5.11.2014

Disney on Ice!

When I heard that Disney on Ice was coming to town, I knew that it was a must for us to see. After Disney World in September, we haven't come off the Disney high. Preslee is obsessed, like most children, with all the characters and now all the princesses. I love it!

I love the pure innocence and the genuine love you can see in her eyes when she is talking about them or watching them on tv. Then the expression she made when seeing them again, just about made me cry.

We went with my brother, sister-in-law and their two kiddos because I knew Preslee would love having them with us. We took the kids to dinner at All Aboard in Little Rock. It was our first time there and it was such a neat place. There is a train that delivers your food to your table. The kids thought it was so fun.

Then we were off to see the show... but not before the girls turned into Cinderella! They wore matching dresses and were thrilled about it. They both had purses to match and carried them the whole night. I absolutely love having a girly girl! :)


The show was even better than I expected. We had a great seats and the kids could see all the characters. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy were the emcees. Then the show consisted of 4 acts, that were Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Brave and Beauty & the Beast. It was very entertaining with something to sing along to or look at the fun costumes on the skaters.


 Can I just say that I want her to stay little forever? I love seeing life again through her little eyes! 


I can't wait for another Disney on Ice to come to town, because these 3 will for sure be there! 



5.08.2014

Well, Hello there!

Wow! First of all I can't believe its been over 8 months since I blogged! I honestly don't even know where to start with sharing pictures from the last 8 months. So much has happened and it is overwhelming me to think about backtracking. So for now, this is just a hello and hopefully I will be back soon with more!

I am doing well and trying to enjoy every minute of my little girls childhood days. We have been busy since September!  She attends a church preschool 3 days a week from 9-2. She really has enjoyed it and talks about her school friends when she's not there. We went from tears at drop off to now she is running into her classroom and saying bye. She has made some of the sweetest crafts at school and I absolutely love to see how proud she is of her artwork. School has helped her come out of her shyness and she is learning so much.

Since the one year anniversary, on October 6th, I have had many good days mixed in with some down ones. I started grief counseling in November and in January joined a GriefShare group. It has been so helpful and healing to talk about my emotions with others that are experiencing grief too. We finished the 13 week study last week and I am so thankful that I stuck with it (I drove to Little Rock- 1hr away- every Monday night.) My ultimate goal is to be a healthy and happy mother for Preslee and not miss out on anything in her life because of depression! I know that I can't just make the grief go away but facing it and working through it have helped me heal in ways I never knew were possible.

~ GriefShare is a national group and if you are interested in joining, you can go to their website and they will have a list of churches/places that offer the class. Most will be off in the summer and will start back in August.

Preslee is 2.5 yrs old! How is this possible? Her vocabulary is growing daily and she is constantly shocking me with the stuff she says. She is very compassionate and worries about things or people. She has the best memory. I could go on and on but I will stop, I just couldn't be more proud of her!

I know that if Matt were around, she would be a total daddy's girl because she favors men and has all the men in her life totally wrapped around her finger. But she loves her mommy the most! We are best buds and love spending our days together. She is a mini-me for sure. Her love for makeup, hair stuff, babies, taking long naps, eating sweets along with many other things make us a pretty good pair.

I look forward to her bright smile every morning and love that she still lets me rock her before bed. God knew what he was doing when he gave her to me. She will never know how much she has helped me get through the last 17 months. I am so grateful I get to be her mommy!






9.04.2013

Disney from my iPhone!

We are having a blast at Disney World this week! I love seeing P's face when seeing the characters or riding the fun rides! We are all so hot and tired but there is really nothing like being here! Can't wait to share more pics and videos once I get home to my computer! 

Day 1 was spent at Magic Kingdom! P loved Minnie more than I ever imagined. She cried everything she left! 
Day 2 at Epcot! Breakfast with our princess and the Disney princesses! This was so fun and P loved every minute of being dressed up! We went back to Magic Kingdom for the Electric parade and fireworks! So awesome!
Day 3 we spent at the Animal kingdom! I loved this place! P loved her "makeup" face paint and even got more comfortable with the characters! 
We met up with Matt's former co-anchor and her family for the parade! Sweet to see her son Cruz and P playing. I know Matt would have loved that we met up with them. 

I wish I lived closer so we could come see minnie all the time! Ha! :) 


8.25.2013

Cancer Prevention Study in NWA- Guest Post

Hey guys, I’m Keisha.  You can normally find my version of crazy over at bigpittstop.blogspot.com, but I get to be one of the girls and “electronically hang out” with Julee and P for the day!



I started my blog in 2008 as a way to share with friends and family about my personal journey with cancer.  When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 25, I had lots of people who were curious but didn’t want to ask questions or who wanted an update and asked every day.  So, I birthed “bigpittstop” out of the drive to journal my thoughts and share my journey.  6 months later, after I finished treatment and was announced in Remission, I had to begin to learn to navigate my “new normal”.  Talk about a process!  I was 26, a single gal living 300 miles away from my family, in my dream job and trying to figure out how I was going to move beyond this label of “cancer survivor”.  I embraced it, but I didn’t want it to define me.  So I navigated.  I   I dreamed.  I loved.  I lost.  And, I kept evolving. 
mistaked.

