Update

What a busy December! Since Gretchen's last blog a couple of weeks ago, many events have happened in the Turner household. Most importantly, Gretchen's union voted to accept their district's contract and not strike. This was quite a relief, and the contract wasn't bad. Last Saturday, Briana and I braved the snow and went to see the men's basketball team play (her 1st men's game; we go to several women's games a year).


On Monday, Briana had her Christmas dance recital.

Last night, we attended a Columbus Blue Jackets game. Through some connections with the club, I got us some incredible seats close to the ice (they normally cost $80 each!).

Tonight we will open presents because we are leaving tomorrow morning for Wisconsin. We will be returning the day after Christmas, so we will have about a week to relax before school starts again (Briana & I go back Jan. 3rd; Gretchen returns the following Monday).

Thanksgiving at the Turners

I am way behind on our activities so I thought I would take a few minutes to catch up. We were host to Thanksgiving dinner this year with Brian's family. It was wonderful to have David, Ricky and Cari come from Texas to celebrate in our home. Briana absolutely loves her aunt and uncles and was thrilled to have them here. They were able to meet Alex for the first time. I appreciated all the extra help I got with him during the festivities. Family arrived late Tuesday and left early Saturday. In between, we celebrated both Thanksgiving and an early Christmas together (since we won't be together for Christmas). It was very special. We had our feast of traditional Thanksgiving fare on Thursday and the contemporary tradition of the Chik-fil-a catering trays of nuggets and brownies on Friday for "Christmas". Hey, at least I only cooked one day(lucky for them and me!). We also went to Dave and Buster's on Wednesday night. For those of you who are unfamiliar-D&B's is like an adult Chuck E Cheese. It is a restaurant (with really good food) and then there is a game room. For many of the games you earn tickets to use toward prizes. Briana was in heaven, since both uncles, her aunt, and her mommy and daddy all pooled the tickets for prizes for her. Talk about spoiled :) She wasn't even able to choose enough prizes to use all her tickets. We saved some for next time.

Overall, our holiday with the Edison family (Brian's brothers and Cari) was truly special. I am so grateful that they were able to travel to see us and meet Alex. As I age, I am much more appreciative of family times together. With Brian and I living so far away from everyone, it makes us appreciate even more how important people are in our lives and especially the lives of our children.

Briana's math assignment

On Monday, Briana had a great math assignment in school - write the Ohio State- M score (remember, we don't say the word in our household). The school system is teaching our children well! I love this town.

THE Game

THE game was played Saturday - the greatest rivalry in sports (not just my opinion, it was voted so by ESPN). Ohio State continued its recent domination over Michigan, winning its 4th game in a row and 6th in the last 7 meetings. HBO debuted a documentary about the rivalry last week; it gives a pretty good history of the game. There is true hatred between the 2 schools. I get more nervous about this game than any game of the season. In fact, I don't remember being this nervous for games I actually coached in back in my coaching days. I can't tell you how much the game means to fans of each team. Briana came home Friday and said her teacher told the class how no one in their house could say the word "Michigan". On her own, Briana said we should have the same rule (I can't tell you how proud I was). So, now that team is known as M in the Turner househould (Coach Hayes also refused to say Michigan and referred to them as the school up north).

With the win, Ohio State won the Big 10 for the 3rd straight year (2nd in a row outright) and will be appearing in a BCS bowl game for the 5th time in 6 years. Even with all of this success, a football player I have in class told me something interesting (and very true) a couple of weeks ago. He said the football players think the fans take the team for granted. They (the fans) expect the Buckeyes to win every week and don't really appreciate the hard work they put in for every game. The team lost last week to Illinois, the first regular season loss in 29 games (I got to take a former student from University High School in Waco to the game - Chris Castillo). The letters to the sports editor this week were brutal. Several mentioned how the team "embarrassed" the fans and others questioned how good Coach Tressel really is. It is amazing how spoiled Buckeye fans are; some really don't know how good we've got it. Just ask fans of some teams who would die just to have a winning record and go to a bowl game. I was disappointed after the loss, but I realize what a truly great run we have had. We lost the Heisman Trophy winner (Troy Smith), a 1000 yard runningback (Antonio Pittman), and 2 receivers drafted in the 1st round (Ted Ginn, Jr. and Anthony Gonzales). Most "experts" picked us to finish 3rd in the Big 10; Coach Tressel might have done his best coaching job since the national championship in 2002-03.

