the VonTaylors

The Holiday Season

2011-12-08T07:47:00.001-05:00

feel terrible for not posting before now, but I did try a couple weeks ago! I wrote an entire post about Halloween, with pictures and everything and then my internet connection went down and I lost the whole post. I was too annoyed and frustrated to take the time to rewrite the entire thing so....sorry. My consolation prize to you is that I will post the pics I had uploaded for that post, at least. The tale of the night will be kind of stale at this point since we're merely two weeks from Christmas, but you can at least enjoy the pics!

I hope you enjoyed the way late Halloween pics!

When I started blogging my children were doing all kinds of funny things; it seemed like the blog was filled with entertaining anecdotes and stories of their toddler-hood. Now they are like little adults and they require so much more 'parenting' and less opportunity for 'entertainment' arises these days. Not to mention that I seem to be a whole lot busier than I was then, I"m really not sure why. No matter the reason, I struggle to keep up with this blog. However, I'm not giving up on it and all of you who look forward to hearing about all things VonTaylor--all three of you. hahahaha

So let's start with Thanksgiving! It was not quite the holiday feast one would imagine the VonTaylors being a part of, but it was two days of good quality time with our families that included hours--and I do mean HOURS--of card playing.

We went to lunch at....wait for it.....Cracker Barrel on Thanksgiving Day. Mamaw and Poppy have had their hands full this year so we wanted to make it a lot easier for them so we proposed going 'out' to lunch. As you can imagine, the pickins' are pretty slim in Richmond on turkey day so the Barrel was the destination of choice. I did manage to cook a turkey breast so we could have sandwiches for dinner that night after all the gnip gnop and Swish games this family could handle. It was so nice, though, just to be together and not have any dishes waiting in the sink for us when the day was done!

The next day we went to my sister's house for some delicious eats of the homemade variety and more--you guessed it--card playing. We are some game-playing fools and I love it. We had a fantastic Thanksgiving and when the weekend was over, it was time to get in the mood for the even bigger holiday season.

This year has been pretty awesomely filled with Christmas spirit so far. Last year it seemed to just loom ahead of us and I couldn't quite get my head right about the celebratory season. But things are different this year and I am loving all the things in preparation for Christmas. Our trees are up, my shopping is nearly done already and we have all kinds of fun stuff ahead of us. Don't hold your breath that I will post about them in a timely manner but I will try-lol.

I can at least come through with what cool stuff we've done so far which consists of a hilarious Christmas play starring my phenomenally dramatic niece, Sophie and a holiday get together with my favorite residents of Louisville!

Sophie played 'Alice Wendleken' in the play, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and I nearly fell out of my seat laughing. Seriously, the script is hysterical but even funnier were all the sweet little girls we know delivering all the comical lines. They were fantastic and I thought I would share just a little snippet of the comedy.

The other wonderful thing I have gotten to do this Christmas season is share some quality time with my girls in the Ville. It seems like life just gets more hectic as we get older and it is so nice to take a little break and catch up with people we don't get to see day to day.

The Shuckster is mere days away from delivering her first child, one that she and her husband have prayed for for a very long time. It was so nice to share some Christmas cheer in her home before her world is turned upside down! lol. The funny thing is that the most traumatic part of her birthing experience will definitely be when the other four girls in the picture gang rush the hospital for the delivery. Just kidding, ladies, you know I love you!

I'm having a wonderful holiday season so far and I truly hope all of you are too! I'm not making any promises, but if you feel like checking back in next week I might be on the ball and have pics posted from this coming weekend's festivities!

Catch Up

2011-10-04T08:58:00.003-04:00

Where have I been, I know...I have not adjusted well to summer's end and all the things that seem to fill our schedule come fall. Seriously, we have guitar on Mondays, dance on Tuesdays, church on Wednesdays, homework, cleaning, half-day Kindergarten, Barre class, volunteering at church, sign painting.....and now there's softball! Plus we have to eat in there somewhere!

Yes, people, Katherine has picked up yet another activity and that is softball. I know your jaws are wide open in disbelief that Princess Katherine would have anything to do with any kind of activity in which she might get dirt on her or one that doesn't allow her to express her fashion sense she is, and she's doing really well! So, blogging has had to be a very last priority but I have found a few minutes this morning to tell you about Katherine's new hobby and update you on all things VonTaylor.

So, Katherine says she wants to play softball. After several minutes of explaining there is hard work and dirt involved, she still insisted she play so we signed her up and Daddy started throwing the ball around in the yard. She throws like a true girl, but is slowly improving as the games go by. She had one last night and I was able to snatch some pics.

They rotate positions every couple innings, so she went from outfielder to catcher last night. She was so funny--she could stop the ball really well, but when she rears back that arm and lets it "fly" it is pure comedy.

What I'm most surprised and impressed with is her hitting skills. Until a month ago she had never even picked up a bat; last game she hit a double (which she proudly called a 'double run' which we quickly corrected with laughter) and last night she got a single but was tagged out on the next hit at third.

I suppose the most shocking of all is how much fun she is having. She has always made friends easy, so I knew the social part of the team sport would be a cinch for her, but I genuinely thought she would struggle more with the athleticism. However, she is getting better each time she takes the field and she is listening to her coaches, and even her Daddy when they give her advice.

No surprise, though, that the thing she does best out there? Screaming cheers from the dugout. I assure you it is worth sitting in the sun to here them shout their 'booty' cheer at the top of their lungs while hanging on the metal fencing.

All of us, with the exception of Natalie have enjoyed our time at the ball field lately. She is a little bored of it, but lucky for her the games cease at the end of October and we haven't decided yet if there will be Spring ball or not..lol.

Aside from softball, we have been super busy with all the simple things a family of four get into these days. Since I last posted, the entire VonTaylor clan did take Pigeon Forge by storm again. This time we stayed at the indoor waterpark--if I rode the Storm Chaser once, I rode it 50 times. But we had such a blast and it was worth climbing those stairs over and over again to see the smiles on the kids faces. Plus, we tricked Ashley into getting on the big slide and watching her reaction was priceless--we love our Aunt Ashley and know she will forgive us for it. I wish I had pictures to share, but all of them are on Mamaw's camera, with the exception of one I managed to snap while we were walking around Gatlinburg of an interesting little eatery called "The Beef Jerky Outlet." I couldn't resist at the ridiculousness.

I know I've promised before to be better at blogging and have failed to keep that promise, so I won't make one again. But I will surely try to get on here before my favorite holiday of the year has come and gone!

Ten Years and Counting

2011-09-01T14:06:00.003-04:00

That picture was taken over a year ago, which makes it hard to believe time has passed that quickly. However, what is more difficult to believe is that today marks ten years since those two old fogies in that picture made it official and said "we do."

At half past six o'clock on this day ten years ago, I married my best friend and the most loyal and honorable man I had ever met. Today I can say without hesitation that he is still my very best friend and still the most loyal and honorable man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and loving. Its no secret to me that the perception is that he is the prize and I am the lucky winner. What is so comforting and amazing to me, however, is that he makes sure every day that I feel like he's the lucky one and that I am the gift God brought to him over ten years ago; a gift that he still cherishes today.

When I watch our wedding video (which we do on occasion, just for giggles) I can hardly recognize the two babies standing at the altar professing their love for one another. It was a beautiful and remarkable day in my life, but it seems like a different person in the video. We seemed so young and so innocent. Which, I guess we were! When we take a step back and look at our life and our love now, there is so much more depth to it, so much more 'love' there in the meshing of our hearts. We've experienced so much life, love, birth and death together; we have been overly blessed with gift of raising two extraordinary little girls. It makes these ten years feel so full, as if the number alone didn't make it so.

I joked with my mother this morning telling her that when we arrived home from our honeymoon ten years ago, we swore that on our tenth anniversary we would return to the majestic Hawaii; how naive were we to think we'd be able to do that??? Apparently then we had no idea where life would take us in ten years and how when we reached this milestone we would be so far from traveling across the world and be so far from disappointed to not be doing it. We feel like the best anniversary gift of ten years has already been bestowed upon us; though Maui would be a sweet cherry on top (as long as they gave me horse tranquilizers to get on the plane) we are perfectly happy celebrating our ten years together by simply spending time with each other in our warm home with our beautiful family. Praise God for these ten years and all that has been given to us within it.

To my Hubby of ten years, happy anniversary!! I am confident you know how very special you are to me, but in the slight chance that you have any shred of doubt please let me tell you now. You are every bit of the man I dreamed of and prayed for as a husband and father. Your children and I adore you, and although there are many in the club, we are by far your biggest fans. I can only hope that the next ten years is as wonderful and blessed as you have made the last ten. I love you dearly and forever. XOXO, Kelly

Back to School ALREADY

2011-08-17T08:58:00.003-04:00

As you can tell by the title of this post, I am NOT ready for school to be in session and my summer to be over. I am also not ready for my baby girl to be in Kindergarten. But school IS in session, our summer IS over and my baby girl IS A KINDERGARTENER!

Believe me, she was feeling it as much as I was on Monday morning when I had to wake her up at 6:45. Katherine is an early bird like her Daddy; she pops right out of bed and is rearing to go. Natalie, not so much. This child is used to sleeping until at least 9 so 6:45 comes a bit early for her. But I'll have to say, she did really good--and Mommy didn't do too bad either. I actually showered and everthing! lol I even managed to get them ready and get them at the table for breakfast instead of the usual PopTart in the car on the way to school.

They got their teeth brushed and were in the truck by 7:25. Daddy and I both did drop off duty on the first day so that we could walk our little one down to her first day of Kindergarten.

Of course our cousins wanted in on the first day excitement so they joined us on the ride in and posed for a picture in the parking lot(next to the lovely dumpster). Its crazy because we snapped a similar picture in the gas station parking lot two years ago when Katherine started school. Seems like just yesterday.

They all had a great first day. And a great second one as well. Natalie's teacher tells me she actually spoke yesterday, so that's progress! On the first day they could barely get her to say "here" when they called roll--hahahaha. They were expecting this one to be like the other Taylor child they had two years ago and were surprised at the difference!

I know that as each day goes by I will get used to the routine again and fall right back in rhythm. However, right now I am terribly sad and sentimental about another year already upon us and my baby starting school. Not to mention that my first born is now in the third grade and learning to write in cursive! I treasure so much the time that I have been blessed to spend with them as toddlers, and am so lucky to still have so much freedom to be a part of their school experience. That being said, it makes it so hard to be so engulfed in it because my emotions and my routines and my every day life is wrapped up in theirs and it is all going by way too quickly. They'll be headed off to prom before I know and I'll be an old lady! ACK!

I just have to keep reminding myself to just be in the moment and enjoy every one that I get to experience. From one cliche to another...though life is short, it is also a gift and I hope to cherish it to the fullest.

Birthday Girls

2011-08-17T08:00:00.003-04:00

As usual, I am a little behind on my blogging. But I know you are all patient(all three of you that faithfully read, hehehe) and like I always say, 'better late than never.'

My last post was dedicated to my little princess on her 8th birthday. I meant to post the following day with pictures from the now infamous slumber party, but due to what made the party so infamous, I was unable to do so.

I've peaked your curiosity, I know. I will get to the drama, I promise. But let's start at the beginning.

So this year, the 8, going on 16-year-old wanted to switch things up and just have a small slumber party instead of the usual bash. I figured that would be easier anyways, so I agreed.

And it would have been. Getting there, I promise.

Several of her friends and her best cousin, Sophie came over for some girl time fun. We started out with pizza and cupcakes and the usual happy birthday serenade. Then we got down to business: friendship bracelets at the kitchen table.

We were mid-knotting when a little summer storm popped up outside. Daddy opened the porch door so we could hear the rumbling of the thunder and the pitter patter of the rain. Several minutes later, we heard a much louder rumble of thunder and then suddenly we heard an enormous-sounding "CRACK" and the entire house shook like a quake had hit. All the eyes at the table got very big and looked to us for what just happened. Amidst all the shock and noise you could hear a tiny little 'click' come from the thermostat in the hallway.

That frightening "CRACK" was lightning striking on or around our house. That little "click" was our air conditioning responding to the sudden power surge and going kaput.

It got hot, quick. It didn't seem to effect the party-goers, though. They just pranced around in their underwear all night and stayed in the basement where it was marginally cooler.

With the help of every fan in the house we managed to sleep through the night. However, the next day was not so pleasant. We were planning for 40 people to show up at 5:30 for a choir fellowship dinner and the house needed to be cleaned. You can imagine how excited I was to clean house in 90 degree temps. One word, 'sweaty.'

Thanks to Jones Heating and Air, however, we were repaired and on our way to a cool house by 2pm.

Both parties were a success, despite the heat and it will be a story to tell for the ages. It was one that had to wait until now, however, because in addition to our HVAC, our modem and phone line also blew from the strike of lightning so I was without internet for a week or so. Sorry!

I'm back online, though and can catch you up on another birthday as well today.

Last weekend we celebrated the birthday milestone of my dear friend, Hope Burchett. She turned the ripe old age of 30(which makes me so happy, cuz I hate being old alone) and her sweet Hubby came up with a very unique way to celebrate that I was honored to be a part of.

With the help of her sister, Jessie, and my ever so practiced writing skills, we came up with a 'Scavenger Hunt' that led Hope to her surprise birthday party.

The first clue told her she was to begin a hunt and told her someone would be waiting for her at a certain location. That location was Harry's and that person was ME!

She was instructed to take me with her to find her next 'guest' who would hold her next 'clue.' That next locale was BW-3's and the next party guest was Jessie.

Jessie was holding yet another clue that took us to--where else?--Casa Fiesta! Hope was excited to be at one of her favorite spots and she was even more excited to see her friend Sara Beth waiting there for us. However, she was not so thrilled at the thought of us sharing the news that it was her birthday and the establishment celebrating it with her by making her wear the narsty sombrero. lol

She's smiling on the outside but I promise you, she's cursing us on the inside.

The last clue directed her to her sister's house, which she assumed meant we were picking up her sibling to join the hunt. Instead, there were more friends and family waiting on us there to start the real celebration.

Tons of food and cupcakes and love surrounded her on that night and it was so great to be a part of it! She is such a lovable person and friend and we had such fun celebrating her special day!

Sugar and Spice

2011-08-05T08:48:00.002-04:00

That's what little girls are made of right? Sugar and spice are two perfect words to describe my first born, Katherine, who happens to be turning the ripe old age of eight years old today. So, this post is dedicated to my sweet and sassy little girl.

It is almost impossible to believe that it has been 8 years since Katherine came into our world. She was a surprise, but the timing ended up perfect. I was fortunate to have friends who were pregnant at the same time as I was, and Katherine ended up lucky as well. She had instant friends! We thought it was so funny to pose her, Victoria and Kennedy together that winter after they were born.

Being first time parents is a totally overwhelming experience in both wonderful and frightening ways. You have absolutely no idea what you are doing, yet this little creature that is one part you and one part your spouse is making you smile with every turn.

We snapped picture upon picture of all the tiny little moments in the life of baby Katherine, from the time we caught her sleeping with her feet in the crib rails to the time we ended up in the hospital with her after a terrifying 3am bout of febrile seizures.

We thought just about everything she did was adorable. We captured her climbing in the pantry for a 'pop'(which she has never been allowed to drink except on occasion), pooping in her diaper underneath a nightstand, climbing in my suitcase before I left for a trip to NYC and just about every bath she ever took.

We turned around one day and she was half grown before our eyes. Maybe it was our preoccupation with getting pregnant with Natalie that kept us from noticing it, but literally she went from infant to toddler overnight.

She went from having no hair to having locks of it as long as my arm. We celebrated her first words and couldn't get her to stop talking after that.

She became a fearless little bug. By the time she was four she was jumping off the diving board and stepping out on stage to perform guitar solos in front of a crowd of strangers.

She reveled at any opportunity to party--her birthday celebrations were by far her favorite days(she gets that honestly). Check out baby Natalie in the corner of the next picture.

When she turned 5 and then a week later she entered Kindergarten, I was devastated. Funny to say that seeing as in a week or so she'll be in 3rd grader. I have a third grader--yikes!

