The Taft Family

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A boy after his Daddy's heart

I got home yesterday and couldn't see the whirlwind that is Landon. Usually he is right under my feet all of the time, so when he goes missing, it's usually very bad news. Like 2 days ago when I found him in the bathroom unrolling the entire roll of toilet paper while filling the tub. (I'm guessing his next hat trick was to put the then unrolled paper into the water and watch it float...thank heavens I found him. That's a mess I don't want to clean up again.) Anyway, I went looking for him and there he was. In our bed, holding the remote watching a NCAA basketball game. It was too cute! I said, "Hi Landon, what are you doing?" His reply, "Hi Mommy, watch ba-kit-ball!" Scott of course was real proud when I told him where I found Landon. March Madness begins early at our house. A boy after his Daddy's heart. Now if only he were caught watching moto-cross...well, that's another story all together.

March Madness

Monday, March 17, 2008

Yes!! The leprechauns found us!!

The "Luck of the Irish" seems to always be with us on St. Patrick's Day. We have leprechauns that find our house each year and color the kids food green! This morning it was pancakes, milk and eggs. The kids looked all over for them, but for some reason couldn't find them anywhere! Good thing they didn't check my pocket...that's where they were hiding! The girls were a little worried that they wouldn't find our new house. So when they came up for breakfast and saw that their food had turned green, they looked at each other and Parker yelled, "yes, the leprechauns found us!" I love the innocence of youth. Green milk mustaches and all. Parker had to wear green to school today too, down to her toes! Happy St. Patty's everyone!

St. Patty's Day

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Overheard this weekend...

I just had to share a few things that were "overheard" this weekend. Mostly for me to remember how much I love being a mother and how much I love my children.

Parker:
(As we were checking out of our hotel)
"Mom, are the maidens going to come and make our beds?"

(To Grandma Taft-regarding plans for her birthday)
"Grandma, you need to make yourself a cake, put up some decorations, glow up those candles, and sing ,"Happy Birthday!"
To which Grandma says, "I should sing to myself?"
And Parker replies, "Well, I guess Grandpa could do it."

Pacie:
(She and Parker talking about Grandma Ekker's passing)
Parker: So how did Grandma Ekker get to heaven?
Pacie:" Well, I guess the angels that bring the babies down came down to get Grandma Ekker, too"

(Talking to me)
"Mom, where are the Motor-cycle guys" (referring to the little play ones that come with the million play motorcycles that Landon/Scott own)
"I don't know, Pacie, why?"
"Well, these girls need them." (Referring to her Polly Pocket girls)
"Why do they need them?"
"You know, for boyfriends."
Me, (acting shocked and somewhat disgusted) "Boyfriends?"
"You know, Best Buddies?"
Me again..."best buddies?"
Pacie, defeated. "Okay mom, just brothers."

Wow, do I love being a mom. I love watching my children interact with one another. The slide show is all pictures we took at Scott's grandma's ranch in Torrey, Utah. The kids had a ball running around, climbing on the fences and tractors. It was a nice weekend remembering a lady who will be missed, but creating memories that I will always remember.

Down on the farm

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Good-bye to Grandma Ekker

I am saddened to say that Scott's grandma, Madge Ekker passed away early this morning at the age of 94. She lived a long, hard-working, farmers life. She grew up and lived her life in Torrey, Utah. Scott's dad, Bill, is her only child. We felt fortunate to be able to spend a little more time with her over the past few months while she was living with Bill and Linda. She collected dolls and has a room at her house fully dedicated to them. She also crocheted beautiful table cloths that we will treasure. She loved babies and animals. Her favorite was a horse, (Tony) that she once told me talked just like Mr. Ed. They had t-shirts made up with his picture on and everything! She said they should've taken him to Hollywood and gotten rich! How grateful we are for the knowledge of eternal families and of the resurrection. Although Pacie was scared to death of her, (I think it was the turban...Scott's only seen her once without it) we will all greatly miss her, but are also grateful that she is not in pain and has been reunited with her loved ones. We love you, Grandma.

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."