The Jason and Shelly Turpin Family

Feeling Reflective

2012-02-13T09:41:00.001-06:00

Blogs are interesting things. You can write anything on them and most people don’t read them thanks to Facebook and our ADD like addiction to short, sweet updates on people’s lives. So there is a certain perceived safety in writing on a blog. You just send out your thoughts into cyberspace.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my children, about life, and about this blog. I had a suspicion that I have used this blog to justify my life. “See, my kids are doing good things. Happy things are happening in our home.” I looked back to when I started blogging weekly, and sure enough, it was right after we brought Bella home from the last really long hospital stay in July of 2009. I’ve been blogging to cover my guilt. I still have guilt for the things they have gone through because we plunged into this medical universe. I look at their innocent little faces from 2008 and I think to myself, “Just hold on, you have no idea what is coming.” They are so much older now. They have grown so much. I am proud of the people they are, not because I have made them that way, but because of who they have chosen to become through their life experiences.

I’m also grateful to see how Heavenly Father helped us through those really hard times. Like bringing us Kris. And nurses. I’ve learned in other states families don’t get the hours that we do. How they manage is beyond me.

Quote I love

2012-02-13T06:17:00.001-06:00

Our Week

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Jason has been so faithful about working out every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. He has more energy and feels better – which is great! And look….he can close his suit coat! He is so pleased with the results of his workouts!

Sammi and Jason loved the wings they made for the Super Bowl! One reason I love Jason – helping his baby go to sleep on Sunday night, so sweet.

The girls love playing together outside! I had to take this picture of Sammi. I am so grateful that she is so diligent about doing her school work every day.

Music therapy and being re-introduced to Violet. We bought her for Bella two years ago. She has set on the shelf all this time, but now Bella LOVES her! Joy playing with play doh in therapy.

Sammi’s Valentine Art for her Valentine party – everyone hand and home made.

We worked in our garden for Family Home Evening! Finding the worms was an exciting treat!

Listening to her heart! Hey sister! Jessi’s Activity Day leader made her this gingerbread house.

Joy adores that cat! And she wrote her name at school!

Bella working in therapy, such a happy girl!

Sammi helped Jessi make a diorama for Where the Red Fern Grows.

Chiropractor time, Sammi before and after the party

New Beginnings

Thursday I was sick, so sick. Curl up into a ball and wish you were dead sick. I wasn’t two feet from the bathroom all day (and night). When I wasn’t wishing for death, I was listening to my house. The girls got themselves up and ready for school with no help from the dying mass in bed (me). I listened to Sammi take care of Joy all day. “That’s enough TV now Joy, let’s do a craft project.” I listened to her help her little sister all day. I listened as they made cookies. As I laid there dying, I was so grateful for my girls.

Friday morning Becca headed out to San Antonio for the Texas Music Educator’s Convention. She got home at midnight on Saturday night/Sunday morning. There was a little bit of drama out there with some students being sent home early. I think Becca learned a lot this weekend – and not all of it about music!

http://www.tmea.org/conventions/2012

Friday I went and had lunch with Lizzy at school for her birthday. Saturday our Lizzy girl turned 9 years old! Her big present was a Bearded Dragon! The whole family loves it!

Our Week

2012-02-05T16:44:00.002-06:00

Monday Bella and I headed down to GI. She loves the ipad when she is waiting and waiting and waiting for doctors!

We also visited Linda in the hospital.

My cute, cute kids!

I had to fast for my blood work for my physical – and I kept forgetting, so Sammi made me this sign. She hung it up on my mirror. Becca and Jason thought it was so funny! “Do not eat Mom!” It reminded them of this fun sign:

One day we will all feel good again…..I hope!

Joy and Summer

Sammi’s science experiment. That is ice that melted and then refroze on top of a rock. It’s a principle to do with fossils.

Tuesday night Becca made an announcement. She has decided to go gluten free to see if it makes a difference in how she feels.

Bella with her happy tongue I’m really hoping we feel better soon!

Wednesday night I was in charge of the combined activity.

Really, really hoping we feel better soon! At least they get to play together!

Becca making gluten free pizza (how I miss you Domino’s!) and our movie

Snuggle time and play time

Saturday was such a busy day with basketball in the morning and then our cannery session from 1 to 7PM. Meanwhile Jason had kid duty and training a new nurse. The girls invited friends over. The canning was our ward’s YW Camp Fundraiser. I collected orders during January and compiled a beautiful spreadsheet with everything listed out. Then we all headed to the cannery. The girls canned 606 cans, pouched 131 pouches, and we had 29 bulk items. We piled our van to the top, plus we loaded two other vans. We will distribute those later. I was so exhausted – but we made $813, yeah!

Our Week

2012-01-29T16:08:00.000-06:00

Look who is climbing up the stairs!!! We went and took Becca to give more blood – nothing, again! She is a little frustrated.