She is my prima ballerina. My top notch drama queen.

All of the things that I wish I could change about myself are manifested in her personality so we butt heads A LOT. She's mouthy, stubborn, painfully independent and demanding as all get out. She is also super smart, artistic, musical, sensitive to others needs; she is a fabulous older sister and already everything I dreamed my little girl would be. Though it is surreal to look through pictures and reconcile that my little crazy-haired, wide-eyed baby girl is now 8 years old, it also fills me with great pride.

I love you, Katherine and your Daddy and I wish you a very happy birthday!!!

Gone Fishin'

2011-07-17T22:03:00.004-04:00

well believe it or not, I went fishing tonight with my fam! I did a lot more swatting bugs and wiping sweat off my brow than actual fishing but I was there, people and that's all that counts.

We were there barely 20 minutes and Natalie started giving me down the road saying, "you made me wear these long jeans and now I'm hot and sweaty." I told her to get in line and get over it(secretly I agreed with her and was ready to go myself). But we both stuck it out and stayed for as long as we could stand it.

Katherine and Sophie, on the other hand were all about it.

They were all enthralled with the worms for bait. You would think that any child of mine would be a bit squeamish with those creepy crawly things, but Katherine was right down in that bowl of dirt and worms diggin' for her own bait.

Sophie was the first of the children to catch a fish. She was so excited (and a little freaked out too as you can tell by her face). Before she would even put her line in the water she asked if there were any 'piranhas' in the pond, to which Reagan responded in his best impression of the monkey on Tarzan, "Piranhas??!!??"

Of course, once Sophie caught one, Katherine's desire to catch one intensified exponentially. By that time, however, my little one had about had it, so I left with her to come home and left Reagan and Tim there to wait it out with the older girls.

Katherine insisted that she use this fake worm bait to catch her fish, so Reagan helped her get her line out in the water and waited for a bite.

They waited. And waited. and waited some more. Apparently the fish would nibble on the bottom of that pretty worm, leaving the hook untouched. Somehow, though, they got a bite and Reagan handed the pole to Katherine to reel it in.

Unfortunately, her enthusiasm got the best of her and instead of turning the reel, she high-tailed it up the bank in her cowboy boots at top speed, dragging the line with her.

Reagan quickly reminded her how to 'reel it in' and she successfully pulled in her first fish!

Can you see the excitement on her face? She called to tell me she caught it--let's be honest, its Katherine, so she screamed it through the phone at me--she was thrilled to share her big news. And I was very proud of her. For all of it; for playing with the worms, fighting off the heat and bugs, hanging in there for a bite and finally for 'reeling' in her first catch.

Supposedly Reagan and Tim have been inspired to take the kids for an extended stay next time and actually 'camp out.' I'll let you know if that ever happens.

Hope it was a Happy Fourth!

2011-07-05T09:59:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday America! Sophie followed in her Mom and Aunt's footsteps yesterday performing the national anthem at the opening of Richmond's 4th of July celebration and she made us so proud!

the Fourth of July is not typically a holiday I get excited about, but it turned out to be really nice day yesterday! For the last 5 years we've spent the holiday somewhere else--the Taylor's, Farrah's, my Mom's--this year we stayed home and brought our friends to us; maybe that's what made it so nice.

Katherine and Natalie and Sophie even helped prepare the food. Natalie was in charge of putting the parmesan cheese on the corn before Katherine and Sophie wrapped each ear in foil.

Of course I over prepared and we had enough food to feed Cox's Army but nobody left hungry I hope!

What the kids really cared about, though, was the fireworks. The kids loved the sparklers, of course, but us big kids loved the real fireworks show courtesy of the daddies.

We sat out in the yard and watched the colorful show; luckily only ONE of the fireworks went kamikaze and nearly injured both the daddies and Reagan's truck which was parked down by the ignition area.

The really neat addition to our fireworks show was a lantern they lit and sent into the air at the end of the night.

It climbed into the sky and Natalie said, "it's going all the way to heaven for Miss Farrah!" We watched it climb for several minutes, thinking several times that it was going to lose fire and start falling down. But, we never saw it come out of the sky so who knows where it ended up!

The best part about the holiday weekend is that it didn't end for me and the girls! We had a great night and are headed to the pool for some sunshine today! Hope all of you had a fabulous fourth!

Friends and Family Remembering Farrah

2011-06-29T12:14:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why I haven't posted about this year's Relay for Life, but it seemed fitting to post it now seeing as today marks two years since we lost our beloved friend, Farrah.

This year's relay was fairly similar to last year's--we were all grateful to be together and celebrate her life. We wished she could be there to celebrate it with us. The children kept us in lively spirits as usual and the weather held out for a cool and calm evening on the track.

We had an impressive group this year and though we didn't reach our fundraising goal, we made a really good effort and contributed quite a bit in the name of our friend.

I have to say that it seems odd that this is my second post about our relay team and the event we participate in. It seems odd that it has been two years since we lost her. So much has changed, so much life has gone by and yet what strikes me is....I can still feel the sting of missing her and when we're all together, like at the Relay for Life, I remember times that we were together that included her.

Birthdays, holidays, shopping parties, church functions and in her house watching a football game. In the last days of her life I can vividly remember at least 6 of us, gathered in her bedroom spending what little time we had left with her, all together. We were crowded but comfy on the bed, talking about what we always talked about--other people, lol. We were gossiping about church and school and each other. We laughed out loud for a long time; we left her exhausted from it all, but feeling so grateful for those precious moments we got to spend with a friend we were bound to lose very soon.

I've thought a lot about those last days together over these two years. It's impossible not to on days like today; days that mark another milestone. Two years. Two years since I said goodbye to a friend.

I went to see her not knowing that it would be the last time I would ever speak to her. I wish I could say that our conversation was pivotal, meaningful in some special way. We barely said much at all. By that time she was in excruciating pain, with very little energy or motivation to speak. In those brief moments I asked her if she was scared. She said she was only scared because she didn't know anybody "up there," meaning heaven. I told her not to worry, that she would know nothing but joy by that time, then I choked back tears and told her once again that I was sorry. We both sat quiet again as she drifted off to sleep. When it was time for me to go, I leaned in the room and whispered 'bye'. "I love you," she said. I told her I loved her too and would see her the next day. I didn't see her the next day. And the morning after that she was gone.

I know I'm not the only one who hangs on to memories like that. I can see the reveries in the eyes of all of her friends and family and the people she touched. A year ago today was a very painful day. This year its a little different. There is still a lot of hurt and pain, but slowly there are feelings of grace and peace and joy in recognizing how lucky we all are to have been a part of the life of someone so wonderful.

I miss you, friend. I always will. I hope that what we do today and in the many days and years to come brings you honor.

Our Summer Vacation

2011-06-20T16:18:00.006-04:00

We waited patiently to say those words, "school's out for summer," and now it feels like the season is already slipping past us! There was so much anticipation for our summer vacation that the week flew by and before we could blink it was time to come home. We are tickled to be in our own beds but we were super sad to not be on 'vacation' any more.

This year we tried a new spot, Gulf Shores, Alabama. I've had friends through the years who have vacationed there and told me about it, but had never been. It's only a 10 hour drive and an easy one at that, all due to the fact that you don't have to drive on the eternally under construction I-75 to get there!

We left immediately after the guitar recital on Saturday so we arrived there around 11:00pm that night. After doing what it takes to get two families settled in, it was 2am before we got our children to bed! You would think that means that we had a late morning the next day but you would be wrong. Everyone was up and ready for some sun and fun bright and early Sunday morning, which was fine with me because I was just as excited as anyone else.

The kids loved the pool; and when I say 'kids' you know I mean all 5 of them. Reagan and Chad were in the pool goofing around as much as the little ones. They even met 'friends'--the 8-year-old kind--two little boys wanted in on the football throwing game Reagan and Chad started so they made it a foursome and probably made the little boys' week. For two days they 'met at the pool' and played.

There were several pools on the resort property, but the one we liked best was the one located next to the clubhouse. It had umbrellas, a tiki bar, a snack shack and crafts every day for the kids. When the girls found out the 'hair wrap' lady would be there they talked incessantly for an entire day until she was there for them to get theirs done.

We ate out almost every night(of course). Chad and I would begin our discussion of our nightly choice around 2pm every day poolside. We talked about what we had the night before and we talked about what we wanted to try that night. Luckily we had our good friend Darrell Brock to guide us in the right direction--he was our virtual tour guide for the trip and our host as well!

We also spent our requisite one day at the beach. The resort is on the beach and you can see the beach from the clubhouse pool, so we really didn't feel it necessary to actually be physically on the beach but for one day--lol. Can you tell we're a little finicky about the whole sand in every orifice thing? Not fun.

But we set up a tent and played until the girls were ready to go back to the pool(which embarrassingly was about 2 hours, maybe less). It was long enough to get a small drip castle built and Mommy's body covered in gritty sand.

Clearly we are poolside people. It helps when the kids have more stuff to do even than just swim. Another day the craft was glitter tattoos, so of course, they all had to have a glitter tattoo. The activity happened to fall at the time Ann and I were at the spa(getting a heavenly massage and facial I must say) so the daddies were in charge of glitter tattoos--hence, the placement of said tattoos were as roughneck as you can get. On the plus side, they didn't last but a couple days.

There was one day that we skipped out on the pool and headed off the property. It was the only cloudy day so it worked out great! We went for breakfast at this amazing little diner and then went shopping at a place called The Wharf. Shopping was so-so but there was a ferris wheel and Dippin' Dots so my kids were THRILLED.

Katherine and Daddy rode the ferris wheel.

And Natalie and Mommy got to enjoy our favorite ice cream treat.

Back poolside for another day, we participated in yet another craft--our favorite, tie-dye tshirts! The chics working the craft table were not as adept at tie-dye as we had hoped but that didn't matter to the girls. They loved their shirts so much, they begged to wear them on the drive home.

Among our nights out to eat, we met up with Ann's cousin and her family who were vacationing in the same spot. We met at a place called Lulu's at Homeport Marina. Lucy Buffett(Jimmy Buffet's sister), has created a restaurant franchise that more resembles an amusement park than a restaurant. Which was good, because you need a lot of entertainment and distraction when you wait 2 hours for a table(luckily, we only waited 1.25 hours).

Bailey and Morgan got caricatures drawn.

The kids played in the sand while we listened to a band playing.

Katherine and her daddy climbed this crazy apparatus. They hook you on to a track with a harness and let you loose on this maze of ropes and balance beams. It was cool to watch and I was so proud of my little circus performer up there, who claims she wasn't nervous at all.

That's Katherine in the top left corner in the picture below.

They had so much and worked up a good appetite which we filled with way too much food!

I honestly can't say what the best part of the vacation was--typically my answer would be the food, which was good(and cheap!). I loved the time spent with our friends. I adored our evening walks on the beach(much more our choice of 'beach time' than during the day). I could have lounged by that pool for another week for sure. It was a wonderful, relaxing week away from home that was filled with precious memories. I'm so glad we got a chance to visit Gulf Shores and I'm grateful for the experience!

I hope all of your summers are filled with fun in the sun, no matter where you are.

Guitar Festival 2011

2011-06-12T16:00:00.004-04:00

We have lasted another year in guitar and I am so glad she is still enjoying it. And she's getting better every recital! This year I have been a little less involved; I have let her go into lessons without me and it was a complete surprise to me what she was playing at her recital. I was a little nervous not hearing it before hand, but she did great.

The entire group of students opened the day with a couple of simple songs and they were so cute standing up there. There seemed to be a larger number of students this year-quite a few fiddlers this time around.She, of course, picked another classic country song, this time by June Carter.

Then it was time for her solo performance. She kept grinning at me while Ms. Wanda was introducing her and I know she was super nervous, but I thought she was as composed and cute as can be.

It was a beautiful day with a nice little breeze, but we didn't get to stay and enjoy it very long. We were on the road to vacation as soon as she was finished!

We were very proud of our little picker once again--I can only hope that she continues to enjoy taking and playing the guitar and one day she will be composing her own little ditties in her bedroom!

The Graduate

2011-05-22T21:05:00.003-04:00

No, this post is not about that movie with the May-December relationship between Mrs. Robinson and her student. Lol. This post is all about our little preschool graduate, Natalie Summer, and all of her classmates.

I haven't really been thinking much about her preschool graduation; looking forward to the end of school, yes, but the impact of my baby girl finishing her preschool years and headed for Kindergarten....not really. It hit me today as we were watching the kids sing, "So Long, Farewell" and I got a little wet in the eyes. Once it came on I had to choke back the tears thinking of when we started these preschool years; that morning I dropped Natalie off for her first day of preschool darting in the office to grieve the absence of my friend. It all came to me when I gazed at our children standing up there on that stage next to one another, singing their farewell to preschool. I don't believe when we take our leave to Heaven that we get to 'look down' on things happening here, but I sure hope he could feel the spirit of her love raining down on him because I am certain she was sending it if she can.

So much has changed in these last two years. I couldn't imagine my little girl being ready for Kindergarten back then, but she has grown so much and she is definitely not my baby girl anymore. I honestly underestimated how much until today.

In the days leading up to the graduation ceremony, I swore up and down that there was no way Natalie would stand up on stage and answer out loud when Ms. Dawn asked her what she wants to be when she grows up. In fine form, she showed me up and said as clear as day, "a cheerleader," which left me surprised and beaming with pride at the same time. Of course, not overly proud--we're gonna have to work with her on her future career aspirations.....a cheerleader? Mama tried that route and it didn't get me very far. lol.

For now, she can aspire to just be a little girl and that's ok with us. They were so cute up there today and I really enjoyed just watching them sing and dance and have such a good time.

For those of you that had to miss it (I'm talking to you, Nana) here are a couple videos of their performance.

Preschool is over and we're so proud of our little graduate. And sad too! If its this bad when she graduates from preschool, I can't imagine how depressing it is going to be next May when she graduates from Kindergarten!

Art in Action Dance 2011

2011-05-21T20:24:00.006-04:00

What a day! I didn't sweat a single step on the stage today but after two dance recitals I am still pooped!

We started at 10am, when we arrived at MCHS for the annual Bluegrass Dance Center dance recitals. Katherine was first up and it was so cool to see her up there, graceful and elegant in her ballet routine to "True Colors."

( I apologize for the video cutoff. Can you believe it, my batteries died in my camera in the middle of the routine! Katherine was not happy.)

Luckily, Sophie's routines were in the morning recital too, so we got to watch her as well! She did two routines--a ballet and a jazz--but my camera was only alive during the ballet! I didn't even attempt a video at that point, so you just get pics.

Katherine and Victoria have grown up so much! I can't believe how much difference just a year makes; their routine this year was full of ballet tricks, each one of them they performed to perfection. I was giving Katherine praise as we walked out to get lunch, to which she replied, "thanks. I was shaking up there I was so nervous!" She makes me laugh--she's such a little prima donna I would never have guessed she was nervous! I was anxious myself, watching her up there, but I was so full of pride seeing her smile and glide across the floor.

After lunch it was back to MCHS for the afternoon recital, which Natalie, Bailey and Kayden all performed in.

They jazzed it up to "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." And, of course, they were precious.

It was so fun to be able to share this year's recital with more of our friends! It makes it even better to see our girls having such fun on stage with their friends as well as dancing their little toes off.

We get a nice break for summer, but believe me we will back on the dance floor in the fall. See you then!

Blessings

2011-05-11T09:23:00.002-04:00

So, if you know me really well, or maybe even just a little, you might know that when someone wounds me--however deep or shallow--I tend to let it make a lasting effect. I would say that I am someone thats 'holds grudges' so to speak. I don't harass the person or persons that hurt me, but I do keep a mental note of the occurrence and I distance myself A LOT from that person. The sting of that hurt stays on my heart for a long time; though as I have gotten older I have tried to figure out how to make that happen less.

As an exception, however, if someone tries to make amends I often willingly accept the opportunity to repair what was wounded and open myself up for the chance to be loved and/or hurt again. However, I definitely leave that door open for the other person to make the first move. Because of this, I have a lot of hurt I'm holding on to in here, people! And it is sometimes a little heavy.

