2 Monsters and a Princess

Hello again!

2010-08-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

We took a few months off from blogging!

The kids are back at school. I am working and volunteering at the school. Tom is busy with work and church.

Here is a recap of our summer:

Farm living in CA. The kids had a blast living in the trailer on the farm. It was DIRTY, I think that is what they liked the best! A new calf was born (unexpected)

a filly was born (expected - but done quietly at 2 am)

we played with cousins and made 7 skirts for the girls

We came home, played more and Will was baptized.

Sewing again

2010-05-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

I finished a baby blanket for a coworker of Tom's and forgot to take a picture! This is a dress that I am working on for P, I just need to hem and do the finishing stitching. I was worried it would be too big - she is going to have to wear leggings with it. I can't believe how tall she she is getting.

School is finished on Thursday - I have been collecting things to work on. We are planning a "Redwood Unit" and hike and "San Francisco" unit and visit while we are out there.

I am linking to Skip to my Lou.

Aprons

2010-05-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

I finished the aprons, just in time for the wedding! There were 11 total, I thought they all came out great, and I love the addition of the monogram. When I get a picture of the servers I will post it. So my question is: Am I sick and wrong to even think that I need to remember this for when Phoebe gets married? By then I know I will be senile and won't remember anything, but...

Anyway on to embroiderying backpacks for girl's camp, baby blankets, and organizers!

Easter

2010-04-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. We enjoyed the Conference talks at the Ranch with playing in between. The kids had fun riding their quads and playing in the very small amount of snow left.

I have been enjoying the blooms in the front yard and love to see the lillies every spring.

Spring

2010-04-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and that means baseball for this group. Tom is co-coaching the boys team again this year. So while we had a limited life with Tom's new calling, we now have no life (outside ball games!) We have 2 games a week and lucky us - 1 is on every Saturday through May. I can't complain - the boys are busy with practicing, so it somewhat keeps them out of trouble. Phoebe loves to bring snack so she can boss the other siblings around.

Tip Junkie

2010-04-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I posted! Baseball started for the boys and we have been BUSY! We had a blast at Disneyland and it was confirmed that Daniel is an adreneline junkie.

Have you seen the Spring Fling Contest Tip Junkie has going? I would love to win any of the prizes! Wish me luck.

Busy, busy, busy

2010-02-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

What have you been up to? I have been sewing, sewing, sewing! My hands are so dry from handling material! Starting Thursday skirts and aprons will be for sale in the loft at Glitterbox downtown. I will post a picture from the store.

On the home front, Tom is busy with work and church. The boys start baseball this week and Phoebe is telling everyone what to do!

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We had fun in Utah, but are glad to be back in warmer climes!

We had a wonderful dinner last night (Pioneer Woman's Shimp and Pasta in foil) and I had the table all set with chargers, china and goblets. I even made a centerpiece with candles, tangelos and leaves. I was cooking so I asked Daniel to take some pictures. I looked through the pictures today and there is not one of the table. He took pictures of his sister, our friends that came for dinner, and the cartoon that was on TV.

On another note, what are your goals for the year? I decided I am going to help my kids learn to do more around the house to help! Our word for the year is SERVICE (to home, family and others.)

My baby is getting baptized

2009-11-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been 8 years since we brought home this tiny under 5 lb baby. Where has the time gone? We love that Daniel is part of our family. He brings smiles and sunshine to everyone he meets. I feel very blessed that I am Daniel's mom.

Daniel is a character and not afraid to try new things. He loves to meet people and everyone is drawn to his smile.

Sewing again

2009-09-27T15:02:00.001-07:00

I have been sewing again. Here are some baby blankets and aprons I made up for Tina. I went to Utah and found a new bag pattern, so I need to find some time to work on it.

Science Center

2009-09-27T14:57:00.001-07:00

Now that school is back in session, it is easier to get a Culture Pass at the Library. We spent an early release Wednesday at the AZ Science Center. It was not crowded at all (very nice) the kids could do whatever they wished with no lines (again, very nice). We made weather, watched a combustion demonstration (he is filtering coffee creamer over a flame - what does that do to your stomach if it is so combustable?) and played with hands on displays. Daniel was afraid to lay on his back on the bed of nails.

