The Taylor Family

Where have we been?

2010-09-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

So my life has been flipped upside down these past 5 months that I have not been online. My mother past away on April 22nd in Tonga from an accident. Due to the news, I started contracting and subsequently had Kole James Taylor on April 26th. He was 6 lbs. 1 oz. He is now 13 lbs. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known this elect lady for 28 and 3/4 years. She was one of my best friends. I still have to catch myself from dialing her cell phone when one of my children says something funny. She was an extraordinary teacher and mother. I try to pattern my teaching after her. We are still receiving phone calls from former students stating that Sister Lee was their favorite teacher and they learned all that they needed to know to become a nurse from her. She instilled in us the importance of education, music, how to show love to each other and to other people, and how to serve one another just to name a few. She loved being grandma and my children still ask when grandma will be coming back home. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that I will see her again and be able to give her a big hug and a kiss. What a blessing it is to have the comfort of that. I am also grateful for the love and help that my ward and friends have shown us. I don't think I could have pulled it together without them. But life has to go on. Children demand it! So I am taking 1 day at a time. Some days are better than others. And hopefully be able to keep up on my blog-

Spring has sprung, well maybe?!!

2010-04-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day was quite fun. Aaron surprised me with flowers and a singing balloon at work. And I tried to do the homemaking thing, thanks to Janica, with making a tie for Aaron and creating a candy-gram. The tie was a bit short, but he still wore it:) I guess he loves me still!! Easter was a bit confusing. I do not recall ever having to wear snow suits for the Easter egg hunts? Have you? It was very cold, but the kids survived. Katelynn only had one meltdown while picking up eggs in Blackfoot. I have a ever-expanding waistline. I only have 5 more weeks to go!!! Yeah! But then I think of all the work having a new baby is... It is just easier to be prego!! I wonder if there is a plan that you can carry the kid until it is 18 years old?:) Here are some pics of the last few months.

Dyeing Easter eggs

Gathering eggs

First time I put Katelynn's hair in rollers. She woke up the next day looking like Shirley Temple. Her Hair takes a great cure:)

The candy-gram. Aaron said that it was a you-for-me gift. It kind of was:)

The fun flowers. They delivered them on the 4th floor and my students called me to help them give a medication. I went up to the floor and my students were behind me and started the balloon. It was so fun! Thanks honey!!!

I have NOT dropped off the face of the earth!

2010-01-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since my last post- But I have a great excuse- I am pregnant! I am 22 weeks and still sick!:( And no we don't know what we are having. I love the surprise of not knowing. But for the first 3 1/2 months I was bed-ridden, IVs in and lost 10 lbs. Not fun for me or for the family. Now I have to take Zofran and Reglan daily to keep the food down. Aaron was a trooper. He kept the house clean and made me broth for dinner. Anyways, here is a recap of this fall: Kaden is a kindergartner now. He loves school. He is so cute, walking to the bus. He just had a school recital for Christmas. Katelynn turned three and we had a flower theme for her b-day. Kaden turned six and we had a transformer b-day. I guess I was more excited to take cup cakes to his class than he was ( I never had a party in school b/c of my July b-day; I guess you can say that I am living through my son:) Katelynn is in dance now. She is so cute in her leotard and tights. Kaden is in tumbling. And for Halloween Kaden was Bumblebee the Transformer and Katelynn was a ladybug.

So what are we doing now? I am ever expanding, but still exercising every day. I can tell that I am not 22 and pregnant. Aaron is still working in the sub-zero temps, Katelynn is a sunbeam now and Kaden, because of the size of the Junior Primary, is in Senior Primary (he is in CTR 6). Christmas was fun. Both of the kids where so fun this year. We made cookies for Santa and we had to make sure that the reindeer were fed. The snow is on the ground and the sun is shining. To bad it is -11 right now. And I NEED some chocolate- Does anyone have some?

Kaden and Katelynn's first Sunday in January

Kaden and the Christmas program

Katelynn's 3rd birthday

Halloween

Kaden's 6th birthday

Katelynn's first day of dance

Kaden's 1st day of school. I can't believe it!

