The Taylor Crew

Tae Kwon Do Testing

2011-12-27T12:21:00.000-06:00

Gabriel and Isaac are both in Tae Kwon Do and it has been great for them in so many ways. They both recently tested for higher rankings. Gabriel was testing to be a 4th degree yellow belt and Isaac was testing to be a 2nd degree yellow belt. They both passed with flying colors and did very well.

We are so glad they are enjoying the exercise!!

Awards Day!!

2011-12-27T12:10:00.000-06:00

Gabriel and Isaac both had an awards day for academic excellence on December 15th.

Gabriel received awards for making A Honor Roll one nine-week period and A/B Honor Roll for two nine-week periods.

Isaac received awards for making A Honor Roll for the entire semester...all 3 nine-week periods.

They worked very hard this semester!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-22T21:31:00.003-06:00

This is a FIRST for our family!! I have included on our blog the first EVER family letter we are getting ready to send out.

We hope you enjoy your Christmas and we also hope you have a Happy New Year!

Here is a family update:

Liah turned 4 just a few weeks ago. She is all about princesses and baby dolls. She is NOT her mother’s child *wink* She does love to play with legos with her brothers and she loves to make them laugh. She is in preschool this year and loves her teacher and classmates. Her teacher says she is a little bottle of energy and kind to everyone she sees.

Isaac, who is 7, has recently started taking lessons in Tae Kwon Do and LOVES it!! He is a yellow belt and is trying so hard to catch up with his older brother. He loves school and his teacher. He is in the 2nd grade. He is quite the jokester and loves to make people laugh. He is also very tender hearted.

Gabriel, who is 9, is taking Tae Kwon Do lessons as well. He is a 4th degree yellow belt and has learned many things about himself in the process. He is in 3rd grade and loves his teacher as well. He is very creative and can build just about anything out of legos, paper, or anything he can get his hands on.

Adam is busy teaching science to high schoolers as well as teaching teachers about technology and ways to better integrate it into their classrooms. He won an award for all the things he is accomplishing with technology in the classroom. He also received the teacher of the year award for his high school. We are so glad he loves what he does and continues to make a difference in the lives of so many.

Jenn is busy in school working on her master’s degree as a nurse practitioner. She is full-time which almost makes it feel like she is never at home as a mom. Things are finally starting to slow down only to pick up again next semester as she begins her clinical hours working in a family practice clinic.

Overall, we have each been very blessed to have a healthy and happy year. We are incredibly grateful for each of you who we continue to count on for love and support. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

Love,
The Taylor’s

Adam was ON THE NEWS!! Check out the video link in blue below and see for yourself!!

2011-01-15T07:54:00.004-06:00

Metro Teacher Uses Technology To Reach Students - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Metro Teacher Uses Technology To Reach Students - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Adam has been working really hard to find ways to help his students learn. In the last 6 months alone, he has learned how to use technology to help facilitate this learning. He uses twitter and other programs to reach out to the students and help them better understand the topics in science. He is also able to reach out to other science teachers. In communicating with them, he learns ways to get his students further interested in the science topics. He converses with other teachers and students about topics such as meiosis and mitosis etc. He has learned so much and is now holding meetings online with other teachers and teaching them what he has learned about using this technology in the classroom. He was also recently voted teacher of the year at his school! We are so proud of him!!

Liah Turns 3!!

2010-12-30T09:27:00.004-06:00

Liah turned 3 on December 12th. She is such a hoot!! She loves to make up her own songs and loves to play with the boys. She is often found in her room or the boy's room playing with toys and talking to herself and pretending. I love that she has an imagination!! We love to read books at night before bed and sometimes...we even make up our own stories to the pictures *wink*.

For her birthday she got her own dollhouse. When I am finished with school, I hope to hand make her one. I made one for a friend's daughter a while back and Liah loves it. It reminds me of time spent doing carpentry with my dad and those are good memories.

We love our beautiful Liah!

Isaac...the athlete!!

2010-11-26T22:53:00.002-06:00

Isaac LOVES to play soccer...or baseball...or football! Although he doesn't take it too serious...a good thing...he loves to have fun and get exercise!! This past season we were lucky enough to have a family friend, Emily, on the team as well. They had a blast...even though their coach...was a little TOO serious. Their team name was called Green Money...everyone on the team hustled hard all season...and they ended up having a great season!!

Liah...LOVES to read!!

2010-11-26T22:46:00.002-06:00

Liah LOVES to be read too! Since I am at school during the day, my best friend and partner in crime Hannah does an AMAZING job being the 2nd mom to my Liah. Liah loves to read and Hannah is so kind to read to her just about any book she picks out. Liah reads books to herself as well-she makes up the stories-and it is SO cute! We read LOTS of books before we go to bed at night...because we don't want to go to sleep so mommy can study*wink* I read to Liah first and then Liah reads the story to me :) I love my Liah!

Gabriel...my 8 year-old SCOUT!!

2010-11-26T22:31:00.004-06:00

Ok...for every one who never thought I'd say this...take note...I can't believe my LITTLE BABY is growing up!! Gabriel is NOW a CUB SCOUT!! Gabriel turned 8 over the summer...and yes...I am way behind with blogs since I'm now a full-time graduate student (which will be another blog post) but I wanted to share some great milestones my kids have accomplished. Gabriel has really grown a lot over the last year. He will always be stubborn and assertive...he is a natural leader. He is very sweet at times...and it's hard to see my little boy growing into a bright young man. At first, he hated scouts because, I think, he just wanted to argue and fuss about something...because it's not "cool" to reform. But now...he loves EVERY MINUTE!! I'm so proud to call Gabriel my oldest son. He is amazing!

Gabriel leading the flag ceremony

From Left to Right: Isaac, Adam, Gabriel, and Aunt Jill (his dutiful*wink*cub scout leader)

Gabriel's Baptism

2010-08-09T07:58:00.004-06:00

Gabriel turned 8...and we had already began the conversation about being baptized. Well, many of you know Gabriel is very smart and puts much thought into everything. He had kindly informed us that he was not ready to be baptized...because he wasn't "ready to be good"...lol. THAT'S RIGHT!! He actually said that! Adam and I decided to wait it out and keep talking to him about it...but let him decide when he was ready. His 8th birthday was quickly getting closer and he was still thinking about it. On the morning of his birthday, we got up and went down to the local donut shop to get doughnuts to celebrate. As he BURST through the door, he proclaimed to the workers "Hey, it's my birthday today!...and I'm gonna get baptized!" And after that...well...he pretty much kept the same excitement :) We are very proud of his choice to be baptized and we are very proud to call him our son.

Gabriel and his cousin Jordan

Gabriel and Bishop Steanson

The AWESOME Rope Swing!!

2010-08-08T08:43:00.004-06:00

Ok...many of you already know...but for those who don't...Adam's been in the scouting program for several years. Over the years, he's learned lots of cool things and the most recent has been KNOTS :) He loves putting his knowledge to good use and has recently added a GREAT additional to our back yard!...a ROPE SWING!! He worked on it one night...and kept it a secret. The next day when our friends the Van Orden's came over...it was discovered! And well...THE REST... IS HISTORY!

Did someone say "School's Back in Session"?

2010-08-06T21:55:00.006-06:00

So...I am going to make-most likely-a lame attempt at filling those few of you who still read our blog in on what's been going on in our lives the last 6 months. HOLD ON...this could prove dangerous...lol

We'll start from the present and work our way backwards...

Gabriel and Isaac have OFFICIALLY started school...that's right...I said SCHOOL!! It's hard to believe the summer is already over and another school year begins. This year they both seem to have amazing teachers that are perfect for each of their personalities.

Isaac's teacher is sweet and soft-spoken.

Gabriel's teacher this year is laid back and seems perfect for him.

I'm excited to see what a new year brings for our family. And most of all for the boys to learn and have another great year :)

Snow days...AND LOTS OF THEM!!