Halloween in Hilliard

We live in a great neighborhood that really likes Halloween! We had another great night for trick or treating-cool but not cold and no rain or wind. Our neighborhood has quite a few kids so instead of just waiting inside for the doorbell to ring, we pull out our lawn chairs and sit out to meet them. It saves the kids a lot of walking and it is a great time for the adults to socialize. There is one neighbor that grills hot dogs every year to pass out and another neighbor that hands out cold beer (for the adults, of course). This year, Alex and I passed out candy while Briana and Brian went out trick or treating. She collected 140 pieces of candy! We still have over 100 pieces left. We know how many she has because she had a homework assignment for school where she had to sort her candy into counted categories and then pick her favorite to eat. She then brought the wrapper in to share with the class. She picked a sucker, not chocolate. That was a surprise to me-I go right for the Snickers or Milky Way. I had lots of fun showing Alex off in his pumpkin costume to the neighbors. It was his debut at a social event! I set up in the drive way next door with three other neighbors so the kids got four houses in one stop. Great for them and fun for us! Afterwards, we ordered pizza and ate candy for desert. Good Times!

My baby brother and me

Briana is just adoring Alex so much! She greets him every morning and can't wait to see him when she gets home from school. She always is kissing his forehead and giving him hugs. When she is away, she always tells him how much she misses him when she gets home. It is so wonderful to see her be so excited! I am sure when Alex is old enough, he will show her the same adoration. The shirts they are wearing in these pictures are from their Aunt Cari and Uncle Ricky. Aren't they soooo cute?

Alex's 1st TV game

Because Ohio State played in Columbus Alex's 1st 2 weeks at home, this was his 1st chance to watch a Buckeye game with Daddy. Alex got to watch (okay, he slept most of the game) the Buckeyes destroy Penn State, 37-17. Briana watched every game with me during the national championship year of 2002; hopefully, Alex will bring the team just as much luck. Ohio State has now won 27 consecutive regular season games, along with 19 consecutive conference games. The next 2 games are at home (Wisconsin & Illinois), followed by the last game against arch rival Michigan. If the team wins these games, they will again be playing for the national championship. I can't wait to take Alex (and Briana) to their 1st Buckeye games.

Briana's (busy) week in review

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Briana had quite the busy week. To review, she had a cheerleading camp a week ago Friday,


Followed by cheering at a JV football game on Saturday...


and Scarlet & Gray Saturday at Ohio State...


On Monday she had her weekly dance lessons...


Followed by a great date night with Daddy. We ate at my favorite restaurant (On the Border) then attended the High School Musical Broadway play.


What a great week!

This week is Halloween, so you will get to see Briana in costume.

6 pounds, 7 ounces

Alex celebrated his 4 week birthday with a visit to the doctor. He is doing great and is almost 2 pounds heavier than his birth weight.

Quite a busy little girl

Here is Briana's schedule for the next week or so:
Yesterday - school field trip to the fire station
Today - school field trip to the Columbus Zoo
Tomorrow - cheerleading clinic at Davidson High School (it's a student holiday in central Ohio)
Saturday - (noon) perform at half-time of the Davidson JV football game; (2:30) Scarlet & Gray Saturday (Briana goes to our new rec center to play and swim while I watch the Buckeyes play Michigan State)
Sunday - gathering at our new faculty member's (Dr. Galen Trail) house
Monday night - dance lessons
Tuesday night - Motor Skills night at Ohio State (future PE teachers observe kids like Briana learn motor skills)
Thursday night - date night with Daddy. We are going to dinner and to the High School Musical broadway play
I'm sure we will be reporting on these events shortly.

3 weeks old

Alex turned 3 weeks old today. He is doing very well and is really getting big. Here are some recent pictures:

Happy birthday to me

I've received some great birthday presents over the years (including an Ohio State mini-helmet autographed by Troy Smith this year), but nothing compares to the (belated) gift I received today - Alex came home! It would have been great to have had him home on Saturday for my "official" birthday (and so he could have watched the Buckeyes beat Purdue with me), but Briana has a rule that your birthday isn't over until all of the cake is gone. Using that logic, his coming home was the best gift ever.

My Husband

Brian and I quietly celebrated his 42nd birthday on Saturday. Briana and I let Daddy sleep in on Saturday morning, then we got ready and visited Alex in the hospital. We stopped at Buckeye Corner for some gifts, since I couldn't shop because of bedrest. Then we came home and he got to do what he really loves, watching Ohio State Football!

