think it was wind either)
Central Park posers

Me and Carrie at the MET
A shot of the twin towers from the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
I'm 100% sure I'll have a ton of photos to post when I get back! That is if we don't get mugged and someone steals all my camera equipment. Oh that never happens right?

Belated Birthday

2007-09-17T14:22:00.000-06:00

Jack's birthday was a bit belated this year. Since he has been on a Star Wars, planets, rocket ship, anything outer space kick he naturally requested a Star Wars birthday. Here are some fun photos from the party. Oh yeah, just to avoid the earful I might get about what a birthday freak I am......The balloon guy was Jack's gift from Grandma and Grandpa Eliason who are currently boycotting toys considering the current state of the toy room.
Our faithful videographer, Darth Vader.
Loving the slide and party I will.....said Yoda Max.
I think the dark side might be winning here.
Quick break for some cake and then on to more dueling for jedi and vaders.

Ted took a beating from all the kids but that was their favorite part.
Request from the adults: Tinkerbell, Nacho Libre, Sleeping beauty and of course a Harley :)

We sure love spending time with our friends and family. Thanks guys. We love you!

Girls Night Out

2007-09-11T23:50:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist this. Our husbands just think we go out to gab and shop (shhhh) Thanks girls for fun night out dancing!

website

2007-09-10T22:20:00.000-06:00

Okay Party People. For those of you that care my new site has launched. Still tweaking and fine tuning a few things but for the most part I have quit obsessing and decided I was done being sick and staying up until the weeeeeee hours of the night. So this is what I've got. The other site is just a place for cool stuff and I'll attempt to post some useful/fun photo stuff. I'm also really excited for The "Dinner Diva Dawn" to share some of her fab cooking tips and recipes on that site. Heaven knows my family could sure use some good home cook-N more than once a week (if they're lucky). Let me know if any one else wants to help or comes across cool finds to share on the site. (the pictures below are the links)

Quinn's Eagle Project

2007-09-07T07:35:00.000-06:00

I'm so proud of my cousin Quinn. This is such and awesome project, inspired by my little brother Sam who most of you know is in a wheelchair himself due to a near drowning accident. I don't think anyone in my family let alone Sam can imagine what life would be like for him if he didn't have his wheelchair. Just $45 will build one wheelchair. Such a small amount for such an amazing gift. I hope you will pass this along, link it to your blogs, post it to your blogs or send an email to others you know and help Quinn reach his goal and more importantly help give others the gift of mobility.

His original email to me is posted below.

Hi…My name is Quinn and I am a 15 year old future Eagle Scout trying to make a difference in this world and I need your help.

My cousin, Sam, is confined to a wheelchair, and I wanted my Eagle Scout service project to help the disabled. Over 100 million people around the world have lost the ability to walk and are too poor to afford wheelchairs. Life is hard enough being disabled, but much harder if you have to drag yourself around the ground; so for my Eagle Scout service project I have partnered with an organization called Free Wheelchair Mission. Free Wheelchair Mission is a non-profit organization committed to providing mobility to the disabled poor in developing countries. Their founder designed and developed a low cost wheelchair with a total cost of only $45 and that includes shipping.

My goal is to send an entire shipping container of 550 wheelchairs to one of the 60 countries Free Wheelchair Mission partners with. In addition, my parents and I plan to travel with Free Wheelchair Mission to help assemble and distribute the chairs and see first hand the difference you and I can make in the lives of 550 people. I’ve never done anything like this before and I really need you and/or your company to help me raise $25,000 in total. You would also help me tremendously if you forward this email to people in your contact list.

Please watch two VERY short video news clips…one about my specific project (attached to this email) AND another by CBS Evening News that shows some amazing video footage of the disabled people around the world benefiting from this great effort (see CBS video; click here www.freewheelchairmission.org – use Internet Explorer)

I’m asking for your help in giving the gift of mobility to the disabled poor. There are two ways to donate…by check or credit card

Please send checks payable to Free Wheelchair Mission and in the memo section put Quinn’s Eagle Project and mail to:
Free Wheelchair MissionP.O. Box 513538Los Angeles, CA 90051-3538.

