Taylor Made

2011-07-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Barricaded inside our house for 2 hours while a felon suspect was hiding on our neighbors roof. They didn't know he was hiding on the roof, they were checking our backyards and houses.
Looking out our front window we counted 13 cop cars. There were more but from our view that's all we could see. We had police/swat members in our driveway behind a vehicle with guns aimed, ready to shoot. This tile on our neighbors house moved and the swat members heard it, drawing their attention to the roof and that's how they found the suspect hiding behind this big bush on top of the roof.

The suspect left something behind in the bush.

A little excitement for the night. I wanted to take pictures of the happenings outside, but was afraid that any flash would draw fire. There were a lot of pistols and rifles surrounding our house and our neighbors houses.

2011-07-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 27, 2011
San Diego California - My 50th Birthday Present (trip)
We took a trip to cool San Diego for my 50th birthday present.
Kenny, Tyler and Jen at Sea World.
(The Dolphin Show)

In front of the Shark Tank - we just got drenched on the "Atlantis Ride"

Jen and Tyler boogie boarding at Mission Beach.

Year ago - we used to stay at a little hotel on Mission Beach and behind the hotel was a couple of food/shops we used to visit. We had to visit our little taco shop on the beach. We felt a little Gordo after eating here. I had to take a picture of the bean and cheese burro I ordered. It was huge and tasty. Jennifer didn't like the whole pinto beans, she is used to them being refried. I thought it was tasty.

What is a trip to the beach without some yummy ice cream. The little shop was next to Tacos El Gordo. They make their own ice cream and have different specials each day. Yummy!!!!

We went to Beaumont Park on Mission Bay. The kids had me ride this ride that you spin around, both forwards and backwards as the ride goes in a circle. Fun times. I can still ride the rides at 50!

This ride is a little too scarry for me, but I can say I did it. I'm sitting next to Tyler, my hair is in my face and I'm kind of glad that I couldn't see, because it took you way high in the air, spinning and then like a pendulum it would swing down, and take you high up the other side.

Fantastic Trip for my 50th!

2011-04-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!!!!

Kenny and I took a very last minute trip to New York to watch the NIT championship basketball game.
We had a fabulous trip.

This is my journal, since I don't journal like I should.

There are sooo many things to do and see in New York. Here are pictures of some of the sites we visited.

Empire State Building. It was raining and the visibility was "0" so we went up at 12:30 at night and saw the beautiful lights of New York City.

Neither picture is very flattering of me - but this is me on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building at 12:30 at night. It was VERY windy and COLD!

Rockefeller Center. Ice Skating in the rain?!

One of our favorite stores was the 3 story M & M store.

We took a harbor tour. This is our little yellow harbor tour boat. We were glad we could be inside because it was cold and rainy. Our tour was about the history of New York.

Time Square. WOW! Tons of people until all hours of the night and lots of lights

NBC Studios

This picture is either Time Square or just a picture of downtown New York. The signs were all lit up.

Kenny and John Hatch waiting for the subway. We took the subway to Chinatown and had some very authentic Chinese food. We were careful of what we ordered. We chose foods that we didn't have to worry about what was in them. We literally couldn't understand our waitress, so John asked to see what she had written down for our order, she showed us what she had written down and it was written in Chinese - no help at all.

The Statue of Liberty. It was alot smaller than I thought it would be. It was neat to see.

The reason we came - the NIT in the Madison Square Garden arena. It was sooo awesome. The feeling you felt when you walked in that arena was overwhelming. They had many pictures of historical events that took place in that arena on the walls as you entered. All I can say is AWESOME.
It also helped that we saw an exciting game in which Wichita won NIT champs.

Madison Square Garden again. We forgot our camera when we went to the game so I don't have pictures of things that we experienced inside.

I had to take a picture of all the cab cars that were whizzing by. We actually took one and it was terrifying. They drive fast and furious.

Outside of Grand Central Station Kenny found a street vendor and got himself a hot dog and some yummy nuts they cook right on the street.

The 3 famous bridges are behind us. I can only remember the name of the Brooklyn bridge which is directly behind us. The initials of the 3 bridges are BMW, but I don't remember what M & W stand for.

Kenny inside Grand Central Station. It was huge. Besides being a train/subway center, it was full of shops, food markets and food courts.

We visited most of the sites on foot - and our feet let un know about it. We did tons of walking in the cold/rain. Luckily they have a Starbucks on every corner where we visited for hot chocolate.
We also saw Central Park. No pictures - it was raining pretty hard so we didn't spend much time at Central Park. It is huge. A big city park in the middle of the city - thus the name Central Park.
We absolutely loved taking this trip. We feel very blessed to be able to go.
The End.

2011-03-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

We went to St. Louis
1) to see the Archway to the West - we're underneath looking straight up.

We rode up in a little car inside this arch. At the top, Jess and I looking out at the city of St. Louis.

This is what we saw - the city of St. Louis, Missouri.

2) We also watched Graham's basketball tournament.

I love this team photo.

Hustling for the ball.

While we were gone Tyler accompanied the Mesa High Basketball team to the State Playoffs. Doug and Patty sent us this picture of Tyler at the Glendale Arena. Sounded like an ugly game for Mesa.

We've enjoyed following the "shockers men's basketball team". We will miss watching them. We don't want this season to end. Graham is a senior and is finishing this years season by playing in the NIT. He has a great work ethic - he works really hard at basketball and puts in extra time shooting after practice. He has been a good example to his teammates - now some of them stay and shoot after practice also. He has also been honored academically.

We stayed in the neatest little hotel. It had the feel of a bed and breakfast because it felt so homey/cozy, but it wasn't. They had delicious hot, homemade chocolate chip cookies every afternoon for us to enjoy after being gone most of the day to basketball games.
I wish I had a picture of it, but I don't.

2011-03-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

I made some "worms" for my grandsons to eat. I thought they would really like them. Jaxon was not going to touch them. Jaxon agreed to taste them only if Boston and Jason would taste them. We all had to show Jaxon they were ok to eat, then he was a good sport and tasted them. They actually liked them.

3/12/2011

Tyler getting ready for his first date. Studly. We were gone so Jen helped him spruce up. So glad he brushed his teeth! (He is actually really good about brushing his teeth - so I shouldn't worry - but I do).

16 on the 16th

2011-02-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Tyler turned 16 on 1/16, and we held his Eagle Court of Honor on 1/29.
We were busy celebrating him. Tyler is very obedient. He never complains about serving others. He is quiet, yet he is heard.

Tyler in his 1st Suit. (Sorry we cut the top of your head off - in the picture)

McKay Angle, Jeremy Skelton and Tyler sang "Armies of Helaman" at their Court of Honor. I teared up a little. These are 3 very good, obedient kids and when they sang the words "we are as the armies of Helaman", I couldn't help but think that they really are.

Receiving their Cow Skull because they each went on the Mormon Battalion outing.

Sitting in the "holding" Eagle's Nest.

Wonderful grandparents attended the Eagle Court.

Tyler's family and future Eagle Scouts.

The Eagle Scouts.

They played a game that Tyler was so excited for. He wrapped up a jar of pennies with layers of newspaper and duct tape. The boys would roll the dice and whoever rolled doubles would get to try to open the wrapped present. The boys didn't know what was inside. Jen and I had put dollar bills in the jar, but Tyler (penny pincher) replaced the dollars with pennies. The kids went a little wild, tearing that thing open. It was fun to watch.

Kenny and Brother Stahle (one of Tyler's wonderful leaders) enjoying some cake and ice cream.

Tyler's Display table at the Eagle Court.

Tyler and Edward looking at McKay Angle's display table.

Tyler, McKay and Jeremy meeting with the man representing the Mormon Battalion.

McKay and Jake working on their gum art. They softened up their bubble gum then had to make a picture on an index card and then the adults had to guess what their picture was. Only boys could have fun with this.

Tyler D.J. & Rome working on their gum art.

Thank you to all who supported Tyler in his celebrations!

2011-01-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATIONS:
Christmas 2010 + Jen's Birthday

Jennifer received the game "Scrabble" for Christmas.
We enjoyed playing scrabble during the break.

Family Time = Game Time
Playing "Ring Around the Nosy" for Jen's 20th Birthday.
She's such a good sport. Jaxon was having fun, but Boston wouldn't let us put an elephant nose on him. His participation was putting the rings on our noses.

We also played "Guess Who". Again Jaxon loves playing and Boston thinks he's playing when I let him flip the people's faces up and down on the extra tray.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I did. Loved it!
And a BIG HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY TO JENOUGHER.

2010-12-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Maui Invitational - November 2010

Hula dancers during half time ... only in Hawaii!

The Maui Travelers: Quinlan (oops, eyes closed), Renee, John, Kenny, Jessica & Lori

A good picture of John and Renee.

The reason we were in Maui. Graham shaking hands with his opponent.

Kenny, Jessica & me. Some of our pictures were a little dark - maybe it's our Hawaiian tan?!

Kenny & I had eaten at this restaurant 25 years ago while on our honeymoon in Maui. It was recommended to us way back then and it was still running strong. It is an Italian restaurant named "Longi's". While we were driving through Lahaina, we're trying to remember the name of the restaurant - we didn't remember the name but as we walked past it, we saw the black & white tiles on the floor and we both said "That's it!"

Having lunch in the open air by the ocean.

Jessica & Kenny "Bring Some Aloha home"

Shopping in Lahaina.

Now you know why Kenny agreed to go hiking!

We hiked through a golf course (John's choice) Jessica, Renee & Quinlan down below. I think they are too little to see.

We hiked along the beautiful coastline.

Again, hiking along the coastline.

Hiking....

We took a driving tour around the island. This is a little one lane road we were on. Kenny called it the "white knuckle" drive. If a car came around the other side they had to back up until they found a cranny in the cliff to pull over so that we could pass.

The ocean is sooo blue. It's beautiful.

