Dean and Jenni Taylor Family

Updates complete!

2009-06-19T11:25:00.001-07:00

Whew - I have a headache! But Alas...Updates are complete!...Well except for Mercedes is on Trek right now - so I should have pictures of that within the week...well, actually I have some before shots on my camera...Jeeze! I am never going to be caught up! UGH
Well I guess you will just have to enjoy what is here now and check back soon for Trek! It will be Awesome! I just cant wait for her stories!.She tells stories like me, lol
What are you waiting for? I've worked really hard! Click on the word "May" on the right of this page and scroll down to May 17 "Seminary Graduation"...That's where it starts - 10 new posts - GO! Go Now! 8-)

Need more time

2009-06-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

UPDATE-Working - did you see the new Vacation posts in May?
OK - So I updated a ton of stuff from Spring and then...May happened and I am so far behind again! UGH! Well atleast I am trying to change the background to keep you interested right? lol
Well We just got home from a 2 week trip to KS so give me a few days to get readjusted to the 2 hour time difference then I hope to have all the latest happenings from Dowlin's graduation to the trip on here -
Thanks for being patient..or not - just thanks for checking back! ;-D

All in All

2009-06-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

All in All it was a Fabulous trip!
We went to the Kaw River Ward on Sunday and saw many of our friends from Church...Wish we could have had another Sunday to see the Indian Creek Ward friends too!
Our Friend, Elder Paul Heath took this picture for us ;-)
As the 2 weeks came to a close...and we repacked the bags and the van, I was excited to get back home but dreading the journey to get there! I was having to do all of the driving this way alone. Our reason for the trip in the first place was to take Dowlin to KS to work for the Summer. He is trying to save for College and a Mission and had a job lined up... So as excited as I was to be going home to Dean... I was leaving part of my heart behind in KS.
Although I know every nearly 19 yr old boy needs to cut the apron strings, I will miss Dowlin terribly! And knowing that I have left him in good hands living at Taleen and Ken's and surrounded by loads of family and friends helps. But you know...I was kinda thinking this 1st step away from home should kinda make him suffer a little and appreciate the things he had a home a little more - LOL Right! He is working hard, but I doubt anyone who has ever been to Taleen's house has ever suffered! Oh well - like I said, he is in good hands! Thank you to ALL of the Family!
We had a wonderful time! Wish we could do it every year - but I think it is your turn to come to AZ :-)

Taylor Family Visits

2009-05-31T22:57:00.000-07:00

TAYLOR'S
As the week went on - we got to see all of our family! We went to Jared and Amanda's house and played with Trinity and Grace. Both are too cute! Grace has this jibber jabber - kinda loud and scary as she rolls her wrists and Amanda swears she's putting a hex on you. It is really funny, lol.

We also got to Celebrate Amanda's 30th Bday before we left - we met at a park in Gardner and played for the evening! Good fun! Great company and yummy cake!

ROTH'S
At the Roth house - we had a yummy dinner and couldn't believe how much all of the kids had grown! Jazmyne and Brittney are only a few months apart, but they got along famously! Zachery & McKenzie also are only a few months apart, Lauren who wouldn't dare look at us when we left and Buddy who is only 1 month older than Olivia were just the sweetest things! smiles and hugs all around!
We had a great visit and Brittney enjoyed the extra time she got to spend with them!

MESSERSMITH'S
Well we kinda had a stressful first visit with Tim and Chantelle. Dowlin and I met them at the ER while their 4 yr old Jack was in surgery following a terrible dog bite! The Dr stopped counting stitches...When we saw him on Sunday - he was amazing, more upset he couldn't go outside than the fact that he had these 4 massive gashes in his head!

On Sunday, we joined the Family for dinner and visiting! Jared's family came too. This was our family's first time meeting the 2 new Messersmith's. Jack, 4 and Max, 3 were adopted by Tim and Chantelle and Sealed to their family in February when Grandma and Grandpa Taylor returned from their mission.
Jallen is absolutely HUGE! He just turned 16 in March - he is 6'6" (almost 6'7" he says) he wears a size 15 shoe! It was the biggest transformation I have ever seen. They must have Miracle grow hooked up in an IV. It was shocking! Madison is about 5'9" and wont be 15 until August. Even Colton was nearly as tall as Brittney.
This picture is in height order!
Jallen 16, Dowlin 18, Mercedes 16, Madison 14, Brittney 12, Colton 11, Zachery 10, Trinity 7, Grace 11 months, Jack 4, Olivia 3, Max 3.

Deanna Rose Petting Zoo

2009-05-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

We went to the Deanna Rose Petting Zoo and I have to say that the improvements this little zoo has undergone in the past 3 years is totally incredible!
We have been to this zoo 100s of times! It was actually one of the 1st grade field trips!
It is totally a full days event now!
Notice that Olivia's piggy tails are tucked in her shirt... In the previous pen, we went in to feed the bigger goats and sheep. While Olivia was busy passing out chow...one of her piggy tails was being nibbled and snacked on by another goat. It totally freaked her out! As funny as it was, she walked around for a while holding her piggy tails, finally we tucked them in her shirt to help her relax - lol

Not a fan of worms, LOL!
Henry's fish
Caden's big fish

There was just so much to do besides the animals, there are little tractors to ride, goats to feed, an underground Indian house to explore, fishing, playgrounds, you can even have party's there. It is still in the process of adding more buildings and should be quite awesome when finished. BTW it is FREE! Well, at least there is no entrance fee -

Fun in the sun

2009-05-30T00:25:00.000-07:00

Well the sun did peek out through the clouds once in a while - here are the kids just playing in the water

Rub a Dub Dub! Everyone wanted to be in the warm water we brought out in pitchers to fill Pipers pool with, the tap water was cold....there's something we don't get in AZ! Cold water from the tap! Haha
Payton and Olivia looking a little chilly!

Mommy on a mision...

2009-05-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Not me, lol! Missy!
In December Missy and her little boy Kenton moved in with Taleen and Ken. Kenton has been sleeping in the room we used to call "Missy's Condo" it connected to her bedroom - and as all last children should do... she spread out and used as much space as possible. Michael had painted her this murel on one of the walls in this room...inspiring her as she began her new life as an adult!
Well, Since then Ken and Tal had made this room into Grandma's nursery - but had yet to paint over the inspirational wall... Miss decided it was time - as she starts fresh a new era in her life. We bought up a truckload of Peanut Butter MnM's and paint and began painting... Did you know "stupid hour" as Mercedes calls it, hits about midnight? Well - Missy, Ken, Tal, Mercedes and I were hard at work...or play for a few nights - it was really fun and in the end...the room looked beautiful!

I have to add - the guy at the paint store sold us some awesome green tape! it was "frog tape" some sort of magic adhesive mumbo jumbo - Well even though it was like 2X the price of the normal blue painters tape.. It was totally worth it! very little bleeding on the stripes and we were so glad we did the stripe accent wall! the other 3 walls were solid - 1 green, 1 orange & 1 blue.

Monkey Business!

2009-05-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

At the Great Mall in Olathe, there is this indoor play land. There are huge rooms with like 4 of the huge moon walk things in them plus a jungle gym thing - I realize I'm using technical terms here lol - but it was really cool and the kids played and had a good time for a few hours!

AHHH KANSAS!

2009-05-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well School was out on Thursday and we spent Friday packing our bags - the 5 kids and I hit the open road...Kansas or bust!

Well as if it were that simple! Haha - We were towing Dowlin's truck behind the van and of all the days we prayed for rain in AZ why did Saturday have to be the rainiest day of the year?
We stayed in Tucumcari, New Mexico, which was about 1/2 way... I just can't re-live the memories of the drive! So let me just say it took 22.5 hours!
You would think I might pull over and take some momentous photos.. Hell NO! Just get us out of the car! I was so tired of hearing "I gotta Pee!" Lol

We made it though - Let the fun begin!

Henry, Payton, Olivia, Kenton & Caden

Memorial Day - Taleen's kids came over for a BBQ and to play. The adults played a riveting game of Botchi Ball (sorry spelling) while the kids played in the yard and blew bubbles. Olivia fell in love with Taleens swing while we were there and HAD to be pushed 1000X a day!

Payton, Missy & Olivia
All Olivia wanted to do was play dress up with her cousin Payton! All of the little kids got along so well!

Kenton, Caden, Henry & Olivia

Payton, Caden & Olivia

Olivia LOVED her cousins...I just didn't have the heart to tell her that the old bald guys who brought the kids over were actually her cousins... Haha - just kidding Jay n Dev! It was a bit chillier than we are used to... notice Payton in her cute summer sleeveless top... Olivia sweat shirt zipped to the top - Haha AZ girl!

I have to say the thing that struck me the biggest in these first few days was how much everything had grown up! It was so GREEN! It was rainy and cool and so Green! It was beautiful! Reminded me a lot of those WA days growing up!

Graduation...the behind the scenes story...

2009-05-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

With Graduation only days away, finals taken and announcements sent, Caps n Gowns were sent home, awaiting the best day so far in 538 Willow Canyon HS Seniors lives...

Dowlin before graduation

Proud Mom and Dad

Living in the Valley of the Sun does have it's advantages...We have a lot of outdoor stadiums. Living only 5 minutes away from the KC Royals/TX Rangers Spring Training Stadium, this is where graduation for our district was held. As we waited in the 105 degree heat for the ceremony to begin, they used the score board to flash the graduates photos!

I had cheered and yelled for every kid I knew up to this point...All of a sudden my throat slammed shut and my eyes were flooded! I couldn't say a word. I just stood there and cried!
Dowlin Jared Taylor

coming into the stands after to find the family.

"Stop taking pictures Mom so we can go home and eat ice cream!"

Dowlin and Brandon
After the initial meeting in the Mother's room at the Olathe Stake Center, 18 yrs ago... and all of the years and moves - it was great to see Dowlin and Brandon both graduate together. Both are off to BYU - Dowlin to BYU Idaho - Brandon to BYU Provo -Where will the years lead? Maybe one day I'll post a picture of these boys 1st sons T-ball game, lol - Who knows? No hurry guys! Love ya!

Dowlin's Graduation

2009-05-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Bom Bombombom Bom Bom -

Bom Bombombom Bom -

Bom Bom Bombom Bom Bom Bom -

Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom! -

Bom Bom Bombom Bom Bom Bom - Bom Bom Bombom Bom Bom - Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom Bom!

Whew Hoo!

Seminary Graduation

2009-05-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Whew! He made it...there were some dicey moments this year!

Grandpa Taylor was able to come for the week...He and Grandma gave Dowlin a new CTR (Choose the Right) ring for graduation - to help him remember who he is when he is out in the world...Lol

We had a big discussion which way the ring should be facing... Dowlin says this is the right way so when he is giving someone a knuckle sandwich, for making a bad choice, they will be able to see the "choose the Right" coming at them - Haha

Mercedes wouldn't pose for a picture with Dowlin so he is using the force of the CTR ring to get the picture - Sheesh - I don't think popping her head off falls in the "right" category!

Finally on our way to graduation! Big sigh! Just one more tomorrow and relief should set in! HA hahahaha... Right!

Fathers and Sons Campout

2009-05-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well... This is where photos of the campout would be...if Dean and Zachery had taken any... :-( 1st year in 18 years, I have NO pictures!

They came home tired and dirty so they must have had a good time. They rode Quads a little, they played, hiked and ate...They slept together in a hamock and enjoyed the company of the other men and boys there. Dean says "Zach's not a 'Pee in the woods' kind of guy"...He suffered for a couple of hours waiting for the portable pottys to arrive - Haha

We girls on the other hand - had a fun night eating chinese food and ice cream, and watching 'The Sound of Music' and 'Twilight'
Olivia woke this morning in her bed and said, "Hey! I thought we were having a sleepover on the couch?" I said we all fell asleep and I carried everyone up to their beds...She then asked, "Who carried you up to bed Mom?" ...(Smarty pants!)

Mercedes...

2009-05-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

You know..there came a time during Mercedes 3+ years in Tae Kwon Do that we feared for our own safety. As we watched our sweet little Princess kick boys butts and slap spar her favorite brown belt so hard their hands hurt!
Dean and I looked at each other with fear as I said, "She knows where we sleep!" LOL
Since then we have looked for and encouraged other avenues to use her energy...
She has Cheered (She was a beautiful Cheerleader - just not really "Peppy")

She Ran Track and Qualified for State in Discus

She has Acted...

