Taylor Daze

CHANGES can be MESSY and SCARY

2009-06-08T00:15:00.001-06:00

Morgan is living in his own little house now. Morgan moved because he knew that this hard hearted mom would not allow a dog in the house, and he thought it would be fun to have a furry buddy. So one day last week Morgan announces that he has a new friend he is bringing over. I wondered "has he found the women of his dreams??" So after much anticipation I met his new friend--(not quite what I expected)-a male boxer-with tiger looking red fur and the biggest feet (or is it paws) I have ever seen on a pup of 8 weeks. I have to admit it was hard not to fall in love at first sight. I did give in and Giggs has made himself quite at home on his visits. He has so far left us a few reminders of what puppies do. Morgan, as you know loves soccer. He is a player, coach, trainer, and loves Manchester United. Even Heavenly Father knows how much Morgan loves soccer as he sent him on a mission to England right in the middle of Manchester United sacred grounds. So it was only fitting that he named his new dog after a famous welsh soccer player, Ryan Giggs, who plays for Manchester United and holds many records. I have a feeling that this Giggs in going to hold some kind of record too--with my carpet! Oh!! But he is so cute and so lovable. What's a little smelly mess anyway?!

Giggs-he is loving changing the color and smell of the carpet! But isn't he cute!?!!

Bob and I finally did it--swallowed hard--tried to quiet our anxieties--and said many prayers. I took Carson south to the mighty DMV. She had already past her written and driving test with flying colors, along with driver's training. She also had shown that she was a good and responsible driver. The very nice DMV worker told Carson that she had done extremely well on her written and driving tests. He also mentioned that for any reason at all her mom and dad could take her license away until she is eighteen years. Could that be an incentive for a clean room?? Maybe not a clean room (that may be a lot to ask) but certainly incentive for good grades. So Carson has been driving almost a week now. Her dad, who is putty in his girl's hands let Carson take his beloved red truck to school. I had the privilege of driving him to work at 6 AM. Since Bob and I were gone for a few days he also let her use the truck and she took Dusty to her 7AM orthodontics apt. That shows how much Carson wanted to drive as that was her first day out of school and she could of slept in. Dusty was even early to that apt. I seem to always get her there late! Gee, it was just yesterday that Carson was........Where did the time go????? The picture is of Carson holding her new drivers license and the keys to her freedom, oops what I mean is the keys to Bob's truck.

Carson drew this picture of her friend's car and a favorite car of hers

Bob's Soccer Insanity Turns Golden

2009-05-31T23:00:00.005-06:00

It was WASATCH SOCCER CLUB night at Real Salt Lake match with Kansas City Wizards. It was an exciting night for the Club. Many had worked hard to make this night possible. As a fund raiser the Club sold almost a thousand tickets to the game that night. Our players were able to escort the players to the field, and participate in the parade of the kings, and in the half time games. The highlight of the evening was during half-time when Bob was escorted to the field and presented with an almost $6,000.00 check which will help the Wasatch players fund their soccer. Avery and Dusty were some of the top selling players thanks to their Dads' efforts. It was really delightful watching Bob being presented with the check. We could also see him on the big screen. As President of the Club Bob has worked tirelessly. Bob is also a great Dr., but I do remind him that whenever he is running out of the clinic to take care of a soccer game or crisis do not leave a patient on the table! So far he has not done that, and continues to be a wonderful Dr.

We got to sit in a suite with other friends-where we could move around and the little ones could go into the suite and watch TV.

Carson, Bob, Jayne, Dusty, Jonathan, Erin, Kate and Sofia mostly stayed in the suite seating. Avery, Mat and our niece Melissa and her friends sat in the stadium.

Leo, from Real Salt Lake Soccer Club visits the Wasatch Soccer Classic Tournament. Kate, Sofia with their Papa Bob get to visit with Leo.

