Point Taken

Yesterday I was sitting in the chair watching a movie and asked Jasmine to hand me the blanket next to her. She looked at me and said ‘I haven’t heard the magic word yet…’.
Lesson learned.

Fun Picture

Couldn't help but share this picture of Jasmine. This was from Western night for AWANA'S.

Lots Happening...

Last weekend Jasmine’s school had a Christmas event which included breakfast with Santa, story time w/ Mrs. Claus, a craft corner, book fair and store set up for the kids to shop for Christmas presents. We had lots of fun.

That evening everybody came over for our 2nd annual cookie making/Christmas light watching party. After the cookies were put in the oven we attempted our hand at putting together a gingerbread house, which sadly did not end well (I think too many little hands working on this one). But we sure had fun….especially after its fall (as you can see from icing faced/candy eating pictures).

Once cookies were ready we packed them up and went to Greenville and drove through a property that has over 350,000 lights. It is truly an awesome sight.

Holiday Questionaire

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? ~HOT CHOCOLATE
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? ~Both
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? ~White for both house and tree
4. Do you hang mistletoe? ~No
5. When do you put your decorations up? ~Try to the weekend after Thanksgiving
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? ~Jalapeno Pie
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: ~We would all gather at Gramma's house on Christmas Eve and open a couple gifts. We would then all spend the night (Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins...) and in the morning we were guided into the living room with our eyes covered. Then we'd get to open our eyes and tried to figure out which presents sitting out were whose.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? ~Honestly don't remember
9. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve? ~Yes. Usually a new pair of PJ's and one more gift
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?~White lights and a variety of red, green, white & gold ornaments
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? ~Love the SNOW, dread if it freezes and makes the roads slick
12. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? ~Making sure our children understand Christmas is about the birth of Christ.
13. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? ~I'm not really picky, dessert is GOOD!
14. What is your favorite holiday tradition? ~We started a new tradition last year, which I love. We have my nieces and nephews over & make cookies, brownies & and some type of project (last year I had some craft ornaments, this year we tried our hand at a gingerbread house) then we pile into cars (w/ our cookies and brownies, of course) and drive to see Christmas lights in Greenville, TX. There is a property that has over 350,000 lights set up that is absolutely awesome.
15. What tops your tree? ~White light star
16. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? ~Little bit of both. I love love love shopping and picking out the perfect gift for everyone on my list. But I also enjoy getting a nice gift
17. What is your favorite Christmas Song? ~Away in the Manger
18. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?? ~Not my favorite, but I'll have one or two during the season

Cut and paste and fill this out, too! It's fun!

Prayer Request

Today while shopping at a Holiday Bazaar here at work I struck up a conversation with the candle lady. She told me of a little girl named Isabella who is 11 months old and had liver failure, with no warning signs whatsoever, the day after Thanksgiving. She is in very critical condition waiting for an organ donor. They had found a donor and a match, but somewhere during transport the liver became frozen which made it unusable. While talking she said, 'If you pray, please remember Isabella'. How could I forget her. Our God is such an amazing God, please lift little Isabella up to him in prayer.

Wrapping presents & BIG Hugs

Well I’ve finally started wrapping presents. This year it has turned out to be a different experience. Jasmine is such a big help this year and very aware of what is going on. In the past years I didn’t have to worry much about wrapping presents in front of her. In fact, I would usually give her something to play with and then wrap it up and put it under the tree. Now she is all questions and comments…who is this for, where is mine, here’s yours daddy! Definitely keeping me at the top of my game.

Cash is getting so big and really starting to communicate. He has also been especially loving lately. He has always been a cuddle bear, loves the hugs and kisses and sitting in your lap. But recently when giving hugs he will wrap his arms around your neck so tight and just hold on, then grab your face and give a big kiss. So precious, I take all of those he is giving out…and then some!

Nothing to report

Not a whole lot going on in the Taylor household these days. Lots of fun Christmas events coming soon, I am very excited about all of them. I truly love this time of the year.

Joe and I got the Christmas lights hung over the weekend and the kids were so excited to see the house all lit up. When asked what she wants for Christmas Jasmine will tell you three Barbies. Much more attainable than last years request....a pony. She did get a Cabbage Patch stuffed pony, which she was very happy with.

I'm Back....