She has played the trumpet since 5th grade - and Rocks the WCHS Marching uniform...AND Cape! :-)

She has played Volleyball and Softball

Last March, Mercedes and Kaden became fast Friends...(Remember when I said Trevor brought nephews over when they came for dinner?) (Check the March posts)

Well - Dean and Mercedes were invited to join in one of their family activities, they love hunting and shooting...Shooting!

Now.. if your scratching your head thinking...You feared before? What now? Well Relax! lol - Mercedes has always been very responsible about her methods of self defence. AND She and Dean used all of our bullets -Haha!
No, she is really having a great time and She learned Safety, how to load, and shoot all in good company. It was a great Father/Daughter activity too.
I didn't have to go, lol - Christina and I were chillin' at the house while the other kids swam - lol
Anyway - there is Mercedes in a nut shell -
Pshh! Like she will ever be "simple enough" to be put into a "nut shell"!
It has been fun looking at all of these old photos though - right?

Prom - Olathe North

2009-05-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well, if you're feeling confused about the title, don't worry...Yes Dowlin went to Prom in Kansas at Olathe North HS - however we still live in Surprise AZ.

Dowlin was asked to Prom by his friend, Stefanie. He asked us if he could go.. We thought about it and thought what a great "Solo flight trip" for him.
Although Dowlin didn't recognize more than a handful of people at Prom...He did reconnect with several buddies. That was my hope... That he see's that everyone else grew up too. (LOL does that make sense?) I kinda expect my HS friends to still look like they did way back then.

Anyway, as you see, he was all dolled up, and "'Rockin' the Pink" as he says. Missy met him and snapped a few pictures for me because I wasn't there.

And I must say... He looks pretty good in a Tux! :-)

Electric Personality

2009-04-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Just a funny picture of Olivia as she was jumping on the Trampoline...Did you realize there was so much static electricity on a trampoline? I feel like this at Sams Club when I grab a cart without one of those static wires on it... LOL

Easter

2009-04-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

This Easter Sunday has left me feeling very grateful and humbled! I am so very thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have the Restored Gospel in my life. I have been richly blessed throughout my life...I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
On this Easter Sunday, Dean and I were able to go with Mercedes to our Stake Patriarch home, and listen and marvel at the beautiful blessings promised to her.
A Patriarchal Blessing is a special blessing straight from Heavenly Father, delivered through the Stake Patriarch. This blessing among other things is a helpful guide throughout ones life. It is a beautiful blessing, she is a beautiful daughter of Heavenly Father...We are so proud of her and her desire to receive her blessing.

We are so grateful for all of our children - Happy Easter!

Easter Pagent

2009-04-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Mesa Temple Grounds are flooded with people during the first couple of weeks in April....waiting patiently for the Easter Pageant to begin. This was a lovely performance out on the Temple lawn with 1000's of your closest friends and neighbors!
It tells the story of our Savior, Jesus Christ...His birth, His life through His Crucifixion Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven. It was beautiful!
Olivia sat on my lap, bundled in a blanket, asking so many questions that I felt like I was being disruptive in Sacrament Meeting...But how could I deny her seeking heart the gift that was right before her. I answered every question in a whisper continuously throughout - She was mesmerized! She asked me several times upon seeing the man portraying Jesus Christ..."Can we go see Him Mommy?"
All there with open hearts definitely felt the Spirit! It was very well done!

We met Kyle and Kara's family there and visited and had a picnic dinner as we waited for the sun to go down! In front of us is a sea of chairs as far and wide as the eye can see!

Kendall and Kraig

Kara and Kyle
I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the stage...Oh well, I guess you will just have to come see it for yourselves! It is worth it!

Easter Tradition

2009-04-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! lol
We started a new tradition this Easter! Making chocolate covered marshmallow eggs. I have to say...YUMMY!
I have been blessed with a new girlfriend... :-) Christina and her family are Awesome! Remember a couple of posts ago, my friend Trever? Well Christina and Trever's wife, Barb are sisters. Christina and family just moved to Phoenix - and Viola! I'm the only person she knows so she invited me to make chocolate eggs with her - Ha ha

This was an all day affair! Making the molds was the easy part, we made the marshmallow - FROM SCRATCH! By the time my kids got home from school we were finishing up the dipping and ready to begin the decorating... We had quite an assembly line going. Chris said that was the fastest she had ever gotten them decorated!
Anyway I had a great time and she really is an easy person to love. Thanks Barb for sharing! I look forward to many other adventures with her and definitely more eggs next Easter!

Choir

2009-04-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned before that Brittney and Zachery decided to forego all sports this school year to participate in Choir.
"WHAT MEAN PARENTS!" right - ya, well do you want me to send you their rehersal calendar for the year? I thought not!
At times it was grueling! They love to sing! So, this sports nut mom tried her best (and failed at times) to put on a happy face and endured the Choir scene!
Zachery was asked to sing in a District Choir last November. And Brittney was selected for a State Choir in March.
This was after their Christmas Program

This was after their Spring Concert

Their choir is run like a HS choir! These kids had so many different performances that there was always something to be practicing for. They really had a good time, and although I say "Whew, it's over!" They too are Sooo glad it's over! We actually stopped about a month and a half before the end of the school year...due to scheduling conflicts - but I have to say they were troopers and both kids did a FANTASTIC job!

National Jr Honor Society

2009-04-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Brittney was inducted into the National Jr Honor Society!
Brittney is always working hard to help and show respect and responsibility.
Like in years past, her teachers have awarded her many different "Character" awards, and she was nominated to join NJHS last Fall.
She looks forward to participating in the many service hours that they have lined up to help others in our community.
Way to go Brittney!

Power of Infulence

2009-03-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

Just a happy little story here -
As I entered the 7th grade, you know how important it is to choose your friends wisely! Well, Kristi will always be counted as my "Best Friend" - As mentioned in a previous post - We met Helicia in 7th grade and fast became a BFF trio!
Although there are many people that I count as friends then and now - I have always had a soft spot in my heart for my friend and "Big Brother" Trevor Wilson...

Althought he would disagree - he was "IT" in JR High and HS... Somehow, through a 7th grade PE class he became one of the most Powerful Influences in my young life.
I was "known", because I had lived in the same town since before Kindergarten, but not "popular". Well when the popular girls were chasing Trevor - lol, and snotty to me, we decided to trick them! Because we had the same last name, and Trevor was actually older than me, he became my "Big Brother". You should have seen the girls after the word got out... Haha
I never quite figured out why none of our other friends who had know both of us for years never said anything - but I didn't care either!
Trevor fulfilled his title to perfection - he protected me, and made sure I was OK. One time - I forgot my PE shorts... another girl, Dawn I believe, let me use a pair of her "short shorts" Yikes! Trevor imediately pulled off his sweats and gave them to me.
As time ticked on - I found that I wanted to be a good example, I wanted to be worthy of being his little sister. I didn't want to be an embarrasment to him...
He was strong, and good! I admired him for these qualities -

10 years after graduation from HS - at our HS reunion, I met his wife and 2 of his kids...We began the Christmas card trade - you know wives are better at that than guys are! Anyway, over the years We have kept in contact this way. Well in February, Barb, Trevors wife called and was coming to town. Her sister was moving to PHX and they wanted to stop by and get some info. We had a nice visit and I let them continue their house hunt with the promise of a future visit when the whole family was in town. March 24 they were back - Trev, Barb, and kids (even 2 nephews) They came for dinner we visited and man do I wish they were closer geographicly! We would have too much fun hanging out! But they are on their way to UT. He will open a new HS in SLC, as Athletic Director. This will be the 1st of 15 yrs he has not been both AD and Head FB coach...
It's hard to adequately put into words - but hopefully you get the drift - I thought the world of him, still do :-) Anyway - here's our picture - sheesh I'm getting old!

23 years after graduation... Still my big brother - Thanks for coming guys!

A proud Mom!

2009-03-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

This little girl - is Personality PLUS!

Olivia was "doing homework" one day and came to show me my name... one word! GENIUS! (this was March 14)

On my birthday, Olivia was drawing, she loves to draw her family, but this day she chose herself as her subject...This is her Self Portrait! - Again - GENIUS!

Big Deal... So I'm 40!

2009-03-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well - As you can see I look the same - feel the same - and AM the same! Who ever thinks some "Magic fairy" is gonna show up on your 40th birthday with A Magic Eraser and make you look young and shiney again is gonna have a shock.
Lucky I knew better... just hoping!
Well Dean and the kids Made dinner for me and my birthday cake,I believe I got the corner piece!They even against better judgement bought me the Twilight DVD, lol! So all in all a grest day! - 40...Bring it on!

Wildlife Zoo

2009-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Olivia's Preschool went to the Wildlife Zoo which is right here in town... We had a great time! There was so much to see and we felt like we were running through the Zoo to try to see everything... UGH -
We rode the carousel, and saw many different kinds animals. I think our favorites were the Zebras, Rhino and the Giraffe. The Aquarium was pretty good too. We got to pet Sting Rays, which are slimy... :-)

Can you believe we got to feed the Giraffes? Ummm, I wish the person who told me to "Just hold out your hand" would have elaborated a bit more... The long old Slimy tongue came out and wrapped around my hand All I could think was "Ew! Gross! The germs are crawling all over me!" I felt like Melman from Madigascar, lol. We washed ASAP - lol Zach just poored his onto the tongue before it could slime him too! Ha ha

The Rhino was HUGE! Sorry you cant see him... Those dang cute kids just keep getting in the way of my camera!

We ended the day with the Aquarium and watching the Flamingos. Looks pretty relaxing...But we were so tired!
Definately a full day trip next time! Thank you Ms Jamie for letting us go!

Visiting Teaching Cartoon

2009-03-10T15:31:00.001-07:00

Here is a funny for your week! I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS!!! But I wonder if it has been done - Shame on you!

Friends Forever!

2009-03-02T21:33:00.001-08:00

When I started 7th Grade at Ballou Jr High School in Puyallup WA - Sitting next to me in band class was "A new girl" - Kristi and I quickly added her to our "Dynamic Duo" - and we were then what my mom called "The Three Musketeers" - Always together, inseparable - Through-out High School!

Bridesmaids at my wedding - Though distance was quickly placed between us - Still love these girls just like I did way back then!
Kristi's Wedding 1991

Helicia's Wedding 1995

Last week I got a call from Helicia - She and Will were coming to Phoenix for a convention! YES! Well they came over for dinner tonight and we enjoyed visiting with each other, just like HS was yesterday - It has been 11 yrs since Helicia and I have seen each other! What a great night! Thank you Helicia and Will for taking the time to get together!

Ummm, I don't remember being shorter than you Helicia! What happened?

Milestone for Dowlin

2009-03-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today was a very Awesome day! This weekend was our Stake Conference at Church. We had Elder Collister from the 1st Quorum of Seventy here - he was Awesome! We had 3 chances to hear him speak, he certainly has a way to capture your attention! We feel very blessed to meet him. (He is actually the Grandson of LeGrand Richards)
For those friends who don't speak LDS Lingo (LOL)
Stake Conference is a Church service with joint congregations from the area...Elder Callister is a leader from SLC, UT.
OK, now that we are on the same page - ;-)

Sunday evening - Dowlin was ordained by Dean to an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Dowlin has had the Aaronic Priesthood since he was 12 years old, however the Melchizedek Priesthood is a higher Priesthood, Actually the same Priesthood Jesus Christ holds. Being an Elder holds much more responsibilities, and is the Priesthood he will hold throughout many years - As an Elder, he can become a Missionary, after his 19th birthday, He can bless others, and also when the time is right - marry in the Temple. We are very proud of Dowlin and his decision to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, for being responsible, clean and worthy!
Dean's parents were here with us and it made the ordination a bit more special - as Dad was the one who ordained Dean so many years ago before he left on his mission to England.

We are so blessed! Times are tough all over- But where the things that matter... Our cup runneth over!

February Finale

2009-03-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Well, February has been our best month in AZ so far, and I'm sure after reading the previous posts you can see why! We have so enjoyed visits from so many!

On Wed the 25th I actually snuck in a quick visit from Trevor Wilson's wife, Barb, and her sister, Christina. They were house hunting as Christina's family will be moving to PHX mid March! So it was nice to visit with them, and I look forward to seeing Trevor again - (I haven't seen him since our 10 year reunion)

AND - Wednesday Dad and Mom Taylor also arrived! After 18 months out of the country - it ws so good to see them again. "So good" actually doesn't even cover it - it was the best! You know how as an adult sometimes you wish you were little again and you could just have your blanket and everything would be better? Well that's kinda how it felt to see and hug them again - they are the blanket, lol.