Oh how time flies by...

2009-08-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

This summer has gone by so fast!! Here is a recap of all of the different activities we have done in the last little bit. Aaron turned 30 this year, and we celebrated his b-day with a big surprise!!! He always says that he is not turning 30, just 29 (but if you do the math...). So we celebrated his 29th birthday on the last day of his 29th year (does this make sense?) He also had a midlife crisis (hopefully this is not his true midlife or else turning 60 will not be a fun year for him:)), because we bought a boat. I could say that I was infuriated and that I could not believe how insane he is b/c of where we live etc. But to tell you the truth, I LOVE it!!! And the best part about it is that we can have picnics on it:) I also turned another year older. It sure is crazy how time just disappears. I finished with the students in the middle of July and now I am on summer vaca until Sept. My high school reunion was so much fun. I loved seeing old friends again and to get reacquainted. We have been to drive-in movies (you can tell that you are getting older when you actually go to the drive-in to WATCH the movies:)), water parks, and I was able to get myself a bike this year. Kaden rides his bike, and Katelynn is on the back of mine. Every time I start to really pedal, she says, "Slow down mommy," even up hills. Kaden has taken 6 weeks of swim lessons this year. He is a different kid, I swear. He, who was once afraid of water on his face, now has no fear. He will put is face in a body of water even if it is only a couple of inches!! We were on the water last weekend with the boat and Kaden stated, "I am going to get that booty." Looking at Aaron, and thinking- What are you teaching our son- He kept saying it and I finally went to him and said, "Where's the booty" He proceeded to point to the buoy... Crazy Kid!!

Aaron's b-day cake

Which way are the sprays going? Look closely. That is why it was only $9.99

I guess my kids can be cute at times:)

Where Waldo, I mean Where's Kaden?

Our maiden voyage:)

Kaden and Aunt Gena

Katelynn has no fear she went by herself

Memorial weekend-

2009-06-05T12:54:00.001-07:00

Memorial week was packed full of Indiana Jones and Thomas the Train. First, Kaden had his tumbling recital. All of the boys were Indiana Jones- He was so cute up on stage. He remember all of the moves. And the best part about it is that we have this years Halloween costume:) The following day, we took a trip to Utah to visit Thomas. We spent the weekend relaxing in the pool at the hotel; visiting Aaron's sister and her family; going to temple square; and seeing my really good friend Cami, who lives in Heber. The kids had a great time and it was nice to spend the weekend not working.

Kaden and I in Thomas (As always, it was raining)

Katelynn and Aaron in the train

The Kids were able to get balloon animals, Kaden has a dog hat and Katelynn chose a monkey holding a banana

Temple Square

My Muscle Man, Kaden Jones:)

Easter- Yes I am a little Late:)

2009-05-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Easter in a nut shell-We had a wonderful Easter, spent with family. It is so great to have family so close- the Easter Bunny did not come to our house until after church. The reason we told the kids:"..because you two woke up to early (Kaden did wake up at 6:15)." The REAL reason: The Easter Bunny slept in, oop!! I figured at least it wasn't Christmas morning, right? We had a ton of egg hunts, dyed eggs and just had fun with the cousins- Here are a few pics-

"Monster Trucks are way cool, Can I have one !?!"

2009-04-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Monster Truck Fun!!!

The tires are huge on these things- Katelynn thought she was going to fall- Please note that she would only go in her snow boots!!

Do you notice what the car and Katelynn have in common? They both miss behave:)

Kaden loves Bigfoot b/c it has skeletons on it. He is big into skeletons now. He has already informed me that he wants to be a skeleton for Halloween

So the Monster trucks have come, but they have not gone. I have two of them walking around my house as we speak! It was my big idea to take the kids to the Monster truck rally at the Holt area in Pocatello. They were captivated from the time that we got there (6:00 pm) until we went home (11:00 pm). It was fun and all, but I think that I will stay at home the next time they come rolling into town!!! And to answer the question, Kaden, no we cannot get one!

OH, KATELYNN!!!!!

