Family Cruise Director

Fall Festival

Laurie1 Comment

Every year we look forward to the school fall festival. It’s such a big deal to the kiddos and a fun evening with lots of activities. This year didn’t disappoint.

Davis had the time of his life! He won at the cake walk 3 times which was every time he participated. {{boys got crazy good luck}} However, after the third win they officially banned him from the game. Needless to say he was devastated. Poor little guy was having a blast. Me too, those cookies and cupcakes were yummy.

Drake enjoyed the Daddy time and getting a new sucker at every booth.

I thought this Velcro spider web was brilliant! They put the other side of Velcro on the balls. fabulous.

I’m now officially a girl stalker. I had Jason take a picture of this poodle costume. Don’t freak out, we made sure her little face was covered. Isn’t this the most darling costume idea? I had to show you.

It was a fun event! We all left with smiles, lots of sugar in tow, and had a great time had by all. Thanks PTA and Radio Disney!

Party Planner

Ghosts of Halloween Past

Laurie23 Comments

Halloween is my favorite holiday! I love it. I used to put a lot of thought an effort into costumes and would have them all sewn by August. It was an obsession of mine that has been cured by the 3rd son. {{sigh}}

I’ve been doing a lot of searching for Tip Junkie as well as trying to decide what I want the boys to be this year. I still haven’t figured it all out. In the meantime, here are pictures of what we’ve been in years past.


1999 – Davis is a year old and I made him this lion costume.


Jason and I took the easy way out and went as pirates.


2000 – Blue Clues

Jason went as Steve, I’m Magenta, Davis is Blue, and Dylan is Green. Dylan is 3 months old and my mom converted a ‘3 pees in a pod’ costume into the green puppy.


2001 – Race Car Drivers

Jason and I were the pit crew. We had “Turk Garage” ironed on the back of our jumpsuits.

2002 – Davis insisted on being a Fire Fighter. So Dylan was a Dalmatian dog, I was fire, and Jason was a fire hydrant. To this day, I don’t know how I convinced him to be a hydrant. He took one for the team, for sure!


2003 – Astronauts


2004 – Super Hero’s

This was the year when the boys decided that what ever birthday theme they had, that was going to be their costume for Halloween.

2005 – Davis went as a Bionicle and Dylan as a power ranger. I was pregnant with Drake, so Jason went as a Samurai and I went as his wife. 😉 Unique I know. {{sarcastic}}


2006 – Star Wars

Davis went as Darth Vader, Dylan went as a Clone Tooper, and Drake went as Yoda.


Jason went as Neo and I went as Trinity. Huge thanks to Chanda for e-mailing this picture to me. {{giddy}}

2007 – Since Davis knows he’s growing up, he decided to be a skeleton. Dylan went as Optimus Prime, and Drake went appropriately as a little devil. {{giggle}}

Jason went as Earl and I went as Joy in “My Name is Earl” to our couples only Halloween Party.

Ahh the memories. Jason and I have figured out what we’re going to be and are currently planning the skit we have to perform at the couple’s Halloween party. It should be good. Not Neo & Trinity good, but funny good. We’ll see if we can pull it off.

What are you going to be this year?

Mother of Boys

It’s a Zoo Out There

Laurie5 Comments

Monday was a school holiday, so we spent it a the Zoo. I figured we should take advantage of the lovely weather. (Apparently, Drake is no longer participating in pictures.)

It was a crazy day, as it always is with my boys. However, I think they had forgotten how much they enjoy the Zoo. Dylan was royaly bummed that we didn’t see any comodo dragons. Thomas was bummed he didn’t get to see the sharks. Seriously Zoo?

All the animals were so active this trip. We got to see some really fun behaviors from them. (Drake’s still not participating in pictures.)

The kids automatically lined up here to get their photo op. Well trained. (Not Drake, he was there under protest.)

My favorite exhibit is feeding the birds! Drake was really worried at first, but he took to it quickly. Pointing sticks at flying creatures; what isn’t there to like?

I got this shot by accident. Can you believe how excited this bird is to be fed? It freaked Davis out and we had a good laugh that it was caught on film.

The boys had a good time and it was a change of pace around here. Usually, they’d spend the entire day on the computer. {{Sneeky Mom}}

Family Cruise Director

Saturday Happenings

Laurie5 Comments

Saturday was a big day with too many things scheduled. It started early in the a.m. when we got to Dylan’s soccer game, it was rescheduled for later that morning. So we met at McDonald’s with another team mate to keep the kids occupied and kill some time.

Dylan did such a great job during his game. I think we’ve finally found a sport that he enjoys and is decent at. He takes initiative on the field and tries his best. {{relief}}

I brought suckers to the game to try and keep Drake in one place, at least for a couple moments.

