Me Too Me Too

I put this little backpack on Alvie yesterday. I thought he'd get irritated and want it off. He actually wore it around for an hour and seemed quite proud of himself. It was the cutest thing ever! I think he longs to be like Ashton and go to school. Sorry Alvie you have a few more years to go! What a cutie!

First Day Jitters?

Today was Ashtons first "official" day of pre-school! We actually went last Thursday for a small orientation with the teacher. All last night and this morning he kept saying: "your going to be there with me right?" He was a little nervous to go it alone. At 8:50 we pulled up the circle drive, I walked him to the door, and in a very BRAVE big boy tone he says: "bye Mom I'll be fine." Crisis averted! I was soooo PROUD and a little misty watching my sweet boy walk through that door! Two and a half hours later me and Alvie went to pick him up. He had a BIG SMILE on his face as he walked to the car. His teacher Mrs. Morris said he did great! He learned about the letter L, had recess, sang the "clean up" song, and learned about flags from all the "towns"(he meant countries). He made a lovely American flag that we will proudly display! We are so proud of what a big boy Ashton is becoming. He is such a good example to his little brother. I really like his teacher and her "style" she seems very smart and practical, and has been doing this for 20+ years. I know this was a small step in Ashtons life but important all the same! WE LOVE YOU ASHTON! Grandma Linda sewed Ashton his Transformer shirt and bought him his awesome Transformer backpack to go with it. He was the envy of every boy in his class I'm sure! Thank you Grandma!

BACK TO REALITY

Well tomorrow morning we head back to St. George after a wonderful two week stay in Bakersfield. It is always nice to escape St. George for a while and visit family, but all good things must come to an end. Plus we need to get back to our poor Daddy who has been living off cereal for the last two weeks! Sean is such a selfless, amazing, hard working father and husband. Thank you sweetie for letting us make yet another trip without you! Next time your coming with us! It has been so nice just relaxing and spending time with family. I am so lucky to have the family I do. While we have been here we have been spoiled with many trips out to eat, a luxury we can't afford at home, Thank You Mom and Dad! Sean dust of the stove we are coming home! We have also loved spending time over at Carl and Heather's swimming, dining, and smoreing(not a verb). They are always so generous and welcoming when we visit. We love spending time with Spencer, Aubrey, and little Will! To quote Ashton "Carl and Heather are really good parents." It was so nice to see Chris and Clare and there BEAUTIFUL new home! They have really worked hard to make it a home and I am so proud and happy for them. It has been so nice just spending time with Mom and Dad and watching the way my Boys light up in their presence. They LOVE Grandma and Papa and will miss them! And I will miss all the one on one time I got to spend with my Mom. Especially the time I spent kicking her butt at "Ticket To Ride." Thanks again Mom and Dad for EVERYTHING we appreciate it more than you know! And thanks again to Dad and Carl for helping with my small car troubles! We will miss you guys and can't wait to see everyone in November. We Love You! Here are a few pictures from our visit enjoy!

Halloween Spoiler Alert

Here is a little preview of what Ashton will be debuting this Halloween. For those of you who don't know our Grandma Linda, every Halloween she sews costumes for all twelve grandkids(some are re-used)! Needless to say come late August she is busy at her job--Grandma The Costume Designer. Yesterday she pumped out this fabulous costume for Ashton. He will be the Fourth Musketeer! Ashton totally loves everything Grandma sews for him! And I think I can speak for all the mothers we very much appreciate her help every year! Plus we don't have to get crappy Wal-Mart costumes(no offense)! We love you Grandma! On a side note Ashton is very much a little boy he just tends to show a little flair in some photos!

A little "Zorro, the Gay Blade" perhaps?

He's Going Places

And by places I mean Everywhere! He sees something he wants and he goes for it. At the moment that usually means dog food, trash cans, toilets, brother's toys, and books! We thought our Little Alvie would be a late mover, but he is proving us wrong. In the last week he has become very busy! Unfortunately we have been away from Daddy all week so he has missed some of Alvie's new found mobility. He has also picked up a few new tricks! Peek-a-Boo, Waving, and an interesting hybrid of Clapping and Peek-a-Boo that involves slapping the sides of his own face. Our sweet boy continues to impress us with what may seem simple feats to others but amazing accomplishments to us! I love you Alvie! Even though you are the reason I am up posting at Two in the Morning! Here is a little video of Alvie demonstrating some of his new skills. Hopefully this will tide Daddy over till we get home!

Getting Crafty In Bakersfield

I finally did it. I have just completed my first quilting project! With a little inspiration from Tennille and technical support from my mom I have managed to create two adorable quilts for my boys. I have always admired the women in my life who can sew and quilt especially my mom, but never thought myself to be cut from the same cloth! (pun intended) Ashton mentioned that one of the things he wanted to do while we are here in Bakersfield was to make a Star Wars blanket! My first thought was Grandma Linda, but then I thought it would be special if the boys had blankets that their mommy made! Thank you Mom for all your teaching and encouragement on this project it may seem simple but this was Big for me. I aspire to be half the homemaker you are! It has been and is always so nice being here and just hanging out with my family. Thank you Sean for once again staying home and working so hard while we take this trip. I love you! Here are a few pictures of me working on them and the finished product. If you can't tell in the picture Ashton's is Star Wars backed with soft green, and Alvie's is John Deer backed with soft green. I got the idea for these from Tenille my sister in law who has made several blankets and quilts for her family.

