Very Pleased with Avista!

My house was too cold for me this morning. I left the thermostat alone for awhile, thinking I'm saving money. After awhile, I had to check it out. It was 65 in my house and my thermostat is set at 71. So, I raised it to 73 to see if it would kick on. I went downstairs to listen, to make sure everything was working and kicking on, as I thought it should. I could hear something, but when I went downstairs, I could smell something too. It was a familiar smell, like when the burner on your stove doesn't light right away, but stronger. It scared me, so I ran upstairs, dressed Taylor and myself in some warm clothes and got ready to leave. I opened the kitchen window and went outside and called my boy, Matt. He gave me the 800 number for Avista and they put me on the list. They said I probably shouldn't use my cell phone in the house, don't turn on light switches, and do open some windows...but I don't need to be fearful. Okay...well, since I was already concerned, we just waited outside in the fresh, brisk air.

I let Taylor talk on the phone with Matt while I ran back in and opened a few more windows. Taylor and I played ball outside while waiting for Avista. Matt came over and let Taylor play in his truck with the heater on a bit so she could warm up.

Jason from Avista arrived shortly. He replaced the igniter in my furnace, and checked my lines to make sure everything else was safe. I'm glad it wasn't anything more serious. Interesting fact, Avista replaces things like that for free. So, in the future if there is a problem with the water heater or the furnace, call Avista first. They are pleasant, respond quickly, and will fix some things for free for homeowners. Thanks Avista!

Taylor and Babies

When I was five, my mom, my aunt, and my kindergarten teacher were all pregnant. I do not actually recall any particular feelings about being surrounded by pregnant women, and then by babies, but was told I was not very happy about it. I know when I was 10, I loved babies and wanted to hold them whenever I had the opportunity. Recently, Taylor will tell me she doesn't like babies. Which is somewhat of a relief since Ben and I do not plan on having anymore. However, I feel bad that she has such negative feelings about babies. Ben asked, "Why don't you like babies sweetie?" Taylor responded, "Because they spit all the time!" We are not usually around many babies, but apparently one of them spit-up and it has left a lasting impression with my daughter.

A Visit to Great Grandma Peak's

Today Taylor and I went to spend the afternoon with my grandma Peak. We watched the Greg Laurie movie, "Lost Boy" which we really enjoyed. Taylor played contentedly. Taylor always loves to spin on the ottoman, which is something my cousins and I always liked as well.

Taylor even got a little ride on my grandma's walker.

She helped my grandma pick out the seasonal magnets for the refrigerator. Taylor always likes to play with those too. Although it is not quite time, my grandma indulged Taylor by allowing the Christmas Tree to make an early appearance. I love my grandma's neighborhood with all the cute houses and big colorful trees. As we were driving away, Taylor said, "I want to come back here someday." We will need to make sure we get over to visit more often, we always have a wonderful time!

Taylor's 4year Check Up...Oct 26, 2010

My healthy little girl, very thankfully, has only had to visit her pediatrician for well check-ups. She doesn't mind going, but she did say to the nurse, "But don't fix me." I think she was saying, I'm okay...I don't need any shots.

Taylor is in the 90th%ile for her height (42inches) and 25th%ile for weight (32.8lbs). She also got her eyes checked at this visit. She did need to get some shots. She didn't cry, but said they hurt, "Those shots were sharp...not like my shot..." speaking of her own doctor kit at home, where the shot is not at all sharp. She was happy to receive "Little Pony" stickers. Afterwards I asked what she would like to do. My little girl said, "Lets go downtown."

I took her to Qdoba for lunch, then we went for a walk downtown.

It was a nice fall day for a walk. This would cheer me up too, if I had to get some unexpected shots...

Give me a pose Taylor....too cute!