Black Friday Characters

I had the opportunity to go shopping on Black Friday and boy was it fun. I really didn't have anything to get, anything that I wanted, but simply couldn't miss out on the fun. My sister and I have gone twice to get items we wanted and stayed the night at Best Buy and Wal-Mart on two separate occasions to get a new computer and TV so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to shop till we drop. We went with one of our friends, Lacey, and we all turned into different characters in the mad rush...

Me, like I said earlier I didn't want anything or need anything-just simply there for the good times. We first started out at Toys R US and waited in the cold for an hour and a half talking about everyone else (most likely and not realizing how crazy we looked). I was told by my partners in crime, Stacey and Lacey, to run in and get items for them. I did run in, get items, but of course they weren't the right items! I didn't buy anything at Toy R Us so this is when I got my character, when I heard Lacey say, "Bekah, will you go pull up the car?" as I then had keys in my hand before I knew it! You got it...I was just like Morgan Freeman on Driving Ms Daisy. I picked the gals up and you better believe it they BOTH sat in the back of this small SUV and we were off to our next destination.

We went to Wal-Mart and the store was already open, but we had to wait until midnight to get the good deals as everyone waited around pallets of merchandise for the clock to strike midnight. I didn't lose my glass slipper when it struck midnight; however, I did lose my clutch! I had a paniac attack for a minute and then went back and found it---luckily it has just fallen off my arm not too far from me and wasn't touched by anyone :)

Lacey and Stacey were both shopping around Wal-Mart and had me plotted out to find certain items. Thus, Stacey's personality came out, she was ready to fight just like Sylvester Stalon in Rocky for any items that she or Lacey wanted. Put your dukes up, she did get one of the 4 trampolines that were sold at Toys R Us that she wanted to get for my mom but was even more ready to fight for the things she wanted at Wal-Mart. (Being sisters, I'm sure we fought several times throughout the night as well but she started it all!)


My big purchase of the night/morning was a 45 peice Rubbermaid container set for 9.00 yahoo...so as you can imagine it didn't take me long to go through the cashiers. (On a side note--I do feel bad for the Wal-Mart stalkers as I piled up on things that I thought my sister or Lacey would want and by the time I got to the cashier, I had 3 bags full but after talking to them on the phone, about 2.5 of the bags were left in the checkout line...my bad!) Back to the check outline and not taking long-you guessed it Morgan Freeman came out again and drove Ms. Lacey and Rocky to Target. I picked them up outside of Wal-Mart and AGAIN they both got in the back.

This leaves us at Target. We arrived there at 1:00 in the morning and it didn't open until 4:00 a.m. Lacey then turned into her two personalities, a mixture of June Cleaver and Madea.




Lacey was the most prepared throughout the entire night. She had a great idea to take reusable bags to use in the stores rather than having to push a cart (because this takes too much time) and I would highly recommend doing this if you plan to shop on Black Friday, had hand sanitizer in her purse because you get so dirty when shopping, had a list of all items she wanted at each store (written out in an organized manner), mapped the night out so we could get the best deals, and sure didn't mind showing me on the map where to go to ensure she got the items she needed. Don't let her fool you though, although she is part June Cleaver she turned Madea a couple of times when she talked about inappropriate things while waiting in line. (For anyone that knows Lacey her talking inappropriately comes as no surprise here) Yes, Lacey would've fought someone for the Leapsters that she got for only 25.00 and probably would've pulled a gun if need be so her little kids could get the Leapsters for Christmas! I can just picture Lacey taking her purse and smacking someone in the head while saying, "Hellllooooo."

The night finally ended around 6 in the morning when we couldn't walk, talk, or think anymore. Lacey's friend, Nicole, came around 3 and meant all business. She was ready to still go shopping by 6 but we were simply too pooped out!


It sure was fun spending time with Rocky and June/Madea combo and am really enjoying my rubbermaid containers. Gosh, I got a good deal :)

Another day, another dollar!