Recently, a friend of mine sent me a song that he thought I would love--I'm sure he had no idea it would effect me the way that it has and has led to this post. In typical fashion, the music spoke to me--specifically the last couple lines of the song. At first it made me think of those that I have loved and lost to cancer in this life. I have battled with both of those deaths and what has happened because of them. I prayed for healing for both of them and didn't get it. Then as I listened to the song even more, I began to think about other things that weigh on my heart--those being the small wounds we carry around and that's when I decided that for all the things that I was hearing from these lyrics, I needed to share them with you!

I am going to post the lyrics and the tune so that you all may enjoy the word. It is in the words of this beautiful song that I hope I have found a way to 'let go' a little of the pain I hang on to; keeping it is only keeping me sad. It does not make the other person feel any worse and it does not bring about any change. Instead of asking God to make other people different, I will now ask Him to make me different--different in the aspect of not holding on to emotions that weigh me down and keep me from living this very short life to its fullest.

We don't always understand why things 'happen to us.' Why someone said those hurtful words, why someone did that awful deed, why someone we love has to die. Instead of getting bogged down in the 'why' I am going to try and turn away from the negative and look towards all the many blessings I have in my life. And know that there is a bigger purpose, a 'greater thirst' as she sings that I will devote my love and energy to satisfying.

Here are the lyrics to "Blessings" by Laura Story. Thanks for letting me share!

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace, comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity, we pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering

And all the while you hear each spoken need, yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops, what if your healing comes through tears,

What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you're near

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, your voice to hear, we cry in anger when we cannot feel you near

We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love, as if every promise from your word is not enough

And all the while you hear each desperate plea, and long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops, what if your healing comes through tears,

What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you're near

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us, when darkness seems to win we know,

The pain reminds this heart that this is not, this is not our home

Its not our home

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops, what if your healing comes through tears,

What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

What if trials of this life, the rain, the storm, the hardest nights, are your mercies in disguise

Happy Birthday Natalie!

2011-05-01T22:58:00.006-04:00

I woke her up this morning(since today is her official birthday) singing the birthday song in her ear. I told her the story of her birth, explaining that 5 years ago TODAY Mommy went to the hospital to get baby Natalie out of my belly. I must have confused her with the time reference and the word 'today' because she just kept disagreeing with me, like I was insisting that TODAY I went to the hospital instead of on this day 5 years ago. I gave up on explaining it and simply coaxed her out of bed with promises to take cupcakes and leftover Dippin' Dots to her school today for her school celebration.

Leftover Dippin' Dots, you ask??? Well, the 'happy-birthday-to-Natalie-party' was Saturday and the one thing she requested for her birthday party this year was Dippin' Dots. So....we had Dippin' Dots. It was no easy feat(and certainly not as economical as Breyer's from the Kroger freezer section) but the party goers were CRAZY about them, and we had enough left over to enjoy them on Sunday ourselves and again today when we shared them with her school friends!

We had an absolutely beautiful day on Saturday and we enjoyed it all on the farm at Mom and Robert's.

We rode horses--well, one horse, Rebel.

Sophie gave golf cart rides. And no joke, she is a really good driver on that thing and she's only 9! I honestly can't believe it myself, being that her blood line is not one of strong skilled drivers.

After walking the horse a million times, Daddy then took the kids on a hayride. Mommy made sure they all had popcorn and drinks for the ride and they had a blast.

Upon their return, we had cake, cupcakes, and of course the Dippin' Dots. Plus we opened presents and took turns whacking a pinata.

One swing from Natalie and the thing ripped from it stem. So, we had to call in the big guns--aka my most-handy-always-prepared-shoulda-been-a-girl-scout friend, Cassie to fix it so the rest of the kids could smash it to bits.

Victory came at the hands of Dylan Robert and he was thrilled as you can see. They all dove for the candy as expected.

It was a gorgeous day and a really fun party. I usually come out of a birthday bash feeling like I've been run over by a Mack truck, but this one was not the case. We all had fun, including me and I didn't even have time to enter a state of depression over my baby girl growing another year older.

Easter Egg-stravaganza

2011-04-21T17:12:00.006-04:00

I had no idea that at the end of this Easter weekend I would have so much to tell but barely the energy or the words to tell it. So, instead of a bunch of anecdotes in writing, I am just going to let the pictures do the talking.

Natalie had an Easter egg hunt at school.

Katherine, unfortunately, missed out on her school egg hunt because she was home sick with strep throat :(

However, after 24 hours of antibiotics she was good as new and ready for all our family festivities, which included a visit from the Easter bunny and two egg hunts.

The Easter bunny is always so good to our girls.

We can't, of course, forget the most important part of the weekend and the reason why we celebrate the day. Everyone put on their Sunday best to go to church to remind ourselves that He is risen and ALIVE!

After church, we headed to Nana and Papa's farm for lunch and an Easter egg hunt. We hid over 200 eggs and the seven grandchildren had them all found in 15 minutes.

It was a marathon hunt.

We were so tired by the time we got to Poppy and Mamaw's that I was pictured out--we had a relaxing supper and some wonderful family time but with no pictures, sorry!!

Happy Easter to all of you and God Bless!

BUGZ!

2011-04-14T21:30:00.004-04:00

When Katherine first started school I was so excited to be a stay-at-home Mom so I could attend all of her plays and programs. Even better I have had this handy little tool of a memoir to record all of them. She was precious as a shy little Kindergarten student, dressed in Indian garb and telling the story of the first Thanksgiving. But it was obvious on Wednesday how much she has grown and blossomed into quite the little performer. Please enjoy a snippet of the second grade production of BUGZ!

She and her girlfriends were sassy little ladybugs and weren't they cute?

It wasn't just Katherine that we got to see either. The entire second grade was a part of the show, which includes our precious nephew, Dylan. Dylan took on double duty in the play after an 'incident' kept the child playing a bumblebee from playing his part. Dylan was a picnic-goer in the first act and a rapping bumblebee in the second. He was smooth as silk, despite the late notice of his duty as understudy and the eye patch he had to wear because he was recovering from pink eye!

Our little ladybug and our little monkey--I look at that picture and I just cannot figure out how my children got that big this fast. Katherine impresses me every day with her growth in knowledge and her skills in dancing and singing and playing her guitar. Along with that sense of pride, however, comes this strange little anxiety. Its bad enough that I get nervous when I have to perform a solo; I am now starting to get little butterflies every time Katherine takes the stage for anything. Another joy of parenting, I guess.

In addition to how big they are getting in attitude, it's impossible not to notice how grown up they are starting to LOOK as well. In the above picture, they look like little women and that scares me!

Aside from my nerves, it sure was fun to see them up there. And it looked like they had a blast as well. Thanks for Ms. Angel and her dedication to the kids at White Hall; she does a fantastic job and she's lovable to boot. Next year, School House Rock!

The VonTaylors in Concert

2011-04-11T08:11:00.006-04:00

For all you Taylor family singers fans, I have a treat for you. The family was asked to go sing at Gethsemane Baptist church to open their revival. Rob, Ashley, Reagan, Bob, Carol and I sang a couple songs, but the best part of the performance was what our children did. The videos don't need much introduction, so I am just going to post and let you enjoy!

Next song on the set list.

I thought they were precious and I just wanted to share with all of you! We are definitely training them up to become far beyond what the VonTaylors can do.

I would be lying if I said I didn't have visions of Katherine and Natalie up on stage somewhere, sometime in the future. I know how music and performing music makes me feel and I want so much to share that with them. And I have learned recently how amazingly good it feels to sing to sing for my savior, which I also hope I can pass on to my girls as well.

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-09T08:40:00.003-04:00

It would be nice to be posting another year's worth of beach fun for my Spring Break post, but I couldn't handle a repeat of last year's 18 hour drive back home from Florida. Instead, we made some plans for some 'local' activities and honestly, we had just as much fun!

We started out Tuesday taking a little day trip to Harlan to spend some time with our favorite red heads.

The kids don't get as much time together as they once did, and you could tell that absence makes the heart grow fonder for sure. The minute we arrived on the place the kids took off together and couldn't get enough of one another. The biggest thing they wanted to do was be outside, which unfortunately meant bundling up because it was literally snowing throughout the entire day.

The cold weather did not stop them. They jumped on the trampoline like it was 80 degrees out. Cooper even had the brilliant idea to put ice chips(from the fridge) on the trampoline so it would be 'slick' and 'more fun.' Dangerous and dirty are better words for what it was, but they had a blast. Each of them was covered in mud and had to have their clothes washed before they even came into the house! Once clean and dry we headed out to catch a movie; we neglected to check to see if the movie theatre was even open--it wasn't. Coop would have cried himself home had his Nana not suggested we go to the Wal-Mart as a consolation prize. All of us were sad to say goodbye at the end of the night, but our hearts and our bellies were full and we promised to come back for a repeat visit very soon.

Once back in Richmond, I promised the girls that we would cash in a raincheck for the movie, and invite our friends Camille and Carlie to join us. So, on Wednesday we dined at the kids favorite lunch spot, Chik Fil A and then went to see 'Hop.'

I have been subjected to many a children's film in the last couple years and I am sorry to report that this most recent experience was not tops in my book. The girls seemed to love it, but I'm gonna have to give "Hop" a measly 2 stars. If not for the candy factory scenes and the adorable British accents of Hugh Laurie and Russell Brand on the animated bunny characters I wouldn't even be able to give it that many.

But, these days its all about the kids, so Mommy will suck it up and move on!

Yesterday we finished up our break with a little retail therapy with some of our favorite shopping partners in crime, Andrea and Bailey. First we needed fuel, so we stopped in at a new little fave eatery, the Garden Girls Cafe in Winchester, Ky. We traveled to Oopsie Daisies, My Favorite Things, Victoria's Secret....any many, many more; it was quite a marathon day. I almost came up empty handed but Andrea saved the day and ordered the last item I needed on my shopping list online once we returned home.

It was a lovely, little, low-key Spring Break. And lucky me, I get to finish the week with a day with my college peeps celebrating the upcoming marriage of my friend Carrie! So, off the blog and onto Keeneland I shall go. Hope everyone had a great break from school; only a couple months until Summer break!

Street Corner Symphony

2011-03-12T12:43:00.006-05:00

Well, clearly this post is way overdue, but I've been sick, Natalie was sick, and well....we've just been busy around here. Plus, I was waiting on my sweet friend, Wags to send me video footage so that this post would be as good as it could be!

I wrote the content for this post two weeks ago, the day after I got to see Street Corner Symphony live in Louisville, so although it sounds funny this far out of context, just pretend you are reading this on that day after instead of now. Lol

I hate to sound like a super obsessed, crazy fanatic here but Saturday night might have been one of the best nights I've had in my entire life. Okay, writing it out like that definitely makes me sound like a freak. I'll take it down a notch and simply say that as a lover of all things musical, I had a really cool experience Saturday night at Jim Porter's Good Time Emporium in Louisville, Ky.

Now, if you're from Louisville, you are asking yourself right now, 'what in the world could be so incredible at Jim Porter's?' Apparently the establishment has a reputation for being, well, for lack of a better word, "rough." I can promise you that it was not at all 'rough' from 7-10pm last night--that's not to say it didn't get that way after we left, but for our experience, it was much the opposite.

If you're a follower of the VonTaylors here, you are well aware of two things: my love for music and my ultimate fan obsession with NBC's seasonal show, 'The Sing-Off.' I posted video earlier in the year of our favorite contestants, 'Street Corner Symphony,' an a capella group from Nashville. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing them perform live and in person last night at the infamous 'Good Time Emporium' and it was AMAZING.

It doesn't matter if you are knowledgeable in the field of music or not, you will have an immediate appreciation of 'talent' when you see these guys do what they do. There is no instrumentation; it is solely the unique arrangement of their voices that creates a musical experience as full and powerful as any that a five piece band can put out. On top of that, they are witty and fun and just a blast to watch perform.

I was giddy like a school girl when they hit the stage last night--it was embarrassing how excited I was. Even with all the build-up, they didn't disappoint. Not to mention they came off the stage after their performance and mingled with the common folk. Namely, super fan and my best friend Wags! That is Jeremy Lister, the lead singer in the middle of a smiley sandwich. For those of you that I have lovingly rubbed your nose in it since I saw them, below the pic are some video clips for you to enjoy!

While we were spending our evening with the boys from Nashville, Katherine and her classmates were competing in their annual basketball tournament. Of course, Katherine signed up for the role of cheerleader instead of player!

Here is Katherine and the rest of the 'squad' after their big game. I am so sad I missed it. Although I LOVE Street Corner Symphony and wouldn't have missed out on that opportunity, I sure hate that I had to miss my little girl out there at half court doing her thing. The rest of the little girls in her class are so cute and they all have this enthusiasm and energy that I find infectious. Hopefully I will see them all perform similar stunts in the future.

Precious Gifts

2011-03-06T15:00:00.004-05:00

I have talked a lot about my two girls and what precious gifts they are to us. A large percentage of posts on this blog are about them and all the funny little things they do. Between all of Katherine's school activities and Natalie's comical little monologues I have a wonderful collection of precious memories recorded here. The one moment that means the most, however, is missing; I started this blog after the birth of both of my girls--it wasn't until they were old enough to be entertainment material that I began to blog. But truly, the most memorable and purest moment of joy was when God gave them to me--the day each of them were born. I can remember each day as clear as if it was yesterday; every emotion, every hospital guest, every funny story(and believe me, with Reagan in the delivery room there are plenty). I cherish those reveries and I was sweetly reminded of them yesterday when we got to share in someone else's precious birthday memory.

Harper Lynn Eviston was born at 1:15am on Friday morning to parents Selina and Eddie and big sister Hadley Jo. We were blessed to meet this beautiful new addition on Saturday.

She is a perfect little bundle, with an uncanny resemblance to her sister, Hadley. We joke about how strong the Eviston genes are, but seriously....it's no joke. From what we can tell, Harper is going to look just like her older sister, who happens to look just like her Daddy, handsome as he is. I have great empathy for Selina being that neither one of my precious children look like me either--of course, my girls don't look like each other so figure that one out.

It was such a sweet privilege to hold baby Harper in my arms; it took me back to those precious days as a first time mom, holding baby Katherine as I rocked her to sleep every night. Looking down at Harper, as much as I could remember how it felt to hold these beings I had created, I could not remember my girls ever being that small. And technically they were smaller!

Now they are big and sassy! And still kinda sweet too. This morning in church Katherine gave me another performance memory to share here. They are a small group of first and second graders, but they are pure in their love for Jesus Christ and their offering to Him this morning was as wondrous as anything else, despite how quiet they may have been.

I tried to post the video so you could 'hear' them but I fussed with it for over an hour before getting frustrated enough to through this laptop out the window(and we don't wanna do that).

Every child is a gift, this I know. I am so blessed to get to have my two girls and get the chance to guide them as they grow. I hope I can be a good parent, one that will manage the fine line between confidant and disciplinarian. One who loves lots and fusses not too much. One who can give them enough guidance to keep them on point, but only enough to inspire confidence and independence for their future. One they see as nurturing but firm, trustworthy and always on their side. Who's kidding, I just hope I don't lose it on them or lose my mind one of the two. Happy parenting!

Bieber Fever

2011-02-15T09:48:00.003-05:00

BIEBER FEVER YA'LL!!!!!

ok, so if you're not the parent of an adolescent girl you may have no idea what that picture and caption is all about. Justin Bieber is a teen pop phenomenon right now, and as a result someone decided to make a documentary film about the 17 year-old Canadian born superstar's rise to success. This film was released on Friday and I promised my 7 year-old daughter that her Valentine's Day treat was going to be to get to see the film; an added bonus was that she could ask three friends to join us.

We saw it yesterday afternoon and now they've all got BIEBER FEVER!

It was quite entertaining--the film, yes--but moreso the conversation between the chatty children in my backseat the hour before we got to the theater.