The Taylors Are Going GREEN

No it is not what you think. We both may wear braids but we are not Hippies! After a long boring day at home(we stayed home from church Alvie was sick) I decided to let Ashton paint my back per his request. Well needless to say this is what happened next! Meet the Incredible Hulks less bulky friend! I was a little worried, after I washed my hands my palms were a little green. After a long bath and good scrub down the only thing green was the bath water. I put a normal colored child to bed tonight!

Hello Old Friend

I feel like my blog is like that good old friend I haven't talked to in a really long time. The longer you go without talking the more awkward it becomes. You're not sure where to start! Well, since it has been so long since I have posted, I decided to fill you in on our last several months with some pictures and a few short words. We have had a busy summer so far. Sean has been very busy getting his new business up and running. He has done some fabulous work and has even hired one of his friends to keep up with production. I am truly in awe of his hard work and talent. We have been keeping busy with swimming, many park trips, many evening walks(it's very hot here), the new St George town square, visits with family both here and there, family reunions, beach trips, Daddy's concerts, Sunbeams, fifth wedding anniversary, birthdays, Mothers day, Fathers Day, taking care of Grandparents, 4th of July, rodeos, donkey/watermelon races(see photo), and ongoing unexpected major appliance/home repairs. Oh and lots of sleeping and too much TV. I would have to say the highlight of all this has been seeing family and watching our two beautiful boys grow and develop! See we aren't dead or off in some third world country with no forms of communication. I just like to give it to you all at once so I seem more productive than I really am. If I were Emily I could do all this in a week!

Remember This

I was watching "Good Things Utah" (the molly version of the view) yesterday and one of the co-hosts was wearing one of these. Apparently they are considered vintage now, that makes me feel a little old. Me and my sisters had these growing up. I remember walking to Pic and Save to get new charms. Even major tomboys loved the plastic charm chains! They really complimented my layered clothes and triangle shaped perm. I love seeing things like this it is so nostalgic! Does anyone else remember these or was it just a Reed trend?

A Great Deal

I know in todays world we are supposed to hate Wal*Mart but I have to say I love it! If you can get past the occasional funk it really is the cheapest place to get groceries. I also find it strangely therapeutic wandering the isles of a store late at night sans kinds. I feel sorry for those of you who live in the Red state of California where  boycotting the construction of Wal*Mart Supercenters is common practice. Well, last night was no exception. Apparently if you do your shopping around midnight, when they are pulling meat that has met its "sell or freeze by date", you can get a killer deal. No pun intended. I got a thirty dollar brisket for eight dollars and a chipotle bbq pork loin for three dollars. I froze them when I got home to use for future meals. I do have a dilemma I have never cooked brisket. Any suggestions?

Deep Thoughts By Ashton Taylor

Last night after I read Ashton a very lengthy bedtime story, said prayers, and got water he proceeded to ask me a series of very deep questions.

Q:Who killed Jesus?

A:Some very bad men who didn't believe his teachings.

Q:Does Jesus kill bad guys?

A:No Jesus forgives people and teaches us to forgive.

Q:Can we walk in heaven?

A:Yes

Q:How can we walk if our bones are buried?

A:Just our bodies are buried but our spirits are in heaven.

Q:Can we see in heaven?

This conversation went on longer and actually picked up this morning when we woke up. I am not sure if all this was just a stall technique or a genuine quest for knowledge of the spiritual realm. Regardless it made me more aware of the curiosity that lies in our children and our responsibility as parents to teach our kids.

P.S. I mentioned I read Ashton a long bedtime story. Does anyone else skip some of the pages in order to expedite or am I a bad mom?

We've Arrived!

I have been told that just having a blog does not actually qualify you as a "blogger." So here it is my first official blog! Any of you that know me know that I am a bit of a procrastinator. My mom and Emily designed this lovely blog and I am just now getting around to doing my first post. In my defence I have been home only two days out of the past three weeks. We (me and my two boys) are currently in Bakersfield helping my Mom and Dad. I'm sure any one who is reading this is aware of the situation that brought us here. I have been wanting to plan a trip to Bakersfield lately I just wish it could have been under different circumstances. Even though Mom is still recovering and not at the top of her game it is so nice being here. Ashton is especially fond of his Grandma Linda. While Mom was still in the hospital he just kind of moped around the house. He even tried devising a plan which involved eating too many cookies and being admitted to the same hospital and room where Grandma was. Very sweet! I am grateful we were able to come and be of some help. Heather has been very generous to watch the boys during the day for me last week so I could visit mom in the hospital. I feel so blessed to have the family that I do. Every one has done their part through this difficult time. It touches my heart to see the love and devotion that exists in this family especially between my sweet parents. Dad has hardly left Mom's side in the past two weeks and even has to be reminded to eat! I want to thank my sweet husband for letting us be here I know its been a sacrifice for him to be away from me and our boys. Sean is a hard worker and has been very busy with the new business he and his brother Todd are starting or he would be here with us.

On a different note, I just wanted to publicly say how much I enjoyed Elder Ballard's talk during the Sunday session of conference. There is always that one talk that really sticks out for you and his is exactly what I needed to hear. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed or maybe a little inadequate and what he said about us being in different seasons of our lives and just doing what we can in our own specific situations really spoke to me. I love being a wife and mother and truly appreciate this amazing responsibility I have been blessed with.

On a bright note, I thought everone would enjoy some updated photos of the boys. Some were taken by Sean's talented sister, Jennifer, and one was taken here in Bakersfield.

Now It's Up To You

No more excuses Taylors. You now have a blog (and a cute one at that I might add). All you need to do now is start writing. 

We can't wait to hear all about life with a new baby, starting a new business and the glamorous life of a rock star.

We'll all be anxiously awaiting your first entry.

Love ya,

Emily and Mom