THE TAYLOR FAMILY

The Spooky Skidmores

2011-10-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

All of my mom's hopes and dreams came true -- we had our first Skidmore Family Halloween Party. We just love our spooky Grandma and the cute baby cow. (We think Grandma should keep the dark hair, too!)

All of Jeremy's kids want to be "something dead" for Halloween. Here's our dead zombie Jade with Grim Reapers Jack and Dallin.

The highlight of the party was a guest appearance by Darth Vader. Cameron (Mario) and George (Link) tried to take him down. Carson was so scared that he wouldn't come upstairs until Vader was gone. (I used this during church today. I said I'd get Vader if Carson wasn't reverent. It worked for a while!)

Field Trip to the Dinosaur Park

2011-10-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

Jason's sister Karissa is the most amazing preschool teacher ever, with super fun field trips each quarter. The kids even get to ride a bus! Cameron and Carson thought they were so cool.

Here's George next to his "girlfriend" Meka. He came home after the first day of school just gushing about her: (imagine a deep, loud George voice) "There's this girl named Meka and I just love - I mean like her a lot. She has long hair and wears a pink shirt and I just love - I mean like the way she looks, etc., etc."

I thought I was eating lunch with a bunch of dinosaurs.

Cameron asked me to help him color in the lines. He tried so hard and I think he was quite creative.

The boys had so much fun. They loved playing at the dinosaur park, walking around the trails, and exploring the museum. And, Carson only got lost once!

5 Minutes Before Preschool

2011-10-16T20:11:00.001-07:00

And I thought they were being so good playing outside together! After a few pics and a quick shower, we were off to preschool.

The Magical Layton Park

2011-09-19T19:49:00.001-07:00

Not that I'm biased, but the Layton Park is the most beautiful park EVER. Where else do you find an amazing duck pond, winding paths, scenic bridges, and a playground with the banished, dangerous, retro merry-go-round!

Six boys under the age of 8 -- all under one roof at Grandma's house!

Oh the memories of being thrown from a merry-go-round. The boys cannot get enough! I must be a grown-up now, because I thought I would die after getting on just to take this picture. (Oh, the dizziness!)

Life at Grandma's

2011-08-24T20:55:00.001-07:00

Life at Grandma's is pretty good. I did have to lay down the rules for my mom, though: No cooking or cleaning up after the kids. Just "Grandma Stuff" -- leave all the dirty work to me.

Grandma loves a good tea party. She has been known to throw together some Root Beer/Diet Coke mixers.

Tea parties with 6 little boys can be a little rough. Grandma has to deal with plenty of burps, spills and the occasional food fight.

Cheers!

Grandma hosted a Mad Libs party. The boys were pretty hilarious! (I just LOVE Utah Summer nights!!!)

Here's Jack and Dallin's Studio Apartment -- complete with kitchen table, fridge, toaster and sink. I walked in the other day at 4 p.m. and found them all eating cereal and Eggo's. They think they are so cool!

Viva Las Vegas!

2011-08-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

Goodbye Las Vegas
(Or "Lost Begas" as the little guys call it.)

We dragged the boys to various Las Vegas sites during our last few weeks as "Vegans." Don't they look thrilled in these pics? Cameron is my favorite -- he looks thoroughly dejected that we are taking his picture.

The beautiful Bellagio gardens.

Our farewell fountain shows were two of the cheeziest songs: "One, Singular Sensation" from A Chorus Line and "My Heart Will Go On," from Titanic.

Ahhh, Max Brenner -- my dream restaurant come true! I felt like I was at Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Even the air smelled like chocolate!

Jack and Dallin loved their cocoa and milkshakes.

Here's Carson's chubby little paw going after the amazing cake/chocolate/marshmallow hamburger complete with strawberry ketchup and creamy mayo dipping sauces.

Cameron was in complete heaven.

Bucket List Time!