I loved the little church in the valley.

We had such a wonderful trip. Weather was beautiful. Food was great. Company was fun. Games were exciting. What more could you ask for?!
ALOHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

2010 Halloween
The Overstreet Fam..

Boston and Jaxon - Super Hero's

Cuties!

2010-10-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

Then.... 1996

Now.... 2010
It had been 14 years since we had been to Disneyland.

Thunder Mountain....the easiest ride to get a Fast Pass for - we rode it the most.

The hardest ride to get a Fast Pass for - Space Mountain. 11:00 PM we were heading towards Space Mountain to see "by chance" if we could get on it for our last ride of the night. 100 Minute wait - our lucky day, a family stops us and asks us if we wanted to use their Fast Passes - this was our Last Ride of the Night - Fun!

Tyler and Jen rode Splash Mountain while Kenny & I went and ate dinner and took a little "nap" so we could survive Disneyland til it closed.

Indiana Jones....

"The Happiest Place On Earth"

Thanks Disneyland - we enjoyed our visit. It was a much needed get-away.
We hope it won't take us 14 years to return.

2010-10-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

I gave Boston some "RED" jello. Sorry Courtney, he had a red face even after washing his face. I think he enjoyed it!

Love ya Bos Boy!

2010-08-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Cup Cakes In A Jar!
I fell in love with these cute bridal shower favors.
It was the first time I have had a cup cake in a jar.
Loved eating them with a spoon - no mess!

This yellow cup cake had butter cream frosting with strawberries layered in it.

The chocolate cup cake had chocolate butter cream frosting with crushed heath candy bars sprinkled in between layers.

Cute & Yummy!

2010-08-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

One "Summer Goal" finished.....

2010-07-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

TAYLOR REUNION - 7/24/2010

Jason eating the donut on the string.

Brian, Jennifer and Ashley eating donuts.

Three-legged Race

Little kids eating the donut off from the string.

Boston with Marley - they are second cousins born on the same day.

The first generation men trying to hit the tennis ball across the line without using their hands. They have a potato in a pair of hose hanging from their waist. They were supposed to hit the tennis ball with their hanging potato. (This was harder than it looked - I'll just say, they're cheaters)

Gpa and Gma Taylor - the two responsible for this reunion.

All the dad's of the kids 5 years and younger lined up for...

....getting the shaving cream squirted off by a water gun.
Jaxon got closer and closer....

The little kids playing "whack the cracker" - you can see the crackers hanging down behind them. The adults (or so called adults) played this game also - it was brutal, but fun to watch.

My family surprised me with my favorite cake - Texas sheet cake. Thank you Courtney, Jennifer and Kenny. It was yummy.

We had a great time in the nice, cool pines. The kids (and adults) enjoyed the thunder and rain. So sad it is over.

2010-07-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

AND THEY'RE OFF.....
to the National Jamboree

Tyler and his companion from New Mexico - Caleb Martineau

5 HP scouts James, DJ, Jake, Tyler and Jeremy

Jen will miss her little buddy.

Bon Voyage until 8/5.

2010-06-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Jessica's Hobby
Jessica always wanted to own a bakery. Maybe someday. She has been practicing her baking skills. She made this cute "Cheeseburger & Fries" cake. Isn't it cute.

Question? Meal or Dessert?
Keep it up Jess.

2010-06-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

Fun Week with ALL of family.

Boston's first teeth came through.
If we took Boston's helmet off you could see that he has a buzzed hair cut like his Uncle Graham.

Celebrating Courtney's birthday.
Courtney doesn't like cake so we made her cheesecake (her favorite).
It turned out yummy - white chocolate blueberry cheesecake.
Jaxon helping her blow out the candle.

We had a fun "girls day out". We ate lunch (sorry no pictures - we were busy talking and eating)
Then we got our pedicures. What did Jen have to drink?
This was my mother's day present from my girls. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks girls!

Courtney asked Jessica to make Jaxon a Spiderman Cake for his birthday party.
Jess & Jen coloring the fondant.

cutting the windows out of the buildings.....

adding the buildings to the cake....

adding the spider web and of course the spiders.....

the finished product.... It turned out really nice, and it tasted yummy too.

Jaxon turns 3 years old.
... opening his presents....

Jaxon got a digital camera. He loves to take pictures. Maybe we'll have a photographer in the family.

Jaxon and his Spiderman cake. (We hated to cut into it)

We had a wonderful week, celebrating birthday's, playing cards, & of course eating.
Jess & Graham have gone home and Jason left to train for his new job. We wish Jason luck in his new job. Hang in there Courtney!
We'll miss them, and will look forward to our next visit!

2010-05-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

May Happenings!

Jason Graduated w/ his Masters from Thunderbird!
Jason worked very hard to get his Master's in a short amount of time. He put alot of time and effort into his schooling and it has paid off. We're so proud of him.
Jason accepted a job with FDIC. We're so glad they get to stay close by.
Tyler finished his Eagle Scout Project. YA!
Painting fire hydrants.

Courtney had her 24th Birthday. (we get to celebrate her birthday this Sunday)
Courtney is a wonderful daughter who has blessed our lives tremendously. She's very organized and helps us "get things done". She's a wonderful mother to two sweet little boys. She has a lot of energy and accomplishes more things in a day than I can in a week. We love her - and we're excited to celebrate her birthday this weekend (after their big move).

Jennifer finished her 1st year at ASU. Go Devils.

Jason, Courtney Jaxon, Boston & Jen went to Hawaii for a week. Aloha, they brought back some good chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Yum.
End of school year for me. Ya! A chapter in my life closes as I finish working at the two focus schools and move closer to home next Fall semester. I will work the month of June at Porter for the Sp. Ed Summer School Session. I have to keep reminding myself it is a blessing - and it is.
Jason & Courtney move to Gilbert on 5/29/10. It will be nice to have them a little closer.
Graham and Jessica come back from Mexico to spend a week with us on 5/29/10. I'm glad it's my week off from work while she's here. I'm going to have some "girl" time with my girls. "Letters to Juliet", pedicures, & luncheons. Can't wait.

Started a 3 month Wellness challenge. The challenge is helping me get my life back in control.
Jen & I made a Birthday Banner for Jaxon's 3rd birthday next week. We had so much fun making this. Thanks to Suzanne for her expert advice.

2010-05-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Boston is the April Bling Your Band baby winner.

on the back of his band or helmet it says "Rock Star".
The doctor says his skull is shaping really well.

2010-04-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

Helmets!!!!!

We took pictures before Courtney decorated Boston's helmet with decals.

We're all wearing HELMETS!!!! cute? ha ha

Jaxon finding Easter eggs.

Boston riding the quad.

We had an Easter Bunny hop by. We laughed sooo hard! - Jen's loving it!?!

Happy Easter!!!

2010-03-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Spring Break, pictures at the cabin.

Jaxon loved playing in the snow that was left in the shady areas. He spent most of the day with Jen & Tyler playing in the snow.

Perfect sledding for a 2 year old.

Shhh... we introduced Jaxon to a fun thing the kids used to do when they were younger. They would ride the foam pads down the stairs. I'm not sure if Gpa & Gma Taylor knew of this activity?!

Introducing Boston to the "Great Outdoors"!

One last picture of a fattening, caloric laden yummy cake.
My mouth water's when I see this picture. Yummy Reese's Peanut Butter Cake.
I'm doing another "eating healthy" meal plan (I can't call it a diet or I'll fail) so no more cake!

2010-03-25T16:51:00.001-07:00

We took a trip to the cabin over spring break and I couldn't help but take a trip down memory lane! We spent a lot of time at the running wash, letting Jaxon throw rocks & pine cones into the running water. Twenty something years ago his mom was playing at the same wash.

The same watering hole/pond where the kids used to catch polywags (?). In the summer, when it is warmer, they go to the same pond and do the same thing.

Courtney and her cousins playing at the wash in 1988.

Cousin, Stephanie Penrod caring for Courtney, Brittney and Sarah at the wash.
The older cousins loved playing and taking care of their younger cousins. It was heaven!

These glutes are made for walkin!

2010-02-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

With my trial gym pass, maybe in a month you will catch me doing this..

Vezi mai multe video Haioase

and if you're lucky, i will be wearing one of those cute little tards.

2010-02-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Finally Updating:
The B's.......

BIRTHDAY!

Tyler had his 15th Birthday in January - he requested the Oreo Fudge Ice Cream Cake

BOTOX!

My secret Santa gave me a Botox treatment.
This was a before picture - I have strong lines between my eyes.

This is the cute RN that gave me my 7 injections of Botox - or Tyler thought it was called "Latex" Not! Thanks - Secret Santa (Jessica)

BOSTON'S BLESSING
We headed over to Glendale for Boston's Baby Blessing. Jason gave him a beautiful blessing that had a few of us in tears. Boston slept in my arms the rest of church. So Sweet! Courtney had a wonderful Mexican Meal for us afterwards.

BASKETBALL:
We've been busy watching Graham's basketball games - they've been on the TV and we also get it on our Internet. We look forward to each of his games.

BLIND DATES:
Someone in our house has been set up a few times on "Blind Dates" -
I'll say no more about that. (I think I'm already in trouble for mentioning the later).

We're (The Taylor fam) have really enjoyed the above 5 B's!!!

Taylor's are buzzing with the B's!

2010-01-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

Wichita 2010!
We took a family trip back to Wichita to visit Graham and Jessica and to let Jen and Tyler experience a BB game in Koch Arena. The fans are GREAT and loud. There's a lot of enthusiasm backing the Shocker's. We just happened to be there during the Artic Blast. BRRRR!

Jen - a little camera shy on the airplane.

Ty - a little camera hostility.

Jess enjoyed breakfast with us before we left Wichita. Notice the hot chocolate in Tyler's hand. I think I must have drank a gallon of that stuff - it was COLD! 4 degrees in the middle of the day.

