The New Quests of The Turetzky Family

Before I count my blessings this week, I thought I better give the update on Darren's trip to California for his interviews at Apple.  He left on Sunday, had all day interviews on Monday, then flew home on Tuesday. Monday evening he called me and I could hear the happiness in his voice. He felt like the interviews went well. I was happy that he sounded happy. The next evening he arrived home, and he hadn't even been in the door five minutes when he received an e-mail from the Apple recruiter. The recruiter informed Darren that they would not be making him a job offer, but requested that he send his resume again for any other positions that might be open.  Darren was pretty crushed. I was disappointed as well, but not to the same degree as D. I know that everything is for the best, and we can be patient and persistent and find D a job that we can all be happy about it. In the mean time, I am so very thankful that he has a job! We are indeed blessed, and I'm so glad I...

Week 3 Getting to church early! and well fed Sunday naps, then an easy pressure cooker dinner Going to the park with our friends Remembering to take Darren’s suit to the dry cleaners (he’s may need it for the next thing on this list...) Darren’s invitation to California for an in-person interview at Apple!!! Darren’s nervous excitement could only be described as similar to the day Lila was born, LOL Darren making the bed. It’s not like he never does this, but it’s not that often and it doesn’t go unnoticed :o) Lila’s play date with Libby. This girl thrives on playing with friends. Late afternoon walk in 65 degree sunshine. Bliss. Friends! I never feel as though I have many, and perhaps it’s since I’ve moved so much throughout my life. I’ve never been very good at keeping up with old friends, so I always appreciate new ones each place I live. A good visit with the midwife at the birthing center. The midwives are always so nice and tell me I’m the “perfect patient.” The bab...

I found this week that it was kind of fun to recall at the end of the day what I was thankful for. I've been working on my list all week and it's really helped me keep a good perspective throughout the week. I hope I can be as faithful all year! Here's the list. Week 2: Darren’s new calling. He was called as Ward Executive Secretary and it's nice that he gets an opportunity to get to know more people in the ward and serve with the Bishopric. Waste Land documentary. Darren and I watched this together and it was fascinating. It made me appreciate my privileged U.S. life so much more. I like watching documentaries that give me a view of another part of the world and way of life; it's very humbling. Lila’s successful first day as a Sunbeam. snuggling with Lila trip to the library with Lila rain! dancing around with Lila to my Young the Giant Pandora station Classical Stretch . Here in Austin, PBS airs this exercise program at 7 & 8am M-F. It is awe...

As part of my aim to "live the abundant life" I am going to count my blessings each week and report them here. There's something about recounting the good things that makes me more grateful and appreciative. I think it will help me have a positive attitude each day. I hope that I can be consistent and to make this a weekly post each Sunday. Week of Jan 1st: bringing in the New Year playing games w/ Debbie, Del, & Darren a safe, comfortable drive home (free from any potty accidents too!) having the energy to quickly unpack as soon as we got home from our trip taking down the Christmas decorations in the blink of an eye with the help of Darren & Lila listening to “Living the Abundant Life” from Pres. Monson while getting chores done Lila having a play date with her fellow Sunbeam friend, Libby abandoning the rest of the chores for a gorgeous walk outside my house in 65 degree winter sunshine, which had me reminiscing about the California winters of my p...

I'm looking forward to the new year. I'm determined to make it a good one. I'm determined to improve myself.  This year I will: - officially graduate from BYU - welcome baby boy to our family - study the scriptures and pray more - continue adding to my food website (and hopefully redesign it) - make the most of play time with Lila - organize and beautify my house at least to a small degree - spend my free time doing less web surfing and more crafting and learning to use our camera - follow President Monson's ABC's: choose a positive attitude, believe in myself, and face challenges with courage 2011 was overall a good year. As I look back at my blog posts from 2011 I am reminded about what a busy year it was. We didn't have much free time while in Utah with me being in school full-time and working on my internship. So there weren't many posts about fun things. This year I'll try to post more about the fun things we do. One great thin...