Merry Christmas

Matt and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed traveling to see our families. We were able to give and receive some great gifts this year too. We are currently enjoying the vacation time we both have this holiday season. We are sleeping a little extra and just trying to be a little lazy whenever possible. I'll write more once Matt is back to school and I am entertaining myself again. :-)

Clean house--check!

Matt and I have been doing a project a day for the last week and a half. We cleaned everything including vacuuming behind/under all of the furniture, scrubbing baseboards, and even sanitizing blinds. :-) We took everything out of our storage closet and our bedroom closet and then reorganized all of the boxes to make more space. We took a couple bags to Goodwill and a friend helped us carry off some furniture we don't have space for. Matt took apart a desk which we tucked under the bed and now feel that we have so much more space!

We are filling that space slowly...the crib is up and our new glider rocker with ottoman is beside it.

It felt really great to take the time to do all of this with Matt's easier schedule this past week. I have heard rumors that I won't be seeing him much for the next couple of months so it was great to take advantage of his help. Now, we get to enjoy a little Christmas break in a freshly cleaned/uncluttered home.

It's A Boy!!!

It's a boy we think....Baby Turek was being a little shy at our ultrasound on Wednesday. The doc thinks she saw a boy part for a second before the legs crossed again. It was a sneak peek anyway. My official ultrasound is on the 23rd so hopefully we will get a final answer then.

By the way, I wore this sweater to the church activity tonight and I had comments on the baby bump. So I thought maybe it was time for a picture.

Thanks, Travel, Turkey = Thanksgiving

We have a lot to be thankful for in our house....

our religion and all that comes with it

a job that I love

schooling that Matt loves/hates

being apart of the Air Force so we have no debt and less stress

family

being preggers

having a hot husband :-)

and the list goes on...

We were able to celebrate this holiday by traveling to see my family. We started the day off with a game of ultimate frisbee with my home ward. I love going to see thepeople there and can't wait until we can go on a Sunday. It is pretty special to grow up in one area and have people to go back to and love you. We then went to my great-grandma's house for turkey and visiting. We stopped by a couple of other relatives houses on the way home. It was a short time but a good one. I loved seeing everyone and spending some time thinking about all the things Matt and I have to be thankful about in our lives.

New car, new calling, new addition....

New Car

Matt and I bought our first car together as a married couple. We traded in the white Honda Matt brought to the marriage for a 2007 black Honda. We love it. It was quite a purchase but coming from a family where cars were always "fixer-uppers" and a constant money drain and headache I am happy to have another reliable honda. Our white honda was a 1999 and would have been able to keep going if it wasn't for the annoying leak in the back floorboard that had us worried about mold. We hope this one will be just as reliable.

New Calling

I was released last Sunday as the 1st counselor in the yw's presidency. I am sad to not work with my girls every week and to not get to be around the great ladies in the presidency. This is the second presidency I've been in since being in this ward. I've enjoyed 2 years in the young women's program in the ward. I have a new calling...still with the young women. :-) I am now the second counselor in the stake young women's presidency. I am excited about the new adventures that this calling will bring. Plus, I will get to go to Relief Society on Sundays when I'm not going to ward conferences. We had our first meeting on Thursday and I am excited about all of our plans.

New Addition

Well folks if you haven't heard yet.....(drum roll please)....there will be a new Turek coming sometime in the beginning of May. I am just over the 2 month mark according to the ultrasound. I have been vomiting daily for three weeks and have just felt all around horrible. It is crazy how something so exciting that I've wanted for so long comes and completely knocks me on my behind. We know this will be an adventure and we are very thankful for this blessing. Matt has been so great already. He comes home from the hospital and does all of the housework as I come home from school and sleep. He also has gone to Wal-Mart almost daily to buy some new magic thing that will not make me sick.

Side note- We wanted to be secretive until the 12 week mark but as people at school tried to send me home with stomach flus and swine flu because of my running to the restroom and then back to teaching the news had to be shared there. If everyone at school was going to know then I wanted those closest to me to know too so it is officially out now it is on the blog. :-)

Side side note- I haven't been sick all day today. Could the puking be over???? I think I'm going to try and go for a walk today before I become completely lazy.

We are alive!

I have been so out of the habit of blogging mainly because I always forget to take pictures and then I think I shouldn't blog about it because I don't have pics. All posts are better with photos. I still don't have any current pictures but I thought should at least come on here and let everyone know a few updates since the step 1 exam.

