Proof that Payton and Blake are Brothers

What are the chances that two children in a row will be thumbsuckers and hairpullers? Well, here's proof that it can happen. I don't know if they worked this out before they came to our family, but then again it could be genetic. I don't mind the thumbsucking, actually. Despite the claims that braces will be imminent, my sister and two of her friends were thumbsuckers and never needed braces, not to mention the dentist told me it was fine as long as they weren't doing until 12 hours a day til they were 12. So, my philosophy for Payton is go ahead and pacify yourself--he gets up less at night anyway!

A Yard in Progress

We moved into a new house when Payton was a week old, so that means we've been here for almost 6 months. The yard was full of rocks and with Shawn's touch we've been transforming it into more than just a rock garden. I'll continue updating with the progress--I don't think I've ever been so excited about things like sod and vinyl fencing...

Shawn's beautiful retaining wall (above)

Before sod

After sod, glorious sod! Awning in progress...

Four Generations

I am so blessed to live in the same town, and even ward, as my mom and grandma! Last week we had a ward mother daughter picnic and wore "look a like" outfits. It was a lot of fun!

Another funny thing about living in the same town as family members--I was at the bank drive thru today and who pulls up next to me? My grandparents! I know most of my friends don't live in the same town as their parents think it's weird for something like that to happen. I love it, though! We see each other just often enough, but not overkill--don't ask Shawn about that! Here's another picture I took of Auri and I right before the picnic--we even did our hair the same. Hey--I only have one daughter--I have a right to be cheesy!

My Best Friend Since I was Born

Two weeks ago my best friend, Amy Griffitts Reynolds, came to visit. We always joke that we have been best friends since I was born because her mom went to my mom's baby shower. She now lives in Orlando, FL, but has spent the better part of the summer visiting family in Northern Idaho. She has one son, Tytan, who will be 2 in November. Amy is amazing! Her husband is currently deployed to Iraq for 18 months. She talks to him about once a week! Here she is on the phone to him--she never knows when he's going to call--

I don't know how she does it--she is so strong! It's funny--we laugh about how neither of our lives have turned out the way we thought they would, but we wouldn't trade them for anything. She is one of those friends who I won't see or talk to for a year, but when we see each other it's like only a few days have passed. I am so blessed to have her and all the wonderful friends I've had in my life. It's sad because there are so many I don't see much of--once a year or once every two years--but we will always have a bond. I'm so excited about the blogs, too, so I can keep up with them even better. Here's a picture of all the kids and us:

Silliness

Turner kids--well known for their cheesy smiles!

Our Blog Part 2

Well, a few years ago I started a blog back before it was so in "style" and NOBODY ever looked at it! Now it seems that it's all the rage so here we go again!