Playing outside

Since I took Bec out early for labs, we kept her out the rest of the day, I loved seeing Sammi and Becca hanging out together! The little girls had friends over. A fun day!

A fun evening for Jessi – all of the 5th Grade String players in the district went skating! Very fun

Tuesday, besides our normal fun, sweet Bella wasn’t doing well and we had to head downtown to the ER. Sammi had a hard time with us leaving. I was so grateful when we were able to come home.

There are too many viruses going around this town! Oh well, we watched movies, paint pictures, and paint our toe nails – that was fun!

Bella tried mechanical soft during speech therapy. We were all so excited for this big step!

Therapy, j-ow-e-s for Joy, and cute Sammi, and the girls playing together

The Young Women made these beautiful invitations for New Beginnings. Meanwhile Our friend Linda and I spent the evening/night at the Tomball ER. She was admitted the next day.

Play hard, sleep hard, sweet girl Friday Pizza and a movie

Sammi started going back to the chiropractor and it really seems to help with her back pain and headaches. I attended a meeting for camp. It’s amazing how much planning goes into these things so far in advance.

The girls went to a fun Activity Days Stake activity. They loved seeing Mandy there! We loved seeing my Mom since she dropped in here while they were there! Jason and I both got our physicals done and we got the animals into the vet. The girls and their friends played. Since Linda is in the hospital, her dog stays here with us. Joy loves her! Jason and Becca made some great Chinese food for dinner. A busy, but productive Saturday.

Principle of Action

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Alma 60: 11 and 21

Could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain.

Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?

Alma 60: 23

Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things?

Love these verses! Love the principle of action.

“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
~ St. Augustine

Our Week

2012-01-22T13:31:00.001-06:00

Monday was a school holiday. The middle girls and I went to the park for a picnic that Sammi packed for us!

Back home the little girls played outside

Becca got her glasses adjusted. Becca got new feathers put into her hair and everyone had friends over.

Tuesday we were back to the daily grind. Becca has been sick for a while now. She has lost five pounds over the last month and fifteen over the last quarter. She is tired, (whiney), and lethargic. Her lymph nodes are swollen. I suspected mono. So we went to the doctor who agreed that it sounded like textbook mono, but all her labs come back fine. Sigh. Seems she has inherited the Ball/Turpin curse of having unidentifiable illnesses. We are going to check her thyroid on Monday.

Other than that we were back to art, music therapy, OT, ST, 5th Grade Strings, the normal. Sammi water colored a picture of our cookie jar. Joy was so excited to see the swing come back in OT! Bella loves music therapy!

Sammi continues to get praises for her clay figurines. And my Jason – he LOVES to cook. I had to take a picture!

Wednesday Becca had what I would call a teacher in-service meeting to learn more about teaching music to 5th Graders. She is so excited for her opportunity next year to work with the music teacher at Mittlestedt Elementary.

The rest of the week was normal. Calls to doctors, clarification of orders, calls to pharmacies, more therapy, more lessons, more living.

I love to see the girls playing together!

Sweet Bella

Sammi and I made a library run. We grabbed lunch (and cupcakes)!

Joy being cute! Sammi’s fun hair do

The weather has been in the 70s here! My plants are so confused! And it has happened – Sammi is now officially taller than Becca.

Saturday the girls went for a bike ride and came home with some friends. I love that the first thing they do is introduce their friends to Bella and Joy. And I love that their friends play with my babies!

Jessi teaching her friend how to sign “apple.” Playing outside

Lizzy had to play outside in the water – it’s January, right? Sammi went to a Beehive activity. They made pizzas. Sammi brought the ingredients to make our famous peanut butter pizza. It was quite a hit.

Joy came in the bathroom while Becca was doing her make-up, so Becca put some on Joy. She is such a pretty girl!

Saturday night we tried out a new hair do – sock curls. Lizzy looked really cute!

Jason read this article on Meridian Magazine this week. I think it might be life changing! He is eating differently. He is talking about food and exercise. He has been to the weight room at our clubhouse twice this week. I have to say that I am so very, very proud of him. I love him whether he is 300 pounds or 200 pounds. I love him for the man he is, for his gentleness, and the way he cares for his family and me. But I know this is something that he thinks about and struggles with. I love to see the light and excitement in his eyes when he talks about this!

Waiting..love this

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2012-01-15T16:03:00.000-06:00

Monday – Dr Louis all day with Bella then off to an orientation for a high school program for Sammi. When I told Sammi about the High School program, she got really excited! This is huge – she normally gets really anxious. I think it might be a good fit. It’s an Early College High School, meaning they can take college classes while in High School as they qualify for them. We still have a little time yet, but I am so grateful to have options. No nurse that night. (tired Mama)

Tuesday – the girls got up extra early (read 5AM) so they can play Wii before going to school. Crazy girls! Bella got to have her first Music Therapy class! She loves it!