The WASATCH SOCCER CLUB does Wasatch Memorial Soccer Classic every year since the beginning of soccer time. This is where they make a lot of their funding. This year there were 65 teams from Utah and Idaho. It involves so much work and tons of planning; schedules, fields, times, medals, T shirts, food, bathroom paper, hurt feelings and egos, and hundred other things. It started on May 21st, Thursday evening and continued Friday, Saturday and Monday, Memorial Day for those still standing. This year Bob convinced the board that they needed a 5K run. So on Saturday starting at 7 AM Bob blew the whistle and the race began. Bob has unlimited amount of energy, especially for soccer. He still thinks he lives on the farm so his alarm goes off everyday at 4:57 AM, even if he was up till midnight or later doing soccer emails. On this Saturday he is up at 4:30 AM so excited and happy to get everything ready for the run. He wakes me up with a big smile, as I am in charge of the food for the run and the referees at the games. Now, I am not a morning person, especially when I only get 4hrs of sleep and it takes me several hours before I am even civil. If you listen closely you could hear me muttering something about soccer being the other women. Actually I finally got my soccer act together and with Dusty and Morgan we cut bananas, oranges and had muffins and cheese and water and other goodies. Carson ran the 5k with Jonathan. Carson has a broken ankle and ran the whole race in a boot. Dusty had an early soccer game so did not run. Morgan had an early game to coach. Overall the 5 day soccer marathon was very successful with only a few glitches, but no stitches or injuries. And most of the coaches are still talking to each other. It was fun watching Avery and Dusty play and having Morgan and Bob coach. Bob has put his heart and soul in to this club. He truly cares about the kids that play and wants them to have good training, good coaches who care and a fun and valuable experience.

Avery with his teammates. They worked hard and won the championship in their division.

Zach is also a good athletic like his brother Avery. Cute and smart like Avery too!

Avery receiving is 1st place metal from his coach. His team won the championship in their division.

Avery gives his Papa Bob a hug. What a GREAT way to end a tournament!

And as Bob says with happiness and joy "It doesn't get better than this!"

Grandma Aileen's Favorite Foods

2009-05-19T15:15:00.002-06:00

There are a few favorite foods that Grandma loves. Her yogurt in the morning--usually a fruit favor and evening usually vanilla or lemon. She loves to eat her yogurt in the morning and evening with her toast--Great Harvest Raisin Cinnamon Bread. It is fun to go in the bread store and buy the freshly baked bread as they always give us a sample of whatever they are baking that day. And it smells so good! Everyday she has applesauce. Not just any applesauce. She loves blueberry pomegranate or just plain pomegranate. We mix her potassium in the applesauce and she actually likes the taste of it. The day would not be complete unless she has a rice krispie treat or two. And everyday a diet coke. On a rough day it will be at least two diet cokes. We have discovered that she also really loves cooked carrots and green beans and on her salad she loves toasted sunflower seeds and craisins. That makes it more of a complete meal with the rice krispie treat!

Some of Grandma's favorite foods.

Grandma especially loves Pralines n' Cream and also coffee ice cream with angel food cake with lots of almond frosting.

Aileen with Bob--After the Dr. visit we all went to Javiers our favorite mexican food.

I LOVE MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-12T22:25:00.001-06:00

I love Mother's Day! I have not always loved Mother's Day. There was a time I dreaded it. It was a reminder of something I wanted more than anything-to be-a mom. Finally it was time to celebrate as I became a mother. I love being a mom. I certainly would not get an award for my mothering skills. Sometimes I yell, sometimes I want to run away. I make lousy Halloween costumes. But no mother could cherish and love their children more.

This Mother's Day was extra special as my very own mom was here. It was a wonderful day for both of us. Bob was amazing and helped the "girls" make it extra special for my mom and me. Bob decorated the table with beautiful tulips and lilac that he planted and cut from our very own yard. He and the "girls" planned a delicious dinner. I made dessert, one of my mom's favorites-angel food cake with almond frosting. Carson, Dusty, and Mat were here with special wishes and gifts. Morgan called from Portland (soccer training) and Erin called from North Carolina to send their love. My brother Dan was here to also wish our mom a wonderful day. Melissa also came to wish her grandma a great day and brought beautiful red roses.

This Mother's Day was extra special as my mom was here with us.

