The Taylor Family

For Me - Flight Suit Bag

2011-11-29T13:33:00.001-05:00

I have been dying to make one of these for myself! This is a bigger version of a handbag I made this summer. I wanted to have one big enough to be a "Mommy Bag".

I still need to add a big flower to it but was too excited to use it that I will wait on it :)
Did I say that I totally LOVE this bag?! Cause I do!

Notice Monkey feet standing and waiting to fill "Mommy bag!" with a diaper and blanket.

Thought I would show you it all full too. I made the inside pockets big enough for my paper brain and for diapers (I hate it when they get all mushed at the bottom of your bag).

Is it wrong to be in love with a bag? Well I don't care, I love it anyway :)

EJRT Falcons Place 2nd!

2011-11-28T17:05:00.001-05:00

So Austin played football this year and can I just say.... he LOVED it! I am so proud of him! His team made it all the way to the championship game and ended up placing second out of their age division. Just so you know: In OK football and baseball are religions. Watch out :)

Halloween - Take 2

2011-11-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

This is what the kiddos wore for the Base Halloween party.

For Lauren

2011-11-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

This sweet gal has a hubby that washed chapstick in his pocket :) I totally knew what to do...

And the bag turned out perfect if I do say so myself.

This bag was delivered just before Halloween and I saw her at the craft show a few weeks ago toting this bag and telling me how much she loves it!

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-26T21:34:00.000-04:00

Tonight we had the annual Trunk or Treat at church. I got the kiddos to stand still long enough to get a couple of pics. And FYI, Ashley is Homicidal Maniac (they look just like everybody else :)). Goofy girl!

We took the neighbor kids with us and they had a blast too!

Portfolio from this month...

2011-10-22T17:38:00.000-04:00

Here are a few favorite shots from my last few sessions. Last weekend I did the wedding of P&C Bacon. They are so cute and sweet!

We had so much fun once they loosened up :)

The night before was his younger brothers Eagle Court of Honor. Congrats D, what a great accomplishment!

Before that there was a maternity/family shoot for my sweet friend S and her family. They jsut moved to Seattle and I was sad to see her go.

The above is a shot for the Hall family. They won a photo package that I donated to the MDG Booster Club's Auction.

These last few were some pictures for a wonderful family from church. Dad just deployed not too long ago, and they wanted some pics before he left.

I really love taking pics for military families. Maybe it is because they are such a big part of my life, or that I know what they are going through. I just enjoy being a part of making a physical memory that they can hold onto when they are apart.

Thank You R for Serving!

September & October...so far

2011-10-22T16:57:00.000-04:00

Seems like I have been taking a lot of pictures for others lately and not my family. But I know that a family update is needed. Austin is still playing football and LOVING it. He is one good lineman. These first few pictures are of the Homecoming parade that Ashley marched in. It was so funny; they just marched around the neighborhood that the school was in and called it a night. Gotta love a small town!

Here are the little girls in their "bat caves" (laundry baskets with blankets and pillows), don't ask I have no idea where that came from, during Conference. Everyone really paid attention and it was a wonderful Conference!

These 2 pictures were taken the night that my flash came in the mail. If you know my house you know that the family room is the darkest room in the house. These were in the evening after scouts and I was pretty happy with myself! (you will have to ignore that laundry basket in the back, we were having a laundry party)

And I had to add a HUGE thank you to all those that kept my sweet Bear in their prayers, and came to give her blessings this past week. She had a health scare, we thought that she had appendicitis, and it took a few days once they figured out what was going on for her to even begin to feel better. I am happy to report that the sweet girl actually ate breakfast this morning and hopefully will continue on the road to recovery (Which I wish would move faster, I hate watching her in pain).

Football and Fall

2011-09-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize that these are not that great and most will be re-taken this afternoon. But they were sweet for the most part :)

I have pretty eyes!

New 4 Monkey

2011-09-05T18:58:00.000-04:00

My friend and neighbor gave me this table and chair set on Saturday. Little did I know that fixing it up would require 2 trips to each Lowe's and Hobby Lobby, 6 cans of spray paint and a huge lesson in patience.

This is the original color that I painted them "raspberry", however since I failed to prime first the wood repelled the paint. grrrr....

When I went from primer and paint I found that they were out of "raspberry" and had to settle with watermelon, only to learn that for some reason it still wasn't gonna take the paint well.

So I have decided that I will not cause myself any more grief (or cans of spray paint) and just call it "rustic".

About 2 months ago a friend of ours gave us a big girl bed for Monkey. I wanted to make sure that she was good at sleeping in it before I took down the crib. I added her table and then the kitchen that she got for her birthday.

"Ahhh! My Room? Thanks Mommy!"

Ashley has informed me that this is the ultimate little girls room!

Bags, Bags and More Bags! - Flight suit bags

2011-08-24T12:12:00.000-04:00

I have been really busy lately with loads of orders and thought that I would share a few of the bags that I finished in the last week. This top bag is my new favorite, I am in total LOVE with it!

I really enjoy making these and giving these ladies a piece of their hubby that they can take with them no matter where he, or she may be.

The more I make the more I really tweak and have fun with them.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.

A Good Cause.

2011-08-22T17:54:00.000-04:00

Katie has been begging me to cut her hair for a while now so that she can donate it to be made into wigs for cancer patients. I am so proud of her choice to do this. After warning her about how short it would be she said to do it that she was tired of waiting. She LOVED it last night and this morning, till she looked in the mirror. It was so much shorter than she thought and she was afraid of what the kiddos at school would think. I talked her into going and when she got back she was so happy that all the kiddos and teachers told her how great it looked.

So in the great talent of not so great before pics; this was Katie last night

And this is her after pics that I took this afternoon. I am so glad that she is happy now.

Back to School!

2011-08-22T17:46:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday the kiddos started back to school.

Ashley started 7th grade.

Katie started 2nd grade.

Austin started 4th grade.

They had a lot of fun posing for pictures and haven't given me too much grief for having to wake up earlier now :)

Had to show you all the bumper sticker they slapped on the kids back.

And they are off! Walking to the bus stop. Notice the tree branches lining the street? We are still waiting for the city to pick them up from the last 2 storms.

Natalie stood waving and then would ask me, "I go too?"

Look Who's 10!

2011-08-22T17:33:00.000-04:00

Before we came back from ABQ we had Austin's birthday party. He really loved getting to celebrate with all the family!

Uncle Doug and Aunt Lydia gave him this card and it is his favorite!

Grandpa and Jaxon deep in thought.

Ashley and Austin hung out with the Maxwell's grandkids quite a bit while they were there and we invited them to join in the fun. Ashley and Lexi have known each other since they were 2 but it has been years since they had seen each other.

Monkey and Reagan had a blast together!

Thanks to all our family that helped us celebrate!