I've always been someone that likes to save money and yet still try to stretch it for all it's worth. My sister recently shared some web sites that I thought were pretty stinking cool to help save money which includes:
Hiptosave.com and pennypinchinmom.com as they have some cool deals.

My favorite thing was a subscription to ESPN for only 3.99 for a year which was found on hiptosave.com

Check some of them out and happy saving :)

Google stalking

Wow, life goes fast and sometimes you don't even realize how fast it goes. I use to (hear the word, use to) work out at the North Kansas City Community Center and was there so often I met several people. There was one guy that was really nice, Todd, and he often talked to my roommates and I about ways to help us get healthier and always had a tip how to do something better. He gave me several work out plans of which I was always excited to get started. The last time I saw Todd he didn't look very good and I was actually in awe that it was him because he looked about 15 years older than what I'd last seen him; however, he was playing basketball so I didn't go and talk to him.

Well, every once in a while I like to google search people (I know I'm weird but you can find out a lot about someone from the internet), to see what their up to and as I googled Todd I found that he passed away two years ago from pancreatic cancer and I had no idea. I wondered why I hadn't seen him around town as I often saw him out at clubs, grocery stores, and other places besides the gym. Thinking about it in my head, I'm sure when I saw him and thought he didn't look good he was probably going through chemo, radiation, or simply couldn't figure out why he wasn't feel well. Looking back, I wish I would've gone and talked to him and maybe given him that little bit of encouragement he may have needed for the day.

I know he impacted several individuals lives as he was an AAU coach for young girls basketball and no doubt in my mind those girls had a tough time saying bye to him. I pray his family is doing okay and maybe just maybe Todd was on my mind because he was trying to tell me to work out! Rest in peace Todd and thanks for showing me how precious life really is...

We are FAMILY...

"Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."

Family traditions are something that doesn't lack in my family! Some of our traditions are probably rather boring to some but some are pretty creative and fun so I decided to share a few of them, feel free to let me know some of your traditions (heck, I might steal one of them if it sounds good!)

First and foremost we will start with January. Mark it on your calendars my birthday is the 21st, no we don't do anything outrageous for my birthday but I do enjoy presents and can give you my address if you need it. This actually does start off a family tradition--BIRTHDAYS. My "Mema," has a birthday dinner for everyone's birthday in the same month (lucky me, I'm the only one in January so it's all about Bekah-but I think it should always be that way!) Mema is an awesome cook and she lets the birthday people pick what they want to eat, she does all the cooking, and then it's time for the party. Prior to eating my Pa prays and blesses the food and the birthday person gets to go first. Yippie!

-Mother's Day-My Aunt Kelly often has us all over to her house and we celebrate our Mother's, Grandmothers, and Aunts for blessing us in so many ways. Yes, we eat eat eat.

-Easter--Sunday dinner is great. (Again, Mema is an awesome cook). We of course eat the ever tasty Easter meal after going to church and then the big and fun part comes in (which I think is very creative on my Mema's part). She gets tree limbs from outside, makes a tree, and somehow bright colored eggs appear on the tree. Inside the eggs someone gets to find the GOLD, all of the eggs have money in them but one certain egg has more than everyone else along with candy. (Don't worry, I tried to cheat on this game and find out what egg had the most and they switched it up because I was eying the egg with the GOLD in it!). It's a big competition to see who can find the egg with the most money!



Throughout the summer months, we go camping (often in at the same campground-same camping spot) where lots of memories and good times are made. The kids have a blast getting dirty, spending time doing outdoors things, and getting to spend time with one another.

The Fourth of July-for many years has consisted of going to my Aunt and Uncle's house where we BBQ and watch fireworks by their pond; however, lately has been going to Smithville Lake while camping to watch the display there. Either way-time spent with Family.

September is a big birthday month for our family- My Pa, My cousin, -sister in law, and aunt. You better believe we are partying fools, and yes, by "partying fools," I mean eating a lot, playing cards/games, and taking naps.