Grandma with her grandkids--Melissa Dusty Mat and Carson

Jayne and brother Dan with their mother Aileen

A Date to the Prom is Stressful for Mom

2009-05-05T22:05:00.002-06:00

A date to the Prom is a lot different then when I was growing up in high school. Probably a lot more fun these days--and heaps more expensive! First the guy never just asks a girl to the dance. No, it has to be a production! I got a call from a mom, not just any mom. This was the mom whose son wanted to ask my daughter to the Prom. She wanted to know if they could sneak into Carson's room when Carson was gone. Oh My!! WHAT STRESS!

Anyone that has been in Carson's room knows what I was feeling! Dread, humiliation!!! (Carson and Dusty share a room so even in your wildest imagination you would not do it justice.) I told the mom that I needed 24 hours notice before they could come. It would take that much time to make it so they could actually walk into the room and not trip over bras, underwear, curling irons, makeup, dirty dishes, stuffed animals, and other unidentified messes. After sweat, tears, and no sleep I got the room presentable. Hopefully no one would need the bathroom the girls share, but just in case I put up an "out of order sign" Really I could do an "I spy" book just from their bathroom and bedroom! But they are such cute girls! And they were hard to come by and I love them sooooo much! So why have a little mess when you can have a big mess!!

Alex and his Mom and friend decorating Carson's room to ask her to the Prom. She had to find out who asked her by breaking all the balloons. Carson replied by putting her yes answer in a wrapped piece of candy with about 200 pieces in a bowl. He ended up opening all the candy before he found the yes.

Carson's decorated room--just got to find who did the asking.

The Prom isn't the only part of the date. There is always a "day-activity". It can be anything fun and is done in a group. Their day-activity was held the day before the Prom. They all had a fun time bowling. The next evening was the Prom. Alex picked up Carson then they went to a friend's house where a delicious fancy dinner was waiting. The dinner was prepared by Alex's dad. They were driven to Salt Lake City where the Prom was held at the State Capital.

Carson and Alex at the Capitol in Salt Lake City

Carson got to do the asking for Sadie Hawkins Dance.

The girls designed and painted the shirts for their dates.

The day activity was laser tag.

They also provided the dinner-chinese take-out and ate at a friends house.

Gerrit and Carson and Friends at Sadie Hawkins Dance

Spring Break at the Farm

2009-04-25T23:13:00.003-06:00

Every year for Easter and spring break weekend we head back to the farm in Kuna, Idaho. Kuna is a farm town just outside of Boise. This is where Bob grew up and learned how to work hard. Farm life is hard. I don't know of anyone that can out work Bob-except maybe his Dad. Work to Bob is something he enjoys and finds fulfillment. Who would of known--a poor farm boy could end up fulfilling a dream--becoming a Medical Doctor.

Our kids, and now grandkids, love the farm, the cows, the barn, and the tractor. No one loves the flies and manure. It is bittersweet to go now since Bob dad, the kids' Grandpa Taylor, died. You could never find a more wonderful, hard working, humble, generous grandpa in the whole wide world. The kids' Grandma Taylor always makes Easter special for all of us. The cousins get to visit and Bob's cousin Mike often has a party--and he knows how to throw a party! And we visit our friend Eli. We get to see Bob's uncle Lowell and Aunt Vera. They have such great cowboy stories, from their years on the rodeo circuit. The kids get to play with their cousins. This year they went swimming with their cousins Nicol and Mat while we visited with Bob's sister VeAnn and her husband Tod. This year when we returned to Utah on Easter Sunday afternoon, Melissa and Grandma Aileen had a delicious dinner waiting for us. How can you beat that!

Carson feeding the calves

Carson wishing the farm truck was hers

Lyssa Dusty and Bob

Dusty and her friend Lyssa

Carson with Calamity Jane who loves to play soccer

The "shoe tree" growing in Mike's and Eli's yard

Grandma with Dusty and Carson and Mat and Nicole

Grandma Anita, Uncle Lowell, Aunt Verla, and Mike and Eli

Melissa and Grandma Aileen had Easter dinner waiting for us when we returned to Utah. YUMMY!!It was delicious!!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday X 3

2009-04-01T21:30:00.006-06:00

Our family loves to celebrate birthdays. We have 3 birthdays in the month of March. Mat's birthday is the 20th. Sofia turned 2 on the 22nd. Erin's birthday is 2 days after Sofia on the 24th. For Mat we had fun going out together to a Mongolian restaurant and then having a family dinner the following day. Mat doesn't like cake so we put the candles on a cheesecake at Avery's suggestion. We didn't get to celebrate Sofia's or Erin's birthday with ice cream cake as they are in N Carolina. We will celebrate when they are out here in May. We all wished them HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