Katherine had guitar lesson at 3:30, so while she was inside her lesson I asked the girls if they even liked Justin Bieber. Jaiden immediately informed me that she was 'not a fan' but that she knew about him.

"He's in love with Selena Gomez," she said.

Olivia piped up quickly and said, "Actually, they broke up. Now he likes Taylor Swift. I saw it in a magazine at Meijer!"

I was cracking up and as I was, I hit the 'voice memo' button on my phone so I could remember the conversation to share here now! Kasey spotted me doing so and said, "are you recording us and going to put this on Facebook?"

I'm telling you, people, we are raising little girls in a totally different world than we were raised in. I am fully aware of how technology has changed my adult life, but I am only beginning to understand how it is going to effect how I parent my children as teenagers! Watch out!

Something that hasn't changed, though, is how they express their love for their favorite music stars. I can vividly remember my walls at home plastered with pages of Teen Bop and Teen magazine; photos of Kirk Cameron, Michael Jackson, and Rickie Schroeder covered my wall. When we got home last night, Jessica texted me to share that her 'not a fan' daughter is now insisting that her room be done in 'Justin Bieber', including postering her wall with his pictures! I apologized profusely for my part in influencing that child to decorate her room in pop idol fanfare. However, I wouldn't want to disappoint, so here's a little treat to Jaiden...

Feel free to copy, paste and print this out, Jess, for your wallpaper needs.

For anyone who has a Bieber fan in their household, the movie is actually worth going to see. It has a ton of concert footage and is actually an interesting documentary. From an adult perspective, it is captivating simply for the fact that we can appreciate how hard this young man works--he is a little music machine and he is making a lot of people a lot of money! As a parent, it is instinctively difficult to watch his success because you hope that the people around him don't let the dollar signs blind their view of the fact that he is still a kid and his success as a human being should always come before his career success. The movie title is a quotation the child uses in reference to advising his fans to chase their dreams: "Never Say Never." I may be a cynic, but I'm thinking a better one would be, 'Don't Always Say Never.' Sometimes, 'no' is good. We shall see.

There I go, being a mother again. That must be some hormonal spike that sets in after childbearing. I most certainly will push my children to follow a passion that they may have, I'm just not sure how far I would push. I guess I would only be able to say that when I am in that position. Just another mystery of parenting.

Valentine Miracle

2011-02-12T22:30:00.005-05:00

"When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle.

When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be:
God has given you to me."

It's the story of Teyve--a Jewish patriarch who has dedicated his life to serving God and his family despite the challenges of poverty, religious sanctions and the drama that comes with raising five daughters--that inspires me to write this Valentine's Day post. I went to see the musical, "Fiddler on the Roof" on Saturday with my dearest Wags and I was so captivated by the sweetness and innocence of two of the love songs in the production that I thought them applicable to my sweetheart day post.

The first is sung by a young tailor's son to his beloved, Teyve's oldest daughter. Against their religious beliefs, but in the true spirit of love, they believe that each was created for the other to live in matrimony. It's an archaic concept at best, maybe even impossible to believe for some people, myself included. I don't necessarily believe that there is this one person out there that we are 'destined' to be with, or that God created just for me. However, I am certain that God created the sanctity of marriage to be enjoyed and endured by two people as one, and that when Reagan Taylor and I decided to accept this gift and dedicate our lives to each other, our marriage and the success of it was ordained by the Holy Spirit. Simply put, because we chose each other and chose to live our lives together with the power of Jesus Christ always at the center of our decisions that we will have a prosperous life together. Doesn't mean we won't have struggles; doesn't mean we won't have periods of doubt; doesn't mean the mammoth snores emoting from my husband's head every night won't drive me crazy sometimes. What it does mean is that by the grace of God and our promise to stay by each other's side through whatever life throws at us, we will grow deeper in love as the years go by. I can tell you for certain that in this tenth year of marriage to my best friend, Reagan, I am profoundly more in love with him now than I was the day we met and the day we married combined. I pray that God gives us the gift of time together on this Earth; the last ten years have been an adventure and I look forward to so many more.

It's taken me approximately ten years, two kids and most definitely a growing love for Jesus Christ to figure out what will keep this marriage an adventure for many years to come. I am positive that I haven't got it all figured out, but I've certainly learned a lot already and I am always open to learn more. I love this man I married and I want him with me for the rest of my life that is for sure. (today, I do at least, hahahaha) That old adage about sitting on the porch in rocking chairs, growing old together? I buy into that one for sure. I may sing a different tune after putting up with Dippy Doo for 25 or 50 years, but for now it is a sweet desire.

Which leads me to the other song that touched my heart in 'Fiddler'. It is sung by Teyve and his wife of 25 years, Golde. They had seen and suffered much more than we can even fathom, but it is still relatable to think that after so many years together you might wonder, 'do you love me?' 'Still?'

(Teyve) Do you love me?
(Golde) I'm your wife
(Tevye) "I know..." But do you love me?
(Golde) Do I love him?
For twenty-five years I've lived with him
Fought him, starved with him
Twenty-five years my bed is his
If that's not love, what is?
(Tevye) Then you love me?
(Golde) I suppose I do
(Tevye) And I suppose I love you too
(Both) It doesn't change a thing
But even so
After twenty-five years
It's nice to know

On this Valentine's Day I'd like to make sure my Hubby knows how much I love him. And how much I hope to get to love him for a long time to come. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours as well! Love and blessings to you!

2011-02-12T21:43:00.004-05:00

No worries, I am alive and well and have use of all ten fingers. I have just been a terrible blogger lately and have most definitely let my biggest fans down! I am back though, with a great event to share tonight, and I have an equally good Valentine's day post prepared to share on Monday. So, get excited!

Tonight was the second annual Alpha Delta Pi Cheer Camp performance; the sorority that meant so much to our friend, Farrah put together another great little event in honor of their beloved advisor and to benefit her precious sons!

The participants of the cheer camp spent four hours practicing last night at Alumni Coliseum for their half-time performance. The sorority girls managed to feed, teach and entertain 20 or more school age children for the entire four hours, which is a feat itself. What is more impressive is how they got them out on the floor tonight to perform in front of the Saturday night crowd. They might not bring home a blue ribbon in any cheer competition but they were certainly adorable out there. The five and under group took the floor first with their 'hello' cheer and the older girls finished up with a rousing cheer for the Colonels.

I was completely shocked when Natalie decided she wanted to participate this year. She is a bit bashful and she surprised me when she waved me goodbye last night and marched out on the floor with confidence tonight.

No surprise at all that Katherine was all about it. She and Victoria make good little cheerleaders out there. Perhaps they will follow in their mothers' footsteps one day and cheer for the same team. I'm a lot more paranoid than my mother, though, and thinking maybe these cheer camp experiences are all I really want her to do. Dance is a safer sport--lol.

As time goes on, it is bittersweet to share these experiences both with my girls and with Farrah's family. It's such a cool thing to do and the kids have such a good time; amidst the joy though, there is always regret that Farrah isn't here to share in the fun with us! She would have thought it was such a cool idea and would be running the program herself if only it were for the benefit of some other advisor. I certainly don't wish her fate on someone else, I just wish she hadn't had to bear it herself.

As always though, I recognize that 'it is what it is' and we have to take pride and joy in the ways that we can. Cooper and Parker can only benefit from seeing all those green shirts out on that floor and know that it was dedicated to their Mommy. Even better is that they will benefit from the proceeds of the camp and something that their Mommy held dear will be carried out for them in her name.

Hoo-rah, friend! Cheers to you.

My Office Space

2011-01-25T12:28:00.002-05:00

I have been totally slacking....again. And Selina was kind enough to remind me. So, I thought I'd dedicate this post to her and to all of my former Lexmark colleagues. One in particular, Alan, found some gems buried in his hard drive and lovingly posted them on Facebook so Selina and I could enjoy one hilarious reverie after another.

So, what better way to both satisfy my blog's biggest fan, Selina and share something we both find absolutely hysterical than to post what Alan shared with us many years ago and again yesterday.

A little background is necessary, I think. Selina and I met at Lexmark when we were put on a team after one of our infamous 'restructuring' periods. We were made Collateral Project Managers, which is a fancy way of saying that we facilitated the production of marketing materials like brochures, event invitations, etc. We did this by working with an in-house Graphic Designer--that GD was Alan Creech. We would get an assignment, create an outline, a timeline and then spend some time brainstorming with Alan and/or his colleague, Andy about what we thought the piece of material should look like and say. In true corporate lackey style, we would spend 80% of our time cutting up and 20% producing ideas for the project. One of our favorite pasttimes while 'brainstorming' was listening to the comedic stylings of "Leroy Mercer"(not to be confused with Roy D. Mercer, though they are similar) and 'Jesco, the dancing outlaw.' You should look the latter up, it will also give you quite a laugh.

We decided almost immediately that our favorite bytes were two prank calls recorded by Leroy Mercer. The first was a call made to an auto body shop; this particular clip I have had memorized for years now and often share with my friends. I'm so tickled to actually have the recording here(thanks to Alan) so that all of you may enjoy a belly laugh as well.

http://www.alancreech.com/eddies.wav

Vulgar and crass, yes. But still so funny I could cry.

The next sound byte is much less vulgar, but still so hilarious I get tears in my eyes. I think it is so funny because it is so out there and strange. I have no idea how this man talked to this woman without cracking up at himself. This phone call was made to a day care center, apparently located next to a farm of some sort, where pigs reside.

http://www.alancreech.com/pigs.wav

I know I should be so proud of my admittance of how we spent our time at Lexmark, but I promise you they got their monies worth out of us. We may have goofed off a bit, but I assure you it was the ONLY way to make it through the day at that corporate cliche. So, for all of you who grind it out every day still in Corporate America....take a break, have a laugh on me.

The Sing-Off

2011-01-11T21:38:00.003-05:00

I am already struggling to keep my resolution about posting here once a week. Its just that nothing has happened in the last week, really! So I thought, and thought and then as we were watching our recorded episodes of the 'Sing--Off' for the zillionth time, it came to me.

This show was the highlight of my holiday season, no joke. We had watched it faithfully last year and were ECSTATIC when we saw the previews for this season coming to NBC. We watched every episode the night it aired, simultaneously recording it and have kept every episode in our archives to watch at any given moment. Which we do, all the time.

Tonight I realized, perhaps there are some of you who did not receive the treat of catching this amazing singing competition on television and maybe you'd like to! So, I've gone to youtube.com and picked a couple snippets to share and I think you're gonna love them.

Our favorite group by far, and runner-up of the show was a group out of Nashville called Street Corner Symphony. They were incredibly talented, musical in every way and their lead singer Jeremy Lister was unbelievable. So, first up on the this tour of the Sing-Off will have to be our number one tune of the show and our fave performers, SCS's version of "Hey Soul Sister."

Are they not AMAZING??? What was even better than seeing them perform individually was when all the groups came together for a number. There were so many awesome group performances, but there was one that I've replayed over and over and couldn't resist to share with you. What the seasoned veteran a capella singer Jerry Lawson does halfway through the Joe Cocker song defies nature, it was incredible. Take a look.

Towards the end of the season, the final four were able to perform with other famous musicians. Now, I'm not a huge Neil Diamond fan, but what he did with the group Committed and Street Corner Symphony was pretty darn cool. I would have paid big money to be there to see it live. Wanna see it here?

Smooth, I tell you. Well, as you can tell I LOVE this show and I have a pretty soft spot for SCS. I can't resist but share another performance of theirs. Here was one of the most 'fun' numbers they did.

SO GOOD! I think I've given you a good enough little taste of best television show of 2010. If you wanna see full episodes, you should be able to get them on hulu.com or I know you can buy them on iTunes. They even have the songs for sale there too. Come on, you know I already bought at least 4 or 5. Street Corner sang the song, "Creep" and they have a studio version on iTunes, which is well worth the $1.29.

If you missed it this holiday season, I'm hoping it comes around next year. Until then, don't think I won't be stalking the blog of SCS to see when they're touring so I can go see them live!!

Here's to the New Year

2011-01-01T15:12:00.003-05:00

I've been really bad about posting here on the blog lately, so first resolution of the year 2011 is to post a new entry at least once a week. Ann and Selina, that one is especially for you all--I know how frustrated you must get at my laziness, lol.

The past year has seemed to fly by, and strangely it seems that not much happened. I feel like the time went past me without being able to stop and enjoy much of what was going on, much less add to the activity. So, my new year's resolutions will definitely be centered around making the most out of every moment to come in 2011.

My New Year's Resolutions

Take more time to pause--and reflect on the many blessed moments. Share those reflections with the ones I love on the blog!
Get in shape! I don't mean get skinny, I just would like to be able to climb a flight of stairs without getting winded.
Put more of myself into everything I do--make the experience count. This is especially in reference to the time I spend with my GA's, the choir, my family and my friends.
Say 'thank you' more. And give of myself to others in the ways they give to me.
Get on a plane. No, seriously, this is a crippling fear of mine that has developed and intensified since I had my girls. I haven't set foot on an airplane in over 5 years and this year, I resolve that if given the opportunity, I will fly somewhere....just don't know where yet. (Em, don't get any ideas--I don't want you moving across the country so I have to fly to see you).
Tell my loved ones every day how much they mean to me. I have the most incredible man in my life that this year I will have spent 10 years being married to. I vow to celebrate our anniversary in a big way this year to show him how amazing these 10 years have been.

There's a lot of other things I will be working to improve this year, but the above is a good start, right? Obviously I haven't started on my resolutions just yet; otherwise, the beginning of this entry would be a hilarious tale of our NYE slumber party last night with the Kipers, photos included. And instead of eating a massive breakfast of sausage, eggs, biscuits and hash browns with them, my butt would have been on the treadmill. No problem, I'll start tomorrow ;).

Here's to all that's to come in 2011!

What a Holiday

2010-12-28T22:13:00.004-05:00

I know I say it every year, but wow, the holiday season went by in a flash. I really didn't feel like I had time to do much of anything this year and yet we did so much! You can tell, though, just by going back to last December's posts that I was not able to pack in near the number of activities as I have in years past.

No cookie party to attend, no gingerbread house decorated and demolished, no sugar cookies made, no pretzels dipped, no trip to Southern Lights....we really skimmed it down this year. However, I still feel so very blessed and can say with confidence that we had amazing holiday and its not over yet.

We started out Wednesday night getting together with our good friends for some simple food and fun and little girls exchanging gifts.

I can vividly remember the first few Christmases with Victoria and Katherine in our lives and cannot believe that this year they are seven years old.

We ate some junk food at Madison Gardens and let the little ones run amuck, which they did very happily. Luckily, the place wasn't very crowded on a Wednesday night so we didn't disturb too many other patrons' meals.

Heather and I coordinated our outfits so that we would look extra cute in any pictures--JUST KIDDING! Though we did have a good little laugh at our similar taste in wardrobe choice.

As we left each other that night, the snow was falling and by Thursday we had a decent covering on the hills in Amster Woods. Katherine and Sophie had been begging to play out in it all day so we bundled up and headed down the street for a little sledding in the back yard.

We tried several times to hook two sleds together and ride down the hill with all four adults and three children but gave up after we nearly collided with a tree stump on the third try.

We had fun, though. There's just something about playing in the snow that makes you smile.

On Friday night, it was all about tradition. We went to the Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Church, followed by dinner at Mom and Robert's house with our step siblings and all the children.

There's a lot more of us these days than when we started as a family. We were laughing over dinner about how much things had changed, and yet how much had stayed the same. It seemed like Reagan had pretty much been a part of the family since Mom and Robert got married (which he kinda has been). He and I didn't start dating until 5 years into their marriage, but he always seemed to 'be around' in some capacity. Spouses came and then the children and now everyone just eats when they can and in a hurry before the kids wig out about opening gifts! It used to be just little baby Ben but now that 'baby' is a super teenager who towers over me by nearly 6 inches now--CRAZY!

And how about these three little angels? Right.

It was another crazy and wonderful Christmas Eve that just flew by and before we knew it, we tucking the children in their beds to await the arrival of the very real and magical Santa Claus!