There were lows

and high moments in the game. His team ended up loosing but they played the best game so far. Great Job Dil!

By the time we got home, it was time to head on out to the Air Show. It’s a highlight for all the boys in my family.

Jason works on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program and has loved it. He’s much happier designing jets than oil drills.

Davis still wants to be a pilot when he grows up and has since he was 5.

There are lots of fun photo-ops at the air show.

We had to take advantage of them.

This is what Jason and I did during most of the show, wrestled with Drake.


Oooooh!


Ahhhh!




Holy Crap! Watch Out!

Afterwards, we picked up a babysitter and Jason and I went on a date. Yep, a real date. It was so nice to spend some time with my man. We like all the same things which makes the evening easy going and delightful.

Mother of Boys

Play Time

Laurie4 Comments

While I was getting out all the Halloween decorations out of the attic, I found some toys for the boys that we haven’t played with in years. I just love finding lost treasures. Anyway, Drake has been having fun all week playing and discovering new {{to him}} toys.

We’ve been building {{and destroying}} foam forts all week.

The boys dressed up in their old Halloween costumed over the weekend. Of course, Drake had to participate too but was seriously bummed that everything was too big. {{reality check}}

Guns, guns, and more guns. Geeze. It was so cute to see how much they’ve grown as they tried to squeeze into their old costumes. I made the police vest Davis’ is wearing for Christmas when he was 5. Needless to say, they’ve gotten a ton of use out of it. 😉

Drake had us in stitches when he put on Davis’ skeleton mask! At one point he was crawling around on the floor and it was so freaky looking and unnatural! We were rolling in laughter.

These boys crack me up! There’s always something crazy happening at the Turk home. A mini skeleton batman should not surprise me these days. {{giggle}}

Genuine

There Is No Reality; Only Perception

Laurie16 Comments



{{this is my reality and my perception}}

Last week, three different people gave me a little insight to their perception of what I contribute to their lives. To sum it up, I fell short.

At first, I felt completely defensive. In my head I was saying, “Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea of how much I accomplish each day? Do you have any idea of how busy and complicated my life is? ”

Then I remembered what Dr. Phil said, “No matter what happens in your life, how you interpret that event is up to you.”

Each conversation got me thinking and finally I realized that this is their reality and therefore important. This is how they interpreted my actions. They can’t help how they feel and I should be glad that they felt comfortable enough to talk to me about it.

I’ve always known that I’m terrible at managing expectations and lately I’ve been too tired to even try. As a result, it turns out that I have taken for granted some of the people around me. I’ve been so focused on my creating my own experience that I haven’t nurtured a couple of the people I hold dear.

I don’t know why I was approached by several people in a matter of days but in retrospect I’m glad I was. The point was made and I got it.

“We only know and experience this life through the meaning or the relevance of perceptions that we assign to it.” – Dr. Phil

Since I’m a person who puts very little value on image, I don’t care what other people think of me and I don’t care what my reputation is. I’ve always had the opinion that people who can’t deal with who I am {{all the good, bad, and ugly}} simply don’t have to be in my life. That’s their problem not mine.

However, as I’ve been contemplating several issues that have arisen over the past month or so, I’ve realized whether I want to admit it or not, I do hold some responsibility to how other people around me are feeling. Consciously or not, I put out image and create expectations and make myself a reputation.

It has occur ed to me that you can also put too much out there. And in my opinion, too much of anything isn’t healthy.

To date, this is my 427th post. Usually I would consider this an accomplishment of a commitment I’ve made. However, today it means that I’ve contributed 427 more information about me than anyone should know. {{giggle}}

I’m not a private person per se but I like my space. I like certain people to know everything about me and others to know very little. In real life this is easy to control, however being a blogger it’s not.

I’ve been wondering if some of these issues have been caused because people I know in real life are reading my blog and coming up with their own interpretations of my life. I’ll be honest and admit, that there were a couple days when I decided that I was going to go private. I felt like that would solve all these issues and I could go back to a time when life was simple. A time when blenvy didn’t exist, people didn’t have a play-by-play of what I was doing, or who I was doing it with. Everyone in my life would feel special and know that I care about them because when I’m with a friend, I’m with that friend enjoying the moment.

I think it’s important for people in my life to know that I’ve always had this busy, always moving, striving to be better, creative, flawed life. I didn’t just happen because I started blogging.

To everyone in my real life,



I adore you. I have a young soul and have to learn everything by trial and error. I don’t know it all and I don’t think I do. I’m not fabulous at relationships, at times I struggle. I can’t read your mind, I wish I could. I cherish your friendship. I don’t judge. I try to understand your perspective in life and learn to appreciate it and enjoy it. Sometimes it conflicts with mine, I’m ok with that. We don’t all have to be the same. Please forgive me if I can’t remember what your husband does, or what I did last week, or when I called you last.