2009-03-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

That is what I felt when I found her with scissors in her hand chopping off all of her HAIR!!! So it was not as bad as I am making it out to be, but.... So here is the story. I was working out down stairs and Kaden yelled down to tell me that Katelynn was in his backpack. Thinking that she was in his crayons, I yelled back (not the best way to communicate, I know) to get them away and put his backpack up. After I was finished, 10 minutes later, I went up stairs to find her sitting down, a pile of her hair around her with the scissors still in her hands!!! I was so furious with her. Every time I tried to get the clumps off of her head, more hair came into my hands. I was so mad b/c her hair was the right length to put in a pony, and braid. So we took a little drive up to Aunt Katie's house and we had an emergency hair cut. If you ask Katelynn now if she should touch scissors, she states, "No, my mom would spank my bum!" and that is the truth:)

I am feeling a little old!

2009-02-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

So my friend Natalie showed me how to start up my playlist. I am so grateful for her. But while I was thinking of songs to include, I noticed that they are not the ones that would be played on the hottest radio stations. So am I now in the category of momville? My 10 year reunion is this year and I am so excited to see everyone, but that means that I am getting older. I still feel that I should be getting on the bus with the high school students, then I glance down and see my 5 1/2 year old and reality kicks in- Do you all feel the same way?

Happy Day's

2009-02-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. Aaron surprised me with a fun gift! (That is all I am able to say:))Kaden and Katelynn made Valentine's cards and a foam house with us. And then we went to Aunt Gena's house and frosted cookies. It is so nice to have family around to share with us in our lives. So Kaden asked me what is the next holiday. I replied it is very special since you are 1/4 Irish. He did not quite understand that, but I tried to explain in my best 5 year old ways. He perked right up when I said "frost four leaf clover cookies and eat them." So he was way excited for St. Patrick's Day now. Did I mention that Kaden is in tumbling? They are now learning their routine for the recital. They are Indiana Jones. He makes me laugh every time he starts his routine. He makes me sing "Da da da da...da da da...da da data...da.da.da.." (You know the beginning of the Indiana Jones song, Don't make me sing it:)

So I am a slacker!!

2009-02-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

I have not posted in a month. It has been crazy!! But enough excuses- Chrsitmas was really fun- Aaron decided to get me a DIGITAL camera. Yes, I am one of those people who love the feel of the film loading in the camera and seeing the crispness of the film. But he decided that it was way past due for me to enter the 21st century. I have to admit that I love my new camera and it has the pixels for the sharpness that I enjoy with my other camera- But I do still use the 35mm. I take out both when I take pictures- SO I am telling you this b/c I will be posting pictures more often. But I did promise pictures from Katelynn and Kadens b-day parties. I have Katelynn's developed, but not Kaden's- So, here are the pictures under the big top (don't look to close at the cake, 1st time using fondant) and stay tuned for the aar mates pics- Enjoy!

What am I doing?

2008-12-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

So I feel that I have so many things to do and not enough time to do them (only ten more shopping days left until the big guy in red comes!!) When I think that I am close to being done for Christmas, something else pops up, ugh!! I really need to think of what the real reason of Christmas is for- right? It is really fun with the kids this year. We have hit almost every Santa that comes to town. Kaden asks for everything that he can possibly think of and Katelynn just smiles and gives Santa a big hug. Last Saturday, Aaron had the opportunity to shop with a 10 year old girl and a 8 year old boy for presents. The plumbing supply company sponsored it and each child received 100 dollars. He said that both of the children and many others were thinking of gifts not for themselves, but for their siblings or parents. What a moving experience. The two children that were with Aaron stated that they needed coats b/c theirs were either to big (the little boy was wearing his father's) or too cold. WOW! I could not believe that! I am so blessed to be able to provide a warm home, warm coats, and food for my children. I also feel amazed that children are so selfless that they think of others and not just themselves. I guess that is why Jesus Christ taught us to be like little children. I hope through out this holiday season, we may think of those less fortunate than ourselves and really thank Heavenly Father for the blessings he has given to us-