Phoebe is 5

2009-09-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday baby girl! We finally had a party for Phoebe! It was an all girl, mini party. We painted nails, decorated mini cupcakes, ate mini caramel apples, mini goldfish and mini oreos. The girls had a great time with no boys.

Discovery Club

2009-09-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

Phoebe started her school too! I have been informed (by her) it is NOT preschool it is club! I made her a new skirt and as I was sewing it she informed me that she does not like purple. After it was all done and I bribed her to try it on, she decided purple is okay now. I think she just likes the way it twirls!

I found the pattern at Pine Needles in Utah. I can't wait to look for more things when I go out next week.

1st Day of School

2009-09-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

The boys started 2nd grade a few weeks ago and are loving it, despite how hard it is. Every afternoon they enjoy telling their sister how hard Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade are.

Will is 7

2009-09-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am finally catching up on blog posts! William had his birthday and we had a small party for family (and the neighbor kids) then took a bunch of kids to Skateland. The boys weren't too crazy about skating, but Phoebe loved it. She would fall and hop back up and skate away.

Right now as I am typing this Will is yelling at his sister and being a horrible monster. Too much freedom the last few days! We do love Will and are grateful he is part of our family.

Vacation

2009-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

We have been running here and there trying to find cooler spots than our home! We went to Whidbey Island last week - I will post more later, but just wanted to share the view out our front door

and back

Firepower!

2009-06-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian yet? The kids loved it and are forever doing the "firepower" quote. This picture was blurry, so we had to jazz it up a bit.

What are you working on?

2009-06-23T19:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some things that I have been working on (that I stopped and took pictures of)

Ballet Board for Phoebe's room, Frame for wedding gift, new purse for me.

I am also working on: aprons, another purse, humanitarian baby blankets, stationary kits, t-shirts for kids to wear when Craig comes home from his mission (pictures tomorrow)...

Hamburgerosaurus

2009-06-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

This was our dinner at the end of our Dinosaur Study. The kids loved the giant hamburger! We had to have Nikelle and Caeden help us eat it and there were still leftovers!

Memorial Day

2009-06-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Playing catch up! Here are some pictures from Memorial Day at Taylor Ranch.

Have you ever played the Balloon Game or had a Licorice Race? They are a lot of fun!

School's Out

2009-06-14T18:59:00.001-07:00

School has been out for a few weeks now. We are still trying to get in the swing of making beds, getting dressed, cleaning up messes, and mom imposed school work! So far we have studied dinosaurs, gone to the Natural History Museum and done a unit on weather. Maybe next week we will have to check out the Science Center.

I have been neglecting the blog for the last few months. Maybe I should let each of the kids do their own post.

This is what we have been doing in our spare time - when we can get away to the mountains!

What is YOUR weather like?

2009-04-06T17:56:00.001-07:00

Don't you wish you were here!

Baseball

2009-04-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Baseball season is here! The boys are New York Yankees this year. Daniel is doing very well with the pitching machine, Will is getting better. Phoebe loves the ball games because she can run wild and play with all the other siblings there!

Catching up

2009-03-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well it has been busy here. Tina - I got the aprons done. we played all Spring Break week and the kids have been back to school for a week.

On Saturday the boys had their first ball game (I forgot the camera). Phoebe is getting ready for her Spring dance recital and everyone is getting ready for music recitals.

Tom is staying busy at work and I am busy at home and getting ready for another Enrichment meeting.

Aprons

2009-02-25T15:11:00.001-08:00

Billie - I'd love to write more, but I get very frustrated when my computer kicks me off the internet! It's not my fault I don't know whose connection I am using.

Anyway - we are having an Enrichment "mini group" for sewing and next week we are making aprons. Here are a few samples I made up. (Tina - the ruffle one is yours)

This one was made using a pillowcase (sham) - I don't know if I liked the way it turned out. I looked at Target, Kmart and Big Lots for a cute pillowcase - couldn't find one so I went with this sham.

Also at Big Lots I got a 3 pack of tea towels and they made perfect aprons for Phoebe. The green one has bias tape for ties and the brown has ribbon. I guess you could also make the brown one for a small adult.

This one is my favorite and I found the link for the tutorial on Tip Junkie. Here is the link: http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2007/02/valentine_tree__1.html

Sand Anyone?

