The Taylor Family

38 weeks

2011-10-27T13:17:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm 38 weeks pregnant today with Sadie K. Being able to carry 4 pregnancies to term and 3 (anticipating 4) resulting in healthy babies feels like nothing short of a miracle. God's graciousness abounding! Something that should never be taken for granted. When you have experienced the Lord actively open & close....or close & then open your womb, His grace & blessing in this area of life is something you never take for granted. You are well aware of His intimate involvement. His perfect timing. His sovereignty in all things, through all things & above all things as it relates to the details of conception, pregnancy and child birth. I am Grateful.

This pregnancy for me has been very similar to the others. I tend to gain about the same amount of weight with each. My kids birth weights are all very close coming in at 7lbs. 8oz. (Natalie), 7lbs 12oz. (Kate) and 7lbs 13oz. (Hudson).

My symptoms have been similar with each including......heart-burn, sciatic nerve pain (though it's been least prevalent with this pregnancy), leg cramps, pain in my inner thighs, a lot more Braxton-Hicks this time, impatience, swelling, minor stretch marks that tend to mostly go away after the baby weight is gone, crazy hormones and an almost complete loss of my mind / memory (though I only locked my keys in my car once this time around which is significantly less than other times). Hands down, my top two most annoying symptoms are INSOMNIA that begins almost when pregnancy does AND difficulty breathing. Taking Benadryl at night helped a lot but not completely with insomnia this time. I was probably up 3-10 times per night for the last 6 months this time around.

On the UP-side...my hair, nails & skin have all been AmAzInG (not one blemish in 9 months!)!!!! Which will all quickly disappear after giving birth!

My cravings this time included buffalo sauce & bleu cheese, wine (I had 3 glasses total and they were all in the last month), candy, pancakes (mostly at the beginning), apples & peaches (pretty much any fruit I could get my hands on). Confession: I'm not good at (choose not to) following the "pregnancy rules" and drank regular coffee almost every day, ate a lot of soft cheese and drank caffeinated soda (diet cherry coke - a couple a week).

So the plan as of now is that I will be induced a week from today. Heath, Kate, Anne & my mom (if she comes) will all be in there for the delivery. My OB examined me yesterday and said that I'm just about ready to go! I have to tell you that when it comes to giving birth, I LOVE - LOVE - LOVE the entire hospital experience...including being induced!

I love checking into the hospital with my nails freshly painted, I love the nurses, I love my OB, I LOVE epidurals, I love pushing, I love delivery (because I have an epidural), I love the big hospital cup with ice chips, I love having my new diaper bag filled with new baby things, I love having the entire day to hang out with Heath with all of the anticipation of knowing we are about to meet our newest baby, I love having friends & family come visit and HANDS DOWN, obviously the best part is meeting my baby for the first time!!! There's nothing else like it!

And of course there is another side to all those "LOVELY" things....I WILL lose sleep at night from now until then thinking about getting the IV & epidural. My worst fear in the world is needles. It doesn't ever get easier. Once they're in, I'm okay though. And then there's the after birth nastiness...the stuff no one talks about. All I know is that it's a good thing that the Lord gives you the baby BEFORE you have to deal with all that cause there is nothing pleasant about your hair falling out, episiotomy, engorgement, your uterus cramping SO BAD while your baby eats, post-pregnancy body and all the other ungodly things that I won't mention. ;)

We sure do treasure your prayers throughout this next week. We are fully aware that God is completely in control, loves us immensely and does not owe us anything. The final days of this pregnancy, labor & delivery are all in His good & gracious hands. Is there any safer place to be???

PS - Did I mention that I am so very excited that soon I will be less dependent on the need for public restrooms??? I am so sick of them & if I ever have to go inside a Target restroom again it will be too soon!

The BIG talk & my embarrassing moment at Target

2011-09-06T23:08:00.002-07:00

We spent some time working on the GIRL'S room this weekend! All THREE girls will be sharing a room (and closet of course)! So we moved a few things out and a few things in! The crib is now set-up, rocking chair and small end table. I love the way it turned out - so much better than I imagined in my mind! I think the Lord somehow multiplied the square footage in there like he did those loaves & fishes! I'll post pictures soon.

So Friday evening I was putting the girls to bed. I was sitting in the rocking chair admiring my four-poster black crib for the 4th time and talking with them. Soon Natalie fell fast asleep and it was just Kate & I.

Pretty soon we got onto the topic of "periods." We've discussed it briefly in the past but not in a lot of detail. She began to ask some questions...how long does it last, when will it start, where does the blood come from???

Which took our conversation to female anatomy and reproductive organs...uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries.....you know! I speak very "matter-of-fact" on these topics. Open & honest.

At this point in the conversation is when Heath started to walk in the room. But when he heard "fallopian tubes" he quickly took two steps backward. Now, if you can picture it...the girls sleep in bunk-beds with the foot-boards facing the bedroom door. So when they are laying in bed, they can't see the door so she never saw him walk in.

She and I continued talking. And soon enough we were talking about the egg being released from the ovary....making it's way down the fallopian tubes into the uterus...which naturally lead us to the topic of sperm & male anatomy.

At this point I have three thoughts, simultaneously...

1. Oh My Gosh!!!! This is about to turn into the sex talk! Is she ready? Am I ready?

2. This can't turn into the sex talk...I have not prepared...I have no book...no visuals...I once heard we were supposed to like, go away for a weekend to talk about this.

3. If this is it, then I better start praying now!

Heath stood at the door, unseen and continuing to listen. Soon he got comfortable and laid on the floor. No matter what, I just knew I could NOT look at him or we would both die laughing!

For the "boy part" I was thankful to have Hudson as my example. He has spent much of the summer running around the house, completely naked. So I explained testicles, sperm and the two functions of the penis. Then we both giggled some as I mentioned when Hud sometimes gets...you know....

The conversation continued. It bounced around a little. She asked questions. And it wasn't until about the third time she asked, "I guess I still don't understand HOW the sperm gets into the vagina???" I knew I had to answer. But then she answered her own question...

"I know...it happens on the TOILET!!!"

Laughing!! Noooo, it doesn't happen on the toilet. Hesitate. Awkward Giggle. Ummm. Well.... in a very "functional" manner...I explained that only when a husband is married to his wife....he puts his !!!!! in her ******. I can't type it.

She giggled some. And asked, When? How often? I just referred to she and her siblings and said "four times." Again...a very "functional" explanation. It's all I was ready for.

The conversation ends soon after and she goes to bed! And quite honestly, I was pretty darn proud of myself. I thought I handled the entire situation exceptionally well!!! Heath and I laughed together and de-briefed on the couch. I was glad he was there to over-hear it all!

Fast Forward to the next night...........

Kate, Natalie, Anne & I go to Target to look for baskets. First stop for me is the bathroom to pee for the 100th time that day. Kate comes with me while Natalie & Anne browse the $1 section and wait for us. Kate finishes first & washes her hands. I am still in the stall and she says..."Mom, I think we're the only ones in here." We were. "Can I ask you another question...about, you know......what we talked about last night?"

"Sure Kate, you can ask me anything. What is it?"

"How long do you wait after you get married before you know...the husband puts his penis in your vagina?"

Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh...it was so funny...and awkward...and strange to hear those words come out of her mouth.

I respond...cool & calm of course. "Well, technically it can happen anytime after you're married, so usually on your wedding night."

Kate: "Yeah, I was thinking that's when it happened. But I think I will want to wait like, two days. I mean, I know my husband & I will need to discuss it and make sure we agree. But, I think two days."

"Yep. Ummmm, I think that will be fine."

I wash my hands. We walk out of the bathroom. Around the corner. Down the wide, main aisle. Pass customer service. Meet up with Natalie & Anne in the dollar section. Pass accessories. Pass shoes. Passing Intimates. About to turn right toward home stuff.

I hear Natalie giggling. A small commotion is happening behind me. She gets Kate's attention (NOT MINE) and points out the fact that THE ENTIRE BACK OF MY SKIRT WAS COMPLETELY TUCKED INTO MY PANTIES! Kate quickly jumped behind me as to block anyone else from possibly seeing. She starts pulling my skirt down. I quickly realize what is happening...and of course turn to look and see who has SEEN???? I couldn't tell exactly. But it made for a GREAT LAUGH!!! All four of us were practically rolling on the ground!!!

I guess I got a little distracted in the bathroom when she asked that question. The next day at church I kept running my hand over the back of my dress, terrified that the same thing might happen without me realizing it. Surely that never happens to a person more than once in their life, right?!?!

So Long Sola! We will miss you so!!

2011-09-06T21:30:00.001-07:00

Last week was a long, exhausting, hectic week around here! In case you don't live nearby and haven't heard, Sola Coffee Bar is no longer in business. It's very sad. Our church owned coffee shop has been a MAJOR highlight of the last two years of life & ministry for our family!! Truly, a gift from the Lord at such a sweet time in our lives. It has been our "second place" and our kids have LOVED the time we have spent there! I will forever have memories of them playing with their friends (specifically the Johnson & Gregg girls) in the breezeway, Hudson napping in his pack n' play in the storage room, Natalie behind the counter working the register, Hudson drinking/playing in the drain water behind the counter, Kate's favorite place to take her friends after school and Heath re-telling stories of the different people he met that day and shared the gospel with.

For me personally, Summer 2010 at Sola Coffee bar with my kids & girlfriends was SO Sweet! Art classes for the kids + convo with my girlfriends = priceless!

Other random FAVORITES...

The Gregg's vow renewal, Murray's vow renewal, Veronica's baby shower (probably the most "missional" event I have ever been a part of), Monday nights with Kim Thompson, Women's bible study, Natalie's 5th Birthday Party, Marie's birthday party, Bob Basten who was there all the time & contributed to the mission of Sola, gospel-conversations, training and serving along-side our amazing Barista's, local artists, live music, record player, running to Sola with Hudson in the stroller, our relationship with Pat F., MJ, Spencer, Karen, Lerner, Jeannie, a few crazy ladies, Troy's Latte's, seeing all the other local pastor's meeting / mentoring, Bob & Tim working from there, Bill Bruce's many contributions, Spring Training & ESPN, Dick fixing all of our broken lights, face time with Cate, feeling our friends' love & support of Sola, Phuk-Dup, Sunday morning child-care, Christmas Eve Services, Sunday morning services, Bruce's surprise party, Cartel Coffee, Jeremy's leadership, Heath's office, Amy's decor, Will's community tables and my FINAL THREE...

1. The MANY contributions of PAT MURRAY! Some of my fav's: storage door on skate board wheels, bar built of old barn wood, spinning Sola sign, the EASY button, the condiment bar, he got every permit at the city of Scottsdale, the bar countertop, supplied almost all kitchen appliances...and SO MUCH MORE!

2. Michael & Kaarin Puhala - the backbone, heart & behind the operation support of Sola! Kaarin opened every account, paid every bill, audited every expense, dealt feverishly with the Oprah people & MTV people that wanted to film in our location, and handled probably thousands of other "behind the scenes" issues that I will never know about, day-in and day-out for 2 years! NONE of this could have or would have happened without her!

Michael served as quality control specialist, resident expert, trainer, barista, and frequent consumer at Intelligencia as well as other fancy coffee-bars bringing his expertise presence to our staff and the greater community of Sola!

The Puhala's championed Sola at every opportunity!!! They have partnered with Heath & I around every corner and with every endeavor.

3. Sola WINS Best Coffee Bar in Scottsdale according to Phoenix New Times!!!

I am grateful for these memories. I love these people. And I am thankful to the Lord for this sweet, sweet season in our lives & ministry!

And so, now Sola is Cartel. And if we have to say good-bye, then Cartel is exactly who we would want to take over ownership. But it's not been easy. Logically, it makes sense as the financial burden was simply too great for our little church. But we loved the dream...and the mission of Sola so very much. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Old Town Scottsdale. And seeing the familiar faces each morning of the people in our city.

I pray that we were faithful. That God was glorified. Honored. And that the Lord used it to further His kingdom in our city.

A Teachable Moment

2011-08-09T20:16:00.001-07:00

I'm passing this along because it was a GrEaT teachable moment for our girls this evening & maybe someone else's kids out there also complained about what was for dinner! ;)

Tonight we had BBQ pork chops & corn for dinner. One particular daughter complained several times that she didn't like what we were having. There was a little bit of fat on one of her pieces of cut up meat and she was quite dramatic about it. It immediately made me think of the famine & drought happening in East Africa.

So I got on to my computer & clicked on the RED "Help East Africa" link at the top left corner of the Yahoo page. The picture of the precious big-eyed, emaciated child featured in the story was the perfect "visual" for both of them to see in that moment. I was able to explain what a drought & famine are and how so many children are starving to death in East Africa, right now.

Immediately my complainer so sincerely responds, "Okay mom, but what can we do to help?" I love that about her! At the bottom of the article are 3 links where we could make a donation and one of them was 'World Vision' a Christian organization we trust & are very familiar with. They are accepting donations as little at $10. So we decided on how much we should give & were able to do so right then!

Aren't "teachable moments" all about the timing??! I'm thankful for the lessons tonight in... (1.) thankfulness & gratitude for what we have (2.) more awareness of what's happening in the lives of the people in the world around us & (3.) generosity!

Top Twenty

2011-07-08T18:15:00.001-07:00

My mind is racing with all things gIrLy!!! It probably has something to do with the fact that I got to see my baby on a large screen for 2 hours this morning as she squirmed & rolled all over the place! It got me thinking about all the things I LOVE about having GIRLS!

Here's my top 20 List:

1. They come home for Christmas

2. Hair bows & ruffled bottoms

3. Long talks with lot's of details

4. Shopping together

5. Snuggling - there can never be enough of it!

6. Cooking & baking together

7. The help & team work with domestic stuff like cleaning the house....& seeing that (generally speaking) they enjoy doing it!

8. Dance Parties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. Sister Love

10. A common love for sweets & treats

11. How MUCH they LOVE, Adore & Gush all over their brother

12. Their relational side

13. Watching them with their dad

14. Singing (& dancing) together in the car

15. Their affections toward God...and how they always want to know more about Him.

16. Girly bedroom (that is singular: 1 bedroom + 1 closet for 3 girls!) :)

17. Fashion - bikini's, boots, rompers & skirts! We like it all!

18. Their caring & generous hearts toward others

19. Their sense of responsibility

20. Even their sass & attitude can be so stinking funny!

Level 2 Sono & HER NAME

2011-07-08T15:49:00.001-07:00

Heath, myself & the girls spent a good part of this morning at the Fetal Women's Center while I got a level 2 sono-gram. I don't know why, but I assumed a "level 2" was more like 3-D. It's not. It's a normal sono-gram that just takes an extra long time because they look very closely at every detail of the baby. And there's nothing that a pregnant mama likes to hear more during that 2 hours than "She's Perfect!" And my lovely technician said it over & over & over & over...Her heart, brain, spine, face, bones, hands & feet all look PERFECT!!! :) Praise God! He is so good to us and our hearts are bursting with gratitude!