Well, I think I am just about back on track. I was on vacation from work all last week…and boy can that throw your schedule off. We did have a great Holiday week! Monday Jasmine’s class had a field trip that I was able to go on. We went Downtown and visited the Post Office, City Hall, the Police Station, the Fire Station and made a stop at the Donut Shop for a mid-morning snack. It was a lot of fun.

Thursday everyone came to our house for a Thanksgiving meal. We had such a great time eating, talking, watching football and scowering through the sale papers for Black Friday. The kids played and played and played some more. When it was time for bed Jasmine climbed into bed and said ‘Mommy, it was a wonderful day’. It most definitely was, we have so much to be Thankful for.

Friday I was up and on the road by 4:30am. I met Gramma and my beautiful cousin Holly at 5:00am @ Kohl’s. We had so much fun shopping, we hit all the good sales. Kohl’s, Home Depot, Target, Macy’s, Linen’s & Things, BedBath&Beyond, Office Max & Wal*Mart. I am happy to say I only have about five gifts left to buy….now I have to start wrapping, Yuk! I made it home from shopping around noon and brought home lunch for the family (a tradition). After lunch Cash went down for a nap and Jasmine and I put up the Christmas tree. We received a pre-lit tree for Christmas last year and let me tell you, it is so awesome to just plug in your tree—makes a world of difference. Love it, thank you Grandpa!

Speaking of Grandpa, Saturday we spent the day in Granbury visiting with Grandpa & Grandmommy Kotter. We had a great visit and the kids had fun playing with their cousins Ethan and Emma.

We have been so busy, but thankful for every moment we have.

More Wiggles

Yesterday when I picked up the kids and got everyone situated, I turned up the radio a little. Cash said, 'No Mommy, no. Giggles.' He wanted to listen to a Wiggles CD. I love when they get to the age when they can start telling you what they want. Priceless!

There’s something in the air….

Well something is in the air and it has Joe and the kids hyped up on Zyrtec and Benadryl. Poor Cash was up most of the night, which is very unusual for him. Ever since I can remember he has been in bed by 8pm and slept all through the night. About 12:30 last night, I was having this ‘dream’ that he was lying next to me and I was trying to comfort him and get him to sleep. Then I woke up and realized he was really there! I got up and gave him a drink and laid him in his bed, which didn’t last long at all. I then attempted to lay down with him in his toddler bed, this worked out pretty good until I tried to get up. As I, not so gracefully, get out of his bed, he wakes back up and follows me to my bed. I laid him next to me, but since he has never slept with anybody, he has a hard time getting comfortable and moves constantly. Finally around 3:00am he passed back out and was not at all happy when I got him up to go this morning.

Please pray for my little one. Hate seeing him suffer.

We have been busy…

Saturday was Jasmine’s last soccer game this season and Cash’s 2nd birthday party. We had such a good day. Grandpa Kotter came down and spent the whole day with us. What a treat, we all Love spending time with Grandpa.

Cash’s birthday party was a big success. We had brisket, cake and ice cream with lots of family and friends. **I will post pictures as soon as I can, my digital camera broke and we are using disposables, in hopes Santa brings a NEW digital camera this year**.

Last night was Jasmine’s awards ceremony for soccer where they received a cute bag and a trophy. They had a great entertainer for the kids named Keith Coast, http://www.forhiskidz.com/ministry_detail.asp?id=29 (be sure and scroll all the way down on the web page and see him INSIDE the balloon, lots of fun to watch & a GREAT message). When we got home Jasmine went straight to her room and put the trophy on her dresser. She is very proud of it…and rightly so she drank lots of Gatorade and climbed many a soccer net - I think she actually played in two games. Maybe next season she will be a little more interested. If not, that is fine too, as long as she has fun!

Soccer and Wiggles

Thursday night is usually soccer practice, but since time change last weekend and Saturday being our last game, the team went to Joe Willey’s for burgers and shakes. We had such a good time and enjoyed some great food. As with any out-to-eat adventure with a 2 & 4 year old, we were very busy. Especially since we had seven families w/ a 4-5 year old girl and several siblings. The girls enjoyed each other and we (the parents) enjoyed watching them interact.

We have rented the movie Monster House and the kids really enjoy watching it. Cash even sat down on the couch w/ me and Jasmine, instead of his usual ‘Giggles’ (The Wiggles). He is so obsessed with the Wiggles. Right now we have two shirts and they are both big on him, so I let him wear them for bed. In the morning he gets so upset when we take it off. Sometimes we even have to carry it to the van with us when we leave.