Jessica found another interest during her husband's game. Don't tell Graham she probably wasn't watching his fantastic game. This is Trinity, Graham's teammates baby. Isn't she cute.

Wearing our "Shocker" gold.

We had to learn the Shocker "signs" during the game. Look at Jen's hand.

Look at Kenny's hand. "W" for Wichita.

Graham & Jessica after the game - eating at a famous Kansas barbecue restaurant.

I don't know why we aren't bundled up with our heavy coats and scarfs - I think it must have warmed up to freezing when this picture was taken. - we commented we felt like that little boy in "The Christmas Story" with all of our layers. (even though I don't have a picture of it). Believe me when it was so cold we didn't stop to take any pictures - you just rushed to get inside a warm building.

We had a great trip. It was an experience we'll never forget. We don't get to experience that kind of weather very often. Thanks Graham and Jessica for a fun weekend at your place.
Go Shox!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

Out with the OLD.....

In with the NEW!

In comes the OLD... or another year older.

Jen's 19 years old. After our dinner out as a family we came home to eat her requested ICE CREAM CAKE. (Oreo Fudge Ice Cream Cake)

Brotherly love!

Heavenly Bite.

Mom and Dad celebrating with Jentay.

Happy Birthday Jentay! What a joy she has been to us. She is so compassionate, giving and always thinking of others. (Except when she's beating our buns on every game we play with her).
She's a winner and a keeper.
We love you!
P.S. It's a good day because baby Boston came home from the hospital for New Year's Eve. He has been in the hospital since Monday with RSV. Poor little guy was so sick. He's had a rough start in this world. We call him our "Miracle Baby" because he's had to be so strong amidst his trials as a new born. They also said he has Acid Reflux, which they are treating with medication. Hopefully he can be a little more comfortable. Hang in there Boston. (and mom and dad)

2009-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS 2009!

Tyler and Jen setting up our new Wii. We all had the sorest Right Arms from playing tennis. Sad! We love our Wii.

Jess, Graham and Aunt Rayna at my mom's Christmas Brunch.

Jen, Jaxon, Gma Ronnie & Jessica at Christmas Brunch.

Jessica making a necklace for her Secret Santa. We should have taken a picture of the necklace, it turned out cute.

Tyler is so excited about Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas. It's such a busy time of year, but one that is filled with a lot of Family gatherings, good food and reacquainting with our loved ones.

2009-12-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

We have a new roof. We love it! It passed the test this week when it rained, NO LEAKS!!!!! Next blog will present our newly painted house. Yay!

A picture of Jason and Courtney's cute little family. Boston is up to 7 pounds at 6 weeks old.

Boston got to meet his Great Grandpa Taylor and Great Grandma Taylor at dinner on Sunday night.

Boston snoozing away in dreamland. He loves his arms out and free.

Weekly Events!

2009-11-14T19:32:00.001-08:00

We were so excited that Jessica flew in for a visit this past weekend. We had TONS of fun while she was here. Lots to get in on a short visit.
Jessica, Ashley, Becky, Abigail and Kali playing the "Ninja" game. Hilarious.

Jessica meeting her new nephew, Boston.

Jessica, Boston & Jaxon

We had to take a picture of Jessica and her ONE suitcase. Those of you who know Jessica, know that she has never packed light for a trip. This time she only brought ONE suitcase. Good job Jess. (She didn't want to pay for extra baggage)

Tyler and Jennifer on our way over for the "Memory Walk" in downtown Phoenix. It's a little early on Sat. morning.

We all met in Phoenix for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk. We had shirts made that said Marvell's Memories. We had a great time. Gene & Marvell eating before the walk.

This is Marlee (sp?) Melanies baby that was born on the same day as Boston. I thought Courtney would like to see a picture of her. Isn't she cute.

Our family with Gene & Marvell.

The Original's with their parents. Tom was MIA.

7 of the 8 kids and their parents.

This is the Taylor clan starting our 3 mile hike. They announced us as Marvell's Memory walkers because we had 75 walkers in our group.

Action photo of Tyler, Jen & Ken.

We really had a great time as a family honoring the memories of such a wonderful lady, Marvell. It was a beautiful overcast morning and we will always remember those who can't.
We're very greatful Jessica could come down and see Boston, celebrate her 22nd birthday and enjoy the Thanksgiving Feast we had on Sunday.
We LOVE family!

New Arrival!

2009-10-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Courtney had her baby on Sunday, October 25th at 5:01PM. Boston Overstreet was delivered by emergency C-section. I barely made it there in time, like Jason posted on Courtney's blog. Jen & I were going to the hospital to see Courtney because Jason was sick with the flu and they won't let Jaxon in the hospital at all because of the H1N1. (A mother that delivered a baby on Sat. died of the H1N1 at that hospital so they are being VERY cautious, which they should.) Jason called me while we were on our way there and said for us to hurry because they were going to deliver Courtney's baby within 30 min. (She lives 45 min away). Jen drove like a maniac trying to get there in time and WE MADE IT! The Dr. spoke to me before the delivery and said they would let the baby cry and then they would intubate him. I don't like that, so luckily that didn't happen, he was breathing on his own fine. He was 4 lbs and 6 oz. Courtney is a trooper and doing great. Her white blood count was up along with Boston's so they are treating them both with antibiotics. They also gave Courtney Tamaflu. I told Jason that I'm not quite as good of a coach as he would have been but I was so excited to be there. I even got to cut the cord! I KNOW they (Court & Boston) were very much looked after and I'm so grateful they are both doing great! I took a lot of pictures with Courtney's cell phone but I don't have a picture to share with you. He is little. You can go to Courtney's blog to take a peek at Boston.

Something to Smile About!

2009-09-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

My inlaws were over for dinner. My mother-in-law is suffering with
Alzheimer's. She is so cute and saying funny things all the time
that make us laugh. Don't get me wrong, we're not laughing at her,
she happens to have a cute sense of humor along with her Alzheimer's.
We finished dinner and we had these cute cupcakes for dessert. When
I placed this flower cupcake in front of her to eat, she turned to me
and said "OH!, did you grow that in your garden?"
We were caught a little off guard and had to laugh. Thanks Marvell
for making us smile.

Retreat

2009-09-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend our ward had it's annual RS retreat.
We had a lot of fun, playing 4 square, ping pong,
Apples to Apples, Nertz and Line Dancing. We had a lot of informative classes: photography, making your photos into a DVD, & memorable cookbooks.
It was just ONE big sleep.
(which means - no sleep)

I rode up with these cute little Young Adults!

Lori Hamblin and I taking pictures of each other during our photo class.
I'm such a bad photographer, I didn't even remember I had my camera until I had to get it for the class.

One of our favorite activities - eating the good food that was prepared for us.

In our photo class we learned that the best pictures are sometimes the spontaneous ones. I was trying to shoot these photos spontaneously - which these girls didn't like me snapping away at will.

.

This is the last get together before we took a group photo. We each gave Mary Ann Hogle a picture of ourselves when we were younger. She placed them on a big poster board and we were to guess who was who. We had a lot of fun doing that. Some were really hard. This picture is when Mary Ann Hogle was telling us who was who.

I Big Thanks to our RS Presidency who worked so hard so that we could have a great Retreat, and to our Priesthood men who cooked us great food.

2009-09-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Mall Pretzels

"Thumbs Up" on this pretzel recipe! You won't have to go to the mall for yummy, soft pretzels, you can make them yourself!

Ingredients:
1 pkg dry yeast (about 2.25 tsp)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 c warm water
3 c all purpose flour
1 c bread flour
2 c warm water
2 Tbsp baking soda
2 Tbsp butter, melted
2 Tbsp Coarse Kosher salt
(other toppings= sugar/cinnamon, honey/butter)

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 c. warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 min. Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat the surface. cover and let rise for one hour.
Combine 2 c. warm water & baking soda in an 8" square pan.

After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces.

Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner.

Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on greased cookie sheet. Let rise 15-20 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. (Mine were golden brown at 8 min)

Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt or cinnamon sugar.

Enjoy!

2009-08-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

Calli Overstreet graciously took our family pictures while Graham and Jessica were in town. Here is a sneak preview of some pictures.

Thanks Calli!!!

GONE!

2009-08-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Wisdom (teeth) removed from another 18 year old!

Jen's wisdom teeth were removed last Friday. She has been living on Ramen noodles, yogurt and pudding. She was excited today because she finally was able to eat some "Stuffing" for dinner.

2009-08-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a Little Bit Country!
We're digging Country Rock Band.
If you listen to country music, you'll love it.

(Jen & Jake)

(Lexi and Clayton)

Our whole family has been playing it,(even though it's not ours- thanks for storing it at our house, wink wink). I wished I had taken pictures of everyone. Oh well!

2009-08-03T15:55:00.001-07:00

My Weekly Bread Making
is coming to a halt!

Back to work on Friday.

2009-07-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

IT WAS A GREAT DAY - BECAUSE♥♥♥♥♥♥

Jennifer and Tyler woke me up for this!

What little chefs they were - I didn't know they had it in them. That's why it was double special. Wonderful pancakes from scratch, homemade syrup, fresh strawberries, eggs and toast and orange juice. Wow! It was so yummy. Needless to say, I didn't feel like working out after that meal. It was also special because♥♥♥ it is summer time and my kids are in bad habits of staying up too late (they're teenagers) - they had to get up early to make this wonderful breakfast for me because Jen had to leave early to go babysit. What a sacrifice. Thanks!

Courtney and Jen made this wonderful Picture Frame. Isn't it cute. We'll be taking a family picture when Graham and Jessica come in 2 weeks, then we'll fill the frame with our updated picture. I love it. Thanks girls. (Another total surprise).

