The Taft Family

Friday, May 14, 2010

Feeling good and Flashback Friday

I just feel good today.

It could be a change in the weather and noting that the temperatures are supposed to be climbing into the 70's.

It could be that there is a man in my yard measuring for a bid on a sprinkler system. Which means we are one step closer to actually planting grass.

It could be that I have only two weeks of preschool left. (Disclaimer: I LOVE teaching preschool. I really do. I am just ready for a break....)

It could be that I only have about 5 weeks left until we will welcome our little baby girl into the world.

It could be that I have a plan free Friday. Granted, Scott is gone riding today, but I still have a day where I don't have to go anywhere if I don't want to.

And it could just be that I am really content in my life. Yes, I have a million things to do in the five weeks before this little one arrives. (You do not want to see my to-do list...or maybe you do. It would make you feel better about yours, I am sure!!)

But I also know that regardless of how many items I get checked off, life will keep going on, I will have a new little baby to snuggle, and these stressful planned out days will turn into blissful long summer days with little to do but relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Now, a reminder to myself to re-read this post next week when I have something every night of the week for dance, and to read it yet again the next week when I'm doing the last minute touches for my preschool parent teacher conferences and graduation. I'm sure the "zen" I'm feeling right now will be short lived. But I thought I better record it while it's fresh.

And for my flashback, here are a few pictures that Ashley took a few weeks ago. Sheer joy on a Sunday afternoon.....

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

My Best Friend

A couple of weekends ago, Scott and I were able to go to the Salt Lake Supercross together.

Thanks to Rachel, we were able to spend an entire Saturday-ALONE. She took all of our kids so that we could go.

We had breakfast at Einstein Bagels, did some shopping (3 suits at a killer sale for Scott and a new stroller for the baby-and Presley-a sit-n-stand). We shared a salad at Cafe Rio for lunch and then stopped at Red Mango on our way to the stadium.

The rest of the day was spent at Rice Eccles down in the pits with Scott's nephew, Landen. He's been racing the Supercross series and was trying to qualify again in his hometown. (#854- Here he is on the line getting ready to start....)

Most of the day was fairly nice and then as soon as the races started it started raining, hailing, sleeting, blowing....basically it was FREEZING!! So we put on our rain gear and sat out the weather.

The races were fun, Landen did qualify for the main event and rode well, but my favorite part of the day was just being together with Scott. He is my best friend-hands down. We always have fun together and it was just so fun having the whole day to remember why I do love him so much.

So thanks again, Rach, for braving 7 kids all day. We really appreciate your willingness to watch them so we could have a day!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Little Gems of Self-Expression

Sometimes when I am uploading pictures, I find these little gems. You know the ones. Self-portraits taken when you think no one is watching, then left on the camera seemingly forgotten about.

Yesterday, I found this batch of Parker.

I had to laugh. And then I also had to sigh as I realize how quickly she is growing up.

I do love though how her expressions speak more than her words ever could.

I am going to blow you a kiss....

And here it is!

Oh, I am so embarassed!

Not really-It's all good and I am one cool chick.

(My personal favorite)

This one could say a lot. I will just let it speak for itself....

Monday, May 3, 2010

Giving Credit where CREDIT is due....

I have to say it. Shout it from the rooftops, actually.

PRESLEY IS POTTY TRAINED!!

(okay, so technically the night time thing is still up for debate, but all day long she is fabulous!)

I'm not sure what flipped the switch, but I am not complaining. Especially with a new baby in about 6 weeks-I will be happy to only be buying one size of diapers. And tiny ones will be a nice change again....

In other exciting news:

PACIE now has NO front teeth!

She lost her other front tooth just last night. Scott gave it a little tug to the right and out it popped! She is a doll. She got two "golden dollars" and was in heaven this morning. You should just hear her say, "Dr. Seuss". It's the best.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Lovely Bubbles

This is what happens when a WHOLE bottle of shampoo is unknowingly dumped into the bathtub while you aren't looking.

Along with a plethora of bubbles, there is also an abundance of giggles. Which I guess when it boils right down to it-is never a bad thing.

Even if I am now out of kids shampoo. Good thing it was Suave.....

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

In Action

This past weekend was our last dance competition of the year. It was in Logan. Both Parker and Pacie danced and their teams did outstanding!! Ashley has THE nicest camera and was nice enough to bring it along and get some great action shots of the girls. The only dance we missed was "Walk the Dinosaur". I'll have to try to get some at our final performance-Jazzerettes in Concert- at the end of May.

Here are a few of them in action!

Ice Cream Freeze

Ordinary Day

Hoe Down

Magic/Genies

And because Ashley is such an amazing and fierce dancer, here are a couple that I tried to capture of her during "That's not my name".

It was a great day and a fun way to end the season. Danny and Rach and their girls and Grandma Landon also came to support us. We love them and all of our family who really loves and supports us and our kids!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Pacie T. -Toothless Wonder

Tonight Pacie told me that at school she is reading, "Junie B. Jones, Toothless Wonder".

We've been working on one of her front teeth for a couple of weeks now. It's been loose, but not quite loose enough. So, when she told me what book she was reading, we said, tonight would be the perfect night to pull out that tooth!!

When she was about 4, she ran into a post and knocked it pretty loose. It didn't die and the gums hardened up around it, but it was always kinda off center. A snaggletooth if you will. Granted you had to look pretty close to notice it.

As it's gotten looser the snaggle-ness has become more prominent. I've been calling her that for about a month now-lovingly of course.

Well, snaggletooth no more. It is out!!

And she looks cute.

She is greatly anticipating a visit from the toothfairy tonight too. Rumor has it, front teeth fetch twice the going rate of any bottom teeth...

We shall see!!

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."