a Fathers Day shout out...

I checked my Facebook account today, and it was flooded with pictures of Dads!

Fathers, Grandpas, husbands, brothers, uncles... I loved seeing them. A lot of special tributes.

Sometimes I think that the men in my (all?) life get the shaft. They work so hard and don't always get the respect & acknowledgement they deserve.

My Dad. What can I say about someone who is a hard worker, kind, caring, intelligent, sweet, funny man? Who absolutely adores my Mom, takes amazing care of his Mother? Who took Harmony's dog so that we could live in our housing? Hmmm, I don't know how to do him justice. Some of my favorite memories of him are, going to his office to get a root beer from the pop machine, listening to Johnny Cash (which I still do) watching Cary Grant movies, scripture study in the mornings, and of course our girls trip to Reno & California.

My husband. The father of my children. The head of our home. My rock. My best friend. He works hard. He financially supports us so that I can be home with the kids. He helps with homework (especially math), goes to Scouts, takes the kids to movies, grills a mean steak, makes huge Saturday/Sunday breakfasts. He builds Legos, cheers on his team and is the chief "builder" of all furniture in our home. Favorite memories with my hubby? They are still happening! Seeing him delicately wash Harmony when she was born, seeing him pass the sacrament with Ethan & Connor, snuggling with Mason and then falling asleep, doing his best to help Ivan & support me in all my meetings and appointments for Ivan. Trips as a family, family movie nights...

My father in law. Jim is a quiet man, maybe because he can't get a word in with me around? Quite possibly. I feel sad that I don't know him very well. He has always treated me with love and kindness. Giving me genuine compliments. Teaching my husband. Loving my kids. Encouraging us.
(He also apparently doesn't like having his picture taken because I can't find any on my computer!)

Thank you to the men in my life. For being who you are...and blessing my life. Happy Fathers Day!

Fathers Day gifts

Whenever my kids talk about gifts for Mothers Day, it is always very sweet things. Like flowers, jewelry, breakfast in bed...

Fathers Day is a whole different ball game.

I have been reading quite a few old posts on this blog, and laughed when I found a Fathers Day post regarding Ethan. His gift suggestions were black socks and a guitar.

There was also the year when Connor got him Star Wars movies, so that they could watch them together, and tennis balls so they could play catch together.

So while doing errands with Mason today, I asked him what he thought we should get Ben for Fathers Day (even though I already have them, I am so on top of things!). This was our conversation:



Mason: "We should get him some tools!"
me: " That is a good idea, except I don't know what kind of tools to get him."
Mason: "OK how about some wood so he can build stuff."
me: "Wow, that is another good idea. But I don't know what kind or what sizes..."
Mason: "How about some bricks to build with?"
Me: " I don't know if Dad ever builds with bricks..."
Mason: "yes he does! With Lego bricks! Isn't that funny Mom!" As he cracks up at his own joke.

I have to say that Mason really knows his Dad well though!

He's BACK!

(I stole this picture off of the NMCB3 Facebook page. Not sure who took it to give them credit but...this is the convoy headed back to base)

I wish  I could say that Ben was back, safe and sound in my arms but...that is going to have to wait. He is, however, back at the main base. More importantly, he has internet!

It was a really hard month  not being able to  hear from him, and I really can't imagine what it was like for military wives before email, facebook...not sure I could have handled it back then!

staying connected

(yes she is almost as tall as I am!)

I know that I can't be the only one who is having trouble keeping up with blogs! I find I don't have the time in my day to update my facebook status, update my blog, leave comments, reply to comments etc. However, I love the fact that we have so much technology to keep us connected. So please forgive me when it takes me a while to respond! (: I honestly love hearing from everyone and reading what your families are up too.

As for ours, it is amazing how much our family can pack into a week!