Credit Card: Go to the website www.freewheelchairmission.org . Under the “donate” section please make sure to apply the donation to Quinn’s Eagle Scout Project.

If you can donate please send me an email to mhtml:%7B19BE15DF-DDFC-4764-99F1-D9721A64FFA9%7Dmid://00000417/!x-usc:mailto:quinn@civicstone.com so that I can send you follow-up emails on our progress, including the trip next year.

Thank you in advance,
Quinn

Bitter Bitter....Bitter Bitter

2007-08-30T00:25:00.000-06:00

When I was growing up if anyone in our family started sulking, pouting, tantrum throwing, whining or anything of the such my parents would promptly start singing "Bitter, Bitter, Bitter, Bitter" To the tune of Bula Bula (and I guess unless your an Eliason or an Allen you probably don't know the tune to Bula Bula) So anyway, sometimes I do it to my boys, because that is what we do right? Pass our cruel family traditions down from one generation to the next. Max HATES it! So I should probably stop doing it, but it is SOOOO cute/funny when he puts his big head straight down into his tiny hands on the floor like "Shut up Mom that isn't helping." Just so you all don't think I'm a complete meany....I always pick him right up and proceed to tickle and kiss his chubby little belly.

Babysitting??

2007-08-25T22:25:00.000-06:00

There was a time whenever I would go somewhere and needed to leave the kid(s) Ted would ask...."So do you need me to babysit?" Finally, one day....in my sweetest voice EVER I said..."honey, it's not called babysitting when you're the PARENT! I don't "babysit" the kids 5 days a week while you go to work you know." So anyway....we cleared that up real fast ;) I had a wedding today so Ted and the boys headed to the Olympic Park to watch the ski jumpers and hang out with Grandma and Grandpa Turk. I'd say besides the Dr. Pepper .....he did a great job "parenting" today. I'm sad I missed out on all the fun! The video is pretty cool. These guys are amazing!

Let's try this again....

2007-08-22T08:52:00.001-06:00

Today was Jack's "first" day of preschool. Trying to make myself feel better from the Monday mishap....He had blue pancakes and chocolate milk. His teachers first impression will be my sugar high child...nice.

loved this sequence

btw...Jack's eyes were closed in EVERY picture I took this morning.

First Day of School

2007-08-20T12:04:00.001-06:00

Well today was Jack's first day of preschool. Wish that I had a cute picture of him, but that would entail getting ready, dressed and attending your first day of school. ALL of which he did NOT do because.... his mom has a leak in her brain. So instead I thought I would take a picture of him being edified watching cartoons. Looks like Wednesday will actually be his "FIRST" day of preschool. (in my defense our carpool friends forgot too.)

I need some help

2007-08-18T09:11:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to decide on some new colors for my website and branding. I'm sick of the current pink and gray. These are some new colors that I like. The problem is I need to pick just one. What are your favorites? Give me your #1 and #2 picks.

Green & Blue

Teal & Red
Orange & Pink

Blue & Brown

Black & White (little red)

Jim Rome "What is UP"

2007-08-15T23:07:00.000-06:00

So I have a confession.....I find Jim Rome's voice EXTREMELY easy on the ears. With that said, Ted usually TiVo's "Jim Rome is Burning" and as we fold laundry at night we watch it, well it's more like.... He watches...I listen. Most of the sports stuff I'm not really even interested in....but the voice...yes the voice ;) So tonight when Jimmy usually stops by our bedroom I was a little disappointed to hear some other dude filling in and got busy doing something else around the house. That is until I hear Ted cracking up, so of course I rush in to see what all the Hoop La was about. I have to admit... even though it wasn't Jim I did find what Adam Corolla had to say right on (and VERY funny).

Remember him?