2010-02-14T20:00:00.007-06:00

Ok...so here's the deal...I think that snow if FABulous!...but when kids don't go to school for a week and a half...things get interesting...VERY interesting! We have had loads of fun with the kids in the snow, watched endless amounts of movies on the wall with Adam's projector, and drank enough hot chocolate to melt all the snow in TN...hey maybe that's what needs to happen! ANYWAYS, after a week of endless fun...things start to become the norm and no longer special stuff that we can do if we've been good*wink*. We have been sledding at the church, sledding down our street, and sledding down our yard. We've had snowball fight after snowball fight and even that is no longer as fun as it was in the beginning. Here are a few pictures of the fun!

To parents everywhere who have kids out of school because of snow...let's just pray REALLY hard that tomorrow is the first day of getting back to normal...homework, tests, and report cards! Bring 'em on!!

Gabriel and Isaac with Their Rockets

2010-02-14T19:55:00.002-06:00

The boys wanted to participate in a scout rocket race at a local church. After their dad bought their kits, they went to work! They each won ribbons and had a LOAD of FUN!!

Isaac's First Day of Kindergarten and Gabriel is off to 1st Grade

2009-12-02T21:53:00.008-06:00

OK. So it's almost Christmas and I'm just now writing about school starting in August. I know...I know...I'm a little late...please forgive me. At least I'm trying to catch up.

Gabriel was the experienced one and had no problem going to his first day of 1st grade. He was also excited about a new tooth growing in as he was asking me to take a picture of it...thus the picture. LOL! He was talking to Isaac all the way there telling him he'd like kindergarten that it was fun you get to play with toys and "Work a little. Play a little." He was too cute. He got this saying from HIS kindergarten teacher. She would constantly tell him "...we work a little and we play a little." Once we got to the school Liah was a little curious about something in the grass and I had to take a picture she is TOO cute!!

Isaac was a little nervous though he tried not to show it at first. He was trying to fight back the nerves and the tears. He kept saying things like he was trying to reassure himself, "Mom, I'm gonna have lots of fun...Mom, it's gonna be SO fun." It didn't take long for the tears to flow when we got to the school and I starting walking him to his classroom door. He was in tears and didn't want to go in...AT ALL. He finally relented and walked in. Liah and I stayed for a little while to let him get use to the new place. The other kids were coloring a picture of a school bus and he wouldn't let me leave his sight. He kept asking, "Mom, are you gonna leave me?" Most of the other parents had been slipping out the door so his or her child didn't see when they left. I told him I wouldn't leave until he felt comfortable staying. He would have to tell me to leave.

Soon his teacher asked them all to sit on the rug and she taught them a song. Liah and I were still sitting around waiting. You see, I promised him I wouldn't leave until he told me too and I KEEP my promises. When the teacher had worked with them on the song a few times, Isaac finally came over to me and whispered, "Mom, I'll be ok. You can go." I almost want to get emotional now writing about it. He sounded so sweet. He was growing up on me. I left but called the teacher after a while and checked in on him. She was quick to inform me that he was fine. I believe her exact words were "He is the life of the party!" Isaac is our little funny man and I was sure the other kids were finding this out as well.

More fun with Grandma...at the Creative Discovery Museum

2009-12-02T21:12:00.002-06:00

As I mentioned before, we went to lots of cool places with grandma in Chattanooga. Another place we visited was called the Creative Discovery Museum. It was a museum but completely hands on in every way. The kids had a blast being able to interact with almost every display. Here are some pictures which pretty much show the amount of fun they had...thanks grandma!

Rainy Day...

2009-08-16T19:21:00.005-06:00

So for WHATEVER reason...one day it started to rain and Adam yells to the kids "Hey guys, let's go play in the rain!!" First they looked at him and wondered if he was joking...then when he started for the front door they jumped up and headed out with him...to dance in the rain. They had a blast and even little Liah joined in. Due to the fact that I have been having ankle problems, I didn't think it was a good idea for me to take my chances and slip on the water...I know...this is where I would say "Party Pooper". And yes...I was! So here are some pictures from dancing in the rain and a video. BOY did these kids have a fun time!!

My Babies are Growing Up...

2009-08-16T18:26:00.000-06:00

Fun Filled Weekend with Grandma

2009-08-14T08:54:00.015-06:00

Ok. I have SO MUCH catching up to do!! LIKE months!! So this is my attempt to fill you guys in on what's been going on...one post at a time. Here's the first of hopefully many :)

...despite the fact that we only live 40 or so minutes from grandma, we don't make it to visit her as much as she'd like. She misses her grandkids ALOT...soooo...we decided to take a trip. Just grandma, the kids, and me. We went to Chattanooga and visted some COOL places.

First we went to the Tennessee Aquarium. I really thought this would test Liah's patience but MAN!! She LOVED IT! She was MEZMORIZED!!

The boys enjoyed the aquarium as well. They loved being able to see cool fish among other things.

There was a room in the aquarium that was FULL of beautiful butterflies! It was awesome! They were landing on people and making themselves at home.

There were HUGE jellyfish, small jellyfish, and turtles to name a few more.

ALL in ALL, I think they had a lot of fun!

Among the Cave Dwellers...

2009-08-05T12:43:00.006-06:00

Hello to all those who thought the Taylor's had dropped off the face of the planet. Thanks for never giving up hope we'd post a blog again! LOL!

So what have we been up to? Well, around the fourth of July Adam's parents came into town. That week was the week we tried to do too much too fast and as a result we were...well...I should say I was not a very good host. The Saturday before Adam had been at an ultimate frisbee tournament ALL DAY and then I went out of town on Sunday only to return the day before his parents were to arrive. Despite our lack of energy and thank goodness his parents are so great and easy going, we had a great time anyways.

Adam's dad joined Adam on a painting job while his mom joined me and the kids on a trip to the library and somewhat of a normal day in the Taylor household. The next day we went to Mammoth Cave which was the first time the boys had ever been there. Everyone seem to have fun...even little Liah who was a HANDFUL :) I say that with a smile and a grrrrrr! The boys-Adam, Gabriel, Isaac, and Adam's dad-built a rocket and launched it on Saturday which was a blast for the boys as well. Everyone was sad to see them go but grateful for the time we were able to spend with them. We love you!!

Yanni Dance Party

2009-06-10T06:34:00.004-06:00

Ok. Our kids apparently are HUGE Yanni fans! We recorded a PBS broadcast of Yanni Live in Concert and the kids love to watch it and just DANCE!! Each one one has their own moment in the video. Liah and Gabriel spin around and get dizzy and Isaac is making his own moves! I just thought this was too cute and wanted to share! (Make sure you turn off the music player first on the left-hand side)

She's just so DANG...well...Liah!

2009-06-10T06:17:00.003-06:00

Liah is starting to show more and more personality. From her "Ewwww..." when she thinks something is dirty to her chants of "Li-ah, Li-ah, Li-ah..." when she has a crowd chanting her name as well, she is becoming quite her own little person. She is afraid of nothing and yet insist on throwing herself on the floor like a drama queen when things don't go her way! Wow! We are in for some fun :)

Memorial Day Moment

2009-06-03T06:54:00.005-06:00

We've always tried to teach our kids to appreciate the sacrifices of those who serve and have served our country. This year Adam had a great idea to take the kids to a local military cemetary and teach them about why Memorial Day is so important. We invited some close friends of ours to go as well and it turned out to be a great opportunity to teach the kids.

Gabriel's Award

2009-06-03T06:36:00.004-06:00

Gabriel received an award in kindergarten for learning his sight words for the last 9 weeks of school. This is his fourth award for the year...yeah...no comment as for what happened to the other blogs of the previous awards. The previous awards where for things like "Writing to 100" and "Counting to 100". He has had a BLAST this year and has told Isaac all about how much fun kindergarten is and he's excited to go to 1st grade next year. WOW!! My kids are growing up TOO FAST!!