See, he came to our house, so he has to be real! Lol. Ben's friend Hunter says (in front of the little ones) that he doesn't 'believe' in Santa anymore. To which I responded, "he comes to my house. And I always heard that if you don't believe, you don't receive, so...." It worked to keep mine suckered in, so on Christmas morning they were thrilled with their loot. Which included a new big girl desk for Katherine and a fish tank with a fish for each girl! They named them Flippy and Glitter, of course.

Natalie got 'Squinkies' from Santa, which are these tiny little toys that do absolutely nothing but she is nuts about.

Both girls had a magical Christmas morning and it was such a blessing just to spend it with them and watch their wonder. We spent a lazy Christmas morning at home, then we had the pleasure of lending a hand at First Baptist in the cleanup efforts for a Christmas dinner they had prepared for folks who may not have had a warm meal otherwise. Turns out they had served over 450 people and packaged 90 takeout meals--that was something special.

We had our usual Taylor family Christmas celebration that evening and then back up Sunday morning for church. We took that afternoon to visit with my grandmother, or 'Gigi' as our kids call her. By the time we left it was snowing again so we were inspired to maybe get up to Perfect North before the break ended and the weather turned warm...

so we did! We drove up yesterday to spend a day on the slopes. It was crazy crowded, but we had so much fun too. Katherine is well on her way to getting her own set of ski legs--we hope she will be way more ahead of the game than we were!

Everyone was starting to get tired as darkness set in so we headed up the last chair lift to ski back to the lodge. I had Sophie and Katherine on the lift with me and as we rode up I patted their legs and said, "Girls, I love you both and want you to know I have really enjoyed this today. I had a lot of fun with you all." To which Sophie lovingly replied in her innocent little voice, "Really? Cuz we usually irritate you!" Hilarious end to a happy holiday weekend.

I hope all of your holiday celebrations were as joyful as ours. I pray that you had enough moments of peace and reverie to remember why we celebrate to begin with. I wish all the more blessings to you and your families during this new year! See you in 2011!

The Fumbly Bumbly, and adorable Angels

2010-12-12T21:42:00.012-05:00

I have to admit that watching the children of First Baptist practice their pageant on Friday night had me concerned that the performance tonight would be a little like watching Snoopy and his crew in a Charlie Brown Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see those precious children deliver an adorable and endearing rendition of a Christmas play called, "The Fumbly Bumbly Angels."

At least forty first through fifth graders and forty preschool age children dressed up in costumes and performed music numbers to tell the story of some 'fumbly bumbly' angels and their quest to become members of the 'heavenly choir.' In the end, it is the part they play in sharing the good news of the Christ child that wins them their coveted spots.

Some older children had the tough job of 'acting' parts while the rest of the kids supported them in song as a giant choir of angels and woodland animals. They performed several classics, but were even brave enough to attempt sign language on several of them.

Don't worry if you missed it, I've got a little snippet here for you to enjoy!

Katherine loved performing, but even more I think she loved hanging out with the other children during rehearsals. She told me she made a new 'bff' in a fourth grader named Kaitlin, who I happen to have in my GA class on Wednesday nights. She's a ham and very sweet, so I can see why Katherine is so taken with her. Aren't they precious little angels?

Tonight seemed like the beginning of a very hectic holiday. Good for you, cuz that means lots of material for blog posts! Bad news for me because that means Christmas is going to FLY by in a whirlwind of happenings and I will be left feeling the post-holiday blues before I can say 'Merry Christmas!'

Gotta Love Mama Judd

2010-12-04T10:21:00.004-05:00

I love the holidays. I love the weather, the lights, the decorations and all the time spent with family and friends. But what I love even more is taking a night during the busy season and enjoying some amazing old school country music courtesy of Mama and Wynonna Judd with some fabulous friends!

First we enjoyed a delicious (and surprisingly inexpensive) meal at a little place called Bistro 301 in Louisville. Emily didn't get to join us at the concert but she met us for dinner and it was delightful though not long enough.

We walked just a block or two to the KFC Yum Center and were treated to "Girls Night Out" by the Judds as we walked to our seats. Which, by the way, were AMAZING! It just happened that the stage had a little walk way that jutted out into the crowd and we were like 5 rows from the end of that walkway. It felt like we were right there in front of the most soulful and adorable duet in country music.

You gotta love Mama Judd. Wynonna sounded incredible, but we all agreed that Naomi does more dancing and winking than she does singing. She was too cute, though with her alabaster skin, her sequined eye makeup and her sparkling wardrobe.

We were also pleasantly surprised that they sang both Judds hits and Wynonna hits. Plus, they took a short intermission and came out for several more songs in the second half. We got to hear "Young Love," "Only Love," "She is His Only Need," "No One Else on Earth, " "Grandpa" and so many more! They really did put on quite a show, especially considering they haven't toured together in over 10 years.

Thanks to Heather, Chas and Becky for joining the party with the Judds! I had such a good time.

I have always been a fan, but there is just something that happens once you see a performer live on stage. It really makes you appreciate how talented they are and last night definitely made me want to listen to Wynonna even more. She clearly needs some help with her weaves, but she needs no help with her voice. She sounded incredible. I was able to video just a little snippet for you to enjoy. If they ever go out on tour again, you should go see the whole show, it is definitely worth it.

In her 32 years

2010-11-09T16:51:00.004-05:00

I found the coolest thing on Facebook the other day--I was visiting my dear friend, Farrah's page and saw a new little 'tool' listed under her profile pic. It said, "View Farrah and You." It was something I hadn't seen before, and I was immediately curious as to what it meant, so I clicked on it. What I got was such a gift. She's on my mind all the time, but as her birthday draws nearer, the memories and reveries of her are even more frequent and more intense these days. What I found when I clicked on this cool little tool made it even moreso. Basically, you get a running log of every wall post you have made to/with that other person--so, when I clicked on "View Farrah and You" I got a historical commentary, dating all the way back to November 2008...two years ago. I could hear her voice in my head in the words that she had written and it reminded me once again how much we shared in such a short period of time; how much life she really lived in the mere 32 years she got to have here on Earth.

On December 10, 2008 she wrote: "I'll check on you tomorrow--try not to be nervous--enjoy the sleep. I will have dinner ready for all the kids tomorrow, you're in my prayers!"

She was sending me strength for my sinus surgery the next day. We had a Christmas dinner outing planned with about four other couples and all the kids were going to be at the Kiper's house while the adults went to Malone's. Despite her well wishes, I was not as 'recovered' as I had expected to be, so I missed out on the outing. She wrote to me again three days later and said: "I think since you missed dinner we should just repeat it in Jan!" We didn't get to repeat with everyone, but the eight of us certainly packed the following months with enough dinners together to compensate.

On Christmas Day, 2008 we had a 6 comment conversation about how good Santa was to each of us and how much we missed each other. I remember so well talking about our perspective road trips over the holidays; ours to Florida and theirs to Illinois. We entertained one another via text and fb on the roads there and back.

On January 19, 2009 she wrote: "I am soooo hurting today--I feel like I have been hit with a Mack truck. What's a little pain, though, to have so much fun! I can't wait to go back!"

She was referring to the day that we went up to Perfect North to get her, Cooper and Katherine on the slopes for the first time ever. She was right, it was so much fun. And though she never got to 'go back,' I take pride in knowing that because we were friends, she got to go at least once.

On February 26, 2009 she wrote: "You know I will. I will get back next week and I will get you some--I'll even get cupcakes if she has them!"

Awww, she was referring the delicious treats from Root-a-Baker's in Morehead; the ones she lovingly got me so addicted to that I make a trip up there at least once a month now to get my fix. It's where I spent last year on her birthday and where I plan to spend on her birthday again this year. This Wednesday I hope to feel her there as Diane, Vera, Lyndsey and I enjoy their famous sugar cookies.

Her last post to me was on May 6, 2009 and it read: "I was so moved by your blog about Aiden that of course, I cried. I know I do not even know them but I feel like I do and I want to do something to help. I will get a gift card this week. We could all learn something by not just praying for them but giving a little of ourselves to help them out in their time of need."

Their time of need, she said. As if she wasn't going through a time of need herself. By May 6, she had already endured one surgery on her small bowel and within another two weeks was on her way to another one. But that's just how she was, always worried about everyone else but herself.

ok, so you know me....everything comes back to music. Its the one thing in the world that inspires me the most; the one thing that can draw a million emotions with just a couple notes. All this recent reminiscing and all this facebook history became more meaningful to me when I heard a performance on Wednesday night's CMA awards. The Band Perry sang a song, "If I Die Young, " and one of the lyrics goes like this: "the sharp knife of a short life, well I've had just enough time..."

It wasn't enough time for me and for her family and for all her friends that loved her so much. But it seemed to be enough for her and I can take a small bit of peace in that. She lived a 'short life' but it was so abundantly full.

She was a college graduate and had built a successful career for herself as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep.

She was married to the love of her life and bore two beautiful boys whom she was raising in a Christian home under the grace of her heavenly father, Jesus Christ.

She had built a home.

She had played in the sand on the beaches of the Carolinas.

She had spent her autumn days with 'the boys of fall' and cheered on her favorite team with some of her favorite friends.

She had been to Disneyworld and introduced her boys to 'happiest place on Earth.'

She had been snow skiing.

She had traveled, she had loved, she had lived. I wish she had been given the opportunity to live longer, but it felt like in her last days, she was simply grateful that she had lived and loved so much thus far. In her 32 years she was touched by many experiences but we were all touched so much more in the moments we got to experience life with her.

We all miss you, friend. We wish you a very happy birthday this year and hope to celebrate in your presence again someday.

Happy Halloween 2010

2010-10-30T23:11:00.006-04:00

My favorite holiday has come and gone and though I am sad, I had SUCH A GOOD TIME! As usual, it was a three day event beginning with our annual pumpkin carving evening at the farm and ending with traditional trick or treating with the crew at Gibson Bay tonight. We fit in our yearly get together at our house last night, complete with a warm fire in the fire pit. It was a little cooler than last year, but we still had a wonderful time just hangin' out with sweet friends.

There are a lot of my typical anecdotes to share, but I'm a little sleepy so you'll just have to catch me next time for any funny tales. Here's a tip, ask me about the costumes we found for Reagan and Jason for next year!

I'm gonna make up for my lack of gab with plenty and plenty of pictures. Enjoy! and Happy Halloween!

The Taylors wish everyone a very happy Halloween!!

I'll Fly Away

2010-10-23T14:13:00.004-04:00

This post will be short and sweet but chock full of nostalgia for me.

For the past two years Katherine has been able to show her progress on the guitar in a summer recital held in Berea. Today, however, we were treated to a special performance courtesy of a Fiddler's Festival held in Renfro Valley that all of Ms. Wanda's students were invited to participate in. She didn't perform a solo, but she was able to hone her performance skills and get to experience the thrill of performing on a real stage. They sang several songs and the fiddle players were absolutely adorable.

Better than seeing her perform a solo was watching her have so much fun up there. She kept looking over at another guitarist who has been so sweet to her during performance times and smiling SO big.

Seeing her up there reminded me of how much fun I used to have on stage. It made me very reminiscent. I'm so glad she has stuck with the guitar so far and I am so looking forward to the day when she can play and sing her own music. I would have loved being able to do both and I can only hope that she will keep playing her little heart out and end up loving it as much as I do...but be better at it!

When the show ended we stopped for lunch and came straight home. Katherine has been in her room ever since with her guitar and her little sister, having their own little showcase. If we don't get out of here she'll go on all night long.

Boyds Orchard with TLC

2010-10-22T20:53:00.004-04:00

PUMPKIN FARM!!!!

That's what I told them to say when I was taking the picture of Natalie and her friends from her preschool class at the Learning Center. Today they got a special treat and took a 'field trip' to Boyd's Orchard in Versailles.

The people at Boyd's know the key to keeping small children happy: feed them. And they did, right off the bat with fresh baked apple cider donuts. Yum.

They got to go on a hayride and then it was out to the patch to pick their very own pumpkin. Natalie's teacher, Ms. Shelley helped her find the perfect pumpkin. Then she changed her mind and picked another one. And then she changed her mind and picked yet another one. This went on for several tries until we finally ran out of time and made her make an executive decision.

They were all very proud of their final picks.

They kept asking when it was time to go on the big slide, but after the pumpkin picking there were animals to pet and feed. Only Natalie would have absolutely nothing to do with any of that nonsense. But Parker did! He loved holding the feed cups and feeding the llama.

That didn't last too long, though and then it was time:

THE BIG SLIDE!!! You would think they were on the roller coaster of the year at Kings Island with how happy they acted coming down that thing. They hooted and hollered and made all kinds of sound effects on their way down. And back up again several times.

Before we knew it, it was time to leave. Natalie and Parker stopped on the way out for a quick game of checkers--it was a tie ;) Diane treated me to some donuts to take home and we were on our way.

It was my third and final trip to a pumpkin patch this fall. Well, maybe. I could be tempted to return to my favorite of the three, Evans Orchard, to get a taste of those fried apple pies I missed out on the first time. I can actually taste them now....

Da Braves

2010-10-14T22:39:00.002-04:00

I'm not usually a big fan of the pigskin, but I make an exception and get a little rowdy for some middle school football all because of my nephew, Ben(or Boogs as we have affectionately called him since he was a toddler). And tonight was a big night for my nephew and the CMMS Braves--it was 8th Grade Night, they were playing a huge adversary/rival and the game was played on the high school field.

Ben plays Wide Receiver and Safety and he never leaves the field. Every time we get to watch him, he amazes us with his athleticism and stamina. Tonight was no different.

Before the game they held a little presentation where the 8th graders walked out to the middle of the field with the parents/family and were honored for their last play on their home field.

Before they walked out I managed to get him to pose for a pic with his parents and with his Aunt Kiki too. However, I was not able to convince him to smile in said photos.

Yes, he is already taller than me and he LOVES to rub it in as often as possible. He even calls me 'Shorty' which I find hysterical.

He looked so grown up out there and it was absolutely terrifying to think that he will be in HIGH SCHOOL next year. I can remember so easily when he was barely two years old and all the sweet things he did and said. He had this crazy head of hair(which he still does sometimes) and this infectious little smile(the smile we only catch when he's not on guard now). And when he learned to talk, he used to say the cutest and most hilarious things. I miss our little 'Boogs' but the teenage version isn't too shabby. He's a good kid and he's very sweet to his Aunt Kiki even if he's too cool for us these days. I was so proud to be there tonight as his family and although they didn't pull out a win, they never backed down from a very intimidating opponent and they played with real heart. Hard to believe he only has one game left as a middle school football player--they grow up way too fast.

And speaking of growing up too fast, mine are getting way ahead of the game already. Katherine, her friends Betsy and Carly and her cousin Sophie are like little teenagers themselves and it is SCARY.

They're pretty cute too, though.

Hopefully there will be future posts about Benjamin and his high school football career--that is, if we can convince him to stay in the game....to be continued...

Day at the Orchard

2010-10-10T18:37:00.002-04:00

I know you're all going to kill me for taking so long between posts, but I'll make it worth your wait today with lots of pictures of our day at Evan's Orchard.

We snuck out of church at the altar call and grabbed the Kipers for a quick trip up to Georgetown for some Fat Kats pizza and an afternoon at the orchard. Neither of us needed any more pumpkins, but we knew the girls would really enjoy all the other activities they have at those places these days so we went along for the ride.

They ran around that place like it was Kings Island. And it showed on their little faces--all three of them had cheeks like tomatoes within 30 minutes. Who knew it would 85 degrees in the middle of October??

We got lost in the Corn Maze. Well, actually we didn't really get lost, we just meandered around until we eventually found ourselves at the exit.

Each of the girls took several turns on the giant tube slides. They just loved making sound effects as they bumped their way down the decline.

Then there was the big tire race aisles. You would have thought that Katherine would be the best at it, but not so much. She couldn't get off all fours.

Natalie, on the other hand, just walked her little heart out back and forth, never having to use her hands but to get a little start.

The best part of the day had to be when they rode the 'carousel.' It was literally about 5 mini horses set up like a real life carousel. They walked around in a circle with a leader telling the little horses when to pick it up a bit.