So, IT IS a GIRL! We had a sono at 14 1/2 weeks that showed the same thing but since it was so early, Heath was not willing to fully accept that reality until it was "verified" today! He's so funny like that! When I was pregnant with Hudson, he kept insisting that there was still a possibility it was another girl until I was like, 8 1/2 months along! And this time, he was holding out for another boy! I know that deep down, he doesn't care either way...I think in a sweet sort of way, his nostalgic side holds out for whatever it is NOT. Weird, I know!

My due date is November 10.

Her NAME. Well, over the last 22 weeks Anne, Kate, Natalie & I compiled a list of names. We've added & eliminated. We've discussed them with my family & other girlfriends. It's pretty much dominated most of our conversations for weeks!!! I love discussing baby names!!!

And we have tried desperately to get Heath to engage in the discussion with us. He's pretty much been unwilling. He has so many other things on his plate right now, that discussing the baby's name was out of the question until he knew for positively, absolutely, undeniably SURE whether it was a boy or girl!

At the very beginning of my pregnancy all he would say on the topic was, "I only like the names we've already chosen! I DON'T like ANY other names. So let's just combine the girls' middle names and name her that! And if it's a boy, then it will just be another Hudson"

And he was very serious! Can you even imagine?????

That did not work for me.

I like the name Caroline Anne but this poor child needs an identity of her own!

So, on the list of girl names that we compiled this time around was......Emma, Savannah, Sadie & Avery.

On our boy list was Hayden (Heath's choice since Hudson #2 was OUT) and Blake (my choice).

And after 22 weeks of thought, a little prayer & much discussion (Heath was listening, even if he wasn't giving input) the girls and I decided on our favorite name!

Kate was the one who suggested it one evening, while she and I were looking at a blog post of baby names together. She picked it out of this long list and LOVED it immediately! The very next day a dear friend randomly suggested the exact same name. The more I heard it, the more I liked it! Evidently it has also grown on Heath because he told me today that he REALLY likes it as well! Neither one of us know anyone with this name.

Last thing I'll say on the matter...when it comes to choosing a name, I am not one for nick-names or shorter versions of their "real name." My preference is to call them exactly what I name them. And the meaning of the name plays a part as well. It's not the main thing for either of us but it IS taken into consideration.

So, the name that I am 99% sure that we have decided on is.........

Sadie Kathryn

Sadie is derived from the name Sarah which in Hebrew means Princess.

Kathryn is after my grandma's middle name - Lorraine Kathryn.

Alright, well there you have it! It's been an exciting day & we now have THREE weddings to be saving up for!!! Though, the sono-gram tech told us this morning that it has become "quite fashionable" for the couple to pay for their own wedding.

Heath really liked hearing that! :)

Beware of Mirrors

2011-07-08T08:00:00.001-07:00

Wow!! I love how today's Desiring God post ties in so well with my blog post from yesterday! There's so much to behold for myself and to translate into 5 & 7 year old language for my girls. This will make a great family devotional for today!

Girls

2011-07-07T10:56:00.001-07:00

This morning the kids and I were lounging at The Coffee Bean (rather than our 1st favorite coffee shop, Sola, as to not interrupt the daddy).

Kate (age 7) comments to me:

"My ideal outfit mom is a side pony, a black strapless dress & high-heels. Oh, and lot's of make-up!"

Which is kind of funny to me since her hair is too short to fit into a side pony, she owns nothing strapless or high-heels.

She's my one who spends the most amount of time looking at herself in the mirror, picking out her clothes (most worn item of clothing is her denim "mini" skirt) and fixing her hair. She will fix & re-fix her hair all day if I would let her, typically adorning it with some sort of large flower or bow to the side. She loves to be showered, lotioned & coordinates her clip-on earrings to match her pajamas.

She and I talk a lot about idolatry & what an appropriate amount of time is to spend on yourself, "primping." We talk about how Satan was the most beautiful angel of all and how pride & his self-love was the ultimate cause of his fall (Ezekiel 28:17).

She listens & makes good attempts to self-monitor. What else could I ask for? :)

I sense a lot of these type of conversations in my future with 2+ little girls in the house! Bring it on!!! :)

Just one of THOSE days...

2011-05-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

At my last OB appointment my doctor said he wanted me to go in for a sonogram. He has referred to my "advanced maternal age" (which is technically not until SEPTEMBER) several times & suggested some possible extra tests if I am interested. Ummm, no thank you! But no pregnant girl EVER turns down an opportunity to see her baby on that black & white screen! So I immediately walked across the breezeway of the medical center into Scottsdale Medical Imaging Lab and scheduled my appointment. It was for today at 11:15 am.

I was exactly this far along when we found out Hud was a boy last time. So I knew there was a chance that even though I'm only almost 15 weeks, we could find out!!!

We went to pick up Kate from school & Anne met us there. We were right on time @ 11:15am. It was a family affair - all 6 of us! I drank my 48 oz. of water as instructed and sat in that waiting room in a lot of pain...but pain that could be well worth it! At 11:50 (that's 35 minutes later) a VERY rude lady called my name and told me that they did not have me scheduled for an appt. I was not on the list at all that day. Or any other day!!! But wait, I walked in here myself, sat in THAT chair and made my appointment 10 days ago. She implied that I had not done that. She said that they had me down as a "no show" 10 days a go at 3:15 pm. NOOOO! That's the exact day & time I came in to SCHEDULE the appointment. But whatever! She made a phone call and got me at a similar place down the street.

I had to go to the bathroom worse in that moment than ever before in my life! So I asked Heath & Anne to gather all our stuff & kids in the waiting room and meet me in the car. They didn't hear the "in the car" part. We lost each other for a few minutes. It was a little stressful.

But we found each other and made our way over to the other office. I went to the bathroom there and drank 3 more water bottles immediately for my new appt. Waited another 40 minutes. They finally called me back and told me I had to go by myself. What??? We always ALL go back together - but at this point, who cares?!!! Let's just get this over so I can pee please!!! So I go back to the sonogram room. She tells me that she's never had someone ask to bring their entire family back for a pelvic sono before. I just explained that the kids are really excited to see the baby. To which she responded, "what baby, you're not pregnant?!"

Well actually, yes I am.

She was confused. Said that wasn't in my paper work and that I would have to go back to the waiting room (for the THIRD time that day) to fill out more paper work! By now, it's been a full 2 hours since we arrived at my first appointment. UGH!!!

They told me to come back in an hour at 2pm. So we all went to Quizzno's for lunch, took Kate back to school and Anne took Hud & Natalie home. Heath and I went back. They got me in this time. That sweet girl took measured & took pictures of my baby for the next 40 minutes. Since I had just eaten, the baby was very active which was fun to see - except we never got to see what we were looking for. :( It's legs were crossed & she was pretty positive that it was too early to tell. But at this point we're pretty convinced that if it is a boy it would have been more obvious.

So we will wait a few more weeks, discuss girl names and check in again.

Advice from First Grade Kate

2011-05-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

I got a kick out of this fill-in-the-blank sheet that was sent home in Kate's folder today.

It's fun to grow up because we don't get in troble.

Happiness is when we have a birthdays.

The meaning of life is becase god made us.

Think twice before when your tring to think.

A penny saved is a one sent.

An apple a day keeps the dokter away.

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man tired.

Good things come in nice packages.

If at first you don't succeed try agein.

Money doesn't grow on a vine.

The best things in life are when you do something.

The grass is always greener on the ground.

The pen is mightier than the penceil.

There's no place like pearadice.

We have nothing to fear but Monsters.

You can't judge a book by it's cover.

You can't teach an old dog how to read.

The Choice

2011-05-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

After church last Sunday:

Natalie: "So mom, I was talking to Kate about you know...the choice. And I already know what I'm gonna choose."

Me: "Oh really, what's that?"

Natalie: "I'm gonna choose to you know, go to heaven. Cause I believe in Jesus and I love God."

Me: "Okay, how do you think you get to heaven?"

Natalie: "Well I will probably have to go through Space."

Me: "That's not really what I meant but you're funny."

Natalie: "And I really want to start taking camillionon (communion) too cause sometimes I get really thirsty during church."

Me: "Cutie-putootie I love you and let's make sure we bring you a water bottle to church because you are not ready to make the decision yet. But we can talk more about it later!" ;)

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:03:00.001-07:00

And one in my belly...so blessed!

Off to California...

2011-04-14T07:52:00.001-07:00

My little man and I are off to San Diego this afternoon. Last week my Uncle Cloys passed away, at age 82. He was my grandfather's identical twin brother and our families are very close. He has struggled with alzheimer's and has been ready to go to heaven to be with Jesus for awhile now. While the circumstances are not ideal, not living in the same state as most of my family I am always thankful for opportunities to go home during the the times when the rest of he family is all together.

It's kind of amazing actually. Last Wednesday evening Heath got a message on his voice mail from a man in our church, offering us his Southwest Rapid Reward ticket that expires in May that he was not going to use. We decided we would take the evening to think about it and call him back in the morning. It was the following morning at 8:54am that we got news of my Uncle Cloys passing. AND, Hudson doesn't turn 2 for two more weeks, so he can still fly for free! 2 for 1!!! That's the Lord!

But I am sort of wondering HOW I am going to make it? You see, I have spent more time on the couch these last 3 weeks, than I have in probably the last 3 years. My "morning" sickness which is actually All Day sickness has kicked into high gear. And the tiredness and utter exhaustion is almost unexplainable. I am dragging through each day. Completely worthless. GOOD.FOR.NOTHING. That's me! 3 more weeks until my first tri-mester is over and I anticipate it will all subside then. HOPING!

In the meantime, Hudson must be able to sense that his 2nd birthday is at the end of the month! Because he has turned into Rambunctious Rambo Child who draws on walls, spits in anger, throws things in anger, pulls hair, HITS the girls and I SO HARD, hangs on me (which is really not new) except now it's more like climbs all over me, digging his knees and elbows into the fleshy parts of my body & screams NO at everything. While at the same time....deep down still maintaining moments & hints of sweetness when he feels like it.

And I get to take him on a plane today! Special.

Be back at the beginning of next week, friends! Pray for me! :)

2011-04-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

"The tough times are when the bible comes to life for you and when the person of the Lord Jesus becomes the most real to you."

-Ruth Graham

I have never experienced this in such a way as I have these last 4 months. God Himself turning almost everything in my life upside down. In yet I have also not ever sensed his presence so close. The bible is very much alive. And the person of the Lord Jesus is more real to me than He has ever been. Deeper still.

Mom Moments...

2011-04-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

I know that someday I am going to miss "these" days. I will look back at them and remember all of the sweet, sappy stuff forgetting the days like today. This is just a little reminder of the other side for my own records. :)

Kate slept on the floor in our room last night because she was experiencing horrible pain in a tooth. She woke up 4 times in the night screaming & crying. She has an exxxxxxtremely high tolerance for pain so I knew it must have been bad. I was so, so sad for her, unable to bring any relief...and beyond exhausted myself.

First thing this morning I took her to the dentist. Turns out she had an infection in a tooth she recently got a filling in. He had to pull it. The pain she experienced afterward was not like anything I have ever seen from her before. Excruciating!!! Poor baby!

The pharmacy took FOOOOOOOREEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVEEEEEEERRRRRRR and then told me no one makes the antibiotic the dentist prescribed. Whatever! In the meantime Hudson found a vibrating hand massager on the shelf that he REALLY wanted to keep. No. So I had to man-handle his screaming, flailing body out of CVS.

They figured out a different antibiotic, but I had make another trip back to pick it up.

Heath was unable to hear any of my phone calls because his phone was accidentally set in some default voice mail mode. I thought he had Kate's insurance card. I needed it to pick up the script. But I couldn't get ahold of him. Made a trip to Sola to get it. He had it. I may not have been as nice as I could have been.

Hudson has been constipated for 3 days. He finally was able to "go" when I was back at the pharmacy, this time in the drive-thru. His face was reddish-purple & his scream was that "I'm in HORRIBLE pain AND I hate your freaking guts for not letting me out of this car seat RIGHT NOW" scream! There was nothing I could do in that moment.

Kate is the worst child ever when it comes to taking medicine. I was NOT in any sort of mood for complaining or whining about it...after that tooth kept me up all night, cost me a lot of money, a trip to Sola and two trips to the pharmacy. I had to apologize later to her for not being more patient.

The plan was to get her back to school in time for lunch. We weren't even close. Ended up in the McDonald's drive thru at 12:09pm - with EVERYONE else! I let Hud out of his car set as soon as we were in the parking lot since we were like #15 in line. He stunk so bad and all he wanted to do was sit on my lap. So I let his stinky butt crawl all over me as I creeped my way up in the drive-thru. When we made it to the window to pay, my car stunk so bad and I am positive the aroma drifted out my window and right up that woman's nostrils. SO SORRY Lady.

Changed the nasty diaper and ate lunch in the parking lot. Got Kate to school. Hudson went down for a nap. Natalie came home from school. And I took a shower at 2:30pm.

Oh yeah, and then Kate stepped on a bee. Barefoot. More screaming.

And the Lord thinks I can handle another one????!!!!

13 Years

2011-04-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

There's not a whole lot to say, except that being married to Heath Everett Taylor for 13 years is God's grace in my life. His pure, undeserved, generous GRACE! Not because of something I did, or some intrinsic worthiness that God sees in me. Heath is just a gift, given to me, by God, because He loves me!

It is truly a blessing to be married to someone who...(pardon me while I brag on him for just a moment - I don't do this very often)...

loves whole heartedly...serves above & beyond....does not easily tire... is long-suffering...a self-less lover...all-around AmAzInG dad...discerning...wise...leader...masculine...gifted teacher & discipler of our family...gracious...a lover of strangers...bold in his faith...resolved...generous...and funny! Sometimes it's 7th grade humor, but funny nonetheless!! ;)

And on top of all that he does dishes, irons (thank you Marine Corps!!!), changes diapers & serves me in countless ways.

I've heard 13 is a "lucky" number. I don't really believe in luck. But I do believe that this is going to be an incredible year as we follow the Lord together! One like we've never experienced before! I am looking ahead with joyful anticipation in my heart, excited to continue this journey together!

Answered Prayer!

2011-04-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

It was the end of November, 2009. I was sitting across the table at Sola from my friend Cate.

Looking for some Christmas gift ideas I asked her, "So have you thought about what you guys are going to get your girls for Christmas this year?"

She replied explaining that ALL her girls wanted was a baby. Nothing else. She would offer other suggestions to them & they didn't seem interested in anything else. Those girls LOVE babies! And all they wanted was a baby brother or sister for Christmas.

Obviously, for my friend, this is something that was very much out of her control.

And so began the journey. Praying. Seeking. Asking.

And Lord is so Good. So Gracious. So Faithful. The Giver of THIS perfect little gift!

FOUR!!!

2011-04-02T14:49:00.004-07:00

Well it's way past time for a new post! I've got several lingering in my mind actually. There's been SO much happening in our home these past 3 months. And it takes me a little while to process things so I tend to wait to write about them.

First things first! Let's start with the REALLY EXCITING news!

I'm pregnant again! Baby #4 will be gracing our home with its' presence in November. We were pretty shocked at first and now we are absolutely over the moon with joy & anticipation! The story goes something like this...