This picture was taken earlier this year at another awards celebration.

Long Lost Family

2009-04-24T09:31:00.006-06:00

I'm sure most of you know-but for those who don't-my mother is 1 of 17 kids in her family!! YIKES!! My grandmother definitely had her hands full raising 17 kids!! She was a great lady who always wanted her family together with her as often as possible. Since she has passed away her home is no longer the gathering place for everyone. This makes it hard to see everyone like we use to but we try.

My cousin Ashley, her son Jackson, and her mother came to visit the weekend of conference. Ashley lives a few hours away and it was great to visit with her and her son. I had never seen Jackson and Ashley had never seen Liah. It was fun to try and get them acquainted and it wasn't until we were outside playing RIGHT before they left that Jackson and Liah realized they could play together. Isaac was trying to give Jackson pointers on soccer and it was such a nice day outside! PERFECT!!

The Sky is Raining Eggs...and Pictures

2009-04-24T08:38:00.011-06:00

So Gabriel had an Easter Egg hunt and party at school and as was the usual the WHOLE crew went :) Liah and Isaac came with and enjoyed every minute of it. As soon as I got to the school, it was time for the egg hunt. Liah was in awe at the 2 eggs she found and just loved looking at them in her basket. She also made a few friends along the way. Isaac was Gabriel's right hand man and loved every minute of it as well. We have been to numerous field trips with Gabriel as a family-minus Adam who was at work-and Gabriel is always so excited to introduce Isaac to his friends. He honestly has been so great at including him in everything his class does. I MEAN EVERYTHING!! The teacher even has Isaac in her class pictures on these field trips because Gabriel says Isaac has to be in the picture because he's his friend. Gabriel's teacher has been wonderful at including Isaac as well and even had 2 Easter basket especially for Liah and Isaac knowing we would be coming for it. After the egg hunt, they all went in for the party where just as before Liah had her own seat at the table as well as Isaac. Next was play-time and they played with the classroom toys as well as the kids. They had a great time!!

After play-time, Gabriel's class performed a play for me because I was in class the day they had their play and I couldn't come. It was so nice of them to do that for me and I think Gabriel was very happy to do it again!

The GOOD, the GIGGLY, and the JUST SO DARN CUTE!!!

2009-04-07T07:57:00.007-06:00

So spring soccer has started full swing in our household. Gabriel decided he wanted to play this time around and he appears to be HAVING a BLAST!! He should really be called the giggle monster because he giggles and laughs almost the ENTIRE time he is on the field playing. It is so funny and cute to hear him laughing and having a good time!

Isaac had so much fun in the fall that without a doubt he wanted to return for spring. He has 1 or 2 of his friends from the fall season on his team this time which makes it a little easier to adjust to a new coach. He seems to have fun playing as well. He and Gabriel both can't wait until practice and then when it's over continue to ask throughout the next week, "Mom, when is soccer again?"

Pictures that make you go...awww how cute!!

2009-03-03T09:12:00.003-06:00

Liah was mad because Isaac wouldn't give her the WHOLE keyboard to herself. So he opted to make funny faces at her so she would stop yelling at him.

Sleeping Liah

Gabriel and Sarah

Our Cute Little Liah

2009-03-03T08:56:00.005-06:00

If I had to say who Liah reminded me the most of when it came to her other siblings I would have to say both. She loves to be funny like Isaac and when she wants something she will put up a fight til she gets it like Gabriel. Both traits could be good in the long run. Here are a couple of pictures of Liah being silly and also sitting in the kitchen floor eating her banana after she yelled, "NAN-NA!" for the longest time while reaching for the counter where the bananas where sitting.

Valentine's 5K Run

2009-03-03T08:40:00.004-06:00

So where have I been? Well, I have no REAL big excuse really. Just busy with school, tests, soccer, and being a mom, friend, and wife. The blog got pushed to the back of the list of things I needed to do.

So...in an effort to catch up...here are some pictures from the 5k run Isaac, Gabriel, and I did on Valentine's Day. Most of the time I was running while pushing Gabriel in the double jogging stroller listening to him say, "Run faster mom we gotta catch Isaac." Isaac surprisingly ran a large chunk of the trail. It was fun to just be with the boys and get some exercise while I was at it. My sister Amber was there as well which is always nice because I don't get to see her much. She brought her nephew Nolan with her.

A Blog Giveaway for the Competitive Mom in ALL of US!!

2009-02-05T22:27:00.002-06:00

Ok mom's of little ones get ready! A friend from BYU, Beth Ervie has a great pre-school learning curriculum package from Funshine Express that she is giving away. The company donated one to give away! You should check out her blog and the website! This post is a little late so if you don't make it before the deadline, I still recommend you check out the Funshine site! Let me know if you do :)

Christmas...the before party...

2009-01-13T11:48:00.014-06:00

For those who don't know my mom is 1 of 17 children. Yeah, I know what your thinking! HOLY COW!! Yes my grandmother gave birth to 17 children...one...at...a...time! All single births and none adopted! Each Christmas we use to go to my grandmothers tiny little house that my mom grew up in and have lunch and swap gifts. Believe me, it was crowded but we loved it!! Well, since my grandma passed away a few years ago we have continued to hold a family get-together. Once at my aunt Dorothy's house, etc. This year we went to their ward building...shhh...not sure if that's allowed...and had our family Christmas. The only excuse I have for you is "HOW else are you going to fit so many people under one roof?!" Seriously, none of us has a house that big!

So we first had dinner which was plentiful with so many people bringing things...ahem...I say that sarcastically because I stopped at the store and grabbed a bag of rolls. YES, I'm one of those people who has completely NO idea how to make ANYTHING! And quite frankly most of the time I just say that my mom brought enough to count her food as something I brought. I know, lame but true! :) Isaac had to check out which 2 things---out of the WHOLE 30 something things there---he would actually eat!

Here are just 6 of the 10 girls getting everthing set up.

In order left to right: Dorothy, my mom Brenda, Joy, Doris hiding in the background, Mable, Sue

After dinner one of my aunts, Dorothy, hosted a game of dirty santa which Adam insist "...just doesn't sound right!" and I tend to agree. He suggested calling it white elephant like they do in other places...anywho!

When it was Adam's turn he had to sing a song!! hahahaha

Liah decided she had to get in on the fun and found herself one of the present and was excited to find what was inside. While the boys where busy in the gym hola hooping among other things...I'm sure!

Then after the game as she always does, my aunt Dorothy had a slide show prepared which is always fun to look at as it brings back memories...good and sad. I say sad because my grandmother has been missed so dearly since she passed away along with my grandpa. Here are a few pictures that she shared of our family.

Grandma

Grandpa

And yes, my mom as a little girl! They called her "Janie".

Look closely as yes I am wearing a dress AND smiling at the same time!

Gabriel in his signature pose! LOL!

Isaac caught off guard

And here are some random pictures that were taken that day. Enjoy!

Help Stop Suicide

2008-12-23T10:07:00.014-06:00

Back in October, I wrote a post about my dad. I wrote about the day he died, my feelings surrounding his death, and then I wrote about how I try to deal with life now as he has passed and I am forced to move on yet not forget.

I have been thinking for the last few years about how to remember him in a positive way. Shortly after my dad's death, the president of the company he worked for, Tennsco, donated $30,000 to a community fund here where we live in my dad's name. As I thought about that and have participated in many races that are in memory of people who have died for various reasons i.e. cancer, fatal accidents, etc, I am now prepared to make my mark in the name of my dad. I recently came across an organization known as SAVE-Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.The SAVE mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma, and serve as a resource for those touched by suicide. I have opened a webpage for my dad where he will have a SAVE Named Memorial. This is the reason for the little widget at the side of my blog titled "Help Stop Suicide". The following is a quick summary of what the memorial is about:

"A SAVE Named Memorial is a memorial established to honor and/or remember someone who has lost his or her life through suicide or who the donor wishes to remember or honor for other reasons. A minimum (total gifts combined) gift of $50 establishes a SAVE Named Memorial and the name will be displayed on SAVE's website. When the memorial reaches $1000 (donations total), the name of the person is placed on the Memorial Wall located at SAVE's headquarters in Minnesota. A light adorns each name and can be lit for special occasion."