Know that I feel blessed to have you in my life.



Laurie



P.S. I find myself making every possible mistake. Love me anyway.

Home Decorator · Mother of Boys

It’s Fall Y’all!

Laurie13 Comments

Talk to me Tuesday over on Tip Junkie this week is featuring fall and Halloween home decor ideas. I love getting a peek into other women’s homes! Here’s mine and I hope you are inspired with a new idea for your home.

Seriously, I do not know where 2008 has gone, time is passing so quickly! Last week I got out all the Halloween decorations and decked out the house. It’s so nice to have a change of scenery and get festive for my favorite holiday.

A couple friends and I made the Pottery Barn Halloween advent calendar last year. I made mine skinnier to better fit my walls. And yes, I’ve hooked you up with a tutorial on Executive Homemaker. {{wink}}

This poor broomstick witch has seen better days but I just love her. I made her at a Super Saturday when I was first married.

The same year I made the broomstick witch, I also made this ghost and spider wreath. It’s a mess and missing all the black light bulbs. But I thought the idea was so cool and had to share it with you.

The coke cans were crushed and spray painted white and made into ghosts. Then they used black pipe cleaners for the spider legs, spray painted light bulbs black, added eyes and a red rhinestone on the back to make spiders. Add a big festive bow and voila.


Inside my front door.


Outside my front door.


I still haven’t gotten my camera fixed. 🙁


Entry way

One year the boys and I beaded these pumpkins. We have made it a tradition to hang them from our bar. It must have been a good memory because they talk about that day every time we hang them up.

Thanks to Dylan’s birthday party decorations, we’ve been hooked up with all kinds of creepy crawling things. I finally found a place for my bat!


Mique made me that Boo banner last year. Thanks Mique!

When the kids came home, we made a chocolate cookie haunted house. We had a friend over and she joined in the fun.

I let them do the entire thing. They read the directions, put it together, and decorated it themselves. They are way too big for mom’s help. {{get with it mom}}


Drake cried the whole time wanting to eat the candy.

They were so proud of themselves when they were done.

As soon as the picture was taken, it was consumed!

Mother of Boys

When the cat’s away…

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The mice will play! Jason was out of town last week and so we met up with Davis’ teacher from last year at Mickey D’s for some play time. Drake loved it!

Why is the play ground empty, you ask?

Because they have a computer game! All 3 of the boys squished in there to get at turn. Well, at least we’re consistent! {{giggle}}

Near the end of our visit they did play a little in playground and each made a friend. Top off the evening with a walk and it was a nice evening with friends. Thanks Christina!

Mother of Boys

Called To Serve

Laurie9 Comments

Saturday felt more like a Sunday as we were all challenged to serve others. Our primary (church) organized an activity where all the children were called to serve a mission for our church. Davis was called to Japan and Dylan was called to Fresno, California (where Jason served). The boys were very confused when they got their letter and had a little panic in their eyes as they asked if it was “for real” and if they had to leave home. I told them it was just an activity day where they would learn about missionary work.

They had so much fun and are even more excited to be missionaries when they’re 19. I was asked to help out with the bike relay.

Davis now hopes he doesn’t get called to Japan because he didn’t like the food we was asked to eat. Although, he is still singing “I am a Child of God” in Japanese days later.

Afterwards, we met up with Wendy and her family at McDonald’s since Jason was still at school.

All the boys were in heaven as we haven’t been inside a McDonald’s for quite a while.

Our kids play together really well and I adore being with Wendy’s girls.

The kids got quite inventive with their activities while we were there.

That evening I met up with some friends to watch a broadcast specifically for the women of our church. I was touched the most with President Uchtdorf”s talk. Here are a couple paraphrased statements he made.

“Our Heavenly Father is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are 2 objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Fathers’ perfect happiness. These activities we can and should emulate.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul no matter what our talents and abilities. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you or voice of critiques paralyze you.

Trust and rely on the spirit as you take the normal activities in your daily life to create something of beauty and helpfulness. You improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.”

Next he spoke about compassion, “In the end the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness but the number of prayers we answer may be of greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts.”

It was so nice to hear that our creative drives are normal and a gift from God because {{obviously}} he is a creative being. I also really needed the encouragement on service. My family life has been so overwhelming to me for some time that I’ve used that as an excuse. I serve in some ways but it’s something that I feel the need to improve on and get out of my comfort zone.

There are several women around me that embody what President Uchtdorf was describing. I’m so grateful for their example and their kindness towards my family. This is a character trait that I really admire in others and hope to one day achieve.

The day ended with some entertaining conversation at Chili’s. I seem to always learn something new when I hang out with other women. In the end, it was a day of spiritual uplift and has helped me redirect my energies this week.