2011-08-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Grand Canyon
Pathetically, we had never visited the Grand Canyon while living in Arizona for 8 years and Las Vegas for 4. So, (inspired by the Allreds) we took a day-and-a-half-trip to Kingman, the Grand Canyon Caverns and the South Rim.

We stopped by our old neighborhood in Kingman. We loved this home, and not much had changed in four years.

Good old Route 66. It's so "Radiator Springs" out there!

It was crazy taking an elevator 21 stories down! The boys loved the cave. Carson loved terrorizing us in the cave. He kept trying to touch everything and then would run away from us. He especially ruined the "moment of silence" the park ranger tried to do to show us how quiet the cave was. (She tried three different times and Carson would make a weird sound every time. We were so embarrassed!)

We were in awe of the Grand Canyon. Even Carson seemed impressed by its grandeur and beauty.

Nauvoo

2011-08-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

The boys were SO excited to fly in an airplane that they were in the car by 6 a.m.!

Our first stop was Kansas City, MO. Check out all those Taylor cousins!

"Elder" Grandpa Taylor gave us a great wagon ride and tour of Nauvoo.

Learning how to make candles from "Sister" Grandma Taylor.

Don't let that innocent smile fool you. Carson enjoyed terrorizing Nauvoo -- picking flowers, running around at all of the sites, and yelling inappropriate things (like "Stupid Baby!) during spiritual moments.

Cameron said he was "making crepes" for all of the kids at the pioneer park.

No, this handcart really isn't that heavy. Nauvoo is just a super sweaty place!

The chaos before a family picture. (I'm not sure who took this photo since Jason and I are in the picture? It's another Nauvoo mystery!)

We just loved the temple. Especially our VIP tour by Pres. Spencer Condie! Those Taylors are the stars of the mission, and they arranged this little surprise for us.

Nauvoo is a magical place. You can feel the spirit of the pioneers so strongly there. We are so grateful to our missionary Grandpa and Grandma who provided this amazing week for us!

Time to Blog Again

2011-08-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

After a two-year vacation, our blog is up and kickin' again.

Jason's Land

2010-11-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Our Trip to N.Y.

2009-11-22T20:54:00.001-08:00

We visited New York City after Jason took his oral boards in Philadelphia. Wonderful Grandma Taylor came for 6 days to watch our boys while we saw the sites, ate amazing food and went to shows.

It just so happened that the Jazz played the Nicks at Madison Square Garden while we were there. The Jazz played an amazing game -- taking the lead by 20 points then letting it slip to within 2 points in the fourth quarter. The Jazz did win, but really tried hard not to!

Jason on our tour of ground zero.

It was so much fun hanging out with Tally. She and Taylor are living the life in NYC for a year while he attends NYU.

The Best Cup Of Cocoa In The World! Tally recommended we visit The City Bakery to try the cocoa. In Tally's words: "It coats your stomach as it goes down -- just like Pepto Bismuth!" This cocoa was soooooo good. The homemade marshmallows were amazing, too. We didn't need any lunch after this breakfast treat.

Central Park was gorgeous. The leaves had turned and we actually got to experience Fall!

One of my lifetime dreams came true: I got to see West Side Story on Broadway!

Crazy Time Square -- quite a bit like Vegas, lots of crazy people, tourists and bright lights.

Happy Halloween from the Guys!

2009-11-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Our gang had a great series of Halloweens. From the Fall Festival to the trunk-or-treat, to the Springs Preserve Haunted Festival to the actual Halloween night -- we trick-or-treated the month away. It was SO GREAT having Jason home. Last year I got the guys dressed up over and over again, and hauled them all over the place by myself. This year I relaxed at home, chatting with the neighbors and giving out candy. Ahhhhh, I love having a husband home!

Our Halloween Party Tradition Continues

2009-11-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Way back in medical school (never thought I'd be writing that phrase) we had a tradition of throwing a Halloween party with the Allreds. We had costume contests, karaoke and silly games. This year Jen was inspired to bring back the tradition. We had so much fun! Here we are dressed as Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney. I couldn't believe how easily Jason transformed, just by graying out his sideburns. Also, thanks to Emily for the amazing red suit! Check out the Swasey blog for more fun pics.

