Presents!!

Brian came home last night at about 10pm from a long day of traveling. He brought us each a gift. Hannah wanted to wait for Daddy to get home so she opened her gift last night and found this penguin backpack. As soon as she saw it she said "I can take this to school".

Shortly after opening her gift Hannah went to bed with her new bag. She woke up at about 4am and called to tell me she was awake. I went to her room and she was standing at the door with her book bag packed, on, and blanket in her hand. It gave me an early morning chuckle, but I put her back to bed and told her that we would play in the morning.

JACK is the friendliest front loader the Island has ever seen. Jack loves his job so much and is so eager to please that he often takes on tasks too big for him. He sometimes has to be reminded of the quarry motto, "safety first."

Carter opened his gift this morning and hasn't let it go since. He even took his nap with his 'truck.' I saved the best for last!! Here is my new tea/cocoa mug. I just love it!!

Thanks Babe!

Best Friends

Hannah has named Anna Coleman her Best Friend. On our way over to Anna's house today I asked Hannah to share her water sippy with Carter to which she replied, "No Momma, I can only share with my best friend Anna. I can't share with Carter"

We tried so hard to take a photo of the three kids. Here are the two of the better pictures.

This photo is my favorite. Hannah has watched Brian and I kill the bugs in our house with shoes a few too many times. So while we were playing outside today Hannah spotted a bug and decided she needed to kill it. For any of you bug lovers you will be happy to know that she does not have very good aim.

Tough Week

As most of you know Hannah Grace has been a little unbearable lately. She cries and whines non-stop, won't sleep through the night, and doesn't want to sleep in her room ever. So last night I attempted to leave the gate down to keep her from tears and found her in the hall way this morning. As much as I want to ship her off to boot camp right now she is pretty cute.

This photo is of Hannah and Carter's babies. Hannah put them down for a nap while we were eating dinner tonight. I should have taken a photo of the kids taking a bath and washing the babies, but I didn't think of it. I am trying to train them to be good helpers with the new baby. We will see?

Hannah is such a BIG girl with her new "diamond" hair clip. She thinks she is HOT stuff. The other photo is just a cute photo of Hannah helping Daddy cook dinner. Thanks to Grandma Turk for the cute dress!!

The Belly

I have really been struggling with my appearance this pregnancy. I remember being pregant with Hannah Grace. I wanted everyone to see my belly. I even took photos of it. This time I do all I can to hide my big ugly belly. I guess it is the third baby in three years and I should expect it, but I just feel so unpretty. During my college days I remember my Grandmother making a comment about how beautiful my skin was and how my hands were so pretty. At the time I thought that was such a strange comment, but now I am starting to understand. I was just looking at photos the other day of when Brian and I were dating. I found myself dreaming of that young, thin body I once had. At that time in my life I would tell you that I felt fat and I'm sure I would have informed you of all my flaws. So today I am trying to just be grateful now for the youth I still have.
I don't understand why society today makes women feel that aging is unattractive. Now a days you can have anything "fixed". My Grandfather told me when I was young (about 12 years old) that my Grandma was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and she just got more and more beautiful with every passing day. I just thought that was the most wonderful thing and hope that some day Brian will say that to our grand kids.
Someone once told me you should look in the mirror OH! did I mention you should be naked, and tell yourself that you are beautiful and that God created you in his perfect image and likeness. I truly wish that I could put on "God goggles" and see myself as a beautiful, radiant young, thin, winkle less child of God.
I feel like with age you gain an understanding and a wisdom that is so rich. You start to understand the things your elders tried to "teach" you. I feel like such a better person and I love everyday that God gives me. BUT I still feel like I want to hide!! Sorry for this sad entry today, but I would love any advice and prayer you have for me!?

Surprise!

Last night was the SURPRISE party for Jeff's 32nd Birthday. Rebecca has been planning for a few months now and it was just amazing. We enjoyed dinner in a stone room decorated with candles and gerber daisies. After the "roast" we went out into a courtyard to enjoy cake and listen to the gospel group, Chosen, preform. It was a very memorable evening. Jeff even became an honorary member of Chosen and sang for us.

The kids were home with Laura and Elizabeth. They had lots of fun playing in the play room. I don't even think they missed us.

FYI Brian is turning 30 in November and I would love some ideas if anyone has a good one!?!

Saturday Haircut

Every Saturday Jeff, Brian and Carter get up at 6:30am and drive about 30 minutes to get the "best haircut" ever. It really is a fun tradition for the men. Carter has yet to get an actual haircut there, but he truly enjoys the Saturday morning conversations at the Barber Shop or maybe it's just the time spent with his Dad.

Anyway, I think the Barber Shop thing is rather crazy!! Anytime I need a haircut I call up, make an appointment, arrive on time (as long as the kids are cooperating that day) and they cut my hair as soon as I arrive. That is NOT how it works at the Barber. Last time the boys went they got there a few minutes before the doors opened at 7am and there were already 5 gentlemen in line. Amazed by the line Jeff asked "What time did you get here to be first in line?" The man replied, "6:15am". So this man waited 45 minutes to be first. Do you think that the wait was worth it? I would like to know how long you have to wait if you are second? I think I would rather the few extra moments of sleep then the status of "first in line". Moreover, I think it is so fun that the men/boy have started this tradition and I truly hope it is one that continues until Carter leaves for college.

Thank you Grandma for the new shirt!! Looks great!!

Catch of the Day

We bought a game that includes an elephant with a 4 foot trunk that is filled with butterflies and 4 nets. The objective of the game is to catch all the butterflies in your net as they start to shoot out the trunk of the elephant. The kids love the game, but have found MANY uses for the net.
Here are some more photos:

Sleepy

I think about blogging everyday, but lately I am SO TIRED!!! I feel like I am on some type of drug. All I want to do is sleep. I guess it is just because I'm in the last stages of pregnancy?!? Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I will do my best, but lately any "blogging time" is taken with an extra cat nap.

