School Projects

Ryan and Aaron have had some fun projects that have kept them busy this year. I thought I would share them.

I had a fun day today! I was able to go to Ryan's class and help them with their "county fair" (thanks Camille). In school they have been studying all the counties in Utah. Now that they are finished, they had a "fair." They had lots of games and goodies for the kids. The kids were to make their own floats. Ryan had Box Elder County. This is the county where the "golden spike" was laid to join the two railroads. You could travel east to west on one line. He decided to do a float on that.

(Ryan and his float)

(Can you see the golden spike?)

This was his Pearl Harbor report. He learned a lot from this. He wrote a great essay! It was for the national history fair. He was bummed that he wasn't picked to go to regions. He did a good job anyways.

Aaron chose to do a report on Martin Luther King, Jr. I like it when they pick him. I feel he was a very powerful, good man. I like them learning that it is important to treat ALL people with RESPECT.

Aaron's tetraheagion. (he had to spell it for me)

He didn't do this at school, but at scouts. I think it was pretty cool. He does too.

I'm so proud of my boys. They are such good students. Their teachers have nothing but good to say of them. They only have 3 more days of school. It will be fun to spend the summer with them.

Taylor Family Reunion 2008

LOA, UTAH

They annual Taylor reunion was on Memorial Day weekend. We were able to go this year. We had such a good time. The kids were a little sad, because we did not go to the "Barn." Once we got there they forgot how disappointed they were. They were just happy to see their cousins. Everybody was there this year, except Alissa and her family. James is on his mission, and Sydnee had a church history tour she was on.

Everybody arrived on Friday. We just hung out and talked. Saturday is when the real fun started. We woke up ate breakfast, then everyone got ready to paintball.

Aaron and Hailey were excited. Here's a picture of them all geared up. They played for almost 2 hours. We did not have any injuries this year! Well, I take that back. Our brother-in-law, Christian, his brother Ian and friend Clay came and joined us. At the end, they took off all their gear, and told everyone they could shoot at them. They were covered in welts.

Once everyone came back from paintball, we had our treasure hunt. The kids were excited. We made sure we hid the clues really well this year. Even the big kids had to look hard! Here we all are gathered around listening to the clues. Natalie was in charge of the treats this year. We had a lot of color in things. The kids had blast decorating their own bags, stickers, and beach balls.

Saturday night the kids challenged the adults to a game of foot ball. The kids won! The adults demanded a new try. Sunday after church they all met on the field again. I believe the kids won, again. Here, Aaron is running it in for a touchdown. He was sad, because the night before he never got the ball. I'm glad they had two games.

Dustin is giving Aaron some pointers. After the kids won, again, they played a game for fun. The teams were mixed, and everyone got a chance to make a play. Jace mad a great throw, and Hailey carried the ball 10 yards with the help of her dad.

Ryan was a great contributor in the first game. He said these gloves were a big help. I guess he could catch the ball better. Even the older kids commented on how well he caught the ball!

You might recognize some people in this picture who do not belong in our family. The Duves came and visited us Sunday. Ryan Duve grew up with my brother Kevin. They came to see him and visit with us. It was fun to have them. They joined in the Sunday football game. i don't have pictures, but we threw our niece, Marie, a college shower. She was able to get quite a few things to prepare her for moving from home.

Aaron wanted a picture with Cricket. Clay brought his dog. The poor thing almost froze to death I'm afraid. It was quite cold this year, and he had to stay outside.

Later, Sunday evening, we had out talent show. Jeff and Trevor sang a song. Robyn read a poem. Kevin did an ape walk. Jace showed us how strong he was. Audrey and Ben did a karate routine. Audrey accidentally kicked him where it counts! He survived. Ryan played his recorder. Brayden sang "If Your Happy and You Know It." All the cousins did a little skit at the end. That is what this is a picture of. Megan and Abbey did a little skit of their own, it was really cute. They acted out all the stages of life. the picture below is of Kevin's ape walk. It's not a great shot, oh well.

We had such a good time. It was great to see everyone. I'm grateful I was able to spend time with my family.

Rebecca Anne

a.k.a Mischief Maker!!!