2009-02-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

We went to the sand dunes last weekend and the kids had a blast!

A camera comes out & she starts posing!

How can you go wrong with sand?

Sewing

2009-01-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Those of you with kids - how do you find time to sew? When they are finally asleep I am too wiped out to try to sew straight. I am making a blanket for a friend and all the kids were in and out of the craft room while I was cutting. Phoebe stuck it out and every scrap I would hear "Can I have that, I need to make something?" I know I should encourage her, but man it is hard - I really don't like the mess (although you wouldn't know it from looking at my house.)

Tina I have patterns picked out and now material for the aprons - I haven't forgotten.

Back to school

2009-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

One word - Woo-hoo!

Snow!

2008-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

We went to the snow to play . . . Sledding the Taylor way!

The fun for dad is getting the speed and angle just right to dump them off.

They are back for more!

Going, going,

dump

and up for more!

We Survived!

2008-12-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

Well we survived all the pre-Christmas hoopla! Santa took time out from his busy schedule to make sure the Taylor kids were being good.

Christmas Eve we went to Grandma & Grandpa Taylors for dinner and a rendition of the Nativity. We had several girls who wanted to be angels, so why not? Grandpa Taylor dressed up as Santa and handed out gifts to the kids.

Phoebe loved having her hair curled for church, I just wish it didn't take so long. The boys were so handsome in their Sunday clothes.

Day 1

2008-12-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

It is day 1 of Christmas Break and I am not going to survive to day 14! The kids did sleep in until 7 am, but the fights and when they are not fighting, the noise level is insane! It started raining this afternoon, so we have a major case of cabin fever. What to do, what to do???

What a week!

2008-12-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, is it Friday already?

I started the weekend finishing up Christmas presents, my kids now know I am one of Santa's elves. Do you see your present in there?

Then I got a fun box from my Secret Santa in a swap that I did. What fun, even candy for the kids!

Phoebe was the Grandma in the Gingerbread Boy Story. She had her part down! "Don't open the oven!"

Now it is Friday and the kids are out of school for 2 weeks, what's a mom to do?

Christmas Card

2008-12-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

Okay by now some of you have received this year's Christmas Card. Here is the letter that goes along with it:

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope you are enjoying health and happiness at this time of year. We hope you enjoy our family photo. Since we had some complaints last year that we sent pictures of the kids 2 years in a row, we decided to include the whole family this year.

We are trying to keep the blog up to date for those who live far away, so you can see what the kids are doing. We hope to keep it up in 2009.

We are so grateful this time of year especially for all of you and a loving Savior who showed the way for us.

Love,

The Taylors

She's got the music in her

2008-12-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Phoebe had her dance recital today and she did great! Her teacher said she always does such a good job in class. She loves to dance around everywhere.

Scary Story

2008-12-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and dreary day (that is how scary stories start right?) oh I know it is colder where some of you are, but it is dreary here! We all have snot, I am trying not to get a sinus infection and thought I would take a nap. After tossing and turning and several interuptions from my lovely children I came back down and it looks like a tornado came through the house. You would think that the hard work they put in yesterday (yes, they actually helped for a change) they would not want to make a mess, but... On another note, I am sad and happy, I think. I was released from Young Women's and called as Enrichment Leader.

Thankful

2008-11-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for a wonderful husband, three healthy and active children, a dog that listens, family that loves us and good friends.

I am thankful for wonderful inlaws that are celebrating 60 years of marriage tomorrow.

I am thankful that all my holiday shopping is done, just need to get to the making!

I am thankful for a dirty house, we have had fun today!

I am thankful that the tree is up and decorated.

Happy Birthday

2008-11-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years since we brought this tiny little baby into our home. He has grown into such a handsome boy! Daniel is very loving and caring to others. His teachers only have good things to say about him. We love you so much!

Goodbye Maggie

2008-11-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

We have 3 very sad children tonight, along with mom and dad.

Maggie was our first child, the one we practiced all our parenting techniques on (they didn't work on her either). She was very patient with her humans and very good to the kids once they came. Maggie didn't like getting relagated to the backyard, but was happy to play with the kids there. She has trained 2 puppies for us, hopefully her parenting techniques work!

