Camping Trip

We had the most AWESOME weekend camping with our family. Each day was better than the one before according to Jasmine. Each night before falling asleep she'd tell me, 'this is the best camping trip EVER!'. Once we got home I asked what was her favorite part of the weekend, initially she answered EVERYTHING but finally narrowed it down to the leaf fight the kids had soon after arriving (left my camera in the truck when we first got there, so no pictures of the leaf fight-so sorry). I did get some great pictures I would like to share......enjoy!

Nah, she doesn't get her picture taken much at all!


Grandpa pushing his grandsons on the swing.


Trying to help daddy get his pole ready.


Fishing cousins **Don't worry, no hooks were used by those 7 & under. Although Noah and Alex will be fishing w/ the big boys pretty soon, they really got the art of casting down. Each pole came w/ a plastic fish to attach to the end of the line. The kids had plenty of fun throwing those out and reeling them in, and then questioned why they didn't catch any fish at the end of the weekend.**


more fishing cousins...


Going for a boat ride w/ Uncle Josh (had to cut the trip short due to panic attach by Cash).


Who needs fun games when there is a box around?


Bucket hat gone wrong.... what is it w/ my children and putting things on their heads (it's a sign of intelligence, right)?


Treasure hunt.


Here Nessa is coaching Jasmine on how to sing into the stick-microphone!


Too cute.


Lunchtime (10 kids ages 7 & under), LOTS of fun!


Chilling in Grandpa's hammock.


Plum tuckered out...


Is this not the most precious picture ever, I'm going to print a copy and frame it.


Another one of my faves. If you look in the top corner you can see a crescent moon and one star.


The ride home looked like this from the time we pulled onto the main road.



We would love to make this trip a few times a year. Thanks for having us Uncle Duane and Aunt Peggy!! We loved every minute of it.

Let's Dance

Last night was so fun. Dancing with the Stars was on and the kids felt the need to dance their little booties off. Jasmine ran and got her church shoes (since they make a noise) and Cash had to follow suit so he grabbed Jasmine's cowboy boots. They sure looked cute dancing around. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture (too lazy to get up and get the camera....I know, bad mama!).

This and That

We had a great Mother’s Day weekend. Saturday Jasmine and I went to a Mother/Daughter Tea Party and had lots of fun. We made tissue paper hats, the kids decorated a flowerpot, and then had tea (apple juice) and cookies.










Saturday evening Jasmine spent the night w/ her cousin and it is amazing to me what a difference there is in Cash’s demeanor when she is not around. He’s very quiet and will sit and watch a movie with me. When she is around they are both going non-stop. Here is a picture he had me take of him Saturday.




Sunday we went to Gramma’s for a Mother’s Day celebration after church. Food…Good, Family…Good, Fellowship…Good!!!





************************************************************************

On other note. You ever seen the show 'Kids Say the Darnedest Things'

When spending the night w/ her cousin, they go to Wal*Mart and Jasmine says 'OK everybody, this is how it's going to be. We go in, we come out. Got it?' She wants so badly to be the boss.

Another time on our way home she says 'Mom, when we get home, I'm in charge' I tell her no, mommy is always in charge at home. She then says, 'OK, you and me, we can be in charge of Cash and Daddy'. Gotta love her determination.

When leaving church Sunday I sneezed and Cash says, 'Bless you Mommy' pause 'Goodness' -- I KNOW, cutest thing EVER!!

2 Year Olds....Gotta Love 'Em

Yesterday Cash gave me the scare of my life. When we got home the kids were outside and wanted to pet the dog. So I run in to put my bags down and turn on the oven for dinner. As I go back outside I see the kids running down the driveway chasing the dog. **Mind you, we are in the country and our driveway is about an acre deep** I yell to the kids that is far enough and to come back towards the house. Jasmine yells 'OK, mama' and starts heading back. Cash, on the other hand, now thinks we are playing a game. So I start running his way since it didn't look like he had plans to turn around. As he is getting closer to the road, I am starting to panic and trying to run faster to get to him. **We are on a country road and most people are doing about 50mph**. I reach him just as he passes our fence line and before he reaches the road. I have NEVER ran so fast in my entire life. Never really enjoyed running and often wondered if faced in a situation where it was do or die how I would fare. I have to say I did pretty good. Once I reached him and grabbed his little hand to lead him back up the driveway all I wanted to do was yell, spank & lock him in the house so I don't have to go through that again. Instead we made that long walk back up the drive and I try to explain to him it is a BIG no-no to go to the road, all the while I have a death grip on his hand. They played w/ the dog a little more and jumped on the trampoline for a while and everything was hunky dory--but I do believe be scared a few years out of me today.

So what did you have for breakfast?