SAVE provides resources centered on suicide prevention and coping with loss due to suicide. Educational brochures for adults and youth are available for community prevention programs, schools, health care professionals, businesses and for individuals concerned with suicide prevention. SAVE also has speakers who travel the country to raise awareness of suicide and resources on how to try and prevent it. These valuable tools provide an excellent opportunity to build community awareness as well as help those in need.

Aside from the website, I am hoping by March to put together a 5k race where 100% of the entry fees will go straight to the SAVE organization in memory of my dad.

Why you might ask have I all of a sudden decided to do all of this? My answer is both selfish and unselfish at the same time. Selfishly, I am having a difficult time STILL with his death. I want to remember my dad in a positive way and raising money for a non-profit organization that helps survivors of suicide and also raises awareness of it's reality in life helps me to do exactly that: continue to heal. The unselfish part is this: it is my HOPE to raise money in my dad's name to help educate more people about depression and preventing suicide. It is my heartfelt wish that no other family has to experience the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.

The website memorial is: www.firstgiving.com/homertaylor

The organizations website is: www.save.org

Please do not feel obligated to give. I only want to raise awareness myself and thus the website was born.

Lastly, I want to say thanks to those of you who have given your love and support to me and my family over the last 5 years. It means a lot that you care so much about our well-being.

...Liah Liah EVERYWHERE!!

2008-12-15T08:41:00.008-06:00

Liah has finally decided it is time to learn to walk and MAN is she EVERYWHERE!! She started out trying a few steps as we bribed her with her favorite blanket. Now she walks from one piece of furniture to the next!

Just as she is learning to walk, she is deciding as well to venture to the stairs and somehow climb them without anyone seeing here. Most of the time the gate is up to block her from getting to the stairs. But sometimes we just FORGET!

Once we noticed she was missing because we didn't hear her making any noise. We started calling her name and sure enough she had climbed the stairs and we found her in the boys room playing with their toys.

Isaac's Last Soccer Game...yeah...a little late but oh well :)

2008-11-24T08:46:00.004-06:00

So basically Isaac's last soccer game was...oh...about a month ago! Better late than never right?
He did really well the whole season and his season ended with the "SUPERGOALS" at the top...as in #1. I don't think that mattered at ALL to him but his mom, yeah ME, is all about being number 1. I'm only a little bit competitive..haha! This was his first year to play as I mentioned in an earlier blog and he learned so much. His coach was so patient and amazing when it came to making it fun and not a task! They gave out medals to each kid and pretended to have a small awards ceremony. It was fun and the kids loved it!! I'm not sure Isaac will ever stop asking, "Mom, do I have soccer today?"

The Corn Patch

2008-11-03T10:52:00.005-06:00

Gabriel's elementary class went on their first field trip to The CoRn PaTch *wink* which was put together just for Halloween and has some fun things the kids can do for fun. They had a hay ride, a ride in a barrel of corn, the corn maze, and a playground that included the "corn cob pipe" which was a huge pipe that was made into a slide.

I pulled Isaac out of pre-school b/c I thought he would have tons of fun...which he did! I put Liah in the Kelty and off we went. Gabriel loved riding the bus as I won't let him ride the bus and insist on taking him to school every morning.

There are also 2 pictures of Halloween night. Isaac and Gabriel were clone troopers and Liah was a bee. TOO cute!

The day my ENTIRE WORLD changed....

2008-10-20T16:26:00.020-06:00

Well the music you should be listening to right now is the song that my dad and I danced to at my wedding in May of 2001.(No longer playing "Butterfly Kisses") It was actually the first and only time I ever danced with my dad. It was cute because you could tell that he was nervous. I cried the entire time because the moment was too sweet and the emotions were too strong to deny my love for him. My dad and I were never incredibly close like my mom and I. But I could never have imagined my life without him. I hesitate to include the crying photo because I am a wreck! But in it you can kind of get a feel for how I felt. And if you know me at all, you know that I try to maintain the tough chick image so this is a lot for me to share with you. But at the same time you have to let your guard down every now and then.

I have been thinking about this post for a while now. Even before this month came. I wasn't sure if I wanted to use it as a chance to vent my frustrations, record the day as I saw it so that I could figure out what I missed,or pour out my heart because I'm so heart broken to this day. I suppose it will end up being a little bit of all of them.

On October 18th 2003, I woke up and started the day just like any other day. Then I was going to take Gabriel to a fall festival at a local elementary school, pick out a few pumkins to put on dad's porch, and then we were off to look at apartments since we felt that we had mooched off my dad long enough...although looking back now I realize he would have given anything for us to stay!

It's the little things you remember the most...dad and Adam putting on the pool cover in the morning...dad and I catching a morning football game while he's driving a toy truck up and down Gabriel's legs and arms and watching them both smile from ear to ear! I wish so many days that I could have this day back! We went to the fall festival and then went with Doris, Jordan, and Jill to pick out a few pumpkins from a local man who sold them ever year from his home. Nothing seemed different than any other October day. Preparing for halloween and enjoying fall begin to turn the shades of winter. I say that because at the time it didn't seem different. Looking back I can see things that I didn't realize before. When we left to go looking for apartments, my dad--who has never been an affectionate guy--hugged me and told me he loved me at least 5 times while we were getting ready to leave the garage. Why didn't I see that? Why didn't I notice how somber of a mood he was in? Why didn't I just listen more and think more all those times he called frustrated with his situation or came home from work so distraught?! I know, some of you may think I'm being too hard on myself but really?! I could have changed that day entirely if I had only been more intuitive.

There's that part of me...the part that remembers the day and every smell and every sound...and then there's the part of me that gets so angry that someone could actually encourage someone to kill themselves. Or even better tell them that you're actually surprised that he/she hasn't done it already! What a piece! Do people really realize how hurtful words can be? Do they underestimate their ability to effect a person and their family forever? For someone to take another persons life and treat it as though it doesn't matter is absurd! Although you may not care about him/her, what did the rest of the family do to you? Why do you hate them so much? Huh?! You can't effect one and not the other! On top of that, you tell someone you love them and the next minute you take one of that persons family members---someone you supposedly USE to love---and crush them like dried leaves in the palm of your hand!!

This anger has been my enemy underneath for the last 5 years. Although I do have a strong belief of forgiveness and the atonement, my dad's death has been one big mess that I have been sorting through and will continue to sort through for the next few years. I know about forgiveness and I know about what I SHOULD do---however---it isn't EVER easy and in my opinion takes some time. I long for the day I harbor no more anger towards the people I FEEL are responsible for the loss of my father. It is a slow and steady progression and I am getting there---slowly---but still nevertheless making progress. I am truly grateful for the strength of friends and family. I am most grateful though, for the life line that the gospel offers you to work through overcoming what you think is never possible.

Since that day I have created somewhat of a tradition when it comes to October 18th. I really try to remember the good things about my dad and reflect on the good memories and not so much the bad. I go to the same place every year on October 18th and buy another pumpkin.Usually the kids pick out a few. Here's a couple of pictures from over the years.
Then the kids and Adam stay at my mom's so I can go have a moment with my dad. This year was incredible as my sister went with me and I have to be honest. Although, some may not believe it, it felt like it was just the 3 of us alone in the cemetary-my dad, my sister, and me. It was a peaceful experience this year and not so much a painful thing to experience. I will forever remember how I felt. Having my sister there with me, just the two of us alone with dad, was perfect and breathtaking. She and I have never been there together and it just felt right. I felt like my dad was glad we had finally came there together and was trying to tell us that it was ok to move on. Not forget...just move on. I am learning that you can love, honor, and respect those you love who are no longer with you but yet not fall apart because you think if you don't then you have forgotten them or love them less. The love and respect I can give him is to be the person he would be proud of and conduct myself in a way that reflects the good in him. Along with that, I can continue to raise 3 beautiful children that I know he would be proud to call his grandchildren. I'm just sad he only got a chance to meet one of them...he could have taught them so much! I love you dad.

