Day 9 of Thanks…

Day 9 of Thanks…

Today I am grateful for my mom. She is an amazing woman who would do anything for her kids and grandkids.

My mom is not only my mom, but is one of my best friends. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders and also the one that brings me back in to reality.

She has stood next to me through everything. She has hugged me, cried with me, laughed with me, complained with me and just loved me.

I have the "privilege" of bowling with my mom on Thursdays. My mom has bowled forever and about 5 years ago one of the other teams needed a sub. Well it ended up being permanent. I love that I have that time with my mom every Thursday. I wish I could bowl half as good as her, but maybe one day I will be able to throw the nasty curve ball that she does!

I love that my mom's favorite show is QVC. That is our Sunday dinner discussion about what new item was bought on QVC that morning. She loves in the Kitchen with whoever and will buy anything that is one sale. One of the items we love to tease her about is her curry lid. My mom has never made curry, but she had to have the curry lid. Maybe one day we will get some curry.

My mom keeps house like nobody else. It cracks me up when she says her house is a mess. The President could stop by at any time and it would probably be cleaner than the White House.

I love my mom and have no idea what I would do without her. It is absolutely amazing to me to watch her in everything she does, but especially the with my grandma the last 2 weeks that we had with her. Her compassion, her love, her knowledge and her acceptance was everything I hope to have one day. She took care of my grandma in way I know made my Nana proud.

I love you mom, and couldn't ask for anyone better.

Day 8 of Thanks…

This post is a planned post, today is my Dad's birthday and I needed to be "thankful" for him today.

I can't even put in to words how much I love my dad. He is the greatest guy I know. He has loved me through thick and thin and has always been there to listen, to support, to complain to, to cry to, to laugh with, and love.

He would do anything for me and I know that he is always there. I have given him a lot of heartaches and headaches along the way, but that has never changed how he felt about me.

I remember in high school when I was late coming home and he would get so mad. Most of those nights came he had to come looking for me and they ended with me flying up the drive way and running down the stairs to my room before he could get out of his car. I remember thinking "just chill" its only a half hour late. But being a parent of a teenager now, I know it was more a fear thing that something may have happened.

There were many times my dad should have killed me, 1 time being when me and my friends took my sister's car when I was in 8^th grade. Well we were going to take it until I knew that my parents would find out. I got about half way down the driveway when I decided that it wasn't a good idea so I pulled back in. Only my foot never came off of the gas and I crashed in to the garage wall. I ruined a couch, a stereo, scratched the heck out of my sisters hood. They were getting ready for a garage sale, but lets just say after my stunt, the dumps was the only place that would take anything that was in front of that car. I thought for sure I was dead. After my mom "found" me at my friend's house we pulled in the driveway. I said my peace and waited for the worse, but all he said was "nice job slick" here is the shovel go clean up the dog S^*#! Funny times huh dad!

Another time with my dad is when I rear ended a truck after I had had my license exactly 1 month to the day. I remember calling him from the payphone thinking he is going to kill me, but the only thing of that entire conversation I remember was him asking me if I was alright, where I was and that he would be there as soon as he could.

One of the biggest moments in my relationship with my dad is when my parents found out I was pregnant. I didn't give them much time to take it all in. I was 33 weeks they found out. That night I was downstairs in my room crying because I had no idea what to do. My dad came down stood in the doorway told me how much he loved me and would support me in whatever decision I made concerning Danaka.

My dad is such an amazing guy that has overcome everything thrown at him. I won't go into detail, but my dad was the White Sheep in a black sheep family. How he did what he did absolutely amazes me. I love him so much and am so glad that I get to call him mine! Happy Birthday Pa, I love you!

Day 7 of Thanks…

Day 7 of thanks…

Topic for the big number 7 is my house. Really? I forgot I put that in. But I am grateful to have a roof over my head.

I like my house. It is old and needs some things done to it, but I can call it mine. I love having a place where me and my girls can go to escape the world.

My house was built in 1954 and has only had 2 owners. Me and the lady we bought it from. Erma (the lady we bought it from) said when she sold it she just wanted someone to love it as much as she did. That I do. I love that it is close to all 3 schools that my girls will go to. It is about 3 minutes from my parents, Greg's parents are behind us and we live in a great neighborhood.

I have been in my house since January of '04. Last year for Christmas, Santa brought me a new bathroom. It is fun to have a new room in the house. I am hoping to start doing some more things around the house to change it up.

Day 6 of Thanks…

I am so glad that this topic was picked….topic for Day 6 is Dance

I love to dance. I am not the world's greatest dancer, nowhere even remotely close or even pretend to be.

I have been given so many amazing experiences because my mom and dad decided they needed me out of their hair for awhile when I was 3 J

I learned tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and hip hop. I loved that I learned a little of everything. It truly has helped me along the way to not specialize in 1 style.

