pictures that Papa took...

Catch up.

I haven't blogged in a while. It seems like the longer you wait to blog, the harder it is. So, here we go... this will be a catch up session.

Luke- Can you believe that he is already 14 months old? I can't. He is walking/ running everywhere. He is saying a few words (ball, fish, kitty...). He has learned how to sign "more" and "please". I am so proud of him. On Tuesday he fell and hit his forehead really hard. He has a giant goose egg that is a very pretty shade of green!

Claire- How long are the terrible twos supposed to last? When Claire is having a good day, we are potty training. She is on a "star" system. Every time she goes she gets 1 star or 2 stars (i will let you figure that one out! :) ) She earned 20 stickers a few days ago and we celebrated with an "ice cream party"! What a big girl!

Me- I have been busy making dresses and bags. I LOVE, LOVE to sew in my free time (which is only when the kids are asleep and my chores are done!) I have also been reading the new Harry Potter... Yeah, Yeah I know... all of you have already finished reading it! Well, I only get to read right before bed. That means I usually fall asleep half way through a page. Maybe someday I will finish it!

Jeff- He is still busy at work... It's really nice that he gets to come home earlier these days. Along with the above, his company also caters lunch everyday for all of there employees. It is a daily habit for me to ask him "what did you eat for lunch today?" (Here comes a random story!) Well, today when I asked him, he said "Blue Mesa". Wow, for lunch?!! So I said, "well, aren't you special!" Without even a pause he said "yeah, I'm kind of a big deal!"

So, does anyone know what movie that is from? Not only is Jeff great at movie quotes, but he can also ALWAYS make me laugh! I love you Jeff!

Well, I guess that gets you caught up on the Turner clan... I guess you really where not missing much! :)

Dancing

Tonight Claire wanted to have a dance party. I turned on the kids Sirius music channel, and she danced for almost an hour! Claire and her Nana Sara love Dan Zanes, so whenever any of his songs come on Claire makes comments about it being Nana's favorite! Very funny! This dance is for you Nana!

oh so funny...

If you would have been a fly on our wall last night at dinner, this is the conversation you would have heard...

Claire: "Dat (Dad) when I drink all my juice I can have Cote (Coke)!"
Jeff: "No, I don't think so Claire!"
Claire: "Ok. I have diet Cote."

What can you do but laugh when they say things like that?!

Pictures

While we were in Colorado my Dad took some really great pictures of the kids. He got a fancy new camera for fathers day! I wanted to share them on my blog because... well because I think my kids are cute! I'm there Mom, so I have that right, right?
Also, I am a dreamer. Not like a "day dreamer"... a night dreamer. I am always able to remember my dreams too. Well, last night I had a funny one. I dreamt that I received a comment on my blog from someone I didn't know. The part that was weird was that they wrote in a different language. I had it translated, and the whole comment was about how bad I was at writing, and how horrible my grammar is. So, I know I am not a great writer, and I know my grammar isn't perfect, but I just thought that was a very weird dream to have. If you don't know me, and you speak another language... please don't write me a comment. That would just freak me right out!!!

Home

We are home again. We all had a great time. The kids did pretty well considering the inconsistent schedule. Here are some pictures from the trip. Also, my Mom has joined the blogging world... here is her link.

Claire and Bo at the Caster family reunion
Great Uncle John with Claire and Luke
Great Uncle Jim with Luke
Luke can't go with out his nap!
Claire and Luke with Opa
Opa and Luke feeding the birds

Claire helping Nana in the garden

videos

Today, the kids and I are headed off to Missouri for a family reunion...should be fun! Actually, it will be lots of fun once we are off the plane. I am taking both of them by myself, so just pray that my flight is full of nice people. After the family reunion is over, we are driving to Colorado with my parents. That's a long car ride folks... but at least it is with family. So, because of our little trip I don't know if I will have the opportunity to blog much. Here are two videos for your viewing pleasure. The first one is of Luke making his first animal noise. It's a little obscure... he learned how to make a puma sound! The second video is of Claire. When Nana Janis came to visit last week she taught Claire to recite were she lives. They also practiced telling time. Keep in mind that I filmed this video in the morning around 10:00am!

Mexico

We got home from Mexico on Friday. We had a great time! The resort we stayed at was nice, and the beach was beautiful. We spent the majority of our time in the sun. I have a tan for the first time ever! Jeff and Brandon went on an Adventure Tour. They got to ride donkeys up a mountain, zip line through the rain forest and then repel down a waterfall! While they did that Jennie and I spent the morning at the spa... what a sacrifice! To say the least, it was all very relaxing... and much needed.

A view of the beach and mountains... Brandon and Jennie in the Market...
Jeff and I on the beach. (These two pictures are almost identical, but as we were standing there the sunset got even better...)