My present from Tyler. A can of tennis balls with a Mesa Frozen Yogurt Gift Certificate taped to it. He knows me too well. I can't wait until it cools off a little more at nights so that we can play more tennis. It's still a little too hot for me. I don't recover as well as I used too. He also knows that every time we have played tennis this summer, we go to Mesa Fro Yo afterwards for some COOL stuff.

Thanks to friends and family for your thoughtfulness. I ♥ and appreciate all of you!!!!! It was a great day.

PS. Another surprise, while I was at our ward party, Kenny handed me his cell phone and said it was for me. I took the phone and said "Hello" and then I heard a group singing me Happy Birthday on the other end. When they were done, I said "Who is This?" They said it is everyone around the campfire. I thought it was a joke, I didn't understand who was around a campfire - I was dripping with sweat from being outside at our ward water slide party. Then Gene (Kenny's dad) said the family (who are up at the cabin for a family reunion) wanted to sing Happy Birthday to me.
How Sweet! We'll join them tomorrow for the fun festivities at the Alma Reeves Taylor Family Reunion.

THANKS!!!!

2009-07-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

Two Empty, Clean Freezers = Storm July 3rd - Blew a Breaker - Gone for the weekend - Found defrosted food in freezers upon return home!

Time to Replenish! (Great picture in the background!)

2009-06-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Trip to the cabin!

We took a trip to the cabin to
spend some time with Kenny's parents
and bring them home for my nephews
missionary homecoming.
It is so much cooler in the mountains!

Kenny, Jennifer, Courtney, Jaxon & I
made the trip.
It was fun to get some one on one time
with Kenny's parents and Courtney and Jaxon.
We always eat tons up there. The girls
(Court, Jen & I) stayed
up and watched a chick flick one night. On
the last night we played cards. Some day somebody
is going to beat Jennifer at cards!!! She ALWAYS
wins. (Can you tell, it is a competitive thing with me?)
It was a nice little get-away. Thanks Courtney and Jaxon
for going with us. We had so much fun.

Jen & Jaxon quietly sneaking some snacks at bedtime.

Courtney and Jennifer enjoying S'mores (a tradition by the fire)

Jaxon showing me his graham cracker, he didn't want the other stuff
inside the cracker.

We couldn't wait to sit by the fire. It's another tradition at nighttime.
Can you believe that it is cool enough somewhere to wear a jacket and
sit by a fire to keep warm?

Jaxon loved collecting rocks. Can you see the rocks on the log by him?
All my kids when they were younger collected rocks and we would
have to display them on their dressers until I thought they had
forgotten about them and then I would secretly throw them away.

Courtney holding Jaxon when he was tuckered out.

A nice little tour in the electric car.

2009-06-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday MOM!

We love celebrating birthdays!!
Lunch - Movie - Texas Sheet Cake

Cant' get much better than that!

2009-06-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Late Birthday to Courtney & Jaxon.
Both their birthday's have come and gone, but
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (late)

Courtney turned 23 on May 25th.
She has been such a joy to me.
She is always willing to help and then some.
She never complains. She lives by the motto,
Come what may, and love it.
She is a good little mom and wife, and a great daughter!
Love ya lots, Happy Birthdday Courtney.
(Better late than never)

Courtney 10 months old.

Jaxon turned "2" on June 3rd.
Courtney gave him a "Blue's Clue's"
Birthday party with his friends.
Jaxon had a 2nd birthday party for his family
in the Overstreet's backyard. They had a blow up
water slide to play in. Sorry no pictures, I forgot my camera.
Jaxon is such a happy boy.
We were so excited when he was born.
We're always so excited when
he comes to our house. He is getting so big.
Happy 2nd Birthday Jaxon! We love you.

Jaxon at 3 months old.

A more recent picture of Jaxon.

2009-05-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

May Events

Jennifer's last prom.
Jennifer's softball banquet.
Schools Out for Summer.
Jennifer Graduated.
Registered Jen at ASU.
Jason & Courtney's 4th Anniversary.
Courtney's 23rd Birthday.
Courtney's expecting #2.
Taylor Reunion over Memorial Weekend.
Graham & Jessica have come and gone.
I accepted an MPS job for next year.
I accepted a part time summer job.
Tyler's last baseball game.
That's all!!

Jake & Jen Prom/09

HP Senior Dinner- A yummy Mexican Fiesta in the Stahle's back yard.

Jen's Senior picture taken by Courtney

HP graduates at Baccalaureate.

Jen & her BFF Lexi.

Jenny's graduating friends. Notice we hadn't bought the tassel yet.
Showing some leg.

.

Jake & Jen at Graduation. A wet graduation. Does it rain in AZ?

Jessica, Jen, Tyler, & Courtney at graduation.

It rained during the entire graduation ceremony. It's one for the memory books, we were wet & cold on May 21st in Mesa, AZ. It was funny because even though you had an umbrella over your head the rain would drip off from the umbrella next to you and soak you. A little cat fight occured in front of us because the water was running off from one ladies umbrella onto the leg of the lady behind her. You had to be there. One good thing about the rain, the speakers (adults) shortened their speeches. There was no music, the band and orchestra had to take their instruments back into the building. Too wet!!

This is a picture of 7 girls who started playing softball with Coach Brewer 8 years ago. He was such an amazing coach and taught these girls so much. They ended up playing together their senior year - so we had to get a special photo of them.

When Jessica got here from Wichita we had Jen's prom picture out in the family room. I noticed a few hours later that Jess's prom picture showed up next to Jen's in the family room. I guess it brought back memories for Jess.? It was funny how it annonymously appeared.
Do you see any similarities?

2009-05-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry - two blogs in one night.
Tonight I came home from work a little shaken.
Again an incident at the Jr. High where I
work.
I call it the little prison because it really feels
like that's where we are. It's a focus school, where
the kids that can't make it in the regular schools come to as the last chance to be in a public school.
O.K. It's Friday - a good day until 1:45.
This is how the events went:
It's the end of lunch time - it's Friday the kids seem a little edgy.
4 Boys start using very colorful language, one boy accusing another boy of looking at his girlfriend. The boys start walking to a building where they can duke it out.
These kids LOVE to fight.
The secretary is out there helping monitor these kids during the lunch hour along with some teachers,and a security guard. She's trying to keep these guys
from brawling when all of a sudden she get's a hard blow to
the back of her neck. One of the guys hit her hard on the back of her neck.
Fists were flying - tempers raging.
Another student was hit hard in the mouth, a bloody mess.
The security guard and 2 teachers are trying to constrain the students the
best they can - while the secretary is brought into me.
She's shaking, very unstable. She's throwing up and
very dizzy. 3 Police cars, a gang taskforce, 1 firetruck & 1 ambulance end up at our school.
The secretary is taken by ambulance to Scottsdale Osborne. A student is taken to get stitches on his face. The security
guard is shaken up in the fight also - I don't know if he or the secretary will be
back on campus on Monday. I hope they're o.k.
I was lucky because I was just out amongst the thugs monitoring
my little defiant diabetic who lies about what food he
eats at lunchtime. We had gone into the Health Office just minutes before the excitement started. Needless to say, I was the last one
at the school on this lovely Friday afternoon filling out
Accident Reports. Wah Wah! (Besides the janitor)
I'm glad this year's almost over!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

2009-05-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Where will you find the Taylor's at night?
At the Ball Parks.
Senior Night for Jen's Softball.
Jen and her best bud - Lexi after their last home game ever!!
So Sad!

The 10 graduating seniors from Mesa High Softball.
Most of these girls have played together for 5 years. They have had a lot of great times together. Lots of fun memories.

Jen receiving her rose from Coach Madril.
This was Coach Madril's first year as head coach. He did awesome. He was Gay Turley's assistant for many years. Coach Madril will have some good years to come.

Jen receiving her Senior Back pack full of gifts.
Jen was most excited about the Movie Ticket. (She's actually using the ticket as I blog to see 17 Again) She also loved the QT gift certificate, + everything else.

The season started off slow for Jen because she was recovering from knee surgery, then her very first game upon returning (a month into the season) she sprained her right wrist. She overcame her obstacles and had a great year. We're sad
the season's over. Good Job slugger.

Jentay is done but Tyler's still playing!

Tyler is having fun this year. He knows some of the boys on his team - finally!
You never know who is going to be on your team because of the "draft".
Tyler as the catcher.

Ready at First Base.

Slugger #2!

I might complain because I'm never home, but really I love watching my
kids play what they love. The weather has been wonderful to sit out and watch ballgames in. No more complaining!
America's favorite past time = Taylor's favorite past time.

"Popping" to ask Jen to Prom

2009-04-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

While we were away to work and school
a certain someone filled Jen's room
with lots of balloons asking her to prom.
I was hoping to see it, but I was too late,
they were all popped.
My reaction was "Why didn't you wait til I got home?"
Jen's reply, "I couldn't wait!"
Imagine that!!!!
Here's the aftermath.

Jen popped and popped to find out who?

A missing "O"

Jacob Matthew Young

<
Prom is May 2nd!
We're excited.

2009-04-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt - Rain or Shine!!!!
Courtney brought Jaxon to our Neighborhood Easter Party.
Jen and Jaxon gathering eggs.
The Zilm's yard was where the
1 year olds hunted for Easter Eggs.

We told Jaxon to smile for the camera. "Cheese"

Our Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt was in jeopardy for the first time since I can remember because of RAIN!
The party must go on - is what the consensus was.
The kids that came filled their Easter baskets to the brim! They made a haul.
We had great HOT homemade cinnamon and orange rolls - yummy!
And last minute (because of cold & rainy weather), we changed our juice to Hot Chocolate. Another Hit.
Thanks to all who braved the rain and came to the neighborhood party.
Does anyone know how long we have been having our Neighborhood Easter Party?

Scary times at Work!

2009-03-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

We've had some scary things happen at work. My heart goes out to some of the students that are soooo troubled. In the last 3 days of work - we've had 2 drug overdoses - and I can't say a whole lot about the other scare except that the Secretary showed me where the bullet proof vest was!!!!
Hug your children!