It was a Friday morning and I was awake unusually early for this night owl! Everyone else was still asleep so I got cozy on the couch to spend some time with the Lord. I had been meditating on Phillipians 3-4 these past few months & loving it!

Toward the end of my quiet time, my thoughts began to drift toward coffee..........

Oh how I LOVE Friday - my most favorite day of the week cause Heath is off! But he will need to still go pick up pastries from Scratch and take them to Sola. Oh good, he has to go to Sola anyway this morning so it will be easy for him to bring me home a coffee. Hmmmm, what sounds good this morning???? Cinnamon vanilla latte......no. Agave Latte........no. Plain latte.....no. A Mocha.......no, disgusting. But I usually like Mocha's. Do I want something iced? No. Why does nothing sound good right now. That's so weird. It's the perfect day for coffee to sound good because it will be so easy for him to just bring me something home. Maybe I just want a plain coffee. Oh, no thank you. That sounds awful!

So I decide to check in on facebook & posted my status....

March 11 @ 6:21 am

Perplexed by my lack of desire for coffee lately (Kaarin & Emma like this)

Dede: pregnancy alert! (Dacey likes this)

Amy: yep :)

Kelly: oh girl, that was my sign! :)

Gayle: better hit the pharmacy section

Debi: I say the same thing, you're pregnant!

ME: no, no, no I wasn't even thinking about that! But that's not it. It's probably more along the lines of over consumption.

Gayle:Call it what you want, but.... :)

Dacey: LOL, I asked Heath about this today!

Wait an hour. See a few of the responses.

My thoughts....

People would say that. They have no idea! There is absolutely NO possible way that I am pregnant. Ooooohhhhh, now it's going to start rumors so I need to nip this one really quickly. That's crazy! Why would they think that? If they only knew how almost impossible that actually is!!

I leave for a run. I've been running about 3.5 miles, 3-4 times a week. So I could not figure out why I was so sluggish and struggling to gain momentum. A couple of random times the thought of pregnancy crossed my mind because of people's responses. But I dismissed those thoughts pretty quickly. The closer I got to home, the more I was thinking about it though. I just felt so "off." And why was I so unusually tired this week? We've had a lot of company in & out of our house. I was sure that was it. And the Lord knows that this would be the absolute worst time in the whole entire world for me to be pregnant. I mean, if ANYONE knows how crazy the timing would be, it would be HIM - so He wouldn't do that!

When I got home, Heath and Natalie were awake. The thought crossed my mind again...what if I am pregnant? I would need to know right away so I could get progesterone so I don't miscarry. I mentioned something to Heath. He pretty much blew me off. I told him I would probably run out to the store soon to buy a test. He asked, if I would stop at Fresh & Easy to pick up some Hummus for him. :)

Natalie and I left for CVS. We went in and bought the 2 pack of generic tests. As we were walking down the aisles I felt myself getting really nervous. My hands were shaking and my thoughts were racing!!!!

Why was I SO TIRED this week when I was volunteering at Kate's school for Field Day??? I was only there for 2 hours. I could hardly stay awake. Oh yeah, and then that dad looked over at me and told me to "Smile!" Why did he say that? I'm always smiling. And if I am not smiling for one time in my life because I'm really tired, then leave me alone. But why was I so tired when I went to bed 3 times this week before 8:30pm? That's SO strange for me! I'm always awake until at least 11:30 pm.

We buy the tests and drive across the parking lot to Fresh & Easy. By now I feel like the walls are closing in on me. If I was pregnant, I would be totally shocked. I've never been caught off-guard before. We were always "trying" in the past. This would be so weird. I don't even know if I would do well with 4 kids. My car won't fit one more person!!!!!

We park, walk in and I immediately start looking for the bathroom. I had to know RIGHT AWAY! Like, IMMEDIATELY! The box of tests was in my purse and I was ripping the packaging off as we were looking for the bathroom. I probably forgot to lock the door and peed on that stick as quick as I could. Natalie was totally oblivious as to what was happening. I set the stick on top of the tp holder and waited.......But not for long! 2 LINES! Yep! That's what I saw! I called Heath from Fresh & Easy to tell him. I think he was shocked.

I hardly remember looking at hummus and checking out...or driving home.

I got in to see my doctor within 2 hours. He confirmed that I was indeed pregnant & got me my meds.

Heath & I verbally processed out loud with one another for the next several days. It was exciting! We were excited! It just took a few moments to settle in.

It's soooo bizarre to me how in one moment I could not even fathom the idea of being pregnant with #4. I just hadn't even seriously considered it. And in the very next moment I would never want it to be any other way!

Top Ten

2011-03-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

I really Love my church family.

Here's a little "Top Ten" list of some of the reasons why...

1. We LOVE theology & the bible.

2. We don't like fluffy stuff on Sunday mornings or ever.

3. We are a VERY hospitable body! Friendliness & hospitality are some of our greatest strengths.

4. We are inclusive.

5. Almost every single person serves at some capacity.

6. We don't like programs. We do a few things well.

7. We love each other well and meet one another's needs.

8. Our leadership is strong & unified.

9. We are teachable & talk about our sin.

10. Generosity! These people are very generous!

My Natalie

2011-03-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a looooong couple of weeks with a particular Taylor child...of the female species...who is 5 years old and has blonde hair.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to love her more than I do!!!

But she has been wretched. And unrepentant. And stubborn. And horrible.

I have had to bestow upon her the most severe consequences of my entire parenting career.

And I have made some mistakes.

But she finally came to me late last week and said...

"Mom, when I was outside riding my bike I was praying to God and I prayed that Cynthia (our chow owning neighbor) would praise Jesus, and don't worry mom I didn't close my eyes because then I couldn't see where I was going. And then mom..."

Her voice quietly began to fade so I could hardly hear her...

"and then I asked God if He would change my heart."

Well Praise the Lord, it's about TIME!

I didn't say that, but I could tell that her heart really had finally changed. And that was the point.

Then last night Heath and I were talking about what our personalities were like at that age, trying to figure out who she was most like.

Turns out, it's me!

Big surprise!

The Johnson Family

2011-02-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

God is VERY CLEARLY at work weaving the Johnson family together! Sean & Cate's story of Faith, Sacrifice, Obedience and LOVE of children /orphans is so beautiful! The way the Lord has placed a deep desire & love for children in their hearts. And then in is His perfect timing, and glorious ways, satisfied those desires with gifts that are good beyond measure!

The completely amazing part to me is that God uses people like you and I to fulfill His purposes. He has given us so much SO THAT we can be a blessing to others. And we have a tremendous opportunity to join Him where He is currently at work. The Lord has gone before this family and chosen their son / little brother in such a personal, intimate way. I am completely in awe of God's goodness to them!!! And so blessed that we get to be a part of bringing Elijah home.

You must see their sweet faces and read more about their story here.

Elijah is due to be born in a few short weeks (April 6th) and there are still funds to be raised. Do you have an extra $20? $200? Airline miles they could use to travel to pick up their son? Hotel points they could use for their stay? Time to pray for them? Words of encouragement? A blog where you can add their link?

Please visit their blog and join us as we watch the Lord bring little Elijah home to his mom, dad & three eagerly awaiting sisters!

Kate's 7th Birthday

2011-02-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

My sweet Kate Caroline,

You turned 7 on Saturday and it has been so much FUN celebrating YOU this weekend! While you were at school on Friday your dad, Natalie & I began decorating for the Barbie themed slumber party that would be happening that evening. Anne came a little early to help me get ready and your friends began arriving around 5:00pm....Kiley, Zion, Ada, Brynley, Jacquelyn & Hailey. We painted everyone's nails and then left to go eat pizza at Grimaldi's. All of the girls loved playing with their own pizza dough and chatting before polishing off two large pizzas!! After dinner, you and your friends rode home with daddy. He says that the highlight of the evening for him was as you guys were pulling back into the driveway, you looked at him and said, "This is the BEST night EVER!" You were taking in every moment & loving it!

We got home just as it was getting dark and time for the DaNcE PaRtY!! This was DEFINITELY the HIGHLIGHT of the evening!! Anne made you a CD with some dance music on it, all the girls got 4 or 5 glow bracelets/necklaces, turned off the lights and turned UP the music! Everyone was dancing & having SO MUCH FUN! We did freeze dance, make a circle and show us your best move, the train (into the front yard)! We danced until we were so hot & couldn't dance anymore!

Then it was time for cake & ice cream. I came across a recipe for red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting earlier in the week. Since that's your favorite, I decided that I would make it for you!! Well, it wasn't very popular. It was pretty funny actually, because NOBODY ate it. Including you. Everyone pretty much declared after ONE bite that they didn't like it. Anne, Chrystal & I were the only ones that had any...and probably because they felt sorry for me. :) I think the problem with the cake was two-fold....red-velvet is not very popular among 7 year olds AND I didn't use "cake flour." I used all-purpose flour so it ended up being pretty "dense." (I didn't realize there's a difference.) But now YOU know for when it's time to make birthday cakes for your kids!!

The funniest part about it to me was remembering back to your 2nd birthday! For your first birthday, I ordered a red velvet cake from the fanciest bakery in Peoria Illinois. It was delicious & has been your favorite flavor ever since! For your 2nd Birthday (Elmo party) I made homemade red velvet cupcakes with vanilla frosting. They were similar to the cake I made this weekend...except worse. The cupcake turned out very dry and the frosting was the consistency of chalk. They were Horrible but I put them out anyway. And like this weekend, nobody ate them. So for the last 3 years I have been ordering your birthday cakes from the bakery rather than making them...for Obvious reasons!! So unless my cake baking skills improve drastically, it's back to the bakery!! :)

Movie Time! Everyone settled in on the floor with their sleeping bags & pillows to watch Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. You guys loved it ! And since no one ate cake, they filled up on candy!

After that it was time to start getting ready for bed. Pj's, teeth brushed and setting up beds in the play room. It took a few minutes to get everyone settled...but around 11:15pm everyone was pretty much wiped out!

At 7:15 am I saw a few little heads peeking through my bedroom door. Anne had slept on the couch, so she got up and ran out to get donuts while I got everything else ready for breakfast... fresh fruit, juice & 2 dozen donuts! Then everyone wanted to have ANOTHER dance party!

At 10am parents started arriving and the party was over.

You started asking a couple of months a go of you could get your ears pierced this year on your birthday. Well actually, you began asking for the first time last year when several of your school friends got theirs done for their 6th birthday. But we said you needed to wait. So now you were asking again. And I immediately said YES! I think you are responsible enough to take care of them and with your new short haircut, I think they would look adorable on you!!! So we presented the idea to your dad. OH Myyyy! He did not like that idea at ALL! I was a little surprised at how much he did NOT like the idea, actually. First he said you have to wait until you're 15. Then after some thought, he changed it to 10. I think it's that whole not wanting you to grow up thing and the fact that he's so nostalgic. He has a MUCH more difficult time with you growing up! But as badly as you wanted to get them done, you heard "no" very well and handled it very maturely...without any whining or complaining. I was very proud of you.

Some other attributes about you at Seven...

1. Lately, you have been telling us (very sincerely) that you are going to be a "Pop Star" when you grow up. I have no idea where you even heard that term, "pop star." But it's sweet, because you do LOVE to gaze at yourself in the mirror while you sing Taylor Swift songs.

2. We got you a new bible and 'girls devotional' for Christmas & you have been very diligent about reading & keeping up with it, almost nightly. You will often times tell me, "mom, I need to go get in bed now so I can spend some time with the Lord." You are pretty darn precious!

3. Fashion has just recently shown up on your radar! You like to get "dressed up" for school. You think sweat pants are pajamas. And your favorite thing to wear is your grey boots and this big black flower in your hair. You think these two items look good with EVERY-THING. :)

4. You are conscious of eating healthy and brushing your teeth well. Though, you love dessert more than anything.

5. You are very teachable & eager to learn. You don't ever want to miss school. Your favorite subjects in school are Science & Math. But you are also a good reader!

6. You can be VERY dramatic! Especially when you are in trouble or tired. If you are sent to your room and feel that you are being treated unjustly, you will cry dramatically and plead your case to your self while watching yourself in the mirror.
I love you. :)
And am little afraid for when you start your period.

7. You are a lot like your dad in that you mostly just want to do the right thing. You are honest. Kind. Thoughtful. You want to please...me & daddy...& the Lord.

8. You are Generous...but also very much struggle with taking the best for yourself. I would say that is what we are working on the most right now. Especially, especially when it comes to your sister. But also with friends.

9. You pick very sweet girls as your closest friends.

10. You are very into make-up right now. You STARE at me in the bathroom while I apply mine, with a look that is very much longing to do the same. You wish I would let you wear it more often.

11. You love Anne very much and ask about her throughout the week.

I love you baby and I am so very, very proud of you! You are growing up very quickly and turning into such a lovely young lady! The best part of you though, by far is what the Lord is doing inside of you. He is clearly at work in your life and giving you understanding of His word.

Happy 7th Birthday sweet girl!

Love you forever,
mom

Fasting

2011-02-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Do you a fast? I'm just curious. It's not something that we as Christians talk about often. I feel a little awkward even asking. The Lord says that it is something that should be done privately, not for the purpose of bringing attention to yourself. So I'm curious if everyone out there is fasting and it's just done super privately. Or if most people really don't fast and it doesn't seem to matter because it never really comes up.

Scripture is clear about it being something that we are expected to do...privately....not to be seen by others...but by our Father who is in secret. And He will reward us. (Matthew 6:16-18)

I started thinking about it earlier this week when Aaron McCrae asked people on his blog to fast & pray for Kate's healing. He brought it up. And it's exactly what the body of Christ should be doing right now on behalf of this little girl and her family.

Bringing the topic a little closer to home...

I don't know what things are like in your world or the world of your closest friends. But I can tell you that almost all of my closest friends...the friends that are like family to us...are walking through some of the deepest valleys (like, where the shadow of death is) and struggling through the toughest of trials, right now. It's intense. We are asking God for guidance, provision, healing, clarity, wisdom & direction. He is stripping away idols and forcing us to press into Him. Our theology is being tested...especially our theology of suffering. We are being stretched. Walking by Faith and not by sight is happening on a whole new level.

And it's good. It's right. It's healthy. But it is Hard. And oh, so painful.

So how do we bear one another's burdens in times such as these?

We fast & pray for each other. It's all we can do.

I fast. I began developing this discipline in my life several years back. There was a particular sin that I was really struggling with. I prayed & prayed & prayed about it. I wanted it dead. But I couldn't seem to master it. So in March of 2005 I decided that I would fast every single Tuesday for at least that month and see what God did. He honored that fast in countless ways. And while I still struggle at times with that particular sin...to a much smaller degree...fasting has become a somewhat regular discipline in my life.

I fast & pray more often now on behalf of other people...like Kate McCrae, church family and friends. And sometimes I will send them a brief message or text to let them know. Sometimes I don't. Or sometimes I will tell them after the fact. Strictly to be an encouragement. If you prayed and fasted for me all day, it would encourage me to know that.