Duck, Duck, Goose in therapy! Jessi got her cast off. Her arm hasn’t completely healed so she has a wrist brace for another month. But at least she can bath and, more importantly to her, scratch it!

Wednesday our front door knob literally fall apart. We all pried and poked it, but the Speech Therapist was the one that finally was able to break it all down. Jason went out and got us a new one that night. Becca posted on Facebook, “I broke into a house!”

Swinging and playing outside – so fun! Becca had a TFME (Texas Future Music Educators) meeting. They were supposed to bring treats. Her Orchestra Director is gluten intolerant, so she made gluten free Peanut Butter cookies. Yummy, by the way!

Jessi’s 5th Grade Concert. (I’ll post more videos soon) After the concert Jessi played a small concert for Bella and the night nurse. Becca was there, of course, because she is a teacher’s assistant. So now they have matching 5th Grade Strings t-shirts!

Isn’t she beautiful?

Bella loves the outdoors. I figure when the girls are grown she and I will spend a lot of time out of doors. I can see it now – lunch on the porch, puttering around in the garden. I don’t see Houston’s humidity in my day dreams!

I am always driving Becca somewhere. I always tell her that one day she needs to make me chocolate chip cookies. So she did. She gave me one chocolate chip cookie. There. We are even! Love this – Joy is telling Bella to “look at mama!”

Sammi and the rest of the YW team played basketball again on Saturday. They won again! Lizzy and I started planning her birthday party. It is coming up and she is so excited!

Jessi had her Intermediate High orientation this week. I just want to cry! She can’t be that old – she can’t be. Stop growing for a minute baby. I need to learn to freeze time.

Love this too!

2012-01-12T18:36:00.001-06:00

Stole this from Facebook. So how I feel about TV – I’d much rather SLEEP!

Love It!

2012-01-12T08:05:00.001-06:00

I love how so many are seeing that babies with DS are wonderful and beautiful!

2012 Starts

2012-01-08T17:06:00.001-06:00

This virus is hanging on and on – I am ready to do without it!

On Monday Jason and the girls were home. Jason decided to get the cars inspected. I was so grateful he did the van. No one had been in the van in five days and we discovered that the battery was dead! Someone had left a light on and the battery was completely dead. So grateful we got that taken care of on Monday while Jason was at home rather than on Tuesday when we were trying to get out the door to school!

Tuesday I took Bella to the kid’s pediatrician instead of taking her all the way downtown. I have just been feeling like I need to get this changed. I’m hoping it’ll make my life simpler. I loved picking up the phone, scheduling the appointment and just going in. No central scheduling, no triage nurse, no ER, just a doctor's appointment same day. I’m hoping it’ll work out!

Tuesday the girls went back to school. Sad for me to see them heading back. Joy was thrilled to see her teachers and her therapists again! She loves her routine!

Bella and Joy continued with their fights against this virus. By the end of the week, Becca and Daddy were falling again. We have got to kick this stuff out! The hardest thing for me this week was five days in a row with no nurse. My life is busy and I really, really appreciate the help the nurses give!

Wednesday Nathan and Mandy came to spend some time with us. Miss Chloe was also here for drawing lessons. Joy and Bella had their 30 day evals for PT. So there were eight people doing a hundred different things all at the same time in my living room. Exciting times! Jason popped in for lunch and helped Sammi make sushi! I so appreciate how much Jason helps me.

Sammi is my right hand man during the day – here she and Bella are working on shapes and colors. Later Sammi and I did an experiment to see how much ground covering (in this case grass) helps to prevent erosion.

Reading, computer time, and playing house

Our new toy – a well powered leaf blower. It took care of our yard in a fraction of the time it would have taken us to rake it! Jessi, Lizzy and I still played Leaf Olympics, but we weren’t nearly as exhausted at the end! We tried a Lemon Meringue Pie from scratch – pretty good!

I know we are all still fighting the virus – Friday we had our pizza (Joy was thrilled!!) while we watched our movie – and then we all went to bed. Early bedtime on a Friday night? We must be sick!

Jason about cried this morning. Bella was sitting on her little recliner watching Signing Time. She looks so big and so good! I was so pleased to see the girls working on their Faith in God and Personal Progress this afternoon! We only had Sacrament Meeting today and had to meet at the Stake Center. Some copper thieves got into our church and stripped the wiring, so we had no power! Crazy!

The Rest of 2011

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Watching movies, playing with new toys and games

Making gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (with tomato bisque)

Taking turns going to Linda’s to watch over her

More playing and going to the mall with friends

Ponyo lunch and more playing

Grandma and Sammi sewing a new scripture bag

Sleeping in the living room and clay creations

Then the sickness hit. Only two ended up in Urgent Care. Upper respiratory infections, ear infections, some vomiting going on. So fun!

Jason and I were able to do to the temple. We both felt like we had been blessed for our attendance. Later in the week we went to the Movie Tavern – fun.