2009-03-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

What is happening in
"Your neck of the woods"
during Spring Break?

Jessica is experiencing 15" of snow in Kansas - while Jennifer is soaking up some rays in Arizona.

2009-03-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

I Love!!!!
Springtime...Spring Break....Spring Training...Spring Fever!!!!
I thought 3:00 PM would never come on Friday the 13th.
I usually get off work at 3:30 but... Jen had a softball game and it was the Friday before spring break, no one else stuck around so ADIOS McKellips Middle School!

A Big thanks to my wonderful ward family. We had a ward campout last week-end and was I excited (no), but I was in charge of the activity. Needless to say, it turned out to be SOOO much fun. This is why it was fun:
1) Fun Ward Family
2) Huge Bonfire (night & morning) Bro. Angle made a huge metal fire pit that we kept stocked w/ fire wood. We sat around the fire and laughed and talked til 12:30AM.
3) Good Food (Thanks Amanda Raine)
4) Fun Games (The men & some woman got a little competitive in Horse Shoes)
5) Wonderful Camp site (no dirt - well, paved roads and a side walk all the way to the indoor bathrooms)
6) Indoor bathrooms - running water and also showers if you wanted.
7) Gorgeous view of Roosevelt Lake
8) Wood stove in our tent!! I can't tell you what a big difference this made in how I liked this camping trip. I get cold so easy and I don't sleep well when I'm cold, let alone in a sleeping bag. Bro. Angle again came through and let us use his big tent that had a wood burning stove inside. It was so warm and cozy!
9) Wonderful weather - beautiful clear skies, beautiful sunset.
10) Bishops message on Being Grateful for what we have and quit looking elsewhere for happiness when it's in our own front yard. Thanks Bishop - he's truly and inspired man.

I forgot to take my camera - sorry no pictures.
I also got to eat at "The Burger House" . It was my first time. Yummy.
HAPPY SPRING BREAK TO ALL!!!!!

Jen's knee surgery.

2009-02-20T21:04:00.001-08:00

Jen had arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday 2/9.
She has had knee trouble for the last couple of years, but specifically on her left knee since last July. The doctor's and trainers at her school thought that she had a torn meniscus because of the way it popped and didn't heal for such a long period of time. She tried exercising it to make it stronger - didn't work.
Dr. Porter had the attitude of "let's see what the problem is and let's take care of it!"

Good News! She did not have a torn meniscus. She had an extra film of skin (Plica) that had grown over the meniscus that was folded over and it was causing irritation in there. He went in and cleaned it all out. Recovery time should be a lot less time than a repair on a meniscal tear. Yay.

If you look closely you can see where they marked above her knee w/pen - saying it was the correct knee to scope. Jen says it looks like she was bitten by a vampire.

Jen is recovering so well. She visit's the school trainer everyday for 6th hour. She doesn't particularly like that because it's painful. She should be able to start playing catch for softball next week. Each week she should be stronger and should be able to play softball in a couple of weeks. We're keeping our fingers crossed.
We're hoping this does the trick!
It will!!!!!!!!!

Trip to Wichita!

2009-02-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Kenny & I flew to Wichita last week end. We were able to see one of Graham's basketball games. They beat Drake. It was a lot of fun.

We thought this picture was a good one! It happened to make it onto the front page of the Sports section of Wichita's newspaper.

Graham and Jessica after the game.
(The cute little girl to the left is a friend to a girl that made a t-shirt that had Graham's name and # on it. She had Graham sign it.)

Kenny & I after the game.
Jessica did my make-up. She did my eye's so they would "pop". Whatever that means. I told her I felt like a "painted lady".

Graham during his game.

Graham shooting during warm-ups. Jessica said it was the 1st time she had gotten there early enough to see warm-ups. She's too funny!

Kenny and Jessica during half-time.

We visited Jessica's school. She gave me a facial, did some waxing and make up. She did a great job and she graduates tomorrow! (2-6-09) It was so much fun to meet the cute girls she has made friends with at her beauty school.

We had a great trip - once we got there. We flew on Buddy passes - we didn't make it on either flight the 1st day. We finally got there and enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks Jessica and Graham for having us.

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins

2009-01-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins

I just finished this book. It was recommended by Stephanie Meyers. It was so good. I have to take a break in reading because this book consumed me. I could hardly put it down. Now back to being a mom and wife. I highly recommend it! FYI - it has a long waiting list at the library.

2009-01-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Tyler!!!!
14 Years Old - WOW!!! What a happy day it was when you were born. We finally had a boy!
Tyler's sister's were so excited when he was born.
They had a brother. In return he had 3 extra "mom's".
Tyler is very patient and tolerant.
He's very kind and thoughtful.
We love you and wish you a wonderful birthday.
Below are each of his sisters holding him when he was a baby. He got alot of that.
You'll notice a hand sticker on each of the pictures - His sister's were extra helping hands when he was a baby. They would bring their friends over to show off their little baby brother.
I think it was Courtney that had a squabble with one of her friends - arguing that her brother was the "cutest".
Jennifer & Tyler

Jessica & Tyler

Courtney & Tyler

Tyler's favorite sport is Baseball.

Happy 14th Ty!
Have fun on your last Scout Outing!

Happy Birthday Jenni!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T19:19:00.001-08:00

Happy 18th Birthday Jen!
Courtney made her scotcheroos(?) for her birthday. Notice some are gone from the pan - sneaky Courtney.

Winter Formal 2008

2008-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

Using My Wheat!

2008-12-30T18:49:00.001-08:00

Eating Healthy Again!
1) I received this wonderful "Healthy Cookbook" from Jennifer for Christmas. I love it.
2) I ordered some fresh wheat from my sister-in-laws ward.
3) Ground my wheat and made wheat bread (I finally found a recipe in this cookbook that I like for whole wheat bread).
4) Eat the homeade bread w/ honeybutter given to us from our wonderful neighbors.
Ask Kenny if he's happy that we're "eating healthy" again.

2008-12-30T16:54:00.000-08:00

Courtney gave me the most wonderful Christmas present this year!
She worked for months on my recipes.
I used to spend hours hunting for my recipes in these folders.

She organized my Main Dish Recipes into this folder - It looks so nice. Each recipe is put into a protective sheet. No more food spilled on the recipe.

She organized all my Dessert recipes into this folder.
Thank you Courtney for spending many, many hours on this wonderful present for me. I have always wanted to do this, but never got around to it.
You're amazing!!!!!

2008-12-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
I hope each of you had as wonderful of a day as we
had.

2008-12-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving!

Lots of Good, Hot Homeade Food!

Cooking a Homeade Thanksgiving Dinner = TIME.

My Grandma Ruby was a good cook. Her family came to her house to enjoy her yummy food. One of her famous foods she was well known for was her homeade chocolate pie. She didn't have a recipe so she couldn't pass it down - BUT - I (her only granddaughter) found a recipe that is pretty darn close to hers. My brothers and my kids all look forward to me making it each year. (hope that doesn't sound conceded)

I didn't get a picture of my chocolate pie - The pie pictured is a lemon pie that I make each year for my mom.

I made whole wheat rolls this year instead of the white rolls. I'm still looking for a recipe that I like for those. Any suggestions????

We had a great Thanksgiving

enjoying:

FAMILY

FOOD

BASKETBALL

CELEBRATING KENNY'S PARENTS 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

FRIENDS

TIS THE
SEASON!
for
enjoying -----
Fresh Orange Juice

TOO MUCH
CHRISTMAS CANDY! yummy

GINGERBREAD HOUSES
Jennifer and Jake made this during their
Winter Formal Day Activity - good job guys.

and

My Nightly Ritual of sipping
Hot Chocolate while I sit by the fire....

It doesn't get any better than that.

Guess what my New Year's resolution will be - again ----TREADMILL!
Happy Holiday's!!!!!!

2008-11-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

Wichita beat Sienna this morning. It was a great game!
Wichita was behind most of the game, but in the end we won by 2.
Great game Graham!!!! (say that fast 3X).
Wichita will play again Sunday 12:30 Florida time. I think that's 10:30 AM AZ time on ESPN.

I'm Thankful!!!

2008-11-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year! We reflect and ponder our many blessings.
Some things I'm thankful for:
The bright warm sun.
Great neighbors.
My wonderful family.
Our home.
Kenny's job - in today's world having a job is a great blessing.
I'm grateful that I have a job that I enjoy.
The gospel.
The YW who got up so early this morning to go to the temple. (4:40 AM)
The YW leaders I work with, they are so fun and so diligent in their service.
My grandson Jaxon - he is such a little boy now. He's fun to interact with. We love him so much!
My children. They bring me so much joy. It's fun to see who they are becoming. They are good examples to me.
My in-laws. We'll be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this Thanksgiving Season.
Good health. You never know!!!!
I'm very thankful for all these things and many, many more.

2008-11-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jessica!!!!

21 Big Ones Today!!!

Jess is our party girl. She has always liked to have a lot of friends around having a PARTY.

We missed partying with you on your birthday today. We're so grateful that you had good people in Kansas helping you celebrate your special day today.

Jessica's personality has been one that brightens a room when she enters it.

She likes to have Fun with a capital F.

Jessica is a good friend and she has been blessed to have wonderful friends.

(Jessica was a poodle in "How much is that doggy in the window" for a dance recital.) How appropriate because she has always begged to have a puppy.

She has always been very active, running, jumping, skipping, turning cartwheels, round offs, back bends, back walk overs, dancing. In VB - she runs, dives and rolls. In softball she was quick around the bases. She was the player who was brave and fast enough to steal the bases.

Most important - she has a big, soft, kind heart. She loves and supports her family and friends. She would do anything for anybody at the drop of a hat. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and the YW in Kansas are lucky to feel of your love for them and to know of the love you have for your Savior.