Sorry...long blog

I wanted to wait until I had some pictures to share, but it looks like I’ll just have to post them later…

This time of year is my absolute favorite. We were busy busy busy this past weekend. Thursday Jasmine and Cash’s cousins spent the night and boy did they all have fun. After we got home from Jasmine’s soccer practice it was straight to the tub. Two 2 year olds and two 4 year olds make for a very adventurous bath time. Luke (2yrs) thinks it is super fun to jump up in the bathtub and land flat on his bottom and make a BIG splash. Cash thought that was the most hilarious thing he has ever seen. He was giggling so hard he couldn’t breathe. Then one by one they get out of the tub and dry off and get lotion and PJs on. Unfortunately Cash was last and by the time I got to him, he pooped on the floor. SO GROSS!!

Friday was CASH’S BIRTHDAY! We went to McDonald’s and to the Dr. for a checkup. He weighs 35lbs and is 32ins, which puts him off the charts in his age group for weight and average for height. The whole way to the Dr. Jasmine kept needing reassurance that she was not getting shots, I dread next time we go and she need them it’ll be a fight to the end! Cash did have to get one shot, but is such a toughie he didn’t even cry.

That evening was our Fall Festival at church. Tons and tons of bounce houses and slides and food and a petting zoo… Speaking of the petting zoo, Cash kept trying to climb up the fence to get into the pen with the animals. When that did not work he ran to the pen with the calf and pony and crawled under. Luckily I was able to grab onto his foot before he was out of reach. For being such a big boy, he is FAST!

Saturday we went to Boo at the Zoo. They were so cute when going to each station to trick or treat. Jasmine would walk up and say ‘Trick or Treat’ and ‘Thank You’, I was very proud. Cash got to where he would run up and say ‘Treat’ and hold his bag up. As soon as they dropped something in, he’d stick his head in the opening of the bag and start jumping up and down. So cute! We had lots of fun until…Jasmine disappeared! We are running all over the place looking for her, yelling her name. Luckily mom stayed back where we started and said Jasmine came walking out of the restaurant with a Coke. Apparently she was thirsty and took it upon herself to go and find something to drink. Needless to say, we were very happy to find her unharmed…but proceeded to let her know how much trouble she was in for running off. Soo scary!

The next morning when I was making breakfast we were talking about next time we go to the zoo and she said ‘next time I will not run off. I will just say Momma, I am so thirsty so we can get a drink’. Hopefully this lesson will stick with her and we won’t have to experience that again.

Fall Festival Picture

Our church had a Fall Festival on 10/27, which was also Cash’s birthday. Here is a link to a picture taken at the festival.

http://www.fallfest.storefrontphotos.com/gallery/?cat=34100&image=114

I’ll post more on our weekend adventures later…

Soccer Update

I am happy to say Jasmine has finally decided playing soccer isn’t so bad. The last two games she has stayed on the field her entire time. Before, IF she would get out there, she would just walk off the field soon after the kick-off once the other girls ran after the ball. Not that she cares about kicking the ball, but she enjoys running around with the other girls now. And a lot of times she is way behind the group because when she runs, she likes to try to watch her cute pink star soccer shoes.

Here is a picture of her doing the kick-off and one of her and her cousin Alex.

Parent-Teacher Conference

We had our first 6 weeks Parent-Teacher conference this week. Jasmine’s teacher said she is doing much better and beginning to adjust to the routine. We had a rough first couple of weeks. It seemed we were receiving notes everyday on ‘The CHOICES Jasmine Made’. A lot of times she was choosing to do her own thing and not following directions. She is a very independent little girl and thinks she should be the one running the show ALL the time. But she has started coming back after she calms down and apologizes to me or Joe or whoever is involved without prompting.

While at the Parent-Teacher conference Cash was looking at the books and playing in the kitchen….so sweet and such a good boy. Then it was time to go and the ‘I’m almost two and have a mind of my own’ transformation occurred. Apparently he was not done playing and wanted to make sure everyone in the school knew this. As I’m carrying him, screaming, down the hall teachers are coming out of their classrooms to make sure someone has not been injured. I opted for the closest exit instead of walking all the way to the front of the school and subjecting everyone to his temper tantrum. I then wrestled him into his car seat and he screamed the whole way home. Good thing we LOVE them so much at this age!

And Jesus grew in wisdom... Luke 2:52

This was Jasmine's memory verse Sunday for Awana's.