Jack's Big Debut

2009-10-29T14:04:00.001-07:00

Jack Taylor just made his debut on stage as "Jack Chomper, Sanitation Worker" in Kitty Ward Elementary School's production of "Cloudy With a Chance of Pumpkins." Based on the children's book "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," the production was cute as can be. Jack was a bit nervous, but said his lines clearly and with great expression. I asked him if he had fun on stage. He said, "Kind of." Hmmm. Not sure if the drama bug is quite for him! Many thanks to Grandma Skidmore for transforming Uncle Jeremy's old 6th grade Ghostbuster costume into a garbage man suit for Jack!

Fun On the Farm

2009-10-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

I need to move to a farm. We visited the Staheli Farm Pumpkin Patch in St. George and the boys had a blast! They just played and played and played. They slid down slides into a corn pit, rode on tire swings, went for rides on the "cow train," and got lost in a corn maze. We were so worn out that we opted out of the pumpkin patch visit and bought our pumpkins from the store. Thanks to Geneva for making the reservation. This will be a Fall tradition for us!

This sign cracked me up. No "fowl" language. I wonder if they meant to spell it that way?

Primary Program Sunday

2009-09-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

We survived the Primary Program! We were asked to sing "My Eternal Family" -- Jason singing a small solo, then me, then Jack and Dallin. We had all of the boys up on the stand, Carson and Cameron squirming around, Cam trying to grab the mic, etc. But, Jack and Dallin did sing all by themselves! Bribing them with a new video game worked its magic!

Goodbye Ringo!

2009-09-27T21:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, there was a real boy down there under all that hair. We were grooming him to be one of The Beatles, but decided the time had come to pull out the clippers. Friends have asked why we let his hair grow so long. Those friends need to spend about 5 minutes with little Carsie to learn that he is wild. It was for his own safety that we kept the scissors and clippers away from him.

Carson enjoys climbing on the kitchen table and counters now. He then runs back and forth playing "keep away" from you. He also loves splashing in the toilets, pulling all of the DVDs out, messing around in the garage and running in the street. Ahh, 1-yr-olds!

Our Bikin' Boy

2009-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Dallin is a totally smooth bike rider. He loves to ride and usually wears sunglasses. Today as he was getting ready to ride, we found out why. Dal said, "You know what Grandpa always wears when he goes bike riding? Sunglasses!" Dallin is strangely like his Grandpa Skidmore. They are both great at mechanical things -- Grandpa can build and fix anything and Dallin is getting a reputation as a "great lego car maker" according to Jack, Jake and Cole. I don't think Dal could keep up with his Grandpa on his bike yet, though.

Back to School . . .

2009-09-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Jack and Dallin have completed 2 weeks of school! Dallin loves kindergarten, especially riding the bus. Jack is in 1st grade and is a member of the W.O.W. drama club. He goes to school early 2 days a week to, in his own words: "Draw pictures and read lines from books, you know, Hollywood stuff."

A Camping We Will Go!

2009-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Cameron dished these pancakes up all by himself -- our little short order cook!

Missing Teeth: 1, 2, 3!

2009-09-06T20:11:00.001-07:00

The Tooth Fairy's been busy at our house during the last few weeks!

Daddy Home!

2009-01-13T13:43:00.001-08:00

Jason Is Home!!!

It is amazing -- we are a family again! I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. The knot in my stomach is now gone and I am a nice mom again. Jason flew in Saturday night, Jan. 10. I took Jack and Dallin with me to the airport. We got a special pass to go through security directly to the gate. We made it just as Jason was walking out the gate. The boys ran right to him yelling, "Daddy!" Then Dallin said, "You were gone for so long, dad." Jack was just elated! He loved being at the airport, especially riding on the tram to the terminal.