We love and miss your sweet smile.

We'll see you in a month!!!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom

Proud Moment!

2008-11-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Jen won a pie eating contest at the Halloween party she went to. She won the 3 guys she competed against. You make me proud Jen.

The contest was whoever ate the most pies in a certain amount of time was the winner. You can see the small little pies at the bottom right hand corner of the picture. Jen was dressed as a baby. Maybe the reason they picked her to represent the girls was she had a bib on!? I asked her what she had on her head - she said it was her baby bonnet. Go figure.

I think she ate 5 of those little pies. WOW!

2008-10-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Homecoming..................

Taylor + Overstreet = Homecoming 08

In the above picture, Courtney is helping Jen get ready.

Courtney was such a big help - I don't know what we would have done without her. She helped pick out the dress, she bought the shoes and the jewelrey and then did Jen's hair and make-up. Whooo - she did it all. Thanks Courtney.

Side note - the whole time she was working on Jen's hair - she kept saying "Where's Jess?" Jessica usually jumped in and did the hair when she was still here in Mesa. Courtney jumped right in and did a fantastic job.

This has been a different experience getting ready for this. Sorry Court & Jess, but you two used to get so stressed about hair, make-up, etc. Jen doesn't. I stress because she's not. There were no tears. What's up with that?

Jessica wanted to know what Jen's dress, etc. looked like. Here are some photo's I took as they were leaving. Callie was taking their group pictures in the Overstreet's back yard, in front of their big trees. They should turn out nice.

This is Jordan Overstreet and Jen. Don't they look cute.

Our families have been friends for quite a while.

And.... Jen's oldest sister is married to Jordan's oldest brother.... go figure.

Whenever we have a party with the Overstreet's Jen and Jordan have been each other's competition. They're both really good at Guitar Hero, Rock Band and card games. They give each other a run for their money.

After the dance tonight, their fun group is heading back to Overstreet's to play some games. Let the competitions begin!!!!! You go girl!!!!!!!!

Get er Done!.

2008-10-17T15:32:00.001-07:00

I made myself a list of "Things to Do" - during my week off from work.

This was on my list.

Get Flu shot

Got er done.

They are giving them at the Fry's on Baseline and Val Vista this

week - end.

On the list........

Plant Flowers.............

Got er done!

On the list......

Plant garden (tomatoes and jalepenos)..........

Got er done!!!!

The weather was so nice (Sunday night)- we played outside w/Jaxon. - Jaxon loves to play outside and "kick" the ball. We also went to the park on Thursday....

On the list.....

Spend time w/family.........

Got er done!!!!!!

The list........

I'll never know if I completed all the things on my list - why? Because I lost my list.

I'm getting old!!!!!!!

2008-10-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Strolling Down Memory Lane

Kenny and I went to get some Mesa Fro Yo after Mesa Highs Football game on Friday and we ran into our previous neighbors who lived next to us 20 years ago. It was so fun to see their kids now grown and married, chasing their little ones.

Running into them made me ponder on the past.
Some of the changes in the past 20 years are:

4 different neighbors in the house to the North of us.

3 different neighbors in the house South of us.

and more in the houses around us. We love our neighbors and our wonderful neighborhood.

We cherrish the memories of then and now!

The kids then--->

The kids now----->

Our family then........

Our family now...........

The many swimming parties we've had.

Many friends parties.........

Many first days of schools.....

Our front yard holds the most fun memories for my kids. They played many games of football, baseball, soccer,hide-n-seek, kick the can and whatever else they did in our front yard.

(This is the only picture I could find of the kids playing in the front yard(sad) - it was Jen's 11th birthday party)

We're thankful for all of the Great Times we had then and are very thankful for the Great Times we're having now.

Tagged

2008-09-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Courtney informed me I had been tagged by Jessica . I hope I can remember events from long ago in order to answer the following questions. Here Goes.

1. What is your husband's name?
Kenneth Lee Taylor

2. Who eats more?
He does. He loves to eat. .I grew up in a family that didn't snack - he grew up in a family that did. He converted me. Now we both snack.

3. Who said I love you first?
I had to ask Kenny this question. Sad, but neither one of us could remember that moment. We both think he did. He was ready to get married before I was. So we both say him.

4. Who is taller?
Easy question - him. I'm short.

5. Who is smarter?
Easy question - him. I always tell my kids that their dad is more intelligent than me - but I got better grades in school than him because I was very conscientious about doing my assignments and my homework. He didn't care about those things - thus me getting a scholarship to college - he didn't. He's more intelligent!

6. Who is more sensitive?
I think Kenny is. He's very thoughtful and kind. He's more sensitive.

7. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
me - I don't think it really matters to us because that's changed a few times over the years, we're just creatures of habit now. He has always slept on the side where we had the phone. He can't stand to not answer the phone, and if I'm asleep - the phone can ring and it doesn't bother me. That's what has decided who sleeps on what side.

8. Who pays the bills?
I do. I don't necessarily like it, but I am a little more organized. I have folders and I keep track of what I pay and when. If he pays them, he doesn't keep any records - only in his steel trap. My steel trap is a little tarnished, so I have to keep records.

9. Who cooks more?
Me. I guess it kind of depends on what you define as cooking. I like to cook-sometimes. He warms things up, or can microwave things - but I don't think he has ever made anything from scratch or a recipe. I make more meals. He does help out a lot in the kitchen. The things he cooks are: hot dogs, hash browns, eggs, bacon, can of soup, popcorn, & cheese and crackers. If I don't cook, he'll fix something to eat, and he makes sure the kids have something to eat also. He's always been a better mom than me. I "cook" though and he doesn't.

10. Who is more stubborn?
If you ask him, he would say me. If you ask me (and you are), I say him.

11. Who is the 1st to admit they are wrong?
Me - just because I talk. You have to talk about it in order to admit you're wrong, he's quiet and doesn't talk about it - so me. He doesn't ever blame anybody though - I do(sorry).

12. Who has more siblings?
Another easy question - him. He has double the amount of siblings than I do. Kenny = 7. Me = 3. His family is a lot bigger than mine - I think they have 90+ immediate family. I have somewhere in the 20's. Kenny has a GREAT family, I love them and I've always had a lot of fun with them.

13. Who wears the pants in the family?
Some advice I was given when we got married was "to let him think he was in charge". I have thought about that advice a lot - and it usually works. I don't really know who wears the pants - he does on some things and I do on some things. We both wear pants!

14. What do you like to do together?
We have always had the same interests when it came to sporting events. We both love Volleyball, I played in high school and he played on a men's VB team that traveled all over. And then we even played on a co-ed city league VB team for many years, and now we love watching our kids play. We both love to travel, eat out, go to movies, watch the D-backs, Phoenix Suns, ASU and any other sporting events.

15. Who eats more sweets?
Me. I like the sweet stuff, he goes more for the salty.

16. Guilty pleasures?
Snacks & watching TV.

17. How did you meet?
Through our Young Adult Friends. We got married when he was 31 years old. He had been through many sets of friends because they would all get married on him. He got to the stage of friends that were more my age (there's 8 years age difference between us). It just so happens that I went out with all of the friends that he hung out with. They would meet at his condo on Sunday nights to play cards and eat M & M's. I started going to Kenny's place to play games with my friends who were also his friends, and that's how we met.

18. Who proposed?
This is a long, complicated story, so I'll spare you. We had talked a lot about getting married because we dated 1 1/2 years, but it took me saying that I was ready to get married before we were officially engaged . We had to get some things resolved ( I had previously been married in the temple and needed a sealing cancellation) and then we went and bought a ring and stopped by my Grandma Farnsworth's house first to tell her we were engaged and then by his parents to tell them. I think everybody was glad we had "finally" (really me, he was ready long before me) decided to get married. It was not a traditionaly proposal but more of an agreement that we were both at the same point ready to get married.
We have lived "Happily Ever After" since making that decision.
Kenny is a wonderful, kind, and thoughtful husband. My kids have the best dad ever. He would and does anything for them. He loves his family very much and I'm thankful for that. Love you lots KLT.

Getting Asked to Homecoming

2008-09-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Jen being asked to Home-
coming.
The doorbell rang and look who was at the door, Jaxon in his tux delivering some roses w/ a note on them.

The envelope had a bunch of letters for Jen to put together to figure out who was asking her.

Jaxon helping Jennifer put the letters together.
( cute little pot belly, his shirt was itchy so we took it off)

The nephew of the Asker is also the nephew of the askee. (are asker and askee words?)

Who could it be?

JORDAN OVERSTREET!

Time Will Heal

2008-09-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

Sports Injuries of the Week!
Injury #1 - Mesa High's Volleyball team went to a team camp at Glendale college the last week in July. Jennifer dove for a ball and felt something snap in her "good" knee. The trainer iced it and said that she sprained it. She kept playing on it, icing it, taking ibuprofen, etc, it wasn't getting any better. The Mesa High trainer taped her up good before every game. The trainer, along with Jennifer, noticed it wasn't getting any better. The trainer examined it and did some test's and thought maybe Jen had a torn her meniscus in her knee. Kenny took her to the orthopedic Dr. on Friday and he confirmed it is probably a torn meniscus - now an MRI will tell us for sure if that is what it is. It's always good to know what the problem is so that you can fix it.

Injury #2 - Tyler is playing on a Fall Ball baseball team in Gilbert. He's enjoying it and the coaches are really nice. Tyler played catcher for a couple of season's about 3 years ago, and the coaches every since then have never played him there. Well, at Fall Ball he is getting a chance to play catcher again. (He likes it for some reason - it always scared me with the person swinging the bat so close to me) He was catching for an older kid during their batting practice - this kid was throwing some heat (so Tyler says). One of the pitches he caught bent his thumb back quite a bit. He wouldn't tell his coach that he hurt his thumb, but he couldn't squeeze the glove anymore, hence not catching the pitches. The coach noticed something wrong after a while and took care of him. A sprained Left Thumb.
Nothing serious thank goodness.
Saying for the week - "Time will Heal".