We had a good time visiting and enjoyed seeing their "quick" video of Africa, and look forward to seeing more sometime soon. we visited and just enjoyed being in their presence! We are so grateful for them and their willingness to be Missionaries for the Church. they are truly amazing people - we are fortunate to have them for parents!

Amanda - Great job on the "While you were away" book! Too bad we couldn't all have a copy!

Without "Wisdom"

2009-02-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Dowlin had his wisdom teeth out today - Man, all these rights of passage into adulthood - Sucks, lol!
He is out cold where I suspect he will be for several days - poor guy.
He did really well, no crazy delusional thoughts or speeches (Dang)
I did take a picture or 2 just to document the drooling and silly talking - but all in all - just a lot of pain -
Milkshake got away from him - dang loose lips

His Friend Taylynn brought him a Happy Bucket with all kinds of activities in it to keep him busy - also doubles as a puke bucket - LOL Tay, you think of everything!

Spring Training

2009-02-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

Not just a myth! Despite believed by some - they do spring train and not just show up opening day fresh off their bouncer, taxi driver, cafe waiter jobs! LOL - The KC Royals and Texas Rangers have their spring training facility just 5 minutes from our house - we had tickets for opening game - Feb 25 - so we headed over to the stadium to watch some baseball and soak up some 85 degree sun! We were just 4 rows up, just behind 3rd base...it was fun - Did I get sunburned? Ummm, DUH! lol - just a little though ;-)

After watching, eating, riding the carousel...we cheered for the Royals - but alas...they were behind by 6 when we left in the top of the 8th inning. We will try to motivate them all you KC fans - but no promises - I love the name "Coco Crisp" - I think he's #9 - left fielder - anyway the crowd loves him, and he was super patient signing autographs for the "Spring Training Stalkers" lol (No, not us)

Surprise Pride Day - Service Project

2009-02-21T21:25:00.000-08:00

Each year the City of Surprise has this service project where local churched and all residents can join together and help a small part of the city. This year, The Surprise AZ Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint was the only Church group to participate. There were also many other community members.

Each Ward in our Stake was given 2 houses, all were in the same neighborhood - I think total we had about 20+ houses... We weeded, cleaned up trash, painted, planted, and lifted the spirits of the comunity there.
Although I forgot to take "Before" photos - here are a bunch during the project...
"Lots to Do Dah Day!"

Jared Makes an Appearance

2009-02-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

Last night we were happy to have Dean's little brother Jared out here even if it was just for the evening! Jared works for Knight Transportation and ws in PHX for some meetings. Just like last year, Dean picked him up at the hotel and we enjoyed the evening visiting and catching up! Although there was no rug wrestling - it was so good to see him and wish it could have been longer and that Amanda and the girls could have come too! Love you Jared

Dowlin Takes the Title!

2009-02-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned February is Family Month around here! We have had our 2nd group of visitors! Scott & Abby & Connor came to visit over Presidents Day weekend. We went to Kyle and Kara's house Saturday for some visiting and family fun & food at the park! We played Wiffle ball and obvioulsy "The Winners" team won! lol On Sunday, they all headed to Surprise to join us for Sacrament Meeting & another enjoyable day of visiting, food & napping. You know what they say, a family that naps together... IDK, it just sounded funny. There were bodies everywhere - Before dinner, just like kids will do, we were looking for something fun to "DO". Finally Scott came up with an idea - Indian leg Wrestling! This was a little gem we used to do when we were younger. Kyle always winning because he was so much bigger than me! IDK - maybe he just cried more so I let him win, lol. Anyway, on this day, Scott challenged Kraig...won. Feeling confident Scott challenged Kyle...lost! Although I have to say it was so funny to watch. Kyle was King of leg wrestling! Well, Being a Taylor - and not wanting to be out done, I did what anyone would do... I sacrificed my first born. Ha ha ha! He looked at me like I had just grown a 2nd head when I suggested he wrestle Kyle. See, just a couple of weeks before in FHE - Dowlin and I had Indian Leg Wrestled and despite my crying wolf 1X when I thought I was going to snap my neck - I flipped Dowlin a time or 2! Anyway Dowlin lined up next to Kyle...the room was thick with anticipation! "One...Two...Three" The legs locked there was a moment when both guys were doing the spits in mid air - then SNAP - the champion flipped over! the crowd went WILD! Kyle, stunned, crawled over to Dowlin and said 1 word... "Again" - Now if you don't know my brother, let me tell you he can be intimidating! He was a police officer for 20 yrs and has the "Go ahead... make my day" look down to perfection! lol. They lined up for round two... "One...Two...Three" splits, flip! DOWLIN IS THE NEW WILSON FAMILY INDIAN LEG WRESTLING CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! It was so much fun to see Scott, Abby & Connor again! And although we live only 1.5 hours from Kyle - we don't see them enough either! What a wonderful weekend! I'll post more pictures as I get them. Love you boys! Enjoy the video!

Arizona Snow! Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Does it snow in Arizona? Well yes it does! At least if you drive far enough North and reach the mountains! We decided to call a Family Fun Day - we pulled the kids out of school and headed to Strawberry for a little snow tubing! What a blast! despite a little whining, and totally awesome wipe outs - fun was had by all! Here are some pictures and a video to show the fun! Dowlin loves the snow - this is his normal - "Stud" pose. He's gonna see plenty of the white stuff in Rexburg, ID!

Mercedes was king of the tube for the day - no matter who she went down with she always stayed in the tube! Although she did say her pants were loaded with snow!

Brittney was looking good on the hill - She couldn't keep her hat on though - funniest run of the day for Brittney was with Mercedes - they were almost at the bottom of the hill and Brittney's hat popped off, she turned to find it and next thing you know she was tumbling like one of Grandpa Ross's rock tumblers!

Zachery had the most fun playing on the smaller hill, and eating snow with Olivia! He just doesn't have enough flubber on him to keep warm for long, lol

This is one of the first steps out of the Van. The snow was pretty deep here and it's a little freaky to sink up to your knees. Olivia wanted to be carried! Mercedes was the sucker, lol

Late in the day, Dowlin and Mercedes decided to carve their own path! They hiked in belly deep snow across the peak to start their own trail. Dowlin said Mercedes kept saying, "Just go on without me, Just let me die here" It took several trips down this new path before they got this run out of it!

After hiking to the top off the hill, nearly having a heart attack, I decided it was my turn to go down... Dowlin and I got on our tube, linked arms and held on for dear life! All was going well until about mid way down...the tube hit a bump or something and spun us around, then we were going down backwards! Before we knew what hit us - there was nothing but white! I think I know what an avalanche feels like! I'm not sure how many back flips over and over we did, but as we were tumbling both Dowlin and I thought about my hip, and how I certainly broke my 90degree restriction! Dowlin says his exact thoughts were as follows - "OH crap! Mom's hip, Mom's hip!" "Hmmm, I wonder if the Ambulance will be able to reach me on this mountain?" "Crap, Mom's hip!" When we stopped - We were both sprawled out over the hill dead still for IDK how long! I had to claw at my eyes and blow my nose to clear the snow away! Then I couldn't stop laughing! I looked up to see Dowlin about 10 feet from me, glasses kiddywampas, trying to decide if he was going to be paralyzed for life or if he should move! I crawled over to him and tried to turn him as his head was down hill - we finally decided we were ok - I looked up the hill to see Dean coming down as fast as he could to check on us! He stopped about halfway! We got up and our tube was at the bottom of the hill - as I began to climb away - I noticed my sunglasses about 5 feet from where I had landed. Thankfully we were both ok - it was Hilarious!

Here we are Recovering

This is Olivia's big run of the day! She was much happier playing with the beach toys in the snow - lol. After the terror left her eyes she was fine! Enjoy the video!

February is Family Month!

2009-02-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

What a month! We have lots of family visiting during this month and we couldn't be more excited!

Kurtis, Michelle, Seth and Regan kicked us off! They arrived Wed the 4th and were here until Sunday morning! Michelle had a jewelry show in Tuscan and we totally benefited from it! We played Guitar Hero World Tour for hours on end every day! We even took them to hike in the White Tank Mountains near our house to see our "waterless Waterfall". No laughing, the trail is supposed to have a great waterfall when it does rain, which it did Saturday after our hike.:-) The rain has continued still today! It's a bit chilly! LOL Kurt and Seth even took in a game of golf!

We LOVED having them here and hope they come back again soon! In years past they have been our vacation location in the winter months - We were glad we had the chance to give them a break from the Utah cold!
Thanks for coming Gilberts!

Open invitation to you all! 3 years in the desert - we are really missing family!
We are looking forward to a quick visit with Scott and Abby & Connor this weekend, 13-16. And hoping we can catch Jared for his evening in PHX on the 18! Then as previously mentioned Dean's parents are on their way home from Africa and will arrive in KC o the 14th. They will stop here to see us about the 25th!
Told you - it's going to be a AWESOME month!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

This Morning Olivia and I sat down to write her Valentines cards for her pre-school class party Thursday - She has been working all year long and had perfected the "Ol" part of her name. As a matter of fact it was all "OlOlOlOl" but very cute!
I was dazzled as she concentrated and just like a pro wrote her whole name by herself! (With a little prompting from me - ""k, now write an "a" - that's the circle with a tail")
So I thought I would share Valentine wishes to anyone who reads this!

Olivia - latest and greatest

2009-01-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

"Mom, can I be a Balerina now?" - "I'm 3!"

Returning With Honor!

2009-01-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

Get this widget!

Well - in August of 2007 - Grandpa & Grandma Taylor were off to serve their 2nd Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Africa! It has been a year and a half of Adventure & Blessings. We are very grateful to them and the willingness & selflessness they serve. They are true followers of Christ. We are blessed to be their children! We love you Mom & Dad!

This Post is dedicated to their return! FEBRUARY 14, 2009 - They hit the United States after a grueling 30 hour journey! We will obviously have to wait our turn to see them, as they will be flying into KC to meet the new grandkids both born and adopted while they were away...but we can not wait!

Can I just say WHOO HOO! :)

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T23:13:00.000-08:00

No long winded "Boo Hooing" about Arizona today - just wanted to show a cute picture of Zachery and Olivia and what they did on Dec 31, 2008. Digging for worms!

I call this NYE in the Sun! lol No sledding here on New Year's Day!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-22T09:03:00.001-08:00

This is our Holiday Newsletter - Enjoy!