Birthdays always seem to bring about a time of reflection. Even though it is Brian's birthday, I am thinking of how much our lives are intertwined. I cannot imagine my life without his. He is an amazing husband, a wonderful friend, and of course-a truly incredible father. The day he was born ultimately changed my life forever-even though I came a few years later! I am so grateful for the life he has given me and my beautiful children. Even as we have weathered stressful times in our lives, he has always been so calm, so steady, so strong. Thank you, Brian, for being the person you are. I love you! Happy Birthday!

Buckeye Baby

Alex's hospital pictures are now online; he is officially a Buckeye Baby! Click here to view the pictures (there are 8 of them).

Fatherhood

The greatest sound you will ever hear is a baby's first cry. I have heard this sound twice and both times I was overcome with emotion; I couldn't stop crying myself for both Briana's and Alex's birth (a lot more than even mom cried). So many things ran through my mind in the short time after Alex was delivered. First, I was just amazed at how beautiful he was. I kept thinking how did I get so lucky to be blessed with this miracle. I also thought about what he will become in the future. Maybe he will be a college professor (like dad), or maybe a counselor (like mom). He might be a doctor, lawyer, or even President of the United States. He might even quarterback Ohio State to the 2029 national championship. My mom always told me and my brothers we could be whatever we wanted; hopefully, Gretchen and I can convey this to Alex (and Briana).

I mentioned in a previous blog how I was in my dream job. I also valued my time as a coach. I viewed the title of "Coach" as a term of respect. I enjoyed being "Coach Turner" and still call all of those in the profession "Coach" (I have never called Ohio State's football coach by his first name, it is always Coach Tressel in our household; even Briana knows him by this name - same with Coach Hayes). Now, I am known as "Dr. Turner" because of my Ph.D. "Dr." is another title that you have to earn. However, the title I value most is "Daddy". I love hearing that come from Briana's mouth. The responsibilities with this title are so much more important than the other titles I have had. No other "job" compares to this one. When you think about everything you have to do as a parent, it is quite overwhelming. It is also far more rewarding than anything I will ever do in the future. Gretchen and I are going to do our very best to take care of Alex and to teach him everything he needs to know.

And so the journey begins. Everyday will be an adventure, and there will be some bumps along the way. I'm sure we will make some mistakes, but hopefully we can teach Alex right from wrong and to treat everyone with respect. It's been amazing seeing Briana go from a 3 pound baby to a beautiful, young kindergartner. It is an incredible feeling to know that I will now get to see 2 children grow to adulthood. I couldn't be happier!!!

1st pictures

Alex & Gretchen are doing fine. Alex is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but is making great progress. More updates to come.

Introducing Alexander Brian Turner

Alex Turner was born this morning at 9:47. He weighs 4 lbs. 13 ozs. and is doing fine (as is Mom).

More details (hopefully including pictures) will come later today or tomorrow.

Just a few more hours

Gretchen and I will be leaving for the hospital in a few minutes. If things go as planned, Alex will be delivered around 8 this morning. Check back later today for all of the details.

The start of school (at least for me)

While Briana has been in school for about a month, since Ohio State is on the quarter system, last Wednesday was my first "official" day. This year is amazingly my 20th year in education! I started at University Middle School in Waco in 1988. I also was over technology for the Waco Independent School District and a teacher/coach at University High School before leaving Waco in 1998. I was then a graduate teaching assistant at Ohio State while pursuing my Ph.D., followed by stints at the University of Oklahoma (as a visiting assistant professor) and DeSales University (near Allentown, PA, as an assistant professor and director of sport management). In 2004, I returned to The Ohio State University. I am now in my 4th year back in Columbus and besides being an assistant professor, I am the sport management program coordinator.

Ohio State is my dream job. While I teach an undergraduate class each quarter, we only have graduate programs in sport management. Because we are highly selective (we only accept around 35 out of 100-125 master's applicants and only 3-5 doctoral students out of around 40 applicants), we get some of the best students in the country. They are what make my job so fun and interesting. For example, this year's master's class includes an NCAA champion (in swimming; she held an American record until this summer), a student with a WNBA championship ring (the video coordinator for the Detroit Shock), and a current Ohio State cheerleader (he also cheered at Tarleton State during his undergraduate years and Oklahoma State when he was completing his 1st master's degree). In addition, I have 3 doctoral students (1 is a 4 time college champion in synchronized swimming) and have advised 2 other doctoral students who are now assistant professors (1 at the University of Louisville and 1 at Southern Illinois University). Probably the best thing about being a college professor is the flexibility in choosing my work hours. I teach 4 days a week (an hour and a half each day), but besides a few meetings, I can choose when I go in and when I leave work (as long as I finish what I need to do). This allows me to (usually) take Briana to school each day. If I don't have a meeting, I usually work from home on Friday. After the first couple of weeks of classes, I spend most of my time conducting research. In the spring, I only teach 1 class (2 days/week) so I am able to even further focus on my research. Besides teaching and resarch, I also get to interact with executives and administrators from sport organizations to help improve our program and to help students secure jobs.