Goodbye Maggie, we will miss you.

WHY???

2008-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Why is it every morning for school I have to drag my lovely angels out of bed? Why is it they complain that they want to sleep in? Why is it when they have a chance to sleep in, they are up before the sun?

Oops

2008-11-11T08:31:00.001-08:00

I guess you can't press too many buttons at the same time!

Anyway -- thank you to all who have served and are currently serving to protect our freedoms.

Veteran

2008-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Fright Night

2008-11-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some Halloween pictures. Daniel was a toothless Captain America, Will a very frightening Wolverine, and Phoebe a pink hair (thanks to Dad) Princess. Katy (have we mentioned how much we love Katy?) took the kids trick-or-treating and we partied in the cul-de-sac with the neighbors. We thought with it being Friday night we would have a ton of kids come through, but we have half our candy left!

When the kids got back, they had fun running around and playing. They actually slept in on Saturday morning (7:30, these kids need to learn what sleeping in is!)

Beach Photos

2008-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

As promised here are a few more pictures from the beach. Daniel and Will loved borrowing the wet suits, as you can see. Phoebe loved the way Scott rigged up a tree swing. Thanks again for letting us come along with you!

Beach at night

2008-10-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

What do you do with a bunch of kids at the beach at night? Give them glowsticks of course! We spent our October Break at Carpenteria Beach last week. It was a lot of fun - thanks for inviting us Billie! I will post more pictures later.

MPM

2008-09-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

I really try to be organized, but fail miserably at menu planning. Org Junkie is having a great giveaway for MPM, so here goes:
Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Crockpot chicken
Wednesday - Mexican
Thursday - School night at Vito's
Friday - Sandwiches

2 Days Late

2008-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? (School started - I should have more time right?) Anyway ...

Happy Birthday Phoebe!

Giveaways

2008-08-26T18:40:00.001-07:00

Vanilla Joy.com is having a great giveaway this week.

I just realized that I am averaging 1 post per month. I will try to be better! Have a great Labor Day Weekend.

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

2008-07-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

We are back from our visit to Grammy and Papa's farm. The kids had a blast. They got to see and experience life on the farm. One of the chickens hatched 3 chicks - it was had to keep the kids away from the babies! Phoebe got to ride horses and the boys got a lot of practice on their quads! They got to know their cousins better and everyone had a good time.

We were lonely without Tom and he said he was lonely without us, but he got in some movies and dining experiences. Believe it or not there were days that it was hotter in CA than here in Mesa.

Thank you Billie and family for putting up with us on the way there and back!

Week of lasts

2008-06-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

This is a week of lasts for us - last dance class, last week of reading class, last week of preschool, and last akido class. What will we do next week?

Blog Correction

2008-06-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah - I meant Memorial Day. This is why I shouldn't stay up late typing.

Middle of June

2008-06-11T22:34:00.001-07:00

Here it is the middle of June and I am just getting end of May stuff done! The boys are loving their reading class (except when I am late to pick them up! Sorry) and Akido. Phoebe is making new friends at preschool and loves ballet. Sawyer came over to play on Monday and was sad when he left - he wanted to go dance with Phoebe! Here are some pictures from the respective graduations.

What did you do Labor Day Weekend? Tom and I flew to LA and saw Wicked - loved it! It was also nice to get away, just the 2 of us (even though there were 3 other couples) no kids!!!

With all the classes we are doing, I am pretty much living out of the car, not liking that with gas prices but what can you do?

Changes

2008-05-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Okay I followed the instructions and I think I got the changes all made on the blog, but ...

Did I mention that I love this purse pattern? I made some for Mother's Day and a friend. Dede the pattern is pretty easy.

Only one more week of school left. The boys are doing a reading class and Akido for the month of June and Phoebe is going to preschool and PreBallet for the month. Hopefully I will survive the summer! It is really warming up here - 100 by next week.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day a few days late! I hope everyone had a great day and was pampered by your family. Phoebe's preschool class had a Mother's Day concert for us on Friday.

Cowgirl Phoebe

2008-04-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

We met Grammy and Papa for the horse show in Pomona this weekend. Phoebe was so excited to see Regalo. Jaun made her so happy when he put her up on him. It was a very hot weekend in So. Cal. Tom and the boys didn't have quite as much fun as the girls, but you can't please everyone all the time right?