Natalie's horse was named 'Checkers' and during the ride, 'Checkers' started to lag a little bit. The leader tapped the little horse on the tail, telling her to 'giddy up' a bit. She didn't like that so much and she bucked a bit, bout knocked Natalie off had she not been holding on to that spoke like her life depended on it. It was hysterical. Too bad it scared the leader to death and made him feel absolutely terrible--we could tell because he wouldn't let go of the horse after that and wouldn't quit apologizing til the ride was over. We assured him that it wasn't a big deal, but I know he felt awful. We just laughed, as we usually do when it comes to all things Natalie.

It was a hot day, but a great afternoon spent at the orchard. We couldn't resist going into the 'gift shop' to buy a couple goodies before we left. It was very difficult not to walk out of there with a bag full of stuff between the cider, the pepper jelly, the homemade fudge, the slushies, the fried apple pies and all the Halloween peraphenalia. I was in heaven! We came out almost unscathed with a massive bag of Kettle Korn, a slushie and a jar of pepper jelly. Oh, and some pink lady apples(our very favorite kind). Thank you, Evans Orchard...or perhaps you should be thanking us for our patronage. It was worth our while!

Wild Hogs

2010-09-19T19:19:00.005-04:00

I'm not sure what came over the Taylor family on this beautifully sunny Sunday, but we were quite industrious. We awoke before 8am to get ready for church--it was Homecoming Sunday at Reagan's Dad's old church, Pilot Knob and Poppy was the guest speaker, we the special music. We stayed for lunch and were home by 1 o'clock. We quickly changed clothes and headed back outside to clean out our NARSTY garage. We sprayed down all the outdoor chairs, rearranged the gi-normous shelves that have been inhabiting our garage for a year now, and swept/sprayed down the entire garage floor. When we finished that chore we rested for mere moments before Reagan got the bright idea to take the girls outside and teach Katherine how to ride her bike....without training wheels.

He did so without even announcing to me that he was going to do it, so when I wondered outside to look for them and see what they were up to, he was pushing my baby girl down the street on her bike with no training wheels and she with NO HELMET. I know, I know, call me a paranoid mother, but when your children have been to the ER as much as mine have, you don't press your luck. So, I jumped on board and trotted down the street with her helmet in one hand and my camera with the other. I didn't make it very far before 'Me Too,' as we like to call her came out of the house and asked if I could help her ride her bike as well. Natalie, however, got to keep the safety of both her helmet AND her training wheels for today's ride.

I was able to film a short video of both girls and some precious pictures as well. Enjoy!

Oh, and yes, Natalie does have on long sleeve pajamas. You pick your battles, people, pick your battles.

Natalie pushed her bike back up the driveway, Katherine had her chaffeur do it for her instead.

Nine Years and Counting

2010-08-31T21:01:00.004-04:00

Yes, people those two bright youngsters in that picture are Reagan and I just nine years ago. We were beaming with excitement from saying our vows and riding a horse and carriage to our beautiful wedding reception. I can remember the day like it was yesterday. I was so calm and at ease with the day's events--not even a little tuxedo mixup could dampen my spirits that day. I was more ready to walk down that aisle and marry my best friend than I had been ready for anything else in my life. It was then and always has been just that easy to love him. Storms of every kind seem quieter when he is by my side. I feel the safest when he is with me. And as impossible as it seems--even to me--I love him more today than I did on that day nine years ago when we said, "I do."

Now I'm not saying he's perfect cuz we all know he ain't. I mean, he is a man right???? Just kidding, guys...kinda. He's perfect for me, though. I myself have had my good days and my bad ones and he's stuck by me through them all. Just take a look at some of the pictures below.....

His arms must have been hurting in that moment holding all that extra weight on the front of him, meaning me and my big ol' belly. I was GI-NORMOUS! He surprised me when that basketball on the front of me became a screaming, pooping, demanding little princess named Katherine Reagan. He took on fatherhood like he has everything else, with more patience and love than I ever imagined. He is a wonderful husband and a phenomenal daddy.

He's patient with the girls but even more patient with me. I mean, my ever changing hairstyles are enough to drive one person crazy, but he has loved every version of me I have ever created. Even the one with frighteningly dark brown/red hair. I could say that I have just been 'keeping it fresh' over the years with all the changes of color; even though it really wasn't my intent, it certainly hasn't worked against me! He says he has no preference, but who knows.....

So, clearly I love him for his patience, loyalty and love. But even more than that, I love him for his innate ability to keep me laughing and laugh at himself. Marjorie and Emily will tell you that his shenanigans drive me straight up the wall(and they would be right, most of the time); but secretly I think he is pretty hilarious as well. I mean, if I was truly mortified by all his silly stunts, I wouldn't dare share the stories with everybody we know!! It's a fact, he's funny. Even when we're supposed to be super serious, he gets me smiling.

And he's mine for life. I'm a very lucky girl. (don't ask me next week, he could be creeping way up on my nerves by then....lol)

Seriously, I feel blessed every day to have him as my partner on this amazing journey of life. He's my rock. And my goofy sidekick. And I can't wait to share another nine, nineteen, forty-nine years with him.

Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

The Farrah Mullins Scholarship Fund

2010-08-26T08:39:00.002-04:00

In the wake of the loss of my friend, Farrah I struggled to find ways to keep her memory alive. She was such a vibrant person in so many people's lives and I desperately wanted people to be able to hang on to that lively spirit. One of the things that came to mind was creating something in her name that would a)represent her contribution to this life, b)remind others of her amazing spirit for years to come as well as introduce new people to her, and c)benefit someone she cared about. That's how the Farrah Mullins Scholarship Fund was born.

In the years we were friends we shared a ton of laughs over the stories we could tell about being advisors for our respective sororities. Despite all of the headaches and drama we endured in these roles, we both had a lot of love for our chapters and took pride in working with them through our years as alumnae. When I thought about the scholarship fund, I immediately thought of Farrah's love for her sorority and how her desire to give back to them could be continued through a gift like this fund. She felt lucky to have been able to go to college and get a degree and participate in an organization like ADPi and I think she would be thrilled with the opportunity to help one of her 'sisters' tackle the expenses of getting a college degree from her alma mater.

So, all cooked up and ready to go this year is the Farrah Mullins Scholarship Fund. For those not familiar with Farrah's story or the fund itself, I wrote up the following information:

The Farrah Mullins Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life and service of Alpha Delta Pi alumnae member, Farrah Yount Mullins. Farrah was an active chapter member of the Epsilon Phi chapter at Eastern Kentucky University from 1995-1999 and served as an advisor for the same chapter from 2004-2009. Farrah lost her life to melanoma on June 29, 2009; this fund serves as a memorial gift to one active member who exemplifies the qualities Farrah possessed as an active member of Alpha Delta Pi. The scholarship award will be given on an annual basis to an active member in good standing with the following qualifications:

--Completed enough credit hours to be a junior or senior classmen
--Nomination from active member(s)
--3.0 gpa or higher
--Shown outstanding commitment to her fraternity
--Demonstrates high standards of personnel
--Displays leadership on campus or in her community

A total of three(3) nominees will be submitted for a committee consisting of one alumnae member, one active member and Farrah's mother, Diane Yount. The committee will review each candidate and choose a recipient based on the criteria above.

The scholarship award consists of a monetary gift in the amount to be determined by the account balance, which may vary year to year and not to exceed $1000. The award will be presented to the recipient in the form of a check written to the award recipient and Eastern Kentucky University to be used for the payment of course fees, books, room/board, etc. The check and certificate of scholarship will be presented to the award recipient at a formal chapter meeting prior to the fall semester end to be used for the subsequent spring semester.

I can't believe school has started and its already time to award the inaugural scholarship. It will be especially difficult, however, since the fund is empty at this time!! I have been trying to get an active member of the chapter to supply me with tax/banking information so that I can have a PayPal account set up for the fund so you can all donate with one easy click (however, its not always easy to motivate college kids to do much outside of the scope of what they're required by law and parents and school_lol). It also presents a challenge being that I am not an alumnae member of ADPi myself. So for now, you can donate by sending me a check made out to Alpha Delta Pi to the address supplied to the right of this post.

In loving memory of Farrah Lindsey Yount Mullins, November 17, 1976-June 29, 2009

Cutting Ties

2010-08-14T10:16:00.004-04:00

I am in a state of utter grief and frustration and thought, what better way to release some of this emotion but to blog? Now, some of you will have no idea what I'm talking about or even really care. But I had to do something very difficult this morning and I think I will feel better if I just get to write, ie. vent, about it here.

Coincidentally, my previous post was about my role in my beloved sorority Chi Omega. Today, I cut ties with that role and I am smack dab in the middle of feeling miserable and relieved both at the same time. Tomorrow was supposed the be the beginning of my 7th Recruitment with the Lambda Alpha chapter of Chi Omega. I was hoping it would be the year that I could show a new advisor the ropes so that in the future I could contribute to the weeks without having to sacrifice so much of my time with my family. Instead, I am leaving before the week even begins, and thus leaving this new advisor to find her way without any guidance from me.

This morning I was faced with a situation that has always been the worst part of being the Recruitment Advisor; that is, being attacked on a personal level from another alumni member unhappy about the possibility that someone she likes will not be offered a bid to be part of our organization. This is where the foreign part comes in for most of you readers--sorority life is an anomaly to many, and even moreso is the beast that we call sorority recruitment.

Recruitment is the time of year when each organization looks for new members to join their chapter. To give you the short version perspective of how this works: 924 young women tour the 13 sorority houses for 5 days. At the end of the week, Chi Omega will be allowed to offer bids to 60-65 of those 924 women. So, it is up to the active chapter to try and decide in those 5 days which of those 924 women they think will want to to be a part of and be a contributing member of our sisterhood. How do we decide? Exactly. We try to set criteria, like GPA, community involvement, and a strong character. We also take into consideration if the young women have a family connection to the tradition that is Chi Omega. None of those things are easy to measure, which makes the process very difficult and emotional at times. The worst part? Those of us who actually have to manage the process and participate in the rules that govern the process are left to feel bad when we can't give every one of those 924 women a place in Chi Omega.

The reason I chose not to manage or participate in the process, beginning today? Every year I get judged for my role in the process and whether I like it or not, receive the ultimate blame when a particular girl is not offered a bid. I'm criticized for obeying the rules; I'm chastised for having to make tough decisions(when really I'm not the one making the decisions, just the one in charge when the chapter themselves make them). The few who recognize my dedication and sacrifice and actually say 'thank you' for it are just that--few. Many are those who want to throw stones and point out all the ways in which we 'fail.' And I end up feeling responsible for someone else's heartache and nobody is there to be held accountable for mine.

So today I resigned from my position as Recruitment Advisor for the Lambda Alpha chapter of Chi Omega. Some may see it as 'no big deal,' but it is a big deal to me. I have put a lot of time and energy into the success of that chapter's recruitment process and fortunately I am still proud of my contributions and the effort the active members have also put forth. I was miserable at the thought of leaving the girls to fend for themselves during the coming week, because unlike all those who can't see how much work it really is, I know the true value of a strong Recruitment Advisor and I didn't want to leave them without one. I hope that eventually everyone else who made their assumptions and cast their judgements will realize it too. And if not, shame on them.

I still love the girls of Chi Omega--the ones of my past and the ones still making it such a wonderful and strong organization. Clearly, though, I have a bad taste in my mouth for some of the ways in which we treat one another we call 'sisters.' I know why sororities get such a bad reputation--I wish I could say that we don't deserve it. I know the majority of my sisters in Chi Omega do not--there are others out there, though, that continue to perpetuate the negative connotation associated with sisterhood. Maybe one day that will be different.

Today I am sad. I regret that my time as an Advisor had to end in this way, but there is only so much a person can take. Bless all of you who have been so supportive and tried to make up for all those who are not. I so wish it could have been enough.

Walk for Wishes

2010-08-08T08:46:00.002-04:00

I've been the Recruitment Advisor for the Lambda Alpha chapter of Chi Omega for almost seven years now and have been super involved in lots of cool things the chapter has done. However, this weekend I had the privilege of volunteering with a group of Chi Omega alumni to support Chi O's national philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish foundation. It was so refreshing to be able to meet and mingle with other alumnae members and contribute to something that is making a difference for such an honorable foundation.

The Make-A-Wish foundation does exactly what the name says it does; it raises money in order to grant the wishes of children who are fighting all kinds of debilitating, chronic and most of the time fatal diseases. Wishes granted range from trips to Disneyworld to meeting famous athletes to becoming a police officer for a day.

Chi Omega adopted the Make-A-Wish foundation as their national philanthropy several years ago and have been supporting the foundation in their fundraising efforts and granting wishes with them all over the United States. Just last year the Kentucky chapter of the foundation was able to grant 110 wishes, all with the help of the Kentucky Chi Omega chapters.

The foundation doesn't depend on only the sorority financial support. They hold their own fundraising activities and yesterday I was able to be a part of one. The annual 'Walk for Wishes' was held at Keeneland yesterday and I got to help out with the race, along with six other Chi Omega alumni members and five active members.

The 'walk' included a 2K walk and a 5K run/walk. The event also included a 'kids fun run' which was absolutely adorable. There were vendors there supporting the cause and handing out goodies to the walkers/runners that participated.

It was an inspiring morning that began at a very early 5am. I had to report to Keeneland before sunrise at 6am to help set up vendor tents, signage, etc. The race began around 8am and all the festivities ended around 10:30am. My job during the walk/run was to collect the racers' tags as they came through the finish line and record their times on them. The first runner came through the finish line in just over 20 minutes--crazy! It was a gorgeous day, and a very low key race but so much fun I can't wait for the next one.

If you are interested in contributing to the amazing Make-A-Wish foundation, just go to http://www.wish.org/help/donate and give!

Forty-eight Inches

2010-08-06T22:28:00.006-04:00

Well, if planning and throwing a birthday hoedown wasn't enough, we thought we'd pack up the girls and get the other Taylor family to join us at Kings Island this weekend. We spent a very hot(and sometimes wet) day at the amusement park riding rides, eating junk and having lots of laughs.

The first hilarious moment came almost immediately after we got inside the gates. We stopped to measure the girls' heights so they could get wristbands that would tell each usher which rides they were tall enough to ride. Katherine was plenty tall and scored a purple wristband. She could ride all the rides in Planet Snoopy(which used to be Nick Jr. Zone which used to be Hanna Barbara Land) and even a couple big kid rides including the Beast. Victoria nervously stepped up to the plate and Heather was biting her nails hoping Victoria's tennis shoes would pump her up to the purple wristband height...and they did! She was so excited and Heather snapped a photo of the two in their wristbands(sorry, it's on Heather's camera, not mine). We took off straight for the Beast and as we're walking Heather hollers back at the big girls and asks, "what are you all doing back there?"

"Just being 48 inches tall, that's all, " replied Victoria. I love that little comedienne.

The girls were puffed up pretty big so we headed straight for the Beast. Heather had high hopes that this ol' chicken would get on the ride with them, but I had to let her down. I just couldn't do it. I wasn't sad that I missed out after hearing Katherine and Victoria's reaction. As the cart pulled in at the end of the ride, Heather was giggling and pointing at the seat in front of her where two little girls were wearing two of the biggest frowns I've ever seen. "That was not fun at all!" Katherine said. She and Victoria both moaned and groaned about how jerky the ride was and how neither felt very good afterwards. Luckily, it was nothing a little pizza and a bath couldn't help.

Yep, I said a bath. The next ride we went on was White Water Canyon, which promised to get us a 'little wet' or 'maybe drenched.'

Is that coming at us????

Yes, it was. Water, and lots of it sprayed at us from all sides. Victoria got slammed with a wave of water in the first 30 seconds. Heather got it all down her back shortly after. Then we all got doused a couple times throughout the ride. As you can see in the picture, Jason was questioning why he got on it in the first place. (He should have been the one to stay back with Natalie, who was too short(or too lucky) to get on it).

Heather and I looked at little too happy to be that wet. Mostly we just had a good ride and were looking forward to the 'family dryer' we saw on our way to the ride.