Northwestern Game

Yesterday was the 500th game at Ohio Stadium (my 16th at the stadium) and man were the Buckeyes impressive. One minute into the 2nd quarter, it was already 35-0 (Final score - 58-7). It could have been a lot worse, but the starters played very little in the 2nd half. The team has now won 22 consecutive regular season games (last loss - 10/8/05 @ Penn State) and is 8th in both polls. If the team keeps improving, they could make another run at a BCS bowl game. Briana went to our rec facility to play and swim, and as usual she had a great time (Gretchen had over 7 hours to herself, so she also had a great time!).

7 days!

Believe it or not, the Turners have been very busy preparing for our new addition. Even though I am on "bed rest" I have kind of made my own rules for what I can and cannot do (don't tell Dr. Pool). I have to get the house and nursery ready-no heavy duty cleaning, just light laundry and putting things away. IT IS ONLY 7 DAYS AWAY, PEOPLE!!!
Briana and her daddy had a great experience on Saturday learning how to be a big sister. She got to go to a class at the Ohio State Medical Center to learn what to expect from a baby and how she can help her mommy and daddy. She is so excited. She told me that she got to see "real live babies"! We will certainly keep you all posted if anything changes. Check back often! We will definitely have an update on the 26th!

Briana will be a big sister in 13 days or less...

We have a definitive date! The doctor has declared that if my health stays stable, she will deliver Baby Alex on the morning of September 26th. I have an end to my house arrest!!! We will welcome a beautiful baby boy very soon! I will get sapphires from my husband (September's birthstone)! On Monday the doctor will measure Alex to see how he has grown. We will keep you posted!

Briana's on coachtressel.com!

Prior to the game on Saturday, a photographer came up to us and asked if she could take Briana's picture for coachtressel.com (the OSU head football coach's website). Her picture is now online! You can click this link to see the picture (click on the thumbnail to see the full picture; right now it is on the top row, 3rd one over, but that will probably change). Or, you can go directly to this link to just see the picture.

Game 2 - Akron

As Gretchen mentioned, her father Bill was in town to see his alma mater Akron take on Ohio State. After a 1st half of rain, it turned out to be a pretty good day. The fans were really not happy with the offense, but Coach Tressel played a lot of players again, freely substituting in the 2nd half even though the score was relatively close. The defense was dominating, forcing 13 consecutive 3 and outs and only allowing 3 first downs the entire game (Akron had 71 total yards). It ended up being a easy win, 20-2. Hopefully the offense will play better next week.

We are all hanging in there

I am still on house arrest, only allowed to leave for doctor appointments. I sure do miss shopping and eating out. At least I get meal service from my loving husband. My tests are stable, not healthy but not getting worse. My blood pressure is OK, but it seems to jump around quite a bit. The bed rest really does help, but it is much harder than I would have ever thought. I confess, I do more than I should. I weighed my mental health against my physical health and decided to push the limits of my bedrest sentence a little bit. My parents are coming this weekend for a nice diversion. Bill, who played football in the early 50s for the Akron Zips, and Brian will go to the Ohio State/Akron game on Saturday (gee, I wonder who might win). Briana will go with them and go to Scarlet and Gray Saturday at the Recreational Facility. She loves to swim and play games in the gym. It is a great deal! I can just hang out and be pampered by my mommy all day!

I'm out of the Hospital-for now...

Well, I'm free-or I should say on house arrest. The doctor let me go home from the hospital today but has put me on strict bed rest. Poor Brian, I know his job just got much harder. I am supposed to do nothing but lay down on my side. I am even supposed to eat in bed (I don't think that will happen, maybe on the couch). The baby is fine, but I do think that he will be with us soon. He is moving like crazy. Briana is very excited about becoming a big sister very soon. She is a real trooper and can't wait to meet her baby brother, Alex. I am on bed rest and running tests that Brian will deliver to the doctor. I will see my doctor on Wednesday and we will get to look at Alex and make sure all is well. A lot will depend on the test results. I am 33 weeks. They would like to keep me pregnant until 36 weeks, but that will depend on Alex and my health. Naturally, we will keep you all posted. Stay tuned...