The Fall time is one of my favorite times of the year as I feel like so much time is spent with the family. October-Carving pumpkins at my Aunt and Uncles house has been a long tradition since I was a child and continues until this day! My Aunt and Uncle's house burnt down several years ago but we didn't let that stop us; we carved with barely any lights, tables we brought in just to carve pumpkins, and no furniture.

A few weeks before Thanksgiving we pack up the car (we're leaving in the morning) and head to Branson. We enjoy times of shopping, eating tasty food, family fun, and of course seeing the fun things at Silver Dollar City related to Christmas including the thousands of Christmas lights. I tell stores to the kids and even had one of my nieces looking for her imaginary friend all over Branson (Her name was Kalita and I still get in trouble for this) This is a fun outing and many memories have been made-

Thanksgiving-Yum, we will eat lots of food, taking naps, eat lots of food, and take more naps. My Mema always had us look through JcPenny's catalogs as children and circle what we wanted for Christmas. Although we're a little older we still look through the adds and see what store we are going to stay the night at. Best Buy was two years ago, Wal Mart last year to get the latest steal. From standing in line all night to my sister in law being in the basement buying stuff online at her house-this really is a team effort. :)

Christmas-Christmas Eve we always go to my Mema and Pa's house and spend the day with them-again eating (seems like we do a lot of that), opening gifts, taking naps (yes, a lot of that too), and enjoying time with the family. For many years the three of us "Turner," kids always stayed the night at our mom and dad's house that night and got to open one present before Christmas---since my brother and sister are both so "grown up," now they come up that day. You better believe I still stay the night at my mom and dad's house that night (which is the same house they've been in since I was 18 months old) and even got snowed in for a couple of days last year. My brother and sister bring their families to my mom and dads, the "big kids" get a BINGO lottery ticket in their stockings to play before opening presents (My sister in law wins every single year), and then the kids pass out the gifts. I am still selected to help pass out the gifts but with my nieces and nephews getting so big I'm sure they will be taking my job soon---they did learn from the best.


You are probably wondering what these crazy pictures have to do with traditions-Yep, you brought me to my last one. Anytime we get a family picture taken we end up being goofy and calling it the "Simpson Pose." We aren't normal, never will be, and don't want to be...we are the TURNER's (and I'm luck to be one!).




(This is my brother, sister, and I being as "normal," as we can be---but what's normal anyway?)

Dear Mr. Devil....you will not destroy me...Love, Beky

Something was really weighing heavy on my heart to go to church tonight. I've never found a church in my "adulthood," that I've fallen in love with besides one. I haven't been in a while as I've tried other churches and to be honest have been lazy in going to church. I'm not certain what was pulling at me so much to go but I came home from work, ate really quick, got some gas and I was on my way.

I was so excited to go and then realized that the church I was going to had construction all around it and couldn't figure out how to get there. I went into Quik Trip as the church is basically in the back yard and thought the clerks would know. I asked two clerks and they were clueless (didn't even realize there was a church behind them). The Third Clerk said that he thought you could go around a back way.

I was off on my journey to go the "back way," and you guessed all I saw were ROAD CLOSED signs and you couldn't get there. I tried to go through the road signs but turns out they aren't lying when it says road closed.

I just kept driving around thinking how I was going to get there. I went back to QT and had decided I would park there and walk to the church (a.k.a the back yard of QT that no one knew was a church). I walked through the wet water, and was thinking to myself...man my khaki pants are going to look terrible once I get to church after off-roading it! Then I saw the light,

Yep, CVS saved my day. There was in fact a road from CVS that would lead me only to the church when going through their parking lot. My Happy Honda drove right over to the church (gravel road, muddy, with lots of pot holes) and was hoping I would make it without getting stuck---especially since Anthony was at work and didn't figure my dad would want to come rescue me. Driving in, I thought, "Man, the devil has tried to stop me how many times with going to church tonight." Don't worry folks...Bodacious Beky made it to church despite the devil trying to get me down.

I've attached my favorite Christian song at that time that makes me think of many times the devil tries to get us down...
Check, check, check it out!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9gB9bDi69I

No I'm not gonna cry...