Last weekend was a fun one for us. Ben and I were able to get out for a date!! We enjoyed TGIFridays (thanks Mom and Dad). Then it was on to pick up GS cookies with Harmony. She and I also hit the BX, library and commissary. When we got home, Harmony's best friend asked if Harmony could come with them to "Movie Under the Stars" in our housing. I packed up the boys and we all headed out to watch G Force. The weather was fabulous and we had fun. We can't wait for the next one!

Monday ended with a bang for Ethan, literally. We have a large tree in the backyard, that the kids dub the club house. Ben and I were in the living room, when Harmony came running saying Ethan had fallen out of the tree. He was very brave and held his tears in (he didn't want to cry in front of the neighbors)but once he got home he broke down. He bruised his tail bone and spent the day laying on his stomach. He was sore the next morning as he headed to school. I told his teacher what happened, so he has been spending his class time either on his knees, standing or sitting on a pillow. Poor guy!

Ben has accumulated a lot of leave time. So he is currently trying to burn some of it up. Every six weeks, he is able to take a week off. Since he has been home, I have been able to do all the stuff I normally do...just kid free. It has been so nice. I forgot how easy it is to go to the store with Harmony vs. with Ivan and Mason! I think these weeks are good for Ben, he gets to see what I do all week!

We fit in a lot this week, including lots of work outs, grocery shopping, programs, meetings, piano lessons, GS etc.

Yesterday I attended Harmony's DARE graduation. As I was leaving, I realized that I didn't have batteries in my camera. I stopped quickly at the mini mart and grabbed some. I got to the school, started to put them in and realized...my memory card was in the computer. Luckily, one of Ivan's teachers was there, and let me use her camera. Oh how I love digital! (: She emailed them to me last night.

Also I had my 2nd week of Biggest Loser and lost 4 lbs. It was very exciting. I hope I can keep up the momentum. Thanks for everyone's kind words and encouragment. I have a long way to go but I know I can get there! (:

Newness

(This picture has nothing to do with anything on this post. I just didn't want to leave it picture-less!)

The only thing we can count on is change right? Or is it death and taxes?

So where should I begin?

This summer, with hospital visits, Mason's birth, Ben being out of town... our church attendance has been less than stellar. And when you miss one week (or 2 or 3...)you miss out on a lot! We found out on Sunday that our branch is splitting. We will now be members of a brand new branch! Part of the new Dededo branch. So that means a new building, a new primary, a new sunbeam teacher for Ivan to get used too (so not looking forward to that) new people...This next Sunday will mark our last Sunday in the Barrigada branch.

I took the kids to new student orientation. A new school. Their school is kind of like a college campus. I am guaranteed to get lost a couple of hundred times. So we have a new school,new routines, new teachers, new bus routes, new school supplies.

We weren't exactly sure what Ivan would be doing this year. We are not sure if he is still labeled as "mild autistic" or just developmentally delayed. But because of his age, he is able to attend pre-k full time! Not just a couple of days like last year!He will still be getting services as needed. He will have an aid who is in his class full time. We are excited that he will be attending school 5 days a week! Ivan does not do well with change but I know he is going to love being at school more.

Ben is almost done with turn over and will finally be up closer to us! He spent last week down on the Navy base. This week he is back and forth. I can't wait for his commute time to go from 45 minutes to 5!

As I put the kids into their new school, it really hit me. We only have 9 months left on Guam!! (The kids and I are leaving earlier than Ben). And then we will be on to more new-ness.

Looking forward to all the changes and what life will bring us next!

2 weeks

Whew, this was a fast 2 weeks! Ben and Harmony are out on a date, and I am supposed to be making cookies for the boys. So this will be a quick update...

Ben is getting ready to leave for 2.5 weeks. I don't want him to go! :( I realize that 2.5 weeks is not that long of a time and I really shouldn't complain. But I am going to anyway! He will be home for a few days and than will be headed to Utah for a class for the rest of the time.

Harmony will turn 10 while he is gone. I can't believe that! The time has really flown. She is excited to head to Girl Scout day camp on Monday. She is leaving me with all the boys all day long! She is getting ready for school to start but is a little nervous about changing classes!