What We Did When it Was 113 Outside (LOADS of Pics)

2011-07-09T22:42:00.000-04:00

Well today it was 113 out! I could not believe it! So we stayed inside, watched movies and I did some sewing! 2 new sets of jammies for Monkey.

After the first 2 pics she had to dance :) Sorry the pics are so dark, I took them at 8:00 and it was still 111 out!

This is the point that she did not want to pose any more.

I made this robe from a towel that I got from Wally-World.

At about 8:30 Lewis decided it was now or never for mowing the lawn, and Natters played in the water table.

She loved watching Lewis, and she figured out that she could pour the water in her diaper and it was cool. Silly girl! Hopefully tomorrow will be cooler!!!

Monkey and Ducks

2011-06-29T00:08:00.000-04:00

Tonight at the party all Monkey wanted was to watch the ducks. So sweet:)

Love ya Monkey :)

Baseball is done :)

2011-06-29T00:02:00.001-04:00

Tonight we had our end of season party and pictures. I am relieved to have the season done with and move on:)

I know this picture is dark and a bit grainy but it is my favorite! It totally encompasses the spirit and personalities that make up this team!

Baby L - Children's Photographer (Enid)

2011-06-25T23:56:00.000-04:00

Couldn't help but post some of these! She is such a sweetie :)

Little Hands

Little Toes

Her Daddy's favorite holiday is the 4th of July and so he wanted a patriotic shot that he could put on his desk. I think we nailed it!

Love the little grin here:) I think she was dreaming of sweet things!

Just for Fun! - Tote Bag - Custom Sewing

2011-06-23T16:56:00.001-04:00

Loving the gathering and the states fabric.

Not sure who this will go to but I had fun making it :)

For J&K - Tote Bags - Custom Sewing

2011-06-22T22:42:00.000-04:00

Ash and Katie have birthday parties to go to this weekend and wanted really cool gifts for their friends. So this afternoon I made these smaller tote bags for their friends and we will go to the dollar store and pick out a couple of things to go in them :)

I am liking this gathered fabric look on the bags. Watch out I have a feeling that there will be more where this came from :)

Red, White, & Monkey

2011-06-17T17:23:00.000-04:00

New 4th of July dress for Monkey! Totally love all the patterns together (not sure I would at first, but I do!)!!

She is getting WAY too big!

Batting Practice

2011-06-14T00:44:00.000-04:00

We took the pitching machine to practice on Saturday and all the boys got to practice.

Here is Austin :)

See the ball? He hits it!

He is grinning as the next pitch comes :)

HIT and RUN!!!

Just so you all know how awesome this little man is...

The above picture is him running to home plate after he hit that

HOME RUN!!!

For Jolene - Flight Suit Diaper Bag

2011-06-14T00:35:00.000-04:00

LOVED making this bag for a new Momma here in Enid! Her little girl was born a month early and she did not have a bag and wanted something special. My friend Heidi (I made a dress for her daughter) gave her my number and told her I could help.

One of the things I loved about this bag is that the fabric matches her crib bedding :)

(Please ignore the fuzz in the above pic. There is always one fuzz that I miss.)

I delivered this today and she totally LOVED it! She was filling it so she could go and show off her bag to her friends. She also called her hubby as I was leaving to order her a few patches for it :)

For Monkey - T-shirt Dress - Custom Sewing

2011-06-14T00:26:00.000-04:00

I saw this fabric at Hobby Lobby this weekend and had to have it! I loved the colors and knew exactly what it would be! I paired it with the lime green at the bottom and a t-shirt from Wally-World on the top and there you have it! A new dress for Monkey!

I had her try it on on Saturday night and she was so made that I would not let her sleep in it. She walked all around church pointing and telling everyone, "My dress. My pretty dress."

Ans of course every little girl needs accessories so we added a bow and the fabric flower.

Fun in the Sun

2011-06-14T00:20:00.000-04:00

Last week in the middle of my sewing frenzy I had to get out and the kids and I needed some sun, so off we went to the splash pad. It is the only one here and got a little crowded at the end but it was a ton of fun! WE packed a picnic lunch and splashed and played for about 3 hours! (I love the above picture because it looks like Natters only has one toe on the ground)

Some serious Monkey thought :)

I love the energy that Katie puts in everything that she does!

On the way home we went and got a snow cone and cooled off before heading home and then to a ball game. I think that it is a day that will be repeated often!

For Laura - Large Summer Tote Custom Bag

2011-06-14T00:07:00.000-04:00

So I took my bag like this to church a couple of weeks ago and a friend stopped me and said that she HAD to have one. So here it is :)

Monkey had to have her picture taken too :)

A Day on the Farm

2011-06-13T23:56:00.000-04:00

To start with, we did not bring one of these home, even though it really made Natters sad. So we went to a BBQ/baseball practice at one of the boys house on Austin's team. They live on a working farm and Natalie and the other girls got to play with a lot of baby animals.

Natalie's favorite of the babies were these Heeler/Lab mix puppies. The momma really was great and let her hold this little girl for a long time. She hugged and kissed and smiled at her puppy :)

Austin LOVED this little gray kitten! He still talks to me to try and get me to go and get her and bring her home.

More kisses.

This is Natalie all proud to finally have two puppies, and Jacklyn (she lives there, and plays with Natters at the baseball games).

Katie looks half dead here but this was her favorite, a new born chick hatched the night before :)

So much fun! And yes there was parctice but I was too busy trying to make sure that Natalie did not drop the puppy that I didn't get pictures of that.

New Toy

2011-06-13T23:42:00.000-04:00

So this is a nifty new toy that I got and totally love! I really wish it were more stylish but other than that it is great! This watch takes accurate heart rates without a chest strap and totals your calories burned through out your workout. I love to calculate it through out the week and seeing the tally of how much I have burned! For example my Zumba/ Zumba Toning workout that I do twice a week burns about 963 calories. Can you believe that?! It has a timer and alarm too, and yes Mom... it has Indiglo :)

For Kristi - Flight Suit Bag

2011-06-01T17:48:00.001-04:00

This bag was for a dear lady on base, Kristi. She is such a doll and wanted a fun sling bag for her trip to Italy this summer. I am giving this to her tonight when I do their family pics. Hope she likes it, keep your fingers crossed for me :)

Love this bag!

Now back to real life; dishes, diapers and dirty floors.

By the way... this is my 260th post! Go me!!!

For Jan- Again :) - BDU Bag

2011-05-25T15:40:00.001-04:00

This is for my dear friend Jan that is leaving Vance tomorrow. She asked me to make this one a lot smaller for her so that she could jsut take it on date night or whatever. It is about half the size of the other bags I have made but I really like it and hope that she does too :)

It closes with a magnetic clasp and has a divided pocket on one side.

For Me :)

2011-05-24T12:37:00.000-04:00

A couple weekends ago I met Emily in OKC for Time out for Women. I was so excited and knowing that she just had her birthday and that we would be doing some running around and with summer on us (ok like I need a reason :) I made us matching tote bags. Hers is the same except where it is turquoise on mine hers is green (her favorite color).

