Grandma Taylor

My mom came up the weekend of Kate's baptism. It was fun to host her. I love having my mom come because I know my kids are getting to know her. And I want them to know her!

I never really spent much time with my grandparents, on either side. My dad's dad died when he was five and his mom died when I was six. I remember visiting her house so my mom could take care of her. She had a stroke years before. I had never heard her speak or even look at me or address me. I also remember singing at her funeral. The grandchildren sang, I am a Child of God. I remember crying during the funeral as I sung it. It's weird because I was six. This lady never talked to me. Why would I be sad?

My mom's parents lived a good trip from us. I remember visiting. I remember one time I got to chop wood in the backyard with my Grandpa's ax. I remember horses. I'm not sure if they were theirs or their sons. I remember my grandma always had cookies. I also remember I was afraid to go upstairs at her home. One thing that stands out in my mind were the pictures of her and Grandpa Irl when they were young. I remember thinking how beautiful she was and how handsome he was. 

All these flashback, half memories are confusing to me. This is why I want my kids to have memories with my mom. They already don't remember my dad. I know that everything they do with my mom will be important. She doesn't live close and they don't see her often, maybe 3 times a year if we're lucky. They will end up with the same memory I have of my grandparents. this saddens me.

I thought one day, "That might be the case, but my kids are going to have pictures." I think pictures help bring back a memory. I have none with my own grandparents, therefore no recollection. It's just a theory.

Here's our first Grandma Taylor picture. It was taken Sunday, May 6, 2012. My mom was getting ready to leave back home. My kids just crawled out of bed. They are not all put together, but I got my picture!

*I wanted to add my theory of why I cried at my Grandmother's funeral, so I don't come off insensitive. I honestly feel I cried because I was feeling the Holy Ghost. It is one of the earliest recollections I have of feeling the Spirit. I think that is why my testimony of the Plan of Salvation is so strong. I believe it is a gift from my Grandpa and Grandma Taylor. I know I will know them someday.

Family Garden

Last year for Mother's Day, Dustin and the boys built me some planter boxes along our fence. We planted late and had a so-so crop of veggies. The beans were aplenty and the peppers also. Our peas were devoured by the family pet.

We decided to get a better jump this year. Last night for FHE we tried again. This year we decided to try watermelon and scallions. Becca chose the watermelon. She was way excited. I was lucky to find a seed that grew little. The scallions, I wanted to try. I love green onions on everything! We also replanted peas, beans, cucumbers, and carrots. 

We made sure the kids got in on the action. Our lesson was to teach them how and to know they are responsible for this garden just as much as Dustin and I are. The girls really took to it, the boys? Well, I think they are just not willing to admit that they were excited too. So weird.

We prepped the dirt, getting it ready to plant.

We read the package. You've got to know how far to plant the seed and how far apart to put them.

We took the seeds in our hands...

and then we planted.

And planted.

And planted, until we had rows that looked like these.

After planting you cover them up and water .

 It takes LOTS of water!

 We make sure everyone helps and everyone gets a turn.

There are lots of smiles. It's fun!

There's even a little time for basketball.

Ace tried to help, but he was just lectured.

 "You better stay out of my peas this year," I told him. 

I think he got the message.

Mother's Day

I enjoy Mother's Day. Motherhood is worth celebrating. And we celebrate in style!! We honor Mother's Day with no fighting, mom gets to rest all she wants, and what she says goes! I can't think of a better day.

Dustin had to work this year, so he took me out early. On Saturday night he told the kids to get ready because he was taking me to dinner and they were going with us. In our house this is a BIG DEAL. We rarely take the kids out. Two reasons, 1. Money. It is expensive to feed 7 mouths. 2. When they were little, they would order, but NEVER finish. We felt it was wasteful. So when we go out, they are super excited.

Ryan happened to be at a friend's house, hanging out, when the announcement was made. He called to see if he could go see The Avengers with his friend. We feel that he is getting old enough to make his own choices. I know how bad he wanted to see this movie. Dustin told him our plans and let him choose. He said, "I'll call you back in five minutes. I have to think about it." I was happy when he called to say he would go with us! Later, when I told him how happy his choice made me, he said, "I just didn't want to spend my money." Hmmm, typical teen. But, deep down I know he wanted to be with us.