Ethan was lucky to have a dog walking companion while my Mom was here. He let me know on Thursday that he didn't want to go by himself. I had to tell him too bad! He has been playing a lot of video games and I think he is getting ready to go back to school too!

Connor has been fighting with Ivan non-stop. Those two are just driving me batty! He loves Mason though! I think he is a little nervous around him, but he loves to feel his soft hair and look at his tiny fingers and toes.

Ivan is really doing well with potty training. I can't remember the last diaper of his I changed. I hope he continues with his streak. My lucky Mom (sarcastic) got to share a bunk bed with Ivan. He was on the top but has loved being able to move to the bottom. He invites everyone to come and lay on his big boy bed!

Mason had his two week check up on Thursday. He weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz. So he got back to his birth weight and gained some! We have noticed that he is starting to fill out some. He still has his blue eyes and is starting to get a little more hair. We were also told by the dr. that he is tongue tied. The skin(is that considered skin?)that connects your tongue to the bottom of his mouth is too short. She said it is not bad but he could have speech problems later. However, it is very easy to fix. You just clip it. She didn't seem to concerned about it.

The kids have all been great helpers. We are slowly settling in to this new routine. I think...

promise

So obviously I have neglected my blog for awhile. I have a good reason though! My mom was here, and "what the heck would you do in a situation like that?" Ignore your Mom ( who you haven't seen for about 20 months) or hang out and talk and laugh until your throat hurts? I thought so!

I will update later, after I get some things done. But I do want to say this:

HAPPY 31ST BIRTHDAY HONEY! I LOVE YOU A TON. I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Veterans Day

To all those who went before


To all of those who serve today


THANK YOU

Daddy's helper

After months of listening to me complain about our entertainment center, Ben took the matter into his own hands. Literally. He designed and than built me an entertainment center. :) It has been his project for the past little while.

So yesterday, while poor Ivan was stuck with Mom and Dad at home, he got to help Ben put the wheels on. Doesn't he look like he is helping and not making it harder? :)

which one....

is not like the other?

worth it?

I am not so sure!

a Ben update

Whew! Almost one week down. When Ben was in Afghanistan, we were able to IM with each other every single night for an hour. His hotel in Timor, does not have a phone or internet. His local cell phone is at least a dollar a minute to call here. So the only time I get to IM with him is if he is at work. It makes it frustrating but I will take what I can get!!! I can't imagine dealing with deployments back before all of this wonderful technology that we have!!

One of the projects that Ben is helping with is a school. He said that all the kids looked at him like he was Godzilla or something. All of the people there are short, so to see someone as tall as him was a shock. They are also working on a community center.

Other things I have learned while he has been gone are, East Timor supplies 40% of all the coffee that Starbucks uses, all the "American snacks" are about $3-4 dollars more so he is sticking with Indonesian snacks. A pint of Ben & Jerry's was $17! Yikes. The restaraunts offer a lot of Australian food and that they serve rice and french fries with everything. He has been eating a lot of seafood. There are apparently no driving laws over there and so he is hoping to make it home without getting in a car wreck. He is trying to get used to driving on the other side of the street. He described Timor as being a cross between Guam and Afghanistan. Although he said that compared to Timor, Guam is like Beverly Hills. That's kind of a scary thought!

I am enclosing some pictures that he sent. The one with all the statues was taken on his 12 hour stop in Bali. The rest are views from his hotel.

safe & sound

Just wanted to let everyone know, I got an email from Ben last night. He made it to East Timor and is all settled in his hotel. Apparently the hotels don't have phones. Hmmm...so he is going to buy a local cell phone. So until then I don't know much. But I know he made it. Phew.

** Funny story, Ben was reading some travel blogs about East Timor and one of the people who were writing said that they had been their twice. The second time was so much better because they now offered such amenities as toilet paper and chocolate. Doesn't that sound like a place you want to be?!