This is the back of the bag. These are LARGE totes and I am totally in love with mine.

Inside is really simple but you could add more pockets if you wanted.

Side. These pockets are perfect for bottles of water, sippi cups and pretty much anything!

I had my bag at church a couple of weeks ago and a sister decided that she HAD to have one so I am making her one now. I am really loving this commissioned sewing gig I am starting here :)

Sirens & Closets

2011-05-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

We had the first siren go off yesterday, we had company and it was pouring rain so we "cleaned out " the closet in Natter's room and hid there. Lewis was locked on base and when he got home he asked where exactly the tornado had hit :)

Can you tell we are having so much fun :(

My friend Kylia was here and her girls too. So there were 8 of us in that little closet.

The clouds looked amazing after all was said and done.

We needed a pocket check while we were outside taking pictures.

Rainbows & Secrets - Recital 2011

2011-05-24T11:50:00.000-04:00

Katie's ballet class did their # to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Ashley's ballet class did their dance to a song called Secrets. I was really proud of them both.

Unfortunately Ashley's group went out the opposite doors that Katie's group did so I was not able to get a group shot of them. They all did great and each session of the recital was almost 3 hours long. SO big shout outs go to Natters and Daddy, and Austin for sitting though all that!

Leonardo's - 1st grade Last Day Trip

2011-05-24T11:09:00.000-04:00

All the 1st grade classes went to Leonardo's for the last day of school. I went to go and play for a little bit and to get Katie early since they had dress rehearsals for the recital that afternoon too.

All of her friends had a blast playing with Natalie.

This is Natalie too :) She is in Katie's class at church and they are good buddies.

What to do next?

Tire swing?

Yeah Baby!!!

This is the entrance to the play area. It is the largest play structure I have ever seen! It is a 3 level play house with a sand area, slides, swings, a picnic area, and even a special area for toddlers.

Chisholm ES End of Year Assemblies (May 18th)

2011-05-24T10:44:00.000-04:00

Katie and Austin each had an end of year award assembly at their school.

Katie standing in line to tell her favorite part of 1st grade, "Testing, because we got snacks everyday." and get her awards. She was on the Principals Honor Roll, and got an award for reading more than 25 books this year!

Katie and her teacher, and then waiting in line to go back to their seats.

A better pic of Katie and her teacher Ms. B.

After the 1st grade assembly there were cookies and lemonade in the classroom.

This is Katie with Ms. JJ, she was the aid in the class this year and Katie really just loved her!

Austin got to be a helper for the 3rd grade assembly and hand out programs.

Austin waiting his turn in line.

This is Austin's token grin lately. I am not sure where it came from but it totally drives me crazy most of the time :) He received awards for reading 25 or more books this year and then also made the Principals Honor Roll!

Austin and Ms. S.

For Erin - ABU Bag

2011-05-24T10:22:00.001-04:00

This was a gift that was commissioned by all the wives in the OSS squadron for the out-going commanders wife. I really loved this bag :)

End of Year Concert (May 1st)

2011-05-24T10:15:00.000-04:00

Ashley had her Beginning Band End of Year Concert and it was wonderful! She has been working so hard and has come such a long way with her flute-ing skills. I know that there are not too many pics but there were these black music stands that were right in front of the kids and I could not get a good angle to save my life. Next year she also wants to pick up the piccolo.

Flight Suit Dress - for Heidi

2011-04-28T14:05:00.000-04:00

This is one of the special orders that I just delivered. I am so happy with it and so is my client.

It is a 12 month size and just really sweet, I love the pink with the green!

Here is a little of the detail on the bottom.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T00:12:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we went to an Easter Egg hunt on base (Ash was at a band competition) and totally missed the little kids egg hunt because we had to wait for a train to pass. The bigger kids got to do their turn and shared the loot with Natters. We stayed and they all played on the playground for about an hour.

Unfortunately Lewis had to work all day yesterday so we did our egg coloring today. They all drew on their eggs.

Posed for pics :)

Natters was not allowed to actually touch the coloring but she was really good at watching the cups.

Every time that Lewis took one out she would say, "Ooo, Purple!" Even though none were :)

They wanted to do Funny Faces.

Some of our favorite Eggs.

Lots of pretty colors and fun. We had a great Easter and shared it with our friends and the Elders. Hope that you all had a great Easter too.

Sweet Monkey

2011-04-24T23:46:00.000-04:00

For Rika - Flight Suit Bag

2011-04-24T23:44:00.001-04:00

This was a special order for a good friend at church.

Busy Bees

2011-04-24T23:41:00.000-04:00

Why have there not been any posts for a while? Well, let's just put it this way, life at our house is CRAZY right now. With the girls both playing soccer and Austin playing baseball life has been chaotic to say the least. Add to that the normal weekly activities like, scouts and dance and then Lewis' softball games and we have at least 2 things every night of the week.

The girls are doing great and are almost done with their season.

Lewis even helps coach Katie's team.

I am gonna have to get some pics of Austin up soon. It is hard since I am team mom and end up in the dugout and keeping score. He has only had 2 games so far and his season runs through June.

GO STRIKERS, and Lil' STRIKERS, and RANGERS!!!

Happy Birthday Monkey!

2011-04-24T23:29:00.000-04:00

I know that I am really late in posting this but my little Monkey is 2!!! Love her!

So... since we really didn't have a lot of people that we would have had a party with we invited our friends the Hassett's over since Daddy Hassett and Daughter Hassett both have April birthdays and we had one party.

This was our rainbow cake that I made. Soo way yummy.

Here are the birthday girls, and boy. Poor Natters had no idea what to do about blowing the candles out and totally just stood there and was confused.

Opening presents.

Inside of Rainbow cake.

Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dellon got her a trike. It is a really big hit, she can peddle just not steer.

But I don't want to go in :(

And this ladies and gentlemen is why we do not post more group shots around here :)

You Say Good-Bye, We Say Hello

2011-03-20T14:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning we said goodbye to Nana and Papa. It was a great week filled with sleeping in, movies, fishing and playing in the front yard, even flying kites. I know that it was crazy working all that in around baseball and soccer but thanks for all the great fun! Hope to see you guys here again soon!!!

Last night Grandma and Aunt Missy came through on their way home from buying a car in Ohio. Thanks for hanging out and going to the chili cook-off at church last night. Where my white chili won first place!!!!

It was great to see you all and hope that you enjoyed your stay at the Taylor B&B :)

Watonga Lake

2011-03-20T13:24:00.000-04:00

Mom and Dad came to visit last week since the kiddos had Spring Break and one of the things the kiddos always want to do with Papa is.... FISHING! Dad found us a great lake and we picked a day. Unfortunately it was a very blustery day and there really wasn't much fishing going on.

The only one who caught something was Papa. He caught the sleeve for the folding camp chair that blew into the lake.