I had tamales for breakfast this morning. I KNOW!! It is Cinco De Mayo, after all. Besides it would be rude for me to turn them down when offered by someone who made an special trip to pick up some authentic Mexican food. It sure makes a difference in the day when you are used to starting w/ something light, like a granola bar. I've felt full all day--but that won't stop me from filling up on more Mexican Cuisine this evening AND tomorrow evening. I'll just have to pump up my workouts next week to make up for this weekend.

House Shoes

Nothing really to going on to post. Lots of storms came through the Metroplex last night, fortunately the worst of it bypassed us.
**It was a question mark for a while how bad it would be by the time it reached us so I had Jasmine say a little prayer w/ me for our safety**

Last night Jasmine wanted me to take a picture of her house shoes and, of course, Cash is all about getting his picture taken (even if it is just of his feet).

Jellies

Cash loves his 'jellies' and no, I'm not referring to the shoes we used to all love in the 80's. His favorite thing to eat is grape jelly. That's it, doesn't want it with peanut butter or on bread, just a big 'ol bowl of jelly suits him just fine. I have to put it on the top shelf of the refrigerator all the way in the back because if he is near when the door is open he will come running and grab the jar and say, 'momma, I want jellies. pleeeease'. Jasmine decided she needed a bowl of her own yesterday.



I think it supercute how they sit in the same chair to eat their snack. They really love each other!

Weekend Roundup

We had a fun filled weekend. Saturday we had friend's over for a Bible Study and everyone brought a dessert item (which is personally my favorite food group). There were five adults and five children....which made it very LOUD at times but all in all the adults had a great discussion and the kiddos had lots of fun running down their sugar high.

Sunday after church we ran home so Cash could catch a quick nap before Jasmine's AWANA's awards ceremony. **For those not familiar w/ the program--AWANA is a group that meets once a week and the children memorize Bible verses and receive patches for their vest**. This was Jasmine's second year in AWANA and she did great (we had a major meltdown last year and she ended up being carried across the stage). She was very excited her cousin Karoline came to watch and was quick to search her out and and blow kisses once she got on stage. After the awards ceremony there was a small reception w/ cookies and juice and then we were off to Chuck E. Cheese's. Here are some pictures.



ON STAGE LOOKING FOR KAROLINE (just before blowing kisses)


RECEIVING HER AWARD



CASH AND GRAMMA AT THE RECEPTION



SERIOUSLY, COULD THEY BE ANY CUTER?



CASH PUTTING THE TOKEN IN THE MACHINE BY HIMSELF

Better Than Therapy

Yesterday was a good day. After getting home from work I jumped on the riding mower and rode it until it was out of gas. This is one of my new favorite things (& Joe is very happy about that!). In the past I haven't participated much in the upkeep of the yard, mostly because it was too much like work. Now I am looking at it more as a means for exercise. I love love love riding on the mower. It gives me an opportunity to reflect on what is going on in my life and to give thanks to the Lord for all I have and all my answered prayers. Wow..what a wonderful Lord we serve.

Cash and Jasmine also love to sit on my lap while I am driving. Although it is great now, I'm not looking forward to it come August and it is 150 degrees outside. Guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Maybe we can find a sidecar like they have for motorcycles. That'd be awesome!!

Pictures

Since I haven't posted daily in a few months. I thought i'd share some pictures of what we've been up to.


SAY CHEESE



DRUMS W/ DADDY



COLORING EASTER EGGS



PRINCESS ON ICE (Notice Cash's Superman cape)



VISIT FROM GRANDMA ANGIE



GUITAR MAN



HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY



I GOT THE DONUTS





ROLLER SKATING



SWEETHEART SLEEPOVER



ONE COOL DUDE



WE LOVE DADDY

Kindergarten Registration

Well last night we went to take a tour of where Jasmine will be going to Kindergarten. She ran into a few of her Pre-K friends and her current teacher's husband teaches there. So it is possible for her to have a teacher w/ the same name for Pre-K & K. Fun!

When we got home we watched Night at the Museum w/ Ben Stiller and Jasmine really liked it. She informed me that when she gets home from school today she wants to watch it again.

Yesterday the kids received a package in the mail from Aunt Linda. She is so thoughtful and is always sending fun stuff for the kids. Yesterday Jasmine got a Shirley Temple movie and a My Little Pony which she fell in love with. Cash got a Wiggles movie. When we pulled it out of the box he grabbed it and took off running to pop the movie it yelling 'mommy, it's the giggles' the whole way.

I Love Dancing With the Stars...

I love this show!! And I love that Cash will sit and watch it with me. Last night Joe had a couple friends over for a 'jam' session so I was watching in our bedroom (which is on the opposite end of the house from the noisy boys). I was laying in our bed and Cash was on his belly with his chin propped on his hands...so cute. And sometimes he is just overcome and has to get up and do a little dance of his own.

Is Anybody Still Visiting?