October in a Nut Shell

2008-11-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that October was here and gone; and November is half-way gone!! I still have to think to write 2008 instead of 2007. WEIRD!! So Katelynn had her 2nd birthday on the 18th. We had a Circus themed birthday. We had a cotton candy machine, a bubble machine and I made a two tier cake shaped like a circus tent. That was challenging!!! But I think that she loved her birthday. She really knows how to blow out the candles. She is so cute. Some of the gifts that she received were a baby, a stroller and princess heels. And so all she does all day is clomp around in the heels while pushing her stroller with the baby in it. Now I am making the final touches on Kaden's party. Remind me never to have another child with in the October-early November months. Kaden's is going to be a pirate birthday theme. We actually just got back from vacation. We went on a cruise for 4 days and then saw a Miami dolphins football game. We also went and saw old friends from Boca Raton, Florida. It was very fun, but very tiring with the kids. But Kaden actually turned 5 on the ship. He is so excited to celebrate his birthday for the second time. He is so funny. In between birthdays- there was Halloween!!! Kaden was a dragon and Katelynn was Dorothy (from the Wizard of Oz) and a chicken (she was a chicken on the night of Halloween b/c it was cold) As you can see- very busy- But I don't think that I could function any way else???

Crazy days-

2008-10-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

I think that I should not have any hair left in my scalp! These past weeks have been CRAZY!!! (Sorry Nat for not doing anything this last Wednesday, October will be better) I have been completing Katelynn's invites for her b-day and Gingers invites for her baby shower, which if you did not know, she is having a baby girl!! I am so excited for her. I am also putting together Christmas gifts. It has been insane. Gena, my sister, gave us quite a scare last Monday. She had a stroke while in her sleep. She woke up and she could not see out of her right eye. She attempted to get out of bed and her right side was paralyzed. She went to the ER and they did an MRI. The clot was gone, but there was damaged to the occipital lobe. She started to get feeling back into her arm and leg and she is able to see out of her eye, but we found out that she has a atrial septal defect. She has had it all of her life and never knew it. Ginger will get tested probably after the baby is born. But it is hereditary so... Gena was so lucky, the clot could have went anywhere in her brain. She was looked after by someone up there:)...I have been thinking more lately with the events that have taken place these last weeks and I have to say that life is so fragile. You do not know when it will be your time. I can't imagine being with out my sisters, and my family for that matter. I have learned that you need to tell them that you love them every chance that you get because there may not be a second chance.

So my little boy is getting bigger!

2008-09-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Kaden has just completed his first day of preschool! He learned the letter A. Thanks to Aunt Ginger and Aunt Gena for teaching him!! He also went to tumbling this week. He is so excited to become a big boy. We also went the the South East Idaho Fair this last weekend. It was hot, but it was a blast. There was a kids tractor pull that Kaden entered in and he was the only 4 year old that made it to the second round!!! I think that we ate everything in site- including the cotton candy. This Saturday, we are taking Kaden to the demolition derby. He can hardly wait. It will be a mommy-daddy-Kaden day. I can't believe that summer is over- it was 40 degrees when I woke up this am. Fall is here, but winter is coming:(

6 LONG years- J/K

2008-08-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Aaron and I celebrated 6 years of marriage. Time has not been on my side. I feel that we have just started to get to know each other:) But then I look at Kaden and think that he is almost 5. And that I had to have been married for that long:) I love Aaron so much more now then on my wedding day. They say that if your marriage survives a remodel/home building, then you have a strong relationship. SO we must have an extra strong relationship b/c we have built two houses and are planning our third. Last night Aaron and I discussed that our marriage is not at a stand still, we have to keep working at it. But he did also say that we are getting the hang of each other. He is so right! Honey, Happy Anniversary- I LOVE YOU-

Aaron is the big 29!!!

2008-08-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

So my cute, adorable, and sometimes frustrating husband is 29!! He says that he is only 28. But if you do the math, he is really 29. Aaron is the best!! Yes and he even does laundry (Sorry ladies, he is taken). Kaden and Katelynn can't wait until their daddy comes home from work each night. He works very hard so that I can be a stay at home mom. He takes pride in his home and yard and he really does know what I am thinking about or asking for before I can say it:). And I think one of the most important things that he does for me and the kids is show that he loves his Father in Heaven. I am very grateful to find a man who lives his life so he is worthy to hold the priesthood. We love you honey!!! We hope you had a wonderful birthday!!