Nana, Ash and Bubba went exploring up a cliff for rocks.

Natalie really wanted to go too :(

Katie and Papa giving it their all.

Austin and his rocks. I swear I am swimming in rocks these kiddos brought home :)

Natalie guarding our stuff while Papa went to go get the van to load up.

All in all we had a wind blown picnic and fun afternoon followed by dinner at Rib Crib (yummy).

Pretty great St. Patrick's Day!

Latest Sewing Projects

2011-03-17T17:01:00.000-04:00

Newest to my Hero Gear line is this beautiful little dress I was commissioned to make for my friends little girl from her Daddy's flight suit. Love it!!!

After I made my friend Jan her Hero Gear bag her Mother-in-Law wanted a bag made from some old jeans she had been saving. I think that she will love it; I know I do :)

Saturday Sampler Block 2

2011-03-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

I finally finished block #2. With Lewis being gone and then all the kiddos being sick things have been crazy around here and I had not done anything more than cut it out until today. Good thing too since my class is in the morning :)

I am happy to report that the new squaring tools really helped and I am totally happy with this block.

This is the back of the block, I just thought it looked pretty.

Now that this is done I can go ahead and try out my serger :)

It Was Due When???

2011-03-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

Long story short I am not sure if I am an awesome mom or just a spacey one. I picked Austin up from school for a Dr. appointment on Wednesday, and his teacher wondered where his science fair project was. I had thought that it was due after spring break (next week) and with him missing all of last week being home sick, I guess that I had dropped the ball. Needless to say we did a project and the display (not pictured) all in one night.

The name of his project was the Amazing Fireproof Balloon.

Basically we filled three balloons with air and held a flame under them. They popped (see Nana's hand? Thanks so much for all your help!)

Then we filled one with water and air. It did NOT pop (well the first one popped since we put the flame where the water was not). It was kind of neat to learn about the science of why that was. All in all I would totally not recommend doing the entire project in one night (especially if you have volunteered at Young Women's that night too), but Austin was a trooper and it all turned out ok in the end.

Random Thoughts

2011-03-11T14:56:00.001-05:00

I often can not find my ipod, the kiddos love to play with it, and watch movies with it. I was looking a couple of weeks ago and this is where I found it. With my little girls all cozy on the bed.

The first week of March Lewis left for some more training down in TX. Before he left he had to replace the rotors on his car. Austin ended up doing most of the work under Dad's supervision and was so proud of his work.

This is one of the old rotors.

Austin said that his favorite part of helping was getting his hands all dirty.

After all was said and done they had to to the brake drums too, but now Lewis' car is in great shape!

Stars

2011-02-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

"A whole bunch of stars in God's hand; that's how beautiful you are."

Katie and I were having a contest in the car telling each other how special the other was, and that is what she came up with. Needless to say, she won :)

Love ya sweetie!

Fun Weekend (aka photo overload)

2011-02-14T17:44:00.001-05:00

So after being stuck inside most of the week we ventured out on Friday to the Golden Arches and ate/played for a while and then came home. While Natalie napped the older kids did this little craft for their teachers.

I found the printout online and then had to go and buy a punch the right size for the bottom of the kisses. The kids really had a blast. We also made a whole bowl to go to work with Daddy.

The kiddos also took the time to go ahead and do their Valentines for school.

That night we fed the Elders. They gave a mini lesson on the Strippling Warriors and having faith to do the right even when things are hard. To end the lesson we had a snowball fight (Elder Ortiz had never seen snow (in person) before).

Natters had a blast walking around in the snow. She had to take big steps since it was still pretty deep in the yard.

Austin had a great time, he is pretty good at making snowballs.

Bracing for impact.

A quick group shot as Natters begins to melt.

On Saturday we went bowling on base. I was so surprised at how much Natalie loved it!!!

If she was not bowling she was standing by the ball or trying to steal one. Are those little shoes not the greatest?! She cried when it came time to return them.

The ball sits on the little ramp and then the bar pushes the ball to roll down the ramp. Coolest thing ever! It even had levels on it to make sure that you had it lined up just right. Our friends that came with us had two little girls that decided that they did not want to bowl after the first 3 frames. So Austin helped Natters almost every other frame to bowl.

So the total for the 6 of us to bowl 2 games and rent shoes was a whopping $7.75. We had lunch there too, which brought the total to about $23.00. It was so totally affordable that we will definitely do this again!

"Snow-klahoma"

2011-02-10T11:36:00.000-05:00

As is our tradition large snow systems seem to follow us where ever we move, and Oklahoma is no exception. Last week we were struck with a blizzard storm (high winds with snow and ice) and then Tuesday morning we were hit with what has been dubbed Snow-klahoma. Lower winds and 12inches in the shallow and 19 inches in the deeper areas, and that is just at our house. Doesn't look like Natters will be going anywhere in her Cozy Coupe any time soon :(

Front Yard

Back Yard

Lewis being a ham looking through his snow gear to stay warm while shoveling.

Natters liked to sit and look out the window to the snow.

When she heard the boys out front shoveling she had to take a look.

I know that this one is blurry but I thought that it was adorable that she was hiding in the curtains.

This was Austin while shoveling. The pic is not that great because I took it through the front door because I didn't want to go out into the freezing cold.

So, the kiddos are on their second day off this week and with Katie having pneumonia we haven't played outside too much. I think they would love to just have one more day home so that there is just a really long weekend. With the temp at -4 right now, they just might get their wish.

Make a Cheerful Noise

2011-02-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

Katie had the opportunity to participate in a "mini-cheer" clinic that the high school did last week, and as a close to the program they preformed at the girls basketball game last night. Katie had a blast and now really wants to be a cheerleader when she grows up. She made a lot of new friends too.

Go Longhorns!!!

There are a lot of pictures of Katie with other little girls, once I got the camera out they all wanted their picture taken :)

This is the cheerleader that worked with the 1st graders. Her name is Katie and she drives a green car. She was my Katie's favorite of the big girls :)

Sunny Saturday & New Hero Bag

2011-02-04T00:48:00.000-05:00

The weather on Saturday was so great (75 degrees :)) that we washed cars, and then Lewis got out his motorcycle and gave the kiddos a ride:)

Then Monday night it stormed and stormed on Tuesday. The kiddos were home two days and I was going crazy so on with my Hero Bags:) This one is for me but I will have to order patches since Lewis does not use these kinds of patches at work.

But I still think that it is lovely :)

A friend provided me with a few unserviceable suits to use for my bags and so I thought that I would make myself a bag too:) I love it and can't wait to get all my junk in there :) I was sad though that I had to take pics in the entry since it is still less than 10 degrees out and wet :(

My Little Fashonista & SS Block 1

2011-01-26T16:39:00.000-05:00

So Ash helped Natters get dressed this morning and she always lets her pick out her own clothes. This is her. I am sorry for the dark pic but I really had to chase her down to get this picture :)

Not 2 minutes later I was brought new shoes and watched as she pulled the snow boots off. She was a little more willing to take a couple of pictures.