We clearly didn't look close enough because as we got to it we saw this:

Yay for us, it's 'out of order.' We were soggy the rest of the day.

Didn't stop the fun, though. We rode all the rides in Planet Snoopy, including hopping on the log flume ride(we were already, wet anyways).

That one Natalie got to ride, and she was so tickled, she even enjoyed getting a little wet! All three girls seemed to have a blast. They rode everything they could get on, cheesing it the whole time.

Last time we went, the kids zone was all Nickelodeon character rides, so walking around throughout the park were Dora, Sponge Bob and Little Bill. This time the kids zone had been decorated in all Peanuts characters and so hanging out amongst the crowd were Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty and none other than Snoopy!

The girls had hugs for all of them, but I just got pics of Sally and Lucy and Patty. They were almost as excited about 'meeting' the characters as they were about the rides.

We ended the day with a group ride on the Viking Ship where we saw a Jason Taylor clone circa 1994, screaming his head off not because he was scared but because he wanted to draw a laugh. Which he did, especially from me because I have a soft spot for Jason Taylor circa 1994--he was a stitch back then and he still is today. He called Snoopy, 'Clifford' which totally embarrassed Victoria, but made me laugh hysterically. I spent much of the day laughing which helped to withstand the heat and the soggy britches.

It was another great day at Kings Island with the Taylor families, hope we can do it again next year. The kids zone might be called something totally different by then!

Happy Birthday, Partner!

2010-08-06T21:17:00.007-04:00

Howdy, ya'll! Yep, you heard it right, that little cowgirl Katherine turned 7 years old yesterday. I can't believe it myself, but a hoedown was held in her honor and I have the cake remnants to prove it.

It was a darn tootin' good time. All the little cowpokes came out to the farm to enjoy all kinds of rodeo fun.

They stood in line for days just to get a whip on that there horse, Rebel.

They sure did look cute all perched up there, ever one of 'em.

After the horses ridin' there was a two-legged race....

And a sack race too! Jaiden and Katherine took home some Western silly bands for first prize in the two-legged race, while Victoria beat out all the other yunguns for first place in the sack race.

We found a critter in one of the gunny sacks.

Hup, no that was just that little peanut, Bailey Davis trying to find her way out of the sack so she could race too.

Thems rascals sure worked up an appetite and they put away the grub. Then it was time for cake!

Everybody gathered round to watch Katherine open her gifts.

Then they lined up to get a whack at a big ol' pinata.

That sucker started bleedin' candy bit by bit and then the whole boot split wide open and theys a runnin' for that candy like little field mice.

Yippee-ki-yay, I heard them all shout and the party was done.

We had us a real good time out on the farm last night, all in the honor of my little whipper snapper, Katherine Reagan.

Still can't believe she's 7 years old. Makes me feel like an old geezer. Maybe I am! If so, at least I have these two little precious girls to grow old with. I love them very much and I will always hold a special place in my heart for my first born little fillie.

Congratulations Samantha and Derek

2010-08-01T17:55:00.003-04:00

This blog entry is dedicated to Katherine because this weekend was basically her dream weekend--that is, donning a fancy dress, fixing her hair, wearing lipgloss and parading down the aisle with a brightly colored basket full of rose petals, having lots of people gush over her the whole way. She was a first time flower girl in sweet Samantha's wedding and she loved every minute of it. Except, of course, for the part where she had to stand so still in the front during the ceremony while her feet were killing her in a cute pair of shoes(welcome to womanhood, little one, all the cute pairs hurt).

The festivities actually began last Saturday with the bridal luncheon held at the Garden Girls Cafe in Winchester, Ky. It's a precious little cafe that we had never been to before, but had the treat of eating at for the luncheon celebration.

As a added bonus to just being the flower girl, Katherine came out of the luncheon with gifts as well!! She couldn't wait to wear the pink headband Samantha got her, and lucky for her it matched the outfit she had on already. We had a great lunch, but one thing that was missing was the junior bridesmaid, Hillary, who I knew Katherine would just adore. She was there for the big show, though and I was right....Katherine stuck to her like glue.

Aren't they adorable in their tangerine? Since Katherine is basically a 12-year-old trapped in a 7 year-old's body, she and Hillary hit it off famously. They entertained one another during the wait time before the walk down the aisle.

Here is the little princess in her flower girl garb. I wish I had taken a photo of the bride at this point--she was beautiful (as always) in an ivory strapless beaded gown with a skirt of plentiful tulle. She was radiant walking down the aisle and her family exuded pride and joy in their tearful gazes.

It was deja vu when the bubbles went into the air--almost nine years ago Hubby and I exited our church under a shower of bubbles to celebrate our wonderful matrimony. We were honored to be a part of Samantha and Derek's day as well.

Congratulations Mastins! You all were adorable and we wish you all the happiness this world has to offer. Keep your love for each other and for Christ close to your hearts and you will receive a million blessings!

Been Busy Ya'll

2010-07-29T23:28:00.004-04:00

I know I haven't posted near as good in July as I did in June, but I've been busy, ya'll I swear! I have spent the last 5 days in my office painting up a storm. But I'm not complaining because I've had a lot of fun, and I'm excited to have the business! You can see some of my new creations in the slideshow on the right side of this blog. There should be some fancy teacher's doors this fall in Madison County, I know that for sure. In addition, I've had the pleasure of making a new kind of sign and some precious little baby ones as well.

Whilst I am slaving away in my office, my children have been enjoying an impromptu slumber party with their cousins.

The two drama queens took Natalie's bed and put the two little ones on the blow up. However, I'm pretty sure that as I type one or more of them have switched and there's a totally different bed fellow arrangement going on right now.

As I tucked them in with a movie I heard Natalie tell Reece, "and when I get scared and cry out in my sleep, Sophie will hear me and come give me a hug and put me back to sleep." Something tells me she's speaking from past personal experience on that one. Sophie always has been a little mother, and none of them have ever slept over at either house without all piling up in one room together. I'm actually surprised Ben didn't schmooze his way into the slumber party even if it meant hanging with little kids for the night--he hates being excluded from anything.

Well, I better go to bed and attempt to get some sleep, knowing at some point one or more of those little rugrats will wake me up in the middle of the night.

I promise I will try to take breaks from painting in the coming days and not leave you all hanging out here in the cold!

The Real Housewives of Small Town USA

2010-07-18T20:33:00.003-04:00

I'm not gonna lie, I'm totally addicted to Bravo's hit series, "The Housewives of ..." I think I've seen ever episode of every locale they've been in. I know better than to be 'tardy for the party,' that 'elegance is learned,' and that Bethenny had to pee in an ice bucket in the Four Seasons NYC in her wedding dress. People, I've seen it all and no matter how ridiculous the drama, I can't help but keep watching.

However, I can't stop myself from thinking how assinine these women are, and how they are in NO WAY a true representation of real American housewives. I would never sign myself up for a bunch of strange men with cameras to record my everyday life, but it would be nice if someone else 'normal' out there(yes, I'm proclaiming to be normal) would get a 'reality' show so that people could see what the life of a REAL American woman looks like.

Those women on the television don't deal with any real issues affecting the American population of women these days. And if they do, its all off camera and you only hear whispers of it in the gossip columns. They simply manufacture 'events' for these women to all be at and then let him at each other with their cat claws out. Granted, it is hysterically funny and so addicting to watch, but it's not even close to how life really is for us thirty-somethings out there. Just within my circle of friends, there are stories of adoption, divorce, infertility, depression, cancer, death and infidelity. The women I know fight these battles head on and with such grace and humility and nobody ever sees it. Nobody ever recognizes that they are not alone in their struggles, that there are thousands of other women out there fighting the very same battles and could use some inspiration every once in awhile. We appreciate the comic relief, Bravo, but a show that shares the pitfalls(and triumphs too) of real American women would be nice as well.

Obviously, this is never gonna happen so I will simply say this to all my girlfriends out there: You are amazingly courageous and strong. You are an inspiration to me in my daily life--I think of all of you often and pray that I can give back to you all that you give to me just by being my friend. You are never alone--there is someone else out there fighting the same battle and there are those that have fought it before you and have landed on the other side joyful and strong. You can too. If you ever need me, please know that I am here. I may not have the answers or the solutions, but if nothing else I can be a shoulder and ear and an open heart. Worse comes to worst, we'll just tune the channel to Bravo and escape to la-la land for a bit to see what 'The Real Housewives of...." are getting themselves into. They're good for a laugh, at least.

Carry On

2010-06-29T08:07:00.003-04:00

There's a song by Switchfoot called "Yesterdays" and the chorus says,

I remember you like yesterday, yesterday

I still can't believe you're gone.

I remember you like yesterday, yesterday

And until I'm with you I'll carry on...

Carrying on is the really tough part. In the first weeks after Farrah passed I felt frozen in time; the world was moving forward and I felt stuck, trying as hard as I could to make time go backwards. Today marks one year since she left us and I can't say that the task of moving forward is much easier. Sure, the day to day activity is no longer sluggish, but the big stuff--the milestones she should be here for--don't occur without some disappointment that she's not here to share them with us. Not to mention the 'random acts of crying' that occur on any given day at any given time. I had the 'best birthday ever'; I should've tagged an 'almost' on the end of that post, because as good as it was, it would've been better if she were here to celebrate it with me.

We all just miss her. It's really that simple. We miss her presence in our lives because she made all of them brighter. Her smile, her laugh, her advice, her love--we miss it all. The pain of her absence is still so fresh even after 12 months.

The girls are getting together tonight to commemorate our dear friend. It will be nice to be together on this melancholy day but we will all wish she could be here with us. We do it mostly because it's what she would have done for one of us. She would want us all to be together, supporting one another in our grief. I tried to think what she would say to us if she knew we could hear her now: I have a feeling she would be repeating the lyrics to that song and tell us to carry on.

I go back in my mind to the time we spent together and when I count the days it doesn't seem like we knew each other very long. But when I count the memories, I can almost fill a lifetime. We did so much; lived so much. We went to movies, had dinners, threw parties, watched ballgames, took vacations, tried new things, and shared a thousand laughs. That's how she lived; at least, that's how she lived when I loved her and so I can't see her wanting us to get bogged down in her absence. She would want to us laugh again, and not just in reverie of her. She would want us to experience new things, even if that means doing it without her or even because she isn't here. As hard as it may be, I know that she would want it to happen. I mean, how disappointed will she be when we embrace again and I have no fun stories to tell of our lives here? She might smite me for that--I promised her more than that.

It still hurts. Even with the knowledge that she would want it for all of us, it still hurts. The only thing that keeps me moving is those two little munchkins she bore and loved. They have a million memories ahead of them and they deserve those memories to be nothing short of spectacular and joyful. I don't wish for the them the sting of what I feel when something cool happens without her here to see it. I want them to experience all the things that life has to offer without feeling like they're being shorted somehow. Their lives should be as full as ours was with her in it.

So I promise, friend, to carry on. Unfortunately I can't promise I will do so without some trepidation and afterwards sometimes, regret. But I will keep moving forward; without you by my side, but always with you in my heart. I love and miss you more today than ever and I hope that you can feel our love we send to you tonight.

Until I'm with you, I'll carry on...

Best Birthday Ever

2010-06-27T11:44:00.005-04:00

Everyone knows that I am BIG on birthdays. I always celebrate my kids' birthdays on their actual day, even if it falls in the middle of the week. I love big parties and I love all the trimmings, including a delicious cake. Suffice it to say I make a big deal out of people's big days.

Now, when it was my turn to celebrate my 30th birthday, I went a little off the spectrum and wanted NO CELEBRATION whatsoever. However, turning 31 was pretty fun and this birthday?? BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! I not only got to celebrate on the actual day with a wonderful patio dinner with my husband, followed by a decadent dessert at The Melting Pot, but I had two birthday lunches during the week and an unforgettable party on Friday night...followed up by an entire weekend of quality time with some of my closest peeps.

So what made this birthday so special, you ask? Well, it would have been an awesome party with just the regular guest list because let's face it, I have the most amazing bunch of friends and a family that shows a lot of love. But this party had a super celebrity guest. I couldn't believe it; when he walked in my mouth dropped to the floor. I mean, the last birthday bash he attended didn't go so well, so I felt pretty flattered that he would make the effort to come to mine.

He was a little sullen, but I didn't care. I mean, he helped me blow out my candles,

posed for a picture with my bff ( and our moo-moos; wait for that explanation later in this post).

He fit right in and made the party one I will never forget. Best part about it? He's stickin' around for awhile, gonna stay right in my bedroom next to my treadmill...for extra motivation.

Have a got you laughing yet? It got even more funny. So Edward was a gift from Cassie, but almost better than her gift was her card. To know Cassie is to know that she doesn't do cards(neither do I; I'm always the one at the party shouting, "that one's from me"). But she happened upon a birthday card that truly spoke to her. And by spoke to her I mean it could have been written by her very self. I would like to share it with you here:

I was already bent over in laughter when Emily announced that she was too excited to wait another minute for me to open my gift from her. She promised I would be both terribly excited and totally disappointed at the same time--a combination of emotions rarely experienced. We were all confused. I opened the box and began to tug at the material folded there when it hit me. I dropped the garment back in the box, slapped my knees and screamed, "no, you didn't." But yes, she did. She got me a moo-moo. A no-joke, Golden Girls, wear it on the lanai, crazy colorful and amazingly flowy MOO--MOO. Best part? She did it because I made so much fun of the one that she sported the entire time we were on Spring Break together. Now we're twinkies--and here we are in our matching moo-moos.

We laugh because she seriously likes hers and wears it all the time. I predict I will also love and wear mine constantly......when we are legitimately old cooters on the lanai and have only each other to impress. Love you Blanche!

I hope you all are bowled over in hysterics by now, cuz it sure was funny to me. What wasn't funny was when Katherine bolted through the back door with her hand on her forehead and blood running down her face screaming that Natalie had thrown a 'rock' at her. Yes, people, the four-year-old is finally starting to show her true colors. In two days time she has bitten and mamed her older sister as a way of combatting Katherine's alpha attitude. This time Katherine was refusing to share a swing outside so Natalie swiftly grabbed a stone gripper that is supposed to screwed into the mountain climber on the swingset and threw it straight at Katherine's head, nailing her right at her hairline. We didn't have to go to the ER or anything, but much like the biting instance they both ended up in tears.

The party fizzled after that, as you can imagine. But injuries aside, it was a amazing night. I love having everybody around us enjoying good food and good times.

The weekend as a whole was more fun than I've had in awhile. We finished it off last night by ordering pizza and swimming after dark. My parents' pool has really cool colored lights in it and the kids absolutely loved swimming around the illuminated water.

We jumped off the diving board, swam around in floats, and laughed as Ben tried to wrestle me under water at least 1o times and only succeeding once. He might be taller than me, but he's not as scrappy just yet.

We even took it back in time a little--circa 1995 at the Daugherty's house with the entire cheerleading squad--and threw basket toss flips into the deep end. Katherine, Sophie and even Aunt Kiki executed our best back flips from Reagan and Jeremy's tosses. It was FUN! So much fun that I had to pop some Advil this morning to keep my back and knee from throbbing all day.

It's back to work around here today and I miss my friend, Emily. But it was way up there in my list of awesome weekends and I'm actually looking forward to the next one. If only I could figure a way to get everyone to celebrate me without having to actually age at all.

First Comes Love

2010-06-24T23:06:00.003-04:00

I meant to share the photos below much earlier, and I did so on Facebook. But then I realized tonight that there's probably a lot of people who visit this blog that aren't on Facebook and would love to see them! So, here you go!

In March we were thrilled to have the opportunity to have the sisters of First Comes Love Photography shoot our family at my parents' farm. I found them through a blind search online and I couldn't have been more pleased with my rare find. Tasha and Kena were punctual, patient, creative and extremely talented with a camera. They were also very reasonably priced and well worth the expense. I was so thrilled with all of our pictures and ended up purchasing the low res cd of all the proofs so I could share several of them like this!