I typically do a traditional Hebrew fast, going without all food and drinking only water from sun up to sun down. I don't get up before the sun comes up to eat, but I do eat dinner after the sun goes down. Honestly...I'm usually watching out the window, waiting for the sun to go down that last hour.

Dad's Surprise Party

2011-02-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we drove out to California to surprise my dad with a big party for his 60th Birthday! I absolutely cannot believe we pulled it off!

First off, let me go back to the part where we drove out to California. All five of us. You see, we have done this drive more than a few times over the last 4 1/2 years. And every single time, it has been a Nightmare!!!! Especially during the years where Natalie was, oh, 1 1/2 - 3 1/2. Being the highly IMPATIENT little person that she is, HA-TED being in the car for any long period of time. And she would scream, cry, demand that we let her out, insist that we BE there, take her seat belt off and all the rest for 4 to 5 of the 6 hour road trip. Never would sleep for a moment...no matter if we left at the crack of dawn or the middle of the night! We tried all the tricks!!! Nothing worked. So on more than one occasion we would have to pull over on the side of the road and spank her under various underpasses. Ohhhh, the memories!!!

But not this time! EVERYONE was SOOOOOOO good! The girls had their ds's & movies. Hudson watched Elmo and ate suckers. Everyone slept! And we would zoom by those underpasses, everyone's bottoms remaining untouched!!

So we got to California on Friday and hid out at my sister's house until the big party on Saturday night! Now, you need to know that my family is horrible at keeping secrets. ESPECIALLY, Fun surprise type secrets! It's not uncommon for us to tell each other every single thing that we buy for Christmas / Birthdays and then go ahead and open all our gifts a week early, cause we simply can't wait for the other person to see what we bought them! So the fact that we kept this from my dad for TWO whole months was a huge accomplishment for ALL of us!!! HUGE!

My parents are in charge of the table cloths for the hospitality tables at their church (random, I know). So their pastor called that morning and told my dad that someone had borrowed the table cloths for a party at the Women's Club and wanted to know if he would mind running by there to pick them up and bring the to church a few minutes early in the morning. My dad is totally the person that you call for something like that! Of course, he agreed. And then he thought he would be meeting my sister's family for Mexican food afterward.

Everyone arrived in their 70's style get-up's...which was groovy fun! And then my dad pulled up. We left the lights on. When we walked up the steps, he slowly opened the door and peeked his head in...expecting to see a bunch of old women quilting or ironing or doing whatever women do in a Women's club. And there we were!!!! The kids all went running up to him and we yelled surprise!!! You could tell immediately that he was truly Surprised!!! It was especially fun surprising such a people, party person!

The rest of our time in California was lovely! The weather, endless hours of cousin time, going out to eat (what my family does best!) and then Sea World. We practically had the place to ourselves!

Oh, and the drive home was just as good OR better than the drive out there! Amazing!! :)

Must See!

2010-12-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

I came across this post on Molly Piper's blog. The video AND her thoughts really touched me and I wanted to share them with you!

I need Christmas too!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-23T20:46:00.001-08:00

We just got the last two girlies in bed and I wanted to take a moment to record a few of my favorite moments from this Christmas Season!

Oh.My.Gosh! We are having so much fun this Christmas Break! I Looooooove having both of the girls at home! The weather has been perfect, there are people everywhere (crowds make me so happy!) and we get to celebrate the fact that Jesus came to the earth as a man to die because of His great love for us! What JOY!!!

Some of my favorite memories and happenings from this week:

1. Three SuPeR FuN slumber parties with Zion, Evie, and Seth & Eve. Heath and I have found that we really enjoy having a lot of kids in our home. It's fun for us and we work really well together. I am the activities coordinator and on night time duty, while he does breakfast and clean up! It's all about team work!

2. Taking Kate, Natalie & Zion rock climbing! They had so much fun together.

3. Giving Natalie the long explanation of who Saint Nicholas REALLY is and explaining to her that Santa Claus is NOT real...Only to have her look at me and say, "You're kidding mom! Of course he's real. Santa is not Fake!!" It was about 3 days of Kate and I both trying to convince her until she finally believed us!

4. SUPER HIGHLIGHT!!!! Watching 'The Nativity' with Heath, Kate & Natalie. First of all, it's my favorite Christmas movie. Second of all, most spiritual things fly right over Natalie's head. She just doesn't "get" most of it. But she LOVED the movie (as did Kate) and I think it helped a lot of the pieces come together in her little mind.

5. Taking the girls ice skating for the very first time!!!! With the Christmas Eve service coming tomorrow, Heath & Natalie going to the Cowboy game on Christmas and church on Sunday, I wanted "a day" where we all did some things together before it came, went and was gone! So we all went out to breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel (the girls fav for pancakes) and then my friend Kaarin let Hudson nap at her house so we could just take the girls! I'm so thankful because it would not have been fun to have him there...too cold and too slippery! Natalie is CRAZY COMPETITIVE...always wants to be first & in front. So her little legs in those skates were practically running on the ice to stay ahead of us. Kate was a little more cautious, but did VERY well. We had the best time and made made some great memories!

6. Christmas Movies - as many and as often as possible!

7. Baking - Anytime I am in the kitchen, Hudson does this thing where he wedges his little body in between me and the kitchen cabinets. Then with all the strength he can muster, he puuuuuushes me away from what I am doing and holds his arms up, begging for me to pick him up. It's Constant! For Months! And when I pick him up and he can now see all of the things that are at my eye level he begs for cookies or whatever else he can see. Needless to say, I don't get a lot done in the kitchen. But I have managed to make a batch of rocky road fudge, regular fudge and peanut butter balls. I like my junk rich!!!

8. Technically it was last week, but I rolled, cut out and baked and million gingerbread girls & boys with my friend Kim, in preparation for Natalie's birthday party. It was my first time making gingerbread men and the time spent with my friend was precious!

9. Christmas Cards in the mail!!!! They were a little slow coming in at first, but this week the flood gates opened! I literally have them taped all over my walls in the kitchen.

10. Oh my...I tried to sneak and catch a video of this one on my phone, but he totally caught me and made me stop! Last night I watched Heath wrap a gift for the very first time. Ever!!!! And I know that it was the first time, because, well..........it was just very obvious. Gifts are not his thing, but they are very much my thing. He doesn't ever want anything for Christmas....or his birthday...or our anniversary....NOTHING! EVER! In fact, I have a very distinct memory of walking around Fashion Square last Christmas, shopping for me. We happened to be walking by the Betsy Johnson store and Heath pauses....then says (his words still ring in my head)...."There is not one thing in this entire place that I want. Nothing. I don't care anything about anything here." And it's true. He is so very low maintenance...could live on coffee, books and football for the rest of his life. He eats one meal a day and would probably be quite wealthy if the kids and I didn't exist. ;) But very lonely and sad, so................. :)

Anyway, this year, we were back at Fashion Square and I picked out the perfect case for my new computer. So last night, watching him wrap it for me, was definitely a Christmas 2010 highlight!

Overheard in our house today

2010-12-02T19:35:00.001-08:00

"So Natalie, I am thinking that for your birthday this year we could have a party where we do Christmas things, but it will also be a birthday party. And it could be like a Christmas - Birthday party. Does that sound like fun to you?

"But mom, I really want a GOD party. Like a Christmas - GOD party. Yeah!"

-------------------------------------------------------------

"It was a good hair day for me today!"
-Heath

Ooooh, My Goodness!!!! I never would have expected to hear those words come out of his mouth.
But he's right. It was a good hair day!!!

Nuts, balls and the middle finger

2010-11-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Some new things were learned last week in the first grade.

Yesterday, Kate told Heath, "I kicked Mason in the nuts. I didn't mean to but on the playground I was swinging really high and Mason walked in front of me and I accidentally kicked him in the nuts."

So I asked her, "Kate, what are nuts?"

She pointed downward toward her private area.

Heath, "Yesss. Have you ever heard any of the boys call them balls?"

Kate, "Oh, yeah. That's what so & so always says."

"Okay, well those words don't sound very nice coming from a lady. So, the real name for them is testicles. You've seen Hudson's, right. You know what I'm talking about."

"Yes."

"Boys usually call them nuts or balls. But it sounds nicer if girls call them testicles, okay?!"

Earlier last week...in the Wendy's drive thru...

"Mom, does the middle finger mean something bad?"

"Yes, why? Were kids talking about it at school?"

"Yes. They said it means a bad word. And that you should never do it to an adult."

"Yeah, it does mean a bad word but I'm not going to say it. When you show someone your middle finger it's sort of like saying, I hate you stupid jerk. So make sure you don't ever do that to anyone. Epecially, especially an adult. Okay?!"

"You mean like this"...(pushes all other fingers down). Showing Natalie.

Yep that's it.

So they are both experimenting with this right now. If you get flipped off by either of my girls, please let me know!

Thanksgiving with the Warner's

2010-11-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd mention that Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday. I love Christmas and celebrate Easter with gusto (the whole Jesus thing is big for me ...) but I've always LOVED and continue to LOVE Thanksgiving. It richly reminds me of my childhood and my Arkansas upbringing.

For the Taylor's, Thanksgiving was an event. My mom's brother, Uncle Johnny would always drive up to stay the night on Wednesday and celebrate with us on Thursday. There was always a big and special dinner the night before and then a feast to remember on Thanksgiving Day. I remember how the excitement would build for my mom knowing that her brother was coming into town. We got days off from school which was always special. There was usually an intense football or basketball game growing up in a house filled with four competitive boys and a girl. And of course, the Cowboys (officially God's favorite team) played in the afternoon. After the big meal and mom's award-winning French Chocolate pies we got to watch the Cowboys every year. It was a tradition. One that marked me and stays with me. I think I miss not living near my family most the third Thursday of every year. Just as I did this year.

Since living in Arizona we have celebrated Thanksgiving at the houses of some of our dearest friends and have been grateful for their hospitality. This year however, we had the privilege of hosting friends from out of town. The Warner family has been a blessing to us since our lives crossed paths in Peoria, Illinois in 2004. And last month we heard that the whole family was coming into town to visit their daughter who is getting a Master's from Grand Canyon University. Lisa asked, "Hey Heath, what would you think of hosting Thanksgiving this year at our house and inviting the Warner's over?" I almost screamed ... YES! I'd love to ... Thanksgiving at our house ... with friend's ... and I can cook the turkey? YES!

So yesterday, I still missed my family but experienced the joy of having friends in our home to celebrate with us. The Turkey was moist ... the stuffing was superb ... and the food and fellowship was rich. Okay, so the Cowboys lost, but at least they were competitive. Lisa and I went to bed last night talking about how much we enjoyed the day and we woke up this morning reflecting on how much fun we had on Thanksgiving 2010. I missed my family in Arkansas but enjoyed the celebration of rekindled friendships in Arizona. Thank You Warner's for being a blessing to us.

Oh yes, sorry to say mom, but Lisa's French Chocolate pies have officially become my new favorite but I'm sure you you won't mind.

Heath

Identifying Idols

2010-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

Lisa has been taking the girls through Exodus chapters 32-36 and talking about how quickly the Hebrews abandoned the God that delivered them from the Egyptians to worship a Golden Calf that Aaron had fashioned for them. Kate also sits in on our weekly Missional Community that is currently going through Tim Keller's video series 'Gospel in Life'. The payoff came this past week.

Lisa and Kate were talking about fashion as Kate and Natalie ate breakfast. Kate said that she liked to wear cute and fashionable clothes and wants to look nice and stylish. Lisa said that it's good to want to look nice and fashionable as long as ...

Kate's response for me was priceless! She said, "Yeah, I know mom you don't want to love fashion so much that it becomes an idol. Do you know what an idol is dad? I'll tell you. An idol is anything you love more than God. That's an idol. I know about idols, that's why I get to sit in on Missional Community."

This Thanksgiving season I am thankful that Lisa is teaching the girls about loving God and avoiding idolatry from Exodus and I am thankful that Tim Keller's teaching has a secondary influence on Kate's growing faith. God is and continues to be good to us.

Heath

Parenting through spilled cheerios and a broken computer

2010-11-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

Natalie, in her Halloween costume, letting her nails dry with a lizard on her foot.

"As a regular reader of your blog, I need to tell you that it feels like you're dead!"

-Anne

About six weeks a go, a certain middle child was eating her breakfast at the kitchen table while I was in my bedroom getting dressed. She came back in a panic, apologizing profusely for spilling her cheerios. It wasn't until I walked into the kitchen and saw my keyboard drowning in soggy cheerios and milk that I realized what happened. She was playing games on Barbie.com while eating and accidentally tipped the rather large bowl right onto my computer. She kept apologizing. But I didn't acknowledge it. Right away. I didn't say anything for fear that I would react in anger. And while I knew it was just an accident, I needed some time to process the situation before I responded to her. WELL, she went from apologies and sorrow to rage and anger VERY quickly! About 90 seconds! She ran into her room, slammed the door, put her face in her pillow and was screaming. I went back and tried to talk to her. She would just rage, scream & throw things. No matter what I said, she wouldn't look at me or talk to me. This lasted for awhile.

So I dealt with it. And was talking to Heath about the situation later that evening. I was trying to process what was happening in her heart and why the sudden switch from deep sorrow to extreme anger! He quickly identified the issue and reminded me of a story from his adolescence.

When Heath was 16 he wrecked his parents car. He felt Absolutely Horrible about it. And when he got home and told his dad. Well, evidently, Ira responded much like I did to Natalie. He was clearly upset but not visibly angry. He told Heath, "go to bed and we'll talk about it in the morning." Sounds like good parenting to me!!!

Well, that's when Heath "flipped out" (in his own words).
"You can't be disappointed in me and not be angry with me. You're NOT ALLOWED to be disappointed IN me but not angry AT me. I wanted my dad to be angry at me. That would have helped. So I started a fight with him. I did it to provoke my dad's anger in order for him to show me that he still loved me."

He yelled, swore, spit at and physically provoked his dad. In order to get a reaction. To Heath, silence from his dad, meant that he did not care about him. Although that was far from true!

This is EXACTLY how Natalie felt!!! And her reaction was basically a 4-year old version of Heath's!

This was such a huge parenting moment for me in regard to Natalie. I am forever trying to get an accurate glimpse of what's happening in her heart. The sin beneath the sin. So I can correct, teach, direct, or give appropriate consequences. My children are not allowed to not look at me, cover their eyes or stick their fingers in their ears when I am speaking to them. All of which, this particular child does...and it's sin. Sin that needs to be dealt with. But what's behind the sin? Is she raging angry because she wants control and can't have it? That does happen sometimes.

But in this situation, I think my lack of response made her feel extremely insecure about my unconditional love for her. Her fear manifested into raging anger. And she does not yet have the vocabulary or maturity to express her feelings. So if I am after her heart, which I am, then I am parenting a fearful child who can easily become insecure about my love for her. She is looking for reassurance. I can do that! And it only took me nearly 5 years to figure out!! And fyi, she still received (s) consequences for her inappropriate responses. Those are sin and must be addressed.

So...my computer was FRIED!!! And the truth be told...it was my fault. She is notorious for spilling! She is THE SPILLER! It's inevitable. And I knew she was on my computer while she was eating her breakfast. I just wasn't thinking.