I have danced in so many different groups. I danced for Pamela's dance studio growing up. Pam pushed and pushed us to be "our" best. She is an incredible teacher and a person. I am so glad that I still get to have her around now. She is actually Jayci's teacher this year and I love it.

I danced at Dance Biz. I loved dancing there. I only danced there 2 short years, but there is not a time that Diane Powell doesn't walk up and hug me when she sees me. One performance that really stands out is the Christmas Performance at Shiners Hospital. I was only in 8^th grade and I left that performance just crying. Crying because I was healthy enough to stand there and dance for them and those sweet kids loved every minute of it and just kept saying Thank You. I will never forget that feeling.

I danced all through school. I was on Dance Club at Brockbank, and yes I know you will all be jealous when I tell you I was President my 9^th grade year ;) I was a Spinnaker all 3 years at Cyprus. Spinnakers taught me so much discipline and pushed me far beyond what I ever thought possible. We were able to perform at the ceremony when they announced the Olympics for Salt Lake. I danced in California and Hawaii. I loved it. My senior year I was on Dance Company. I loved being able to perform all the different styles again. Concert was absolutely amazing. I can't even remember how many numbers I was in, but the thrill of concert will never be forgotten.

The best part about dancing, is the being able to now teach. My sister has given a wonderful opportunity to teach at her studio Jazzle Dazzle. Each week I get to teach 14 sweet young girls how to dance, and to love it! I also had the opportunity to teach dance when I lived in North Carolina. It was so fun to learn the different things that they learn back there.

I am so glad that my girls share my love for dance. Danaka is turning out to be an amazing dancer. It will be fun to watch where her talent takes her. This is Jayci's first year and loves it. She will even show you her "shuckle step" if you ask.

Day 5 of Thanks…

Day 5 of Thanks…

This topic is a hard topic for me. the topic that was picked is Larry and Vera (Greg's Parents)

I really am blessed to have the relationship that I do with Larry and Vera. I still live behind them, and we are in the same ward.

Larry and Vera watch Jayci 2 ½ days a week, and watched Danaka when she was younger. I am so grateful for their willingness to help out.

Even after everything that has happened, Larry and Vera still make me feel welcome and are always there to help when needed. They still remember me on holidays and birthdays. They go out of their way to show that they still care about me and love me.

They love my girls so much and I am so glad that my girls still get to see them all the time. If it wasn't for the fact that we live where we do and that they watch J, I am not sure how much my girls would get to see them. My girls need that interaction, because Larry and Vera and truly great people and great grandparents.

The reason why this topic is so hard, is because, to be honest, there are days when it is hard to see them. I love my relationship Larry and Vera, and still feel like I can talk to them as if I were still a member of their family, but then I am reminded that I am not a part of their family and that makes me so sad. I loved being a part of the Turner clan, not just because of Larry and Vera but because of his sisters and brother-in-laws, his nieces and nephews, his "other" sister Cyleste and all of his extended family. I love them all, and am grateful for the time that I was able to be a part of their family.

Day 4 of Thanks…

Day 4 of Thanks…

Topic for today, my job.

Funny this came up today. I was a little frustrated when I left work today, but everyone has those days huh?

I currently work for SecurityNational Mortgage Company. I am in their IT department, and as I tell everyone, "no I am not a computer geek"! I am over the mortgage system that our branches use to process files.

I really do love my job and feel very blessed to have it. It came very unexpected in March of 05. I wasn't looking for a job, when one day my brother-in-law, who also works with me, said that Thayne was looking for someone to help with mortgage files. I had known Thanye a long time, he was in my ward growing and lived across the street from my parents.

I had dealt with mortgages and financing when I was working for credit unions. I was happy with where I was, but thought I needed to check it out.

I am so glad that I did. I have met some fantastic people that I would not have had the pleasure to know. I have been given opportunities that I would not have had elsewhere. They were so good to work with me when I was on bed rest with J and through now. I am able to attend the things that I need to for Danaka and Jayci without worry.

It has been so fun to be able to work with my brother-in-law Josh for the past 6 years and my little brother (up until last Friday L) for the past 3 years.

I really do love my job and am grateful that I have a way to support myself and my girls.

Day 3 of Thanks…

Day 3 of Thanks…

Before I start this post, please know that these are in no particular order of what I view as most important to least important. I put several items and literally draw them out of a jar to write about. I did start with my girls on purpose but everything else is totally random.

With that being said, today's was destined to be!

Today I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It has taken me a long time to get where I am today. I feel that I am finally in a place that I have always wanted to be and it has brought me so much happiness.

I have great examples in my family. They truly have shown me how important it is to have the gospel in your life.