2007-08-13T08:17:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah, I had this baby and his name is Max....I feel like Max gets a little neglected in the blog posting sometimes. He has been such a fun baby and I can't believe he is already 9mo! Guess I better get my butt in gear since the "I just had a baby." Excuse isn't really working anymore. Being on Death's Door this week sure helped with shedding some lbs. Feeling better now though. A shot in my booty yesterday at the doctors seemed to do the trick!
I give him the "Fohawk" cuz he has the craziest hair that sticks out everywhere. I think the kid uses more product then I do :)

Luke Skywalker

2007-08-08T12:59:00.000-06:00

Jack was quite excited to learn that his 2nd cousins were going to be in town and ready to play. He was even more excited when I told him that Luke was coming. His jaw dropped and he said "Luke Skywalker?" I didn't think it would really do any harm so I told him "yeah, Luke Skywalker." Unfortunately, when the "REAL" Luke showed up and Jack said "you, Luke Skywalker?" Luke very adamantly replied "NO, I AM LUKE DRISCOLL." Jack looked at me a little disappointed but once we pulled out the swords and light sabers for them to play with all was well.
Thanks guys it was fun seeing everyone!

Like Father Like Son! Opps!

2007-07-29T19:26:00.000-06:00

Today...Sunday...which means church, which means primary for Jack. So, I'm walking down the hall to pick Jack up from Sunbeams and his two teachers (luckily I'm good friends with them) are standing in the door way with these HUGE smiles and say "We need to talk to you." They proceed to tell me how the lesson was on prayer today and that they read a story to the class about a little girl who was having a hard time remembering to say her prayers. When they got to the part where the little girl forgot to say her prayers....Jack exclaimed..."Damn it!" They tried keeping their laughter in until once again they got to the part where the little girl forgot yet another time to say her prayers, so in all Jack's 3 year old animated disbelief he once again shouted..."Damn it!" The sad thing is I probably should have been embarrassed or something but we all just busted up laughing when they told me.

The REAL funny thing is Ted has a similar story that his mom wrote about in his baby book below.

Just in case it is hard to read: "In primary one day about 3 1/2 years he wanted to follow Emily out of the class for some kind of event which resulted in crying for mommy. His teacher said no and he replied under his breath "Damn it." Our secrets were exposed, his teacher thought it was funny."

The San Juan Islands

2007-07-24T11:42:00.000-06:00

Well we got back a few nights ago from our trip with the Cook family to the San Juan Islands and here are some of my favorites of the 1006 pictures I took! We had so much fun...even in the rain. The lavender farm, deception pass bridge, seeing the Orcas, fish and chips, oyster and clam fishing or hunting or whatever you call it and Pikes place. Coupeville mussels were the highlight for Ted and Jack loved our personal tour with Gabe (Ted's brother) of the Navy base and a spot in the Captains seat on Gabe's plane. Wow I really don't think that was correct English and I'm sure I made some sort of run on sentence disaster in there. Anyway, Jack loved playing with his little girlfriend Lily Cook and spending a few days with his Widbey Island cousins Ashlin, Jonah and Natalie. Playing star wars with Jonah and the slumber party's at night. I loved all the picture opps if you can't tell and hanging out with our friends and family. We had fun and hopefully the Cooks will still want to vacation with us again after this trip.

I LOVE my life!

2007-07-13T00:51:00.000-06:00

No training wheels for Jack! Tonight they came off and in about 30 seconds he was up and running. This is the highlight of my year to date. I LOVED the ear to ear smile as he realized he was on his own. I LOVED everyone around us getting soooo excited at what he had accomplished. I LOVED watching Ted run along side of him with the same smile that Jack had and I LOVE that I captured this moment. This picture just makes me smile and get the feel good all over goose bumps, sense of pride, I'm his mom and I love it kind-a feeling.