I just fell in love with their viewpoint behind the camera and was totally excited with the results of their talents in regards to my babies. If you are in need of a good photographer I would definitely recommend them!

Little Swimmers

2010-06-22T19:57:00.003-04:00

We made the prediction at the beginning of May that by the end of the summer Natalie would be able to swim. After seeing her at her swim lessons these last couple of days, I think it might even be sooner.

They're a cute little group of swimmers(of course Natalie and Kayden are the cutest ;) ).

I guess they were holding hands to help encourage one another to jump off the side of the pool into the deep end. Aren't they precious?

Taking the pictures tonight took me back in time to Summer 2007 when Katherine and all her friends took swimming lessons together. It seems like eons ago when she was Natalie's age and was just 'getting her feet wet' so to speak at swimming.

Don't they look so little? They were just learning to put their 'bottoms on the bottom' with Coach Miles and nowadays they're swimming all over the place.

Natalie was even braver than Katherine was back then. She leapt right off the side into the deep end.

When it came to going off the diving board I was skeptical that she would brave it like big sister did so long ago.

She surprised me and hopped right up there and jumped off with no trepidation.

I couldn't have been more proud. Or more nostalgic--it was so weird to watch her achieve the milestone that I watched my Katherine do just those few summers ago.

Before I know it, I will have two little frogs swimming around in the deep end without me. I don't know whether to get excited and have my towel and book ready to relax with....or just plop right down and cry.

The Taylors take Pigeon Forge

2010-06-21T10:58:00.005-04:00

well, the Smoky Mountains got quite a treat this weekend when the Taylor family came to town. And by 'Taylor family' I mean the WHOLE clan. Granted, we're not as big as the Duggars or anything, but we pack a pretty mean punch. And by 'punch' I mean we are loud and proud and country as cornbread.

We stayed at a little resort in Pigeon Forge that had a little water slide at their pool. We arrived on the deck bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 9am and basically took over the place. We burned that slide up(and almost broke it several times with our shenanigans).

Some attempts were graceful and cute.

Some were not.

But all of the kids had an absolute blast and couldn't get enough of the slide. Correction: all of us, including the BIG kids had a blast and couldn't get enough of the slide.

Once we nailed down our 'family' run, we had to get it on tape so everyone could enjoy the full effect.

We're lucky there were no 'lifeguards on duty' because I'm pretty sure they would have kicked us out after that one.

A pop-up storm finally kicked us out around 2pm and we rested until time for dinner. The kids were dying to ride the go-carts so we did. But the little ones didn't get enough so we searched for a 'carousel.' This was the best we could find.

'Little kids' equals Reagan as well.

So long, Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the peace and quiet now that we're gone.

Girl in Black

2010-06-12T15:38:00.005-04:00

It is hard to believe--I mean, how many times lately have I used that cliche', but really--it is truly hard to believe another year has passed and today was Katherine's second guitar recital. Our little picker did such a good job last year, but this year the pressure was really on. She had two normal-length songs to perform, each with at least 3 chords in them and one with a solo riff.

On the way to the festival today I was literally riddled with anxiety for my little girl. I felt exactly like I typically feel when I'm on my way to a performance of my own. It was crazy. I didn't like it at all! I don't like the way my heart pounds when I'm getting ready to sing in public and it definitely wasn't fun feeling that same feeling for Katherine's performance. I asked Reagan, "is this what I get to feel like for the rest of my life???" Not a pleasant thought. I'll be a loopdy-loo before I'm 4o for sure.

But I really had no reason to be nervous. She certainly wasn't. And she did such a good job. She tends to stand up there like a robot(which is exactly what I have done in performances all my life) but hopefully I will be more successful in breaking her of that than my mother was with me. Aside from her stoic stance, she did fantastic.

She had two songs, one gospel and one secular. And for her secular song choice? Who else, but Johnny Cash.

I tried to post the video a million times today, but I had no luck. So, you'll have to settle for some cute pics and your own vivid imagination!

All the girl guitarists sang together at one point to Taylor Swift's 'Love Story' which was absolutely precious. And I gotta say, Katherine sounds as good if not better than any of the teenage girls up there on stage ;). I'm not biased or anything.

Today was a good day. And a proud moment for Katherine's mommy. Hopefully she'll stick with this guitar thing and be able to sing a duet with me one of these days. Maybe we'll go out on 'the road' like a modern day Judds. Or maybe not. LOL.

Relay for Life

2010-06-12T00:27:00.007-04:00

What a wonderful night. What a wonderful, tender, therapeutic and joyful evening spent with some amazing people paying tribute to those fighting, those who have won and those who have left this place to fight no more.

This year's Relay For Life was held at the track at B. Michael Caudill Middle School. The team of "Friends and Family Remembering Farrah" was led by Captain Mary Margaret Brumley and consisted of young, old, women and men who loved and cherish the memory of our dear friend, Farrah Mullins.

We started the night around 6pm with a huge spread of food under a nice shady tent, all of us gathered together for a great cause. The survivor walk was held at 7pm and I have to admit it was bittersweet to see those purple shirts pass by, rejoicing in their victories but wishing our friend could be walking that walk with them.

It was hard to stay somber, however, when the girls ran around playing "Duck Duck Goose", making us remember what a precious gift we still have to get to see them play like that.

Us girls got started on our own walk around the track, while the boys stayed behind for important team building activities. I think at one point Chad volunteered to administer 'free mammograms' to any female in need. What a sweet volunteer, that Chad Davis--lol.

We walked and talked throughout the night. It was so good to just hang out with each other, all the while keeping our common friend in our hearts and minds. It was such a sweet mix of joy and sadness.

The kids helped keep the joy in excess. They stopped at a tent along the track that was selling face paint designs. You know every one of those little girls had to get something put on their face. For Natalie, a butterfly.

Caroline, a flag.

Bailey got a rainbow, as did Katherine.

The Ackerman sisters got beautiful butterflies.

As did Victoria.

Emma Kate got a little ladybug while Julia showed her spirit with a little football on her cheek.

When it came time to light the luminaries, you could definitely feel the impact of why we were all there. The lights went out around the track and the speaker asked for silence as she instructed one by one, certain groups to light their candle. She asked for those who were lighting in memory of a parent or child first to light their luminaries. Then came the call for siblings, grandparents and other relatives. The last call was for those lighting a candle in memory of a friend. Farrah had two luminaries located at different spots on the track--Mary Margaret took the lighter for one and I the other. As the speaker called for us to light our candles, I bent down in tears to ignite the flame that represents the eternal love we have for our amazing friend. I cried as I prayed a silent prayer that she could feel the love we were sending up to heaven in her honor.

To our beloved friend, please hear our prayer. Time marches on and the days have passed so quickly since you left us. Your absence is tough to bear on nights like to tonight; the desire to hear your name called on the 'survivor' list instead of the memorial list is overwhelming. But amidst our tears is abounding love for you and those who honor you tonight. We gather in your memory and do so in a style you would have loved to be a part of. With these candles burning in remembrance of your amazing life light, you are. We love you and miss you always.

Happy Happy Birthday

2010-06-05T20:24:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Jaiden, Happy Birthday to you!

We spent the day at Mom's pool with our good friends Cassie, Connie, Amanda, Angie, Joe Brett and all their little ones and then quickly showered and changed for the birthday party of one Jaiden Taylor, Katherine's friend from school. It was a skate party held at the Richmond Skate Center. I know what you're thinking, you can't wait to see the pics of Momma Kelly in psychadelic socks and a pair of skates--sorry to disappoint folks but that is one image you will never have the pleasure of viewing.

You do get to see precious Katherine and all her buddies all ready for a roller derby good time. The bad news is that Katherine (with all her grace and coordination) was not so agile on a pair of skates. In fact, she was kinda terrible. She held pretty tight to the rail on the perimeter of the rink and the one time she came off the rink to get some birthday cake she wiped out HARD and got a nice little bruise on her back. Guess we're not really getting our monies worth out of those dance lessons. Or maybe we are. At the close of the party the DJ invited them all to remove their skates and get in the center of the rink for a little 'Cha-Cha Slide.'

This, she could do.

A little hip, a little hop, a little clapping your hands and shaking your tail feather.

Hands on your knees, hands on your knees....

Her smile says it all. Injury aside, she had a really good time as did the rest of the precious little 1st graders.

Somebody else had a birthday today, though I hadn't really thought of it until my sister reminded me late this afternoon. If he were still here, my Dad would be 59 today. I jokingly told my sister that he probably wouldn't have wanted to spend it with us anyways, but it would be nice to be able to wish him a good one. I joke but the truth is, I'm really not sure what today would be like had he survived his battle with cancer--another one of those weird things that happen when you lose someone. As time goes on--no matter how well you knew them--you lose sight of what you were to each other and I can't say with any amount of confidence what he would choose to do with his time on this special day. I hope with all of my soul that by now his heart would be softened with age and the love of the precious grandchildren in his life. That being said, it makes me sad to think that was a possibility but because of that dreadful disease we'll never get to know. So, I say to him in prayer--Happy Birthday, Daddy. Despite all of it, we still miss and love you deeply and grieve our loss of our crusty ole Dad.

I'll Never Forget

2010-05-31T10:14:00.005-04:00

On this day I will remember a lot of things about the people that I have loved and lost. There are so many memories I have tied up in pictures in albums and songs I hear on the radio. Some are more obvious, some more obscure. Today I'd like to share some unique and special things that I will never forget about those that I miss so very much.

I'll never forget the way to Lee's Ford Marina in Somerset, Kentucky where I spent most of my summer days learning to waterski with my Dad.

I'll never forget the title to my eighth grade English biography paper written about my beloved grandfather who raised my mom and her three siblings in the sticks of Wilmore, Kentucky.

I'll never forget the color of the velvet couch in my Granny Price's living room where we visited with her every Sunday.

I'll never forget the taste of Farrah's spaghetti or the sound of her voice as she swore she hated to cook.

I'll never forget the smell of stale cigarettes that permeated my father's home and how it didn't make him stink at all when I laid with him on the couch.

I'll never forget the words to my granddaddy's favorite, Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight" and the way her voice melted the air in my grandparents house.

I'll never forget the way Pigeon Forge looks dusted in fresh fallen snow and how we spent the morning cozy by a fire with Farrah, Brian and the boys.

When we lose someone, we are left with all of these memories and reveries that make us feel warm inside, remembering the goodness of our time together. But we are also left with reminders of the time when we lost them and we'll never forget those either.

I'll never forget the place in the road coming home from a business trip when I got the call that my father had taken his last breath.

I'll never listen to U2's All That We Left Behind album without remembering the devastating disappointment I felt when my sister and I were denounced as heirs in my father's will and how much more painful the days prior and after his funeral were for us.

I'll never be able to sing the words to Farrah's favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" without choking on my own tears.

I'll never drink an iced tea lemonade from Starbucks without remembering the ones Farrah and I shared in her last days, holed up in her room together in silence.

I'll never dance at a wedding without remembering what it felt like to hold my father's hand one last time turning to the voice of Faith Hill across the dance floor of my own wedding.

It's unfortunate that when you commemorate the wonderful lives of those you loved, you soon become overwhelmed with all that you have lost. And all that they are missing out on here with you. It's difficult to rise above the sadness, and I know that for some it is nearly impossible.

I'll never forget the promises I made to my friend and my father; I will continue to live my life in pursuit of joy in hopes that by doing so I will find it easier to rise above that sadness every day.

I'll never forget the love we shared. I'll always remember the wonderful things you gave to me and all the wonder I was able to experience just by being with you. This, I do in remembrance of you.

Memorial Day, well almost

2010-05-30T20:44:00.004-04:00

You'll have to pretend that today is Memorial Day, since we had to in order to get to spend a fun filled holiday together. The kids missed school due to flooding a couple weeks ago so they'll be spending their actual Memorial Day holiday in class. But we made up for it plenty today.

Our family in the pool....

the girls in the pool...

brave little Natalie jumping off the side of the pool....

little baller jumping off the diving board for some pool dunking....

and, of course, some high flying action in the pool courtesy of Uncle Rea for Sophie...

and for Reece...

As you can see we spent pretty much all day in the pool and the sun. I, unfortunately can feel that now in my crispy little shoulders. I fared better than poor Katherine's cheeks, though. We had an awesome and exhausting day and that's pretty much all I have to tell. I will be more conversational in my next post. For now, enjoy all the watery pics!

Super Fun Show

2010-05-27T15:39:00.006-04:00

Today was Natalie's last day of preschool--*sniff*sniff*

Her teachers invited all of the parents to come in and join them during 'circle time' so they could show us some of the cool things they've learned. They sang us their ABC's, days of the week and months of the year. They counted all the days in May and sang a couple songs too.

They all turned to see the parents coming in the door. Some got excited, some got shy. Surprisingly enough, Natalie was excited and not timid. She had cried this morning, not wanting to go to school and saying she wasn't going to 'do the motions' when all the parents got there. I was pleased when she didn't hold to her word and sang right along with the rest of the children. She even moved her hands a bit to the motions--what a proud moment.

Aren't they precious? I have no idea why Ms. Delee and Ms. Joy put the two giants in front to block the rest of the kids, but it sure made it easy for me to get their precious faces on video!

Just think, it was almost a year ago when I dashed down the hallway of preschool and cried my eyes out in the director's office, devastated that Farrah couldn't be there to see them on their 'first day of school.' Now its already their last.

to Parker Cole, aka "Jethro," your Mommy would be so proud of you. She would have sat in the very front row of those tiny little chairs with her monstrous camera, snapping orders to your daddy to get up front with the video camera too. We would have laughed hysterically at the way you moved your hands and body to the music and marveled at how smart you were naming all the days and months. She would have thought of a fantastic gift to give your teachers and she would have made sure she had something special to reward you with for completing your first year of preschool. I hope you could feel the warmth of her smile beaming down on you today because I know she was watching in adoration and love.

The program was precious but they neglected to sing the one song that I've been begging Natalie and Parker to perform for me all year long. It's called "Super Fun Show" and at one part in the song they are told to "shake it like a duck" at which time they both shake their little tail feathers with all their might(I caught them doing it one day when I showed up early and peeked in the door). My consolation was that their teachers created a cd slideshow with all kinds of pictures of their activities this past school year and it is set to the tune of "Super Fun Show."

Field Trip to the Fort

2010-05-19T20:42:00.002-04:00

Today was my first time acting as a chaperone on a school field trip with Katherine and it was quite a day.

We spent the morning with friends of the legendary Daniel Boone at Fort Boonesboro. It was so interesting to see all of Katherine's classmates explore the Fort and remember that I did the exact same thing some 25 years ago.

There's Ms. Tipton's first graders posing for a class picture in front of the fort. Don't they look sweet? ;)

I was assigned watch over Katherine and Abigail, and Natalie tagged along with us as well. As soon as we breached the entrance to the fort, kids let loose all over the place, running from cabin to cabin to see all the wild stuff from our settlers' history. They took a peek inside what a 'typical' dwelling looked like and Katherine explained to Natalie how there was no electricity so they had to keep warmth and light from a fireplace and candles(I'm pretty sure she heard another chaperone explain this to the group prior to them cuz I know she didn't know that just off the top of her head).

Their favorite part was the candle maker's cabin. Wicks with weights were hung from a contraption that the woman dipped down into a barrel of hot wax. The weight at the bottom of the wick helps the wax to coat and grow, and about 50 dips later a candle is complete that will burn for approximately 8 hours(there's your history lesson for the day). The girls went in the first time when she was about 10-12 dips in, then returned to the cabin when she had a set of candles completely finished. They were mesmerized by the process. The best part was when Katherine asked if and how the lady ever left her cabin(there were rails up to separate guests from workers and Katherine couldn't see that there was a little gate/opening). She seriously thought this poor woman never left her station.

We went into every cabin and saw everything we could--including the gift shop where the girls conned me into a stick of candy for each of them. Though I think Katherine is paying for it tonight because she's had a terrible belly ache and has had it coming out both ends this evening. I tasted that candy stick and it was not so good. :(

I'm sure she will feel better in the morning(at least I hope so) and we'll live to tell another field trip tale in the future.