I can SEE 20/20!!

2008-07-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

It is a miracle. It was so scary though. After it was said and done, my eyes felt like they were on fire, that I went through a sand storm with both eyes open, walking 100 miles. It was so awful that I questioned my reasoning of why I did this. But after 4 hours of this excruciating eye pain (From what I can remember, I think that it is close to childbirth with an epidural:) ), it got better, and my vision was clearer. While they were cutting my corneas, I had to concentrate on a red light. That was the hardest thing I had to do in my life. I was so scared to move, and it was so hard not to blink (I would not have been able to blink even if I wanted to because they put a device that held open the eye lid, but did anyone tell it to the nerves of my eye that send the impulses to my brain, NO!) I had to wear a shield for the rest of the day and night and I had to put in, and still have to put in, drops every hour. But I think it is so great to be able to walk to the bathroom w/o tripping over pillows, or look at the clock at night. I had the wave front technology, which is the custom lasik. This is suppose to reduce the halos at night etc, but it has not worked yet. I think that I expected perfect vision right from the start, but the Dr. stated that I need to be patient. The eyes are swollen, my corneas have just been cut, and the lenses have been re-contoured. But you all know me and I am not a patient kind of person. I had an appointment at the eye institute the next day and they said that I could see 20/20. I was so shocked. They stated that it is a little unusual to see that well the 1st post-op day, but be prepared to have your eyes regress a little. Then as the lenses heal, they will go back, hopefully. There is a 18 month enhancement agreement, so I am not worried. But if I get pregnant, it is voided. I don't think I have anything to worry about in that area, Aaron is still dead set on just 2. But looking back on the bad and the good- It is sooooo worth it. I recommend it to everyone. As soon as I them back, I will show you all the exciting "throwing away of the broken glasses pics". Oh and another thing, I was able to find some way cute post-op sunglasses!!!!

Surgery

2008-07-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

So Katelynn broke my glasses last week!! I was in the shower, and some how she managed to get them from the counter. All I heard was "Uh-oh, Mommy." I cleared the soap from my eyes and peeked out and she had them in two pieces!!! I could not believe it. SO I called the eye institute that day and they scheduled me today (at 1:30) for lasix! I am a little nervous, but VERY excited. Hopefully all will be well. These past weeks have been molded into one- it seems like. I BYU-I finished with classes two weeks ago and my grades are put in. Now I can enjoy 4 weeks of a much deserved break. We went Jet-skiing last weekend. I wanted to go because you cannot swim for a month after you have the procedure done. The kids loved every minute of it. Katelynn is going to be my dare devil child, I am afraid. On Monday, my mom took the kids and I to the open house of the Twin Falls LDS Temple. It is very similar to the Rexburg Temple. I feel blessed to be able to live in such close proximity to three temples ( 15 minutes away, 1/2 hour away, and now 2 1/2 hours away). This valley has been blessed! Anyways- I hope to be able to see this afternoon with out glasses!! I will have to take pictures. We will all have to wait and see.

B-day Girl!

2008-07-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

So it is a fact that it is my birthday. I am one year older, but I don't know if I am wiser:) I don't know about you, but I feel that I should still be going on the bus and going to the high school. That I should be turning 16 and getting ready for my first date. But then I glance down at my children and that pushes me back into reality. Every birthday, I get sentimental and look at my life. Take stock, so to speak. There are things that I want to change, be more patient with my children and husband. I think of other people in the world and I am very blessed to have my loved ones around me. I am also blessed to live in this time of the world, to be able to have the freedoms which we take for granted. So... I am officially older and hopefully this year will be even better than the last!

Finally, I developed some pics-

2008-07-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

When we first came to the circus...

After a while- We had to get out the BIG blanket

(Uncle Owen, Aunt Gena, and Eli went with us)

Katelynn loves cotton candy!!!

