The Taft Family: June 2010

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A Sneak Peek..

Yesterday a good friend offered her photography services for our newest little family member. I figured with the other kids being in Utah, it would be the perfect timing to have her come and take some newborn pictures in a really quiet, (too quiet) house.

Three hours later, we were finished. And by the looks of these three, she got some beauties!!

Piper is 5 days old in these. So far, these are the only that are posted-but I can't wait to see the rest!!

Today is the first day that all five kids are home and Scott is back at work. It was nice to have some down time, but we missed the other kids like crazy and were so glad to welcome them home last night. Our house, though much louder and messier, is now complete again!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Introducing....

Miss Piper Taft

Born June 23, 2010

8 lbs. 10 oz.
21 inches long

Mommy and baby are doing great. She is a sweet, beautiful baby and we look forward to taking her home and starting our "real life" later today.

Much more to come soon, but here is your sneak peek at our newest little Taft baby.

We feel so blessed to be able to welcome her into our home and are so grateful for a healthy little baby girl.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Happy Father's Day-2010

To the father of my children:
Thank you for always knowing when to step in and take over.

Thank you for having a sense of humor-even when I don't.

Thank you for loving me and our kids unconditionally.

Thank you for being the best example to them.

Thank you for understanding that sometimes, I just need a break.

Here's to hoping that tomorrow, I can add another of these photos of you with our children when they are fresh from heaven.

You really are such an amazing daddy. And not only that, but an amazing husband. I don't know what I did to deserve you-but I love you! More than you know.....

With Parker-1 day old

With Pacie-About 3 days old

With Landon-About a week old.

With Presley-6 weeks old (In England....)

(All newborn pics are still on our other computer!)

You really are such a great dad-and your kids are so so blessed. I love you and am looking forward to adding another little Taft baby to our family!! :)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Dance Pictures, 2010

Well, I would love the title of this post to be something about the arrival of our little one. Hopefully that will come in a few days...we are (im)patiently waiting.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of the girls in their costumes from the 2010 dance season. Every year I order a collage for them to hang in their rooms. They turned out adorable! I scanned them in pieces so some of them may have little additions...but you get the main idea.

Parker's Hip Hop-Hoe Down

It won SO many awards this year and was probably the crowd favorite of all of her dances.

Parker's Jazz Dance-Walk the Dinosaur

Her Ballet Costume this year.

She played "Scary Things" in Alice in Wonderland, which is why it is all black.

She is a beautiful ballerina. It comes really natural to her.

Her Lyrical dance was "Ordinary Day"

I personally loved this dance and so does Presley. She can sing the song and almost do the dance right along with Parker. (Landon does too-but I am not sure I should be posting that.)

And also for "Wonderland" she was a present in the Tea Party. Ashley choreographed her hip hop and it was so much fun. Loved the idea for the costumes too-it turned out really cute!

Pacie's Competitive Jazz dance was "Genie"

Set to "magic" songs-so so cute!

Here was her ballet costume for the year-super sparkly!

Her Hip Hop was "Ice Cream Freeze"

Another crowd/Landon/Presley favorite!!

In "Wonderland" she was a fishy-in fact the lead fishy!

And here she is in her warm-ups. I love the no teeth look!

Scott and I are both so proud of our girls and all of the hard work they put into their dancing. It is not something that we make them do. It is something that they LOVE to do. And when asked if they wanted to try out for competition teams again for next year, the answer was a resounding, "YES!!".

Parker will be on the Smalls teams again, and Pacie moved up to the Mini team. We are excited for them to keep progressing in their dance and will continue to support them in any way we can!

And watch out, world, because Presley will be old enough to start dancing in the fall as well!!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Another Year DOWN!!

Another school year has officially ended!! All I can say is:

HOORAY!!

Both of the girls had a great year. Learned a lot and grew leaps and bounds. We are ready for a break, however, and will look forward to a busy summer with a new baby girl!

Pacie-Jumpin' for JOY!

And Parker's Turn!