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone! Why is it when you want to take a picture of the kids looking nice, they do things like this? They had fun and enjoyed the visit from the Easter Bunny. I have a sinus infection and the flu so Tom had fun at church with them. It's a good thing we have the Olsen's to sit with - Tom had to sing in the choir.

We are all looking forward to school starting again tomorrow.

I love this purse!

2008-02-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Okay - how many months did it take for me to finally put a picture of the purse up? Carin took me to this wonderful quilt shop by her house and introduced me to Amy Butler Designs. I found this great material and got the purse made. It was always being used, so I couldn't get a picture of it. However, my marker leaked on it and made a stain! I am so sad. I guess I will have to find different material and make a new one, maybe something more springy!

and the winner is ... the skateboard

2008-02-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

So Daniel and I spent most of our night at the ER. Fingers just can't stand up to a skateboard wheel. Daniel is already asking when he can go skateboarding again. The good news is that there were no fractures. (The pictures were taken with the cellphone - sorry). He will lose his fingernail, but a new one will grow in.

Blankets again

2008-02-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

Back to making baby blankets. Why is Tina the only one with friends having babies? Soph thanks for having a birthday right after we were there so your mom was making a blanket that I could copy! I couldn't find the great fabrics she could though. Why is it there are so many ugly fabrics out there right now? The quality has gone down too. I guess if I went to quilt shops the quality would be better, but they don't have coupons!

Sunday Barbeque

2008-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a nice relaxing barbeque after church on Sunday - until you have to call the fire department. The fish was all done and the grill ready to turn off when it decided to go up in flames. Luckily Tom got the grill off the porch before it got too hot. The fire dept just let the propane burn out, so we have a nice scorch mark in the grass and it isn't even 120 out yet! I don't know - do you think it's too melted to use again?

Aprons

2008-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming and we (I mean I) have been making aprons for teachers. Since the boys each have 2 and Phoebe has 4 that's a lot of aprons! I think I am now sick of pink, red and hearts!

Makeup

2008-01-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

The kids decided to play beauty shop.

Mr. Will created this lovely hair do using only 20 barrettes. I am glad that Phoebe's eyebrows don't really look like this - could you imagine waxing at age 3? :] I tried really hard to be mad, but ended up laughing. Bad choice - she has already gotten into my makeup again.

Silence is not golden here!

Another Black Eye

2008-01-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Last week at school Phoebe was sitting with the boys on the couch when they got a little rough. One of the boys got her in the eye with his foot. She told me "Carter Quackenbush did it, but it is okay because he is my boyfriend."

Hello again

2008-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and we have been busy with getting back into the routine.

We were sad to hear that Pres. Hinckley passed away yesterday evening. He was a wonderful leader and example.

Tom has been called as Scout Committee Chair and I am still in YW. The kids are all loving new teachers in Primary. Phoebe especially loves being a Sunbeam.

Trampoline

2007-12-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

The kids are loving their trampoline. With the Donaldson's they created a game - Hot Potato. If the ball touches you - you are out. They will stay out there for hours, this gives me my favorite - peace and quiet!

All I Got for Christmas

2007-12-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well here are some pictures. The girls got "princess" and the boys got "batman" pjs Christmas Eve. Santa had to deliver the big gifts to our house and leave a note for the kids that they would find a trampoline and basketball standard when they got home. Yes they boys got crossbows - we encourage our children to play with weapons. Phoebe now has more horses than she can count and is starting on Barbies!

Post Christmas

2007-12-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and we are back home. We had a blast playing in the snow at the cabin. Sarah had a little too much fun on the quad and ice! We are sorry that the Turley family did not make it - we missed you guys. I will post some pictures later.

The Cabin

2007-12-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

We went up to the cabin on Saturday to drop of the quads, clean and play. The new floors look great and the new fixtures in the bathrooms are nice, but will it be done for Christmas? I sure hope there are blinds up because the sun seems to come up earlier in the mountains.

Christmas is coming

2007-12-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Joy to the World, Peace on Earth and all that! I am so ready for Christmas to be here. Every morning the boys run down stairs to see if Santa has been here yet! Now if I could just remember where I put those gifts!