A year ago, I had the opportunity laid before me to join the team of the American Cancer Society.  It was my “someday” job.  My “when I’m ready to leave where I am” job.  My “when the right door opens, I’ll step through it” job.  But, here’s the deal.  Once you’ve walked through a cancer journey you understand that you don’t have time to wait for “somedays”.  Today comes and it goes and that’s all you’ve got.  So the organization I had been volunteering for became my employer.  (insert chapter 3 of bigpittstop!)

That’s what brings me to the opportunity that Julee has opened up for me to share with you.  3 years ago the American Cancer Society embarked on a transformational program and 3 weeks ago we kicked off and launched our enrollment locally in Northwest Arkansas for the Cancer Prevention Study – 3.  So what’s the big deal?  Oh, I’m so glad you asked!


This is the first time a local cancer research opportunity has come to Northwest Arkansas and will help us provide answers for the next generation.  The first one conducted in the 50s linked cancer and smoking and led to the Surgeon General’s label being added to cigarettes.  The second, done in late 70s, linked obesity and cancer.  But, the group that enrolled has aged out of a research population and in order to continue to get answers moving forward, it’s time to enroll a new research group. 
So, we are asking everyone aged 30-65 who has never had cancer to consider enrolling in the study.  You will be part of a 20 year, long-term study.  To enroll you just go to www.cps3nwark.org and choose your location and time.  You know – early bird gets the worm, or the exact time they want - so we have them set up as 15 minute time slots for your convenience.  Once you pick your time online you will be sent a survey.  It will probably take you 30 minutes or so (depending on computer skills) to complete before you come for your enrollment appointment.  Then, day of, it only takes about 15 minutes.  You will be giving a small blood sample similar to what you would give for general lab work.  That’s it.  Then, every 2 years or so they will send a survey for you to complete (I’d like to say by email, but can you imagine what social media and other communications technology tools will be developed in the next 20 years?!?!?!).

What are they looking for?  Answers.  This study will focus on lifestyle and environment – where we live, what we do, what we eat, how active are we, etc.  How does what we do to ourselves affect us long term?  It’s crazy to think that just 50 years ago we didn’t know what smoking would do to us and because that first group of over 1 million people got involved and was willing to be asked a few personal questions and give a small blood sample, we get to make healthier decisions today.
Technology is only good so long as we use it. There are millions of apps out there that might simplify some of our lives but they don't do us any good unless we download them. Yes that new TV and Cardinal Red grill (yes, I’m a follower!) would make tailgating 3x more fun, but if we don't go out and take advantage then we've only dreamed and not acted.

My challenge is to ask you to ACT. If you wait until tomorrow to register to enroll in this, you've missed your chance.  www.cps3nwark.org We are encouraging as many people to register by Sept 3, this will allow us to plan and prepare for the enrollment – did I mention we are trying to enroll 500 during the 4 days in Northwest Arkansas.

Enrollment Dates are September 17 – 20
Sept 17 | Hope Cancer Resources | Springdale | 9AM-1:30PM
Sept 18 | Fayetteville Public Library | Fayetteville | 2PM – 6:30PM
Sept 19 | Mercy Family YMCA | Rogers, Village on the Creeks| 9AM-1:30PM
Sept 20 | Center for Non-Profits | Rogers | 9AM – 1:30PM

I recently walked into an office that had this sign hanging above the counter where they served customers- “There is no place like this place anywhere near this place, so this must be the place.”  Not only is this the place, but this is the time. I believe we are close to answers.  I believe answers can come in a lifetime.  But we have to stop thinking “someone else will do it” or “they have plenty of people”. Truth is everyone is thinking that.  So, we need YOU.  Your kids need you.  Their friends, classmates and future spouses need you.  Your grand kids need you. I'm guessing that the median age of the readership here probably isn't thinking about grand kids, but neither were those guys in 1950 sitting around a room smoking asking "you think there's something to this?"  Yes!  And we life healthier, longer, more productive lives because of them.

Be the gift. Enroll. www.cps3nwark.org 

Need one more really good reason – check out this video

If you don't live in NWA, there are enrollment sites all over the nation. Check out www.cancer.org/cps3


Thanks again to Julee for hosting me today (and, as one of her friends, thank you for the way you love on her!).  Thanks to you for reading this far!  And, if you live in Northwest Arkansas and are curious about our local services or how you can volunteer with the American Cancer Society don’t hesitate to give me a call at our local office in Rogers – 479-246-0002.

8.07.2013

Kelly's Kids PARTY!!!

I am hosting a Kelly's Kids party on Tuesday Aug. 13th! I am super excited and can't wait to get Preslee some cute fall and winter clothes!!
 I LOVE the Christmas and winter stuff! So many cute things to mix and match! 