A drawing of Sofia and Kate by artist Kate

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mat

For Mat's birthday he chose a Mongolian restaurant. None of us had been there before so we didn't know what to expect or how it worked. The server didn't take our order but told us just to go get our dish and fill it up and then take it to the grill where they cook it. We were amazed at the size of the bowls. It was as big as a bowl that you mix cookies in! Little did we know, like the 3 bears, we had 3 bowl size choices. Little Khan, Mighty Khan, and the big Barbarian. We only saw the big bowls and filled them up with vegetables, meat, noodles, and other unknown stuff! We could of all split one bowl. Oh my gosh!! They were big bowls. The server made the comment that she was surprised we all took the Barbarian size. We never saw Little Khan or Mighty Khan as they were hidden behind the Barbarian size bowls.

It was so much fun and yummy food and lots of leftovers. The next day we had a family dinner--and no--it was not the tons of leftovers from the Mongolian restaurant!

Mat our very first born, has been working so hard. Everyone at the ER loves working with Mat.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mat. We are proud of you and feel so blessed.

Mongolian restaurant with lots and lots of food.

Notice the BARBARIAN size bowls

Avery helping to celebrate his Dad's birthday.

Avery chose cheesecake, instead of cake for his Dad.

Mat with his cousin Brad. Brad is one week older. His birthday is March 13th.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brad

Erin and Mat--both birthdays in March with their December birthday brother Morgan.

Erin--we all wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. We didn't get to celebrate with you living so far a way.

When you are visiting here in May we will have your favorite--Ice Cream Cake and Chocolate Cake and have lots of BIRTHDAY cheer for you and Sofia.

What a cute kid and look at all those curls!

Erin and her sisters, Carson and Dustyn

My oldest baby girl turned out to be a fantastic women. I am so blessed.

Happy Birthday Erin.

And please forgive me for celebrating the first eight years of your life on the

25th when it was really the 24th. I really goofed!!

How is it possible that Sofia is already two years old!

Time, please, stop flying!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sofia

Great Grandma Aileen loving Sofia

Sofia is not even two yet in this picture, but already playing soccer!

Sofia helping Morgan coach soccer. We are glad she will be back to help him some more.

I Spy Erin

2009-03-08T17:25:00.005-06:00

As I was going through some pictures I came across one that really tickled my funny bone. When Erin was on her LDS Mission to Southern California, we all missed her so much. We loved her letters and pictures. She send this group picture with a challenge. We were to find her in the picture. She is in this picture with her Sister companion and the Elders in her district. The challenge--"I Spy Erin" Can you find her? Hint: Not only is she in this picture but she also took the picture. Erin--We love you and miss you. Jonathan, Kate, Sofia and new baby, we miss and love you all.

Oh to Go to Kolob and Play the Heavenly Game at the Ice Breaker

2009-03-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Bob, Dusty and Carson were able to escape the snow and cold Kaysville weather. They traveled south to the Ice Breaker Tournament in St. George. They left Friday the 13th of February and spent Valentines day and Presidents Day doing what they love--Soccer-and particularly an outdoor soccer tournament. Dusty played in 5 games while Carson, the faithful sister that she is, took lots of action shots. Bob took lots of video. However he got so excited watching the game that the video consist of mostly the grass, and him yelling. That is OK because we have not seen much grass here in Kaysville this winter. We have seen lots of indoor soccer but not the real grass. Dusty played fabulous, like a true champ. She is 14, but is playing up a year with the 15 year olds. Dusty and her team won gold in her division. They also had a wonderful time eating at IN and OUT Burger. That is Carson's favorite place and St George is the only place in Utah that has one. We have heard rumors they are thinking of building one in Layton.