End of second grade year.

End of first grade year.

Pacie with Mrs. Gillman. She will loop into second grade with her. Mrs. Gillman is very task oriented and produces results!! Pacie read 210 books this year in first grade-second most in her class! (Only 5 short of reading the most! )

Parker with Mrs. Nukaya. She is very nurturing and creative. Parker was somewhat of a teacher's favorite this year, often helping her perform duties because she was the first one to finish her work. We will miss her next year!!

Some people thought we were crazy to have our kids so close together in age. P&P are just 17 months apart and just a year apart in school. I for one am glad that they will always have each other-in good times and in bad. We are so proud of our girls and the amazing students and learners that they are. They were always so good about completing their homework without complaining and working hard to get good grades. We love you, girls!! We'll do our best to make your summer super relaxing and fun.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The offering.

Yesterday was Memorial Day. A time to remember and reflect. To pay respect and be grateful for our knowledge of life after death. And also a time for parents to be taught by their children.

We went as a family to visit the grave of my grandpa, who passed away about two months ago. He was the grandpa who lived next door, who my children knew well and loved dearly. As we arrived we looked at the grave, at his temporary head-plate and talked for a moment about him. Shortly after, my dad and grandma arrived.

Pacie had a bottle of bubbles and had been blowing them into the wind all day. And likewise, Landon had brought along one of his little red racecars and had been playing with it at a previous cemetery that we visited. Pacie decided to leave her bottle of bubbles for grandpa knowing that he might like that. I was touched by her gesture and thoughtfulness. Little did I know, someone else had watched her and was learning by example.

As we were gathered around, Landon quietly went up to Scott, took his little car out of his pocket where it had been placed for safe keeping, and went and laid it next to Pacie's bubbles and the flowers that Parker had picked and placed there. Scott, my dad and I were all watching as he then walked away, not once looking back at his little treasure that was now an offering for a great-grandpa that he loves.

It was such a touching moment for all who witnessed his little sacrifice and a great lesson to me that actions often do speak louder than words and also that children learn by example.

We were also able to go to Ucon to see a few family members who had passed on. My grandma and grandpa Andrus were here for a couple of days and it was their posterity that is buried there. Their daughter Peggy who passed away at age three as well as my great grandparents. An uncle from Utah happened to be there with his family at the same time and it was a wonderful little reunion for the cousins to be there and celebrate the life of their ancestors. The girls were so cute to go and find little things to decorate Peggy's grave with. Pinecones and purple flowers were their tribute to this sweet little girl who has been our guardian angel throughout our lives.

As I thought about the meaning and reason for Memorial day, my thoughts kept drifting back to the plan of salvation and the knowledge that we have of the resurrection and life after death. This knowledge is so precious to me and I am grateful for the lessons taught to me yesterday by my children.

And now, on a lighter note, here are a few irresistible pictures of Presley. Yes, she has ketchup on her face, but I love how she looks.

Overheard

This past Sunday I was called to give the opening prayer. Right as the opening song was ending, Presley gave me an elbow to the ribs and said, "Mom! Make your move!"

The same Sunday, Pacie was solving a word puzzle. She first thought the missing word was "gift", but it didn't quite fit. She then changed it to "toye". I said, "What is that?" She quickly changed it to "toys" followed by, "Wow. I need to go back to school!" (8/5/12)

This morning Presley came and snuggled with me in bed. Here is our converstaion.

Me: "Presley, did you sleep well?"

Pres: "Yes mom, and I had a GREAT dream!"

Me: "What was your dream?"

Pres: "That Jesus loves me."

Talk about melt my heart! Sweet little girl. How I love the innocence of children. (2/1/12)

Parker, Pacie and I went on a fairly long bike ride. It was 7 miles...and when we were deciding the route, I told the girls it was the same one I ran a few weekends ago. Pacie's reply was, "If you can run it...I can ride it!". I told her I liked her attitude.