Love these boots!

Natalie has been loving to play with the magnets lately, but she just pulls them all and puts them on the very bottom and gets mad if she sees you move them. Silly girl. (See the red pot in its happy placce on the stove. Totally love that pot! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!)

Monkey and I sat at the door looking at the trees and our toes this morning too.

And here it is in all its imperfection! I am totally not happy with it but like Kristen said, no one else will notice the imperfections except me (and now anyone that reads this). So the decision has been made to leave this in all its imperfection and I am gonna try to just enjoy the journey.

Saturday Sampler Block .75 (grumble)

2011-01-25T23:55:00.000-05:00

Can I just start this post by saying "WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?" I joined a block of the month club at the quilt shop in the next town south of us (Hennessey) and thought that it would be a lot of fun. Get to learn some new skills, and get over to the fabric shop once a month :) Well they don't tell you that when you make your first block you may go bald from pulling your hair out. But let's just say that I now know why they give you a whole month for each block.

This is the pattern.

I got all the pieces cut and started putting things together. At this point I was still feeling pretty proud of myself. Not too hard; now just so that you know, NEVER say that! I put this next to the block that goes with it and it was a half inch too big.

So out with my handy dandy ripper and then some trimming (that I thought I had done correctly).

And this is where I end tonight. Totally feeling defeated and hating that there are pieces that no longer line up. I am torn between leaving it and knowing that it was the first stepping stone to my new blanket (cause let's face it, I am never gonna make enough of these blocks to make the quilt in the picture), and finishing it, learning my lesson and seeing if they have any extra kits to remake it.

Reguardless I am gonna go take out some frustration on the pots in my sink, yes I know its late but I really wanted to sew and who else will scrub those dishes? :(

New Family Pics - Jan 2011 (Enid Family Photographer)

2011-01-23T18:19:00.002-05:00

I know that all have been posting from this session but I thought that I would add my favorite. On New Years day Evalee wanted to get some new family pics so Kristen and I took some; in 12 degree weather.

Aren't we cute?!

For Jan - Flight Suit Bag

2011-01-23T17:25:00.002-05:00

Before Christmas I made a Diaper bag for myself, and one of the ladies that Lewis works for, out of old BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) tops. I also made my neighbor a bag from her husbands flight-suit.

A friend of mine asked if I could make her a bag out of her hubby's flight-suit and Lewis thought that he needed to see what it felt like to wear one (silly boy).

So this is Jan's bag. All it needs is her hubby's patches and it will be complete. I really love how it turned out!

If anyone out there sees this and is interested in either the flight-suit or BDU/ABU bags please leave me a comment on the this post with your email and I will get you the details and pricing info.

Rise and Shine

2011-01-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

Every Monday at the elementary school they start out with an assembly called "Rise and Shine". The classes take turns being in charge and reading the announcements. On the 17th Katie's class was in charge; they get to read all the announcements, lead the pledge, the school song, the National Anthem, and sing "Happy Birthday" to all the kids who have birthdays that week. All the kiddos K-3 sit on the floor (partially pictured) and the older kiddos get to sit on the upper level (behind me). Katie's job was the quote of the week, " If I cannot do great things I can do small things in a great way".

A few last ABQ pics

2011-01-23T17:05:00.000-05:00

Above is my sweet sister-in-law and baby "Omie".

Brand new baby "Jillie-Bean"

Natters showing her nutty side :)

I walked into Grandma's room one afternoon and this is what I found. All the girls having fun :)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-09T19:13:00.000-05:00

I apologize that it has taken me so long to get this updated but Christmas was a crazy trip and everyone was either sick before, during or after.

So before we left for ABQ I helped to organize the annual Airman Cookie Drive on December 13th. It was a base-wide event with the OSC and ESG both participating. We baked and gathered and decorated over 1000 cookies and then packaged them for the Airmen that live in the dorms here at Vance.

Just a few of our cookies.

That evening we packaged them in these cute bags (the cookies were in zip bags inside these to ensure freshness). Lewis and the kiddos came and helped with this.

On the 14th the OSC Pres, Vice Pres, as well as Katie (my neighbor who helped me with the organizing and exwcuting of the event. WE call her "big" Katie around here:)) and a couple other volunteers and I went to the dorms and hand delivered all those cookies to the 100 Airmen that live here in the dorms.

(

We got to ABQ on the 20th (the 19th was Lewis' Christmas Party for work) and then on the 21st we had Katie (and Evalee's) birthday party at Peter Piper. This has become a tradition that Katie looks forward to every year.

Can she really be 7?!

Katie got so many great gifts!

On the 23rd I took some family pics for Matt and Elisha (you can see more on their blog; link on the sidebar)

We spent Christmas Eve with the Taylor's and then Christmas Day with my fam. It was a blast but since I was sick the majority of the trip there are very few pics. The kids had a blast and that is all that matters :)

On January 1st we took family pictures with the Taylor's. Kristen and I did the photography and I think that they turned out pretty good considering that it was 12 degrees outside....

on the 2nd we went to go and get the kiddos from Chris and Kristen's and the starter went out on the van. Luckily I am married to Super Man and he was able to fix it :) We came home on the 4th, and that is about it. I know we are so boring. Anyway Happy New Year to all and be on the lookout for your Christmas card that will be coming this week, I know it is more of a New Years card but I have to get them out:) Love to all!

A New Dress for Monkey

2010-11-21T00:48:00.001-05:00

When I dropped Mom at the airport on Wednesday I stopped by Target and got a few long sleeve shirts for Natalie. I really needed to get her some winter dresses.

I added the sweet ruffles and then the skirt.

Sorry the pic is dark but it is late and I just wanted to make sure that the dress got posted.

Next is two more dresses and some jammies :)

New Background

2010-11-21T00:40:00.000-05:00

I did some baby pics the other day and was trying out my new background. So... I set Natalie on the table and we had some fun. I love her eyes and the various expressions that were captured!

Pin Me... Or Maybe Not

2010-11-21T00:31:00.000-05:00

The other night the kids got into a box that had some clothes pins and they began pinning them to Lewis. After watching for a little bit, Mom made the comment that we needed pictures of this.

Lewis was a sport and let me take a few pics.

I know that he hates/pretends to hate taking pictures.

Skating Katie

2010-11-21T00:24:00.000-05:00

At school Austin and Katie had a unit in P.E. that was roller skating. They had so much fun! At the end the parents were able to go and see them skate. I got to see Katie but I missed Austin since I was picking up Mom from the airport in OKC.

Katie was a trooper, every time that she fell she got right back up.

I love that her wrist guards match her outfit!

They both had a blast and I thought that it was great that they had the opportunity to go and see what the kids have been learning.

Spooktacular Fun!