Cameron and Carson got to see Daddy the next day. Carson loves everybody, so it was hard to say if he recognized Jason or not. Cam was a bit shy at first, but as soon as Jason started making crepes Cam warmed right up to him.

We are so happy and feel complete!

A HUGE thank-you to all of our family and friends who helped these past four months. I could not have made it without my wonderful moms (& dads), my sister Lindsay, and friends like the Allreds, Chuggs, Carters, Dains & Thorntons. I am so grateful for my ward family -- for all of the free babysitting, meals and opportunities to escape for a while. THANK YOU!

Snow Buddies

2008-12-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

Jack and Dallin LOVED playing in the Utah snow! These two Vegas boys couldn't wait to make snowballs and snow angels -- the stuff they'd only seen kids do on TV. They also loved playing on Grandpa Skidmore's newly finished playhouse, especially sliding down the "snow slide."

Happy Birthday to Jack!

2008-12-13T13:51:00.001-08:00

Jack was so excited to turn 6 -- his favorite number! We celebrated with friends and family at Chuck E. Cheese's. Our party started at 10 a.m. so we had the place all to ourselves. The kids had a blast! Even Cameron got into the games, dancing around and yelling, "Whoa! Whee!" Auntie Lindsay made an awesome Spidey cake and Jack was super excited about getting Martian Matter Alien Maker and a bunch of art stuff. One of the best parts of the day was a phone call from dad!

The George & Cameron Show

2008-12-05T09:14:00.001-08:00

We have LOVED having Lindsay and George with us for the past week and a half. George and Cameron have become fast friends -- taking baths, playing outside and getting into mischief. My favorite "little buddy" moment was Cameron getting out two cereal bowls and two spoons for him and George. Cam also loves getting George's jacket and shoes for him. George is hilarious, and keeps us laughing with his amazing energy, funny vocabulary and great dancin' moves.

The Boyz

2008-11-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

The Taylor Boyz are hanging in there. Jack still loves school and passes off two to three sight word lists each week. He loves visiting the "treasure box" and brings home all kinds of plastic "treasures." Dallin loves preschool and is a great helper when at home. He is such a good babysitter and has helped me so many times when the babies are fussy. Cam likes tasting all kinds of food -- constantly. He also enjoys sitting on his brother Carson and getting into mischief.

Cameron also loves watching Baby Einstein movies. Fortunately, so do his brothers. Here they are having a movie party . . .

(Jack and Dallin thought they were so cool holding the babies -- they demanded that I take a picture.)

6 Months & Sitting Up!

2008-11-18T21:14:00.001-08:00

Carson is one happy boy. He loves people and will do anything just to look you in the eyes. He has a huge, open-mouth smile and a funny little laugh. He loves taking baths with Cameron and is getting pretty good at eating big boy food.

Major Taylor!

2008-11-18T13:58:00.001-08:00

Today I officially pinned on the rank of major. They had another ceremony and Brandon (roommate & Army dermatologist) administered the oath of office and pinned on my rank. It was cool to have him do that. He has become a really good friend. We work out every day and talk constantly about family, football, politics, religion etc. He has kept my sanity here. He just found out that he gets to go home before Christmas. I’m really excited for him but I have to admit it will be tough seeing him go. After the ceremony they had a pot luck at the break room with Popeye’s chicken and cake and ice cream. The ER crew are so good to me. I won’t miss Afghanistan but I will miss all of them.

Two Months Down!

2008-11-18T13:30:00.001-08:00

We celebrated our two-month anniversary apart on Nov. 5. Jason was so sweet and sent me flowers! The time is finally moving along and we are getting so anxious for the holidays and Jason's homecoming.

