The Taft Family

Friday, February 5, 2010

A letter to my daughter...

Tomorrow our oldest daughter will be getting baptized.

I am so thankful for her decision, so overwhelmed by her faith, and so grateful to be her mother.

Parker is one of the most caring and sweet girls I know. She is wise beyond her years and has always been so incredibly responsible. She is loving and kind to everyone and is always looking for people to help and befriend. She is a hard worker and is such an amazing helper to me. She is so smart and is just talented. Just plain talented. Everything she tries, she is good at. I know that Parker is excited for tomorrow and that she is ready for this step in her life.

I am so thankful for a church that teaches morals and values to make us better people. I am so thankful that I know there is a plan and that this life is more than just temporary. I am so thankful that I have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who made everything possible for me.

Parker-you are such a joy to me. I love you and can't wait to share in your special day tomorrow. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter.

Monday, February 1, 2010

We're having a.....

Baby GIRL!!!

We just got back from the doctor. We are having a baby girl sometime in June.

I have to admit, I wasn't too shocked. I was kind of feeling girl all along. And even though another boy would've been great-another healthy little girl is definitely not a blessing we are going to turn down.

We had Parker and Pacie with us at the ultra sound. We had many talks about what they wanted our baby to be....and both of the girls from the moment we told them we were pregnant were very adamant that it should be a brother. When the doctor announced that it was a girl, Pacie broke down in tears. Literal sobbing tears. It took some talking down, and a Cafe Rio lunch (Okay, who am I kidding-that was for me) but she is okay now. And I know as soon as this sweet little baby is born-she will be even more excited.

So-we must do pink really well.

And Landon will continue to be one spoiled little man.

The big question....

We go to the doctor today at 3:15 for our 20 week ultra sound. We have debated on finding out the gender of this baby, seeing as we have one of each. Well, three of one and one of the other. Turns out, we are both way too impatient to wait the extra 18 weeks or so.

Tune in later to see if it's pink, (AGAIN), or maybe another splash of blue....

Either way, we are overjoyed to be adding another little spirit to our home.

We will also be taking Parker and Pacie with us today. It should be a very neat experience.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

Ashley is one of those girls....you know. The ones who are good at everything?? Cooking, dancing, sports, crafts (don't deny it, Ashley), school, ....everything they try they are good at. Oh, and not to mention, she is beautiful. Inside and out. She and my brother Matt are a perfect match. They have been dating for a year and a half....

We couldn't be happier to have her "in" our family. She is so sweet to all of the grandkids and always makes such an effort to support them and us in whatever we are doing. Never misses a birthday-or an event.

Ashley is really fun too. She is really a go with the flow kind of girl. I love that because, well, it's like me! But she can also be pretty intense with the things that she loves to do. It has been so fun to have her at the girls dance studio this year. She is an amazing dancer and instructor.

Here is a short walk down memory lane with some of my favorite pics.
Love you, Schley! Hope you have an amazing b-day today!!

This is a picture of Ashley the first day we met her-at one of Matt's football games. Their first date if you will. :)

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The big 8...

Happy Birthday today to our sweet Parker!

I don't know how it's happened, but the time is flying by way too quickly. How proud of you we are and we are so looking forward to celebrating your baptism day with you next weekend.

Hope you have a magical day.

Love always,

Mom and Dad

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Hitting the Hill

Over Christmas break we had the chance to use one of our new gifts from Mom and Dad Landon. They got us a great new sled! We all bundled up and headed to Freeman park to try them out. It was a perfect day. Not too cold, just enough new snow, and lots of family there. We had a blast, and all the kids can talk about now is going again. The girls also got to model all of their new snow gear they got for Christmas. It was a great day.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

How I love this girl of mine....

Today my friend Kara took some pictures of Parker for her baptism announcements. She did such an amazing job. I really don't know how I'm going to choose which pictures to use. She has only posted these few on her blog (and I stole them). She spent a good hour with her-so I know there are going to be many many to choose from.

Her special day is coming up soon. The first weekend in February to be exact.

I can't believe she's old enough to be taking this huge step. I am so proud of her and her decision to be baptized. She is such a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend. I love her very much. (Her dad loves her a whole bunch too, but I just happen to be the one writing, so I get to say I. I love her.)

Here is a sneak peek at just a few of the pictures.

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."