Taylor’s 2008
16989 W Bradford WaySurprise, AZ 85374

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! We have survived another year in the Desert & see no end in site!
Dean – still employed! As you know this is big news in the construction field! He is 1 of 2 designers left at his company, & we are sooo grateful! We did begin an out of state job search early this year – however nothing “felt” right. On Dean’s birthday in September, he was called to be the new Bishop of the Willow Canyon Ward in the Surprise, Arizona Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! What a humbling calling…yes, we see him a few less hours, however we feel the strength of the Lord in our lives more than ever. – Humbling
Jenni – All clear! In January I headed to my hip surgeon seeking approval on several activities our kids deemed “Iffy” – Jogging–No! (whew) DDR–Yes! (Ha) Walking-Yes! Cartwheels- we decided to hold off on that, although I was his first patient to ever ask if I could do them! I took up a few new things this year, I read the Twilight series, loved it – that’s all I’m going to say about that. I also began a Taylor Family Blog – so go check it out @ taylortots5.blogspot.com – it has been a learning experience & fun keeping up with some of you! I am still running to & fro with the kid’s activities, but love it (most of the time) I get to play in the 18mo old nursery on Sundays. I wonder how I ever survived a Mid-west winter - Believe it or not – I freeze in the AZ winter – Go figure!
Dowlin – Turned 18! Along with his Right to Vote in the Presidential Election in November, came ATTITUDE! Who knew? Dowlin played Tight End, & Linebacker for Willow Canyon Wildcats Football team this year. He was #1 in sacks in our 5A Division, & received an Honorable Mention Award in the NW Region 5A Division. Pretty cool! He also scored, blocked & tackled his guts out all year! He works at Paradise Bakery. Dowlin is taking AP classes & looking at his final semester of his Sr yr of HS! He is teaching the CTR 8 Primary class at church, in preparation for his Mission. His future plans include a mission for the Church, & college. Not sure where yet, anywhere but AZ.
Mercedes – Turned 16! She is a Sophomore, grade 10. She has been enjoying her HS career so far. Band, Volleyball & Softball are her sports of choice. If you’re thinking band’s not a sport – I dare you to come train with this band director! Mercedes band is headed to San Diego, CA to perform in the Holiday Bowl half-time show, and Parade.(Dec 27-31) Not to mention they were the half-time show lights and flags tunnels for the Super Bowl in 2008! She is also taking AP classes. Mercedes got her Learners Permit & began driving eagerly…however she thinks it’s over rated, why drive when others could drive you? She is so quick witted, she keeps us crackin’ up! What a girl!
Brittney –Turned 12! LOVES the Young Women’s program at church! Just this month she got to go to the Temple in Mesa & perform baptisms for the dead, & see the beautiful Temple lights! She is in the 6th grade. She played the Trumpet last school year, & Soccer & Volleyball, but gave it all up to join the school choir this year & is enduring the rigorous daily rehearsals. She loves to sing & that makes it worth it. She’s going to the State competition in March! Brittney also enjoys swimming & dancing. She makes friends easily, & thinks babysitting is an awesome job…She has enjoyed several additions to her wardrobe with her own earnings. She’s always asking to go shopping – I think we’ve created a monster!
Zachery – Turned 10! He is in 4th grade, & just moved up to Webelos in Cub Scouts. Zachery played Soccer, Basketball (coached by Dean & Dowlin) & Baseball last year. He also chose to join the school choir this yr instead of fall sports. Dowlin pitched a fit! Zachery was asked to perform with a District Honors Choir last month. (1 of 6 students from our school) He is still just a quiet, shy guy. He likes to play computer and video games when he gets a chance. Loves to swim & makes sure nobody walks away dry! He likes to go grocery shopping with me. He has a crazy infectious laugh – He is still snuggly & Loveable!
Olivia – Turned 3! She started Preschool & loves it! She is the only girl in her little class, but I imagine she keeps the boys in line! She is personality plus! She just never stops. She loves to read, do “homework” & puzzles. She fights for her turn on the computer & is “not a baby!’ Loves movies, Barbie, pink, dress-up, babies & Chap Stick! Olivia loved going to the football games! She danced with the band & copied the cheerleader’s moves to perfection! She thinks everything revolves around her! She is going to be a Sunbeam in Primary at church in January & is very excited! Olivia is very loving & she amazes us all daily!
We enjoyed a family vacation to CA in May & spent some time with Great Grandma Dowlin. Moved across the street-note the new house number! We have 4 Missionaries serving from our extended family – Deans Parents are in South Africa, they will be home in February! Taylor Gilbert is in Toronto, Canada. & Dustin Wilson is still in the MTC headed for Czech Republic-Prague.
As we close this year, we feel so very grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ, for His Gospel in our lives. We have been so blessed throughout our lives – Family, friends, health, happiness, Love - I could go on & on…
That is our wish for you as well! May 2009 bring you Health, Happiness & Love!

-Dean, Jenni, Dowlin, Mercedes, Brittney, Zachery & Olivia

Picking the Taylor Family Tree

2008-12-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

Twenty-one years ago, when our family began, we vowed to carry on a Wilson Family Tradition. To search, find, cut & bring a live Christmas Tree into our home for the season. Although this tradition seems silly to some of you "Fake Tree" owners - This is where we see the true feelings of family companionship & bonding...out on the wide open Christmas Tree farms of the Kansas plains. Our family has been tested & strengthened! It is the place you find out who is "worthy" to own one of these majestic beauties!
In years past, we have braved every element nature had to throw at us! Wind, sleet, snow, rain & ice, I've got to say the ice was the worst! But we did it! So, with a fresh viewing of National Lampoons "Christmas Vacation" under our belts, we set out on Grandpa Wilson's birthday to find

"The Taylor Family Christmas Tree".

Here is Mercedes displaying her winter boots for the occasion.

Everyone else wore jeans or shorts and sandals.

We piled into the van, and crossed busy Bell Road and entered the Safeway Parking lot. You're probably wondering if we were refueling before our journey... sadly, No! "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!" We're in Arizona - the Valley of the Sun - so adjustments had to be made. As we searched for the perfect tree, you know the one - it's lit from Heaven - we walked the lot of 40-50 trees once, let Dowlin pick the tree, waved down the guy with the dolley, paid, and were back home all with in 15 minutes! No joke!

The good news is we were happy with the tree - and quickly began the rest of the tradition - sorry Dad, we didn't soak it in warm water in the garage over night so the branches would "fall".

Everyone had a chance to Trim the tree in one way or another

We needed a hole for the back side of the tree anyway, Lol

Dowlin topped it off with the Traditional Angel

Then the wait for Santa began! We had a very nice Christmas and enjoyed our time together, we played games and ate way too many goodies.

I only tell you this tale to keep from crying, we have learned to adjust to the weather here, but we still enjoy reminiscing about the fun days we spent in search of the perfect tree. The wagon rides and cocoa, and candy canes, the torpedo tree, and the ice! These are the family memories that will carry from one generation to the next, even our 2008, 15 minute hunt! lol

Merry Christmas to you all - May you pass on a tradition to your children as well!

Honorable Mention

2008-12-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well, it's finally over! Dowlin's High School Football Career has closed! We couldn't have been more proud of his success if he had started every game!
We have often felt like we moved him at such a critical time in his sporting years, he has had to fight tooth and nail to prove himself and earn his starting position.
He gave up HS Basketball, when he broke his back his Sophomore year, and never connected with that group of guys. He still plays and knocks around the "weekend warrior" married men on Saturday mornings though and totally enjoys feeding them "crow". Actually broke our last Bishops foot one time, and poor Brother Sasaki left for his new job at BYU-H with something broken in his hand - it was swollen - still sorry Randy!
Dow has considered giving up HS Baseball too. He can still knock the ball out of the park when he wants, throws a mean pitch, and runs like the wind, but - he has other things on his mind.

Back to Football - We attended his Varsity banquet, and not only did he lead our 5A division in QB Sacks - but he received an Honorable Mention in the NW Region 5A Division. The way I understand this is after watching endless hours of tape on the season, all coaches in the region(?) vote on these awards. (There are other awards as well) anyway, we were very proud of Dowlin and that he was recognized.
This is Coach Hudnutt - as with every coach he says another 15-20 pounds would do Dowlin good. I laugh - Ha ha ha ha! Where does he think he's gonna find that?

Ever since he was young, his Coaches have nothing but nice things to say about him. He always gives 110%. He works hard. Will there be football in college? I have no idea! We're not sure his route right now - He's looking at his options. Mission and College are there, just not sure which order right now. As always, we stress it is HIS choice.

We love this kid! He has been honest and trustworthy since birth, never in trouble - well, there was that one time he tore a piece of Grandma Taylor's pretty wall paper off the wall, but he was like 2, so that shouldn't count!

We look forward to many years of great things from Dowlin Jared Taylor - remember the name...you'll see it attached to many great things in the future!

Twilight -

2008-11-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

For the record I have to say the books are 1000X better than the movie! Once upon a time, in September of 2007, I was dropping Zachery off at a Harry Potter themed birthday party. I stood by the door making small talk for a few minutes with Amy, when she suddenly said, "You have to read this!" Magically Jamie appeared with a book, titled 'Twilight'. I looked at it, Amy said, "It's a vampire love story, but it's really good." I left with the book in hand, placing it in the console of the van, where it sat for a week.

When I saw it again, I thought, 'Either take it in and read it or give it back! It's a signed copy for heaven sakes.' - I took it in!

The next day, as I closed the book on the final chapter...(yes, less than 24 hours) I thought, 'W O W! That was good', I turned the book over and started it again! I knew there was going to be a sequel called New Moon, the 1st chapter was in the back of Twilight...as I closed the book one day, I saw a website on the back, I went there only to discover the next 2 BOOKS WERE OUT!

I called Jamie, the source of the books, and borrowed the next 2 books. And so the cycle began, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, etc, etc, etc...

I am going to spare you a lot of detail here, but I began talking to friends about "The Series" and next think you know I was recommending it... Taleen read it, Doreen read it, Katie was reading it to Kyle - Hilarious! I'm not going into detail about the story, if you have been in a cave or something for the last 3 years, go to a book store and pick up all 4 books now, might as well get the movie sound track, although if you're like me the music was not my style.

As I said I spent the better part of the year reading on the 3 book loop, waiting for book #4, Breaking Dawn, to be released in August. One day, another friend, Malie, said, "Have you been to the Fan fiction sites?" that's right, add a new element - It's CRAZY. I totally blame Amy, Jamie, and Malie for my obsession! Actually Malie and I have decided we"re not "Obsessed" were "Passionate"

So in like Feb or March, they started filming Twilight the movie...Talk about sensory overload!!!

Well, the book came out in August, and the movie came out Nov 21. I refused to go to the Breaking Dawn midnight release party, however I took several calls to answer trivia questions for friends. Although I predicted several plot happenings in the new book, it wasn't really how I saw it in my head. I kept saying, 'This is weird". I read it and shelved it, thinking I was cured of my cycle. Well I decided to read it at the beginning of Nov. It took about 2 weeks, and I enjoyed it so much more!

This brings us to today! November 21, 2008. THE day...I was pressured into (LOL) going to the Midnight showing of Twilight...You know the saying "The book is always better than the movie" - really true here. I hate to say, I was kinda disappointed...Could have been sooo good. So many things left out, so not how I pictured it...Well, another friend, Lori, had tickets and asked me to go with her. So again at 7PM we hit the theater - amazingly, I liked it a lot better the 2nd time! I think the expectation and anxiety I had for the first showing was gone and I could just enjoy it and look at the movie, rather than look for what I was wishing for...Does that even make sense? Anyway, If you saw it and felt disappointed like I did, I recommend you see it again. (and again and again...) Can you believe it made $70.55 Million opening weekend? Whoa!

Probably the funnest Twilight experience I have had was the 21 days before Breaking Dawn came out, they put quotes from the book on Stephenie Meyer's website. (that's the author) Malie lives in Hawaii, she and I texted back and forth our predictions about the quotes, I kept track of them, and in the end sent her a copy. As we found the actual quote in the book, we did pretty well. getting more than 1/2 close, or dead on. It was fun.

Mercedes and I made shirts for the Midnight showing -

We decided there was no reason to do a Midnight showing of New Moon which by the way will start filming early next year, with a bigger budget!

Funny UPDATE - No secret that Dean and Dowlin dislike these books...Dean tries to be a good sport, but it gets on his nerves easily. Dowlin says he's just tired of going without decent meals. (K, that only happens the first time through a book!) Anyway, Dowlin's announces that Maritza thinks the books are stupid. That he's found the only girl who hates Edward. (one of the main characters) Well, Maritza was over the day I was making our shirts, she asked what they were for, Mercedes and I looked sideways at each other, I plopped the book down in front of her, Dow freaked out - she didn't even know anything about them! She thinks her aunt told her she should read them... Mercedes and I busted out laughing at Dowlin - she said, "No Dow, you didn't find the only girl who hates Twilight...You found the only girl who hasn't read Twilight". So Hilarious!

Zachery turns 10

2008-11-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Well FINALLY! That's Zachery's thoughts on waiting the entire year for his birthday! :)

Zachery is a great guy! He is in 4th grade and doing very well. He and Brittney joined the school choir at the beginning of the year and despite the early hours of daily practice, they are enjoying it. Zach was chosen as one of 6 4-5 graders from our school to go to the District Honors Choir. It was a long day but he had a good time and we were very proud of him. (Brittney was receintly chosen for State in March)

Zachery will move up to the Webelos den in Cub Scouts, he's just plugging along. He loves to play computer games and we watch a lot of movies. Probably one of the funniest things lately was a little brotherly bonding! Dowlin and Zachery were playing something on the PS2 - for some reason Zachery kept saying "Arg" like a pirate - It was driving Dowlin up the wall. Dow said, "You say that again I'm going to..." a few minutes later I hear Zachery start making cracks like, "Why didn't you watch that movie? Was it rated 'Arg'?" I couldn't help but bust up. He had others but that was my favorite. He is a funny boy.

Zachery is also learning to mow our massive yard. (Takes longer to start the mower than actually cut the grass) he was pretty funny - concentration was high!

You would never believe this skinny boy - 70 pounds soaking wet, started out at 9lbs 15.5oz. He's just a carbon copy of Dean and Dowlin...Thank goodness for the adjustable waistband in pants!

All in all I think he had a pretty good day - not too busy, but Olivia and I went to the school and ate Holiday lunch with him and Brittney.

Happy Birthday Z-man. Thanks for keeping things light hearted!

Olivia's 1st haircut

2008-11-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

What was I thinking? I have given both Mercedes and Brittney many haircuts and the boys monthly! So why was I sooo stressed out with this little one?