But God is so gracious to me. And I don't deserve it. I didn't know how long I would be without a computer. I figured it would be Awhile. But He gave me another one. A nicer, newer one. I used to have a big ole' DELL laptop with a gigantic power chord. My "cool factor" just increased significantly as I am now sporting a MacBook Pro. And I LOVE it!

I have so much more to update you on! Soon...hopefully! We're hosting Thanksgiving this year for the first time ever, so I'll be busy getting ready this week! But looking forward to writing more and checking in on some of your blogs as well.

First Grade Picture Day

2010-10-08T10:51:00.001-07:00

2010-10-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

I helped out in Kate's class this morning and when I got home Hud was whining and hanging on the fridge.

"Heath, has Hudson eaten breakfast?"

"Yes he did. He had a cookie and a sucker at the bank."

2010-09-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Dawn.

Scary, Crazy Neighbor Lady!

2010-09-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a really bad week. For several reasons. And just as I was thinking that maybe I was turning the corner, WHAM! The crazy Chow neighbor has left me shaking.

At 5:10 pm this evening Dacey pulled up in front of our house to pick up her daughter. She left her car running because we have 'Daisies' tonight so she was planning to grab Kiley and go! She comes in & we're standing in my entry way. I'm giving her the run-down on how far we got on homework and all that, WHEN...

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

My front door was closed but it wasn't latched. My across the street neighbor banged on my front door so hard that it flew open and hit my friend in the back. Cynthia was standing there on my porch and began screaming & pointing her finger at us, inside my house...

"YOU ARE POLLUTING MY NEIGHBORHOOD! STOP BEING SO LAZY AND GO TURN YOUR CAR OFF NOW!!!! I DON'T WANT TO SIT OUT THERE AND BREATHE YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE. WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS SO IRRESPONSIBLE! YOU'RE SO LAZY!

My friend drives a little Ford 4-door something. Not exactly a gross polluter.

I passively said to her, "Just go home Cynthia and get off our property."

But I'm shocked.

Things between us have been pretty dormant for a while. Other than the occasional profanity screamed from across the street at Heath when arrives home from work. Evidentally, he reminds them of the inside of a bottom. :p

So my friend and I just keep talking as we're getting everything ready to leave. About 5 more minutes.

And AGAIN!

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! (It's REALLY LOUD!)

This time the door FLIES OPEN slamming into the wall!

She's right there SCREAMING at us again (oh, and she's not wearing a bra!)...

I TOLD YOU TO TURN YOUR CAR OFF!!! YOU ARE MESSING UP YOUR KIDS. CARBON MONOXIDE IS THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR YOUR KIDS RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS! THERE'S GOING TO BE CONSEQUENCES FOR THIS. GO HOME AND POLLUTE YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD & STAY OUT OF MINE. And she goes on....yelling...

Heath walked out in the middle of it and just tells her that we're not going to do what she's asking. She screams at us some more.

But it's her face. Her body language. Her voice. It's very, very hateful.

And my kids don't have any respiratory problems.

A minute or two later Dacey and I leave with Kate and Kiley, in our own cars for Daisies.

I am completely shaking.

When we arrived at Daisies Kate asked, "mom, are my eyes red?"

"No honey, why?"

"Because I was crying. Mom, she scared me so bad."

Uuuuggghhh!

Heath called me on my cell phone and we just kept asking each other...
Did that really just happen? Was that real? Really? Really. That did just happen.

Their Contempt and Hatred for us just seems to worsen as time goes by. They are so.very.unreasonable. There is literally no way to communicate with them. We have tried everything! Being nice, ignoring, apologizing, yelling back, praying...and not in that order. We are at a total loss as to what to do with them. Obviously we pray for them. We pray for our relationship with them. But they're Crazy! And while she's the belligerent, screaming crazy type.............He's the silent, scary crazy type! I think that's worse.

Pray for us. It's a little scary. We don't know how far she'll go. Or him either, for that matter.

2010-09-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

The Mission

2010-09-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

I just needed to tell you...
that at our Missional Community tonight,
a person came,
that found our church,
by going to Sola!!!

This is HUGE to me!!!

They stumbled upon Sola...
because they were early going somewhere,
and were driving around looking for coffee,
and "somehow" found Sola,
and took a flier,
that lead them to OTBC,
where they heard the gospel,
which lead that person to our Missional Community!

That's IT! That's the Mission!

His Mission. His Church. His Blessing.

The "I throw all my food on the floor" Phase

2010-09-22T12:17:00.001-07:00

I might be tempted to think he is PERFECT...

except for the reminders that take place 3 times a day, during each meal...plus snacks!

Hudson is almost 18 months and he is more...so much more than I could have ever dreamed!

His smile, the way his butt sways from side to side when he runs down the hall, his laughter, his snuggles, his tantrums, the way he throws things on to the tile when he's really mad because it makes a louder noise than the carpet, his morning breath, the way he jumps out of my arms toward Heath when we get to the office doors at Sola, when he hugs Natalie's waist from behind and won't let go, the way he squeals "hiiiiiii" when one of us walks through the front door, that his tongue is always sticking out of his mouth, his constant laughter, the way he loves shoes and gets his Vans from his closet when he wants to go somewhere, when he reaches for his bed when he's really tired and then rubs his face in his blanket because he's so happy to be there...or when he doesn't want to go to bed because he feels like he's "missing out" on the party! How quiet he is in the car and how he loves to dance to Taylor Swift in the girls' room. He's fearless...completely fearless! Swimming this summer was exhausting because all he wanted to do was be completely underwater and would fight me when I would pull him up for air!! He loves nothing more than to be thrown into the air and free-fall! He loves chocolate milk and when he recently discovered it in Natalie's sippy cup, he threw his cup of boring old white milk on the floor to show me his disapproval!

People sometimes ask me if I can tell a difference, having a boy. There is something different. He is much more affectionate with me...we are smitten with each other, he and I. We communicate differently with one another. We are close in a different way. It is different. But hard to explain.

Okay, back to meal time...I got carried away there for a minute!

I have found with #3, his tantrums are more funny than frustrating. He gets disciplined...but usually, I'm just trying not to laugh where he can see me.

But meal time...that's when my patience runs a little thin! Our 1950's house, has a 1950's pantry that is a floor to ceiling cupboard with double doors. He has broken the child-proof lock on it twice, or three times. So all day long, he brings me snacks and says "eat, eat" like a little baby bird. Then runs over to his high chair. So I follow him, put him in, put his bib on, unwrap the peanut butter crackers, granola bar or whatever it is and give it to him. He looks at it, looks at me and throws it on the floor. The same thing happens during meal time! He acts starving and then throws all his food on the floor! So at one point I thought I had it figured out. Ah-ha!! He wants silverware...like us! So I offered him a fork and spoon to eat his peanut butter crackers with. But he got so mad because he couldn't figure out how to eat them with those! Aaaaahhhh!!!!! Or sometimes it's that he wants to hold his plate and eat, while he walks around the house! OH REALLY, Hudson?!?!

So for now, we are in a "throw all our food on the floor" phase! It's not my favorite, but I can think of worse. I spend at least half my day on the floor, wiping up food. It's better than wiping poop off the walls, like I was doing with Natalie at this age (until we discovered duct tape). He is still the most precious thing ever. In a naughty sort of way!

34

2010-09-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

at The Breakfast Club

Thank you dear Friends and Family for making my birthday so special!!!

Thank You for the many gifts and well wishes!
Thank You for the surprises and quality time spent together!
Thank you for being so! much! fun!
Thank you for bruschetta & wine.
Thank you for cake with sprinkles, sunflowers & vintage things.
Thank you things that smell good and things that are pretty.
Thank you to my girls who made me the most precious coupons & put me before themselves all day long!
Thank you Heath for breakfast, babysitting and ALL that you do for me.
They mean so much!
You mean so much!

2010-09-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

"MOOOOOM! HUDSON PUT MY CLOTHES IN THE TOILET!!!"

(AND she had just gone potty (#1) but didn't flush)

She's a Daisy

2010-09-03T14:02:00.001-07:00

Mentoring

2010-09-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

Titus 2:3-4

3. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4. and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5. to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (my own emphasis)

I NEED older women in my life. Need, Need, Need! When we lived in California, God brought Patty. In Texas, he brought Valerie. When we moved to Illinois, a mentor was at the top of my prayer list. I prayed diligently for 6 months. Heath prayed with me. We fasted. And the Lord was faithful in bringing THREE Godly women...Brenda, Rhonda & Dede. That was a really rough time in our marriage / ministry and I relied heavily on each of them. Each one mentored me in a different way & all 3 were always available.

Brenda and I had a standing meeting set every other week for two hours, at either her house or mine. I made a list throughout the week of things that would come up that I needed her advice on...everything from scripture to spanking. We would talk & pray together. I remember how she would go home and process all that we had talked about, because she ALWAYS called me back to tell me "One more thing!"

Rhonda was like a very close slightly older friend. She would regularly take me out to lunch at Cheddar's. We would share a sandwich & soup and drink tea. We talked about anything & everything but most important, we laughed A LOT! Hands down, she was the best listener I have ever met! She remembered everything I told her, down to the slightest details.

Dede was so intentional and very thoughtful. Every Friday for almost two years she would have my friend Abbie, myself and our kids over for lunch. She wanted her home to be a "safe" place where young mom's could bring their kids and relax. During that time, Kate was about 1 and I was either pregnant with Natalie or she was newborn. Dede would fix us something simple, delicious and kid-friendly to eat. There was usually soup on the stove and something baking in the oven. She wanted us to feel comfortable letting our children run around her house and play. She had saved many of Anne's old toys and had them set out in different rooms. And while the kids played, we talked. We talked recipes, parenting, marriage, sex, organization, money/budget, theology...at one point Dede helped me make a grocery list that had the items listed according to the aisle number at my local Super Walmart. At that time, it's just what I needed! Oh, and when it was time to leave, she never let us help her clean up. No washing dishes, no picking up toys! She served us well!

The Lord is so Faithful! His goodness followed me several thousand miles southwest to Arizona. Several years a go He brought Bev, Margaret and a wonderful group of about 12 other Pastor or Seminary wives, into my life. We love and know one another well. We are honest & share openly. We are teachable. The word of God flows from the mouths of Bev & Margaret, like streams of living water. They are encouraging & patient. They speak the truth in love and they most certainly do not allow any complaining...not about church, not about our husbands, nothing! Sometimes it's easy to go there.

Last night Bev shared a brief devotional from Matthew 7. That man who built his house on the rock...he had some serious storms banging on his door. Rain, floods and the winds blew and beat on that house, but still it stood. His house did not fall because he was in the cleft of the rock! It caught me a little off-guard at first, but this word really hit home for me. I could almost feel the strong wind beating on me and my feet soaking wet in a flood. Storms on all sides and everyday He gives me just enough. Manna! It's only for today, not for tomorrow. The Israelites wanted sustenance for tomorrow and the days ahead. Funny, that's exactly what I want too!

My heart overflows with gratitude for these women and the sacrifices they have made over the years to pour into me. I'm always taken back by the very last part of Titus 2:5 "...that the word of God may not be reviled." That's how the gospel goes forth! When women (wives) operate this way, it helps the gospel go forth because it shows how transforming the gospel is. When we, as wives are self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to our husbands, we are telling the truth about the gospel. That's powerful!!

Justin from MTV...

2010-08-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

I was making banana chocolate chip muffins this evening when the phone rang. Heath and I have the exact same phone, except mine has a few chew marks on the speaker from Hudson. When I took a closer look and saw that it was Heath's phone ringing, I almost didn't answer it. But at the last second decided to...

me: Hello?
man: Hello, is Heath Taylor available?
me: Yeah, can I tell him who's calling?
man: Sure. Well, this is Justin from MTV. Sounds kind of funny doesn't it?
me: Yes, kind of. (Yelling across the yard to the man shed) Heeeath - Justin from MTV is on the phone!

Heath: Hello...yeah, sure...okay. mmm-hmm. Here's my email...okay, bye.

This guy Justin from MTV wants to use Sola as a location to film an episode of one of their shows, "Is She Really Going Out with Him?"

Really?

Who knows? It may be just a joke.

An hour later Heath gets an email with a legit release form from Justin that needs to be signed & returned.

How funny is that???

So we go on-line to check out this show. It's about what you might expect...TRASH.

(Here's the Summary - NOT my words!)

Inspired by the popular website Hot Chicks with Douchebags, Is She Really Going Out With Him? is a hilarious and compelling docu-format show that aims to tear down the mystery behind pop culture's latest unexplainable phenomenon: beautiful and innocent young sweethearts who fall for self-absorbed, overly-tanned, tattoo covered douchebags.

In each episode of Is She Really Going Out With Him? we'll closely examine one couple as our hot chick eventually leads herself towards making a fateful decision... Will she stay with her douchebag bf or move on to a better man?

REALLY?? Real people watch this???

Inner Stylist Goes Wild!

2010-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

I may have gone a little short around that ear. Oops!

My Inner Stylist is loving that she saved another $22 bucks tonight plus a bang trim! This was my first time cutting Hudson's hair and it took me 15 minutes. Which was about how long that lollipop lasted so the timing was perfect!! I'm anxious to put some product in it in the morning and see how it turned out.

If you have an inner stylist, dying to come out (I sound like an infomercial) we may be offering some basic hair-cutting classes this Fall. A girl named Jenni, who attends OTBC has been a stylist for years. Long story, short...she approached me at church on Sunday at said she would be willing to teach us some basics on hair and how to cut it! Boy styles, bang trims, basic layering & trimming. YES PLEASE! I will keep you posted on when & where here on my blog. And if you are reading this, you are invited to come!

Confession

2010-08-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight I did that thing I always said I would NEVER do! In a desperate moment I put Diet Vanilla Coke in Hudson's bottle to get him to stop whining and hanging on me so I could finish making dinner. I'm uphauled with myself! Somebody, please pass me a chip clip for my hair!

See You Soon!

2010-08-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

I don't like good-bye's, so I choose to say "see you soon" instead!
Last week, we had to say see you soon to our dear friends Blake & Katelin who moved back to Austin! We know that two great jobs, family & friends are anxious to have them there!
But we are so sad to see them go.

We will miss you tons Blake & Katelin but are so excited about all that God has in store for you in Austin! We love you both!!

PS...Remember all that Voddie stuff we shoved down your throat in pre-marital counseling???
A little reminder: The purpose of marriage is to have Babies!
I'm just sayin'! ;)

Perspective

2010-08-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

I don't ever want to be comfortable.
Lord, help me keep a kingdom mindset and eternal perspective.

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-in-case-you-were-getting-too.html

Mom

2010-08-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

2007

2008

2009

2010

Happy Birthday Mom!
We love you!!!

Date Night part two - Rewind...

2010-08-15T00:12:00.000-07:00

Did you happen to notice how astonishingly handsome Heath looks in our date night picture??? It's his hair! I cut it for the first time ever tonight just before our date! No prior experience. Nothing! Just me, a youtube video called "how to cut your man's hair" and years of watching someone else cut my hair. That's it! I am so proud of myself!