Matt has finished his first rotation of psychology and neurology and is now working on internal medicine. He is really enjoying "the real world" versus the class world of the last 2 years of medical school. He wears a tie everyday and feels like a real grown-up. I am so proud of him.

I tanned, relaxed, exercised, lost 12 pounds, and just THOROUGHLY enjoyed my summer this year. I even did a little summer school and made some extra money. I have since though said goodbye to the pool and showers to "start the day" around noon and hello 4th graders. It was a rocky start to school this year but now everything is in balance. I am so in love with my kids this year. They really are so sweet and I see so much potential in all of them. I am enjoying the transition from third graders to fourth graders. I am looking forward to a great school year. I really think that it will fly!

Well that is an update. Matt is on call all day at the hospital on a Saturday no doubt (ahh the life of a medical student and the wife). :-)

Step 1 Complete!

July 15th we raced to the computer and checked the website to see the much anticipated step 1 board scores but the score wasn't there! We went to bed the night before anticipating the scores to be loaded at midnight. Matt had to leave for his rotation at the hospital and I continued to hit the refresh button every 20 minutes. Finally I gave it a break and went to the pool. I came back around 11 and decided to give it a try. The screen brought up the option to "print scores." I immediately began calling Matt who answered after about 5 attempts. I opened up the document and read it to him over the phone. I gave him the news that he passed. He was so relieved and then I gave him the score. Matt of course responds to me, "Sweetie, where do you see that at, what do you see near that number?" He didn't believe me! He did so well on his Step 1 board exam! We are thrilled since this test has a lot to do with residency placement for medical students. We are so grateful and both know that Matt received a lot of help on his exam. Heavenly Father certainly exceeded our highest hopes and prayers with this one.

Thanks to everyone that has been so understanding as Matt dilligently studied the last several weeks and to everyone who said a few prayers as well.

The Music of the Night

Well for me it was the music in the afternoon but it was amazing music. I went to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Belk Theater in Charlotte yesterday afternoon. It was a wonderful experience. The show was intense and the talent truly breathtaking. This was my third broadway show and I do feel more cultured now. :-) I understand why this show is a classic. It has all the various emotions, great sound effects, and is aesthetically incredible as well. My favorite is still Wicked of course and I am hoping I will find tickets for Wicked in a stocking somewhere for next year. It was a wonderful afternoon with my favorite mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sisters-in-law (no Matt).

Where have we been?

We went to the Smoky Mountains. These are a few of the pretty places we went to during our visit. This was our last trip right before Matt begins his third year of medical school. This was a fun trip and definitely a needed adventure.

We did lots of hiking and exploring while we were there too. This was one of the waterfalls we explored while on our trip.

First, we went to Jekyll Island. This was our first adventure after Matt took his first board exam.

Ahhh....such a great time. Matt begins the third year orientation tomorrow....sad to see reality back so soon but we are both happy to get it going too.

I love being a teacher!

I love teaching school for lots of reasons....

#1 Reason right now is SUMMER VACATION!

I work 190 days without taking any days off all for this wonderful break.

I have had to go to some workshops and a few other work days which I do get paid for but right now I am just relaxing.

I love watching tv, exercising throughout the day, tanning, reading, and spending some extra time with Matt. Oh summer vacation....AMAZING.

FINISHED!

Update

Update

Saturday, June 6th~

Matt took the 8 hour Step 1 Exam for medical school and even came home with a smile on his face.

I finished my second year of teaching. I packed my classroom, loaded the car, and unloaded the car all on my own. I know way independent. :-)

I hope my life will get more exciting again so I will have more to blog about. The end of the school year is filled with craziness and Matt has been intense with the studying the last few weeks.

I'm off to a good start since I came home at noon from my classroom, cleaned the house, and ran out to the pool with a good book. I read and read and read some more....I am now a lobster! I learned my lesson of invincibility. I had a pretty good tan already so I thought I was sunburn proof. I know dumb. Oh well, I've been lathering up with the aloe. This will soon just be a memory, right? :-)

6th Picture Tag

I was tagged!  This is the 6th picture in my 6th folder... (drum roll please) 

This is a picture of Matt and I on parade day after COT.  I had arrived the day before to see him.  It was only 5 weeks but I was so glad to see him.  We were ready to get back home in this picture (especially Matt).  I think it has permanently left a bad impression on him...I don't think we will ever live in Alabama (by choice).  :-)  

I tag anyone else that wants a trip down memory lane.  

Lately...

Life is still good.  

We took a road trip to Charleston.  Loved the sun and the sights plus the great company.