By saying her verse each week she earns patches for her Awana’s vest and an ice cream on the way home. This is Jasmine’s second year in the program and she still LOVES it. I am happy to say she has finally adapted to wearing the vest, last year she wanted no part of it.

She also informed me last night on the way home from church that we needed to get some pumpkins and that ‘we need to get our Halloween stuff out’. So I guess I need to find some decorations, because the only holiday I have ‘stuff’ for is Christmas.

Time Flies

WOW! Fast week....I had every intention of posting every few days and here it is Friday already.

Tuesday was my Birthday and our Gramma watched the kiddos for us so we could have a nice evening out....meeting with a financial advisor (romantic, I know!). We did catch a quick bite at Taco Bueno after our meeting though - I know you're jealous!

Wednesday we had a busy night making We Miss You and Thank You cards. Jasmine misses her cousin Kaja so much. They are in the Czech Republic for several months caring for her sick Grandpa. And a Thank You card to our other cousin Charlie who sent a bunch of hand me downs for Cash.

Thursday was soccer practice. And Jasmine did pretty good this week. Usually she spends most of practice drinking gatorade, playing in the dirt or trying to climp on the net. This week when I picked her up at Gigi's she sounded excited, 'Momma, how about we go to soccer!'. Great, let's go. We get there and she runs out on the field and even kicks the ball a few times....then she fell and bumped her head after about 15 minutes. The remaining 45 minutes consisted of her snuggled up next to me for comforting and a walk across the parking lot to the church to go to the bathroom. Oh well, she sure looks cute! I've attached a picture from a practice earlier this year, when it was a little warmer out.

Busy weekend...

We definitely had a busy weekend. Started off by taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's Friday evening. Joe picked up the kids and I met them there on my way home from work. They had such a good time and I will post a picture as soon as I can. Cash enjoyed putting the money into the machine's, but seldom stayed around to play them. He also tried to take over other people's SkeeBall games. Would walk right up, grab a ball and throw it down any of the lanes. Luckily it wasn't crowded and everyone he mooched off of seemed to be very understanding...and occasionally encouraged him!

Saturday we ran some errands early and then stopped at the Sonic w/ the outdoor playarea (with sand). Jasmine's favorite here was to lay down in the sand and make sand angels...yes, that would be her laying flat on her back and waving her arms and legs wildly to the side--I'll just say I was glad we were in Daddy's truck. Cash again enjoyed making himself at home with other people's games. There were several ride-ons at this Sonic and anytime someone would put $$ in, he would take off running and try to barge his way on for a ride.

Sunday was filled with a big Family birthday party and Church activities. Overall an enjoyable, but exhausting day.

And the competition begins...

This morning while dressing Jasmine for school she says. 'Momma, Reagan has Baby Phat shoes.' Of course, Jasmine has no idea what this means but an impression was definitely made when she was shown/told about these shoes. A couple months ago she was overly excited for getting a pair of shoes with Strawberry Shortcake on them from Payless. I guess next time I'm thrifting I'll have to keep my eye out for some Baby Phat gear.

Cash has replaced his obsession with 'Doo-Doo and Gaggy' (Scooby and Shaggy) with 'Giggles' (The Wiggles). He'll say 'Momma, Giggles' and take off running to the living room and jump up on the couch. He'll watch from the couch intently then all of a sudden he'll pop off the couch and start dancing. So much fun just to watch him, watch The Wiggles. I love it!!

The Big Sister

These days Jasmine has taken the role of Big Sister to mean, Boss of Cash. Last night Cash was doing something and I asked if he wanted to sit in his time out chair and Jasmine yelled from the other room. 'Mom, don't put him in time out. He'll be a good boy.' Then directed her attention to Cash. 'No, no Bubba, you need to be a good boy. OK.' He then does his 'head nod-grunt', which he does when he is in agreement with something. If I could only get her to comply to me as easily as he did to her!

It is so much fun watching them interact, they are definitely best buds. If for some reason Cash is not with us she will say, 'Momma, we need to go get Cashy. I miss him!' I love that they love each other so much. For now anyways....I hope it continues!!

My Treasures

These are my treasures, Jasmine & Cash! This is a picture from Jasmine's first day of Pre-K.

First Timer...

I have been reading a friend's blog for the past several months and thought this would be a great way to keep in touch with family & friends in this busy world we live...check back for updates!!