Hilliard makes national news

The suburb of Hilliard, OH made the national news a couple of weeks ago because of a prank at the 1st football game between the city's 2 high schools. Davidson was recently rated the top athletic program in Ohio by Sports Illustrated after winning the state championship last year. Check out the video below to see the prank they pulled on Darby. Darby (the school Briana will eventually attend if we don't move) got the last laugh, winning the game 20-6. The student (a senior at Davidson) who masterminded the prank got in-school suspension plus cannot attend any school functions this year.

And the name is...

ALEXANDER BRIAN TURNER

We'll call him Alex. Gretchen earlier explained our naming process and we decided on Alex last week. Why Alex? Gretchen had final choice and has always liked the name. It's a noble, ancient name from Greece (Alexander the Great conquered the world!). We'll probably be announcing his birth later this week.

Briana's Favorites

Color: Pink
Food: Mashed potatoes with gravy
TV Show: Hannah Montana
Cartoon: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Movie: High School Musical 2
Song: I don't dance (from High School Musical 2)
Character from High School Musical 2: Gabriella
Toy: My Little Ponies
Sport: Basketball
Team: Ohio State
Coach: Jim Tressel
Book: Disney Princess Collection of Stories
Activity: Swimming
Outfit: Dresses
Flower: Dandelions
Shoes: High School Musical flip flops
Number: 5
Animal: Elephant
Princess: Sleeping Beauty
Restaurant: Steak & Shake
Thing about kindergarten: Riding the bus
Drink: Chocolate milk
State: Ohio
Letter: K (for kittens)
Game: Uno
Player: Ted Ginn, Jr.
Mascot: Brutus

Gretchen Update

The last time Gretchen posted she thought she might be going home tonight; unfortunately, that's not going to happen. The doctor wants to keep her in for more observations. It's highly likely we'll have the baby before October 19th.

College football is finally here!

I really love college football and for the 1st time in my 4 years back in Columbus, I was able to get season tickets. For those that don't know, every game is sold out at Ohio Stadium (105,000+ each game). First year professors aren't eligible for season tickets, and 2nd year can purchase a half-season package (which I did in 2005). Last year, the demand was so great, I didn't have enough points to get season tickets (points are based primarily on years of experience; you had to have completed 5 years as an assistant professor to be able to purchase tickets).

Columbus is a great place to be in the fall. Fridays are designated "Scarlet & Gray Fridays". I was amazed at how many kids at Briana's school wore OSU t-shirts and jerseys (Briana wore an Ohio State dress).

Games are so electric at Ohio Stadium. I have been a "VIP" at ESPN's College Gamday 3 times (see picture from last year; Gretchen has a Kirk Herbstreit jersey that he autographed for her). After yesterday's 38-6 victory over Youngstown State I have seen Ohio State play 16 games in person; they are 15-1 in those games (unfortunately the lone blemish was against Gretchen's alma mater Wisconsin)! Seeing Michigan lose was icing on the cake.

Update on Baby Turner

It is amazing all of the things in life that you cannot plan for. Even if you are the most organized list maker or palm pilot user around, some things throw you for a loop no matter what. As Brian mentions earlier, we met my new doctor on Wednesday. She seems really good and I have now met many people (particularly OB nurses) that have her as their own doctor. She is a Trinity University Undergrad (San Antonio), and a University of Texas (Hook 'Em Horns!) medical school graduate. She and her husband moved to Columbus to do their internship and residency and like another Texan we all know and love-decided to stay in Columbus. You might wonder how I have met so many of her patients already. Well, it seems that many of the nurses in the Labor and Delivery ward of the Ohio State University Medical center use Artman, Turner, & Pool as their OB/GYN group. I have always heard that the best recommendation for a doctor comes from a nurse. Lucky me! I have met so many nurses because I have been granted the luxury of bed rest in the hospital due to my blood pressure and high risk of preeclampsia. I came Thursday and did some tests and was sent home to monitor my blood pressure. By Friday afternoon, the doctor decided to admit me. It is now Sunday morning and I know I am here until at least tonight, possibly longer. I don't think Baby Turner is going to make it to the countdown that Brian posted in an earlier blog. They have checked him twice. We have another confirmation that he is a boy and he is weighing in between 3 lbs 14 oz and 4 lbs 2 oz. As many of you know, Briana was a wee little 3 lbs so we are feeling a little better about the growth. We don't know anything for certain, but the doctors are taking great care of me. Good thing we have a name picked out (check tomorrow to find out)!