Long story short...Our last trip to the salon cost $136 for 5 haircuts. That's $35 each for two adult cuts and $22 each for three kids cuts. That's too much...especially right now. And $22 for Hudson?!? He was like 5 snips and three minutes. Plus the owner of the salon made a "not nice" comment when Hudson licked and got his finger-prints all over their windows while he waited over an hour for his sisters to get their haircuts. He's 1. That stuff happens!

So, I bought some scissors at Ulta and have been begging Heath for the last week to let me try them out on him. Basically, he told me there was absolutely no way! Then this afternoon I happened to catch him in a weak moment and he agreed!!! So there we were in our bathroom, me cutting his hair and he just kept saying over & over, "This is the wrong night to do this. We are supposed to leave to go on a date soon and we're just going to end up in a fight. Plus I have to get up in front of people in the morning. This is just the wrong time to be doing this. We should wait until Monday."

Honestly, I have NO CLUE how, but it worked out! No fight! No having to shave his head because I messed it up so bad! And most important, no paying $35 for a haircut!

Date Night

2010-08-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

We are "Date Night Challenged" over here!! I really like the idea of having a regular date night. And I LoVe actually going on dates with Heath!! But making it all "come together" with a free evening, that's not a Saturday because Heath always has to work on his sermon, is practically impossible! And then trying to find a babysitter is always a challenge for us. Having a bazillion dollars to pay the babysitter and then money left over to actually go somewhere...it's so much work & money! Needless to say, it doesn't happen often. Or Ever!!

This conversation REALLY happened tonight as we were walking to the car. I am not making this up. And he was being sincere when he said it. Anne can vouch for it!

Heath: It hasn't been thaaat long. I do take you on dates. (Pause) I take you on dates...like to Costco. (pause...pause) Okay, with the kids. We eat there. That's a date, right?

Me: That is not a date. That is running an errand.

You have got to know that I love this man more than anyone in the entire world for his heart! He is SO SWEET! And he tries really hard. That's all a girl can really ask for!

On with our date...Did I mention Anne moved here? She's family, so she happens to be Free! Bless her heart, we love having her here so much (& not just for free babysitting :). And technically tonight is Saturday night, so Heath worked all morning instead. And then...this was such a huge blessing! A friend of ours did some work for the manager at the Estate House in Old Town Scottsdale in exchange for some free meals. Our friend (& his wife) ate there a couple of times and then gave us their other "free meals." What kind & generous friends, huh?! You have no idea!! Really! I would be thrilled if I got to live in their servants quarters in heaven!

Date night was fun! Having uninterrupted conversation was better! Coming home to the kids in bed and the house picked up was the Best! Anne, you Rock!! Thank you so much!

The UnBeatitudes

2010-08-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the entitled, for they grab what they want.
Congratulations to the carefree, for they shall be comfortable.
Congratulations to the pushy, for they shall win.
Congratulations to the greedy, for they shall climb the food chain.
Congratulations to the vengeful, for they shall be feared.
Congratulations to those who don’t get caught, for they shall look good.
Congratulations to the argumentative, for they shall get in the last word.
Congratulations to the popular, for this world lies at their feet.

The gospel of Jesus is more than a few handy tips for improving our lives this week. It is a new outlook on everything, with a glorious future renewing the creation through his death and resurrection. But he is not the only one making us promises. The world has its own version of events, its own eschatology, its own promises of reward. We must choose. And either way, we will be living by faith.

But have you ever met one person who believed this world’s unBeatitudes and came to the end a satisfied, radiant, wise person? Even one?

*I got this post off Ray Ortlund Jr.'s blog, thought it was clever & wanted to share it with you. It's rather disturbing to see myself in some of these.

15 months

2010-08-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

"My mother had a good deal of trouble with me,
but I think she enjoyed it."

-Mark Twain

Kate McCrae Update

2010-08-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of Kate McCrae tonight and checked in on their blog. That picture of her wearing the big flower headband on her first day of kindergarten is so precious! I love the line where Holly says, "And now we find ourselves in a different place, realizing different can still be a blessing."

Keep praying for her with us!

First Day

2010-08-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

The girls were up at the crack of dawn this morning, 6:15 am to be exact, full of excitement about their first day of school!!! They were dressed, hair & teeth brushed, bed made, backpacks on, sitting on the couch ready to go by 6:35 am. That was precisely TWO HOURS before it was time to actually leave. Meanwhile, Heath and I were barely conscious and Hudson was still snoozing away!

Around 8:10 I'm dressed and almost ready to go play Paparazzi in the front yard and take a million pictures of the girls before we leave. Heath is almost ready and we hear Hud wake up. Heath went in to get him and found a mess of diarrhea all over him and his bed! Poor baby!!! But now he needed a bath and we are suddenly in a big HURRY! How does that alwaaaaays seem to happen??? My kids save these "special moments" for mornings like this...Easter Sunday...when company is about to arrive...first day of school, etc.

So we make it out the door and to our first destination in the nick of time to drop our first grader off (minus most of her teeth)! She was so excited to see all of her friends!

Kiley will be hanging out at our house after school on Thursdays & Fridays.

Back in the car with 10 minutes to get our next one to pre-k! We were a little late...last one to arrive and all the kids were already sitting in their circle. Ooops!

(Side note...Natalie is in a co-op preschool this year right by our house. We are looking forward to it for two reasons. The co-op part means we pay less monthly because Heath & I will be volunteering in her class twice a month - which we love! Second, it is smack-dab in the center of our community!)

Then Hudson & I stopped at Sola for a most delicious Iced Cinnamon Vanilla Latte - (Deep Breath)!

Now to get the girls picked up!

Gas Station

2010-08-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Oh My Goodness...blogging has really taken a backseat to summer travels and activities this past month! I can't believe I'm so far behind...but I am looking forward to catching up next week once the girls are in school & Hudson is napping.

Speaking of Hudson...he absolutely HATES it when I am on the computer! HATES IT!! Anytime he sees me, he runs over, slams the screen shut and makes his way up on to my lap where he plants his rear-end right on top of it so I can't open it again. So sometimes I try hiding out in my room with the door shut...but it's difficult to THINK when he's on the other side screaming his head off trying to pound the door down!

So until next week, I wanted to leave you with a little "Natalie'ism" that had us cracking up this afternoon!

Heath and I were sitting in the family room talking & Natalie was hanging out with us. She must have felt "something" coming on because she stands up, points to her "booty cha-cha" (as she refers to it) and says...

"Look! This is totally my gas station! Mom, come real close, I have something for you!!"
Then, she let one rip!

WHAT?!?! Your gas station?! That's pretty clever! I have never heard it referred to that before!

But that whole, "mom, come real close" part totally grosses me out and makes me slightly perturbed at my husband who grew up with mostly brothers and thinks it's okay to teach our daughters that! Especially, since we have a Natalie who is absent of any type of censor and does things like that to me in public at the most inopportune times!!!

In other news...

I made the Pioneer Woman's Pasta with Tomato Bleu Cheese Sauce tonight for dinner. HELLO rich, cheesy, pasta deliciousness!! I love you and probably gained 5 lbs. today because of you... but it was worth it!

Anne Warner is moving to Phoenix!

2010-07-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

You are looking at the new Assistant Resident Director at Grand Canyon University (with all my kids)!!! Yippeeee! We are soooooo excited!!

In the off chance that you know us, but have not yet met Anne, let me introduce you!

We met Anne 6 years a go when she was just a Sophomore in high school and Heath was her youth pastor in Peoria Illinois. We had an instant connection, spent a lot of time together and I soon became her mentor. When our family moved to Arizona 4 years a go, Anne came with the kids and I to help out and has come back several times a year ever since, to visit. The plan (our plan) has been for her to move out here & get a job when she graduated from college. Well, she graduated this past May with a B.A. in Communication Studies but we still weren't really sure what God had in store for her. Then she came across this position at GCU, had a phone interview, happened to be here babysitting my kids last week when they called and asked her to come in for a 'face to face' interview. So she did and the rest is history!!!

She will move into her new apartment in the brand-new Super Awesome dorm on July 28. She and I went down and took a tour of her new place today and it was SO FABULOUS! It surpassed both of our expectations! There was only one small glitch...she somehow misunderstood and was under the impression that the apartment would be fully furnished. Well, it turns out that it is actually completely EMPTY! And at this point, she has nothing! She will move just her car here and whatever fits in the trunk.

If you happen to have any extra furniture lying around that may be looking for a new home, would you let me know or send us a picture? We would love to find....

A Bed...Full or Queen
Dresser
Kitchen Table
Kitchen wares...pots, pans, small appliances
Couch, end tables, lamps

Thank You Friends!
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Prayer Request Update

2010-06-24T21:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you friends for praying! The MRI showed that the cancer has not spread. Ira will meet with the surgeon soon to discuss surgery options. Praise Him!!

Prayer Request

2010-06-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

We received news this week that Heath's dad, Ira was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The doctors classified the level as "intermediate." Of the 6 areas of his prostate that were biopsied, all six tested positive. He is having an MRI done today to rule out any spreading and then will meet with the doctor this afternoon to discuss treatment options. We appreciate you keeping our family and especially Ira & Jo in your prayers. Thank you!!!

Bringing Up Girls

2010-06-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

From all that I had read of History of Government, of human life, and manners, I have drawn this conclusion that the manners of women are the most infallible Barometer, to ascertain the degree of Morality and Virtue in a Nation. All that I have since read and all the observation I have made in different Nations, have confirmed me in this opinion. The Manners of Women, are the surest Criterion by which to determine whether a Republican Government is practicable, in a Nation or not. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch all lost their public Spirit, their Republican principles and habits, and their Republican Forms of Government when they lost the Modesty and Domestic Virtues of their women....
The foundations of national Morality must be laid in private families. In vain are Schools, Academics, and Universities instituted if loose principles and licentious habits are impressed upon Children in their earliest years. The mothers are the earliest and most important Instructors of youth.

-Second President of the United States, John Adams

"Happy dirthday"

2010-06-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

The girls made "happy birthday" signs and taped them all over the house to surprise Heath this morning. It was so cute how on every single one, Kate made the "6" backward so it looked exactly like a "2" which made him 32 today instead of 36.

Heath may not be much into celebrating his birthday (or any birthdays for that matter) but lucky for him, the girls and I LoVe birthdays! We believe in week long celebrations with lot's of gifts!!! BUT, because he would rather have the money still sitting in our account rather than wrapped up with a bow, I don't usually do too much (he would most likely take it back anyway). We just got him a couple of new grilling utensils to use this summer. He's cooking-out almost every night lately...steak, chicken drummies, pork chops & ribs. He loves it...and so do we!

Happy birthday to my Heath! Living this life with you is such a gift!

May God reveal Himself & the incomparable greatness of His love for you this year in ways in which you have not yet experienced. May you know Him more, love Him deeper and follow Him with faith & confidence as He takes you places that I believe will far surpass your wildest dreams! May you continue to set your eyes on things above and live your life in a manner worthy of your calling. May you never, not ever grow weary but continue to trust in Him who is faithful to give you all you need and be your source of strength.

I feel so privileged to be married to you, parent those 3 unbelievable kids with you & serve others along side of you!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo, me

Hopeless Romantic

2010-06-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Kate is a Hopeless Romantic...at 6! Hopeless I tell you! She is always asking me about my wedding day, my wedding dress, my wedding ring. She asks a lot of questions about love & marriage. I catch her staring at my wedding picture in our room often. She's naturally curious about kissing. And she has been dying to see me in my wedding dress & try it on herself.

So I was in the family room at my parents when she came and whispered in my ear, "I think I found it in the closet. Is it in a blue bag?"
I had told her that my wedding dress was at my parents house several weeks a go and when we got there she took it upon herself to go find it.
She wanted me to try it on first. She was really anxious to see me in it. But I spared you all the picture of my face turning blue since I could hardly breathe in it.

Then she tried it on. I could tell her insides were about to burst. She felt so beautiful & she loved it. It was very sweet.

Now..........how to parent this??? Well.

WELCOME SUMMER!

2010-06-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

This trip could not have come at a better time! It was soooo good to get away for a few days. Disneyland was the same as it always is...overpriced & completely worth it!! I actually long for the day when my kids are older and we can go together & separate. I want to do Disneyland as an adult. And not even go to the land with the Dumbo and Pinocchio rides. (I forget what that one is called).

We all squeezed onto this little corner of sidewalk to get a glimpse of the Parade...which right now is called "Street Party" and not nearly as good, in my opinion.

They invited all of the kids sitting on the curb to come out and dance with them. Of course Natalie was the only one that would go. See her?

The Lord blessed us with the BEST beach weather ever...especially for May! It was warm & sunny, breezy, salty perfection!

It is beyond me how much these kids LOVE to go get all wet and then lay in the sand...and roll in it and bury themselves, getting it everywhere that it should not be. I don't think I was ever like that. I get physically uncomfortable just thinking about it.

I'm surprised he didn't bring home some sort of 'sand in mouth' disease, because he ate it by the handful!! Bleh! I tried to stop him at first, but gave up rather quickly. If you want to sneak and eat sand...go ahead!

Mom and Nana forgot their bikini's at home.

Is there anything more fun than cousins??? I don't think so.
My sister & Ryan just bought a motor home for a steal of a deal. So we decided to break it in with 3 fun days playing at the beach and camping out at the Harbor. My sister and I slumber-partied with the 4 older girls one night, complete with 3 bags of candy, tattoo's, Old Maid and seals playing in the water 15 feet outside the front door. Now that's a party!

And finally, S'more's on the last night in grandma & grandpa's backyard!

Status Update

2010-05-26T07:53:00.001-07:00

I'm off of facebook for awhile. So I am posting my "status" here instead!

Lisa (Pemberton) Taylor is... off to California for a week with the family! Today is Kate's last day of kindergarten and as soon we we pick her up, we will begin our 6 hour trek across the desert. The timing of this trip could not be better (deep breath)!!! We are heading to Disneyland on Thursday and then will spend some time at the beach with the grandparents & cousins. The kids are beyond excited! The parents are excited too! It's been exactly one year since we've been there. That's the longest we've ever gone. Anyway, enjoy your holiday weekend Friends!! xoxo

Last Day of Kindergarten

2010-05-26T07:45:00.001-07:00

The first...

and last day of Kindergarten

It was a FaNtAsTiC school-year for Kate, socially & academically!

She made some really sweet girlfriends. They affectionately call her "Kate-Kate." One comment that her teacher made at our last conference (her pre-k teacher said the same thing) was that she plays equally well with the boys & girls. She never had any type of behavior issue. Is reading relatively well. Gradually developed a deep concern for her friends' spiritual well-being and shared Jesus with them openly. Loved her teacher and loved going to school.

Now if she would only stop fighting with her sister!

When asked what her favorite memories of kindergarten were, she replied...

"My friends. Learning about letters and having alpha friends. Learning my vowel sounds. My favorite part of the day was recess and doing the monkey bars."

Kate, I will miss you being a kindergartener so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so much!!!