2010-11-01T11:39:00.001-04:00

With my recent medical developments (diagnosed will arthritis, still testing for type) I was not sure if Halloween would really happen this year. The older kiddos all raided closets for their costumes and Natalie needed hers made. Luckily, Friday I was able to have enough pain free time before the base trick or treating to make her Minnie Mouse costume.

Meet: Bond, James Bond. Lewis made him a wooden gun at the wood shop.

Natalie was so not about taking pictures....

My little She-Devil...

And our hippie. They all had a blast. They went trick or treating on Friday on base and then Sat at the Trunk or Treat.

GOAL!!!

2010-10-08T22:29:00.000-04:00

About a week ago they had soccer pics and they were terrible!! Bright sun right in the face and so I did my own. You know me, just stubborn in nature (nah not me:)).

This great little dock is behind the snack shack at the fields. So Fun!!

Oh I Love the Pretty Little Flowers

2010-10-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

These are some of the flowers in our front path. I want to look this one up it is so unique.

Good Morning Sunshine & Updates Galore!

2010-09-21T02:00:00.000-04:00

First I have to apologize for not staying up to date on the blog. Life has been crazy here the last few weeks and I am just feeling like we are really getting the hang of our schedule. With dance, soccer, scouts, and other weekly activities we have been nuts! So below you will find what has happened in the last 5 or 6 weeks. Scroll down to the bottom and work your way to the top. Also this is a picture of the lot across from our house in the morning, This is what we look at as we eat breakfast every morning. Pretty huh?!

Sharing the fun.

2010-09-21T01:55:00.000-04:00

Needless to say, yesterday was just one of those days. You know the ones that everyone has but no one wants to admit to. Well that was yesterday. So when the neighbors knocked on the door and asked if the kids could ride bikes, I caved and sent the big kids out to play. My neighbor came by to secretly admit that she too was having one of those days. As we chatted she looked out the front window to this...

All the kids had gathered skateboards and with one bike took turns pulling the rope up the hill on a bike. Yes that is Austin on the tiny pink bike :) So I grabbed my camera and we ran out too. It was hard to remember why we were having one of those days after a few minutes of these happy faces.

Natalie wanted in on the fun too! Austin, as always, was quick to scoop her up and let her in :)

The biker girls.

So with black feet from the new road, we walked in having a great night.

Jets vs. Cowboys 8-3 :)

2010-09-21T01:33:00.001-04:00

So Saturday (9-18) was our second game, this time against the Cowboys. Unlike the cool weather that we had Thursday it was just under 100 out. The boys were tired and worn out only 15 mins. into the game.

Austin played goalie for part of the game.

Half time pep talk and Gatorade break (from the after game snack, was had early since all the boys had already drank all their water).

Go Austin Go!!

Despite this pic, Austin did a lot better about not using his hands.

Good Game Guys! Some of the kids we go to church with were on the opposing team.

Austin through the "Victory Tunnel". (we did this last game too, I just didn't get Austin)

Jets vs. Warriors 2-6 :(

2010-09-21T01:19:00.001-04:00

Last Thursday (9-16) was Austin's first soccer game. On the way to the fields we were worried that they might cancel the game since it was raining at our house. It was gloomy. but it did stay dry. Natalie made us all stop and sit ON the chairs as we walked to the field.

Gloomy Sky pic.

Austin just hanging around during practice.

Go Austin!!

I totally loved the look on his face in this one :)

The Jets did pretty good considering the other team was a bit older and a lot bigger than they are. Austin kept using his hands to catch the ball and fouling. Poor thing has played nothing but baseball the last couple of years.

This was the coaches yelling "This is soccer DON'T use your hands, AUSTIN!!!" It was a fun day: a good game of soccer, a spilled DDP, and lots of fun with...

pockets!

OSC: Sept. Welcome Social

2010-09-21T01:01:00.001-04:00

When we first moved here my new neighbor, Katie, asked me if I would please serve on the OSC (Officer's Spouses Club) Board with her. I don't think that I quite knew what I was getting into, but it has been fun! Last week was our "Welcome" social; the first of the new fiscal year. We did some fun getting to know you games and everyone had a blast. Here are a few pics of the set up.

This was the dessert/prize table. All the prizes came from Pampered Chef (that's right; I now sell Pampered Chef!!! You need something?! Call me!!!) and the cupcakes came from a local bakery. Everyone loved them but I think that we will just make them ourselves in Oct.. Everything is pink because the cause of the month was Breast Cancer Awareness. We also had a sign-up for the walk-run that will be in OKC on the 9th of Oct. (look for pics of that later as we will be doing it as a family); the OSC will be sponsoring a team.

The big room pic:)

We spent part of our budget on these flowers. They will be great to use at other events in the future since they are a neutral color.

Everyone had a great time and Katie and I are so excited to start planning the BINGO activity in October.

Lots-a-Bags

2010-09-21T00:29:00.000-04:00

Right before I left for ABQ I was stopped in Hobby Lobby and asked where I had bought my handbag from. When I told her I had made it she begged me to make her one. She bought the supplies and will pay for the labor, and I will sew it. I was very excited how it turned out!

This one is my fall bag. I know... how many bags does one woman need? How many you got? :)

Naomi

2010-09-21T00:24:00.001-04:00

Over Labor Day weekend the kids and I took Mom back to ABQ and were able to be there for Naomi's blessing. It was so sweet and tender and I am so blessed to have been able to be there for that. I was also able to take a ton of pics of the beautiful guest of honor. Such a beautiful baby!!!

Such a serious little sleeper.

I am way in love with little baby piggies!

I know that this is not everyone's favorite pic, but I think that it is so precious since she loves to play with that tongue and it is always out :)

Elisha's Mom and Step-Dad were able to come from Wyoming with her sister Jen for the occasion.

I love the sweetness here. What a lucky baby girl to have 3 Grandpa's to spoil her rotten!

So much love for this little baby girl! I swear I could really feel it all around. This is Elisha with her Dad and Naomi, of course.

It was really great to have the afternoon to hang out with all of our family and Elisha's too :) Her and Matt are really doing a great job here!!! I had so many great pics, that it was really hard to limit myself as to what to post.

For Jaxon

2010-09-21T00:09:00.000-04:00

Well this baby quilt is the second that I have made this year for a new niece/nephew. This is for Jaxon, Doug and Lydia's new little man. He was born 6 weeks early but is now home with mom and dad and doing great!

This quilt brought a lot of firsts for me: first time with this pattern, first time to applique on the quilt, and first time for free-motion quilting. All in all I am really happy for this to go to sweet Jaxon. I fell in love with this fabric when we were still in VA and when they found out that it was a boy, I was so excited that I ran to JoAnn's to by it.

This is the back, a nice cozy flannel. I really was very pleased with how this turned out and hope that they love it too. And that is Mom back there holding the quilt in the wind :) Thanks Mom!!