A tribute

Fathers Day was actually yesterday for us. And as the clock wound down until the time that Ben had to go to the airport, I found myself observing. Watching him interact with all the kids before he left. Ben snuggled on the couch with Connor, watching Star Wars. (Connor got him Revenge of the Sith for Fathers Day, b/c Connor really wanted to see it!) They sat together and were just content to sit. Ethan, is not a cuddler and Ben didn't push it. Giving him a high five instead. Ivan was so crabby (he's not feeling well) and so didn't want anything to do with him. Harmony, on the other hand, was very emotional and kept saying, "please don't go". He held her and comforted her and told her the words that she needed to hear.

I am so grateful for Ben and the wonderful father that he is. Our kids all have different personalities and he doesn't push them to be something they are not. He loves them for who they are.

Ben, unfortunatley, doesn't have the kind of schedule where he gets to spend a lot of time with the kids. By the time he gets off of work, we eat dinner, do homework, there just isn't that much free time left. But he is always willing to play baseball with them, take them out to the garden, take them to the movies, or go swimming. He spoils them like no other. Always wanting to give them whatever they want. You can find him playing legos, building train tracks, designing things for Harmony and just being there. I love you Ben. Happy Fathers Day!

*********************************************************************************

And now onto my father. I have been so bad about getting my cards out on time lately. But it doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking about my Dad. Yesterday at church, the scripture, " I Nephi having been born of goodly parents, wherefore I had learned the way of my Father" (ok not exact quote but...) all I was thinking was amen to that.

I have such wonderful memories of my Dad. From watching Cary Grant movies with him, to raking the leaves in the fall, to the time that he took all of us girls to California with him. We listened to Rick Dees and I remember vividly all of us singing, "That's Amore." But there is something that my Dad did, that he probably doesn't even remember, that has stayed with me.

When I was in high school, struggling with making good decisions, Dad said to me, "Marie if you ever need me as an excuse, do it. I don't care what your friends think of me. I care about you and that you are making good decisions. If you are struggling with "should I go or not" and you feel you shouldn't, but are too embarresed to tell your friends, just roll your eyes and say, " My Dad won't let me."

It just made me realize how much he loved and cared for me. And he still does. I love you Dad, Happy Fathers Day!

sacrifice

Being a military brat is tough. I am not going to sugar coat it. And I don't think I need too. Moving around a lot, new schools, new friends, fears about what their parent does for a living, dealing with deployments etc.

Because of some problems in the travel dept. Ben is not leaving until Sunday. Although we have been getting ready for him to go for a while now. Uniforms started coming out, uploading the kid's pictures on his ipod, buying needed items and all other sorts of prep. The kids really hadn't said anything about it. Until now.

Harmony has been crying at the drop of a hat. Literally. She has burst into tears at least 4 times today alone. She is now playing with some friends, and I hope that puts her in a better mood! Every little thing that doesn't work out perfectly for her, has just brought on a flood gate. My Mother's intuition tells me that she is upset about her Dad leaving. Not that Ethan keeps "stealing" Astro from her. But she is keeping her feelings inside.

Connor on the other hand has been letting me know EXACTLY how he feels...and it is breaking my heart. This is the conversation this morning,
C-" Mom, when exactly is Daddy leaving?"
M-" On Sunday."
C-starts crying, " I don't want him to go. I don't like it when he leaves."
M-" I know sweetie. I don't like it either. But you know what? He is not going to be gone very long this time."
C- " I know. Only 7 weeks. How many days are there in a week?"
M-" There are 7. So 7 weeks times 7 days equals 49. So your Dad is only going to be gone for like 50 days."
C- more tears" That is too long!"
M-" I know Connor. Do you know why Daddy has to go?" He shakes his head. " He is going to a country that doesn't have very much money. And he is going to help them build schools and other buildings, so that the kids can be as safe and as comfortable as you are. He is going so that he can help them. We need to share him with those people for a little while."
C- " I don't want to share him, he's my Daddy."