Dusty has great foot work

More great foot work

Carson giving her sister lots of support

Dusty with her team members--winning gold

Bob, Carson and Dusty had a great time on their "day off" from the tournament. They left sunny St. George to head back to the snow in Kolob Canyon. Bob described it as a "beautiful place-almost like heaven with the contrasting red rock and snow." Carson wanted to hike it so took off on a mile round trip hike in her capris and converse tennis shoes. Not exactly the wear for snow hiking! She got some beautiful pictures of the canyon. Bob, Dusty and Carson had a very nice weekend and holiday. Bob particularly loved being with his daughters.

Carson hiking in the snow at Kolob Canyon

Carson and Dusty at Kolob Canyon

Grandma's Update

2009-02-18T22:35:00.004-07:00

Mom to 5 kids, Grandma to 27, Great Grandma to 34 and 4 more on the way, loves her big family. She is looking forward to meeting her new great grandchildren and seeing the new babies that are soon to be born and to see all her grandchildren again and to finally meet Adil. She loves the pictures and letters that are sent to her. She loves the blogs. We read to her what is written and if I hold my lap-top just right she can see the pictures. We print some of them and add them to her big picture board which contains not only pictures but also cards. She loves hearing from and about her grand and great grand kids. If you have any comments for her, please leave them and we will read them to her. Hearing from you makes her day. It has been very enjoyable and heart-warming having my mom and the kids grandmother and great grandmother living with us. We love her stories, and we love the sweet spirit she brings here. You all would be so proud of her. Even when she has been in great pain she does not complain. She doesn't even complain about my cooking or the kids loud music. Well, she does complain about that huge, heavy, uncomfortable brace. But who wouldn't? And her complaints are softly said, mostly to herself.

Grandma has been very, very tired over the past few weeks. Dr. Bob measured her oxygen saturation. A normal reading is 90% or greater. Her oxygen level only measured 79%. No wonder she was so tired. She did not have enough oxygen. A few days later she had an echo cardiogram and it looked like her aortic valve was very tight. She had what you call aortic stenosis. This is very serious and the only cure for Grandma would be open heart surgery to replace the valve--a very risky surgery, and long recovery for Grandma. This was complicated because of her lung problem.

To complicate the matter, she had elevated right side pressures in her heart and a tricuspid valve that was not working well. This is probably complications from a drug she had taken 10 years ago to stabilize her heart rate. It is rare, and unfortunately Grandma was one that had the terrible side effects. This is why she has been so tired and had a hard time breathing. This caused the pulmonary hypertension and some of the heart problems. Yesterday she had a heart catherization. The very good news is that the aortic valve is not as tight as it looks on the echo, so surgery is not needed at this time. However the cardiologist will have to work on getting the right side pressures down by using water pills and medicine that will lower the pressures in the lungs. Grandma will need to be on oxygen 24/7. Today she is extremely tired. Hopefully that is from the procedure yesterday and she will start feeling better.

Dr. Bob's nurse, Jamie, drawing Grandma's blood. She is giving "car service" so Grandma doesn't have to go inside. Jamie is great at getting blood on the first try!

X-ray of Grandma's completely rebuilt leg.

Grandma's new leg brace in the process of being fabricated. It is torture for her to wear.

Reading the blogs and looking at pictures of the grand and great grand kids.

A few of Grandma's 27 grandkids and 34 great grandkids

Dusty "Teen Qualifications" 1 year Experience

2009-02-11T17:00:00.002-07:00

My baby girl, Dustyn-Sierra Anne, (yes, she has two first names and one middle name and there is a story to that madness), has been a teen now for one whole year. She turned 14 on February 10th at 7:30 AM. Being an experienced teen now, and almost one year older than her nephew Avery, she can help "mentor" him. Dusty has excellent social skills, and is well known and mostly loved by her 8th grade teachers. I say mostly because of email I receive from desperate teachers that are moving Dusty in the hallway. It seems Dusty makes friends wherever she sits. Just yesterday I received another email from a not so happy teacher that "Dusty needed to stop talking to "Nate and Braxton during class." When not socializing or text messaging, Dusty stays very busy playing on four comp indoor/outdoor soccer teams. Her dad promises they will narrow that down to one team. I don't believe that. Soccer flows in their blood, and soccer balls are in every room of the house, just in case someone has the urge to practice, or maybe kick a ball to/at someone. Dusty is just such a good player she is in demand. She can talk and play her way through any soccer game.