I need to send out a BIG thank-you to so many people. Our family and friends have done so much to help us these past two and a 1/2 months. We have loved having the Grandmas and Grandpas and appreciate the time, energy, love and surprises for the boys. My neighbors have been wonderful -- helping me clean pool filters, washing my car, coming Sunday mornings to help me get to church, watching the boys so I can go to YW, and calling from the store to see if I ever need anything (Thanks, Jen!!!) My sanity has been saved thanks to my cousin Tally. She and her husband Taylor moved here last spring and are so much fun. Tally always seems to know when I need help the most, and will spell me for a few hours so I can take a breather. Last but not least, I need to thank Marie Callender for making a mean frozen dinner!

So much for my "Oscar speech," but I truly am feeling grateful and very blessed! Less than two months to go!

The Mustache

2008-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Knowing how much I love Magnum P.I., Jason decided to grow a mustache. Actually, the New Zealanders are sponsoring the contest so all of the ER guys jumped on board. Jason says, "It looks pretty ridiculous but this is also a pretty ridiculous place so it’s a perfect match!" The boys thought Dad looked cool but kind of funny. I guess you do what you can do to make the time go by!

Jason sounds good, but says after the two-month mark you really start getting tired of the place. Here's some of his latest journal:

Another week has gone by. It seems to be going by fast enough. I have been busy with lots of different projects. I bought an external hard drive and have downloaded a ton of music onto it from our morale drive. That will come in handy on the ride home. I was also called as the elder’s quorum instructor so I have been preparing my lessons in my spare time. I have read more novels that I ever have in my life. I’m currently reading a book called “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a story about Afghanistan through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It tells about the brutality of the Afghan regimes and the way women are treated here. It makes me so mad at the men here. Many women are still wearing Burka’s and the men refuse to allow them to receive medical care from a male doctor. I don’t feel so bad when we get these enemy combatants in all shot up. It sounds terrible but I feel they are getting what they deserve and I wish we could refuse medical care to them just as they do to their own women. However, I can’t do this so we take care of them despite. When they come in I have to put mental blinders on and just do my job. If I think too much about it I just get mad and would be in danger of letting my emotions affect my decision making.

The dust off pad is in between my dorm and the hospital. Everyday you can hear the helicopters take off and land bringing in patients. It’s kind of like the TV show MASH in that respect. If you hear a bunch of helicopters you had better get over to the ED to help out. The past few weeks the fighting has slowed, probably due to the colder weather. Sundays are generally busy. I think it’s due to the fact that Friday is their holy day and they get all riled up and then fight on Saturday and Sunday. I haven’t worked a Sunday where I have seen less than five traumas.

Church was good again today. After sacrament meeting we all went outside and took a picture in front of the chapel. They have been asked to send a picture to church headquarters. Maybe it will end up in the church news. Next week I have to speak in sacrament and teach my lesson. I’m kind of glad to have some more projects.

This Is Halloween!

2008-11-02T18:57:00.001-08:00

After what seems like a million Halloween activities this month, we finally celebrated the actual day of Halloween. Here I am with my "super" kids: Jack as Spiderman, Dallin as the Red Power Ranger, Cameron as Batman (obviously the Adam West version!), and Carson as Super-Baby.

Visit to the Bazaar & Stories from the ER

2008-10-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Jason finally found time to visit the bazaar. You can find all kinds of crazy things there -- from rugs and jewelry, to giant spiders and scorpions encased in plastic. Luckily for us, Jason didn't send us any area rugs, just the giant insects! The boys got a kick out of them, but I'm still creeped out and don't know where to put them!

Jase sounds good. I get to see him every day on the web cam, and talk to him on the phone every other day. He hasn't had a day off in 40 days! Here's some of his latest journal entry:

"The crew in the ER are a good group. Everyone is very diligent and works hard. We have been able to take care of everything that has come through the door, even the mini mass casualty two weekends ago. There are some people who make me laugh. Two of our techs are my favorites. They are very enthusiastic yet a bit on the slow side -- all at the same time. They are all military with high and tight hair and mustaches to boot. I can count on them to come and inform me on official information, like trauma coming in about 5 minutes after I have been officially informed. One of the sergeants has a knack for losing things, particularly important things like all the training records for the unit. He also comes by every night to let me know the coffee is ready even though I tell him every time that I don’t drink it. Very thoughtful nonetheless.