As 2011 ends, my new resolutions have been written, my house is trying to recover from two weeks of holiday fun, and I finally sent off the last payment for my student loan. (wahoo!! jumping up and down – a huge blessing that we have been working on for way too long)

Here’s to a great 2011 filled with blessings! May 2012 be awesome!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:52:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:12:00.000-06:00

Cute kids and eating

Family and friends!

The nativity play

Samuel, the Lamanite Mary, Joseph, and the Inn Keeper

The Shepherds Multitudes of angels

Present Time!

Jason made a family slideshow that played while we all ate. We all enjoyed that!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

The girls and I dancing before bed.

Turpin Time

2011-12-23T23:13:00.000-06:00

Playing

Working on Sammi’s science experiments

Bearkat Pride Award for Becca from her Chemistry teacher. She was the only one that made an A on a certain test in all of her periods. Pretty cool. Lizzy is delighted because Santa wrote back!

Caroling and looking at lights for Family Home Evening. More outside fun – investigating tree bark and the trampoline (Bella loved it!)

Tuesday night was Becca’s Orchestra Concert. I got there a little late (nursing shift change), but I got there before she performed!

Jason loves this first one – the choir is amazing!

Sammi and Daddy sewing – Sam made this little bag and Jason used an old shirt to make Clara, the cat, a stocking.

One thing I love about Sammi is how she always adds a flair to everything she does – like arranging the taco shells as a flower. Sammi started Chiropractic adjustments for her scoliosis and constant headaches. It seems to be helping. The doctor says it’s amazing how quickly young muscles and bones can adjust. Yeah for relief!

Bella’s Cardiology appointment The beautiful Becca

Teachers gifts and class parties on Friday!

The park – I have loved the Fall Foliage this year!

Everyone else had school parties – so did Sammi. We went to Panera for lunch.

Jessi came home on the last day with her new 5th Grade shirt. Friday was also my Dad’s birthday. We made him a Longhorn blanket.

Saturday we went to the Nutcracker with Grandma, Mandy, Kathie, and Katie. Dinner first at Sweet Tomato.

On Sunday we went to a nursing home where the kids performed and we all sang. Afterwards we all went to Kathie’s and decorated sugar cookies.

With school out, we had more time on our hands, Becca and I did this puzzle – much harder than it looks! And this – a small plumbing problem. The nurses came in one night and said that water was bubbling up through the center of the road. We called the water company. Turns out a pipe burst under the road. Crazy stuff! Poor guys were out there working on Christmas Eve!

Monday was Jason and I’s 19th Wedding Anniversary. Nineteen years of marriage on December the 19th! We went out and enjoyed some seafood and then went Christmas shopping.

And in sad news, Linda had to go to the hospital. Her appendix had to be removed. While she was there, her dog, Summer, came to stay with us.

Danielle and her kids dropped by – we had to capture the moment!

Becca working on her Latin Project. The front turned out really nice.

Becca went with TFME (Texas Future Music Educators) to play Christmas music at a nursing home. Then they went to CiCi’s for pizza! Her two great loves!

Sammi had some friends over to play on the Wii. I love this picture – Lizzy is using two controls. So she has to dance for two different people. Funny to watch.

More friend Wii time Swinging!

Heading out to play at the park and have a picnic! Sleeping on Daddy

Just hanging out

Merry Christmas!

The Coat

2011-12-17T11:58:00.001-06:00

I am so amazed at all of the wonderful resources the church provides for us.

Linda Playtime

2011-12-17T10:09:00.000-06:00

We have this wonderful friend named Linda. She is the like the girl’s third grandmother. They love to play with her. She loves their youthful energy. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Dress up and roasting marshmallows

12 Questions of Christmas

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We are enjoying these! When it’s done, you can click on more and more and more…perhaps you will become addicted like Joy is!

Something for me to ponder

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(when I find the time – ahh, the irony!)

I receive a daily Christian inspirational email message. Always at the end is a prayer, and while I don’t usually pray them, this one caused me to pause. I need to ponder it’s message. It’s the 2nd sentence that got me.

Lord, show me again how to discipline myself with the right amounts of work and relaxation. Forgive me for making my day bigger than You've planned. Help me to pray and seek Your will each morning.

Sammi’s Nativity

2011-12-11T21:36:00.001-06:00

created on Paint

Our Week

2011-12-11T10:45:00.003-06:00

Our morning started out with a call to the orthopedist. They said they could fit Jessi in and could we be there right away? Sure. We ended up having to wait for two hours to get in, but we got in! They took off the cast, did some more x-rays, and looked. She has shifted her bone to the right. So they set it and cast it (painful- very!). We go back in a week (this time with an appointment, so hopefully it won’t be an all day event) to see if the bone is healing straight. Afterwards, we went to DQ. It’s fun to spend one on one time with Jessi. She is a funny girl!