We went to Wingers, my favorite place. I could eat chicken all day long. It sure was yummy.

When we got back, I wanted to take a picture with my kids. I feel this is important. I don't have many with my mom or dad. It makes me sad to think of this. I want to have pictures of me with my kids.

I look at these photos and I can't believe how old I have gotten and how BIG my kids are! In my mind I still feel pretty young, but look at that picture! That is a grown woman with no little kids! It makes me miss the days when they were small. Having older children is different, but I'm learning to enjoy it.

Sunday, my kids woke me up with breakfast in bed. This was a little surprising because their father was gone. Nobody to help and nobody to remind. They made me scrambled eggs with salsa, whole wheat toast, and a bowl of cheerios- all my favorite things! I was informed how they came to choose scrambled. They couldn't make an omelet and sunny-side up had a yoke in it, sometimes I don't eat the yoke. the funny part was they never took the yoke out of the scrambled! So cute the way they think.

They made me coupon book. It contained redeemable coupons for things they would do around the house. I got a chuckle when I opened it. All the coupons were for their chores! I said, "Oh, this must be A We Have to Listen the First Time coupon book. I like that idea! No whining and complaining allowed."

I am honored to be the mom to these great kids. We have our days when we are not getting along, but they are fun and wonderful. I couldn't think of a better thing to do with my life. I am devoted to them and their success. I love them more than anything!

Kate is Eight!

Who would be crazy enough to schedule a cruise a week before their daughter's baptism? Yeah, we would. FYI, not a good idea. I spent the week in between shopping for a dress, trying to schedule a bishop's interview, and giving late notice to family because I failed to make invites before we left! Typical Larae brain.

After the craziness of the week, it was nice for Saturday to arrive. Kate was so excited! Her baptism was at 10 am. We were glad to have family and friends come to support her in her big decision. My mom and Robyn came from Vegas and Jeff and Staci came from Kaysville. Dustin's parents, Shandi (his sister) and Jaren, Wendy (his sister) and Cory, and Taryn( another sister) and Adam all came as well. It was nice to have so much family! We were glad Grandma Nelson came too!

They asked Dustin and I to bear our testimonies after. How sweet that was to have the Spirit so strong. I told Kate the things I remembered from my baptism day. I challenged her to remember her favorite thing and to never forget it. Then she will remember the day. I later asked her what that thing would be, she said this:

My favorite thing was getting confirmed. I liked it when all the men in the room who had the priesthood stood around me. I received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I hope she never forgets. that is a very important gift!

Here are some pictures from our day:

I thought it would be fun to start interviewing my kids as they grow. A birthday is a perfect start!

Kate's 8 year-old Interview

favorite color- blue and purple
favorite food- cheese pizza
favorite song- Crazier by Taylor Swift
favorite animal- wolf
favorite book- Pecos Bill, Cowgirl Kate and Coco
what do you want to be when you grow up- cowgirl
favorite outside activity- kick ball
what do you like about yourself- that I'm smart
friends- Liz, Mackenzie, Riley, Rylan, Chloe,
 Benny, Brennon, Kaycee, Makaylee, Rossmir, Joey
Lauren, Sydnee, Rachel (the list goes on)
talent- putting both my legs behind my head
favorite movie- The Perfect Game
something you learned to do while you were 7-
draw hieroglyphics, ride a two wheeler, how
to catch a baseball right-with two hands

We love you Kate! Your smiley face makes our smiles bigger. You are eager to help and love being a "big kid". I can't wait to see all that you accomplish in this life.

Mexico 2012

A year and a half ago, Dustin and I were able to go on a cruise to Mexico. We loved it so much, we couldn't wait to do it again. We looked for deals to other places, but found a great deal going back to Mexico! We booked it. Sure, we had been there before, but we never really could say we did everything, so it was worth it to go back. We thought it would be fun to go with other people. We were excited when our friends, the Corderos and Grables, expressed an interest in going with us. The Corderos weren't able to come. :(  But we were happy to be joined by Scott and Stephanie.