I am not going to pretend that I am a spiritual giant, because anyone that knows me knows that is almost the exact opposite. I have struggled with this aspect of my life always. Sometimes my faith and devotion have been strong and other times it has almost been non-existent. I have always believed in the Church, I even married in the temple, but I didn't live the way I was supposed to mostly out of fear. There is more to that feeling, but it is not something that I feel I can explain right now. I remember that after Greg left the last place I wanted to be was church. It was the ward he grew up in and I was just not ready for the questions. I just didn't have it in me to go. I pretended to be happy for a long time, but I wasn't really happy and felt myself sinking further and further.

I am so grateful for an incredible woman, that without her listening to a prompting of the spirit, I don't know that I would be where I am today. Kathy Johnson serves as Relief Society President in our ward. I have known Kathy since I was in 9^th grade. She was a good friend's mom and like a second mom to Greg. She truly is a remarkable person. In March of 09 I was called to serve as a teacher in Relief Society. I remember meeting with the Bishop for the first time since he had been called. I was going to church here and there, so when he extended the call to me, I sat there and thought SERIOUSLY??? There is no way that I am capable of fulfilling this calling. That night when I said my prayers the strongest feelings came over me, 1 being that Kathy listened to the spirit and that I was called by our Heavenly Father to be a teacher. I can honestly say if I were Kathy I would have ran from that feeling. I am the last person that should have been called. The second feeling was to calm me of my feelings of inadequacy. I wondered how on earth I was going to "teach" women that I view as spiritual giants. I had a feeling and truly believe it now, that I learned more from that calling then I taught anyone. I truly am grateful for Kathy and will always be grateful for her loving nature and the fact that she listened to the spirit. She will never know how much I really do think of her.

I was sad to be released in April of this year. But when I was called as First Counselor in Young Women's I was so happy. Once again another Kathy listened to the spirit and has given me the opportunity to be with Danaka, to serve incredible Young Women, and to serve with great leaders.

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and all the joy and reassurance it brings to my life. I know that I will be with my girls forever, and hopefully I will have the opportunity to marry again and have an eternal companion. I love my Heavenly Father and his Son. Without the atonement of Jesus Christ, I have no clue where I would be. I love the gospel and love that I have finally had the strength and faith to do what I know I need to.

Day 2 of Thanks…

Day 2 of thanks…

Today I am so thankful for my sweet Jayci.

Jayci is a spit fire. She is so funny, so full of energy and a little hot head. She is always keeping us on our toes and I love every minute of it.

Somehow my kids are smart, yes I know every mother out there says that, but mine really are J. Jayci loves to learn and wants to learn about everything. She always has this look on her face that is as if she is taking everything in. (picture is proof :))

Jayci loves her big "Sissy" and does everything in her power to show Danaka who the boss is.

Jayci loves to sing in the car, she loves to watch movies, play games and has such an imagination.

Both of my girls are beautiful inside and out and I am so honored to be their mom.

Jayci came to me after 3 years of trying and 3 miscarriages. I was so excited to finally be pregnant and stay pregnant. Greg and I started having issues again, but I thought it was just the stress of everything and that once things settled down everything would be ok. Well that was not to be. I remember when Greg left I remember thinking the same things I did when I was pregnant with Danaka. How on earth am I going to do this alone and make it through? I was never "alone" I have a fantastic family and great friends, but I was in the same situation that I was at 16 except this time I was 27. Jayci in a way ended up helping me through everything. She kept me busy, she makes me laugh and she gives the best hugs. She has brought so much joy to me and Danaka and I can't imagine not having her in our lives.

Day 1 of Thanks…

Day 1 of Thanks…

Today I am grateful for Danaka (yes, I am going to be "thankful" for Jayci, but just went oldest to youngest).

Danaka came in to my life very early on, I remember thinking how on earth am I ever going to have a kid at 16 and ever make it through. Looking back on it now, life would have been easier to have her later, but I can't imagine not having her the way she is at this very moment.

Danaka truly is one of my best friends. She has been with me through some very tough times and I will forever be grateful for her, her attitude and her love for me.

She is a great sister to Jayci, even though she loves to drive her crazy, she is so awesome with Jayci. I love sitting at home and watching those 2 interact. I thought with them being 12 years apart that they wouldn't have much interaction, but I was so wrong.

I love the way Jayci looks at Danaka, wanting to be just like her. I can't think of a better role model for Jayci than Danaka.

Danaka is so talented at everything she has ever put her mind to. She dances, cheers, plays softball, played volleyball and so many other things. She is a fantastic student, having a 4.0 this term is amazing. Where she gets her smarts from is beyond me.

I get so sad when the thought of Danaka only being a "kid" for 3 ½ more years. She will be out of high school at that time, and off making a life in college. 3 ½ years, it seems like 18 years will never come and I am facing that change of our lives sooner that I would like.

I hope Danaka knows how proud I am of her, how much I love her and how truly grateful I am that she is my daughter and that Heavenly Father has trusted me to raise her.