Olivia has such curly hair, I thought (and consulted with the girl who does mine) it's so long, if I give her some layers, the top will be lighter and able to curl better. Problem was I couldn't bring myself to give her the shorter layers! I think I took about 5 inches off in attempt...but really it looks the same. She got a sucker and I got a huge headache and had to go take a nap!
K, it's not crooked, she's just sitting funny, LOL

Updates!

2008-11-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of things -
For you new commers to our blog - you might want to check out the post dated Sept 7 - "Big Weekend" that ought to catch you up. The rest is just fun and fluff.
For all of you who helped support Mercedes by sponsoring her for her December Holiday Bowl trip - We can't Thank you enough! THANK YOU! (If anyone is feeling the need to "sponsor" still, read Mercedes post dated - Sept 8 - "Sponsors Welcome". And YES - Sponsors will be welcome until she leaves - Dec 27th :) )
K- that's all.
I know it's a lot to sift through - but this is just proof that you can survive in the desert! LOL
Hope you enjoy reading

"I'm Number 1"

2008-11-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - Dowlin ended the season with 8 Sacks and in the #1 spot for our division!! Congrats Dowlin! Hey Coach, think what he could have had if you would have started him the whole season!
Here is another link for Dowlin! This is for the Northwest 5A division standings (and junk). Last week Dowlin was in a 4 way tie for 2nd in Sacks - FINALLY last game stats were posted and HE'S NUMBER ONE! So click on the link and see his name - scroll down to "Defense" and check out his name in the #1 spot! (Hurry - who knows what will happen tomorrow at the game) lol

Our 1st playoff game is against Boulder Creek (Last weeks leader is from BC-currently #2 spot): ) Anyway, Dowlin is friends with our QB, Trey. At practice the other day, Dow said, "Trey, u let that kid sack you...I'm gonna kick you in the Gonads myself!" Crude but hilarious!

Anyway - check it out! Go Dowlin!

http://www.maxpreps.com/arizona/football/5a-northwest/standings.aspx?leagueid=308b0858-f54c-446a-9ef6-06bb1939efe7&urpath=,local,league

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

2008-11-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Dowlin has been playing Tight End, Linebacker and is on Special Teams. Dow has had a pretty good year. His team is headed for their first State playoff game on the 14th. (Lets hope it goes better than last year - Ouch!) As usual Dowlin works his hiney off on the field! He has managed to get 3 TD's and a Safety (that's a tackle in our end zone) He leads the teams Receivers in points - LOL. He has 6 Sacks and is competing for #1 in AZ 5A division in Sacks! (that's when the QB gets tackled) He also has loads of tackles and blocks - some of which I'm sure the players are still wondering where that train came from! Some so good they should have made TV's highlights hit of the night! He comes out of no where - then, it's too late - BOOM! Anyway - check out his stats here - click on the "offensive" "defensive" or "scoring" categories to see the different stats.

http://www.maxpreps.com/arizona/football/willow-canyon-(surprise)/dowlin-taylor/stats.aspx?&ssid=2f36027d-d6f6-4509-aba9-adad5cc85b5e&athleteid=d68c23b7-a986-4515-8130-54d4fc5f9fbc&urpath=,local,player

Dowlin is 6"2" - 175 pounds

Showing Special Teams stickers

Senior Night - Dean and I got to escort him onto the field. Here he is with his "BFF" Taylynn. Never knew how a "girl" and a "boy" could be best friends - but these two annoy eachother just right - tell it like is is, and still hangout and "stuff". So more power to you guys -

"Remember, girlfriends come and go - but BFF's last forever"

How many players do you know who have their own water girl? Well, Dow does! The first half of the season we lovingly referred to her as #7. (That was the number she wore, here she is in #82.) Anyway last month he started bringing her home after the games :) her name is Maritza. She has taken good care of Dowlin on the field this year, she purposely fills water bottles with cold water for him. Even Gatorade. You should hear the other guys, "Is that Gatorade?" He gets harassed but hey, he gets the cold water and Gatorade too so, it's worth it. Plus, she's really a nice girl.

Don't forget to check back on "Max Preps" for his stats - they will continute to tally through State.

Our Little Republican

2008-11-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

Our little boy was able to vote in his first Presidential Election! (Notice the sticker) After trying to get the Early Ballots mailed to our new address, and failing, we wound up going to the polls anyway.

Dowlin has a Goverment class this year where he spends a lot of time arguing - that's good right? He will not allow anyone to tell him how he believes or how to think!

We are proud of him.

We 3 spent quite a while going over the sample ballot and discussing and making

our own choices for this election! It was a proud moment to be there with him on this monumental day in his life!

I can't ever get through an election with out retelling the story of my 1st Presidental Election.

I was 19 and just married 1 year. Dean and I stood side by side in a trailer park office

in Provo Utah. I began reading the instructions and all of a sudden Dean leans over to me and whispers,

"By the way, we're Republican! First - I felt like we were cheating on a test!

A second later I had collected my thoughts and whispered back with a smile,

"Oh, I thought this was a FREE country." Dean appoligized, it was hilarious, then and now.

Back to Dowlin - As he has come home telling us about different discussions from class -

it has been so awesome to listen to him and feel his excitement as he talks about his views.

One night after he left us, I just laughed and said to Dean, "He is sooo Republican"

He's an adult - he's all grown up - He's my little boy!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well here's our little angels getting ready for the Ward Trunk or Treat

As you can see, Brittney was some-sort of Fairy, Zachery was a soldier

Olivia was Snow White - She actually did pretty well with all of the "Scarey" masks that we terrify our children with. As we were Trick or Treating in our neighborhood, she & Zach walked up to a door where several adults were waiting...There was a guy in a "Scream" costume, and although he did not move, she watched him carefully. The lady giving out candy asked her if she was afraid of the guy. Olivia confidently said, "No, I'm not afraid of him!" She & Zach turned to walk away and her sleeve got caught on their car. She couldn't hold the terror back anymore. She started this terrified cry. It was heartbreaking! She skipped the rest of the street as I carried her. Finally, she was walking & I asked her if she wanted to go with Zach up to a door, again she said, "No...Oh fine, give me the bucket" It was so funny.

I was glad that she wasn't scarred for life. She was quite selective about which houses she would go up to the rest of the night though!

Then there was Princess Mercedes! She was the hit of the Trunk or Treat! Several little girls followed her around stunned. They were sure she was the "Real Cinderella". Her Sunday School teacher was ticking off the other girls in their classes costumes - "faries, devil, pirate" then he said, "I couldn't believe Mercedes was this beautiful princess!" (she sometimes comes off a bit sarcastic-Haha) Then he said, "I think these girls were showing their inner-selves" I agree - Mercedes has always been a Princess!
(By the way, this lovely retro gown happened to grace the 1986 Junior Prom of
Rogers High School - that's right, it was mine)
my favorite comments of the night were" That's so pretty, you should have seen my mom's prom dress"
Thanks Daddy - 22 years and it still "princessy"

Father Daughter Campout

2008-10-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

In search of the Perfect Campsite

We live only like 15 - 20 minutes from the White Tank Mountains - This year our Ward had a Father Daughter Campout which the girls were sooo excited about! Mercedes pumped Olivia up about sleeping out in the wild, getting to pee outside and wipe with a rock (since there are no trees or bushes here, only cactus - so they decided on a rock) anyway by Friday Olivia was excited to go to "Camp Rock" (hilarious)

Well heres what happened - It was Dowlin's Homecoming Football game, Mercedes had a Band Festival the next morning, and both were "going out" after the Game with friends. So, Dean and the girls headed up to the campsite to set up, striking a deal that they would go up late after the game, camp and make smores - the whole 9 yards! (Plans go down hill from here) We notice the gates lock at 10PM. Decide to set up anyway, just incase - once the perfect campsite is located, and the van unloaded, the tent setup begins - then quickly ends as Dean discovers the bungies in the tent poles have decayed and the poles are all loose. A quick decision to pack up and sleep in their own beds - coming up early in the morning to eat and play for the day is reached - the tent is rolled up and van reloaded.

So after the Football game - we all head home feeling the joy of victory - we love hearing the announcer say Dowlin's name! We made smores, and watched a movie -

Dean and the little girls headed up for breakfast, and enjoyed the day hiking and playing in the mountains. Sadly (?) Olivia did not get to pee in the wild or wipe with a rock. But she took a 4 hour nap when she got home! Good Times had by all! Thanks Dad

Twenty-One Years

2008-10-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today was our 21st Wedding Anniversary!

Again, where does the time go?

Hope you enjoy these "Blast from the Past" pictures.

We Were Married in the Seattle, Washington LDS Temple on

October 16, 1987.

I was 18 - Dean was 23 - When I see myself in my "minds eye" this is how I still look. It's the darn mirror that scares me! That's OK though, all the years of "wear n tear" have been totally worth it. I have a wonderful, loving husband. We have beautiful, amazing children who are the light of our lives.

We have been so blessed throughout our lives!

We are so grateful for both of our supportive parents, and all of our brothers and sisters! We are the richest people in the World - no doubt! and it all started with these two goofy kids -

I love you Dean, here"s to the next Twenty-One years

Holy Crap!

2008-10-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well little Olivia keeps us in stiches - She runs the house and lets us watch! We let her have her first taste of Dr Pepper! She was very excited, took a huge drink and with her eyes watering and hand over her mouth she says, "Holy Crap! That burns!"

Really being number 5 has both advantages and disadvantages, you know - we never would have allowed Dowlin or Mercedes to get away with that kind of language! however they seem to be the reason she has a potty mouth. I guess if Holy Crap is the worse it gets we're good! LOL

Sweet 16

2008-10-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not - Mercedes turned 16! WAAA - We are still trying to figure out where the time goes. It really does seem like just yesterday she was born... Amazing

Mercedes is midway through 1st quarter of her Sophomore year of High School. She is sooo busy, sometimes we have to sneak in her room at night just to see her! She is playing on the JV Volleyball team this year, and in the Marching Band. So if she's not practicing Volleyball, she's at Band and vice versa! She has Band Festivals even on Saturdays.

We've got to say, we are very proud of her and she looks pretty good in uniform :) she works pretty hard for a teenager.

Happy Birthday Princess Mercedes!

New Address

2008-10-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to let you know that WE MOVED! our new address is
16989 W Bradford Way
Surprise, AZ 85374
if you're thinking....that's the old address - actually the last 2 numbers switched (was 16998) we moved across the street. YES it was miserable - But despite declining offers for help, my friend Doreen saved my life! A zillion thanks to her and TD for the help and dinner they gave to us! (Note to self...never move again)
Are you wondering WHY we moved across the street? Well, when we moved to AZ it all happened so quickly, and the market was on its way down, we decided to rent. The owner of our house had several other properties and well with the poor market right now, you can guess what happened - he let our house go into foreclosure. UGH! It was very stressful - I'm going to leave it at that!

Brittney's 12th Birthday!

2008-09-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is the day she's been waiting for since she turned 11! Brittney is FINALLY 12 years old! Why so excited? Well, apparently everything "good" happens when you're 12! (duh) Brittney graduated from Primary (that's the children's organization at church) and now is able to attend Young Women's with their weekly activities, and summer girls camps, and start working on her goals in her Personal Progress book. She also will get to begin babysitting "outside" the home - for money! She's constantly reminding us of the "perks" of being 12, lol.

Brittney's new haircut - This was a huge deal! notice the "bangs" - OK well shorter hair around the face, although she has had other haircuts, off the length, this was her first, in the salon, wash with shampoo, layers, style, etc... the whole shabang! she couldn't stop smiling!

On Saturday morning, her Beehive class came over about 7am and "kidnapped" her for breakfast. As she casually lay watching TV, 3 girls came running in, with bandannas, and scarf covering their faces, grabbed her, and dragged her out the house, and off they went with their leaders for breakfast and bonding ... Olivia was quite upset and quizzed me for hours "I want my baby sissy back" (Mercedes is "sissy" therefore Brittney is "baby sissy") Even after I told her who the girls were, and that she was just going for breakfast and to have fun she didn't rest until Britt was safely home.

September 11 Remembered -

2008-09-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it was 7 yers ago that we watched in horor as airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers, The Pentagon, and a field killng so many. Hard to believe people could hate others so much - Many heros were born that day -
Brittney brought this video clip home from school.
It's called "Hero Painting" by Michael Israel -found on utube here's a link (be sure to click the bottom right square of the video clip - it will make it full size)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNjU1tc2GUo
Many thanks to heros everywhere - I'm proud to be an American!