This is the last photo that I have of my dad alive. We were at my mom's for Gabriel's 1-year-old birthday party in July of 2003. He died on October 18th, 2003 just 3 months later.

Please feel free to comment if you feel impressed to and as you do keep in mind that this is a sensitive subject for me and one that is close to my heart.

Playin' a little Catch UP!!!...Movie night while dad's away!!

2008-10-20T15:46:00.005-06:00

Ok. It has been eons since I last posted so here's too making up for lost time. I will start from the oldest and work my way to the present. Eons ago (earlier this month) Adam went to a stake priesthood meeting. Because I am the needy person that I am, I searched high and low for someone to hang out with because I hate being alone!!! Did I say that with enough emphasis?! I LOATHE even the thought of being alone!! I had arranged to go bowling with another family in the ward and on the way to the bowling alley, the oldest son got sick. I tried another avenue but that didn't work out either! Much to my dismay things didn't work out and I was stuck with the unthinkable!

Putting my issues aside, I tried to look for something to save my night and yet not make me go crazy...thus, movie night on the wall in the living room. We had done this before with friends but never with just the four of us. It seems to always be a hit because what person doesn't enjoy their own home theater screen! The kids--minus Liah mind you(haha)--and I made a tent with a blanket and two chairs and they were more than happy laying underneath it with an endless amount of popcorn! Even Liah was literally eating the popcorn out of my hand!

They choose a new Little Einstein's movie at the movie store and the rest of the night was fine. I tried to occupy my time with "stuff" to keep busy until Adam came home. It really went rather well! I just have "smissues" as a friend of my so lovingly titles it and because I don't like being alone I still hope a repeat is not in the future!

Isaac and the SUPERGOALS!!!

2008-09-24T10:55:00.008-06:00

Isaac played in his first soccer game on Sept. 13th and had a BLAST! His team decided that they wanted to be called the SUPERGOALS. And that pretty much was accurate as they have done very well so far.

This season is his first time to play any organized sport. Even though everyone on his team has played before and some of them are a year older, he hustled right along with them and never quit! Watching him move up and down the field reminded me of when I use to play. His short little legs were constantly moving up and down the field! He was a real trooper as he was exhausted by the time the game was over! He seem to have fun and enjoy the exercise. He is always asking when it's time to play soccer :)

All of the family came to watch Isaac play. Dad, mom, Gabriel, Liah...even Grandma Bohn and her brother.

Isaac's game fell right when Liah usually takes her morning nap. She was sooooo tired and this picture says exactly that!!

BRING IT ON...the triathlon that is!!

2008-09-15T07:46:00.005-06:00

400 Yard Swim, 1.5 mile run, 12.5 mile bike, 1.5 mile run!! On September 6, 2008 I dared to go where I'd never gone before...I raced in a triathlon!! It was all Kate's doing!! Kate, Shannon, Nanette, and I decided to do this together and see what happened...what happened was great friendships and a bonding experience that made us ALL want to do this again!! For 2 months we emailed as we trained and met on Saturday's occasionally to train together. The big day arrived and I think we all felt as ready as we could be. Here are just a few pictures from the race.

In this picture I was held against MY WILL as Kate took a picture of Shannon and I under the pre-race tent as we listened to pointers on the race and helpful information for us BEGINNERS!! The day of the race they used a permanent marker to make a big "B" on the back of our legs to represent beginner! LOVELY! It was pouring down rain the night before as is evident by my dotted shirt and I am grateful the rain left before the race. It could not have been a more perfect day :)

Adam brought the kids up Saturday morning to see the race and as I started the first leg of the run I rounded the corner to this lovely face and sign!! SO CUTE...thanks Shell for the sign!! Along with Gabriel,many other friends came to show their support...it was AWESOME!! Thanks Michelle, Hollis, Erin, Mahitel, Jeff and family, Griffin, Mac, Gabriel, Isaac, Liah, and Adam!! Here I must also say a BIG thanks to Hannah for keeping my kids so I could train! It was great to have their support and know that people were behind me as I pushed through the training and the race itself! You guys are AWESOME!! I couldn't have done it without you!!

And this of course is me...what can I say? Did you really think the picture would look much different than this? I DON'T THINK SO!! haha(Some have commented that this was me looking much like Gabriel...we are related!!)

Liah learns to crawl...Awwwwwww!!

2008-09-07T17:19:00.005-06:00

Liah learned to crawl last week and is now EVERYWHERE!! When she first started crawling she would keep one leg straight and push off her toes. It was so CUTE!! Again, remember to turn off the music on the right side :)

A Little Something for the "Twilight" in all of US!

2008-08-25T18:39:00.009-06:00

So we went boating with the Halverson's last week and had a BLAST!! We road on a raft behind the boat and the boys loved going fast!!

They road with me first and then with Adam.

For those who are reading this blog and have read the Twilight Series, I had my very own "New Moon" moment! After we road on the raft, we road out to look at a campsite on an island. Eventually we made it to some cliffs where apparently people go cliff jumping. For all you Twilight fans- I HAD to make a jump! The first jump Gabriel did as well which was at least 20 feet above the water. This jump was the ledge on the far left in this picture a little more than half-way up the cliff.

After being told that it was way too high for him, Gabriel climbed up and jumped almost immediately and the look on his face as he came down said mom and dad were right...it was WAY TOO FAR!! He didn't jump again but after jumping this cliff myself, I was told there was a higher one. Again, if there is a higher one-I HAVE GOT TO JUMP OFF THAT ONE!!! Since everyone was in the water, no photos were actually taken of me jumping. However, when I got in the boat I took another picture of the 2nd cliff I jumped off of. In about the middle of the picture you can see the rock sticking out at the top of the cliff which is where I jumped!! It was an AWESOME adrenaline RUSH!!!

Liah briefly enjoyed staying with Debbie while we played!

The sun on the water was beautiful!!

A little mischief for Liah!!

2008-08-22T13:07:00.004-06:00

Liah is starting to crawl now. BACKWARDS, but none-the-less she is moving. Isaac had left his bag of goldfish on the floor and Liah seized the opportunity! She made her way to the bag and apparently dumped them out because when I came on the scene this is what I found. She was so proud of herself!!

Isaac lovin' the soccer!!!

2008-08-14T12:21:00.006-06:00

Gabriel has never been one to enjoy organized sports. He would rather socialize on the sidelines!! Isaac, however, may be my one hope for a sports fan! He had his first ever soccer practice and seem to LOVE it. I was so excited that he was actually practicing the whole time and not sitting on the ground or on the sidelines talking to parents. His coach is experienced yet realizes they are kids and not college athletes which is great!! He got them together and told them he has two rules. The first is to always listen when he is talking. And the second was to always have fun! I thought that was perfect! I couldn't have said it better.

He loved talking to the ball as he kicked it down the field and into the goal. You could hear him saying "I'm gonna get you ball!...You get in there!...Take that you!...HI-YAH!" This was HILARIOUS!! Mind you all the parents heard him as well. Check it out...again, make sure you turn off the music :)

He was listening intently as his coach was teaching him the basics :)

The First Day of School

2008-08-14T11:46:00.002-06:00

So the dreaded day finally came to usher my oldest off to kindergarten!!!