Happy Happy Birthday Ashley Dear!!

2010-09-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

While Mom was here visiting we had Ashley's Birthday! It was small and I think that we will still have a small party for her once Lewis gets back and life settles down a bit. My new neighbor and dear friend, Katie, made this way yummy cake and celebrated with us.

What a pretty cake. And yes folks that is eleven candles you see there. My goodness am I that old?!?!

I just liked the effect of the candles and her in the background here. She is my sweetie and I love her to death! Happy Birthday Ash-Bash!!!

Milling...

2010-09-20T23:24:00.001-04:00

Since I have become a baking fiend, a wheat mill seemed the logical next step :) Lucky me I have a mother with 6 cases of wheat in her garage that she will never use (as she is not a baker herself). After doing some research and watching online videos, I decided on a Nutrimil. It is sooooo amazing!!

Here is my pretty grinder (it gives me goosebumps just lookin at it now).

This is what it looks like before the pretty grinder does its job.

The result is a wheat flour that you know exactly what is in it and it is much finer of a grind than even the more expensive flours. I have been mixing it with my white flour and it is way yummy!

First Day of School

2010-08-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

In all my updating fun I forgot to add the pictures of the kiddos on their first day of school. So here they are with a little bit on how the first few days went.

Lets start with Ash. She went to the middle school and boy was she excited. She had a great couple of days and totally loves that she was able to help those around her with their lockers. I think she will have a blast this year! (I know her hair looks odd but it was oh-so-cute; and yes after cutting bangs she has decided to grow them out again)

Then there is Austin that was so excited to start, but came home got his jammies on and cried himself to sleep. It was so sad! He did go back Friday and have a better day. I am so proud of him for being brave.

Now we have Katie our big 1st grader. She has a blast and is doing great! We had a little bump in the road Friday morning where she could still not remember our new phone #. She was afraid that she would not be able to call me if she needed me. Once I convinced her that her teacher had it and could call if I was needed she was ok.

Natalie and I have been having fun during the day (other than a huge migraine on Thursday). Natters is on a great nap schedule and I am getting back into the groove of life... Finally. All the kids ride the same bus and so it makes it easy to go and walk to the bus in the morning and afternoon. Plus I know that they can watch out for each other.

Pics with Dad

2010-08-15T00:31:00.000-04:00

With Lewis going to Shepherd AFB for training we took some new pics. We had fun with me setting the timer and running back. I think that it turned out pretty good considering that I just barely made it. Poor Natalie wouldn't sit on Lewis' lap she had to have her tush on that bench.

So cute!

The boys chillin'.

Ahhh....

So do you have cavities yet from the sweetness?? The kiddos really love to have these kinds of pictures near them to keep near their hearts.

KU Shirts.

2010-08-15T00:19:00.000-04:00

My new neighbor/buddy went to a birthday party for her nephew this weekend in Kansas. His parents are huge KU fans. She found these fabrics and I made them into shirts for him.

This was my favorite. I hope that they enjoy the shirts!

Go Jayhawks!

Austin is 9!

2010-08-15T00:15:00.000-04:00

For Austins birthday we had a couple of his new friends come and make pizza and watch "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". I think that the boys had a blast, and from a Mom's point of view it was a way easy party.

They had so much fun making their pizzas.

Yummy!!!

After the movie we had cake (blueberry cobbler) and presents.

The kiddos were so great about pausing so I could take a few pictures.

I totally loved the look on his face here.

Sorry about another cake pic but I loved the smoke :)

I think that this was one of his favorites (Natalie loves to steal it and even figured out how to turn it on).

Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dellon sent this. He still walks around the house with it.

Models & Bugs

2010-08-14T23:53:00.000-04:00

Lewis wanted to get something that Austin could do with and without him. So he bought Austin a model. A little advanced if you ask me but he is in love and has a blast sitting at his little table working away.

He is o-so-careful as he carves out the bombs.

While Austin works on his model Ashley found this really pretty dragonfly.

New Rides

2010-07-27T10:56:00.002-04:00

"Hey Austin will you come out and help me with something?" That was what we heard one day last week. You see we have been riding 4-5 days a week as a family this loop around the lake that is about 3 miles. Well, you see that Austin had out grown his bike and has been riding Ashley's old one; which to say the least he did not like at all. Lewis and I thought about getting him a new one for his birthday (still to come) but thought that he would like to have it a little early since we do ride so often.

From the moment that Lewis got it out of the car, Austin was on that bike till dark :)

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!!

Katie needed a picture too.

And Lewis; what a goof!!

He and Natalie take a little walk.

She is such a sweetie.

And this is my new ride, and Natters too :) I totally love this bike and the fact that I am finally finding something active that I like to do.

I think Natters likes it too.

Off we ride into the wild blue yonder :)

By the way if you were wondering where Ash was during all this she was sitting cozy on my bed reading 'Twilight', yep folks she has officially been sucked in (no pun intended). She does ride with us on our daily rides though:)

DDPA

2010-07-27T10:12:00.000-04:00

"Hello, my name is Natalie and I am a DDP-aholic. Any time that I see a Sonic cup I go nuts; jump up and down, sign 'more' and do a little happy dance."

Poor Natalie :) I swear that the poor thing loves DDP more than I do. You have to be really careful where you put your cup down because she will high-jack it and run off so that she can enjoy it for herself.

Rub a Dub

2010-07-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Natalie helped Lewis wash is motorcycle.

A little scrub and then a little rinse.

She would not rest until Lewis let her help with the hose.

Sofa-Pillows :)

2010-07-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

Well if you have been to my house in the last 4 months (in VA too) you have seen the falling apart, terrible, horrible sofa pillows that we had. Now part of the reason that I had not recovered them sooner was because I was not sure what awaited us here in OK. Well... These beauties now reside on the sofa and love seat (not the wagon:)) I think that the sofa needs at least one more.

I so love these!!!

Fire and Water :)

2010-07-12T22:36:00.000-04:00

This weekend we...

took some pictures in the yard,

I loved this one of Natters. She found this stick and it was the only time that she really smiled. She has started running when she sees the camera come out :)

The boys washed the van. I don't think that they had much fun until...

Austin wanted to share the water with Lewis :)

Then we went to the park and watched the fireworks (yes a week late) with the rest of Enid :)

Long Time no See...

2010-07-10T00:20:00.000-04:00

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get things up to date here but life has been sooooo crazy! We went two weeks ago to pick up the kiddos from ABQ and then spent the week there. I have a ton of pics here so I am sorry that this post is going to last forever but I thought that I would add pics from ABQ too.

We went to a birthday party (Monica 5, and Leah 2),

I got my new camera!!! A Canon 50D. It is a MONSTER, and I love it :)

We played "Itsy, Bitsy, Spider".

Took a picture of Jonah.

Read a book.

Listened to Grandpa play some music :)

Met my new niece, Naomi Jean, Love her!!!