It was a seven day cruise. The first two days were on the boat. We lounged around and ate. We also attended the nightly shows. Dustin and I even made it to the gym. Gotta work off those calories!! It was rather cold because we were not in Mexico waters, but once we hit them on the 2nd day, it sure was nice. We laid out by the pool with our friends.

Day three we spent in Cabo. Upon arrival, we scouted for the best deals in town for something to do. We settled on Ocean kayaking and snorkeling. We kayaked to Lover's Beach. It was about a 20 minute trip. There Scott, Stephanie, and Dustin headed out to see the fish.  I volunteered to hang back and watch our stuff. Water is not my most favorite thing. I continued working on my tan. We were there for about two hours. It was nice to feel sand in between your toes and to play in the water.

We kayaked back and ate at a local restaurant, something we did not attempt last time. We experienced the city. We port in downtown Cabo. I enjoy seeing the culture and how they differ from us. If we ever go again, I think I would really like to taxi in deeper to the city. We visited the shops searching for souvenirs for our kids. Last time I went crazy on them; this time, I just wanted to find something I thought they would really enjoy. I bought the girls some bracelets.  

Here are a couple pics from day 1. They are just of us enjoying the city.

I couldn't believe this. It was 85* with 85% humidity. It was HOT!! They do anything for money. We watched this man scare a few people. Worth the laugh.

This was taken on our ship. This is Land's End. It is the end of the Baja Peninsula.  The rocks are beautiful!


We spent two days in Cabo. We boarded the ship late the first day. They have to leave the port and hang out about 10 miles out in the ocean. We ported again the next day. This time we were oding nothing but sight seeing. For $10 a person we were able to get a "glass bottom boat" to take us to see Land's End and the rock formations. On the way out we were lucky enough to see some whales. It was pretty neat to be so close. A little nerve wracking because our boat really was not the fanciest and the whales were close.

The Arch at Land's End

Scooby - Doo Rock facing The Witch

This little guy  found a perfect spot. This rock is the last of Land's End. 

Lunch in town with the Grables

After our boat ride, we made our way to the city to shop. We bought the boys some shirts. We did something Dustin and I were a little hesitant to do last time... we tried the local food!  It was okay and we survived.

The next day, Thursday, we found ourselves in Puerto. We had booked an excursion before we left Utah. We were going to zip line through the jungle. There were 14 zip lines! I admit I was nervous. Not a fan of heights. But, once I got up there and felt comfortable with what I was doing, it was a blast! The guys who run the canopy tour were great, very entertaining! I wish we had taken more pictures, but it's kind of hard when you're holding onto a pulley, coasting on cables that take you  through the tree tops of a jungle. We did get suckered into buying the video. :) Afterwards we ate at the village restaurant. Best nachos I've ever had!!

On the boat in Puerto.

Los Veranos Canopy Zip-line

The drive to the zip line was 45 min long. It was nice to drive through the city. I love the culture! If I ever take a trip without Dustin, I will spend most of my time walking the streets taking pictures. When we got back to the port, the Grables and I visited the Wal-mart down the street. I just wanted to see how it was different (notice how Dustin didn't come along, not his thing). You'll be glad to know that their Wal-mart is different. Ours are more organized and nicer. Their fresh fish section is huge since they are on the ocean. One interesting thing was the size of their mannequins. The women were well endowed and slim, but the men were husky. Interesting.

The last days we were on the boat. The sea was rough and it felt like we were getting tossed every which way. We spent our time eating and resting. We watched a few comedy shows and night shows. It was fun. I was happy to do it again. The only bad thing was when we arrived home and I weighed myself.

I want to thank my family for taking my kids. We drove to Vegas and dropped my kids off at my Mom's and Lea Ann's. I know that Kymber, Shanae, and Audrey all helped too. My kids had a blast. Thanks for entertaining them all 7 days. I was able to enjoy myself knowing my kids were in good hands.