Sponsors welcome -

2008-09-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

UPDATE FOR SPONSORS -
1st payment has been made, and I have until October 15 to raise the remaining $400.00. So incase you were wondering what to get me for my "sweet 16" - lol.

Hey everybody – it’s me – Mercedes!
I am a Sophomore at Willow Canyon HS this year and turning 16 very soon! Yea!
I am playing Volleyball on the JV team this year – Being left handed is my secret weapon, LOL.
Anyway – why am I randomly writing to you? Well along with Volleyball, I am also in the Wildcat Marching Band! This is a very serious program (so stop laughing) and a lot is expected of us. You might remember my mom sending everyone she knew an email to watch for me in the ½ time show of the Super Bowl earlier this year- although we didn’t play our instruments in that Bowl game, we get a second chance! This December, our band will be going to San Diego to participate and PLAY in the ½ time show for the Holiday Bowl! We will also be taking part in workshops, and the Holiday Bowl Parade! We get to go to Sea World as well and hang out with the other bands playing in the ½ time show. It will be 5 days of hard work and tons of fun. The field will be full and it is going to be so awesome. Check out the promo video here – www.bgaevents.org/bgawebsite/marchingBands/video_player.asp?id=12
We have been asked to find personal sponsors to help us earn money for the trip. Total trip cost is just under $1000.00 and the 1st payment is due Sept 15! Yikes, I know!! So, I am writing to let you know of our plans and if you would like to help sponsor me, any amount will be greatly appreciated! (make checks to Jenni Taylor)
Also, 2 other fundraisers that are free and go into the general band fund are
Good search – This is a search engine – use just like you would use Google – only Type in "Willow Canyon High School Band" and for every “search” we get a penny! Go to www.goodsearch.com/ And let the searching begin, LOL.
Finally –escrip - go to www.escrip.com/ to "sign up"Type in “Willow Canyon High School Band” (caps important)
Our Group ID# 500001578Register your grocery store club cards from a participating merchant-- and your debit, ATM and Credit cards if you wish. That's it! Visit escrip merchants when you shop. Our band gets a percent - It's automatic!
Whew – well thanks for reading and helping me out, I know the September deadline is close, but remember if you live in AZ you have $400.00 in AZ Tax Credit you can donate as a married couple (haha) just kidding, but the school will send out receipts for your taxes. (Arizona Residents – make checks to Willow Canyon HS Band)Thanks again – I really appreciate your support! Go WILDCATS!

Big Weekend!

2008-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Monday - we survived... If you're wondering what I'm talking about - let me take you back a few days! Tuesday - I'm being wifely - ironing, when the phone rings - "Hello?" - The Stake Presidents Secretary...(dun dun dun) says, "The Stake President would like to meet with you and wants you to bring your husband along." I spent several hours stressing wondering what the heck he could want me for, and in what Stake organization - (jumping ahead to the meeting) He asked about our kids and about what callings I have held in the church - (BTW I'm still panicing) Finally he asks if I was ready for my next calling in the Church. I said "Umm, sure" (brilliant huh) He then called me to be the next Bishops wife!
After the couple of seconds clicked by - Dean said, "We don't do that in this church, Bishop Smith already has a wife". (LOL) he then proceeded to tell Dean that He had been authorized by the First Presidency to call him to be the new Bishop of the Willow Canyon Ward. After about 30 minutes, we walked out of the office and I said, "Well, I feel a lot better!" We are completely humbled, and feeling the Lords love and strength today more than ever!
(Jump ahead to the weekend - Sunday) Ken and Taleen were on their way back to Kansas after visiting their kids in the west, so they came to Arizona - Kyle and Kara and their family came over from Glibert, Kay and Jerry Hartley and Otis and Cheri Henson and family all came to our Sacrament meeting - just incase the Stake Presidency sitting on the stand wasn't a give away of something big going on, you only had to look around the congragation, LOL dead give away - visiting family and new suit.
Anyway it was a wonderful day and once the testimonies were given, I felt a lot better. Color returned to Deans face, and the rest of the day was filled with family visiting...without Dean of course, he was in meetings. BTW Jeff Lunt is the 1st Counselor, and Lynn Johnson is the 2nd Counselor.
Here is our family picture - don't look to close, it might wind up being the Christmas picture this year too. :)

First Day of School - Whoo Hoo!

2008-08-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

First Day of School

2008-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well...I am full circle (again) At Willow Canyon HS Dowlin started his Senior year, Mercedes started her Sophomore Year. At Cimarron Springs Elementary Brittney Started 6th Grade and Zachery started 4th Grade on Monday August 11! It was a glorious day...

Until Olivia was frantically running around trying to gather paper and pencils to put in her "pack pack" - way to go Mom... Fear not though :) Olivia began her educational career this morning at Bloomin' Beginnings Preschool.

Hope you enjoy these pictures from the first days of school. Hang with me, I'll figure this blog thing out and you'll be begging me to stop posting pictures of the kids. So for all those of you who "can't believe Jenni of all people didn't have a blog" ... TaDa!

Life's A Beach - Oceanside, CA

2008-05-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday the 22 of May school let out for the year and we all set our sites on California! We love the beach and had a week planed of just lounging on the beach and being together as a family. We're not sure how we got such great kids, you know, ones who don't mind hanging out with Mom and Dad, but we did. And we did just that "hung out".

We collected sea shells, played in tide pools, had a great visit with Jared and Amanda who just happened to be there on job related business. We had 2 wonderful visits and dinners with Great Grandma Dowlin. As she was leaving out place Friday evening, she wanted to get on the road before it got too dark, you see her eyes don't work as well in the dark... Dean asked her if she wouldn't mind recording a Public Safety Message for the state of Arizona! (HA HA - she thought that was funny)

Our Family with Great Grandma Dowlin

We swam in the ocean and the pool. We built a great sand castle village (Grandpa Wilson would be proud - I learned everything I know about building sand castles from him)

Preparing to build the ultimate sand castle -

On the Pier

We walked around Oceanside, along the beach, and out to the very end of the pier. It was lots of fun! Too many fishermen if you ask me. But we had fun "people watching" and the lifeguards were out on their daily training mission so we got to see them climb up then jump off the pier.

I'm not going to go into detail about the multiple members of our party who were so sunburned and blistered that the state didn't have enough Aleve, Aloe gel, or Solarcaine to kill the pain! Let's just say, after nearly 40 years of burning...you would think I'd be more into "prevention" instead of "treatment" - aparentally I really am as dumb as I look,. (LOL) I have to edit that - actually, not mentioning any names, but I came in 3rd behind the guys who's names start with "D"

Christmas Angels

2007-12-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2007

I know ALL of you were anxiously waiting by your mailboxes for our yearly "Holiday Letter" well, I got it typed - I just never got that Fantastic Family Foto. (I'm going to have to give up on perfection and just be happy for what I can get. I have some... who give me nothing but crap when I say "Wear this" or "Smile" - so here is THE LETTER - Enjoy

Merry Christmas 2007

Happy New Year 2008!

First of all I’d like to point out that this is a “New Year” letter – meant to be received in the “New Year”. It has also been pointed out to me that there are 2 sides to paper! And I am using 11 pt font – if you’re having trouble reading this, you should call your Dr.
Now then…We hope that you all had a Wonderful Christmas! Although we love traveling, we really enjoyed just being home!
Olivia is so much fun. Everyday is something new for her and to be able to share in her excitement is just the best! She has such a enjoyable personality, she laughs, sings, dances, and talks all the time. Aside from the tag lines “I do what I want” (Dowlin) and “Mother” (Mercedes) She really keeps us laughing. Even in trouble she is just so cute! She loves The Lion King movie, play dough, reading books, going to the Library, putting puzzles together and going to nursery at church on Sunday. So far she’s been a model 2 year old! Even potty training has been good!
Zachery is in 3rd grade and is 9 years old! Zachery is honest and helpful. He is a Bear in Cub Scouts and just finished reciting the 13 Articles of Faith in Primary! (What we believe as members of the LDS Church – this is not required, just a fun challenge) Zachery is still my buddy. He’s always quick to volunteer to go anywhere or do (almost) anything for me. He’s doing a great job at school, reads very well and loved counting money in Math…Hmm. Zach played soccer again this fall and really liked scoring goals! He is going to be playing basketball starting in January, with Dean as coach. He also loves to ride his bike and play with friends.
Brittney turned 11 this year! As soon as the candles were out she said, “ I can’t wait until I’m 12!” (She is very excited to be in the Young Women’s program at church) Brittney is an excellent student, and has had more reports as a 5th grader than I had through out HS! She is playing the Trumpet in band, and she played soccer and volleyball this year. She decided after running like crazy on the soccer field that as her dad had said before, “Cheerleading isn’t a real sport” I disagree! Brittney has been reading up a storm! I can hardly keep the kids in books. Britt is a great big sister and is often awaken by Olivia calling her name, and then wanting to climb in bed with her.
Mercedes survived last year and the school district’s torture designed specifically for her called “K-8 in Elementary School”. Going from Jr. High back to Elementary school was bad for her! BUT she is now in High School and loves school again! Whew! And what a 1st semester she’s had! She was in the Marching Band, and had a wonderful time performing at football games, festivals, and they made it to State! Yes, there is State for bands too! The respect and fear she has for her band director is encouraging! Mercedes also started on the Freshman Volleyball team, although I’d like to claim her talents for my own, I know the Taylor height and abilities have helped! She’s almost 5’9”. She is looking forward to track, and softball seasons! She has also been taking a theater class. Her 4 core classes this year are honors classes.
Dowlin is just getting too old! He turned 17 in July and is a Junior in HS! He is a great son. He continues to be a hard worker. He played Varsity football this year and (drum roll…) broke nothing – finished the season! He is almost 6”2” and 170 lbs. His team, (only a 5 yr old school) made it to State playoffs. He is taking basketball season off, but will tryout for baseball in another month! He played JV last year, hopes to make Varsity this year! He has gone out with the full time Missionaries in our ward a few times, good practice for him as he is looking forward to serving a mission after he graduates. Dowlin is also doing very well in school. He also is taking AP classes. We are very proud of him and his efforts!
Jenni – just busy keeping everyone on track. I’ve been reading my brains out too! Between trying to keep up with the kid’s school requirements and my own personal choices, I hardly watch TV at all! I am the 1st Counselor in Primary again, and finally feeling “at home” in the ward.
Dean – says to tell you “I’m still alive” I’ll add on a bit; Although construction is near a stand still, he still has a job, for which we are very grateful! He is the 2nd Counselor in our ward Bishopric.
We are so thankful for Jesus Christ, for His birth, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives! We wish you all a wonderful 2008! Love - The Taylor’s

"88 Dow!"

2007-11-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

Wearing number 88 - Dowlin Taylor! (and the crowd goes wild!) OK well at least Mom and Dad do :) Dowlin made the Varsity Football team this year and after playing all summer, and being praised for his abilities, we're scratching our heads as to why he's not playing more? I know that sounds like something 'every parent' would say - but really - We can't figure it out. And that's all I'm going to say about that (mom says through clenched teeth)
Willow Canyon did make the State finals this year for the first time. They are only a 5 year old school - so "it was awesome to make it to state" well that's good if they can keep saying that because after the 3 hour drive to Touscan they got their butts kicked. It was a humbling game to be sure. But as we often tell Dowlin, these are life experiences - that which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Truthfully, he's aggressive, he plays smart - he's just to obedient and humble - he won't stand up for himself... 'He's a great young man', and those comments coming from teachers, coaches, and friends never get old!

Happy Birthday Zachery

2007-11-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

Holy Smoke! Who knew that 9 little candles could set off the smoke detector? (No not really) As you can see by the Soccer inspired cake - Zach is our soccer player! He loves it and he is good! He is enjoying 3rd grade and anxious for Christmas.

Poor guy has to wait all year for his birthday then wishes it away wishing for Christmas...

Happy birthday Z-man! We love you!

Happy Birthday Mercedes

2007-10-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Freshman in High School - Plays volleyball on the Freshman team, and in the marching band...Forced into Honors classes....That's our girl. She is having a great 1st year of high school so far. I love that she is taking in everything and trying things! We are quite proud of her!

This is the face that she uses to drive the boys wild! :)

Happy 15th Birthday SIS!

Visit with Grandpa & Grandma Wilson

2007-09-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

My Dad and Char came to Arizona for a quick weekend! My brother Kyle and his family live in Gilbert, It is about 1 1/2 hours away, we are NW Valley of Phoenix, they are SE.

Kyle was being Ordained a High Priest in the Melchezedek Priesthood, and My Dad came to Ordain him. Kendall and Jenny (Kyle's oldest) had their #2's baby blessing the same day.