They other day we were examining a trauma patient and Sergeant B. was at the head of the bed. I asked him to hold c-spine so we could roll the patient and look at his back. It was his responsibility to count to three so that we could roll him simultaneously to maintain alignment of his spine. I said “Okay sergeant, on your count.” He gives me his professional look and barks out in his best drill sergeant voice,”On my three! Oone, Duu, Tree!!” I looked up at Dr Savage, our trauma surgeon, with a surprised look on my face. Did he really do that?? I said, “Sergeant, would you now please put the patient at parade rest?” That didn’t even phase him. I checked his back and then told him we were ready to roll him back. He barked it out the same way. We all were cracking up. I decided not to have that sergeant hold c-spine anymore after that.

One Happy Kid

2008-10-19T21:02:00.001-07:00

Carson is the happiest guy. He smiles his huge smile at anyone and will talk to you as long as you look at him. He is cutting his second tooth, can almost sit up, and is trying to crawl!

Summer in October

2008-10-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Our weather is warm again! We celebrated by making Dallin's favorite "Wemen Swush" (lemon slush). Dal loves sipping his slush out in the sunshine. Dallin is such a sweetie. He loves to be cuddled and has such a tender heart. He also says some pretty funny things, such as calling Indiana Jones "Alien Banana Jones," and the transformer Optimus Prime, "Octapus Crime."

Cameron "Punkin Head" Taylor (Jason's nickname for Cam) was living up to his name. He kept running around with this pumpkin bucket on his head, falling on the trampoline and laughing. Cam apparently ate the Super Saturday Children's Class out of house and home. The leaders were amazed. They said, "He finished his plate, then went around and cleaned up the leftovers from the rest of the children!" We love our sturdy guy!

Love Those Visitors!

2008-10-12T22:58:00.001-07:00

Jack Literally Loses His Tooth

2008-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

A landmark day has occurred for the Taylor family: Our first lost tooth! Jack's tooth had been wiggly for a few weeks, then while brushing his teeth, he spit his tooth down the drain. He didn't even realize it was gone until I checked his mouth! So we wrote a little note to the Tooth Fairy. Jack: "I lost my tooth down the drain. May you get it for me? Love, Jack" Luckily Grandpa and Grandma Skidmore arrived that very night. Handy Grandpa took apart the drain and found the tiny tooth in the trap. The tooth fairy gave it back to Jack since it was his first lost tooth. He was thrilled!

Fore!

2008-10-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here's Jason hard at work. One of the sergeants arranged to have this donated. Anything to break up the monotony!

Jason is doing well. Here's an exerpt from one of his latest journals:

It has been less overwhelming this past week and the trauma numbers are decreasing a bit. I have had time to watch a few movies while I have been at work which has been nice. I went to church today. The spirit is always really strong there. It is pretty amazing to be around so many good brothers and sisters serving in the military and working as contractors here. Today was testimony meeting. One private stood up and said he was so thankful because he was able to get married in the temple on his mid deployment leave. Another major stood up and spoke about how he got to watch his dad ordain his oldest son a teacher on web cam. These guys are here for 12 to 15 months. They and their families are making great sacrifices to do this. I will never feel sorry for myself as long as they are around and they will be.

Dal's New 'Do

2008-10-03T22:02:00.001-07:00

So Dallin has a new haircut. I honestly didn't request a buzz, but didn't have time to stop the woman in time. Jack was in shock, "When is Dallin going to look like Dallin again?" Then, Dallin in tears: "I don't wook wike Dawin!" Yet, a week later, I think it's growing on me. After all, if David Beckham can pull it off, why not our Dal?