Mamarazzi on the Loose

2007-07-08T22:25:00.000-06:00

So I really tried to narrow the pix down but it was soooooo hard! We had so much fun with everyone and the kids had a ball. I've decided I'm officially a "Mamarazzi." The weather was perfect for plenty of water fun and gobs of pictures. The BounceHouse was a hit! And of course throw in a few uncles, a trip to Evanston and WAwLAA you've got yourself some illegal fireworks and the Fire Chief making a friendly visit! Here are just a few (no seriously...just a FEW) of my FAVORITES from the 4th of July Bash!

Was there an age limit on that slip-n-slide box? (p.s. Ted borrowed those trunks that I swear are from the 80's when it was cool to have them mid thigh ;)

I love this shot of Ted and Jack

A few of the cute cousins

who needs $50 seats to Stadium of Fire! The F16's flew right over my parents house!!

The Sanders Poss(y)terity...well I think we might be missing like 100 other people but this seemed like a decent amount we decided to capture it.

Thanks Mom...once again another fabulous PAAAAtay!

Happy Anniversary TED!!!

2007-07-05T15:32:00.000-06:00

5 years sure does fly by when you're having fun! If only every day could be spent in a Jumping Castle :)

I love you!

Happy 4th of July!!

2007-07-04T08:46:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all those who have fought and continue to fight for our FREEDOM!

Below is a picture of my Grandpa Eliason and Ted's Grandpa Fife. Both fought in WWII. More pictures to follow of our families awesome 4th of July celebration. We had sooooo much fun. Thanks Mom!

Grandpa Jack Eliason US NAVY

Grandpa Bob Fife US ARMY Air Corp

Some other fun pictures of Jack enjoying his freedom!

This has been one of my favorite photo moments lately. Catching Jack when he doesn't know anyone is watching.

Date Night on the Lake

2007-07-02T09:37:00.000-06:00

So this was the best date night EVER! Tubing and Wakeboarding was a blast (courtesy of the Perry's). We had the kids earlier in the day and then Julie took them home around dinner and the adults lived it up! I don't know about the rest of the group but I was hating it the next day. It was like I got hit by a bus when I woke up. Guess that means we need to go more often honey! i.e. let's get a boat ;)After Jack's first wipeout he didn't have much desire to get back on. So he didn't really last long.Love this shot of Tammy and Dave as they hang on for dear life. Tammy and Kristin laughing because I'm begging and threating Ted not to take the picture at that angle.

Kristin getting some big air!

Jeff and Ted showing off

McKinley learing how to do the "HANGLOOSE."

Tedy Times

2007-06-22T16:40:00.000-06:00

Some fun pix from Ted's recent trip to AZ. Doesn't look like he had any fun at all ;)

Battle Tubes

Rich you're sooooo buff!

Dr. Dave Diggity Fife sporting some nice guns too!

Walking on the Moon

2007-06-16T18:44:00.000-06:00

A brief tribute to our new little Astronaut and of course The Police. Ted just happens to be in AZ preparing to see them live on Monday. When I say "preparing" I mean water skiing, unlimited Xbox fun, Police Pre-Party and hanging out with his Cousins. Gosh he sure is lucky! Oh wait... I got to go to Hawaii. Funny thing is we both think we got the better end of the deal. Love when it works out that way ;)

This is Jack's Diorama that he worked on all week at Rocket Camp!

2007-06-13T23:27:00.000-06:00

Seems like after I have days where I just can't seem to get a GRIP...we have moments like these:) I love it!!

Better Together

2007-06-13T23:20:00.000-06:00

Hawaii Trip

2007-06-01T14:26:00.000-06:00

I got this fantastic idea for posting millions of pictures at once from Emily who got it from Audra who either got it from someone else or was the creative mind behind it all! Thanks!You thought I was kidding when I said I took 400 pictures! This is only a fraction of what I took! Yikes. It sure was fun though. Can't wait to do it again.