God

I feel so moved to post all of the amazing things that God has done in the last few days. I am SO thankful to have witnessed them (mostly though the Internet). I am confident that God moves in peoples lives... we just have to make sure our eyes are opened enough to see it happen. Here is a list of the amazing things that I have witnessed this week...

• Luke's blood work came back normal.
• My friend Becky's sister and brother in law will get to return to the US after being in Benin Africa. They have adopted a little girl from Benin, and are waiting for her visa to be completed click here to read about how God has worked in there lives.
• I mentioned a little baby a while ago named Ethan Powell. I know most of you read his blog and are aware of his situation. Yesterday he had a clean spinal tap, free of cancer cells. The doctors made it clear to his parents that they would more than likely have to take there son home to die... but they are faithful, and Ethan will get to have a bone marrow transplant now. Click here to read about Ethan.
• Two more miracle babies that I have seen God work through: here and here.

I hope that these people and there stories will encourage you like they have encouraged me.

So do not fear, for a I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Praise... and updates.

Luke's blood work came back normal!!! The nurse and pediatrician are confused by this, but I am confidant that God heard our prayers!

• In other news: Our air conditioner got fixed!


• I had SO much fun on my birthday (Saturday). We had dinner with friends at the Rain Forest cafe on Friday night, a fun dinner at home with friends on Saturday night, and a great cookout with our small group on Sunday night! A very great weekend!


• Jeff got a new driver (golf) for Fathers day... he loves it. (He should though, he picked it out!)


• I haven't seen the spider since our photo shoot.


• Jeff and I leave for Puerto Vallarta a week from today!!!!!

Here are a few pictures from last night of Claire having a BLAST with her bff "Benjum" (Benjamin).

How sweet is this?

The next two pictures give you a hint that Claire thinks it's normal to ride in the car and talk on the phone... I wonder how she learned that? :)

Are you kidding?

So, the last few days have been very eventful. I will tell you about them in a list, because otherwise I could go on and on.

• Our air conditioner went out on Wednesday night. Not acceptable in Texas... but it is fixed now.


• Jeff discovered a HUGE tarantula outside of our upstairs guest bedroom window. Every thing is bigger in Texas right? Claire was fascinated, I was horrified.


• On Monday I took Luke in for his 12 month check up... usually those are no big deal. The MD found funny spots on his tummy, she called the petechael hemorrhaging (broken blood vessels). She sent us for blood work on Tuesday. Wednesday we found out that his kidney functions are not good. She is sending us back for more blood work in the morning to find out if it was a false test. Anyway... Jeff and I are both concerned, and we would love it if you would join us in praying for Luke. I believe that God is the ultimate healer. If there is something wrong with Luke's kidneys, I believe that God can heal them. I will post when I know more. Until then enjoy these frightening pictures.

Farmer Claire

This spring Claire and I planted a tomato, lettuce and flowers. Today when we went out to play Claire got to pick her first tomato... she was very proud!

Say what?

Today at lunch Claire and I had an all out battle over eating. She refused. She used to be such a great eater, wait... she IS a good eater if Jeff is around. Anyway... I was trying very hard not to get upset with her. I said something like"Claire put the food in your mouth and chew it!". She responded with "Mom, if my mouth is closed I CANNOT eat my lunch!!!" Then she clamped her teeth together and smiled really big! AGGHH- so frustrating, yet SOO funny. When she says things like that I cannot help but laugh. A few more Claire quotes for you...

• "Mom, I wuv Jesus and Winney the Pooh."


• "Mom, take wuke (Luke) over there. I don't want him here."

Since Luke can't talk yet I will just post a few pictures of him!

Mr. Personality getting a haircut!


Luke loves to swim!!!

Hey Mom! This is a boat right?

Birthday Party

Luke had a great time at his birthday party! He loved eating his blue cake, and he had fun playing with all of the paper and balloons! Claire had a great time too, however, it was hard to convince her that the party was not in fact for her... but for her brother! Here are some pictures.

Luke and his ocean cake.

Claire and Luke

"Ugh... I think I ate too much cake Mom."

PARTY!!!

Today...

Today is a big day at our house. Jeff and I have been married 5 years today. It is amazing to me that it has been that long. I am so thankful for Jeff. He is my best friend and the love of my life. He is the best father ever, and also a caring friend. I can not imagine my life without him. I love you Jeff!
Also, today little Lukey is 1!!! Yea Luke! Last year at this time I was having a c-section, and then watching Luke be swept away to the nicu. It was a scary day or two. But, as most of you know, Luke is a BIG boy and has had NO troubles getting that way! He is the sweetest little boy I know. He is gaining more and more personality each day... I love you Luke! Happy Birthday! We are having a very small party for Luke tomorrow, so I will post so fun and messy cake pictures next week!

Not much to blog about today. We had a great weekend at the Four Seasons. The only word that I can think of to describe it: posh. I love that word. We had a very fun time with my parents... it always stinks to have them go.