Cam's Antics

2008-10-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Caminator strikes again. From sitting in the freezer eating ice cream, to sprinkling garlic salt and oregano on his toast, Cameron has a creative way of making mischief. He's figured out several ways of getting my attention. His favorite is to sit directly on Carson. (Luckily Carson is a sturdy 20 lbs. -- it hasn't phased him yet.)

Jason's Adventures in Afghanistan

2008-10-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

We've survived one month without Jason! We miss him so much, but love Skype-ing with him. He is doing well and we've all gained a new perspective on what really matters in life. He frequently sends journal articles. Here's one of my favorite entries:

After my shift tonight I went back to my dorm and changed into my ABU’s. There was another fallen comrade ceremony on the flight line. This time it was for 7 soldiers. Another touching ceremony. I looked over and in the front of the line were a handful of their buddies who had been wounded standing at attention in their hospital pajamas. They had been allowed to attend the ceremony. It was really moving to see them there. When we were commanded to present arms as the coffins came by I saw casted and bandaged arms being raised to salute. It was one of the most moving things I have ever seen.

We have had a rough month with casualties. None of these men made it to our facility so they must have died in the field or at a forward operating base hospital. The sergeant playing the bagpipes played “Abide with Me” and “Amazing Grace” again. I kept thinking of the lines “O thou who chang-est not abide with me” and “Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord abide with me.” I thought of their families and the sorrow they are going through. The first verse ends with, “Help of the helpless, Lord abide with me.”

As the back of the massive C17 was being filled with these 7 flag draped coffins I thought of how helpless their loved ones must be feeling while they wait days or weeks until the bodies finally arrive and can be laid to rest. I prayed that the Lord and his comforting spirit would abide with them. I will never forget some of these images.

Almost 5 months old!

2008-10-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

We just love our peaceful little Carson! He sleeps well, eats well, and loves hanging out with the boys. Carson is a chatterbox and will talk to you as long as you look at him. He can roll over, almost sits by himself, and can't get enough of the bath. He also enjoys playing in the saucer. (Our first child to actually enjoy the thing.)

Carson thinks Cameron is hilarious and will laugh out loud while watching him take a bath. He's almost started eating solid foods, thanks to a fruit snack courtesy of Jake Chugg!

At his last well-baby appointment, Carson took honors at 105% height, 98% weight and 60% head size. Sound familiar?

Daddy Gone!

2008-09-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

This image just about sums up the way we feel with our Daddy gone. Jason began his journey to Afghanistan on Monday, Sept. 1. He finally made it there on Saturday, Sept. 6! He took the scenic route: Calif. to Virginia to Canada to Iceland to Newfoundland to Finland to Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan! He sounds good, though, and gets to call me (for free!) every day from work at the hospital. (And work he does -- every day from noon to 3 a.m.)

School Daze

2008-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Jack and Dallin both started school last week. After some ups and downs, Jack has finally decided that he loves all-day kindergarten. He really likes his teacher, Mrs. Combado. (We really had to work with him on pronouncing it "Combado" and not "Combottom.")

Highlights of Jack's first few days include being amazed that there was a "restaurant" at the school! He also came home in awe of the "movie sheet" that movies are projected on.

Dallin absolutely loves preschool. His teacher, Ms. Heather, is adorable and does the cutest crafty things with the kids. Dal brought home an "I Am Special" book. Here are some excerpts from his little interview . . .

1. Favorite color: red
2. Favorite toy: My Superheroes
3. What do you want to be when you grow up: A Superhero
4.What is your favorite food: Cheese sandwiches and pizza
5. What scares you: witches (we had to laugh at this one!)

"Camcake" Taylor

2008-09-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

Cameron "the Caminator" Taylor is obsessed with pancakes. Every morning he finds the griddle in the pantry then pulls out the Bisquick. This afternoon he took it a step further, attempting all by himself to flip his own powder pancake. This picture is not posed. He found the spatula, sprinkled the pancake mix on the griddle, then started cookin'!