Meanwhile, Joy was sick. So Sammi, my wonderful right hand, took care of her.

Monday was also Becca’s birthday.
Tuesday Joy was still sick, and Lizzy was as well. A first! – Bella’s first drink!

Grandma stopped by with Becca’s birthday present. It’s purple. It’s been used a lot around here lately – it’s been so cold!

I sent Jessi to school with a blue cast and she comes home with a million signatures! One of the fun perks of breaking a bone.

That night was her 5th Grade Christmas Program

Playing around – I just love that smile!

Before Sandi headed back to Iowa, I got to go out for lunch with the Turpin women. We went to Raoul’s which was wonderful!

Wednesday night there was a big middle school orchestra concert. They asked Becca and her friend to help out. But that meant she wasn’t going to get home till late, late, late and have no dinner. So I bought them up a little something.

Sammi went to mutual on Wednesday. It was the YM/YW Christmas Party. They had a white elephant exchange. She ended up with a $5 Sonic card (which we redeemed the next day!) She had so much fun!

For Personal Progress and Home Ec (love how these things work together), Sammi created a two week menu for us. Then she made a shopping list. It’s a lot of work she learned. Then we went shopping. Joy thought that was a lot of work!

Jason wanted to put up lights this year – but he put them in the back. He decorated the playhouse and a couple of trees. It is so much fun! I asked him what it says about us that we decorate the back of our house?

Joy and her kitty.

Activity Days for Jessi – making cake pops

On Friday Sammi had a home school teen activity. They went up to a park and did some hard physical labor, then had lunch.

Jason picked up a new filter for the little sink. I love it! No more nurses washing their hands in drinking water. AND it fills the hole in the sink. The previous owners must have had one.

A very exciting happening on Friday! As part of Becca’s birthday we gave her three tickets to the Houston Symphony. They loved it! They sat up close and the several members of the orchestra smiled at them and generally interacted with them. It was funny to hear their critique.

Saturday we went and decorated the church for the Ward Christmas Party – this picture doesn’t do the craziness - 72 balloons were very fun to blow up with helium and gather into centerpieces! Meanwhile Becca was at Barnes and Noble playing the viola to earn money for orchestra. She had a lot of fun playing and being with her friends.

We also did a lot of shopping. I am gathering supplies to start some teaching with Bella. I am super excited! Becca got some little gifts for her 5th graders. There was lots of playing going on too!

In the evening the family headed out to the Ward Christmas Party. It started at 6. Our nurse got here around 7. So I got there in time to grab a piece of ham before the high priests took down the tables! But I got to see the girls talk to Santa. Why didn’t Joy talk to Santa? That would be because she was terrified! She saw him walk onto the stage and panicked! “Santa” (clear as a bell by the way) and spoken with absolute terror. She kept panicking and panicking and panicking. Jason took her home. Poor thing!

Some Christmas fun

I thought this was so funny/cute/smart. She wanted to read while eating. With one arm, she is getting creative!

Saturday was also Ben’s birthday. He would have been 17 years old now. I just can’t imagine him that old. I wonder what teenagers will do during the Millennium? I wonder what life will be like with all of those different times and cultures all living together under the reign of the Savior. Looking forward to it.

Couldn’t wait for weekly entry

2011-12-09T08:22:00.001-06:00

My girls love this song! Things get really hopping around here trying to get ready and out the door. This is a fun song they enjoy in the morning!

Becca’s 16th Birthday!

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She had her Sweet Sixteen birthday party on the 3rd. My house was flooded with teenage bodies. They played game after game after game. They ate TONS of pizza. They laughed. They had a wonderful time. I loved that they included my Joy. I looked out the window to see Joy taking her turn in a game. “Oh!” Good heart moments for this Mama.

On her birthday she woke us all up early to open her presents. Money from Grandma, a wallet, purse, and symphony tickets from us, and earrings from Sammi. Then she was off to school (bringing her own cupcakes to share at lunch)

After school – friends over (surprise)

Dinner – Orange Chicken and Egg Rolls. That night she and I danced our special kitchen dance and her Daddy went out and bought her a car. Just what everyone 16 year old needs!

We love ya Bec! Happy 16th! I can’t believe you are this old!

Happy Birthday Becca

2011-12-05T20:38:00.001-06:00

Sweet 16

Our Week

2011-12-04T16:27:00.000-06:00

Jason promised his parents wings, so after church, it was wings and football. Sammi wondered how the leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Wings would be in wing sauce. The answer – yummy!

A freeze in Houston? We had to protect my tomatoes! Joy really loves her Grandpa!

Pictures that make a Mom’s heart happy. Sammi loves to give gifts, but she never has any money. We tell her she doesn’t need to, that it’s not expected at this age, but she wants to. Grandma Turpin took her to Target where she spent all of her birthday money from her Grandparents on gifts for us – her family, and now she is happy. Joy helping me with laundry. Thanks babe. Meanwhile Bella and I spent the day downtown talking with GI.