Loved this pic of Emily and Naomi!

Took some pics of Naomi once they got home.

Saw some cars in the sand at Cadillac Ranch...

Almost got rained on...

We got home and have been braving out the rain. Tonight we had a BBQ with our neighbors and met a few others after the fact. There are a lot of kids on our street and it is so nice that there is a good mix of boys and girls. The kids are all so excited to ride bikes all the time and meet and play with all the other kids.

The Star of the Show

2010-06-22T16:10:00.000-04:00

There was a picnic for the clinic today and I thought that it would be a great opportunity to finally make her a shirt with this fabric. (I have enough to make all the girls skirts.) I wanted to make a 4th of July shirt and here it is. She was soooooo sweet; she walked around saying hi and being friends with all the folks that Lewis works with. It was adorable!!

Hello, Goodbye, and a little Bling!

2010-06-16T02:03:00.001-04:00

We Made It!! We are officially in OK! This is the front of the house and believe it or not we will get the van in the garage by the end of the week (fingers crossed).

And this is the view out the back door :) So nice!!! We have...

a pear tree...

and blackberry bushes in the back.

When it rains (which has been almost everyday) we have a TON of little frogs. We even had a brave bigger frog jump into the house Saturday night.

Katie loves all the frogs and have universally named them "Fred".

On Monday the kiddos helped Papa pack up the truck and they went to ABQ for the next few weeks. And yes those are plastic deer in the neighbors front yard, hahaha!

Why is it that Lewis can never take a nice picture?!?!

Love you guys!! Be good for Nana and Papa!!!

The last point of business (sorry for the long post) was that we finally got Natalie's ears pierced. She was so brave, I think that it had something to do with the sucker she got in the end :)

What a cutie.

She loves to run all over (I think that it has something to do with the three days that she spent in the car to get here).

Without the older kiddos here she has begun helping Daddy with the weeding. I went to take the camera in and then when I came back she was putting large handfuls of dirt in her mouth :) Kids Man...

Thanks a Million!!

2010-06-16T01:35:00.000-04:00

This is our dear friend Jared. He was an Elder for our church in VA. When he went home he offered to come and help us move to OK. Well I am not so sure that he really signed up for driving a moving truck cross country or the sleeping lad that kept kicking him in his sleep. Jared you will never know how much we appreciate all that you did for us.... So we thought that we would grant you a wish :)

I think that the grin says it all :)

Thanks again!!!

The Ride

2010-06-16T01:27:00.000-04:00

I know that this is a little off topic but it is the last picture that I took at our home in VA.

So on the 6th we took off and started our journey west to Oklahoma. It was the 6 of us in the Taylor clan, Nana and Jared W. (our wonderful friend that got more than he bargained for by offering to help).

I drove the whole first day so there are no pics till the second :) I love the iron bridges!

This one was way cool too! The yellow caravan is us and, it was way too long of a drive.

Katie and Natalie rode with me and Mom, Ashley drove with Lewis and Austin was with Jared.

Any trip is better with a good snack and a DDP :)

Austin and Jared.

Katie (the last two pics were from a stop we made).

On this day, the book saved us. I love how Natalie reads with her feet too.

Nana was such a great sport, taking the kiddos swimming every night after we stopped. I know that she was just as tired as the rest of us but she was such a trooper.

THANKS MOM!!

We drove by the Arch..

and Busch Stadium. And eventually made it to Enid. I am way excited to get the house in order to show to you all but that will be much later this month.

For Naomi

2010-05-27T19:43:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to post this for a while but wanted the gift to be a secret until it was received. My brother and his sweet wife are expecting their first baby the end of June and I made this great little quilt for her. I finished it a month or so ago but finally got it into the mail last week so that they could get it before she had her baby shower. Love ya guys!!

The front. Momma doesn't like pink so much so she asked for purple. I love how it turned out!

I love how it looks all washed and puckered up.

This is the first time that I did a pieced back (it was a technique that I saw online a lot), but I really like it and will do it again.

I can't wait to meet you this summer sweet baby Naomi.

Playing in the Sun

2010-05-21T22:36:00.002-04:00

With the sun finally shining and the rain gone (for now) we were the headquarters for a fun afternoon. The kiddos had a blast playing out in the yard with their buddies.

I totally loved this pic. Natalie was using the calculator as a phone. What a girl!!!

Wolf

2010-05-21T22:36:00.001-04:00

Last night was Austin's last Pack Meeting here in VA. He and I worked really hard (now I know why they recognize Mothers when the boys reach new levels) so that he could get his Wolf. He was really excited but I could not get a good pic out of him to save his life. So I sewed the patches on his uniform and took some this afternoon in his new Bear Scout uniform.

Lewis gave him a pocket knife to celebrate.

Austin was not sure the best way to display his knife for a picture :)

I totally love this boy!

Last VA Pics

2010-05-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I took my last set of pictures here in VA, at Burke Lake.

Ashley - 10

Austin - 8

Katie - 6

Natalie - 1

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T23:13:00.002-04:00

A Mother's Prayer

Help me dear Lord, as a mother, I pray
And bless these hands folded in prayer today;
May they be ever strong as they guide, as they teach,
Being never too far for a child to reach.
May they never, with selfishness, try to dissuade,
Nor too quickly punish, nor too slowly aid.
May they point out the pleasures in laughter and song,
And may they show, wisely, the right from the wrong,
So that one day I'll know that I've helped all I can
To make her a woman, to make him a man.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Love you Mom, Evalee,Grandma Kathy, Big Grandma, Anna, Emily, Elisha, Kristen, and Lydia.

Update

2010-05-08T23:04:00.000-04:00

Quick note to all. In the next few weeks I will be going nuts packing and purging the extra junk from my home in preparation for our upcoming move. I will most likely not have more than one or two more posts till we get to Oklahoma in June. Love you all!

Jenny

2010-05-08T22:54:00.001-04:00

Okay, like I need to be completely insane prior to our move; we have added Jenny to our family. She is a great little pup that we rescued. She is so tiny and sweet that I am not loosing my mind yet. Even Lewis loves her :)

I added this picture so that you could see how little she is. (We had to buy her a cat collar which isn't so bad since it has a little bell on it we always know where she is) Supposedly she will not get any bigger than about 7lbs. I love that wirey hair.

How can you not love that sweet face?!

I'm a Dork - Or Yumminess

2010-04-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

So I ment to go to the store on Saturday night and then one thing led to another and I didn't so I didn't have bread or milk for Sunday and this morning. Well I did have buttermilk and instant milk so we had buttermilk pancakes for lunch yesterday (ohhh so yummy) and then I decided to try this recipe for bread. It was just as easy as rolls and oh so light. I turned out 4 way yummy loaves of bread that my children love so much that they don't want me to buy bread anymore :)

Look at how light that bread is! I was so surprised. Totally great recipe and I will be making a lot more bread around here.