Dusty has "given" us so much. And I am not talking about the "given" mess she makes in her closet or bedroom floor or bathroom that is covered in dirty and clean clothes and cosmetics and hairbrushes and hair straighter, and hair curler, and jewelry, and soccer clothes, and shoes, and on and on. I am talking about the laughter, creativity, and love she brings to all of us. Not to long ago we were discussing when and what would happen when Christ returns. Bob commented that no one, not even the angels know when He will return. Dusty in her wonderful wisdom said "How will the angels know when to sing?"

Dustyn-Sierra, Dusty, Dustbuster, Wildwoman, we are so blessed that you are part of our family. We love you so much! You make life joyful!

"Hannah Montana"from Avery for Dusty to store her soccer stuff. It was a joke--but much needed for all that soccer stuff. Dusty loves it!

Grandma and Dusty enjoying birthday dinner.

Dusty blowing out the "fourteen" candles.

Morgan, Carson, Dusty, Bob and Avery

Dusty and her Dad wrestling over the balloon to make helium duck voices.

Avery, celebrating Dusty's birthday wearing Carson's heels and a sling for his broken collarbone from a snowboard accident.

Carson Morgan and Dusty celebrating at Cafe Rio

Dusty's favorite place to eat

"Photogenic Heart"

2009-02-08T21:30:00.003-07:00

It has been just one year ago that my kids found out I actually had a heart. They were absolutely certain, without any doubts, that I (their mother who loved them dearly) was heartless. There was good news. The Cardiologist confirmed that I actually had a heart. However, like the Grinch who stole Christmas, there was a heart but it needed to be repaired. I had a hole in it. I had an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) which helped explain some of my symptoms. Within just a week I had the hole in my heart repaired with an implant which I call my brillo pad. It looks like one and it feels like one, but cost a heck a lot more and only gets one use. It is called an Amplatzer Cribriform Closure and it is filled with polyester fabric. So it is like getting a very expensive new dress, only one you never have to wash or iron. After I woke up from the heart procedure, I felt immediate positive results. And I think I was nicer too. So this week I went in for my year check up and echocardiogram. Sure enough the brillo pad has made itself at home. It has been completely covered by heart tissue and has become part of the wall of my heart. I may have appeared heartless, and maybe I still do, but I feel my heart and it is filled with much love and gratitude.

Amplatzer Cribriform Closure-looks and feels like a brillo pad.

The cardiac technician that did my echocardiogram this week printed me a black and white picture of my heart so that I could prove that I actually had a heart-- He said I had a heart and it was not only healthy but also "photogenic". Of course anything would be photogenic on those amazing machines. Everything in bright colors and all 3D. It was amazing to see my heart and see it working perfectly. I do feel like the Grinch whose heart grew three sizes that day. My heart has grown in gratitude for this beautiful world and an amazing family and friends. I feel blessed!

The Best "Heart" Doctor--Thank You

Avery Undergoes Metamorphosis

2009-02-01T19:00:00.009-07:00

How could this have happened so soon? Faster than a speeding snowboarder, faster than a kid can text, faster than even my wrinkles that keep appearing overnight. Avery morph into one of those--teens! On January 25th he officially became a teenager. So for the next several days Avery will be the same age as my baby, his Aunt Dusty. It is all happening to fast. Oh where oh where did the time go? Oh slow down time--I will soon morph into a senior citizen. A senior citizen with teenagers!!

Pretty scary--Avery and Dusty--two 13 years olds,

at least until Feb. 10th

Avery is such fun and a big tease. He loves to tease his Aunts--Carson and Dusty-- and rough house with his Uncle Morgan. They like to play soccer in the house and often break things, like furniture, walls, pictures, heads, noses, and arms, and they all try to cover the damage. They think I will never notice! When I see a new poster hanging on the wall there is a sure bet there is a hole behind it! When I see blood, sure bet there is an injury. Avery loves to play soccer, basketball and snowboard. We love having Avery come and stay with us. He is a charmer and we all love him very very very very much.

Let the fun begin--Carson, Avery, Dusty at Avery birthday dinner

Hard to believe this adorable kid is now a teenager!