Gabriel had been saying emphatically all summer when asked about going to school, "I AM NOT GOING TO KINDERGARTEN!!" This concerned me, however, I was hoping that he would warm up to the idea. After dropping off Isaac at preschool and seeing an old friend, Gabriel shed a few tears as he missed his friend and the preschool. All the way to his school, I heard him giving himself a pep-talk in the back seat. This was both cute and sad! He mustered up the courage to get out of the van with me and Liah and walk into his classroom. Even though several other kids were crying...and he didn't want to wear his name tag, he went right to the circle of kids on the carpet and began to sing. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised when he got in the van after his first day and could not STOP talking about his GREAT day!! I feel I owe this in part to prayers answered! Gabriel has been so excited every day since to go back to school and have more FUN!! Isaac was excited as well but sad that he and Gabriel were not in the same school.

WOW!! They sure are growing up fast!

A little family time at the lake...well...kind of

2008-08-14T11:13:00.004-06:00

So for the last month I have been training for a triathlon. The swim portion of the race is in open water. For me, this means I swim with...well...other "things" and not just people. This surprisingly bothered me! Adam had the idea to go to the nearby state park and get in the lake there so I could get over my fear. We have gone twice now and are trying to go at least once a week as it seems that swimming with the "things" still bothers me. For those who are still amazed that this picture is of ME as well as the kids...you may now pick your jaw up off the ground. I actually requested Adam take this picture. Not because I thought it would look cool or that "I" would look cool (believe me I KNOW how I look...like a dork!!) but because I wanted to have a picture to motivate me :)

The kids love swimming there because they "get" to swim with the fishes! And it's water and what kid doesn't love water!

This picture is of course the masked Gabriel again! He loves to use my goggles because they don't leak like his!

Wow...they grow up fast...

2008-08-09T08:25:00.007-06:00

So Gabriel headed off for kindergarten testing and much to my surprise...I had a moment. I really didn't expect to feel the way I did because he was JUST going to testing but MAN!! Taking him to school and realizing that he was growing up struck me!

It seems like yesterday that I got married and found myself juggling being a wife, a new mom 1 year later, and being a full-time student. I think about the good times I had then and how simple things where as well. When I look at Gabriel, I see myself in so many ways!! I started looking through some photos of him and wanted to share a few. However, I will be sharing more!! I love this little boy!!!

OK...any guesses for what song the kids are learning in Primary this month?!

2008-08-04T15:09:00.005-06:00

The boys were playing with cars and ALL OF A SUDDEN broke out in song...this is just a small clip we were able to get! Make sure you turn off the music and pay close attention to the "UH!" that Gabriel puts in the song :)

We absolutely LOVE her SMILE!!

2008-07-23T10:36:00.003-06:00

Again for all those who knew about our struggles with colic, we treasure every smile and laugh from Liah...still. Due to the miracle of medicine and also a change in formula, we have been so blessed to now have a happy baby!! You can see on her face that she loves her daddy!

(p.s.-Yes, I realize that Adam looks like he just said "WAZ UP!"...for the record he did not.)

Gabriel is NOW the big 6!!!

2008-07-23T10:24:00.005-06:00

Gabriel turned 6 on July 13th and late or not, here are a few pictures. Much to my dismay, I was in charge of my mom's camera thus all the good pictures are on her camera and not mine...grrrr!! He wanted a Kung Fu Panda cake...even though he hasn't seen the movie yet. We had family over after church for a little lunch and cake and ice cream...he is my oldest and man am I starting to feel old. He will go to kindergarten this year!! YIKES!!!

Boating...or what was suppose to be...

2008-07-23T07:35:00.004-06:00

We went boating with some friends last Friday and even though we ended up having boat problems we really did have a BLAST!!

We got there, unloaded the boat, and discovered that all of the life-jackets had been left at their house so while some of them went to get new life-jackets, the rest of us loaded up and went for a ride while we were waiting. The boys had a blast and loved to go REALLY REALLY FAST!! Gabriel even got to drive the boat which was a little scary for me at times because he really drove it...at FULL speed!

Liah wasn't exactly thrilled about having to wear a life-jacket but she seem to love riding.

When we went back to the boat ramp to get the new life-jackets we decided to jump in the water and swim 'til they got there...and that's when it happened. Luckily we were only about 200 yds out from the ramp but the boat motor died! Now depending on who you ask, me or Adam, the story from here out may vary...but my version is the CORRECT ONE!! I grabbed a rope tied to the front and jumped in the water. I proceeded to pull the boat to the ramp area ALL BY MYSELF with 5 people on board!! No Adam, you didn't help by pushing the boat from behind! HAHAHA---If I only had a picture of that to prove it!

The boys enjoyed swimming in the lake for a while and then as was tradition with the Halverson's and boating...we went to White Castle. We really did have a lot of fun and I got a work out as well which was a plus!

Bet you didn't think I had it in me...

2008-07-16T18:39:00.003-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen!!! While the young lady in this photo is a cutie pie let me draw your attention to the little "thingy" on her head...yes, Amber...I made that!!! It took me all of 20 minutes to realize why I am not "Molly" when it comes to makin' things from scratch. I later decided to make some adjustments to this "thingy" and ended up destroying it. BUT-I do have more materials for another one...DARE I?

Man I love these kids!!

2008-07-11T07:19:00.005-06:00

On the way home from North Dakota, we decided to stop in Columbia MO and spend the night at a hotel. Liah loved the big king size bed!! Maybe she thought of it as her own little THRONE!!

I know what your thinking...Liah looks a little concerned in this picture. I think she had just looked up at the camera.

The day before everyone was leaving, we tried to get pictures of the kids. This was suppose to be a photo of all the grandkids but Gabriel wasn't going to have ANY of that!! But we did get some good pictures of the other 5.

AWWWW!!!

Maybe I am bias...but I think she is SO CUTE!!!

This was just a cute picture of all of them watching cartoons.

CLASSIC GABRIEL!!!

2008-07-07T12:07:00.010-06:00

Well, the postings for our trip to North Dakota will be coming in waves. There are many things to report and many other things that have been left undone since we have been gone so I HAVE to get some of those done in between.

We went to a park to have a family picture taken and of course our kids WOULD NOT cooperate!! grrrr!! Gabriel and Isaac only wanted their picture taken while climbing on some posts that were around the waterfall...since THAT had to wait until the organized picture-of course-Gabriel made it difficult. When it was finally time to take the picture-HE wanted-this is what we got!! I know!! True to form!!

Also, the photographer LOVED this picture so much that he ask us to release it to him to use for competitions, his portfolio, or whatever he wanted. While we were flattered, we still had reservations as to how our child's picture could be used. THANKS to Seth-who is an expert in this area-we were promptly informed of all our options and the possibilities--i.e. we could see him on a billboard someday regarding ANYTHING...we became a little concerned to just sign away the rights to a picture of our son so we asked for some time to think about it and then forgot about it all together!!! Thus it is still 50% ours and 50% his!! We just appreciate the fact that he was able to get this picture for us b/c it is sooooo Gabriel!!!

North Dakota FUN!!!

2008-07-04T18:46:00.004-06:00

Mark it in the record books...Liah has learned to SIT ALONE!!

2008-07-04T11:35:00.003-06:00

Liah has reached a milestone in her life...she has learned to sit alone!! We are moving up in the world...or just...growing up!

Pretty in Pink

2008-07-04T11:11:00.005-06:00

This was taken in North Dakota as we were traveling to visit Adam's parents. Believe it or not this sunset picture was taken at 10:00p.m.!! Thanks to Adam's brother, Seth, we have learned that North Dakota gets 1 hour and 15 minutes more sunlight than Tennessee. We have thoroughly enjoyed the extra play time and our kids have 2!!

A smile that lights up the room...