Org Challenge

2007-11-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Okay - I don't know how to do Mr Linky. So I hope this works.

1. The hardest part was starting and what to do with everything. Since the area was small I just dug everything out and went for it.
2. Actually having shelves helps so I can see what I have and it is not in boxes. The kids like to play under the stairs, but now that all the toys are out it is no fun. So they are not allowed under there anymore. Yeah right!

3. 3 beanbags and a rolling block toy chest went to Lori. All the kids art stuff got consolidated with art stuff in the garage. Miscellaneous toys got put away.

4. Yes - now that I can see what I have in food storage I will know what we need to add.

6. I don't have a before picture because I was going to do a different room, so I guess I am disqualified. BUT it felt so good to have the space clean and organized, I want everyone to see! We had 9 boxes of food storage in the living room that is now where it belongs and there is room for the vacuum, floor cleaner and shampooer.

Sorry the picture is posted twice!

Organization

2007-11-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

Okay so I am susposed to be organizing my craft room, but since I am still making blankets I figured that was fruitless. So for the challenge - I did the understairs storage (or in our case, dumping grounds). All the miscellaneous stuff is now out of there and only food storage - doesn't it look nice! I did not know I had that much sugar.

Quillows

2007-11-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

Okay so the quillows were finished last week and I gave them to DeAnn at Thanksgiving dinner. BUT since my kids saw me making blankets, they decided that they want new blankets... so guess what they are getting for Christmas?

Daniel's Birthday

2007-11-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

A good time was had by all in the swamp! The favorite game "donut on a string". I can't believe it has been 6 years, it seems like only yesterday we were bringing home this tiny baby and here he is at 6.

Thankful

2007-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Okay it is a couple of days after Thanksgiving, but I am still thankful!

I am thankful for a wonderful family. That everyone is healthy right now. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who provides for us. I am thankful for a beautiful house to live in - we are still working on getting it just right, but that is the fun part. I am thankful for friends far and near. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives us so much.

(This beautiful picture was taken by my friend Carin on our trip to Utah - find her at www.carindavis.com )

Clothes

2007-11-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

Phoebe loves to create outfits. She is very into tights also. She was very happy with this one. The pink in the shirt matched the shorts and the boots had pink & brown! If she is this picky about how her clothes look at 3 what will she be like at 16?

I will add pictures of Daniel's birthday later today.

No School

2007-11-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

What to do when the kids have a day off? Go to the zoo with the rest of Phoenix! Everyone had the same idea. It really was a perfect day for the zoo - it is finally cooling off.

The kids were great and stayed with me. The favorite was the new Stingray Bay. The boys loved it when the rays would swoop by and splash them.

Organizing

2007-11-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am going to try to have my house clean and the spare room totally organized before company comes for Christmas. I joined a 30 day Org Challenge at orgjunkie.com and we'll see if I get it done in time. I agreed to make 6 blankets for my sister-in-laws grandchildren and I have a onesie to embroider for a first birthday in this same time frame. Not to mention a birthday and Christmas shopping/making for my own family. By the way family - what do you want?

Halloween Pics

2007-11-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Okay so the pictures that I took of the boys didn't turn out - big surprise! The church gym with hundreds of running children does not make for a good photo op. Maybe the one the ym took will turn out and I will post it.

Anyway here is one of Phoebe. She got to be "Little Miss Muffet" in her school Fall Program.

Halloween

2007-11-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am so glad yesterday is over. It was fun, but between school parties, church carnivals and sick kids I'm glad it's done! I will post some pictures of the kids later.

Katie - can I just say we love Katie! - came over and took Will & Phoebe trick or treating. I got to run and get antibiotics for Daniel and Tom got to grill with the neighbors.

Daniel - Tooth

2007-10-27T17:14:00.001-07:00

Daniel lost his 2nd tooth today (10-27-07). Poppa wanted us to give him $10 for his first tooth - if we did that how much would molars be worth? We gave him a quarter and everyone told us we were cheap!

He keeps asking if his birthday is tomorrow - we have a few more weeks. I can't believe he will be six!

Start

2007-10-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Okay we are going to try to do this! Hopefully we can keep this current.