If anyone has seen me in the past two-three months you will see a white monster on my right eye. Somehow I have developed severely dry eyes and feel like a freak of nature as a result of my dry eyes I have this small creature. My eyes don't produce enough tears (odd I know) so I'm currently on not one, not two, but THREE prescription eye drops. I go back in two weeks to see if the third prescription they put me on is improving my eyes and if not your beloved friend gets to have surgery on my eyes with putting things called Punctal Plugs into my eyes. So the next time you see me don't think I'm crying, that I got beat up, or that I'm high on drugs. Nope, simply just an odd duck!! However, I must be thankful that I have eyes and can see the following things:

-My hot boyfriend
-My nieces (2) and nephews (2)
-My friends/family
-The dishes that are in my sink that I'm not planning on doing tonight.
-The closet full of laundry that needs to be washed---and not certain when that will be done.
-And even my to do list at work---which I feel like never gets anything marked off it...guess I can't see that part very well :)
-My hair that I rarely fix (I need a new hair-do baby---any suggestions let me know!)
-My bank account that is lacking money (thanks to being on so many eye medication I'm broke as a joke---costing me almost $100 per month currently for these meds--yep, I will be buying stock in eye drops).
-The chocolate cake my Aunt left in my fridge
-My pants that aren't fitting anymore (see chocolate cake reference for further information regarding this matter).
-Calendars that show my friends/families birthdays and important holidays (contrary to popular belief I do know people's birthdays although it often takes me a year to get a gift or card to someone--at least everyone knows I"m going to be late).
-My $8.00 new bed set I bought---yep you read correctly new comforter, shams, and bed skirt for only 8 bones and it's freaking cute...Target Special.
-All the dots I keep posting in here....

Although my eyes often hurt and least I don't look like my sister (pictured above) Love you Stac

I accepted the position of an Aunt

Being an Aunt is such an amazing thing...I can't even imagine how much fun it would be to be a Mother. I thought I would share my little guys with the world with a little fun information about them and things I love about each and everyone. I have two nephews and two nieces, read on to meet them but realize their in no particular order. :) As an Aunt, I take my job seriously to do the following things: spoil them, teach them things they shouldn't do, give them toys that make lots of noise, get the wound up and then leave (I'm really good at that), and love them unconditionally even with the following crazy pictures:



Meet Emily:




Emily is the first born. She's a blast to be around. She loves doing just about anything and has an imagination like no other. "EM," loves to be the star of the show. The last time I babysat her she was on top of a stool (not certain she was suppose to be doing that--hope my brother doesn't read this!) singing at the top of her lungs. I think she might make her Aunt Bekah rich someday. Em has a special place in my heart but wish she would stop growing!! This picture is Em and I laying in the shade and of course being silly.





William Aiden Turner. "Aiden" or "Bubba," is the Fourth Generation of being a William Turner. He carries the name with lots of strength. Aiden loves being around people, comes up with the funniest things out of no where, and has an imagination like you wouldn't believe. Today Aiden was collecting sticks at my mema's house and he told me that we were going to have a Camp Fire. We were at a family reunion so I thought maybe we were and I didn't get the memo. He proceeded to tell me that yes, in fact we were having a camp fire that his Aunt Stac told him (my sister). The boy had me thinking we were having one and I was looking forward to smores until I asked my sister and she didn't know anything about it :) What an imagination. :) Aiden always has a ton of energy and ready to tackle the world!




