The Taft Family

Thursday, December 24, 2009

From our House to Yours

Have a very Merry Christmas!!

All our Love,

Scott, Jill, Parker, Pacie, Landon, and Presley

**I will be writing our Christmas letter online this year and will be posting it here. Check back for our year in review.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Here are a few pictures of the girls from the night of their recital. It was crazy having 5 different costumes to change the girls into-so I only got pictures of their first dances. Pacie did her Hip Hop, "Ice Cream Freeze" and Parker did her ballet to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." They both did such an amazing job. We are so proud of our talented dancers and the progress that they are making this year at Infinity!!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The rumor....

is true.

We are expecting BABY NUMBER FIVE sometime around June 29th.

This would explain the lack of blogging as of late.

I am now approaching 12 weeks and am finally feeling much better. This is the toughest pregnancy I have had yet.

We are THRILLED to be entering this new adventure. Thrilled and a little scared.

That's the news...for now.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Pacie's missing something....

HER FIRST TOOTH!!

Pacie's been working on losing her bottom tooth for a few weeks now. In late summer she was eating corn on the cob and bit hard enough to loosen her little tooth. Ever since it's been wiggly, but not until last week was she ready to brave the actual yank.

A couple of nights ago was attempt number 1. Scott pulled a few times-but it just wasn't quite there.

Then last night....one little tug, and out it came!

As you can see, she was very proud.

The tooth fairy did come and visit, and 4 quarters later, Pacie is one happy camper...minus a tooth!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Better late than never...Halloween FINALLY.

I have been such a slacker as of late with my blog. I am just so crazy busy all of the time that it's one of the things that has been getting neglected. So, even though it is almost Thanksgiving, I shall try to update my blog...and get caught up with our exciting lives.

We had a great Halloween. Since it was on a Saturday, it was kind of spread over two days. The kids had their parade and parties at school on Friday. It was FREEZING outside, so the parade was a mass of shivering kids running passed the parents in an effort to somehow stay warm! I was then able to help out with Pacie's class party. There was tons of candy and treats.

On Saturday, our ward organized a trunk or treat at the church at 2:00. We got the kids all ready to go, and forgot the camera. Everyone had a fun time-and we, of course, were the last ones out of the parking lot. And when we attempted to start our car...the battery was dead. Neither one of us had our phones. So, Scott had to go neighbor searching for someone to come and give us a jump. It was an exciting end to a fun trunk or treat.

We waited a few hours and then took the kids out to a few houses around Osgood, going of course to see Grandma and Grandpa Landon and Mamie and Gramps.

I was really cheap with the costumes this year. I found Landon and Presley's at Old Navy during a Stuff-n-Save weekend plus an additional 30% off. I got Landon the dragon and Presley something that we called the "Love Bug" mostly because we weren't exactly sure what it was. I talked Parker and Pacie into being a cheerleader (my old gear from ERJHS) and a China Girl (Parker's dance costume from last year.) A pair of tights, tennis shoes, and chopsticks later, we were good to go. And I think they turned out darling. Here are some highlights.

**A side note about Landon the green dragon. Before the trunk or treat, I painted a little pink nose and some hearts on Presley's cheeks. Landon said he wanted his face painted too, so I got out the green and got to work. I don't think he expected me to paint his entire face because he was really angry and started crying before we left for the trunk or treat. He had two little white tear tracks all the way down his face. Everyone at the church was very complimentary about his green face and when it came time to go trick or treating, he was all ready for me to touch up the face. Full Green. Funny boy.

Parker the "China Girl"

Pacie, the Cheerleader

Darlin' and Landon with Daddy

The little Love Bug

Pacie with her kitty pumpkin.

Rawr! Dragon Boy.

So mischievous!!

Parker took a time out from her parade and class party to take a pic with Landon and Presley. We took the kids in their costumes so they could wear them more than just once!

Here is Landon at his preschool Halloween party. We painted these Halloween shirts and then everyone wore them the day of the party. I am loving having him in class with me. He is so much fun, and is one smart cookie!!

The kids with our neighbor and Grandmama.

Parker with Gramps

Landon with Gramps

I was kind of a Bronco Superfan. My costume was a jersey, visor, and black under my eyes. So exciting.

The kids with Mamie and Gramps. They gave the kids apples with caramel dip and puddings. Those were a HIT! The kids wanted those over any of their candy.

Monday, November 2, 2009

A Sneak Peek!

Here's my favorite shot from Halloween.

Watch for a longer update later!! :)

Friday, October 30, 2009

What's been going on....

I have been neglecting my blog as of late. We have just been busy-running around and living the dream. You know...work, cleaning house, doing homework, running kids to dance and piano, laundry. The typical dream life. I live it. :)

Here are a few pics of what has been going on.

Practicing our dirty faces at the sisters... getting cheeks painted....

Getting to spend lots of quality time with Landon-both of us sporting our Smart Start Preschool t-shirts.

Going to the pumpkin patch and picking out pumpkins!

We got a new kitty and named her Charlie. Fingers crossed that she makes it! Female kittens have had a hard time surviving at our house.

Making homemade chicken noodle soup...

Making homemade earrings. (Parker is obsessed with earrings-:)

Talking on squash phones...

Carving pumpkins! Always a fun thing to do in our family. This was the first time that Parker carved hers all on her own! :) Will post pictures of finished pumpkins later.

Pacie had to finish up her homework before she could carve her pumpkin. She wasn't pleased..but finally got it done and she poked out her kitten.

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."