Luke will be one on Friday. Jeff and I will celebrate our fifth anniversary on Friday! It will be a big day at our house!

Luke takes five or six steps at a time now. He doesn't really fall, he just drops to his knees because he thinks it's easier. Jeff taught him how to give kisses this morning. It is priceless! I've been making him do it all morning!

As for Claire... did you know that the second year of a child's life is like eternity?! I am very ready for the two's to be over with. Don't get me wrong... she has her sweet moments, but they seem few and far between. On that note, here is a very sweet picture of munchkin number one. (The dress that Claire is wearing was made by me, and monogrammed by my Mom... I will be putting this picture on my business blog as well! I had so much fun making this for her!!!)

Mothers Day

I had a great Mothers Day weekend. My massage was heavenly. We worked in the yard on Saturday, and then went to church and dinner that night! Luke waved for the first time and even learned how to clap his hands on demand. Jeff took this picture of me and the kids. I am so excited to have a picture with them... I am always the one taking the pictures!

On a very sad note... we are down to one cat. On Saturday Tucker got outside. He is an indoor cat, so I always freak out when he gets outside, because he is declawed. I wasn't worried because he always comes back. Well, this time was WAY different. Jeff and I had finished working in the backyard and moved on to the front. Jeff climbed over the bushes to pull a few stray weeds... Tucker came running from another yard and started hissing and spitting and growling at Jeff. It was demonic. I have never seen him act like that. Jeff jumped out of the bushes and grabbed the broom. He hit the bushes a few time (not the cat) and Tucker ran off. We haven't seen him since. I have very mixed horrible emotions. First, I am SAD. I love Tucker. Jeff gave him to me as a gift in college. Second, I am relieved. Last week Tucker scratched Luke in the face. Third, I am scared to go outside. I am so afraid he is going to come back. Jeff said that he is not welcome to come back. I am not upset with Jeff, because I understand that Tucker is a safety issue for the kids... and the do come first. Anyway... if you know me, you know how much I love my kitties. Please pray that Tucker doesn't come back... I just don't think I can handle it if he does. Thanks for letting me get all of that out.

This and that...

Happy Mothers Day (a little bit early)!!! Jeff and the kids got me a massage at a spa... i can't wait! I love being a Mom. I love taking care of Claire and Luke. I don't even mind wiping noses and changing gross diapers. I will admit to looking forward to nap time and bed time though!

I won't get too sappy, but I also wanted to say Happy Mothers Day to my Mom. She is the best Mom in the whole world. Also, Happy Mothers day Janis (Jeff's Mom)... I am very thankful for you. The other Moms in my life: Grandma Elva, Marie and Aunt Ruth... Happy Mothers day! And lastly, all of my Mommy friends... Allison M, Allison L, Liz, Angie, Holly, Andrea, Becky B, Jessica M, Angela F, Stephie F... I am thankful for your friendship. You are all great examples for me ( i hope I didn't leave anyone out!). Oh, wait... I can't leave out my first time preggo friends! Jennie and Sarah, I am so excited for ya'll. You are both going to be great Moms. So, Happy FIRST Mothers Day!!!

Random things that I have been thinking about:

• Next weekend my parents are coming to watch the kids while Jeff and I go on a FREE!! company appreciation weekend at the Four Seasons in Las Colinas! I CAN"T WAIT!!!!


• My new favorite thing is Coke Zero... way better than diet coke.


• Luke has been on antibiotics for 10 days now... why does he still have a snotty nose? Anybody???


• Why is there not a clothing designer out there for the 25-35 age group? I just don't feel comfortable in the Juniors section anymore... anything you might suggest?


• Luke will be ONE on the 25th! How crazy is that?!


• If you have a chance go to www.ethanpowell.com. This little guy needs a lot of prayers.

Thanks for reading! Here are some new pictures...

Claire was pretending to rescue Baby Jaguar from the tree, this is a picture of her catching him!
The sweetest face I have ever seen.
Luke and KJL sharing a cup of tea.

Ice Cream

Last night during dinner Jeff asked Claire if she would like to go get ice cream after dinner. She got SO excited and said "yeah, sure!!!!"... "Daddy, you wear that shirt to go get ice cream?" Apparently she was concerned about Jeff's fashion choices! We all had a good laugh over that one!
I have blogged a lot about Claire lately, so here is what Luke is up to...

• he is taking steps, about two or three at a time!
• he will be one year old in just a few weeks!
• he FINALLY will say 'Mama!'
• he really likes chasing balls around the house, and playing with his blocks.

Anyways, I don't have any new photos to post. Luke and I have been sick, so we haven't really been in the picture taking mood! I plan on doing that more this week!

New pictures...

Hi guys. Check out my other blog (... by emily) for new handbag pictures. I have had the opportunity to make a lot of new bags lately... more later!