My Class

When I was in second grade, I wanted to be a teacher. My teacher, Mrs. Bock, I loved her! I could honestly say that about all my elementary teachers. Even Mrs. Eschenheimer who I was warned was a terrible, mean lady with bad breath because she smoked; I ended up really liking her.

Teachers have the opportunity to make a difference on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. It is an underappreciatated job, but I don't think it matters once you see what can be accomplished.

I know I never went to school to be a teacher. Most of what I know I have learned by being a mom, or read in a book. I know I could do so much more if I went to school, but I no longer think being a teacher the rest of my life is what I want to do.

That said, I dedicate this post to the kids I teach everyday at the daycare. They are mostly 5 and 6. I get a few who are off track from thier year-round school. The daycare is located in a lower income area. Because of this, these kids experience things that most kids don't.

One child came to me one morning all excited and said, "Teacher, Teacher! My dad almost made it across the border!" I was a little taken back by what he had just said and asked him to repeat himself. He went on to tell me how his dad had been sent back to Mexico and that he was trying to get across the border.

"He has to get $500 and then he can get someone to take him across. But he has to watch out for the _____ (word in Spanish for border patrol, I do not remember it). They are bad men who will shoot you. " As I sat amazed that this 6 year old had to deal with this, he continued by demonstrating what his father must do if he gets caught by the gaurds. He put his hands on the back of his head, kneeled down, and then sprawled out on the ground!

I was speechless. All I managed to say was, "Angel, I hope your dad makes it across the border. I know you are waiting to see him."

There are a couple girls, Dezi and Alli, who hang out with me at recess instead of playing. We talk or they just run around me. They are best friends. When one is not there, the other is lost. Alli and I were talking one day and something she said struck me weird.

"Teacher, today is plasma day."

The way she said it is what schocked me the most. It was so normal and just seemed to be a regular day in her schedule.

"Plasma day? What is that?"

"My dad has to go to this bank where they have plasma. We don't have money."

She didn't really understand, but I sure did. Her dad was selling his blood plasma. I donate blood every 8 weeks because I choose to. Sometimes I think I should try donating plasma because I have never done it. I am grateful I have that choice.

I could go on about how terrible the situations are for many of the kids in my class. We have refugees from Africa who have experienced violence that I probably couldn't imagine. It shows in how thery react to eachother and to others. There is a little girl who struggles with her anger because she recieves punishment by her mother's hand, and then the mother wonders why her daughter is out of control.

I also have a student who is autistic, but his parents are in denial. When I first came to the school he would just sit in the corner, covering his ears becuase it was so loud. I tried all I could do to make some sort of connection with him. I thought I wasn't making any progress, but one day he decided to come sit down and paint. He painted for 5 seconds. That was it. Then another day he came and painted for at least 5 minutes. He will now answer back to me when I ask him questions. Usually the answer is, "Yeah." Last week I was changing the calendar and he came and helped me. We counted the numbersand he hung the number up after I put tape on it.

It is so rewarding to watch these kids who once struggled progress. It is nice to know you helped in that progress. This job is at many times so trying. A lot of days it takes all that is in me not to scream. I know if I do, trust will be lost in me.

I say a prayer every morning for my little class. I ask that they will be calm. I also ask for the strength I need to listen to the Spirit. I know this is the only way I can make it through the day with out crying and wanting to curl up in the corner, covering my own ears.

Easter 2012

We had a fun Easter day. We had a special Easter egg hunt from the Easter Bunny, went to church, came home and finished our egg hunt, and then went to G & G Merritt's for dinner and another egg hunt.

We only had church for an hour because they had redone our gym floor and the chemicals were quite overwhelming. It was nice to come home and do our Christ centered Easter egg hunt. I had written a little poem from the Easter Bunny and he left eggs that told the real Easter story. It was a nice change to not focus on the commercial part of the holiday.

Before church I was lucky to squeeze in a few camera moments. Oh they were so happy to take a picture...not! I don't know why my family struggles to smile for a camera - one day they'll thank me. We were able to get a couple. The one of Dustin and I...ehh. We tried.

Happy Spring!