(p.s. click to enlarge)

Our Preschool Grad

2007-05-25T17:00:00.001-06:00

First off....sorry for the blogging delay. I had to break for some temporary craziness. Height of the wedding season for pictures right now along with our AWESOME hawaii trip and I've fallen behind. Lyd, I'm working on the pix from our vacation but when you take 400 pictures it's REALLY hard to narrow down a few for the blog! Well here he is...our MODEL preschooler. Paying ever so close attention to his teacher as she reads to them before the graduation program and ceremony.At least he is doing the actions to the song in this shot and not bumping the kid next to him off the stage like in all my other pictures.

They always do such a good job decorating for each event.

This is Elle, Jack's carpooling buddy

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T23:53:00.000-06:00

I picked Jack up from preschool on Friday and he got in the car so excited! He could hardly wait to hand me this....

The look on his face, his cute smile and sense of pride in what he had made. I immediately started balling! That is when I got it...you know that same feeling that I'm sure all of our Mother's had when we gave them cute little drawings or pictures we had made that they so proudly hung on the refrigerator. Here is one I dug up from the old albums that I made my mom when I was about Jack's age.

Mom I love you! Thanks for being such a great example of the kind of mom I hope I am to my boys. I remember I used to sing that song "When I grow up, I want to be a Mother" I think the song later goes on to say she would have "Six little blessings from above." Not quite sure if that's gonna happen but... I'm so glad I grew up to be a mother. I love being a Mom! I love my boys and I especially love their daddy.

The OTHER way to say "I'm Cold"

2007-05-05T08:28:00.000-06:00

The other day it was so hot we had all the windows open in the house, including the one in Jack's bedroom. During the night it got soooo cold. Well, about 4 am Jack comes in my room, I'm not really coherent at this point so he has to repeat himself like 50 times. "Mom, my

BLANKETS not WORKING." Sure enough when I went to get him back in bed his room was an ICEBOX! I felt so bad. That is Zoe in the bottom curled up helping him get warm. I just think it is so cute when she curls up next to her buddy Jack.

Finally!

2007-05-01T00:28:00.001-06:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We're missing someone!

2007-04-26T10:21:00.000-06:00

So last weekend Ted, Max and I went to San Diego to shoot my MTC companions wedding. We left Jack with my Mom and it just seemed so odd to me when we took some of these pictures and Jack wasn't with us. Once we got home and I downloaded all the pix it was even stranger to actually look at the picture. Someone was definitely missing :( This is at the Montage in Laguna. Seriously minutes before before we got there 2 people were killed in one of the bungalow suites by cops. We didn't know that when we first arrived and had just taken a picture with the crime scene in the background. Within seconds this security guy came up and made us delete it and watched us do it, just to make sure. Max has inherited Jack's one eyed smileThis was a rare sight.... a picture of the San Diego temple

with NO ONE in the background.

While I was taking pictures Ted & Max passed the time hanging out with these cute ladies who fell in love with Max and making him smile.

Grandpa Fun

2007-04-13T15:04:00.001-06:00


Dad up to his old tricks!

Happy Rock-n Birthday Ted!

2007-04-12T12:14:00.000-06:00

Every boys dream! A Rock and Roll birthday party...only these boys were grown men! Ted, Chad and Jeff were the birthday boys. It was such a blast!! All of our friends came dressed as Rockers. We had Cafe Rio (yumm yumm) style food, a contest for best Rocker outift (Natalie) and an out right show down for Guitar Hero Champion (Jeff Cox). I'm afraid Max might be following in his father's Heavy Metal ways.

Natalie below won for best Rocker Outfit Jeff with the mullet won Guitar Hero Champion.

Make a wish!

SURPRISE!!

2007-03-29T09:13:00.000-06:00

Don't everyone go calling me now saying "Why did you do it?" I know everyone has secretly been dying for this day to come :) Jack keeps trying to shake his head of hair like he used to and says... "Mom it can't shake, it can't shake."

NOT my favorite thing

2007-03-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

Waking up to this after weeks of beautiful sunshine and warm weather.