This little girl is always on the move! I cannot leave her unattended, or something gets destroyed. She has the nickname "little tornado" for a reason. I must admit she makes up for my boys. I've been told that boys are busy, busy, busy. Mine were not bad, but Becca, oh my goodness.

She might be a whirlwind, but there is no one sweeter(except my other four). She is always quick to say, "Oh, I soo sorry Mom," when she realizes I was not happy with her impulsive decision. Her, "Mom I need you!" will melt my heart. When Dustin comes home she is always the first to run out to the garage, and with all the excitement in the world scream, "Dad, you came back!" She always makes sure before they come in, she gets to honk the horn.

I don't know if it is because she is my last baby, or what. I have really enjoyed her at every stage of her short life. Normally, I have dreaded the ages 18mo - 3 1/2, this time I have a different attitude. I just laugh when my bathroom is flooded, cupcake is smeared all over the counters, diapers have been stripped and a trail of smashed "you know what" is in the carpet (hopefully Dust doesn't read about that). I am thankful for her and the happiness she adds to our family.

(Becca 2 weeks old)

(Becca and Aaron, 3 mo and 6yrs)

(Becca 5 mo)

(Becca 1 yr)

(Becca 18 mo)

(Becca 2 yrs)

(Becca 2 1/2)

This is what Becca would look like, if she had her way. She would use herself as a napkin (see why I am so thankful for stian remover), would not want her hair combed, and do whatever she pleased! (By the way, her hair was done once this day)

5 good, 5 bad

5 things I loved about today:

1. The rain, I love the way it smells

2. Kate's song she sang for me, it was to the tune of "We Are a Happy Family"

"I love Mom, she loves me, she loves us 'cause we're her children"
"We are your children huh Mom?" she asked

3. I joined Facebook, and was able to talk to a few high school friends, Erika and Freida.

4. Becca put herself to bed tonight.

5. My kids had a good day today. We all got along happily!


5 things I didn't like about today:

1. I didn't get caught up on my housework because of #2 (not the bodily function)

2. the power went out

3. Dustin had school, but he needs to get done

4. We spent most the day running errands

5. I'm tired


I know bad days come and go. Today was a good day! I may not have gotten a lot accomplished, but I was able to enjoy being a mom today. Some days it is a little harder to say that, even though deep down I will always enjoy being a mom. Little hugs, kisses, and songs make it hard to think otherwise.

I am grateful for Ryan, Aaron, Grace, Kate, and Becca. I thought all day long about how different they are, but I love their differences. That's what makes them individuals.

Ryan is good kid. Always willing to do what he is asked, even if he gets a little attitude. He's very obedient.

Aaron is my sensitive, wild child. He is a ball of energy, but is not as confident as he might lead you to believe. He always needs the extra boost. He is also very obedient. My boy's uncle calls them "Rod" and "Todd" from the Simpsons.

Grace is our little angel. She lets people know when they are not doing what is right. She is bubbly, happy , and friendly.

Kate is our "goofy" child, a crack up every minute. You can be trying to discipline her, and she decides it is a good time to tell you a knock-knock joke.

Becca is everybody rolled into one. I think that comes from having so many people to emulate.

I love my Kids!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day! I had a nice one. Dustin did not have a 6:30 a.m. meeting, so that was a blessing in itself! He was able to help get the kids ready. We had a nice day at church. I received a flower from the ward.

When we got home the kids helped pick up the mess that was made in the hurry of making sure we were on time. Then we sat down and gave gifts. Dustin and the kids gave me a massage gift certificate. It will be GREAT! I can't wait. The kids gave me the famous projects from school! I love all of those. I have posted pictures and captions.

Me and my kids!

Ryan gave me gifts that would last a week. He made sure that on most days he would be playing video games to "stay out of my hair." How thoughtful of him!

Aaron made me a cute little card thanking me to help him grow. The flower starts out small, then gets taller.

Grace made me her cute little hand prints. She also made me a card where she filled in the blanks. According to her I'm 48 years old, 38 inches tall, and I weigh 36 pounds! I like her vision of me. Who cares if I'm 17 years older, I only weigh 36 pounds!