2008-06-27T08:48:00.003-06:00

Liah is such a happy baby these days compared to the colic days! This is what we see when we go to get her after sleeping. If you go in the room and just say her name she smiles from ear to ear!!---Note the hair!!---

This is what happens after a day of SWIMMING!!!...we sleep where we fall first...

2008-06-25T08:29:00.002-06:00

2008-06-25T07:41:00.000-06:00

And then there were 3!!!

2008-06-25T07:23:00.003-06:00

I love this picture!! The boys love to include Liah in everything they do. Recently they have been all about reading books and of course...she needs to be too!!

Never a moment to herself...I think she likes it that way!!

Mommy's little helper...take note of the way she is looking at him...

I am a Child of God

2008-06-16T11:48:00.002-06:00

Gabriel loves his little sister and it shows! He and Isaac both love to sing to her. This is just one moment captured for you to see!

Jumping for Liah

2008-06-16T10:50:00.003-06:00

Ok-while this is somewhat dangerous, Liah loves to have the boys jump on their bed and bounce her around. I realize it isn't the safest but sometimes we have to live on the wild side!!

Grandma Bohn and Liah

2008-05-28T13:25:00.002-06:00

We went to my aunt's house for Memorial Day and Liah was not happy with all the people. She was slightly overwhelmed to say the least and so my mom took her outside. These are pictures from her trying to chill her out which the smile on Liah's face says it worked!! Along with the end result being a quick snooze!!

MY little TREE monkeys!!

2008-05-28T13:19:00.003-06:00

The boys have recently started climbing trees and they are so cute when they do!! They usually ride bikes first and then climb which is the explanation for the helmet on their head. It doesn't hurt to be safe though!! They are growing up so fast it is scary!!

Hopperz

2008-05-28T13:05:00.003-06:00

The boys took a field trip to Hopperz which was full of inflatable slides and obstacle courses. It was the next to last day of school and they had a BLAST!! They loved being with their friends and having fun!!

Isaac Turns 4!!!

2008-05-28T12:53:00.002-06:00

Isaac's birthday was May 12th and he turned the BIG 4!!! He was so excited to have a party. He mostly wanted to swim in the pool at grandma and grandpa Bohn's but the water was still too cold. He had ANOTHER Lightning McQueen cake...apparently he can't get enough of CARS!!

"I think I need some H2O MOM!"

2008-05-28T12:47:00.002-06:00

Ok-So it's been a while since I have posted so you get a whole bunch so we can update!

I am trying desperately to get the baby weight off and due to a knee injury have recently resorted to riding a stationary bike. I strap on the camelback and hit the bike! After finishing one night, I picked up Liah and sat down...it took her 2 secs to find the mouthpiece!! She is teething and it was soooo funny to see her chewing...rather...gumming the mouthpiece!!

Adam's Birthday!!

2008-05-01T07:30:00.006-06:00

Well, Adam's birthday was on Saturday and needless to say...it wasn't very eventful. He went to a scouting jamboree Friday night and was gone almost all of Saturday. Saturday, mind you, was his birthday!

I went to see a friend finish the Country Music Half-Marathon on Saturday while my mom kept the kids!Thanks mom and congratulations Cara!

We gave him a cake when he returned and the boys wanted to help blow out the candles! We love Adam(Dad)and hope he knows how much we love him! It was nice to have him home on Sunday for SURE!!!

Walk-a-thon

2008-04-23T12:17:00.010-06:00

The boys both participated in a walk-a-thon today. Their preschool is part of public K-5 school and they did a walk-a-thon for a fund raiser. They each did laps with their class around the parking lot. It was actually a beautiful day outside and perfect for it!! The boys did great and had lots of fun!! We are very proud of them for getting the exercise!!

Gabriel enjoyed helping his friend Holly as well as pushing various other friends along.

At one point Isaac said he was done as were the other 3 year olds!

Umm...Earthquake?!

2008-04-18T07:59:00.005-06:00

We had just gotten up with Liah this morning at 4:30 am and the house started to move!! I looked at Adam and he said, "It must be really windy outside." I looked outside the bathroom window and there was NO wind. The house creaked and shifted for only 15 sec but man! I have never felt a quake before but Adam has. It was really weird. Apparently the quakes epicenter was in southern Illinois which actually is only a couple of hours from us. It was felt 450 miles away.

The circle in the picture is the epicenter. The line is from the epicenter to us. Crazy way to start the morning!!

I want to be like DAD!!!

2008-04-15T10:04:00.002-06:00

The boys recently explored the blackhole of dad's closet and found some exciting objects!!! They decided to come out and model them for us as they had found that it is so fun to pretend to be DAD!!!

Alvin and Theodore...in concert the morning of Conference!

2008-04-06T07:38:00.002-06:00

Ok...so I have to share with you that our boys just saw "Alvin and the Chipmunks" last night and since then, as many kids do, they are now in the movie. Every time I call for Gabriel to come downstairs he informs me that he is a chipmunk not Gabriel! This morning as we were eating pancakes getting ready to watch conference they decided to bring down sand buckets,a helmet, and box from their room and put on a concert for us in the dining room. What a reverent way to start our conference!! It was actually very funny!!and loud!!

Excavating Dinosaur Bones

2008-04-06T07:21:00.003-06:00

The boys got a Dinosaur Dig block from a friend of mine and Adam took them outside in our woods a few days ago to begin the search. They had a blast!!! The tiny sand and rocks were flying everywhere hence the sunglasses on!

Liah's Blessing

2008-03-27T17:15:00.004-06:00

Well, sorry I haven't posted for a while. It has been very busy. Adam's parents came in last Friday for Liah to be blessed. She was so cute. Adam's uncle and aunt who live in Indiana drove down Sunday morning to attend as well. We had a great weekend with his family.

Playing in the Snow!!!

2008-03-10T10:59:00.007-06:00

This past weekend it snowed and it was the most we have had so far this winter. The boys loved to shovel the snow around with their dump truck.

They also enjoyed getting on their hands and knees and licking the snow!? Not my idea of fun but hey...they had fun!

Their friends came over later in the day and they played in the woods in our back yard.

I love my Big Brother!!

2008-03-10T10:41:00.003-06:00

Gabriel loves to play with Liah and here is just one picture capturing that. He plays with the toys on her saucer while she smiles and watches. He and Isaac both love to hold and kiss her. They are such great brothers!

The Magazine Trail

2008-03-06T09:39:00.007-06:00

A friend of mine came over with her kids so all the kids could play at our house. I had just gone through our church magazine to recycle them since everything is online now. I kept the conference editions and the rest I put in a box by the stairs so I could take them dowstairs later. Well, needless to say the kids opened the box and the picture says it all. They "re-tiled" my kitchen floor and made a trail into the dining room and living room. The were all marching around on the trail and it was hilarious!!

Remembering My Dad on His Birthday: Mar 1,1952-Oct.18, 2003

2008-03-04T10:04:00.005-06:00

This past weekend was my dad's birthday. Many of you may not know the circumstances under which he died in 2003 but I do want you to know what I great man he was to me along with many others. He was extremely smart and was very talented as well. He was always willing to go to his church and work on the building's plumbing or other work. He was always helping others with house projects among other things. As I grew up he was always teaching me any skill he knew such as carpentry, plumbing, auto mechanics, just to name a few. You name it and he thought his little girl should know how to do it too! This actually makes me laugh when I think of it because I often found myself making repairs that other boys couldn't in high school and now I find myself fixing things at my mom's house or my own because I don't want to wait for a man to get to it. haha I love that my dad raised me to be a hard worker and to believe I can accomplish anything. I love my dad and I know that someday I will understand why. I miss him more than words can ever explain.

Snowy Day!!

2008-02-28T09:06:00.007-06:00

It snowed a small amount but again was raining before and the roads got icy overnight thus out of school and playing in the snow. This time Adam got out of school too as many wrecks were along his way to work as the roads and bridges had black ice on them in the morning. YEAHHHHH!! Dad gets to stay home and play! He took the boys outside to sled on the little snow left at lunch time. It was nice to have him home for a change.