Avery with his dad Mat

Avery in N. Carolina with Carson, Dusty, Jonathan, and Bob

Avery with his Uncle Morgan and Papa

Avery with his cousins Sofia and Kate. He is very good at keeping them entertained and they adore him.

Avery is a wonderful big brother to Zack and he loves to be with him.

Avery--always jumping with energy and life

Avery--have a GREAT 13th year

That Time Again "Student Driver"

2009-01-23T14:30:00.002-07:00

OH NO!! That time again! STUDENT DRIVER

I have been through this with 3 other kid drivers, but this time it feels different. There are so many drivers on the road now and many of them are on their cell phones or texting. Drivers are in a hurry, not very patient. They do not realize it is a new student driver. Our good friends in Japan, who also have a new 16 year old driver, tell us that a sticker is put on the back of a car that indicates it is a new driver with limited experience. They also have stickers that senior citizens must put on their car to indicated whatever someone wants to indicate about an older driver.

This is the car that Amy drives in Japan, so it has this yellow and green sticker for a new driver. Everyone knows to BEWARE and patient and watch out for her and give her lots of space. Of course Amy is an excellent driver.

The yellow and orange sticker on the back of this car means watch out--this car is driven by a senior citizen! When you see this sign you are suppose to be patient with the senior driver. So which one do I put on my car? The sign for a new student driver for Carson, or the senior sign for Bob and me? Well we are not quite there yet. Almost! Maybe by the time Dusty drives.

I feel bad for Carson when she is driving with me in the car. I have my foot pressed down on the floor as far as it will go. I make her so nervous that she hates driving with me. This goes back to May 3rd when I had a major car wreck due to a 17 year old driver on the freeway. Erin was visiting from North Carolina and was sitting in the front seat. Luckily Kate and Sofia were in their car seats in the middle row. Amy, just like a daughter, was in the very back with Dusty. We had just come from Cafe Rio and were on our way to Lagoon. The 17 year old pulled over to our lane to avoid hitting the back of a pickup truck. Erin saw it coming and yelled to me. I abruptly tried to get out of the lane and in the process our car did a 180 degree circle so we were facing the traffic going the wrong way on the freeway. I will never forget how Erin put out her arms as if to protect her babies and said to me with very pleading eyes "Mom" like can't you do something. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was the mom and I felt so responsible and so helpless. Even though it was just seconds it seemed like an eternity as I looked at everyone in the car just knowing I was going to crash and someone was going to be killed. Dusty told me later she thought she was going to die. I thought she was too, because of where she was sitting. I saw the cement divider and knew I was going to crash into that. The wall had only been there for a week and Bob had watch it being built on his way to SLC every morning. We started to roll and hit the wall. The Highway Patrol closed down the freeway for a short time and told us that the wall was a safety wall and saved us from rolling into the other side of the freeway. The wall was still wet and we left a mark. The cars behind us saw was was happening and were able to stop so not hitting us head on. Many of the drivers stopped and ran over and pulled us out of the car. Amazingly we were all OK. Dusty had some cuts from where the window blew out and Amy had some pain in her chest from the seatbelt pulling her back. The 17 year old driver was very shaken but OK. She had been so close to hitting us she could see Kate and Sofia in the car and was so scared they were hurt. Our car was totaled, and so was Erin's left over salad from Cafe Rio. And I had just filled up the car with gas! Even though I was cleared of any fault for the accident, it leaves me with so much apprehension. If it had been my fault I would know what I did wrong and feel some control to not have it happen again. But since this accident just came out of the blue and I was driving safely, I feel like I have no control in the car anymore. I still constantly see cars that I think they are going to pull out and hit us. Poor Carson and Bob. They do not like to have me in the car. I still can't help myself and I yell to them to watch out for that car and that car and that car and that car. They are threatening me with duck tape! I now try to read a book or close my eyes and grit my teeth when they are driving. I do feel so blessed. Life is a gift. And instead of feeling so apprehensive I need to remember to show my love and caring to those around me. The car accident reminds me that I need to try much harder.

Amy, Carson, and Dusty

Amy and her mother Tammy enjoying Japan

Oh No! Oh Nose!