Becca and Kate drew me some pictures. Kate wanted me to have my "Valentine's " card. She was very proud.

After presents they told me why they loved me.

Ryan- because she cleans the house

Aaron- because she helps me learn

Grace- because she is nice

Kate- because you give me kisses and hugs

Becca- because "I'm patient for you" (her interpretation of what Dustin whispered in her ear)

Dustin- because I'm a good example

I am so grateful to be a mom. I know it has its challenges, but I also know I can find no greater joy than in my family! Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

A PAYDAY for a mom...

"Jesus said love everyone"

Grace came home from school upset today. I guess on the way home some people were making fun of a little boy. "He has big glasses and a Pirates of the Caribbean back pack. They were calling him 'Google Eyes' and I didn't like it." she explained to me. You could totally tell how upset she was even though she was not crying, but wanted to. "Mom, we don't call people names. It is not nice." she continued.

It was a proud moment for me. She has always been very sensitive to people's feelings. I know sometimes she forgets, but she is very kind and friendly. Way to go Grace! I love you.

She's a sweetie!

May 3rd, Happy Birthday...

K A T E !!

She's 4 years old

She had a fun birthday. We are doing this post a little late. She woke up and was so excited to tell everyone she was now four. What did that mean for her? She was closer to five now. She insisted everybody call her "Happy Birthday Dora." She frequently refers to herself as Dora. Her Grandma Lori came and picked her up to take her out for a treat, and to pick her birthday present. She was so happy to get her "pluto" (poodle). She has been wanting this little stuffed dog with a carrying case for forever. She was able to pick out a little Polly pocket set as well. Thanks Grandma! We asked her what she would like for her birthday, and after naming quite a few things she settled on a Dora scooter.

We are so happy to have you as part of our family Kate! We love your smile and happy personality. You are the "ham" of the family. You give your dad a run for his money in this category. Thought I would share some snapshots of her. Unfortunately when our computer crashed, I lost a lot of her and the kids. I now know to back them up! She's a cutie!

Women's Conference 2008

I was able to go to my first Women's Conference this year! Boy, was it fun! I went all by myself, so next year if any of you are up for joining me, let me know. I was only able to go on Thursday. As I was driving there and sitting in the massive amount of traffic headed in the same direction, I was overwhelmed by all these good women who were putting life on hold and running (okay driving) to where they could be uplifted and inspired. I felt that it was some type of prophecy being fulfilled. Is that weird? Anyway, I was grateful to be a part of it.

Sheri Dew opened the conference. Her talk was awesome, it was my favorite. She talked of how we as women need to stand up and be counted. We are a strong force. She related examples how women of the world are standing up, but for the wrong things. Her point she wanted to make was this, "We must walk away from the world, and come unto Christ." Her whole talk was how we do this. It was great.

Another class I attended was "Loving the Praise of God More Than the Praise of Men." The speakers shared life experiences. One lady was a young mother of 7 Children. Her fourth pregnancy she had triplets! She shared how it was a hard time for her, but with the Lord's help she was able to simplify her life. She talked of the 2 components that make up our journey here on Earth, "our path" and "our pack." It was so good. She explained how Satan knows we women are too smart to fall for the big sins. He tricks us into putting too many good things into our packs, that the crucial ones get taken out(i.e. FHE, scripture study, prayer). She let us know that we each have a path we are to take here on this Earth designed just for us. "Motherhood," she said, "is not my path, it's part of my pack. Even though it consumes me at this stage in my life, it is a choice I made to be a mom." Examples of things we find in our pack, choices we make and consequences from them, gifts, talents, a few others but I can't find my note pad. I left that class feeling uplifted and wanting to simplify my life.

In the evening they had service projects we did for the Humanitarian Center. I was able to sit and chat with women from here and California. We were one of the lucky tables that got really good tickets to the concert afterwards. At 8:00 they put on a concert of well known LDS artists. It was so fun. I was in the 8th row. Two of my favorites performed, Hilary Weeks and Michael McLean. All were really good though.

Well, just wanted to share what I learned and did. Hopefully next year someone will join me. Tell your husbands you need a break. Everybody deserves to treat themselves!