He of course always finds every opportunity to turn ANYTHING into an ultimate frisbee experience...Even if it's the kids sleds!!!

Old Pictures who's values are priceless!!

2008-02-24T19:39:00.003-06:00

Adam sat down with the boys at the computer and started looking at the pictures we had saved on the computer. I was making muffins but got distracted when I noticed that we had some of these photos on file. I had forgotten about taking these and hold them priceless as Gabriel, Isaac, and Liah do not get to see Adam's parents, grandparents, and siblings very often. I love these pictures and love Adam's family. I am so grateful for all of you. We miss you guys!!!

Sweet Little Boys

2008-02-19T11:49:00.004-06:00

The boys love to make Liah smile. They are always trying to help mom take care of her and keep Liah happy. What sweet little boys!!!

Liah Smiles

2008-02-19T11:42:00.002-06:00

Liah's happiest moments are when we lay her on the towel on the bathroom counter and change her diaper. She loves the vanity lights...maybe she is going to be a movie star some day because she definitely loves the lights!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2008-02-14T11:28:00.004-06:00

I hope your Valentine’s Day is great.
I hope it’s quite a treat.
I hope you have a happy day
Filled with things so sweet.

This poem’s for you because I care.
I can’t get more specific.
Well, yes I can, and here I go…
I think you’re terrific!

By Joanna Fuchs

Ready...Set...GO!!

2008-02-13T08:47:00.002-06:00

OK, those of you who are seeing the pictures and live in Utah, Minnesota, or other snowy, cold places are laughing. I understand the laughter, however, we got more ice than snow and it made the grass perfect for sliding down on the sled. The boys raced for a while and LOVED IT!! They didn't know we had the sleds and when I brought them out they went crazy! We joy in the small things here and find it satisfying enough. Enjoy the pictures...oh...and by the way..because of the icy roads almost everyone got out of school! Do they close schools in Utah? haha

Tornadoes!!! YIKES!!

2008-02-07T08:11:00.000-06:00

TN has had some nasty storms rip through and man are they leaving there mark. This is a picture of one that hit Memphis. All I can say is "Thank goodness we have a basement!!" We spent the night in the basement watching the TV and praying that we would be safe and so would our family and friends in the area. Luckily, no one we know was hurt. Since I live close to were I grew up, I found out that my 2nd grade teacher's roof was blown off. Some of my friends have co-workers who lost their homes entirely but have no injuries themselves. We had some hail and high wind but we were blessed to have no damage. Please keep those families in your prayers as they have nothing. I can't imagine what that is like and I hope I never have too.

Finally...A little relief!!

2008-02-07T08:02:00.000-06:00

Well, for those who are keeping up...we have had colic for 8 weeks and guess what...it is starting to subside! I am so grateful. Liah is able to have some relief with some acid reflux meds and the colic, still present, is becoming less of an issue. She smiles and is cooing...much better than the screaming don't you think? I will post a picture when I can get one of the smile. It is just nice to have normality again.
Isaac on the other hand has had two ear infections and the meds wouldn't clear it up after a week so we had to opt for the S-H-O-T. Not cool, I know. He is on the upswing and life in the Taylor house is getting to be a little more calm :)

Sleep...sleep...sleep

2008-01-30T12:28:00.000-06:00

Ok. Some people may think that we are crazy when you look at all these pictures of Liah sleeping and we say that she has colic and cries a lot. BELIEVE ME, I take these pictures because I cherish them as she really isn't asleep very often! She is so beautiful and looks so peaceful when she sleeps. The boys are still asking "What's wrong with her mom?" I find myself thinking that phrase might be used for a long time! HAHAHAHA

A Remarkable Man, A Tireless Leader

2008-01-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

Sleeping on the DRYER?!?!

2008-01-18T09:25:00.000-06:00

Ok. Some friends of our told us to try putting Liah in her car seat and sitting her on the dryer with it turned on. They said it seems to simulate a car ride. So this is what we did and as we stood there she fell asleep. We will try anything to stop the colic and soothe our little Liah!!!

First Snow!!!

2008-01-17T12:04:00.000-06:00

Ok, most of you will laugh because this is weak when it comes to snowing but we haven't seen any snow and this little bit was nice. It started snowing late afternoon/evening and melted by lunch the next day. The boys got ready early for pre-school and we put snow bibs on and jackets and played for 10 minutes in it before we left. It was gone when they got back :(

Lions, Tigers, and Baby with COLIC OH MY!!!

2008-01-14T14:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, I have to vent and my blog is where I have chosen to do so. I have a beautiful newborn with colic!! I am going crazy. If this cartoon had dark hair it would be me. I love my little girl but man...I am exhausted. Aside from the normal exhaustion I have an "added measure" that I am not at all pleased with. On top of this the boys are BOTH trying to break out of the napping mode. SOMEONE HELP ME!!! The doctor said she has a temper and of course...what do you do about colic. Gripe Water? Tried that and not helping. Anyone who decides to even read this blog with suggestions please comment. I need help!! I need sleep!! I need a vacation from my problems...hahaha!!!

The Boys R Back 2 School!!

2008-01-10T09:52:00.000-06:00

The boys weren't excited at first to head back to pre-school but once they got ready the first morning it was all they could talk about. "I am excited to see my friends" Isaac said and started listing his classmates. Gabriel was excited to share a book with his teacher. I was glad they were going to school too!!

2007 Suzuki School of Music Christmas Concert

2008-01-06T10:03:00.000-06:00

The boys played in a concert for Christmas at the Factory Mall. They did a great job!

I look like my Grandma Taylor!! Cute as can be!!

2008-01-06T09:19:00.001-06:00

This picture was taken on Christmas. Liah looks just like her Grandma Taylor, Adam's mom, to me!!

NO Rest for the Weary!!!!

2008-01-04T11:27:00.001-06:00

It has really been a blessing that Adam has been off for school the last two weeks. Liah has had major diaper rash issues and seems to have a touch of colic. Life at the Taylor house is never dull...or quiet. Here is one moment when Liah was able to fall asleep in her swing and Adam and I were able to have a break from boucing her. The joys of a SWING!!!

The spider is a toy.

2007-12-29T11:55:00.000-06:00

Some have thought the spider posting was a real spider. I failed to mention that it is remote control. In the pictures you can't clearly see that the boys are holding the remote. Just wanted to clarify for those who might be having a heart attack at the thought that grandma bought a real spider.

Watch out for the spider!!!

2007-12-26T15:15:00.001-06:00

The boys got this spider from Grandma for Christmas!! It is a little spooky to look at in the house but the boys have a blast with it.

We love our sister!!

2007-12-23T11:58:00.000-06:00

The boys are constantly telling me "Mom, I love my sister." I love how they have become big brothers and no one ask them to be. They just love to hold her and take care of her. I want to say how blessed I am to have such a wonderful and supportive husband and sons that love to show affection and now a daughter that will teach us all a thing or two about life. Our family is so grateful for the blessings of this year and we hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and remember that a small baby once changed the world as he grew and lived in a way that we all strive to emulate. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

She's HERE!!!! She's HERE!!!!

2007-12-17T09:32:00.000-06:00

As I write this post, I am holding a new baby girl!! Liah Jane was born December 12, 2007 at 7lbs. 5oz. Gabriel and Isaac have been great helpers as mom has been trying to regroup. They both have taken on the big brother role and often say how much they love her. Enjoy the pics and have a fabulous day!!

Sunday Best

2007-12-09T11:49:00.000-06:00

I thought the boys looked so nice in their Sunday clothes that I wanted to share with you. They look like little missionaries. Gabriel was happy to tell me after the picture "Mom, I closed my eyes the whole time!"
By the way, we still haven't had our new little one yet. I am one exhausted mom so please keep us in your prayers :)