We headed over to Gilbert for a really fun day of visiting and a disturbing game of "Zip Bong" I hope I never have to see that again!

Homecoming 2007

2007-09-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh - to be a teenager again! All the drama, the dates, the wondering who will ask you to dance, the fancy dresses... No, never mind, I'm good being on the parental side!

Watch out boys! - Future Man eater alert

I labeled this picture "Stud"

he had to be in all black to go with the girls teal dress -

Dowlin actually double dated with a friend for this event - Seemed to have fun - cute girl. (Kayla)

Mercedes not 16 yet was not aloud to date. so she and her friend Amber went together.

Brittney turns 11

2007-09-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a heart stopping "surprise"? Well, I'm good with it as long as it isn't meant for me. We got Brittney really good this year - she was just getting home from her soccer game, and coming up to her room to change, where all the girls were waiting!

They has loads of fun! They beaded bracelets, they sang Karaoke, they frosted their own cupcake. Kinda of funny, every ones gift included some kind of candy. She was happy and really had a fun day - Thanks girls, hope we can scare you soon too!

Aspen, Brooke, Kimberlee, Brittney, Michaela, Amanda, Alysa & Alyson

First day of School

2007-08-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

Mercedes 1st day of High school and Seminary!(sniff sniff) I'm sure she had a few jitters, but she played it cool. She has been at Volleyball all summer and Band camp for the last 2 weeks - so she's not actually walking in "green"
Dowlin - 11th grade - we are amazed at how quickly the years are flying by. This kid has kept us running for years and here we go again - Such a nice guy!

Notice the uniforms, Khaki bottoms, collared solid shirt...Ya, love it! Brittney is headed off to 5th grade and Zachery to 3rd grade. They will be attending Cimarron Springs Elementary School. Our housing development is like this chunk of houses in no mans land - so we get bumped. Kids in this neighborhood have gone to 4 different schools in the last 4 years (Cimarron 2X) the growth is incredible. Both Brittney and Zachery's teachers are pregnant and will be leaving midway through the year - we are so fortunate our kids are so good! They will be helpful and do fine. It's me who's a worry wart...I really miss being in the kids school and knowing the teachers and kids... maybe someday again right?

UPDATE - notice how I said I love the uniforms...well get this! 2 weeks into school, after all the school shopping was done and the kids had worn everything, the school district does away with the uniform policy. Apparently in JUNE a WHINER BABY parent complained their child's rights to express them self was being squashed by being forced to wear uniforms! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT - THEY CHANGED IT FOR 1 PARENT! Don't ask everyone else - UGH! so frustrating! I'm mad so I just have to say, "WHINER BABIES SUCK!"

Happy Birthday Olivia!

2007-07-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Olivia turned 2! She loves "puppys" so the puppy cake was a hit. Brittney and Zachery helped decorate it so it was lots of fun.

Olivia also has been dragging Brittney's baby doll around for months now - time to get her own baby. She's a very gracious gift receiver - she loves everything!

Happy Birthday Dowlin!

2007-07-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

17- WOW! As usual Dowlin has been working his hiney off this summer. He's on the football field at 7am every morning and playing in several passing leagues through out the summer. He skated by last school year, they figured out how smart he is and will be enrolled in AP classes for the coming school year - Thank you to all the Kansas teachers who put their heart and soul into teaching our kids - it's paying off. Their doing quite well in Arizona!

We actually had a family "July Birthday Party" this is Ethan (Kendall & Jenny's #1 - our #3 "Great") turned 2 in the beginning of July. Dowlin turning 17. And Olivia turning 2 on the 25th. Is Dowlin a good sport or what? Whatca get? well, he got an Ipod -

Best purchase!

2007-07-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

This little 18' above ground pool and saved our lives! We spent most of summer soaking in it and the kids show no sign of slowing down this summer! Love to swim!

High Adventure

2007-06-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here Dowlin and Dean are loaded and read to leave on the Priest High Adventure. This is part of the 16-18 years old Scouting program. The Young Mens Presidents family has a cabin about 4-5 hours Southeast, almost New Mexico I believe Dean said. They hiked, went Elk spotting, swiming, horse back riding, and mountain biking and had a great week bonding with the guys! Dean was able to go for the week but to hear Dowlin re-tell the mountain biking story Dean was done before they were up the hill. He stole another kids bike which had a "girl" seat on it to start with, but by the end of the day, and a few near death experiences he offered to drive the truck and trailer to the pickup spot the rest of the week. (The horseback riding scene from "The Great Outdoors" with John Candy and Dan Akroid is what I picture here) Dowlin also learned that our Bishop is crazy! Said he never used his brakes - went down the mountain like his hair was on fire! LOL

Fathers & Sons Campout

2007-05-11T20:56:00.001-07:00

Church wide Fathers and Sons, men and boys, head out to the wilderness to commemorate Joseph Smith receiving the Priesthood. This year our Arizona boys headed to Payson, a wee 3 hour drive (?) to enjoy the wilderness and being a "man".
I'm not going to pretend I know what goes on at these camp outs - I've seen pictures that would scare any Mom for life! All I know is that they go, they bond, there is activities like "Who can build the biggest fire?" and "Who can stand by that fire the longest with out catching their hair on fire?" My personal favorite which 3 year old can run the fastest with the sharpest stick? Then they wrestle or play capture the flag to make sure their clothes will be ruined for good, they all pack up and come home smelling like smoke among other things. Here's where I come in - I meet them at the door, make them strip down to their under-ware and send them to the showers! Hey Kansas campers - guess what? No tick checks in Arizona, LOL!
It must be good fun - they go back every year!
Are you wondering what us "girls" do? Well in our house - we sleep in my bed, eat popcorn and candy while watching 'girly' movies like The Sound of Music, or Titanic. Both male & female are happy and rejuvinated for another year!

Dip in the Pool?

2007-04-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

OK - not that a dip in the pool is unusual, but I am still adjusting to the "warmth" of Arizona - it's April and the kids are swimming in the pool! They say if you can make it through the Summer you will love the Fall and Winter. Spring...it's "ify" - Well, we made it and from about October to March was lovely, Then the furnace was lit, and as the song says..."The Heat is On" So if you're planning a visit (which we would LOVE) rule of thumb - April -September, HOT! October - March, NICE :)

JV Baseball

2007-04-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Dowlin made the JV Baseball team at Willow Canyon High School this year - He's playing mostly in the field, but has seen action on 3rd base as well. He knows how to pitch, but refuses to let the coach know about that...stubborn! This game was played in the the Royals/Rangers Staduim - it was cool. Dowlin actually slid headfirst into home plate during this game and found the catchers cleat in his face and got himself a little dazed! Wonder where all those years of slide training went wrong? oh well - hey "Stick Boy" we love to watch you play!

Boys just wanna have fun

2007-03-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Brotherly bonding is so cool!

It's no secret that Arizona has tons of Major lague Baseball teams Spring Training stadiums. Well only a 5 minute drive gets you to the KANSAS CITY ROYALS and Texas Rangers Spring Training facility. Its really quite awesome. during the off season all the city leagues from baseball and soccer to football get to use the stadium for their games. Then the "big guys" get to town and it's 6 weeks of game after game after game!

Dowlin and Zachery took in a game this year - I thought it was pretty cool Dow took Zach. He even bought him junk food and souveniers!

After the teams leave for their home towns - they allow the Highschool and little league teams to play a game in the big atadium - It really is cool!

Momma's got a Brand New Hip

2007-01-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

Well - how to document this, hmmm... just a quick update -

When I took Dowlin in to the Orthopedic Surgeon for his back last September, I mentioned to the nurse that my hip had been bothering me for years. We set an appointment for me with the "Hip Dr". After Xrays and visiting with Dr Thompson of the CORE Institute - It was determined that I would need a "Total Hip Replacement" - OK! I'm 38! Long story short, It is very common for the 1st born females to have Hip Displacia during birth. Taking into account that I weighed 10#13oz at birth, and that my Birth-Mother was about a size 4 before I was born - We figure I probably had Hip Displacia since birth.

By the look of my Xrays (I'll spare you - your welcome) the hip ball - was never in the hip socket. I lived 38 years in pain, thinking that was normal. Upon questioning my Dad and sister, they felt terrible! (not that they would have known) I did everything developmentally normal crawl, walk, run, etc... So no blame guys!

Anyway - Dean's parents came to help us with the kids, and lend me moral support! (Jan just had her knee replaced in October) Dean and I headed to Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ (LOL this is where the "old people" live year round) Surgery was a little longer than they were expecting, and Dean was getting nervous, but Dr Thompson finally came out and gave him the "all's well" and explained how bad things were and what they had to do. (again, I'm sparing you the details) I now have about a 5 inch stainless steel rod down my left femur, and porcelain ball joint, and steel and porcelain socket joint. (In my new Xrays - you can see 3 screws - cool huh) The incision is only about 5 inches long and healed quite nicely. They added 1/2 and inch to the left length too. So no more limp!

I was in the hospital for 4 days (I think) and Taleen came to help me and the kids on Saturday! They weren't going to let me out, because my blood counts were not right, but I begged and was doing everything pretty well even stairs - and got to come home on Sunday. The next few weeks I've got to admit were a blur. And very difficult to sleep, and the boys both got strep throat really bad - (add antibiotic to my daily medications) Physical Therapy 2-3 times a week for about 5 weeks, helped a lot - I will forever be grateful to my 3 cheerleaders at Physiotherapy, Mark, Mark & Jen. I was scared to leave!

I know that there is no way I would have survived this without the support of Dean and my kids, GG Taylor, Taleen, and Cheri! And my Visiting Teachers, and Home Teachers brought in meals! It's quite humbling to all of a sudden be the one everyone is doing everything for! I had to use a "granny walker" (It was Great Grandma Taylor's - what an honor, lol) that was - WOW, I felt really old! Then I finally graduated to a cane - still old, but at least not the walker :)

So much for my "short update" - In conclusion, it was about 4 months until I felt "normal" again - and felt good. I still do things like lurch into a quick jog or something, after Olivia, and I'll cringe remembering that it's going to hurt. Then when it doesn't it makes me smile.

UPDATE - At my 1 year check up, I told the Dr, "It doesn't hurt here (pointing to my hip) but here (pointing to my brain) still thinks it's going to". He was very pleased with my progress and released me totally! I told him that I wasn't going to do anything that "hurt". Anybody who knows me knows I'm not into pain!
But I wanted a few clarifications...light jogging? Nope - the replacement just wasn't made to take that kind of pressure. DANG! I was so into jogging before! LOL. DDR (Dance Dance Revolution - this is a PlayStation game) The kids, Dowlin mostly, were very concerned that this was a big NO NO - Dr said I can do all the walking, all the biking, all the DDR I want! HA!
Then as we were walking down the hall to check out, I told him the secret desire of my heart! "I really want to do a cartwheel again" So there we both were doing the cartwheel motions in slow motion in the hall way, 1st he said OK, then we decided maybe not, as we were laughing about how I was his ONLY patient to ever ask if I could do a cartwheel. Never once had his senior patients asked - go figure!

Tis the Season 2006

2006-12-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

Taylor family Christmas! I love the Cactus!

What do you do to "warm up" and kick off the Holiday season in Arizona? Well we took the opportunity to take the kids to the Mesa Temple (1 1/2 hours drive) to see the lights and listen to the music and festivities on the Temple ground (15 minute walk around the grounds - 20 minutes tops) It really was beautiful - but the drive - 3 hours for 20 minutes of "ooh's and ahh's? Well we had to do it once right?

Grandpa and Grandma Taylor were here, they have rented a spot in a RV park to park their 5th Wheel trailer - about 15 minutes from our house. It was so awesome to have them here and help us decorate our Christmas Tree this year! Good to know we weren't left alone in the desert, They made it feel like home. We love their visits and so glad that we get to see them regularly!

Dear Santa - All I want for Christmas is to get off your lap!
Our Ward Christmas party! Believe it or not, but this little activity knocked about 15 families in the ward out in a 2 week period! That's right boys and girls can you say "flu bug"? Here's how we figure it works... Ward party, activity - frosting sugar cookies, you were probably safe if you went directly to this activity, however if you choose to stand in line for Santa first, you were doomed! Some sweet infected child or children (same sick family perhaps?) double dipped in the frosting bowls, leaving their knives and germs behind for the unsuspecting "next guy". No body was the wiser - until the connection was made weeks later - it had us down - not pretty! BTW this is reason #2 as to why Dean has a hard time eating at Ward "Potluck" functions!