 

We went with Matt's family to see the Legally Blonde show.  Great time!

Plus, we just bought a new tv....on sale.  :-)  Even better....

Matt takes his Step 1 test in 42 days and I am on summer vacation in 42 days....Life is about to get even better.  

Happy Spring Break

Spring break has finally arrived. I will post more later....just enjoying the moment! I hope the sun will stay out!

Happy Early Birthday Dad!

I organized a little family gathering for my dad's upcoming birthday. It was hard to figure out a time when we could all be there since my siblings are all soooo busy! We were ALL able to make it Saturday evening.

We had dinner and birthday cake. I made red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting- my dad's favorite.

We all shared/debated many fun family stories followed by lots of laughter. I even managed to get in a trim by my sister in cosmetology school. My only brother certainly appreciated Matt adding to the testosterone levels of the house. During the fun night I paused for a moment to take in this scene ~ We were all in the living room and my brother and my husband are playing an intense game on the Wii. My sisters and I were laughing to the point of tears. My mom is just looking at us all like we have lost it. My dad relaxing in "his chair" just taking in the view with a smile on his face. I stopped for a moment and thought this is what life is all about. I love my family and know how fortunate we all are to be so close with each other.

I love you all. Happy early birthday dad!

Snow Day

Snow day....where????

So, I've had a wonderful day of relaxation! School was cancelled last night because of the "horrible" weather coming. Everyone got snow around our lovely state except for us. However, school was still cancelled....I guess this is because the temps were low this morning after lots of rain last night.

I spent the day exercising, shopping, chatting on the phone, etc. I didn't want to have today off because I don't want to have to make the day up later. I always love a day off anyway though!

Warmer temps are coming at the end of the week. I am ready for spring!

New friend, Old friends

Saturday I was able to throw a baby shower for a new friend. I did this twice in college for a friend but it had definitely been a while and I felt like this needed to be at a new level now that I'm older and in the "real" world with a job and everything. :-)

So, I had asked for some advice from some of the other ladies at church. They showed me what it meant to really support one another and love one another in our church. I had one lady volunteer to organize the food and without any hesitation all of my friends were volunteering to bring dishes. I had to turn many of them down!!! I had another really great friend volunteer to make the cupcakes. She is very talented and creative. I was so relieved/surprised at all the help. I was able to make the invites, games, favors, etc. Plan/organize everything (which is totally my favorite thing to do anyway) and just do all the other miscellaneous stuff.

Also, I live in an apartment and needed a better place to host. I didn't want to do it at a restaurant because I really wanted everyone to be able to walk around and visit and I wanted that cozy "homey" feel. The first person I asked was so surprised and ecstatic that I asked her. The next few months she kept telling me all of the preparations she was making to ensure that her house was ready.

Bottom line I was humbled to see all of the people willing to support me and to support a soon-to-be new mom. I was willing to do it all and I had a menu planned out and everything but I was happy to share that responsibility also. It was a good lesson for me in being an organizer and manager without being a micromanager. I think that the shower turned out really well and many people felt like they had a part in making it happen.

Side note- I had a lot of fun doing it. I had a fun, worthwhile distraction from school work. I got to know the mom-to-be a lot better along the way and made a new friend. Plus, I strengthened some old friendships along the way.

Love is in the air

I don't want to make everyone who reads jealous but my hubby deserves a post here.

I will say that Matt accomplished the "spoiling the princess" effect this Valentine's Day! We never really celebrate Valentine's Day so I was completely shocked this year! I have never had a better date in my life. It all came down to thought and effort. He planned out the perfect day and took a lot of time in the process. We celebrated Friday and Saturday. My day started off with hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries to share with my team. 24 roses were delivered to my school with a riddle which led me on a very fun adventure...along the way I discovered a necklace, earrings, and movie tickets! We ended our evening on a date to the movies. Saturday was spent studying for a Monday Pathology test, but we managed to have a great day on the 14th as well. I was instructed to not doing anything out of the normal for Matt this year because he wanted it to be all about me. Some of my friends are now saying, "Awww" others are gagging....I know. I can't help that he is just that sweet.

So now I need to plan my own special day for a random day in the next few months. Plus, I've got to decide what to do....Any ideas? If he thought that a list of clues with presents located at each location was fun to plan maybe he would like to have one made for him as well.....I just don't know.

Family Time

Adam and Janie came to play!  Matt's cousin Adam and his wife Janie came to visit Friday-Saturday.  We stayed up until 1am chatting (which is a big deal for those of you that know my sleep habits)!  It was so worth it!  We enjoyed pancakes (twice), ice cream, fruit topping, and more.  It was a nice time and I hope we can do it again sometime.  

