The New Quests of The Turetzky Family

We had a rainy day this week, so we thought it was the perfect time to use the movie tickets we received as a door prize at our neighborhood holiday party.  The kids had been asking to see Big Hero 6 , so off to the matinee we went. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how unexpected and enjoyable I found the movie.  Kids movies usually go one of two ways: the adults enjoy it, or the adults hate it.  I was very happy that this movie surpassed my expectations.  The early previews I saw for the film were not engaging for me.  I really felt that I wouldn't be emotionally engaged in the movie with a marshmallow-looking, expressionless robot. I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it, but the movie really did tug at my heart strings.  Disney does it again, yet I was surprised this time around!  Maybe it's just because I'm really not a superhero fan. Seriously.  Last week I fell asleep to Guardians of the Galaxy becaus...

I feel the need to write myself a letter to be read next December. Dear self, While decking the halls with handmade crafts will make pretty pictures, it's the time spent with the children that will make the most joyful memories.  Although the temptation will arise to craft some pretty new decoration (that takes no less than 50 hours to complete), don't forget that each hour spent perfecting the house won't be spent with your beautiful, joyful children.  And don't forget that Christmas turkey and all the fixings you want to slave over to perfection--it will soon be forgotten too. So please do your best to remember: The memories of the children's shining eyes and the love you share will mean more to you as time passes than any meal or handmade holiday decor ever will. Most truly and sincerely, Yourself - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - It's the day after Christmas, and maybe you can tell I'm experiencing a little regret. This year, our th...

Today my little girl turned 6. I can hardly believe the years are flying by so quickly!  At 6, Lila is a friendly, intelligent, and artistic girl. She loves going to kindergarten and making new friends. Her first goal at the beginning of the school year was to make 100 friends. Wherever we are she is always eager to introduce herself and make new friends. I hope she never outgrows this beautiful personality trait. She is coming up on her third year of literacy, and now that she's going to school she's very interested in spelling. This week she's been spelling out "yes" and "no" instead of saying the words. It's cute to see how much she's enjoying her budding skill. Lila's artistic interests continue to grow. She spends most of her free time on arts and crafts. There seems to be an endless pile of her art projects, crayons, and markers at the end of the dining room table. She hardly finishes a project before she's on to the next one!  As t...

Long time no see!! Let's see if I can put together a quick run down of what we've been up to in 2014. January: I can't really remember, but the pics would say that Walt discovered it's fun to get in the dryer and my hair finally grew long enough to put in a tiny ponytail. February: Walt turned 2, I learned a new arm balance pose (and Darren bought a big new TV), and the kids got their first haircuts. March: Bedtime giggles and selfies on the rug, Lila pursuing her favorite hobby (art), playing outside because March in Texas is great, decorating the living room, and enjoying the Waco Children's Museum at Baylor. April: The bluebonnets arrived (we didn't take any pretty photos this year), the kids had fun washing plastic eggs, and got artistic decorating Easter eggs, and someone hit us on Interstate 35 (only the car was injured). May: My birthday which was enjoyed while learning new...