Tuesday was Bella’s Music Therapy eval – I’m so excited about Music Therapy! The girls impromptu concert on the stairs during their practice time. Loved it!

Wednesday Sammi’s Drawing Teacher gave her a birthday gift – she was very excited. Physical Therapy with the nativity scene – whatever motives her!

Lizzy and I went to see the eye doctor. Lizzy has a convergence issue. She and I will be doing vision therapy. Cute Joy!

Young Women in Excellence was on Wednesday. I had to get there late with nursing changes, but it was a lovely evening. There was a dinner and short program followed by a slide show of the activities we did all year. I had never made a power point presentation before, but it turned out nice. We even set it to music! That was fun! A good learning experience for me.

Sammi with one of the ice cream cakes the Beehives made and then cute Joy after everything was over. She is talking on the microphone like she saw everyone else do.

Have I ever mentioned that my life is scheduled around 14 therapy appointments a week? They make for some fun times and great photos!

If she’s not at something to do with Orchestra, church, or school and not with her friends or on Facebook, then you will find Becca asleep! It’s exhausting being a teenager!

Friday was Sammi’s birthday party and Saturday was Becca’s. Yes, that is about $80 in pizza between the two parties.

Saturday was also Lizzy’s last soccer game. This girl loves soccer!

While at the game, Jessi was playing with the Coach’s youngest daughter and tripped on a soccer ball and hurt her wrist. A trip to the ER later and we learn it is broken.

A few hours later, at the piano recital (big sigh), her teacher presented her and everyone applauded her efforts. Poor thing! Lizzy and Sammi played very well. I thought it was kind – their piano teacher rearranged the order of everything so I could hear them. We had no day nurse, so I couldn’t be there till 7:30 (almost at the end). I was grateful. About the terrible picture of Joy – she was so funny! She loved the music. She sat there with her hands folded, moving and softly singing to the songs. Loved it!

My pianists

We got treats from Germany! Thanks Asia!

Sammi and Lizzy got their new bed! Sammi is loving the new mattress. I’m hoping it helps her back! This crazy girl had never used a coke machine. So we had that life experience while I filled up the van this week.

On Sunday everyone except Bella and I went to Marissa’s house for a Turpin get together. They had a good time. (no pictures, I should have sent the camera!)

Add to everything presidency meeting, extra Beehive activities to decorate the cakes, and Art Club and I think that about sums up our week.

Sammi’s Birthday

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Sammi turned 13! She woke up early to open her presents: a sewing machine, jewelry, and Anastasia. She wanted cold cereal for breakfast. As you wish.

Sammi’s birthday was also the Ball Family Thanksgiving.

Sammi’s gift from Grandma Ball: sewing lessons. Grandma Turpin took Sammi out and helped her buy all the fabric and stuff she would need for her sewing lessons. I have high hopes for those lessons!

And then dinner: Steaks with Green Sauce (Béarnaise) was the request!

Sammi’s Party was the following Friday: movie, making truffles, cheesecake, playing with water balloons, and dancing to the Wii!

Happy birthday Sammi! How we love you! Our home would be lost without you!

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"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9)

Yea, I know that I am ^anothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will ^bnot boast of myself, but I will ^cboast of my God, for in his ^dstrength I can do all ^ethings

(Alma 26:12a)

Thanksgiving Week (TONS of pictures!)

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Jason and the kids were off all week! Grandma and Grandpa Turpin pulled in with their RV on Tuesday. We had two Thanksgivings and one birthday. Lots of food and lots of pictures!

Lots of dancing. Joy was reading to her baby. I thought it was so cute! When I pulled out the camera, she had to show me her baby.

Cyndi came to visit us on Tuesday! Bella LOVED Michael. Michael was a good sport about it all It was wonderful to spend time with Cyndi and the boys.

Grandma and Grandpa got here!

Tuesday afternoon to fulfill a Faith in God and a Personal Progress experience, Sammi, Jessi, Lizzy and I went to the Museum of Natural Science. Sammi wanted to see the Dinosaur bones and Jessi and Lizzy wanted to see the minerals and gems.

Earthquake table and plasma ball

Sammi’s current obsession is owls.

Wednesday Sammi, Bella, and I went down to her Pulmonology appointment and to get her GJ changed. Afterwards everyone meet us down at the Japanese Gardens.

Which brings us to Thanksgiving Day! Decorating for Christmas…

The food…and the family

Cuddles and the haircut

On Friday we went up to the farm and did all the eating again! It was also Sammi’s 13th birthday! Happy birthday Sammi!

The Daddy/Kathie tickling/pinching battle. Kathie won.