Well, it has been a LONG time since I've posted and just wondering if anyone is still checking in for updates???

This weekend we went to visit Grandpa Kotter and the kids had so much fun playing with their cousins Ethan and Emma. It is about a two hour drive and they were both dead to the world as soon as we got on the road.

Sunday morning Cash and I went to wake Jasmine up for church and she said in a sleepy voice. 'Ya'll are talking too much, I want to sleep more'. Funny, I seem to remember saying something similar to Joe just about a week ago. It takes me a little while to actually WAKE UP in the morning and until then I just want peace and quiet. Well Joe had been up for a while and had coffee and was feeling good and I remember asking him to stop talking so much. Guess the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

Cash is a non-stop chatterbox these days, unfortunately not everyone can understand him. I hear several times a day, 'What did he say?' Fortunately I speak ~Cash~ pretty fluently. Most people are impressed by how much he talks, but I can't help but wonder if I should be concerned or not that he is hard to understand. --Sharon if you are reading this, can you please send me the information for the people ya'll used w/ Camden--.

Try to post again soon.

What Ice Cream Are You???

I Am Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

Weekend update

It has been awhile since I’ve posted anything, so I just thought I’d give a little update even though not much is going on.

Last weekend was nice. Joe and I were able to have a date night, something we haven’t done in a VERY long time. We did dinner and a movie, which was very nice. I had forgotten what it was like to go out to eat w/o children…it’s almost boring. I found myself watching other tables that had their children with them as they were up and down and around the table. Then to a movie, where again, I found it hard to sit still in the theater. We subscribe to Blockbuster.com so I am used to watching movies now while folding clothes or doing the dishes or something along those lines. My how two children and a few years can change you…

Saturday was spent running errands since it was the first Saturday in a while that it wasn’t freezing or raining or both….to the vet, to a friend’s house, drop off some Mary Kay, lunch with Gramma and her lunch bunch, to Gramma’s pick up some goodies, etc. The kids were good and tired and refusing to take a nap by the time we got home.

Sunday we went to Gramma’s and had her famous spaghetti for lunch to celebrate January birthdays. Lots of fun.

Sesame Street Personality Quiz

I Am Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around. You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy. You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you. How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Yuck, yuck, yuck...

This weather is driving me crazy. Someone forgot to tell the weather this is TEXAS, we can only handle a couple of these freezing days. I am ready for some warmer weather...even mid-40's would be nice.

Friday when they predicted bad weather I made a run to the grocery store and Blockbuster on my way home, ready to hibernate for the weekend. Then came Monday and it was still yucky, which is not that big a deal since it's a holiday and school was out anyways. Tuesday I cautiously drive into work and home-no problem! At this point I think the worst is done.....this morning I get up and am getting ready for a normal day and I keep hearing a crackling noise. What in the world is that, so I walk to the other side of the bathroom looking for the root of the noise...it's coming from the small port window above the tub. Oh my gosh, is it raining. So I go open the front door and it is not raining, it is SLEETING!!! ARGH!! So I hurry and get ready and drive 10mph to the sitter's on the wonderful country roads with Joe following me. Then head downtown. THREE HOURS LATER, I am finally at work ( and plan to leave as early as possible )!

Mr. Sunshine, won't you PLEASE come out to play soon!!

I've Been Tagged...

ABC’s of Laurie:

A - AVAILABLE OR TAKEN: 100% Taken
B - BEST FRIEND: Lots of really good friends
C - CAKE OR PIE: Chocolate cake w/ chocolate icing
D- DRINK OF CHOICE: Water
E - ESSENTIAL ITEM YOU USE EVERYDAY: My Faith in God
F - FAVORITE COLOR: Red
G - GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS: Neither
H - HOMETOWN: Dallas, TX
I - INDULGENCE: Chocolate ice cream w/ cool whip
J - JANUARY OR FEBRUARY: February...one month closer to warm weather
K - KID'S NAMES: Jasmine & Cash
L - LIFE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT: God and my family
M - MARRIAGE DATE: March 2000
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: One half sister, two stepsisters and three stepbrothers
O - ORANGES OR APPLES: Apples
P - PHOBIAS OR FEARS: Snakes
Q - FAVORITE QUOTE: P.U.S.H. (pray until something happens)
R - REASON TO SMILE: God is good, ALL the time!
S - SEASON: Spring & Fall
T - TAG 3 PEOPLE: If you are reading this, you have been tagged
U - UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: My absolute favorite movie is Grease, has been since I was 6 and went to the theater to see it (yes, very inappropriate but I had no idea).
V - VEGGIE I DON'T LIKE: Tomatoes
W - WORST HABIT: Snacking
X - XRAYS: Occasionally
Y - YOUR FAVORITE FOOD: Mexican
Z - ZODIAC: Libra

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.