The Taft Family

Sunday, February 28, 2010

First of many....

Riding days with dad.

Landon wanted one thing for Christmas. Moto-X Gear. He was VERY specific. Blue, just like daddy. Pants, jersey, gloves, goggles, boots, and helmet. Blue..just like daddy. He must've been a pretty good boy this year because Santa happily granted him his wish and brought him all of the items on his list. (Minus the boots. Those he inherited from his sister, though he doesn't know that....)

He wears them around the house, constantly. Boots and all.

This past weekend, Scott was headed to Utah for a riding day. The girls and I stayed back at home doing our own fun things. Cleaning the house, eating....you know. (We did go to a movie though and that was really fun.)

Anyway, Scott loaded up his big bike and Landon's little 50, also inherited from Parker, and they hit the road. He said that Landon did great, did about four laps and then called it a day. Scott also said it was pretty cold. It is February after all.

When I asked Landon how it was he said, "I had jumps, Mommy."

I'm sure there are going to be many more jumps for him to hit and plenty more riding days with his daddy. And NOTHING would make Scott happier.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

It's not ALWAYS Parker's special day....

Things have been a little centered around Parker lately. Pacie had a bit of a hard time a few days ago proclaiming, "Why is it always Parker's special day??" We had to reassure her that she too would have a special 8th birthday, a celebration for her baptism, etc., etc., etc.

So-just for her, here are some pics that we took one day because it was funny. She came out of my room wearing my favorite lounge around pants-just wearing them a bit differently than I do. Then she started doing a funny little dance in them that had Parker and me nearly in tears.

Oh, little Pacie. It's not Always about Parker. You brighten our days just as much as she does with your quick wit and your sweet soul.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Birthday Rewind

I know I'm doing things a little out of order-but I'm trying to get everything in so that when I do the next blog book/scrapbook, everything is included that I want to remember. And with the way my memory is going, if I don't write about it now....I won't remember what we did.

Parker's birthday was on a Tuesday-not so great on a school + dance day. But, despite that, we still tried to make it as happy as possible.

Her morning birthday request was Swedish Pancakes-what most people call Crepes.

She got a really cute outfit from G&G Taft and she wore her new shirt to school. It's still a little cold for the capri's that were included....

Scott wanted to get her something really special since it is her 8th b-day. He went and got her roses and balloons and took them to school when we took her birthday treats to her class. She was so excited and I'm not joking, they were the prettiest, longest lasting roses I've had in the house for a while!!

We let her miss the last hour of dance and let her choose where she wanted to go for her birthday dinner. Her criteria was "somewhere where I will get a free dessert". Red Robin it was. There was actually a giant red robin walking around the restaurant which Presley would have NOTHING to do with. She didn't care for him at all. The other kids thought it was great!

She thoroughly enjoyed her free ice cream dessert-as you can see. It really was the cherry on top!

We raced home and had Mamie & Gramps and Matt & Ashley over for presents and cake and ice cream. Parker was thrilled with her presents and her requests from us was a Selena Gomez barbie that has hypercolor clothing. It changes with warm/cold water. I was glad that even though she seems to be entering that "tween" stage all too quickly, that she still wanted a barbie doll. Matt & Ashley got her a super cute outfit and Mamie and Gramps got her a new church outfit, complete with new shoes. Parker got to go shopping all by herself with Mamie and had so much fun trying on a ton of dresses.

The other HIT of the night was days of the week socks. If I would've known how much she (and Pacie) both liked them, I would've bought them AGES ago! It makes me laugh that she likes them so much.

Her requested cake was a flower cake that was "purple and blue". So despite the colored tongues...and teeth in all of the present pictures, I'm glad that I was able to make our little 8 year old girl happy!!

She was intent on making these silly faces all night....so I'm putting one on here-just to show her that I will!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Skating Queens

For part of Parker's 8th birthday request, she wanted to go roller skating. Her birthday was on a Tuesday-not the most celebratory day of the week. We did go to dinner that night and open some presents, but on Saturday, we met at Starlite Skating with our good friends the Hunsakers.

Starlite has been around since probably the 70's here in Idaho Falls. I have vivid memories of that blue floor, and psychedelic carpeting that is still in place. We weren't sure how the kids would do, seeing as they've never skated before. We weren't even sure that we were going to rent skates for Presley, but then decided to just to see how she did.

Turns out- Presley was the absolute Skating Queen! The first couple of times around the rink she held onto the bar and after that, she just went around-no assistance required thank you very much.

Landon on the other hand was like a living cartoon. He could not keep his feet underneath him. One of us had to hang onto him for life and limb. Once Scott tightened up his skates a bit-things were a bit better. But it was really really funny to watch him.

Pacie and Parker both did great. Pacie was a bit more timid but soon let go of the railing and was on her way helping her friend Brittany gather her courage to let go too. Parker didn't even bother with the railing and just took off on her own.

After we went to Craigo's for a quick dinner and just fun.

We will be going again I am sure-especially to tap into Presley's apparent skating talents!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Parker's Baptism Day

I know that I've said a lot about this day. It was everything I had ever hoped it would be for our little girl. She looked beautiful and just kept giggling and bouncing, almost like she didn't know how to contain her excitement! Scott gave her a beautiful confirmation blessing and we had so many loved ones there to support her. Thanks to everyone who made her day so special. There are a lot of pictures....just a warning. :)
Parker all in her white clothes.

Grandma and Grandpa Taft

Robbie, Christy, Haley, Peyton, Saylor, Paisley and Grady Taft

Our little bunch before the baptism.

Danny, Rachel, Niamh, Ryan, and Bergin Reilly

With Mamie just after getting bapized.

Daddy and Parker all in their whites.

Me and my sweet girl.

Parker with Mamie and Gramps

The Peterson Family

Kirk, Nancy, Whitney, Jenn, Sadie, Connor, Sophie, Doug, Rebekah, Brady

Bryce, Krystal, Bridger and Logan

Parker with some of her friends:

Pacie, Morgan, Shelby, Ilah, Olivia and Niamh

Me with Parker right after she was baptized and changed.

Great Grandma and Grandpa Andrus

Great Grandma and Grandpa Landon

Amy, Elle and Addison (Carter, Cannon and Kate were there also.)

Parker, Elle and Sadie

Parker and Haley

My family-Minus Matt & Ashley and Mitch and Sarah

(Matt & Ashley were there-but had to leave right after to go take a test.

We really missed Mitch and Sarah and their little ones as well.)

Tyler, Devri, Cooper, Paxton and Olivia Nulph

4-Generations. I am so thankful my grandparents could be there!

Tyler and Ashlee

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."