Kaylee Girl, "KK," is a diva at the age of 4. KK is a shy little girl to most people but once you know her watch out. Kaylee often sticks to those she knows and loves which isn't a bad thing! I took Kaylee with me when I got my dog at the shelter. She was scared out of her mind but then talked about "Jazz," and had a doggy day care for nearly a month after at my mom's house whom babysits her. In this picture Kaylee is being a wild woman and eating ice cream. Kaylee had milk allergies and is now free to eat eggs, drink milk, and even enjoy ice cream. This is Kaylee showing off her ice cream eating skills. You can't get mad at a kid when they love ice cream when they couldn't have it at first :)




Alijah, "AJ, Lijah Boy," AJ is the youngest guy and a doll at that. Watch out ladies, his dimples will melt your heart. AJ was born with severe food allergies and I was the lucky one to help him find this out. When AJ was three months old, his mom gave him Soy, much to my dismay we were at a baseball game and he projectile vomited on me about three times. I'm not talking about a small amount...I'm talking like 6 gallons of milk. He was in and out of the hospital a lot his first year of life but now he's going strong and learning to eat new things. AJ continues to have severe food allergies and requires total support ensuring he doesn't even get a pinch of one of his trigger foods or it could be a tough day for AJ. AJ is an onery little cuss. If you tell him not to do something he will but it's cute. AJ's only two but a smart cookie at that--my mom has blessed her grandchildren with knowing what the "Swat Spoon," is-ouchie waa waa. Myself, bro, and Sis and I got the swat spoon used on us numerous times as kids. Anytime I babysit AJ and he starts doing something in which he knows he shouldn't he stops to think and then says, "Bekah, do you have a WAT Poon?" He's smart because he asks before he gets himself into trouble :)



Being an Aunt has made me happy in so many ways. I love asking the kids, "Whose going to be the first one to give me a hug?" The kids come running, they get wound up, and then that's my cue to leave.

Old Friends Teach you lots!.

When I was a freshman in college, I had the opportunity to meet a good friend of mine, Samantha. I remember meeting Samantha as she lived across the hall from me in the dorm in college. Samantha is from Zimbabwe (SP?) and hadn't ever been to America. The first time I remember seeing her she was asking someone to give her a ride to Wal Mart as she didn't know anyone but one cousin in the town we were in and had no transportation...I would be scared going to another country! Samantha took the task on with great pride and has taught me many things---not only as part of a new cultural but as part of being a friend.

I remember Samantha trying to teach myself and my roommate, Jill, how they dance in Africa. I was stunned, amazed, shocked, and every other adjective you can think of when she was showing us...I didn't know it was humanly possible to move so fast while cracking up laughing so much!

Samantha also taught me about extensions. For the longest time I didn't know she had extensions in her hair and I always ranted and raved about her hair...she waited for a couple weeks and finally let me in on her secret! I looked like a total country girl to her at this time I'm sure...I guess the joke was on me here.

I also got to play in the snow with Samantha the first time she ever saw it..that was an experience for sure. I don't think I've ever seen someone so delighted in the small things life has to offer...it was so fun I lost the keys to my dorm and my door room (those weren't cheap to replace!). We created Angels, went sledding, and she tasted the snow like she was a small child :)

The first Christmas Samantha was in America she didn't get to go home. She stayed between my house and a friends house. For me it was fun to have someone at home for Christmas break but I can only imagine how hard it was to be away from her family. Samantha rarely sees her family now due to her brother living in Australia and the majority of her family still in Africa. She has taught me to cherish my family more and more each day!

Samantha has such a strong personality and sticks to what she wants...she's taught me to be strong in things and believe in myself. She always has a word of encouragement and often calls/texts me just at the right time when I need some encouragement!

Samantha has always been a good, honest friend of which I cherish. Samantha doesn't always tell me the things I want to hear but she tells me the things I need to hear---even if I don't like the answer. She even told me the other night, "Beky, you need a pedicure." I didn't really know how to respond but it was the truth... (P.S. I gave myself a pedicure)

I don't always get to spend as much time with Samantha as I wish I could but she will always be near and dear to my heart--sometimes I think we fight like sisters but heck, her sister is so far away I just want to make sure she has that experience :)

I'm thankful she was put into my life as she reminds me of the following poem:

">People come into your life for a reason, season, and lifetime
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, Sammer Whammer. Thanks for teaching me so many life lessons.

I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve.