We're Back

We had a great time haning out with our friends and family!! Here are some of the photo albums. I will write more later.

Hanging with the Colletti Family

Audrey turns ONE

Wedding

Grateful

First, I must share that I am VERY proud of myself. I got up this morning and got myself ready and then got the kids ready and fed and made it to Sunday School on time!! Usually I have Brian to help get everything ready, but he is driving back from Pittsburgh today.

Anyway, I am so grateful that I went this morning. Sunday School was wonderful. It reminded me that being a mother is my job and I must glorify the Lord with my every step!! So many days I feel like I am totally wrapped up with the daily activities and distractions that come with two little kids and one on the way. I know that I am a small part of a HUGE picture and I am so honored to do my little part, which seems rather huge on some days.

Since we moved I have really struggled with finding my "spot". I had/have such a huge network of friends and family on the western half of the state. I must admit that I was very spoiled!! I still miss hearing John Guest speak every week. Anyway, this week/weekend I finally felt "at home" Brian convinced me to go to Sunday school last weekend where I met, Lisa, who invited us to join her life group, which was meeting at her home last week. Brian and I really enjoyed the time of fellowship, but I really enjoyed meeting other women who related to me. So after the life group I was able to hang out with some of the ladies. Then, at church this morning for the FIRST time I felt like I was part of the community. I have missed this SO very much!! Praise GOD for all the blessings and trails in my life!! This has been a very trying week for me and I was starting to feel lost and without purpose. I guess it is sorta like God made me "work" all week and on the seventh day he shared his glory with me.

Sorry for this emotional blog entry today. I am sure it has nothing to do with my hormones!! I just realized that I don't praise God aloud enough!! So PRAISE GOD!! Maybe each day I will find something to be grateful for... hold me to it!! Today I am truly grateful to have such a devoted and loving husband! I don't know that he even reads this, but if he does thanks for sticking with me I love you!

Kids Day

We had a really fun and busy day. Hannah got the pool out at 8am and was ready to swim. The water was so cold that I couldn't even put my toes in, but Hannah jumped in and lay down like a fish.
The real fun was this evening we met our friends Jena and Owen at the Trolley Stop for kids day. We went on a train ride, got a balloon from Jimbo, and hung out at the petting zoo. It was a really fun time and I am really crossing my fingers that the kids sleep well tonight!!
Click below to check out all the photos.

Trolley Shop

Paparazzi

The other night we went to the Coleman's house and next thing you know... Brian is in People magazine. I guess that is what happens when you hang with the Colemans.
Carter loved the bike ride, but NOT the pink helmet.

Relax

Not too much to report at the Turk house.

Hershey Gardens

Today's adventure took us to Hershey Gardens. It was a little slice of paradise amongst the noisy world. The gardens were breathtaking and the kids loved the Butterfly House and the Children's Garden. I have never been in a butterfly house before, but it was just awesome to be surrounded with beautiful flowers and butterflies everywhere. Hannah carried her cheat sheet so she could identify each butterfly. Anna and Carter felt that they should attempt to catch every butterfly they saw. Needless to say we weren't in the house for very long.

Enjoy our photo album below!!

Hershey Gardens

Friends

We had a very fun evening with Miss Anna Grace. We made a fort with lots of tunnels, played in the basement, went for a walk, played outside and had a little snack time!! It was a fun and busy night!!

Playing with Anna

Cars

The Trio enjoying the pool (except Carter) !!

Momma and Kids

Lunch

Today we went to the pool with Anna and Becca. We had a ton of fun and I must say that having the car rafts was a life saver for me!! I don't have to worry about kids going under the water and the kiddie pool is shallow enough that they can still walk around. We also enjoyed a small lunch and then came home for naps. Thanks be to God for all the sunshine!! We love it!!

Click below to see more photos

pool day

Happy Father's Day!

Forget politics and enjoy your day!!

This is a typical Father's Day position. Today we went to a wonderful service at church and then lunch at the "Rhino Restaurant". Now Brian is on the couch downstairs in the above position watching the U.S. Open.

Happy Father's Day!

Pool Day

We had a blast at the pool today. I took the kids with my friend Amanda and we had a great time playing in the water and just enjoying the sunshine!!
Click the album below to see all our photos!!

Pool Day

Summer Days!

We love sunny summer days!!

Tonight we went for a train ride. Click below and check it out!

Train Ride

PA Turnpike

I just wanted to share this photo of Anna Coleman driving on the PA Turnpike. I just thought it was an awesome photo. I hope I never get stuck in traffic long enough to let my kids play on the highway, but if I do I sure hope I have a camera!!!

Thank You, Grandma!

We love you Grandma!

Uncle B & Auntie A

We had a very fun weekend with Unc B and Auntie A. Brian and David played golf on Saturday in a tournament put on by our church. They both came home hot, sunburned, and tired. Sunday morning we went to a local french country restaurant for breakfast and then took a trip down to see Brian's office. Thanks for coming!! We had so much fun!

click below to see more photos!!

Harrisburg

FINALLY!!

The 2007 Photo Album has arrived!!

I have been working on it for 2 days.

6 months and 600 photos later we are done.

The kids were so excited to look at it this morning. Hannah wants to take it with her so she can show all of her friends. Needless to say I made her a mini album to carry around.

I love blogging, but it really makes hard copies seem like a chore!! I forgot how much I enjoy having a photo album to look at. Soon we will be adding Baby Turk to our album.