Brian and Briana are doing very well. She, of course, has kindergarten and friends to help distract her. Brian is visiting me often with her and taking great care of his little girl. I know it is not easy for him, but he is an amazing father and wonderful husband. He is so strong for all of us.

The Name Game

Brian and I have been so excited about little Baby Turner (or Baby Wilbur, as David and Briana like to call him). Needless to say, Wilbur Turner will not be the official name. When we found out Briana was a girl, her name was fairly easy to agree on. We named her after her Daddy and gave her my middle name as her middle name. Well, it is not that easy the second time around. Since Brian got naming rights to the first born, he graciously allowed me to have some say over baby number 2. I made a list of names that I liked. He then was able to veto names he didn't want. Brian seems to have a knack for knowing exactly what he doesn't like. Once we narrowed the list to four, we started to discuss the middle name possibilities. I assumed we would use Allen, Brian's middle name. I was in for a surprise when Brian said that he was not sold on that plan. After some late night discussions and a lot of saying different names out loud, I think we finally have decided on the final name for the future addition to Team Turner.

To learn the name of Baby Turner, you will have to check the blog on Monday. We want to keep you in suspense and keep you checking the blog :)

50 days and counting

If all goes as planned, we will have an addition to our family on Friday, October 19th (a scheduled delivery) - exactly 50 days from today. As many of you already know, we will be having a boy.

We met with Gretchen's new doctor (Dr. Pool) yesterday. To make a long story short, Gretchen discovered there was an insurance issue when filling out some paperwork a couple of weeks ago. She has her own insurance, while the baby will be on my coverage (along with Briana). She was scheduled to deliver at a hospital that doesn't accept my insurance, but her doctor doesn't deliver at the hospital that does. So, she had to switch doctors. But, my dream will be coming true - our son will be born at the only hospital that can claim they delivered a baby that went on to win the Heisman Trophy twice. In case you don't known, Archie Griffin was born 53 years ago at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Like Briana will always be tied to Bethlehem (Pennsylvania), our son will always be tied to Ohio State.

Within the next day or so, Gretchen will discuss our baby naming process.

OSU Day @ at the Zoo

We are very fortunate to have an incredible zoo in Columbus. We have a membership and go several times a year. You have probably seen the zoo's director emeritus, Jack Hanna, on the David Letterman Show at some point. Each August, the zoo hosts "OSU Day at the Zoo". Briana got autographs from members of the men's soccer, women's gymnastics, and women's ice hockey team. She also took pictures with the cheerleaders and her favorite, Brutus.

New Favorite Father/Daughter Song

Every year, I use Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses on our annual Christmas DVD. I will continue to use that song, but I have a new favorite father/daughter song:

You probably remember Billy Ray Cyrus from Achy Breaky Heart fame, but a whole new generation knows him as Hannah Montana's dad. This song (Ready, Set, Don't Go) was written for his daughter Miley (Hannah). At the 1:31 mark, there is a clip of him telling Miley, "No daddy ever wants to see his little girl grow up"; he couldn't be more correct. You can be sure you will hear this song on the 2007 Christmas DVD.

1st Day of School

Friday, August 24, 2007 was a landmark day in the Turner household - Briana started kindergarten!!! Hilliard City Schools does a staggered start for their (half-day) kindergarten classes, so there were only 5 students on her 1st day. With her red dress and backpack (Ohio State, of course), she was ready to go early Friday morning (but school doesn't start until 9:05). When she got home that 1st day, I asked her what she liked best and she said "Riding the bus home." Hopefully, that will change quickly once the class gets into a regular routine.

Dropping her 0ff the first 3 mornings, I could not be more proud of her. She is excited about going to Scioto Darby Elementary School. When we get to the front of the school, she gives me a kiss, then lines up with the rest of Mrs. Price's class. As I walk to my car, I can't stop looking back at her. She is growing up before my eyes. As Bob Carlisle says in the song I use each year in the Christmas DVD, "I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."

Why blog?

I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now to document our family life (especially for Briana and the future little Turner). While I make a DVD of pictures and video of Briana each Christmas for our family members (and will continue to do so), I would like to keep everyone updated throughout the year. After seeing my brother and sister-in-law's new blog (theedisonsworld.blogspot.com), I was inspired to go ahead and start one for our family.