Monday, May 31, 2010

An Afternoon at Grandma's House

This is a picture of grandma, Taylor and Jade climbing the fence to head off into the field to call the horses into the barn and out of the rain. I am pretty sure Taylor left the umbrella at the house for this little adventure, but how cute is she with matching boots...
Then she got a hold of her daddy's hat. This is funny to me because he does not usually wear it backwards...
She picked some tulips...
This is the face of a very concerned little girl. She sees there is a chip in the bird bath and the water is running over the edge...
Grandma helped her get rocks in an attempt to plug the little chipped area on the edge. Then she tested it by adding more water...
This was a very serious task...
I think it all worked out in the end!

Taylor's Painting

I can't remember now if the blue "people" are anyone in particular, but there is also a strawberry and a forest. I'm sure she told me a story about it too. Maybe about a bear in the forest. I love her imagination and stories...she loves a good story.

The Quilt my Grandma started

When I was pregnant, I remember seeing my grandma working on these squares with little fishing kids. I hoped she was making a quilt for me. A couple years later, I asked about the squares I had seen her making. Since no one had a boy she just put them away into a closet. Also, one of the squares was cut a little short, so she didn't think anyone would want it. My cousin and I are shocked by that statement, since we love everything our grandma makes. I got the squares and sewed little hearts on their pants and put flowers and bows on the hats of the little fishing kids. Then, my mom and I went to three or four fabric stores to pick out fabric to finish the quilt. It's almost done now. I just need to finish sewing, the actual quilting part, to put it together.
Taylor loves to play with the swinging doors at my grandma's house. We were not allowed to play with them when we were little. Taylor found out why one day when she pinched her finger. She has since been very careful.
I love that Taylor knows where all the toys and the picture books are at my grandma Peak's house. We always have a nice visit!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Matt's COLLEGE Graduation

This is Matthew 17 years ago (5 years old), at his Kindergarten graduation in 1993 from Harvest Christian School. I remember this so clearly!
He grew up so fast! He has always been polite and sweet. I could take him anywhere, and often did.
We were in California then, so of course we went to Disneyland not long afterwards...
Here we are 17 years later. Matt has accomplished more at this point than I would have expected. I was sure he would go to and graduate from college, but I thought he would be living at home, so we could help him out more. He moved out the first time in December 2005, six months after he graduated from high school. He moved back home a couple months before I had Taylor in 2006. Which was nice so he could experience his new little sister. Then he leased my cousin, Lorinda's house for a year, until he bought his own house in December 2008. He has worked full-time while going to school full-time. He is very responsible, but I know he has fun too! We are so very proud of Matt! Ben took Matt out to breakfast and dropped him off for rehearsal. Here we are waiting for the graduation ceremony to begin at Lewis-Clark State College...I did get a little teary eyed a few times during the ceremony. I have such a strong sense of comfort knowing Matt is so responsible and doing what is right for his future.
I was taking video so Ben snapped a couple of pictures...
Afterwards, of course, I took as many pictures as they would all tolerate!
Matt makes me so proud. Not only for his graduation from college, but on many of his decisions in life and what he stands for and his commitment to God. I love that he still remains close to all of us, while he has been so busy.
Taylor was very happy to see the table of cookies after the ceremony. She selected chocolate chip.
Ben and Matt...
Ben, Taylor, Me and Matt...
Grandma (Jeanette) and Matt...
Taylor saw a few balloons, so grandma took her for a little walk until they found one for her...
Matt and Taylor...and her blue balloon...
I was so excited and happy...I wanted to keep taking pictures...
As we were walking back to our car, I saw the little red church....and got a couple more pictures...
I have another picture of Taylor and her grandma on these steps when Taylor was a baby, but in that picture, Taylor is holding some flowers...
While we were waiting for Ciao Mambo to open, we stopped by Caddyshack for a drink and some garlic fries. They were so good!
Taylor ran around a bit at Caddyshack. We were a little concerned about her sitting still when we went to Ciao Mambo. They brought her a plate with pizza dough to play with which was wonderful. She was so content!
It's a very nice little restaurant!
A nice wine selection. We tried a few before we selected a bottle.
It was a wonderful evening! Taylor was so good, they brought her a little ice cream cookie sandwich. You know she loved that! I get teary eyed now, just thinking of all Matt means to me and the pride and the love we all have for him. Congratulations Matt! I love watching your life, you have always been such a great gift and a wonderful blessing to me!

The Horse my Mom Made

My mom (grandma Judy) made this horse in the 1970's.
I think this horse may be close to 35 years old. Given the approximate age of this horse, it is very possible my mom made it for my little brother. He may have the Candyland game, because I have not found it yet, but I have the horse. So, Chris, if you are reading this, I took the horse, and my daughter loves it! I have no plans to give it back...sorry :)
The horse is in great shape and Taylor adores it! She named it Pepsi.

Swing Faces and other Park Fun

Taylor loves the swings, and I love to take her picture.
I push her back and forth on the swings until (sometimes) my arms hurt.
She is usually good at giving me a smile.
A walk around the lake at Riverstone is approximately half a mile. I wanted to see how fast we could do it. I would run a little. Then, when I would slow down, Taylor would say, "Faster, mom...you can do it...go faster." Wow...what a great little cheerleader I have! I got distracted on our second loop and took some pictures. It's okay...I ran more to make up the time difference.
We always walk first, then play at the park.
Lorinda, Makenna, Anissa and Taylor...we do have great fun together!
I think this was one of those stops at the park after dance class...
I get a few smiles, then it's..."Mom...put the camera away and push me higher."
Before the camera gets old, I do get some silly faces and smiles...
I love the pure joy on this little face!
My medical benefits are not as good, but this little face is worth it. This is why I quit my job...
Taylor and Makenna on the tire swing...
I love this picture...they are just cracking up!