Lots of chevron this season! 

You are invited to my Kelly's Kids party!!!!

Go take a look at this year's ADORABLE Fall/Winter line!!

and enter PARTY # 14757 at checkout from NOW until AUG. 15th!!

Leave me a comment and let me know if you order! I am going to do a special giveaway for a $25 gift card to one of my favorite places to shop! I know Momma's always spend $ for their kids so this will be something just for you! :) 

Happy Shopping!! 

8.04.2013

Lisa and Steve got married!

My mother-in-law, Lisa got married on June 29th! She lost her husband September 4, 2005. After being a widow for almost 8 years, Steve walked into her life just 6 weeks after Matt died. They met November 17th on a blind date with some mutual friends. They hit it off immediately and the rest is basically history! :) She was engaged on Valentines day and is now a married woman and even moved about an 1.5hr away to his hometown. He has 3 teenage daughters who have gained a wonderful stepmom! She has been through so much and it's truly a great thing to see her happy! I wanted to share some pics from the wedding and show off what I believe is the most precious flower girl ever! :)

Lela & Lyla photography took the pictures and you can see many more on their blog!

I love to write on the blog about our life so I will remember special things but I also have found so many blogs to be inspiring. So my hope for this post is for all the widows that might be reading this, including myself, will see that there are many happy days in the future!

8.01.2013

30th birthday!

Hello blog world! I've missed you and I hate that I've been away for so long! I'm going to try to at least blog from my phone since I am not spending much down time on my computer anymore! 

Last week, I started out my birthday celebration with a girls trip to Grapevine, TX! Mom, P and I did this last year and had a blast so we went for 2 nights to the Gaylord Texan and spent a day at their water park! We ate good Mexican food, rented a cabana for a day, swam with some good friends, relaxed and had a great time! I had my first Drybar experience and shopped at the Northpark mall in Dallas before heading home! 

If you have read my blog for many years, you will remember that I always spend my birthday at a church camp with Matt's family. Matt and I basically met out there and I have been with him every year for the last 13 years. Needless to say, this was incredibly difficult to attend this year. I made it out there for a few hours and decided I would just have to try again next year! :( But P had a blast at her 2nd Campmeeting! 

Then I was blessed with a family dinner party with Matt's mom, Steve, brother Andy & wife Chelsey along with my parents, brother & his family! We ate at my favorite, Outback and had yummy cake! I loved seeing our kids dancing and having fun together. 

Lastly, I have gotten about 50 birthday cards from blog readers and let me just say how sweet it is to read each one and know that I have so many prayers still be said for us! You will never know how much it meant to me to be showered by birthday love! Just one of the many reasons, I love the blog world and why I am not going to give up blogging even though I've done a horrible job keeping up in the last 10 months! Thanks for hanging with me and for the continuos thoughts, prayers and love! And thank you again for making my 30th birthday so special!! 

6.07.2013

Little Rock Zoo

Here I go again, trying to blog! Every time I pick up my computer during the day, P ends up distracting me or needing me so I never finish a post. So here I am finally... Just another short post to say HI! 

 Most of you know from fb, twitter or instagram (I post daily pics on instagram @juleebturner) that P broke her leg almost 3 weeks ago! We were at a birthday party at Jump zone and I went down an inflatable slide with her. After crying a little, she wouldn't put any weight on it. After two days of not walking, I took her in to find out she had fractured her tibia! :( Thankfully we get it off on June 11! Only 5 more days to go! I hope to post some more pics of the days with the purple cast and even video of her walking and even running in it! She's a trooper! 
 A couple of weeks ago, Nanny and I took Preslee to the Little Rock zoo! 
 It was a beautiful morning and we had so much fun looking at all the animals! 
 We were able to see a baby gorilla! See him above on the bridge above the daddy? So cute! 
 P loved the penguins too! They would swim by the window and she would wave! 
I love watching Preslee experience things like the zoo. I have so much fun watching her learning and figuring out all these new things. But most of all, I love to see her smile! 

5.03.2013

17 month cuteness

I've been slacking on blogging but I take lots of pics and post most of these on Instagram. But just wanted to share a few of my favorites from the past couple of weeks! My little girl is always keeping me busy and smiling!













3.29.2013

16 months old

This precious girl is growing up so fast! 
Wearing 12-18moth clothes, size 4 shoe and size 3 diapers. Weighs about 23 pounds. Cutting her 12th tooth.
  She's talking and saying at least 20 words. Thank you and hi her favorites! 
 Her personality is really coming out and she has turned into a little girl!  She is independent and wants to do what she wants to do! I am going to have a headstrong little girl but she is genuinely so sweet! She gives the best hugs and always loves to kiss!
 She is truly my little buddy! I love my days with her and as tired as I am at the end of the day, I can't wait for her to get up the next morning so we can be together again! I have never been so thankful for anything in my whole life! 

Happy Easter from P and me! :)