A few miles later-on mile 6, we were facing a pretty steep uphill. Pacie was having a hard time and was getting tired. I said, "pacie, do you remember the story of the Little Engine that Could?" Her reply was PRICELESS. "Mom, I'm not a little engine, I'm a little GIRL!". (7/13)

Parker pulled a Pacie this weekend. We were driving by the "Castle of Chaos" in Salt Lake City. The girls asked what it was and we said probably some type of Haunted House or something. Scott mentioned that he had even gone there before we were married. Parker said, "Well, that door says it's the tickling door. I'm NOT going in there for sure." Uh, upon closer inspection we realized it was actually the "ticketing" door.... (5/1)

This morning we were in my bathroom getting ready for school. Piper had found a little paper fish and started chewing on it. Pacie looked over and said, "oh look, Piper is having sushi!". Parker and I thought that was pretty funny! (4/20)

Last night Pacie was really tired-falling asleep during scriptures. Scott told the kids we were going to tidy up before they went to bed. Pacie started to complain a bit about how tired she was when Landon said, "I will do Pacie's work, so she can go to bed." It's not funny-but I thought I had to document it....so we can remember that he stepped up to be the "big" brother for his sis. Sweet. (4/18)

Tonight Pacie told me she learned a new word. Sublimation. Uh-apparently it's when something goes from a solid to a gas. Then Parker chimed in and said she learned hypothesis. I'm glad they are listening! (2/25)

Today the doorbell rang and Presley ran to get it. She opened it and I heard Scott say, "Boo!". She said, exasperated, "Daddy, I thought you were a customer!" (2/25)

While updating the blog today I was writing about Scotland. Landon was reading over my shoulder and said, "mom you were in Scotland?" I said I was and his reply was, "Well did Daddy go to Jill-land?" I laughed out loud for more than a minute. So cute. (2/17)

We were at a hotel in Utah last weekend for the girls dance competition. We were having breakfast there in the morning and they had tiny poppyseed muffins. When Presley saw them, she said, "Yes, mommy. I want one of those polka-dot muffins". (2/12)

Yesterday I was curling Presley's hair. I took the curling iron out leaving a ringlet. Presley got very excited saying, "Yes, yes, I want my hair like that. Like bouncy do's." (2/8)

We have a series of DVD's called Signing Time that teaches little children early signing. There is a song on it called, "Proud to be Me", and it talks about being proud to be a boy or a girl. Well, I heard Presley's version the other day while driving. "I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm proud to be naughty." Oh dear. When correcting her and telling her it's "proud to be me", she now sings, "I'm proud to be mean, yeah". (2/2)

Today while we were driving Landon said, "Mom, I know who I am going to marry.". I said, "You do?" He said yes and then proceeded to give the following details...

1-She has long blonde hair.

2-She lives in Blackfoot.

3-I see her all of the time.

4- We are getting married in the Idaho temple.

I was very confused because we don't know anyone in Blackfoot. I was wondering if he'd had some type of revelation...or something! Anyway, I said, "Who is it Landon?" His answer: Ryan. (Rachel's daughter).

I said, "Landon, you can't marry her. She's your cousin." His reply, "But Mom, she's my Best Friend!"

Oh-and Ryan lives in Logan too. Hyrum actually. Not even close to Blackfoot. :) (11/30)

Landon isn't feeling good tonight. He just came into the office and started climbing up on my lap. I said, "Do you just need to snuggle?" He said, "Yes Mommy. You are just so comfortable." Aw, melt my heart little man. (11/9)

While driving home from piano, the girls were enjoying a frozen yogurt in the back seat. I said, "Boy, it sure is quiet in here!" There was a slight pause, and then Pacie said, "Yes. It is very tranquil." Really? Tranquil, eh? (9/29)

Today at Maverik a little tumbleweed blew through the parking lot. Pacie said, "Mom, it's one of those things you see in the wild wild west!" (9/24)

Tonight Landon and Presley were both in Landon's room playing some game that had them laughing and giggling. Parker walked in and said, "Well you two are obviously up to no good.". I thought to myself....and you're just now figuring this out?? I love my kids! (9/22)