Kaden and his beloved slide!

Did you find them?

Here are the promised pictures- they include the cold day at the circus and Kaden on his new swing set! Also included in this blog is when we went to a Chuckars game on my father's B-Day. The Idaho Falls Chuckars are the minor league baseball team in I.F. Kaden loves to go and watch them and then they let all the children run the bases after the game has ended. Can you find Kaden? Hint: He is on Aaron's shoulders :)

Kaden's Blog

2008-06-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have to dedicate this blog to Kaden. He is our comic relief. This last week, he was extra ordinarily funny. I have to share a couple of instances with you:

- Kaden is such a smarty pants. One day I asked him if he would spell his name out on the fridge (we have letter magnets) Well, he said that he could not and that he was to tired to do this. I dropped the kids off at Gena's house (my sister) and when I came to pick them up, his name was spelt backwards on her fridge (she also has letter magnets). I asked her if she did it and she said that Kaden had done it (NEDAK)!

- We went to a dinner party and the kids went with us. There were cream puffs with do-it-yourself pudding. Well, Kaden wanted more, of course, and he asked me if he could have more. I stated to him that he could have a little bit more. He said, "Could I have alot bit more?" It was so hard not to give him as much chocolate pudding as he wanted.

- As we all know, it was Father's Day on Sunday, and Kaden was excited to give his daddy his presents. After Kaden sang, "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home", and "My Daddy is my favorite pal" (We practiced these song everyday for the last week, he did so well even without mom's help) and gave Aaron his card, Kaden turned to Aaron and I and said, "When is it Big Brother Day?"

Without Kaden, life would be not as funny, loving, or trying. He is my love-bug.

1st Warm Day of the Season

2008-06-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sad but true, this is the ONLY (May) day that it has been warm enough to play in the water. Kaden and Katelynn are joined by Uncle Owen and cousin Eli

Katelynn trying to drink

Uncle Owen, Katelynn and Kaden

Fun day at the circus

2008-06-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the circus!! It was so fun and sooo COLD!! Both Kaden and Katelynn had on four layers and a blanket!! We had 30-40 mph winds blowing and on top of it it snowed last night. I thought this was summer- Kaden loved the elephants and the poodles. When asked if he wanted to ride the elephants, he replied, "NO WAY" He cracks me up!! Katelynn enjoyed eating the cotton candy and the popcorn (Yes, Aunt Gena and Aunt Ginger, we brushed and flossed afterwards!) Kaden could not wait to tell everyone about the circus. He had to call Aunt Ginger and Grandma and Grandpa while we were driving home. Aaron's favorite part was the tightrope walkers. It was sure interesting to see them try to keep their balance with the wind. We had a great time being together. Pictures will be posted as soon as I figure that part out:)

About Us

2008-06-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Since this is my first post, I will introduce the Taylor family to the "world". Our family began on August 10th 2002. Aaron and I met on a blind date and were engaged three months later. I am a nurse and he is a plumber. We enjoy spending time with our families and friends. I love to think of crafts for the house and to shop. The trick to shopping is to shop the sales :). I am the youngest of five children. Aaron is the middle child of five children. Both of our families live near and it is great to have Grandma's and Grandpa's close by. Kaden was born on November 11th 2003. He is a very thoughtful little boy. He is a rough and tumble kid, however. He loves race cars and tractors. I just finished his room and the theme is trains, planes, and automobiles. I will show pictures as soon as I figure out how to! Katelynn is Daddy's little girl. She is all girl. She was born on October 18th 2006. She was early and a surprise. We did not find out what we were having, but I thought we were having another boy. Was I WRONG or what?!! She is all girl, she loves to play with dolls and look at books. But when her Brother is bothering her, she will take a bite out of him! Yes, she is a bitter. What holds our family together is our love for each other and for our Savior, Jesus Christ. As I have mentioned in my "about me", we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church is a big part of our lives. I am grateful that we have the opportunity one day to live as an eternal family.

SO... I will start to write about our lives and the interesting things that happen-