We also had a scary few minutes. After dinner, the kids and Dads were outside playing. We mothers had gone to inspect the almost finished apartment. When we came out, no one could find Zaba. How terrifying! We all searched and yelled. I am sure I wasn’t the only one praying. That little toddler had toddled off to the pasture. So scary! We were so grateful to hear the shouts of “We found her!” ringing through the air. Another reason to be grateful during that Thanksgiving feast.

After our feast, we all headed over to the Magnolia church building to witness Mandy’s Baptism. What a special time for Mandy. Congratulations Mandy! We love you!

After the baptism, we had to say Good bye to Cyndi and the boys. So sad. They live so far away. Hugging my little sister, I just wished that I could shelter her and protect her from the hard things in life. Maybe it’s from being the oldest, but I so often wish that my struggles could be enough for my family, that no one would have to go through hard things. But that isn’t the way and it isn’t why we came to this earth. Progression sure is hard sometimes. Especially when it’s someone else’s progression.

While Cyndi and I were talking, my girls and Cyndi’s boys saw a whole herd of deer just walk right up to the church. They didn’t seem as fearful of us as I thought they would be.

The rest of our time

Becca’s fabric came in for her newest quilt. (Joy is helping)

On Saturday night (alas no picture, still kicking myself!) Gary and Sandi took Jason and I, Danielle and Jon, and Marissa and Jay to dinner at Perry’s Steakhouse. To say it was delicious and wonderful would be redundant. We were all waddling out of there several hours later. But what I enjoyed the most was the time to sit and listen to everyone. I don’t think we have ever gone out to dinner just the eight of us before. It was really nice. There were no interruptions, all we could do was sit and enjoy each other. I had a really nice time. Thanks everyone.

Japanese Gardens

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After Bella’s appointments, everyone meet us down at the Japanese Gardens for a picnic and pictures. We love this place! This was the first time that Bella, Grandma, and Grandpa have come.

The Beach

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The Ball Family Reunion at the beach! We all had a wonderful time!

Singing “Popcorn”

Most of Our Week

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Bella’s first day of school! She worked so hard! I was so proud of her! But she was sure tired afterwards.

We rallied in the afternoon and went outside to swing for a moment. So fun!

Sisters - braiding Joy got into Sammi’s old softball stuff and walked around trying to scare everyone - that is her “scary” face

Sammi’s Fort Creation And Jessi spent her bday money

We grooved and grooved this week!

Lots of therapies

Loving and snuggling

Sammi’s Drawing lesson Becca and her friend got feathers

Bella got Signing Time videos from Grandma Ball for her birthday!

More dancing!

Check out Bella in this video – she wants to be down there dancing right along with the girls. (Yes, Jessi is eating a pickle). (And yes, Bella stops when I get close to her – ornery girl!)

I want to play too!

For Mutual the kids went on a Scavenger Hunt for canned food items for the local food pantry. They turned it into a competition and had a lot of fun. Sammi’s team came in second!

Thursday was a busy day for Jessi. First we had to squeeze a broken bracket being fixed into the day. But the good part about that was lunch out with Mama! After school she had Fifth Grade Strings and then Activity Days. The Activity Day Girls performed some hulas for a Senior Citizen’s home.

Sammi’s Home school group had a big Thanksgiving Feast:

We are headed out to Galveston for the weekend! So excited!

For Today

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Our Week

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The girls decided to play around with one of Jessi’s songs

Becca really enjoys 5th Grade Strings. She just found out that she can do a two period class next year where she would be the student teacher/helper for an Elementary Music Teacher. She is excited about that!

Monthly labs for Bella. We brought the ipad to keep her amused.

This is the face I get when I go to pick up Becca. Jessi got her AR shirt this week!

Taste of Klein – a big production for the Orchestra. They all play their ensemble pieces and we all eat food from various food eateries around town. It’s a great fund raiser for the Orchestra.

40 seconds of their ensemble:

Joy loves school. I am glad. 11:11 on 11/11/11

During Jessi’s Cello’s lesson, we found a small neighborhood park. It was a lot of fun!

Doesn’t therapy look like fun?

Nature! Rain!!! Sammi wanted to capture how much we got! Isn’t this amazing! I loved this rainbow!

Jason took the day off and went to the Zaycon’s chicken event to collect our 80 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It took us three hours to chop and bag all of that chicken. But our freezer is full! Happy feeling!

Wonder of wonders!!! With the PT and nurse following behind with all of the equipment and me out in front with the ipad showing Signing Time, Bella propelled her way three times around the house!! It’s time for a gait trainer! I am so proud!

The girls playing in the backyard. Mandy came over to spend the day with the girls on Saturday. No pictures, but Jason got to coach Lizzy’s soccer game this week. The sisters

Lizzy’s newest pink feather and a very happy Joy eating popcorn, popcorn, and more popcorn. Love the sharpie all over her skin!!