By this time, I stopped talking and just held him while he cried. Ben said, "this was so much easier when they were little. All I had to do then was kiss them goodbye."

Sacrifice and sharing are not easy sometimes.

this & that

The fact is that, my house is a mess. I believe a tornado has actually gone through here. Or maybe I should pretend that the earthquake (6.7) that we had on Saturday is what did the damage. Yeah I think that is a good idea. However, I am not actually going to clean it. Yet. I need to update the old blog. Priorities right?

My Mothers Day gift is actually going to be a trip to Bali in October. So I told Ben that he didn't have to buy me anything. I am so nice huh? However, Ben and the kids did make me dinner. Ethan has learned how to make pancakes. I have to mix it, but he pours it on the griddle, flips them and then puts them on the plate. Impressive huh? Harmony and Ethan worked together to make pancakes, Ben made juice and sausages and bacon. It was very sweet and I loved all of the kids homemade cards, paper flowers and sweet mothers day wishes. I am a lucky mom!

Yesterday morning, Harmony came down stairs with her uniform on, but with an extra outfit in her hand. When asked about it, she said, " well it is for my school play." I was like what on earth are you talking about? It turned out that all the 3rd grade classes were acting out a folktale. I asked her when and where. She said, "well at around 9:15 but I don't know where." I told her I wouldn't be able to come if I didn't know the time and place. Tears welled up but I told her she could go to school and than see if she could call me with the info.

I was in the bathroom when the phone rang, and so I didn't actually answer it. Her teacher told her that he left a message, but she was very worried I wouldn't make it. Well being the SuperMom that I am, I was there. Her play was cute. She played a cat. "I love cats Mom. This is like a dream come true!" Her class actually went first so that worked out well. Ivan only sits in the stroller for so long! By the end she started putting her instrument in front of her face. I hope she does not go through a stage of not wanting to get her picture taken. Not with this camera happy Mom!

**the top picture is just for fun. E got a Nintendo DS for his birthday. Do you think the other boys were interested in it, at all? Not to mention Daddy who snuck and played with it last night! Boys!

Sorry Mom!!

I got an email from my Mom today. Very concerned ( after reading Harmony's blog concerning x-rays) and let me know that it had been 8 days since I updated my blog. So, I apologize. I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth...although it seems that way sometimes.

Ben got home( after a delay) on Monday night. The kids were soooo excited to see him. Except for Harmony who decided to skip out on going to the airport and going to Girl Scouts. They were working on a fashion show and she did not want to miss out! So the big boys and I went. Ben of course, came bearing gifts. The kids had a blast opening Legos, video games, movies, books etc. etc.

Tuesday Harmony informed me that she had signed up for the bookfair and would need to have her project turned in the following morning. I wanted to strangle her little neck but instead, I took her to the NEX in hopes that we could find what she needed. We spent maybe 2 hours on it but she was happy. So I was happy. The next day however, she came home in tears because she hadn't won a prize. I had to explain to her that some kids had put days and weeks into their projects and she had only spent a couple of hours. A lemonade stand with her friend eventually got her mind off of it and she was very happy with just her participant ribbon.

Thursday Ben had a softball game. Since Spring Break had officially began, I took the kids down to the field to watch him. On one side there is a nicely lit park although the toys leave something to be desired. However a little bit down the sidewalk is a nicer toy, just no lights. I took the kids over anyway and everything was going fine until...Connor and his friend Kameron crashed on the slide while playing Star Wars.He complained that his finger really hurt. So being the mean Mom that I am, I gave him a kiss and a hug and told him he was fine.

The next morning he wakes up and his finger is completely swollen. I felt awful. I took him to the doctor and she said to get x-rays just in case it was fractured. It wasn't but it is still pretty swollen. She said because of all the soft tissue on the finger it could take a little while to go down.The kid had a fun story to tell though!

