My Friday morning surprise.

I posted already how much I love that little 17 month old. I love his 4 1/2 year old brother too. I try really hard to get a workout in each day without having to take them to the gym because I am a good mommy and they don't like the gym. My workout equipment is upstairs so when it is raining and I can't go for a walk/run, I have Brody "play" with Kellen. In case you can't tell what they decided to "play" on Friday, I think it was a game called break the entire loaf of bread on the couch. Thank goodness it doesn't rain here very often!

Nana turns 66!!!

The little girls, Emmie and Lauren, didn't think she looked older than 44.

Her coordination and spirit for fun proved she doesn't act older than 44!

This group likes a good candy filled pinata.

Perry did homework almost the entire party. Now she better get an A on that To Kill a Mockingbird test.

Look at how much fun everyone is having. Thank goodness we get to have lots of birthday parties in this family.

A note about my mother Lana Jean Turner. She is beautiful inside and out. I could not have asked for a better example of love, compassion, and support. Many things were said about her as we went around the circle in our family tradition. Words are better than gifts so we take this time to share our thoughts with the birthday person. Children love her cooking her generosity her listening ear, the way she takes your side even when no one else will, the way her home feels. Brody said "I love her and that is it!" Well, this is the way I feel too. I love her to no end and no other words will do.

Kellen gets a big boy haircut!!!!!

We just love this boy around here! He is turning into such a little person. Willful and strongminded, sweet and loving - what a good combination!

No pictures today just funny things Brody has been telling me lately.

Brody has never given a talk or prayer or scripture in primary because he is so stubborn he will not! Last time I told him I would go up with him to help him, and he replied, " well, you can go up there if you want, but I still won't do it!" So, Sunday he was assigned the prayer. I remembered in the morning, but then when we got to church I forgot. When we got home I remembered again and asked him if he had done it and if he got help. To my surprise, he said he had done it and without any help. When I asked him what he said, he replied, " I don't remember, it was short but very important."

Today Brody came in the kitchen to tell me that Emmie is a "pest" sometimes. I told him that everyone is a pest sometimes but that we all need to try and be pleasant. He replied saying, "yea cuz that is what Heavenly Father wants, and he is our Lord." I about choked on my oatmeal - I guess the boy is paying attention!

Davin with coach Rucker at the Basketball banquet

This kid had a great season. As the mother, it is soooo stressful to watch the games and want every one to be your child's best game. Having been a competitive athlete I can relate to the joys and frustrations. Davin, congratulations on all your success this season. I guess hard work, determination and talent do equal success!

Can you say hives?!?!
Perry will kill me for this, but it is just so incredible it has to be recorded. Thank goodness they are seasonal and only last spring and summer. We are hoping she will "grow" out of them. The picture doesn't even do it justice. They are so weird too because they will be in one spot and then disappear and move to another spot all in about 3 or 4 minutes.

I have to share a cute Kellen story. Yesterday at church he went diving into another family's diaper bag to find a container of apple sauce. Of course I had him in Relief Society and was desperately trying to keep him quiet. He wouldn't put it back , so I told him it was yucky in a loudish whisper. He responded by chucking it into the garbage can by the back door. The class responded with laughter. The instructor responded with weak grin through gritted teeth. I don't think we are invited back - at least not for another month when he will be in nursery!

"Newsflash" ... Kellen learns to do the splits!!!

So here is the deal when you have three older sisters, you learn to dance, play school or house, want your fingernails painted, and do the splits all before you can really even talk much. By the time I got the camera, Kellen was in resting position, but you can see in the look on his face that he knew all the excitement was about his new trick.

"Newsflash"... Josie changes from child to young woman overnight!
Here is my "little" girl just before her band concert on Thursday. I promise it was only a few months ago she was starting kindergarten and still couldn't say her R's, and now I am afraid if I get too busy I will turn around and she will be off to college! I better not get too busy.

Brody as a redhead!!!!!

Brody was invited to his little friend's house for a red party so we decided to paint his hair red.

This is what happens when your left home with your sister and her friend babysitting!

Induction Ceremony for the National Honor Society His horrible mother made him take this picture against his will. He relented after a 3minute whisper fight.

Davin with some of his AP buds.

Here he is actually receiving his certificate.

No, Davin is not standing on a chair :), and yes those are his arms reaching end to end.

In other news I wasn't sure if I wanted to record on this family blog, I have been dealing with some health issues. I had a follow up today with Dr. V, and he is pleased with my progress. Unfortunately I am still stuck on the fact that I am even in this situation at all. I feel so blessed to live in a time and country where I can be treated for a painful condition. I am thankful the medicine seems to be working for me, thankful for the power of the restored priesthood that my husband has used to bless me, thankful for the most supportive family and friends ever. The kids fasted on a school day even through practices on their own because they have testimonies of the power of prayer and fasting already! My friends have taken me out twice now and even chose my most unfavorite restaurant knowing I couldn't eat and sat there for hours taking my mind off of everything. My sister and Mom and Dad have all tirelessly listened to me try to talk my way through the pain and thought roller coaster. My sister has been to every health food store and my mom is ready to take me to the acupuncturist at a moments notice. I feel more loved than ever. I am so blessed to be where I am at now and I hope this medicine and diet can make me even better!!!!!