Crazy, thought provoking week! Last Sunday a member of our ward unexpectantly passed away. He leaves behind three grown children, two teenagers, and a wife. So this week for us there were the visits, the food preparations, the viewing, the funeral, and helping with the family luncheon afterwards. But there is also the thinking and pondering on life and family. There is the sorrow for the family left behind to pick up the pieces and carry on. I heard “I wish I had more time.” “I wish he was here.” I’m grateful to know of the Plan, but I know their hearts are still grieving and their arms are still empty. God bless you Wilkinson family.

Our Week

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This week we tried (and enjoyed) “Green Smoothies.” I have been reading about them everywhere and with all the candy consumption going on, thought we might try. Adding spinach to fruit is fine. But we didn’t like adding carrot – made it too pulpy, maybe it’s my blender. Otherwise, yummy!

A view of our garage. See that big, very tall, very dead pine tree back there? Alas, it did not survive our drought. So all week a team worked on cutting down and removing that very tall tree from our yard. I was sad to lose another tree. I’m really hoping the drought will lift and we won’t lose anymore.

Halloween!

That picture is for my Dad! Go Longhorns!

Playing around with magnets and hats. Becca’s private viola tutor is also Jessi’s 5th Grade Strings Director. Becca found out that the Director was ill, so she came up with a plan. She made her a pink card with a lovely poem inside. Then Jessi took it to school and had all the 5th Graders sign it. It was really sweet.

Wednesday was Jessi's 11th birthday. Grandma stopped by the next day to drop off her gift for Jes. Happy birthday Jessi!

Kisses for Daddy and Graduation from ECI (sniff!)

Lizzy’s Art work – from “A Starry Night” And least we forget the most important part of the week to Joy (and Becca) PIZZA!

Sammi’s Art Club – salt painting and decoupage

Saturday – soccer game and playing outside

Can you believe the tomatoes are still growing? Swinging!

Jessi’s Party – jumping, playing games

our beautiful photographer, balloons

crafts and cake decorating

blowing out candles and presents – she had a great time!

Our family dancing after the party. It was a lot of fun!

I just love this picture! Faith in God – together!

Sunday was Bella’s third birthday! I am not ashamed to admit how grateful I am for each birthday. I didn’t think we’d see this day. Now I hope she will live much, much longer!! Happy birthday to my big girl!

Happy 3rd Birthday Bella!

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I’m still so very proud of each and every one of your birthdays! You have amazed and inspired me for so long now, my love. Happy birthday to our Bella!

We got her a phone – no phone line, but we’ll keep it charged. Now she can text and talk, just like the nurses. Hopefully, their phones will be safe now!

She and her sisters loved the ball house.

Gluten free brownies – for me? Are you sure? No flame on the candles, but we sure sang. And then we gave her a piece - and she licked it - just like a lollipop. Cute girl! For someone who doesn’t eat, licking is good.

Aquadoodle

How we love you Bella! You are beautiful and amazing. I have been thinking of your birth family more than normal this week. I hope they know you are loved and cherished beyond belief. I love you big girl.

Jessi’s 11th Birthday

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Pastry for breakfast, Mama came to lunch

A cupcake after school

Present time! The wax rose from Sammi and the Nano from Mama and Daddy

Cookie cake from her Activity Day leader, Stroganoff for dinner

Birthday cake, and the clock/speakers she bought for herself with the $50 Visa card she won from the Orthodontist and the birthday money from Grandma

Happiest birthday to my Jessi! How we love you!

Love this!

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I stole this from Jason’s Aunt’s Facebook page.

I love it – so like our lives!

Our Week

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Flu hit Becca, Sammi and I this week. Becca missed four days of school. Unheard of! Sammi went to a special Beehive activity where they made caramel apples and carved pumpkins. It’s a fun time of year!

Going for a walk, Making birthday party invitations

Bubbles! Pumpkin pies – from pumpkins (not a can)

FHE – Carving pumpkins!

Beautiful Joy and a beautiful ladybug in our garden!

Sweet girls

Sammi is supposed to exercise daily, which is something she does not enjoy doing. So she decided to spice things and pretend she was doing quidditch. Funny girl! Kathie and Elizabeth stopped by. Bella absolutely LOVED having them here! You’ll have to come back Kath!

Sammi has drawing lessons with Miss Chloe on Wednesdays. They are currently working on perfecting her owls. Lizzy went to Activity Days this week. She brought home a special cup cake for Jessi since her birthday is coming up.

This is what fifty pounds of chocolate chips looks like! Too bad you can’t smell them – ahhh!! I gave a handful to our PT (who had never seen fifty pounds of chocolate chips in one place before). She just kept talking about how good they are. Yeah! We made a batch of cookies, and they are yummy!

Sammi, Becca, and I bagged up all 50 pounds. Becca wouldn’t smile at the camera!

My girls!

Sister Hecker’s Annual Halloween Carnival – we took Bella!

Jason wanted to make sure we got a picture for his Dad of the golfing! Texas size!