1 Year Stats.

2010-05-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hud had his 1 year check-up this morning and Dr. Struble told me,
"he's absolutely perfect!"
But of course, I already knew that!

Weight: 22 lbs. (48th %)
Height: 32 inches (95th %)

Tea Party

2010-05-23T16:27:00.001-07:00

She is so Precious!

New Sign

2010-05-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Pat Murray Rocks!

There is just something creepy about the ice cream man to me....

2010-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

But we bought ice cream from him anyway.

The "not nice song with bad words about Jesus..."

2010-05-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, MY Natalie! In matters such as these, she is definitely more like me...taking things a little further than she should, pushing the limits! And Kate is just like Heath...has a heart of gold that just wants to do the right thing!

Her heart has been stirring. She has been asking A LOT of questions about "God and Jesus" as she puts it. And "Satan the Liar" as she refers to him. In the car, at the kitchen counter, while I am getting dressed...constantly. Lot's of verbal processing & just trying to figure things out. Getting her facts straight.

And some wrestling too.

So yesterday we were in the car and she says, " I made up a not-nice song mom. We should not sing this song but do you want me to sing it to you? It has bad words."

"Well, maybe you could sing it and not say the bad words. How about that?"

"Okay, it's about Jesus."

(That's Great! A not-nice song with bad words about Jesus! Gee, I can't wait!)

(In sing-song voice...)

Ooooh - whoooa - whoa....Jeeee-sus
I will not praise you
I will not worship you
I do not looove you
Whooooa, whoa, whoa...Jeeee-sus
(Repeat Once)

(That's a song only a PK could write!)

"That's not a nice song, is it mom? We shouldn't say things like that, should we?"

"No, that's not a good song. But do you feel that way?"

"No mom, I'm just saying what we shouldn't do."

I'm just glad she left out the bad words...whatever they were.

When you're the little brother...

2010-05-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

With 2 big sisters!

(He also has glitter spray in his hair)

Police Academy Graduation

2010-05-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

From left to Right: A City Council man, The Mayor of Scottsdale, Heath & The Chief of Police

(Below) Heath & the kids with the Chief of Police. Hudson was ready to be outta there!!!

Heath has fallen in love with the Scottsdale Police Department! Highlights of his Wednesday evenings over the last 4 months were the Mounted Unit, Car Chase Scenario's and Live Fire on the Range. Oh, and he developed a major "Man Crush" on the Bike Unit! Tonight he graduated with the hope of being the new Volunteer Chaplain for the Scottsdale PD.

One

2010-04-29T21:53:00.005-07:00

Here I am on my 1st birthday!
Look what my mom, dad & sisters got me for my birthday! My dad says it makes him so happy to see "boy toys" out in the yard!

I used to have to play with tea cups.

Everywhere I go, I'm surrounded by girls.
Georgia & Adilyn turned One this week too!

Adilyn ate all of her watermelon so she helped herself to mine.
Only a minute later, Georgia snagged my sippy cup.
But that's okay cause I have two sisters and I know how girls are!

My very first cupcake!

I picked at it little by little & enjoyed almost every bite!

My mom thinks I have the sweetest face...
especially when one of her favorite dessert is smeared all over it.

Finally, I made my way out to the boys table!

Then Georgia and I decided that we would eat all of the leftover crumbs from the big kids table!

It's fun to be One!

Blogworthy Quote

2010-04-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

It is great wisdom to keep silent when damaging words are spoken to you. Turn your attention and don't worry about rumor or slander. Don't look for support from the mouths of others. You are who you are regardless of what they say. And you shall know much peace if you neither try to please them or care if you displease them.

-Thomas a Kempis

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Big Hunt!

3-Legged Races

Go Kate! Go Donna!

Heath was ready to marry these two right there on the spot!

So handsome with his 4 teeth in his Easter shirt!

Me & Kimmey!

Donna & Kim showing off their moves during the dance contest

The Passion Play

Liam as a tree

"Jesus" (it's almost hard for me to type that) teaching the multitudes

The Last Supper

The tomb is empty sayeth Angel Emma!

Take a bow!

It is my most favorite day of the year! It is the most significant & glorious day in the history of mankind! Our loving Savior rose from the dead, conquering sin & death! Celebrate!!

And we did!

Our first Sunday at our new location, 'The Chef's Loft' was so exciting! The energy, warmth, intimacy & beauty of this location are incredibly refreshing for us! We worshipped. Heath walked us through Passion week. We shared a meal together. Having all of our church family there to celebrate Easter together made for a perfect morning!!

In the midst of attempting to corral my kids by myself in order to keep one from taking a dive into the canal, I did not get a chance to take any pictures, which I am super bummed about!

Later that afternoon we were off to David & Donna Otto's home for a lovely Old Fashion Easter! The table was set out on the lawn with lace & china. The children hunted for eggs. There was a dance contest, cupcake decorating and 3-legged races. But I think the highlight for us may have been the children's performance of the passion play, under the direction of Mrs. Otto and narrated by Mr. Otto! Heath & Logan shared the role of Jesus while the other kids played many parts. It was so cute! Kate & Natalie had so much fun!

And finally, today was our 12 year anniversary! TWELVE YEARS! It was a little further down on the priority list for the day but we will celebrate soon enough! I am anxious to see what God has in store for us this year! I think it's gonna be good!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

(Artist: Kate)

We watched 'The Passion of the Christ' together as a family. Heath fast-forwarded through a couple of parts. The girls hid their faces in their pillows once or twice. There was lot's of pausing for translation & explanation. I wasn't sure how it would go over but the girls handled it well. I love the movie & the reminder that it was OUR SIN that did that to Jesus. But I hate watching it. I'm thankful for the visual & emotion that it stirred in each of us tonight.

Always Dirty!

2010-03-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

You managed to wander outside within about 2 seconds! And I JUST got you dressed!!!

Randomity

2010-03-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

I've in that bloggy snowball! There's a lot going on and not much time to write about it. More happening, more time passes but still not much time to write. And then week has passed, two weeks pass and I wonder...where do I even begin? I don't have two hours to re-cap on the last 2 weeks. And then I think to myself...Short Sentences. People appreciate those. So here it goes...

1. After 3 years of some serious pleading with the Lord, our church is moving to the Chef's Loft in Old Town Scottsdale! His ways completely blow my mind! Looking back, I am overwhelmingly thankful for all of the "No's" along the way regarding the places we pursued & thought we wanted to move to. Easter Sunday will be our first at the new place! There is some nostalgia for me in leaving Hohokam as I am flooded with memories of God's faithfulness to us there! But I can hardly contain the excitement inside of me as I consider what He has in store for us!!!

2. In reference to the new place I am asking the Lord to multiply our storage space at Sola like he did those Loaves & Fishes! Our coffee shop will also serve as destination "Sunday School" for our kids. There are a few challenges there but I know He will work them out!

3. 10 of the ladies from our church went to Lost Canyon last weekend for a Women's Retreat. I could not have asked for a better time of bonding & relationship building for our women. We had such a sweet time together!

4. My sister turned 29 last week & I sent her the cutest orange purse you have ever laid eyes on!

5. After a myriad of crazy circumstances my mom retired last week! She's been an elementary school teacher for many years. The last 3 years have been tremendously difficult for her enduring cancer, treatments, bad surgeries, horrible recoveries, chronic pain and the list goes on. God opened the door for her to retire and she took it! This is wonderful news!!

6. Tonight before the girls went to bed I mentioned that this is 'Passion Week' and asked if they knew what that meant? Natalie was quick to respond, "Yes! It's when you wear your really cute clothes and get all stylish!!!" Unregenerate - that's all I can say!

7. Right now I am reading Beth Moore's newest book, 'So Long Insecurity, You've Been A Bad Friend To Us!' I LoVe IT! It's amazing...insightful...honest...difficult...and Right On!

Inside, I am completely cracking up at myself...and thankful for what the Lord is showing me about myself!! My insecurity does not want to tell you that I am reading this book because I feel like I am telling on myself & now you will know that I have insecurities. And then my insecurity wants to go on & minimize my insecurities in order to save face. Which reveals two problems that insecurity stem from and those are Pride & People Pleasing. Hence, the reason I am reading this book!

8. Heath just finished preaching through Colossians. I have no idea if it was good for anyone else, but it was for us!!! There was a particularly weak area in our marriage that is so much stronger as a result. I am thankful!

9. Hudson just may be the sweetest thing ever!!! And the cutest!

10. Today Kate would not wear her Crocs to school until we removed the princess jibitz. Heath was lamenting that she no longer likes Princesses. Later this evening we were all outside and she was sitting in the fort part of the swing-set with her head phones on. She was listening to Taylor Swift and singing about being "Fifteen" at the top of her lungs! I think I saw a tear in Heath's eye when he looked over at me and said, "I Quit!" Poor guy has a hard time with them growing up!

And there you have it!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!

2010-03-17T20:21:00.001-07:00

Hunting for Leprechaun's in the front yard with their new Leprechaun Detector! They are POSITIVE that there is one hiding down in that pipe!

Welcome Home Friends!

2010-03-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Binu, Amy & Asha,

Welcome back from India! We missed you so!

And Happy 1st Birthday Asha! You are the sweetest little jelly bean!

XOXO

Love the Culture Pass

2010-03-13T23:01:00.000-08:00

Rock-climbing like a pro and it was her first time!

Hudson was pulling my hair out by the hand-fulls.
It hurt so bad but clearly he's thrilled with himself!

Several weeks a go when I was getting my hair-cut & a little blonder, my hair girl (Amanda) was telling about these new things she discovered at the library called Culture Passes. I have no idea if they are really "new" or just "new to she and I." But anyway, the library carries at least one (sometimes more) pass to all of the local museums, botanical garden, zoo, etc. A pass is good for 4 free admission tickets & you have up to 7 days to use it. They are distributed on a "first come, first serve basis" and all you need is a library card.

My kids have really been wanting to go to the Science Museum. Especially Kate, as she's been studying the Solar System at school. So, a couple of months a go we drove downtown, parked, unloaded everyone, went in and THEN found out the cost.

It was at that point that we turned around, walked out, got back in the car & drove home. It was more than we expected & the general admission ticket didn't include the two things we really wanted to do anyway, which were the IMAX & Planetarium.

Soooo, earlier this week I got up and walked over to my local library (Do you know how much I LOVE it that I can walk to the library?? And ride my bike to the grocery store?? So much!) I got there 30 minutes before it opened & was the very first person in line. However, the line started to form behind me pretty quickly and once the doors opened, we were walking rather briskly to try obtain our passes before the next person. I'm thinking that it may have been a little busier this week though, due to Spring Break. I snagged the one Science Museum pass off the shelf, checked it out & was on my way. It saved us $45 & we had A LOT of fun!

Knitting

2010-03-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

At the very top of Kate's "what I would most like to do during my Spring Break" list was having Mrs. Thompson teach her how to knit. So we spent the afternoon at my friend Kim's house learning how to tie a slip knot, casting on and making stitches. I think I am going to like it, but am not a quick learner. Kate doesn't want to put it down, but needs my help. So I spent most of this evening watching youtube videos over & over & over & over!

Thank you Kim, for sharing your your knitting skills with us today! Those girls on youtube don't have anything on you!!

(Also featured in this photo is "Flat Rebekah," a cousin from Arkansas staying the week with us :)

New Shoes

2010-03-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Kate is on Spring Break this week so I thought it would be fun to take the kids to McDonald's yesterday for lunch. My mother-in-law sent two $5 gift cards awhile back so the girls could get Happy Meals and this was the perfect opportunity to use them. So we get there and I am holding Hudson under one arm and using the other to dig my wallet out of the diaper bag. I'm looking & looking for the gift cards. Despite the line forming behind me, I end up unloading half of my diaper bag on the counter looking for them. When I realize they're at home at the bottom of my purse, I decide to just pay with my debit. A little bummed, but whatever...my total was only $8.

We sit down and the girls start eating. I personally am not a fan of McDonald's...I do not like one thing on their menu. So I'm feeding Hudson while they eat. Kate excuses herself to go get some napkins and before I know it, Hudson has grabbed her open jug of chocolate milk and dumped the whole thing all down the front of himself. (Sigh!) At this point, I am feeling like this lunch is a complete waste and I'm wishing we would have just stayed home.

The kids finish their lunch and we leave. As we're walking out, there is a man sitting in the outdoor seating area by himself...

me: "It's cold out today." (wondering to myself why he's sitting outside)

him: "Yeah." He pokes his bare foot out from under the table. "Especially if you don't have any shoes."

I'm walking down the stairs to my car. I pause.

me: "Well, what size do you wear? I'll get you some shoes."

him: "An 11. I went over there to Walgreens but all they have are flip-flops."

me: "Okay. Well, how long are you going to be here?"

him: "Until you get back. I can't go very far without any shoes."

Good point, I think to myself. I've never not had any shoes. What's it like to be homeless and walking the streets...without shoes?

I knew that Heath had a load of stuff in his car that needed to go to the Goodwill, so I called and asked if he will go with us to get some shoes & drop all that stuff off. He agreed.

Wouldn't you know, there is ONE pair of size 11 shoes at the Goodwill and two new pairs of men's socks. So we grab them and head back to McDonald's. I stay in the car with Hud, while Heath and the girls run the new shoes & socks up to him.

His name is Arnold. He was able to catch a few hours of sleep the night before and had his shoes tied to his backpack. But someone stole them. He said his feet were completely frozen & he was so thankful for his new shoes. Heath asked if he knew Jesus and in his strong Southern accent, he responded that he does and knows he is going to heaven. What a blessing.

These situations make for the best teachable moments!

Natalie's reaction once when we were leaving McDonald's to go buy shoes...

Completely shocked & with great enthusiasm she asks, "You mean HE'S one of them? HEEE'S one of the POOR PEOPLE?" As if they are infamous in her mind...people she has only heard about but never actually seen in real life!

Kate, while we are walking through Goodwill, " I love my family, because we take care of people."

For many years I have prayed the same thing. Lord, use me. I just want to be used by you. Or as my dad has ended every prayer, my entire life, "...use our lives for you. Amen." Sometimes I'm surprised at how surprised I am at His timing and His ways. Joyful that He does use me. It's never what I expect or when I think. I love that about Him. He puts everything into place. My job is just to be ready.

10 Months

2010-03-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

After eating dirt & rocks for the first time when his dad supposedly "had an eye on him."

Hud's 'Ten-Month Favorites' are bath time, being outside, swinging & pulling clothes out of drawers!

He is ecstatic the moment I put him in the tub! Stands up, throws himself down, splashes like crazy, throws his toys, slides back and forth on his belly.

He also LOVES being outside! He eats grass (only a little), likes rocks but I don't allow those and I pulled a snail out of his mouth a couple of weeks a go.

Pulling clothes out of the drawer and throwing them everywhere...Heath thinks he likes the sense of control he feels when he's doing this. A "boy thing," perhaps? I don't know.

He seems to be slowly growing out of this "scream & cry until you pick me up" phase. So far he is not one of those kids who entertains himself well. His motto is pretty much, " I could care less that you are trying to cook dinner, vacuum, fold laundry, take care of one of my sisters' or get yourself dressed. If you can't do it while you are holding me, then it simply does not need to be done!" There may be an element of truth to that I suppose. :)

When my kids get ahold of my camera....