For those of you that don't know, I love Martina McBride so much that I have danced and sang to her music while I'm out on the town almost like I am Martina!!!! P.S. I give one heck of a good concert too. Next time she comes in town I will be at her concert as I have gone to the past two concerts. Anyways...one of her songs reminds me of my life, during times I'm feeling a little down or simply need a pick me up I often play these words through my head that Martina sings so loud and proud....


"I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve, to be here with the ones who love me, to love them so much it hurts I have been blessed."



I've really been thinking about my job (to the right is a picture of myself and two co-workers the Valentine's Dance---does it look like we have fun?), the people I support, and their families a lot lately and realize my job is a blessing. For those of you that don't know--I work at a day program for adults with developmental disabilities and enjoy every minute of my job. Okay, on most days. I'm what is called a QDDP, Qualified Developmental Disability Professional. I assist with writing the customers plans, ensuring their daily needs are met, advocate for them to achieve their hopes/dreams/and additional supports as their needs increase throughout their adulthood, and also get to spend time with the customers. I get to do a lot of fun things at my job!


HOw many people get to dance at their job, take a break by riding a scooter up and down the hallway, jump in a moonwalk, or even have a popcorn party at any point in their day? Not a lot of people do--and that's one of the many reasons, "I have been blessed." Coming into my job on a daily basis is never the same thing. I get a greeting in the morning like I haven't been seen in weeks, get hugs and smiles that could turn any bad day into a good day, and get to see customers throughout their day that get excited to see me. I told a customer yesterday that with the look on her face when she saw me you would think Obama had just walked in the room! (Okay, I'm a little shorter, lighter in skin, and chubby than him---but she thought it was funny!) It's not only me that the customers look forward to seeing-they've made friends with other adults with developmental disabilities, have developed relationships both with their staff and individuals within the community, and some of them even have "boyfriends" and "girlfriends," at the program.

It amazes me that with all of the things these individuals could have to complain about individuals with disabilities seem to have the best attitude and outlook on life---something we could all probably take a lesson from them.

There are days no doubt that I get stressed as I have a lot of paperwork to get completed with a deadline by the state, but nothing can come in the way with me knowing that I'm making someone's day!!!! Better yet...they make my day. A customer I support has shown signs of increased dementia...he often can't remember where he last put his lunch box or that he was walking towards the restroom and gets lost on the way there--- somehow he can remember my name and for that I'm grateful as he reminds me in small ways that, "I have been blessed!"

I'm blessed that I was given the patience, heart, and creativity to work with individuals with disabilities. I feel as though my parents have a great portion in helping me become where I am---they taught me to strive for what I wanted, not to judge others, and most importantly to care for others in your own creative way.

Maybe you don't know anyone with a disability or maybe you have a child with a disability; at any rate we should all feel blessed in the small things life has to offer.

I encourage you next time you hear someone call someone "Retarded,"(EVEN if it's in a joking manner) or even if you use this word please educate yourself and others in knowing that there are so many abilities of individuals with disabilities. They have feelings too and you wouldn't want your child being called something in that manner. Please change your vocabulary and DISABLE THE LABLE!!!!!!!

On a side note---you can check out the web-site where I work: www.developingpotential.org

If you feel it in your heart to donate items, old clothing, or even old art supplies you don't use please let me know!!!! You may not be able to directly work with someone with a disability but you can make a small difference.

Thanks for reading why I have been blessed...now I want to hear why you are blessed. Mother--stop crying!!!

I've never done this...so I'm starting now :)

Welp, I've never done this whole blogging thing but everyone else in the world is doing it so I figured, Heck I may as well join the world! What will I write about? I'm asking myself that same question but I guess we will see. I work at a computer all day writing programs so should I really be on the computer even more???

My blogs probably won't be as funny as my friend Lacey's that constantly talks about taking a duece or as sweet as my friend Amanda's that is blogging about her second pregnancy, but I'm sure I can come up with something good. Congrats by the way Maynard :)

I know, I know everyone is looking forward to hearing from me. Hold back your enthusiasm, I'm taking it one step at a time.

Until then I leave you with a quote...
The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. ~Mark Twain