I also had fun on the Woman's retreat up to Claysprings. We stayed at an old LDS church building that someone had turned into a lodge. Lots of rooms, bathrooms, a big recreation room, kitchen, dining area, and a big family room with a big screen TV. Most of the individual rooms had TV's and DVD players. We had great food! (Thanks to Renee Hatch and the other RS leaders) We played lots of games from the past: jacks, jump rope, four square, & ping pong. Sounds weird, but we really had a lot of fun. (My legs are quite sore from 4 square, I think we got a little too competitive for old woman )
I stayed up talking until 3:00 AM, then I couldn't sleep (major snoring going on in my room). At 4:00 I got my blanket and pillow and found the only open place to sleep in the whole building, a love seat in the family room . (Well, the only place I could find at 4 AM). I slept until some ladies got up at 7:30 to make us a wonderful breakfast. We had a hilarious, yet spiritual speaker come and talk to us, cleaned up traveled home.
Sorry I didn't take any pictures.
Somebody that went has to post some hilarious pictures. I'm waiting to see them!!!!!

2008-09-11T15:19:00.001-07:00

This morn-ing Kenny woke up to this.....

the ceiling caved in in the hall bathroom again!!!!

I woke up to this......

Kenny had cleaned up almost all of the mess with the broom!

What a wonderful husband

When I came home from work today I found this.....

Jessica's All-American Athlete Award on the front doorstep.

Today when my family comes home they will come home to this......

Crockpot Chicken Italliano.

Cookie Recipe

2008-09-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the recipe of the cookies I took to the cabin this weekend - enjoy!
Oatmeal/Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 lb butter
2 C. Brown Sugar
2 C. Sugar
3 C. Oatmeal (old fashioned)
4 C. flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cinnamon
4 C. choc. chips or 2 bags See's choc. chips
1 bag shredded coconut
3 C chopped pecans
4 eggs (2 whole/2 egg whites)
2 tsp vanilla

Melt butter on defrost in microwave, let cool, add eggs & vanilla.

In very large bowl - mix all dry ingredients, pour butter mixture over dry ingredients. Mixture will be dry - it's o.k. Use ice cream scoop to make round balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Dip bottom of glass cup in sugar and press down on cookie dough til dough is smashed 1/2 way down. Bake 350 for 12 minutes.

PS - this is really good used as a pazookie - Put hot cookie on bottom of bowl, add ice cream and fudge - Yummy!

Vision Screening

2008-08-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm back to doing this

---------->

For 56 Elementary Schools in Mesa.

FYI

K, 1st, 3rd & 5th graders

are tested in the MPS district.

The school Nurses screen the children we can't get to.

The Kindergarten and 1st Graders use a chart with pictures - but I couldn't find one to display. The older kids use the above letter chart. We also do near vision screening, and a color blindness test on the 3rd Graders.

The end of Vision Screening 101.

Happy Screening in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Shout Out to a Good Week!

Kids back in school.

Michael Phelps winning 8th Gold.

Beach VB teams still winning!

Gymnastics til 12:10 AM.

Love Shawn Johnson - so cute

Lunch at Cheesecake Factory

Jennifer making the varsity VB team.

Jessica being called as YW Secretary.

?Question on this next one?

Getting pulled off my treadmill by a trainer at Fitness Works to take her "Group Active" class.

It was a good class, but the people in there were a little over the hill - so should I be offended? JK, I was sore the next couple of days, sad!

GO USA!!!

Jessica's Wedding

2008-08-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Wedding photos are posted on Auburnjonesphotography.com.

Click on client and password - Jessica.

We love them. Thanks Auburn.

Wichita Trip!

2008-08-06T23:11:00.000-07:00

This blog is about our trip moving Graham and Jessica to Wichita, Kansas.

The following pictures will give you a better idea of the place where Graham and Jessica moved to.

Question????

How many states do you visit going from

Mesa to Wichita???

If you said "5" - you're absolutely right!

We saw field after field of

"Amber Waves of Grain"

thus the need for every town to have these huge

Grain Silo's

Do you remember when a tornado recently visited Kansas?

We went through the little town of Greensburg, KS

that that recent tornado wiped out.
The destruction was sad.

Graham and Jessica pulled all of their "stuff" in this.

Do you think in a couple of years they will be able to take ALL their "stuff" in this U-haul?

Their new home. (Apt)

Poolside View - Bottom Floor
A beautiful Green park across the street from their place.

I don't think you can see how green things are from my pictures.

Cooking their 1st Sunday Meal.

(chicken pillows)

The in-laws enjoying their 1st Sunday Dinner.

(lucky newlyweds?!?!)

Koch Arena

The arena where Graham will be playing

Basketball.

Graham gave us a tour through it. It was really nice inside.

Big flat screens on the walls w/black leather couches

where the players can play video games,

or just chill and watch TV.

If you look carefully, you can see a river,

aka the River Walk in downtown Wichita.

We had such a fun trip. It was fun getting to see where
the new "Hatch" couple will live for the next 3 years or so.
We're glad we could make the trip, and it was a trip!!!!!
We met a lot of nice, friendly people at their church.
I introduced myself in RS and after the meeting
a lady ran up to me and said that she had
recently moved to Wichita (she had been there a month).

She said that she and her husband were both from Mesa. She was a Stradling that graduated from MTV a year after me, and He was a Johnson who graduated from WHS in 1976.
She said she would take care of them for us. What a blessing!!
We felt like they are in good hands in Wichita.
Good Luck Hatch's!!!!!

THE END!!!!

2008-07-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Graham are finally married!!!

It seems like we have been working towards this wonderful event for a long time!

We had a wonderful week full of fun events.

The Wedding Dinner was held on Wednesday night. It was attended by lots of family and friends.

Renee made the most fabulous Mexican Food dinner!

Great Friends helped, helped some more than helped tons during our wedding week.

They also helped tons at a funeral for one of our ward members that week also.

They are WONDERFUL!!!! Thanks a bunch!

Vicki and Stephanie cooking tortillas in the "hot kitchen".

The tables were decorated so cute - who can resist good chips and salsa? The Mexican pop (from bottles) was a BIG hit!
Wonderful friends. Jessica will miss them soooo much.
They helped out so much with everything.
Thanks!

Afton, Kali, Jessica, Kassandra & Becky.

Graham's friends. It's amazing how Jessica and Graham have had
a wonderful group of friends for so long. They really love and support each other.

John, Graham, Matt, Barry and Brian.

Jessica & Graham

The happy couple.

Katie Hatch took all of these wonderful pictures. She came over while Jessica was getting

ready for her big day and snapped some neat pictures. This is a cool picture. Allison Taylor doing Jessica's hair.

Allison and Jessica.

I will have more wedding pictures coming up.

Thanks again for all your love and support!!!!

Jessica & Graham are on their honeymoon down in Cancun Mexico.

I just read a news bulletin where there is a hurricane "Dolly", that is to

hit there today. Hope they are o.k. I think it will get them ready

for all the tornadoes they possibly could encounter in Wichita.

Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

2008-07-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

I made this gooey butter cake for a YW's treat and told the girls I would post the recipe on my blog. It's very easy to make and yummy!

GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

1 pkg. yellow cake mix 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1 stick butter, melted 2 eggs
1 slightly beaten egg 3 c. powdered sugar

Mix cake mix, melted butter and egg. Spread in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Pat into place. Mix cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour over cake mixture. Bake at 350 for
30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Enjoy!!!!

Dahlia's & Peony's

2008-07-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Jackie McAferty did a beautiful job on Jessica's bouquet for her Bridals.

Dahlia's

The heat does a number on these flowers.

Jessica went through the temple 7/1. It was so neat.

When we got home we found this on our kitchen counter.

Sweet Becky Hamblin surprised Jessica with her FAVORITE flowers - Peonie's.

This picture doesn't show the pretty pink tinge in the middle.

They're so pretty.

Thanks Becky.

Jessica has such great friends!!!!!

Week- end at Taylor Ranch!

2008-06-29T19:37:00.001-07:00

A New Addition to Taylor Ranch

The Duplex

The Front....

The Back....

I loved the big porch.....

At night we would sit out

on the huge porch

(just like in the old movies)

It was SOOO Nice and cool......

and what a beautiful view!

A Little Paint Balling......

Tyler and Jake Jarvis

doing

a litte motorcycling.....

A Little Sight - seeing in the

electric car

This car is not quite the four-wheeling vehicle...

It ran out of juice quite fast with four

of us riding the hills in it...

Heavy Load??!!!

(maybe we had one too many hot fudge sundaes )

Is it a Ranch or a Farm?

Goats....

Bulls

(Thank goodness I wasn't wearing red. He was really checking me out!)

Llamas

(Not wearing pajama's)

and chickens, rooster, ducks &

a big cat w/ baby cat in barn

We were sad to leave because look what

was rolling in......

We love thunderstorms in the mountains.

We got a "free car wash" on the way home!

All Natural!

Think Green???

Jessica getting ready for

her Bridals on Monday morning?

Jess and Jen modeling the hair extensions.....

Maybe a little mixed up on where the

extensions go?!!!

Does Kenny need some hair extensions?
Wouldn't that be funny!!!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-06-23T17:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday, June 22, was my mom's 71st Birthday!

We made our families traditional Fudgy Fudge Cake!

It is a chocolate cake that has been made for many a family party on

my side of the family for over 40 years.

You eat this cake while it's still hot.

I stuck the candles in the cake while it was hot

and

they melted and started tipping over.

That has never happened to me before.

The cake was great!!! My favorite and my mom's favorite also!

I hope my mom had a great Birthday!!!

The group that sang " HAPPY BIRTHDAY"!

Courtney, Jason and Jaxon came after the Kodak moments.