2010-03-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

This one cracks me up because she is thinking she is such hot stuff posing with her Webkinz. Before I thought of this post I deleted a bunch of pictures of just the Webkinz that they took pictures of.

PLUS, two FULL-ON naked booty shots, along with several other partially nude shots that are too inappropriate to share. But for the record, they are of Kate which tells me that naked pictures were Natalie's idea. Totally not surprised!!

Pretend Family

2010-03-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

"Mom, will you please take a picture of me with my family?"

When Natalie is your Big Sis!

2010-03-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

Just the 3 of us at home this morning.

"Natalie, did you style Hudson's hair like that?"

"Yes."

"How did you get it to stay?"

(grinning)..."I used my spiiiit."

"No wonder his head smells like your morning breath!"

Academy Update...

2010-03-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

Evidentally, his class tonight was mostly administrative and a little boring. Except for the fact that the main teacher is the Assistant Chief, a Believer and attends North Bible. That's Rad!

Heath is looking forward to the next several months and gets to do ride-alongs, training with the the k-9 unit, touring the CSI lab, working with the horse & bike units, DUI enforcement, photo radar, tour the jail and terrorism & taser training.

I wanna go!

Stage Fright

2010-03-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Today was Kate's kindergarten performance at school. I was thinking that I was totally on my game, arriving 10 minutes early, thus ensuring myself a seat on at least the second row so I could get some good pictures. It was when I was pulling up and saw a full parking lot, with cars lining both sides the street that I realized Kindergarten moms are very serious about performances. 10 minutes early got us a seat on the second to last row!

Afterward, I took the kids to Yogurtland. In the car......

Kate: "Mom, I had A BIG stage fright today!"

Natalie: "What's a stage fright?"

Kate: "It's when you're really afraid and your whole body can feel your heart beating."

She went on to elaborate and what she said was so sweet! But wouldn't you know, I can't remember for the life of me what it was! :)

The New Chaplain

2010-03-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

I suppose it's his new position as Volunteer Police Chaplain for the Scottsdale PD that inspired him to clean his guns this evening?! I'm not exactly sure. Heath applied for the position about a year a go and was accepted. However, an opening in the Academy has just come up this time around. So off he will go every Wednesday evening for the next several months for training. He's excited for yet another opportunity to be on mission with Christ, out in the community.

I heart rainy days...

2010-02-22T13:01:00.001-08:00

and watching Natalie play in puddles.

Sola

2010-02-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

WHO KNEW???

Who knew that when I felt lead to pray for those at Sola, that I was actually praying for MYSELF ?!?! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to talk about Jesus with our Muslim friend and neighbor, MJ. He says Jesus is a prophet just like Moses and Muhammed. I say Jesus IS God. We go back and forth. I say that one of us is wrong. He says he doesn't know enough english to continue discussing. I say I'll pray for him. It ends as friendly as it started.

............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sometimes I still can't believe that God gave us the gift of Sola Coffee Bar. My thoughts often times take me back to the evening when Heath and I had dinner together on the patio at Saddleback Ranch House. We had not lived in Old Town Scottsdale very long and just sort of sat there taking in our surroundings. Ease-dropping on conversations. Watching. Thinking. It was in those moments that I first saw God begin to develop a love & earnest passion in Heath for the souls of the people in South Scottsdale. We prayed & prayed, asking the Lord to give us a space down there. Where we could interact with the people. Get to know them. Ultimately share Christ with them. The answer was always no or wait. And then...A YES! Finally, a yes! I love it when He says Yes!

The Lord often shows me different scriptures to pray for the people working/volunteering/ministering at Sola. This one was for today...

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Love thy Neighbor but not their Chows!

2010-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

The bible is clear about two things for sure...

1. Love your Neighbor.
2. Love your Enemies.

But I have not found anything that says I have to love my neighbor's dogs!! And it's a good thing!

Unfortunately for us, our neighbor is our enemy. They do not like us AT ALL. So I guess that makes us their enemy. Either way, they have two ant-social, unfriendly dogs (much like themselves). And in case you haven't heard, we have had on-going conflict with them for 3 years now. The Lord knows that we have tried and tried and tried some more to make it right. There is just no common ground in which to even have a conversation.

The last 3 years in a nutshell...

*Jeff and Cynthia live across the street and over one house. They are in their mid-forties, have no kids and two Chows.
*They sit in their front yard facing our house every single day from 4:30-6:00 - rain, sun, hot or cold.
* Their evil Chows would chase my kids on their bikes. Pin them up against my car. Come in my yard / driveway. Chase me. Bark aggressively. OFTEN!
*We asked them kindly to please put them on leashes.
*They refused. They feel STRONGLY that their dogs have the same rights that my kids do to run freely. They are out of their minds. We cannot even come close to finding any common ground. Nada!
*We finally make an agreement. They decided that anytime we come out front that they will take their dogs and go inside.
*Not ideal but we say fine.
*That lasts only a little while.
*More scary encounters with the dogs.
*We hear that they have killed 2 cats. A bad sign as once they have tasted blood, they want more.
*Conflict between Heath and I. I am scared of the dogs and want to call the police to have this taken care of before one of them turns Natalie into a chew toy. Heath wants to wait because it will ruin any chance we have of sharing the gospel with them. We go round and round!
*Big incident happens!! Heath finally calls the police. They get really mad. Jeff gives Heath the finger then calls me and the kids bad names. Says he hopes we die. Heath was on his way over to beat the crap out of Jeff when he suddenly remembered he was Christian & restrained himself.
*They finally decided to put their dogs on a leash. They turn their chairs around to face the other direction (see above picture).
*Things get quiet for awhile.
*We co-exist and just ignore each other. That's not how we want it, but can't come up with an alternative.
*Jared stops by and leaves his car running while he and Heath have a 5 minute conversation on the driveway. She yells at him and calls his an A**hole!
*Our kids ride by (in the street) on their bikes. They yell at them, "Stupid kids! Ride on your own side of the street!"
*Heath is outside standing on a ladder trimming the orange tree. They start making fun of him, acting like they are going to fall of the ladder.
*We continue to ignore it.
*I am talking on the phone outside. They mimic me. Real mature.
*More and more things like this continue to happen.
*I am fine with just ignoring one another. Why must they be so hateful?
*Heath and I genuinely feel sad for them that they spend so much time and energy actively hating us. We really don't feel that way about them at all. We would love a normal relationship with them. It's horrible being in conflict with your neighbors. All we wanted was for them to put their dogs on a leash when they are in the front yard.

So we have obviously been praying about this whole ordeal for the last 3 years. We were VERY excited when a possible opportunity for a conversation that could maybe bring reconciliation came up, earlier this week.

Two years a go Cynthia had a college friend and her 5 year old daughter, visiting from out of town. Kate and Natalie met Ava in the front yard and we had her over to our house to play. Then this past Monday we were outside and saw that she was back in town. The girls played with one another for a few minutes. The next day Ava and her mom came over to see if Ava could play. SURE! Come on in! We spent more time outside playing. Ava invited Kate and Natalie over to Cynthia's house to pick grapefruits off of the trees in the front yard. Of course the dogs were out, but on their leashes. So Heath walked over there with them. I followed...lagging behind. Heath asked to take Hudson. He was sort of hanging out IN THEIR YARD (forbidden ground!) near the kids and then walked over to Cynthia sitting in her chair...

"Hi Cynthia. Can I introduce you to my son Hudson."

"No Heath, you can't. I know you love your kids but I don't want to be friends with you. You guys exhaust me!"

Heath says okay. We linger for just a moment, take the kids and go home.

The next day we see Ava and her mom before they leave to home. The mom thanks us over and over for being so nice to them. She says she knows that Cynthia is a very difficult person and that she appreciates us being kind to she and her daughter despite our issues with her friend.

The Lord is good! Heath and I feel incredible peace now. We just wanted to know that we had done everything possible to try and bring about reconciliation in this relationship. Now we have.

My man, the handy man!

2010-02-15T22:49:00.001-08:00

So in the midst of having family in town and Kate's birthday, did I mention that Heath was hard at work building me a fence??? I love that man!!! I call it my Valentine's present, even though we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. We both sort of think it's a dumb hallmark holiday... but anyway, a fabulous gift nonetheless!

Several years a go, a friend helped Heath build a covered parking structure to provide shade for my car in the midst of our fiery hot summers. We have kept our bikes, strollers and other toys that would normally go in a garage under it, but completely exposed. My lucky neighbors got to see all of our junk...until now!! I love the look and function of my new fence! But even more so...I am incredibly thankful to the Lord for developing the gift of handiness in my husband. He was NOT like this at all when I married him! Seriously!! When the Lord moved us into this little South Scottsdale 1950's house, He knew it was going to be a bit of a challenge for me. We have always owned newer, larger, more "turn-key" type homes, with amenities like a garage, kitchen drawers, counter space, etc. Older homes simply require more work and more skills. Smaller homes require a little more creativity and organization. But I have everything I need here and He continues to provide in the most unbelievable ways! The Lord has transformed my husband into a total handy-man before my very eyes. It's unbelievable! He didn't have to do that. It's just evidence of His grace in our lives.

Have you seen our "man-shed?" Heath just built that...by himself...no kit...just watched a few youtube videos. Dry-wall, molding, ceiling fans, covered parking, fences, landscaping, fixtures...it's amazing! Oh, and he planted two trees this weekend too!!

Chilean Mesquite
&
Dwarf Valencia Orange

House projects are my new love language for sure!

PS- How cute are these Valentine's that my sister made with her girls?

Love Is...

2010-02-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

We started memorizing this about 6 weeks a go. I am so proud of her!!

SIX

2010-02-12T10:02:00.001-08:00

She started counting down on February 1st. I remember that feeling when I was younger and your birthday month finally arrives. All year long you've been going to birthday parties for everyone else and now it's almost your turn! Well, with it being a 3-day weekend along with Valentine's day AND my parents coming into town with Macy-bean, we "celebrated" all weekend long!
It was SO MUCH FUN!

I am currently in the process of dealing with 3 spoiled-rotten kids and one in particular with a super bad attitude (too much excitement & attention along with not enough sleep will do that to a birthday girl!!) but it was worth it!

Thursday: I brought cookies to Kate's class during snack time. She got to pass them out and everyone sang to her. She loved it!

Friday (her birthday) - My parents and Macy had driven in late the night before so it was exciting for her to wake up in the morning and have them here. She got to stay home from school. We ate lunch and dessert at the Sugar Bowl, opened presents, rode bikes & played.

Saturday - Her birthday party with girlfriends from school at her favorite place, 'As You Wish!' The weather was so beautiful this weekend so we spent a lot of time playing outside...more bike rides, errands, a trip to the nursery, planted two trees and ended with a movie.

Sunday - Church & then took the kids bowling. We put the bumpers up and got the ramp out. It was an absolute blast!!

Monday - Out to breakfast at Bacon before grandma, grandpa and Macy left to go home.

Does the gospel change lives?

2010-02-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

I really needed to see this today.
Her face. The joy in her voice. The freedom in her words. The power of the gospel to change lives. Here on earth and for eternity.

Clearly this woman is not from around here. But we don't know what the people all around us are going through? What "demons" they are facing. The trials they are up against. The wounds that need healing.

We must share the hope that lies within us! We must!

Iyodotabo You tube video

*i got this from Noel Piper's blog

9 months

2010-01-29T16:11:00.000-08:00

Mobile! That's the big nine month news! His scooty-booty is all over the place crawling, pulling himself up and furniture walking. I much prefer it over last month when he would just sit there and scream for me to come pick him up, because he wanted to move but didn't know how.

He is very curious about this new saying in our house called, "no, no." He instantly freezes and looks at me. Then gives me the BIGGEST smile ever and continues on with this naughtiness!

I am loving how his hair is coming in strawberry. He will eat anything. And he sleeps well just about anywhere...at home, in the car, at church, in the storage room at Sola...doesn't really matter. He is a total snuggle-bug and I love rocking & singing him to sleep right now. (He and Jesus are about the only ones who could tolerate my singing!)

Thinking back...

Kate liked to be rocked, and then have her back patted, until she fell asleep...ALL THE WAY asleep. We have many memories of rocking & rocking. Then laying her down and since she had been slightly wrestled during the transition, we would pat, pat, pat her back. Then try to tip-toe to the door, almost making it out when she would start screaming. So we would dash back in, and pat for another 15, 20 minutes...and maybe do all of that again & again. I remember falling asleep on the railing of her crib several times, patting her back. I have a sweet memory in my head of walking by her room and seeing Heath bent over her crib, patting in his sleep.

Natalie was never very snuggly. Her motto was, "just drop me off and get out! I will put myself to sleep." And she did. She was very easy in that way, but not so affectionate. As she got older,
she would hold her arms out toward her bed and beg, "Hold you bed. Hold you." Now I appreciate snuggle time with her so much, because when she initiates it, it comes from her heart.

As I mature as a mom I find that I appreciate each of their differences more and more. It is a privilege to care for them, study them and train them in the way they should go. I am grateful that the Lord walks with me and gives me wisdom & understanding in how to love each of them well.

Prayer

2010-01-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

Heath has spoken of these two families from the pulpit. And though I have not mentioned them on my blog, my heart has been so heavy and my prayer time dominated on their behalf, since the New Year has begun. If you are not already, please join me in praying for Kate McCrae and Matt Chandler.

He hears us!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/?paged=2

He's a baby alright!

2010-01-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

If Natalie is not happy with you, the meanest, most insulting thing she can do to show her displeasure, is call you names. And in her little mind, the very worst thing she can come up with is "BA-BY!" To her, there is nothing worse than being a baby. Second, is "BOOOR-ING!" For a highly impatient person like herself, being bored is just awful! And if you are a boring person, then you are equivalent to the scum on her shoes!

When Hudson knocked her block tower over today, she was not happy, and without even thinking she yells, "BABY, BABY, BOOBIE, FUZZ-BALL!"

That's what she thought of?!?!?!

She can get reeeeeally mad, but thankfully for the rest of us, it only lasts about 2 seconds and she's over it.

PS - Please excuse my dirty laundry in the background.

10 random things about me...

2010-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

I was awarded by Emma Claire.

1. I have the ability to instantly alphabetize words. My brain does it faster than I can speak. This makes me a slow reader.

*Alphabetically: I aehv eht abiilty ot ailnnstty aabeehilptz dorsw. My abinr deos it aefrst ahnt I acn aekps. Hist aekms me a losw adeerr.

2. Every person in my family was born in a different state.

3. What I value most about my husband is his character & integrity.

4. Salty or Sweet? Sweet. Cupcakes.

5. Sometimes I think that the rules don't apply to me.

6. I have a hard time relaxing if my house is messy. I would like to change this about myself.

7. I have only owned Honda's.

8. Both of our bathrooms have pedastal sinks & it drives me CRAZY that I don't have any counter space.

9. I love Theology. Reformed. And John Piper's influence in my life.

10. I talk to myself a lot. Natalie always notices and makes fun of me.