The kids had their Choir performances at their school. This is Zachery after performing "Jingle Bell Rap" it was very cute. Brittney missed hers due to "the flu" :(

The kids leave their letters for Santa in their shoes - we find this quicker and easier than the US mail! Not to mention the little "goodie" left behind is like a receipt that Santa got your letter!

Zachery's Baptism

2006-12-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

What a special Day! We had Grandpa and Grandma Wilson and Aunt Danielle come in to join us for this special day! Of course the Henson's were with us too!

Our Stake here in Surprise, baptizes children who choose to be baptized on the 1st Saturday of each month. So Zachery was baptized with another boy from our Ward. We all met together in the Chapel, where we listened to a talk on "Baptism"

Then ward by ward we were sent to the Font, Where Dowlin Baptized Zachery. Dean and I cried (obviously) Dean allowed Dowlin this privilege, it was so awesome to see Dowlin taking part in this sacred ordinance for Zachery. As a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood, he is able to baptize...

Dean did Confirm Zachery a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after a short talk on the "Holy Ghost"

It was a wonderful day (A long one for a little guy) ~ Although we missed having Grandma and Grandpa Taylor with us (Jan just had her Knee replaced in October) we felt they were there in Spirit, it was Grandma's birthday!

Great Grandma Taylor

2006-11-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

We knew when we saw Great Grandma Taylor in October that it would be the last time. It was so good to see her before she died and returned to Heavenly Father and Great Grandpa Taylor.

She was a very nice funeral, many friends and loved ones were there to celebrate her life. Just like when Great Grandpa died 2 years ago, President Thomas S. Monson spoke.
They worked together in Canada "in the beginning". And have remained friends ever since. Great Grandma had a love for Missionary work! She and Great Grandpa served several missions for the Church. She will be missed here on earth, for the many lives she touched, however Heaven is rejoicing as she goes home!

We were able to enjoy time with the Taylor family. We miss them so much since moving to AZ.

Here is Bob with his sisters Arlene & Patricia, and brother Bill.

A Grandson's honor

Our Family

Zachery's 8th Birthday

2006-11-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

This has been a busy Fall for us! And what a way to finish off ~
Zachery turned 8 on November 20.

He has been busy learning soccer this Fall! He loves it and says there is no way he will ever play football again! Dowlin is having a hard time with that!

Zach also began Cub Scouts! What a guy ~ Zach will be Baptized in December, so watch for that post! Can't wait!

Halloween

2006-10-31T20:01:00.000-08:00

It starts with the perfect pumpkin... Olivia kept yelling at Mercedes to clean her hands off! Guts - yuck!
Believe it or not, there are thieves in Arizona! We started with 5 pumpkins, one per kid. Sounds logical right? Well aparently some body thought we were over our pumpkin quota - and they stole 2! Stole 2 pumpkins! It was sad, but we managed to have fun carving anyway!
Two of my favorite things to do - Carve pumpkins, and pick out and cut the family Christmas tree! Thanks for the great memories Daddy!

For the first time in FOREVER we were able to Trick or Treat with the Hensons! What a treat! They are by far the biggest "perk" to moving here! We love them tons!

We had a great Halloween and loved the socializing at the Ward Trunk er Treat too! Who ever had the idea to serve Pizza wins the "smarty pants" award! Dean ate at a ward party! OMHeck!

I love catching these little snapshots into the "real" Dean! This is the man who has banned the word "booger" from our home!

Missy Baby gets Married

2006-10-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mr Cassidy Moss marries Miss Melissa Ross

Introducing Mr & Mrs Cassidy Moss

October in Salt Lake City is apparently a bit windy!

Dean & I in the underground SLC Temple parking garage. We were married October 16, 1987 - it was nice to be in a Temple so close to our own Wedding Anniversary.

Here we are at Missy and Cassidy's reception

(Dowlin was hanging out with his other cousins, Taylor and Seth)

Mercedes was in Missy's line - as a brides maid. I copied Mercedes dress for Brittney and Olivia. Zachery was the doorman

This is Olivia with Caden (Jason's) and Payton (Devin's)

Scott, Dad , Jenni & Taleen

I had a wonderful time seeing family and friends that I havent seen in years! I love weddings! :)

We were able to sneak in a quick visit with Great Grandma Taylor before we had to leave Utah! What a treat! She is living in an assisted living village, just a few minutes from Bob and Jan's. Right by Mt Timpanogas Temple, in Pleasant Grove.

Great Grandma is doing well as she can for a lady in her 90's! We are so glad we got to see her!

Mercedes 14th Birthday!

2006-10-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

What a day! Mercedes turned 14! we went out to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Taylor to Applebee's where we gave Mercedes a little box with a cute bow on it! Suddenly it began to ring! Yes ~ she got her 1st cell phone! Heaven help us all!

In Arizona 9-12 is in HS. And K-8th is in Elementary school ~ this is going to be a hard year for Mercedes, after all the freedoms she enjoyed in Jr High in Kansas, she's stepped back in time to "specials" and she's not happy! But she is playing Volleyball and Softball for Western Peaks Elementary! :)

She also gets to start going to Church Stake Dances! This is her 1st dance ~ with her Daddy! (yes, I got Dowlin's) We are very proud of her!

Football Injury

2006-09-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well - I just found another thing to add to my ever growing list of
"Things I never want my kids to experience!" BROKEN BACK

As I mentioned in previous posts, Dowlin began weight training and practicing as soon as we got here with the HS football team. All was going well! He was playing with the Varsity players in the passing clinics all summer.

August 2 - 1st week of full pads, he came home in a lot of pain. He had gone up to catch a pass and was hit in the air, hurting his back. The coach and trainer took him out for 2 weeks. He iced and heated, and waited. 1st day back - hit again. Out for another week - obviously not ready yet... He practiced 1 week, played 1/2 the 1st game - hit again - Mom said "No more!" We went to his Dr. the next day, he couldn't move! The pain was so bad. He gave him some muscle relaxers, and I made an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon at the CORE Institute, they work with Willow Canyon HS.

It was Labor Day, and Dean's Bday, so we headed North to Sedona, and Flagstaff, then East to Snowflake for the weekend. Dowlin was "ok" but pretty dopey. (Kinda funny, we met a "Healer" at the hotel pool... Lol - It's a different story, ask Dow if you want a good laugh. I'm just going to quote a little tidbit for your amusement - healer, "repeat after me...(balh blah blah)" -healer, "Ok, we're done." Dowlin, "Ok, we're done," HA HA! Hilarious!

When we finally got into see Dr Greene, it was clear that he would be out for the season. Xrays were hard to see the spine, but he ordered a Radioactive Full Body Scan which took about an hour. (it was pretty cool - if you've never seen a 360 degree Xray) It confirmed that he had fractures in his spine. (L4 I believe) "Out for the Season" are tough words to hear for a guy who loves football!
Options - Permanent damage, or paralysis - you decide.

After weighing the REAL options, we decided to wait out the months of recovery - not do surgery.
UPDATE - Dowlin was in a hard, removable only for shower, cast for 6 weeks. And we defied the "No Spohomore drivers" rule with a note from the Dr stating he should not be made to walk extreeme distances or carry heavy back pack on his back. (lol - I win!)

This has been a very disappointing thing for Dowlin, as you can imagine. He will be unable to play Basketball this year as well. We are hoping that by February or March, he will be well enough to tryout for Baseball.

UPDATE - Dowlin has healed remarkably well! He did miss Basketball, but made the JV Baseball team and so far no problems other than an ache here or there! He's even ramming into guys and sliding head first into home plate - We're wondering if it was his back or maybe a head injury he got in football, LOL.

Fun Fact - The Texas Rangers and KANSAS CITY ROYALS have their Spring Training here in Surprise! This is at the Royals/Rangers Stadium. The kids get to use it in the off season - cool huh!

Brittney's Birthday

2006-09-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Brittney turned 10 on September 16! She walked away from summer with a killer tan! She is a Cheerleader for the Pop Warner football team the Cobra's - what a busy schedule she is keeping!

July Birthdays

2006-07-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Dowlin turned 16 on July 21! Where does the time go? He has spent this summer working out at his new High School, and playing football. What a great kid!

Olivia turned 1 on July 25! She was lots of fun to watch, she's a joy to us all!

Kids keep cool!

2006-06-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

We have quickly learned to survive in Arizona - WATER is a must! Thankfully we have Cheri to be our "Follow me to Fun" tour guide!

We went to this "splash pad" to play for the afternoon. Ya, we packed lunches and lot of water to drink - Otis even brought us popsicles! The kids had tons of fun!

Disneyland

2006-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

While in CA we took the kids to the "Happiest Place on Earth" - it was fun, really it was, I think we waited to long to take the older kids, they were kinda bored :( (I'll try not to post pictures of the painful faces)

Despite waiting in lines, and "baby rides" and having some of the "classics" closed, we all enjoyed the day together.

Favorite moments were Daddy "Booing" Snow Whites Step Mother, the evil witch as she passed us and having her turn and "hiss" at him. "Oooh's" from the crowd cracked us up!

The Parade was pretty good, you know how Dean loves "Ariel" LOL. Then as we sat on the curb eating ice cream waiting for the fireworks to start... looking at the tired kids, thinking about the walk to the car and the long drive home, Dean and I had a "magical moment" of our own... "Let's go!" No complaints - we were lucky to get to the van before the snoring began.

It was a great day. Family fun - that's what life's about, right?!

Family Beach Trip

2006-05-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Now that we are only 5 hours from the ocean, we decided a trip to the beach and Disneyland was a must! So Memorial Day weekend, we were off! Dean and I could smell the Ocean and what a welcome, after so long in the midwest it smelt like heaven! We choose Oceanside, CA because we had stayed there before and Great Grandma Dowlin lives there -

The kids have seen the Puget Sound while we were in WA when Zach was a baby, but they all learned how fast fun can go to fear as each took a tumble and emerged soaked to the bone. It was so fun to watch their excitement! (Dowlin and Mercedes would argue they didn't "go down" but this was just suposed to be a walk on the beach)

We learned a couple of things on this trip - #1 it's still a bit chilly in May! ~ #2 we need our own boogie boards (Dowlins belly was ripped up after riding all day ~ #3 We suck at sandcastles ~#4 should have used sunscreen! ~ #5 Sand in the crack - how does it get EVERYWHERE?

We had a lovely day with Great Grandma Dowlin -

what a treat, this is why we moved West!

We enjoyed seeing San Diego, and the coastline - I thought this view was so pretty! After I forced the kids to sit there - and they all climbed back to us - Dowlin was ticked off! I then learn behind them the rock they were sitting on was a straight drop about 30 feet down! What a stupid Mommy! This picture is a reminder to me that just because it looks great, doesn't mean it is... I"l never send them out again without checking it out first! UGH

BIG Move West

2006-05-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Surprise Arizona!

In February of 2006 Dean took a new job for Lofton Company in North Phoenix. We franticly began preparig the Olathe house for sale! He left for Arizona mid February and began work. Although he flew home every other weekend - this time was high stress for him being away from his family, and high stress for me - keeping everything in Kansas rolling forward!

Dean was able to live in the spare room of our wonderful friends Otis and Cheri Henson. What a blessing! They have a wonderful family and helped him not to get too lonely between visits home. On his weekends home, we painted, stained, recarpeted, put in new kitchen appliances, we even had a new roof put on and I surprised him with having the house painted, so he didn't have to do it. It was hard and laborous work...but it paid off big time! We listed the house and were signing the sale papers in 2 weeks! On Deans next trip home (2 weeks later) we were closing and loading the moving truck. It was a miracle! And to top it off, our house sold the highest in the neighborhood!

We sent the truck on it's way, and we spent a few days at Ken and Taleens. We said our goodbyes to all the family, Messersmiths, Roths, Taylors, and Rosses...and Our Friends the Millers gave us a wonderful Farewell party at their house - so many friends came, it was awesome, we love looking at the scrapbook we created, and reading the words of love and encouragement there! We loved Kansas, and will sorely miss the connections there!

Our House in SURPRISE ARIZONA!

This is our beautiful house in Surprise! We doubled our square footage, it is wonderful! However our back yard shrunk by atleast 3/4! it is tiny and the houses, as you can see, are so close together. OH and the HEAT! May 1, driving into town - 101 degrees! it's only May. When you go outside, it feels like someone left the BBQ grill open, lol. Anyway, we are together - we are happy! We're not sure this is our forever home, or state, but it got us closer West and we are looking forward to this new adventure in our lives!