The other night we were driving by my Uncle Barry's house. He and Sue watched Landon and Presley for us one night and they had a wonderful time. As we drove by their house, Landon said, "Oh, I played there!" I said, "Where, Landon?" and he thoughfully said, "You know, Grapes's house!" Me, confused, "Grapes's house?" Then it clicked. Barry-Grapes. Read BERRY, Grapes. I laughed out loud. funny funny boy. (9/1)

Tonight Pacie picked an apple off of my uncle's apple tree. It was a tiny green sour one. She took a bite and said, "Oh, this is delicious! I can feel myself getting healthy!". (8/25)

Last night Landon was chosen first to pick a song for FHE. He went and stood in front of the fireplace-the designated spot for the song leader and we said, "What song do you want to sing?" He thought for a moment, and then answered with, "Hey Soul Sister". ;) (7/12)

Pacie has been very interested in this pregnancy asking several pointed questions to this time. We've had some good conversation. Yesterday while getting her hair cut she asked me, "Mom, is our baby going to have white skin or black skin?". I almost choked. I explained that since daddy and I both have white skin, our baby will have white skin too. And if she doesn't....well I think I may have some serious explaining to do. (3/25)

Tonight Pacie was carrying a new Scentsy warmer down to her and Parker's bedroom down the stairs. The top part was rattling a little bit and I said, "Parker, come grab the top for Pacie." Pacie turned and looked at me and said, "Mom, you just stole my mind!" Love it. (3/11)

Landon calls spaghetti, "ska-betty". No matter how many times he tries to say it-and he knows it's not right...it comes out, "skabetty". So cute.

We were at Wal-mart the other day and Landon blurted out..."MOM! That grandma had really broken teeth. Like Pacie". Too funny. And a little sad for the grandma. (1/8)

The kids sang with the primary in the Christmas program yesterday at church. Upon hearing Landon sing "Christmas Bells", I realized I must record how he says Bethlehem. It is:

Beth-of-hem". But to see his little mouth say it is the best. He always has been such a little singer. Love it. (12/21)

Yesterday, Landon wanted a yogurt for breakfast. He picked out a blackberry flavor and I opened it for him. He was so excited and said, "mommy! I got purple berry pie!!" I don't know where he came up with that flavor, but Presley's raspberry flavor became "pink berry pie." I love this little boy of mine. (12/10)

After a function tonight the kids had a visit from Santa where they were given a candy cane. Landon was so excited to have seen Santa and was anxious to dig into his little treat. We got into the car and he took the first few licks. Pretty soon, we hear, (In a very disgusted voice)

"Great, Santa gave me this. And now, it's HOT!"

Needless to say, he didn't finish his candy cane. (12/5)

Tonight at dinner Landon asked for a piece of pumpkin pie which was meant to be for my preschool class the following day. I said no and his reply was, "Excuse me? Are you telling me no?"

Yes, son. I am.

Lately, Landon has been obsessed with who is his cousin/brother/friend etc. We were in his room and he pointed to Woody from Toy Story on the floor and said, "Mom. That's Woody. He's my cousin.". I looked at him with a look that said, "Are you kidding me?" And his comeback was a very sheepish, "He's not my cousin. Ryan is my cousin. He's my friend."

Today I had taken all of Landon's bedding off to wash it. He walked into the bathroom and said in a very worried tone, "Mommy! My bed is naked!!" (10/10)

Today I was doing Landon's hair and when I finished he went out of the bathroom and said, "Princess, I am finished. Princess, where are you?" talking to Presley. Then when he found her he said, "Princess, do you want to dance?" (10/6)

Tonight Landon came in and said, "Mommy, I'm afraid. I am afraid of high heels!". He was DEAD serious. I have no idea where it came from, but it made me laugh!! (10/1)

Today I was putting Landon in the tub. I added some bubbles, and he said, (quietly) "Oh bubbles. I'm so glad you're back."