Last Weeks "FIRSTS'

2008-06-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

1st Time for me to pay over $4.00 for a tank of gas - ugh!

1st Time for Tyler to get his Braces off!

1st Time for my First grandchild to have his First Birthday!

Jaxon loved his new lawn mower.

1st Time enjoying Taco Tuesday at Cafe Rio. (I learned it's $1.00 taco's after 3:00PM) Yummy!

(Because I went at 12:00, no deals on tacos, I had to get a burrito - and yes I took Kenny back for dinner and we got the taco specials, that's me-always going for the good deals!)

Jen's 18's Club Volleyball team won First Place in their last club tournament!!! Congrats!

Jen's eyes were closed.
1:00 AM - is the time I've been staying up til working on wedding invitations.

(This is one of the 3 boxes I have finished, I'm waiting on the ribbon to come in on Friday to finish up the next couple hundred of invitations - fun!?)

1st Customer at the Post Office to buy the new .42 cent wedding stamp.

1st Trip for Jessica with her to-be in-laws family.

Maybe when she gets back I can post a picture!?

1st Friend from Harmony Park (Jessica's age group) to get married.

It was such a beautiful reception!!!!!!

Those are a few of my "FIRST'S" - or sometimes anything to do with one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY!!!!

2008-05-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Jessica and I made Courtney a Strawberry Cake for her birthday.

It was yummy!!!!

As a tradition, we go out to eat as a family on the kids birthday's. Their choice. Afterwards we came to our house to eat cake.

A SHOUT OUT TO COURTNEY TODAY!!!!!

Today is Courtney's 22nd Birthday!!!!
She was born on Memorial Day 22 years ago.

She's twinners with Marshall Hamblin.

(We were neighbor's w/ the Hamblins,

we ended up at the same hospital, same Doctor, same nurse.

Lori and I are both competitive and we were racing

to see who would have their baby first.

She won by an hourish.) Happy Birthday Marshall!

Courtney's Smile!!! At a young age, Courtney had her "camera smile" down. She's always happy and smiling. She is holding a puppy at her great grandma's house. She was naturally gentle and nurturing. She was always such a good "big" sister to her younger siblings.

Courtney's 1st Grade Picture. Courtney always seemed so grown up. She had a perm in 1st grade. She always looked so feminine and pretty. (It has always been fun to dress her up because she liked the girly stuff)

Like I said before, Courtney being the oldest was always a big help to me with her younger brother and sisters. She is a great "big" sister!!!! Each time I had a new baby, Kenny would take the other kids to the zoo. I was home w/ baby Tyler.

Courtney loves to play the piano. She was a dream child. I never had to ask or remind her to practice the piano. She just did it. She blesses many peoples lives w/ her talents.

Courtney had a very rough senior year. Her boyfriend died of cancer in Feb. of her senior year. What a GREAT example she was to all of us. She was so courageous! She faced her challenge straight on and never felt sorry for herself in any way. She endured faithfully.

She has always known what she wants. She met Jason and knew right away that he was who she wanted to marry. (Great choice) They are a wonderful couple who have their priorities straight. They are a cute little family!!!

She is a wonderful wife, mother and especially a wonderful daughter.

Thanks Courtney! I love you,

Mom

Jen's Allergic Reaction

2008-05-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Jen at Banner Gateway Hospital. I was impressed with the hospital. It was nice and new and from start to finish we were there only 3 hours. That was amazing. The Dr.s & Nurses were very nice.

Poor Jen's been pretty sick. She has been treated for Strep this past week and has been taking a high dose of Amoxicillin. Upon taking her last antibiotic pill, she started breaking out in a rash. I gave her benadryl and she went to sleep (or we thought she did). She woke us up at 3:00 AM and told us she couldn't sleep. She was climbing the walls, she was itching so bad. She was getting worse. I gave her more benadryl. Long story short, I ended up taking her to the emergency room, and they found out she doesn't have strep. She is having an allergic reaction to the Amoxicillin. I have never seen a rash this bad. I wish there was something I could do to help her be more comfortable.

The above pictures are her arm, her leg and her back.

I hope she can take her finals tomorrow??????

She probably won't be wearing her bathing suit to Grad Night. (ha, ha)

Prom Night 2008

2008-05-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Sisters helping sisters!

Courtney and Jessica getting Jenny ready for Prom - HAIR - MAKEUP!

Jen and her date Jake Young - Kodak Moments
So Cute!

Sisters checking on her as she's leaving. Are they holding hands????

And they're OFF!!!!

Jenny was sick that day, but she still looked beautiful. Jake had to bring her home early because she was not feeling well. So Sad!

2008-04-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged!

1. You must post the rules on your post before you answer questions.

2. You need to list one fact about yourself using each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name use your maiden name instead.

3. When you are finished with your answers, you tag one person for each letter in your name.

Fay

F}Fun - I like to have fun!!!! Fun to me is playing games, cards, going to ballgames, movies, going out to eat, and swimming.

A}Asleep - (I'm stretching this one) One of my favorite things to do is to crawl in my comfy bed at night and go "asleep".

Y} Young Woman's - I'm the Mia Maid leader in the Young Woman's program. I love the Young Woman - they help keep me young.

I tag Courtney Overstreet, Becky & Kali.

2008-04-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

We spent General Conference weekend in Pinedale. We brought Kenny's parent's home.

They are so pleasant and sweet.

Hooligan's in the back seat.

The mountains were covered with wildflowers. They were so pretty.

Sorry about the bugs on the windshield. They were

also in abundance.

MORP! Jen and her date Nathan Smith are the Phoenix Sun's players at the left.

We had a busy weekend!

Jen being asked to Prom!

2008-04-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

The doorbell rang. We found this note along with a big box with this THING under it. The turtle was covering the name (Jake) when we opened our door.
We sat there for the longest time trying to figure out who would touch the "turtle". We needed to move it in order to find out who was asking Jen to Prom. Finally we called dad to the rescue.

Jen's going to prom with Jake Young! She's excited.

Now what do we do with it????????

Jen - Mesa High Softball - 2008

2008-03-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Rear View!

Lexi Brown (Jen's BF), Coach Madril, and Jentay (Jen's nickname).

Jen played in a softball tournament in Scottsdale all week. They played real well.

I needed gas prices to be lower with all the trips we made to Scottdale this week$$$$$

Easter!

2008-03-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Lovely Jen!
Jaxon loved swinging w/ Jason.
Jaxon would actually laugh out loud while swinging.
Jaxon loved the little bunny that hopped.
Jen finished off Jaxon's Phoenix Sun's outfit w/ an orange headband.
We told Tyler to go outside and hide the Easter Eggs in obvious places so
that it would be easy for Jaxon to find them. You can't get any more obvious
than this.

Loving the Eggs!
Jaxon loved the bubbles. He was intrigued by the fact that

they would disappear (or pop)when you touched them.

2008-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is Jessica practicing her homemaking skills. She is ironing Grahams shirt for their engagement pictures they are taking on 3/22/08. They have enjoyed every minute they have had together this week. They haven't spent a whole lot of time together for 3 years. Luckily they can have eternity together.

Spring Break!!!

2008-03-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a break from "work". I envisioned accomplishing tons on my week off from work. What did I accomplish? Not any of the things that I had on my list. But I did spend lots of time w/ the family. We've had a great week. The weather has been so gorgeous. We have spent a lot of time outside. (I'm not the accomplished blogger - I forget to take pictures of our activities). We had a Surprise Poolside Breakfast, we had a delicious barbecue w/ Jessica's to-be in laws, we've had the jacuzzi going all week, and we've experienced a few sunburns. Graham has been in town all week. It's been fun having him around. I know Jessica has been on cloud 9 all week. She loves having her fiance here. They went on a gondola ride in Scottsdale.

Our "Bug Man" leaves us dum dum suckers each time he visits. Jaxon loved his suckers. He got a little sticky, but would not give that suckers to Courtney.

2008-03-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Kenny and Tyler got back from their scout outing today. They were digging for Apache Tears and Tyler hit himself in the head w/ his hammer. Kenny said Tyler kept on digging after he was wounded. He was determined to get more Apache Tears. He got quite a few.
Jennifer and I returned from the Stahle's cabin today also. We had a Young Woman's retreat. We had a lot of fun. I wish I would have taken my camera. We had no injuries. We ate good food and played fun games. The girls thought we were torturing them because they weren't allowed to take their cell phones. They really had a lot of fun interacting with each other because they didn't have their phones. They lived without their cell phones - YA!

I watch Jaxon while Courtney teaches piano lessons at our house twice a week. Jaxon loves being outside. We got the old wagon out and he loves to go for a ride. The weather has been so beautiful!!! It's great to have a reason to spend time outdoors. Isn't he such a little boy now! I also found him a black tuxedo at Sam's club to wear at Jessica's reception. He'll be a little stud muffin.

2008-03-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

I enjoy trying new recipes. This is a new one that I tried and fell in love with:

AUTUMN SALAD

Green leaf lettuce
1 diced granny smith apple
2 sliced pears (I like using the red)
Craisins
Toasted pecans
shaved fresh parmesan cheese, feta or goat cheese

Toss together

Dressing(makes a lot)
1 cup sugar
3/4 raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 t. salt
2 Tbsp prepared mustard
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 red onion
1 1/2 c. olive oil

Puree in blender

Enjoy!

GUITAR HERO AT THE TAYLOR'S

2008-02-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

2008-02-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

You've heard the saying 'If you snooze, you lose'. In Kenney's and Jessica's case, 'If you lose, you snooze'.

2008-02-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

2008-02-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

Jennifer is the CHAMPION!!!!
She beats everybody hands down. She plays expert at 98%. She's going to have to learn not to make funny faces when she knows I'm going to post.

2008-02-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Jennifer played for championship!

2008-02-25T21:37:00.000-08:00

I beat Jessica. It was fun.