Grateful Inspiration

So my friend Monica tagged me to list 5 things I'm grateful for...This came at a perfect time because I have been a little stressed and slightly negative this week. I know.... :-(

It has been extremely busy and stressful at my job lately and I have found few reasons to celebrate. I used to keep a blessing journal and it really did help me remember all of the many blessings I have in my life. I am going to try and create the "blessing listing" habit again.

Here are 5 of the things I have to be grateful for:

1. Wonderful family and the gospel. I have an amazing husband that treats me like a princess. I have caring parents and siblings and I have a great relationship with my amazing parents-in-law and sisters- in-law. They all are an important part of my lfe. My family raised me to believe in a Heavenly Father and our savior Jesus Christ. I can't list on here all of the reasons why that helps me smile through even the most discouraging moments of my life.

2. Fabulous friends. There are so many people that have touched my life along the way and that still check on me occassionally (which ALWAYS makes my day.) I am making new friends right now that have proven to be lots of fun and just what I need any day of the week.

3. A job. I know the very thing I was complaining about....Times are hard for many and I am grateful to have something that I love doing and can make money for the family.

4. Thursday night tv. Okay so maybe that is lame but I love a good night of television after a long day especially, The Office!

5. Restaurant gift cards- This too is probably silly to list on here, but Matt and I like going out to eat and we LOVE when we don't have to pay for it. We are very thankful for the gift cards to restaurants we got for Christmas. We have made many trips to Moes! :-)

Well I am smiling now! This has inspired me to be more positive! I have so much to be grateful for (even after a long day.) I am going to spread the gratitude cheer to (drum roll please)

Alyssa

Lindsay

Michelle

Janie

Sue

Weekend Getaway to Asheville, NC

 Matt and I started off our long weekend Friday morning at my sister, Julia's school.  Julia colored and cut my hair; she is going to be a great hair stylist.  I am showing off my new hair cut and color in the first 2 pics.  

Friday night we went to eat at a place called the Fiddlin' Pig.  We enjoyed some really good cookin' and fun music with some interesting cloggers.  :-)  It was a fun atmosphere and a great kickoff to our Asheville Adventure.

The next days we enjoyed shopping, touring, and eating at Biltmore.  We went on some long walks at the grounds of Biltmore.  We took some strolls in downtown Asheville and enjoyed cable at the hotel.  :-)  It was a great time despite the cold temperatures.  

Side Note~ It is now snowing in Columbia and they cancelled school.....I didn't think I would ever have a snow day while working here.  

Matt had his white coat ceremony Friday night.  The Dean put the white coats on the students, and they talked about making the transition from student to "Doctor" as they will soon begin the rotation part of medical school.  It was a little interesting having this ceremony in January with such a long semester and the boards ahead of them all.  We guess they wanted to have the ceremony before the semester became too crazy though.  Matt's parents and one set of grandparents came to the ceremony.  We had a nice time, and I thought Matt looked so handsome in his white coat.  I am so proud of him and really appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that goes into becoming a doctor.  

Matt also had a birthday on Wednesday!  He started school on Monday so it was hard to celebrate too much on Wednesday especially since we had to go to the youth activities too.  We still managed to have a good time.  HAPPPY BIRTHDAY Matt! He is now 26.  I know we are still babies.  :-)  

We have had a fabulous vacation.  This week felt long because it was the first one back to school for both of us.  We are ready to get back to our routines though.  We are planning to work hard and know that this semester will be over faster than we realize!  

Side note~ Modeling my new vest and turtleneck sweater.  It was too cute to not post.  :-)  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well we have had a great week since our Christmas travels.  We have basically relaxed, shopped, worked on random projects, etc.  I accomplished my first sewing project on a sewing machine one day with the help of a friend while Matt did a 24 hour Book of Mormon read with the young men at church.  

Matt had no sleep from Tuesday to Wednesday and then was only able to sleep an  hour on Wednesday when he came home from the Book of Mormon read.  We then of course went to a New Year's Eve celebration.  We had a great time, but Matt was starting to act intoxicated by the end due to lack of sleep.  :-)  

Thursday we slept in extremely late and then went to an activity with church people~it consisted of good food, a bad USC football game, and for the ladies good conversation in the other room. 

Well I am going to enjoy the last few days of vacation!  HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!  I am so excited to see what 2009 brings for all of us.