Saturday I felt like I got nothing done. I went to a baby shower, which is always fun hanging out with friends, then grocery shopping. I took the kids to see the Spiderwick Chronicles and they were scared to death! Connor was in my lap, literally shaking, using my hand to cover his eyes.Ethan was next to me with his face buried in my shoulder saying, " I want to go home. I just want to go home." Harmony sat with her knees up to her chin and a stuffed animal in front of her eyes. I had no idea they would be so scared!

Sunday was a pretty typical Sunday for us, with out too much excitement.

Today, Harmony was off with her Girl Scout troop riding horses. Her leader said they had a great time but the girls were really hot and complained a lot about being outside for so long. I think they were expecting an air conditioned barn or something! Harm's leader is so great and she has a lot planned for them this week. Thursday night she gets to go camping. She is really excited and I have to go and find her all the gear she needs!

So there you have it. An almost complete wrap up as to what has been going on in the Turner household. And just to give her a little plug...you should head over and check out Harm's blog. She has been better about keeping it updated than I have. If you don't have the address you can email me for it!

Expect the Unexpected

My kids, like most kids, get a little well...should we say greedy over the holidays? Like Christmas they have a whole list of ideas for what should be in their Easter baskets. I make a very non-commital nod or noise to let them know that I am listening but not necessarily saying yes.

This year, Easter has come at me so fast. I just find it hard to believe that it is already here. This week has flown by and I realized that I didn't really have things ready. With Ben being gone, I knew I would have to tweek things a little but...

The kids have been having a hard time with Ben being gone.Ethan is a major grump and is mad at me for a variety of different things. So unlike him. He is usually a huge Mama's boy but he has been hard to take. Harmony has been drama and she will fall down crying over any little thing. I think they just really miss him. But they keep asking me if he will be home for Easter. I say no he will be home the next Sunday. They just frown and are really unhappy.Upset that he will be missing it.

Yesterday after school they told me that they wanted to wait to have Easter until the next week so he could be there. Even their baskets could just wait. I was shocked to say the least. So today we are headed out to the Easter Egg Hunt, and than I have a baby shower to go too.

I am really glad that we are waiting. I think tomorrow we will really be able to focus on the real meaning of Easter and not on the Easter bunny.Plus I have an extra week and I am sure candy will be discounted!

on my own

I dropped Ben off at the airport at 4 am this morning!! Fun Fun. He is headed to Port Hueneme for 2 weeks. I am very jealous of him going on a 2 week vacation! :) He tells me it is not a vacation but I consider no kids, eating out, and having house keeping a vacation! The kids already miss him and Ivan keeps looking at his car, very confused, saying " Where Daddy go?" or "Daddy's car! Daddy's car!" and then..."Daddy at work." It is going to be a long 2 weeks!

thirty reasons...

that I love my thirty year old!!

1) sooo hot
2) hard working
3)kind
4) merciful to me and others
5) always wants to help people
6) intelligent
7) his talent for woodworking
8) he is a good cook
9) he is a wonderful father
10) he indulges me
11) he can fix anything
12) he plays baseball with the boys
13) he takes Harmony out for snorkeling
14)supportive in the things I want to do
15)because he likes to have fun
16) because he can take a joke
17)because he makes me laugh
18)he buys Lego's for the boys so that he can play
19)because he understands how Harmony feels ( being the oldest & only girl)and can talk toher about it
20)because he takes his priesthood responsibilites seriously
21)because he calls when he will be late
22)because he looks so cute when he falls asleep with one of the kids
23)he is patient with me
24) he is stubborn 9( I only love that up to a point!)
25) he wants what is best for me, even if it isn't what he would want
26) he knows how important family is
27) he spoils me
28) he cuddles in bed when he gets cold,because I always have the a/c and the fan on
29) he lets me keep the temp.in the house where I want it
30) he loves me

Happy Birthday Honey! I now have officially known you more than half your life! Love you tons!