The Taft Family

Monday, February 16, 2009

Love Week-All wrapped up in a bow.

I have loved Valentine's Day this year. I think because of preschool and my week of love entries it has felt like it's lasted a full week instead of a day! We had such a fun time-especially over the weekend. So, here is our love week-all wrapped up!

Writing out 50 Valentines is hard labor. Not so much for Parker's 25-but Pacie's were pretty intense! So the little ones had to find something to do while my attention was on the girls. Landon decided to try napkin skating on the floor. He was doing great-and laughing his head off to the point that Pacie had to join him and steal the show! Presley was becoming a box mermaid. Putting her feet inside this box and swishing around the counter.

Friday night-Scott said, "Hey, let's go out to dinner and take the kids."
Never being one to be argumentative, I agreed and out we went! We ended up at Firehouse Grill-a random spot-but they are usually not busy and their food is pretty good. The kids were so well behaved! I think they knew it was a treat to be there as a family. Presley was cracking us up with the chips and salsa we had as an appetizer. She was just dipping in the chips and licking it off as fast as she could! Pacie wouldn't even eat the salsa-she's a softie with hot stuff!

After Firehouse it was off to Leatherbys for some ice cream! The kids were so spoiled! But it was their Valentine's treat.

On Saturday, the actual Valentine's day, we made sugar cookies-Parker's FAVORITE thing to do. Lots of flour and pink frosting everywhere, sprinkles and hearts-but they turned out yummy! Everyone had fun decorating.

The kids had pizza for their Valentine's dinner. Not nearly as good as ours was....

Scott surprised me by taking me out-again-just one on one this time. We went to our favorite hidden away place-the Snake Bite. And I have to say, their salmon cakes were to die for! We had a great time-and I am thankful for my loves.

Here are my girls on Sunday morning. Just a look at what 11:00 church will do for you. I actually have time to curl their hair.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Love Week-Day 7

More than anything-I love my Savior.
I am thankful for my testimony and my membership in the church.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Love Week-Day 6

I love:

Seth Scott Taft

I am so thankful for Scott-and he truly is the love of my life.
I know I've probably sung his praises before, but as it is Valentine's day-I shall do it again.

1- He is an amazing hands on daddy. From the very start of things I knew he would be a wonderful dad. He absolutely adores each of our kids-and always has. I remember when Parker was a newborn-he woke up with me through every nightly feeding-just because he didn't want to miss anything. He also took Parker to work with him every day for the first 4 months of her life and brought her over to my school EVERY DAY at lunch time-along with lunch for me-so that I could feed her. His dedication has not decreased with more kids-in fact, I can tell that his love has deepened for each one. I am thankful that he wants to have a big family like me. No, we're not making any immediate announcements-I'm just glad we share views on what we want the ultimate size of our family to be.

2- He truly is the patriarch of our family and leads us in righteousness. I am so thankful for a husband who honors his priesthood every day. Thank you,Scott for being such a wonderful example of charity and goodness to everyone you meet.

3- I love his adventurous spirit!!! I knew that motorcycles would always be a part of our future-and I was okay with that. Scott will never be the type of guy to sit idle. He loves to be doing things-whether it's something fun-like riding-or just doing something industrious, like fixing something that needs to be fixed, or cleaning out the garage. Scott is just not an idle guy.

4. He makes really cute kids-at least I think so. All I know is he must have some pretty strong genes-because for every person that tell me my kids look like me-at least 50 tell me they look like Scott.....especially our son-which is a good thing.

5- He is FUN! Scott is always looking for a way to have a laugh and looking for ways to make our kids laugh too! He loves to play games with them-and just does things to make those around him happy.

Basically, I just love really everything about Scott. I am so thankful that he was brought into my life. He-and subsequently our kids-is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

That said-

I love ya, "BABE".
;)
Happy Valentine's Day.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Love Week-Day 5

Four words.

Parker

Pacie

Landon

Presley

(Okay, I can't keep it to four words. I tried.)

My kids are really my world. There is nothing I love more than being a mother to these amazing, wonderful, unique, beautiful children. They amaze me, uplift me, frustrate me, fulfill me...all in an hours time. I could never ask for anything better-a greater blessing than to be their mom.
I truly truly love them and am SO THANKFUL that they are mine forever.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Love Week-Day 4

I've been thinking about the things I love this week more than usual for this exact purpose. There are a lot of things I love-some obvious, some not so obvious. My family, my friends....my kids and Scott....of course they all make the list (and may make an appearance later in the week.)

But today, I'd like to say that:

I LOVE ENGLAND.

For any of you who may not know...I served a mission in the England Birmingham mission from Oct. 1996-May 1998. (yes, I am 33. I'll save you doing the math.)

I feel so fortunate to have served in such an amazing country. I loved it as a missionary-and have been fortunate enough to go back twice since returning home. The first time was in 2000-I went back by myself for a little over 3 weeks-and had an amazing time. (I wish I had digital pics from then....)
And then in September, 2007 Scott (who coincidentally also served a mission in England-Coventry/Birmingham mission in 89-91) and I were able to go back together for the wedding of a sister that he baptized while serving. They were married in the Preston temple.

It was so great to go back to visit together- Presley was just 6 weeks old, so she made the trek with us too. Imagine-a 6 week old baby with a passport. Yep, she's got one!

My English family-Nige, Jan, Becca, Chris and Jared Dann- live in Lincoln

where I served for 7+ months. We stayed with them and went to London together.

My affinity for England will never be diminished-I feel like it is truly a part of me. So, for today, I love England!

(And Scotland too, I guess. I haven't spent as much time there-but it is SO beautiful!)

You know what else comes from England that I LOVE?
Fish-n-Chips!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Love Week-Day 3

Today I love:

TEACHING!

I really do love being a teacher. I know it is my calling.
I missed it when I took a few years off. Having my preschool has been such a wonderful opportunity for me and my family. I have the best of both worlds. I still get to teach and I still get to be a stay at home mom. I have Fridays off so that I can go to the girl's school and volunteer there and I can go to most field trips and class parties too.

I love that Scott is so supportive as well. He is always helping me cut things out or put things together..he's a good sport.

So, here's to Smart Start Preschool. I feel very blessed! And I am LOVING it!

Some of my cute kids on Halloween , at the Pumpkin patch, and at our Valentine Celebration today. Too cute they are...most of the time!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Love Week-Day 2

This might go pretty much without saying,
but I heart:

And the reason I do is because it's been such a great way for me to keep in close touch with family and friends that otherwise I may not hear from very often.

Some say it's evil...and call out the dangers.
As for me, I use it purely as a social connection tool. And I love my friends and family that I get to be social with!

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."