2009-01-11T18:04:00.014-07:00

How do you break your nose when you are just laying on the floor actually minding your own business?? Only Carson could achieve that. She is known for her broken bones. She has the honor of the only girl, out of thousands, who has ever broken a bone at University of Utah girls soccer camp. She broke her arm playing as a goalie. She had a bad break and had to be taken to Primary Children's Medical Center, but she saved the game by keeping the other team from scoring. The reason she was training for goalie is because she had broken her toe a few days before so could not train on the field. Anyway, on with the story of the nose break. We took Carson to the "nose" Doctor's and sure enough it was broken. He had never heard of anyone breaking their nose while laying down. She had surgery to repair her nose on January 5th. The one side was so caved in the Doctor had to "pack" it so it would keep it's shape.

Scene of the Crime--The basement or rec. (wreck) room is where the break occurred.

Time of Crime--December 31, 2008-The break happened just before leaving for a soccer tournament fund raiser for the teams irish trainer to raise money for medical needs.

The Weapon--Avery's iron foot--specifically his heel was the weapon of torture. He was walking backwards when his heel made contact with Carson's nose. Carson was just minding her own business laying on the floor. What a mess!! Blood everywhere-the carpet, tile, bathroom cabinets, and sink. I couldn't believe a nose could bleed that much. I was pretty sure her nose was broken, as it was now going sideways as opposed to straight out. She still made it to the soccer fundraiser, but instead of playing she observed with a ice pack and towel on her poor nose.

Avery and "his weapon."

(weapon enlarged for better view)

Carson resting at home. The Surgical Center gave her the bear.

Joyful Randomness

2009-01-04T18:38:00.007-07:00

Jim and his wife Jennifer had a wonderful Christmas with their new baby son, Garrett, born in November. Jim is the oldest grandchild of Grandma Aileen and Garrett is the youngest great grandchild of Grandma Aileen--for now anyway. Dani and Paul expect their baby boy any day. Jim, Jennifer, Garrett and the dogs live in Montana.

Not happy!! Emilia's first visit to Santa. She was born in February and is the daughter of Tonya and Michael. Emilia is so cute! Her parents are fabulous.

Kevin and Ede

This picture speaks for itself! They know how to have fun!

Really--Is this fair?? We are shoveling snow on Christmas day and Nick, Mark, Tammy, Amy, and Joshua are relaxing at the beach in Okinawa, Japan. We really miss our very dear friends that left for Japan in August. They will be there for a couple years. We hope to go visit them.

Nick, Amy and Tammy relaxing after a very "hard" day in Japan. They are known to "play" very hard.

We all miss Kate, Sofia, Erin, and Jonathan. Next Christmas instead of North Carolina sunshine, they will also be enjoying all the SNOW here in Utah. So maybe we will get them a snow shovel for their 2009 Christmas present. Having them here will be our Christmas present from them! We are excited!!!

Morgan's Birthday and I Spy What?

2009-01-02T17:00:00.001-07:00

Morgan's birthday ---December 27th. That is a very hard day to have a birthday. It would be better even on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! But 2 days after Christmas, everyone is tired and broke! When Morgan was growing up we would hold his party in June or maybe July or maybe February--we always had a party. The poor child--when he started kindergarten his teacher was concerned that Morgan did not know his birthday. That is when I realized that we had never really told him. As he got older I gave him the choice. Do you want a party and a gift now? If you do I will take one of your Christmas gifts and we will save it for your birthday. Morgan always said no (that was easy choice) he would rather wait. So we did and we would have a party later in the year. We are so blessed to have Morgan that sometimes we have 2 parties during the year. We just don't have it on December 27th. But we always have cake!!!

A very yummy chocolate, chocolate chip, mocha cake for Morgan.

Carson took this picture at Temple Square. Her dad loved the picture. Carson made an eight by ten and framed it for her dad for Christmas. That is when we noticed the "I Spy" in the picture. It wasn't meant to be there but we left it in. Can you spy____?

Hot Dam* It's Christmas

2008-12-27T18:38:00.023-07:00

We had a very fun Christmas, especially having Grandma Aileen here with us. Dan and Annette and Matt Edgren also came for Christmas Eve. Our Mat had to work all night so came Christmas afternoon with Avery. Erin, Jonathan, Kate and Sofia were having their own Christmas celebration in North Carolina. We missed them very much, but hopefully will see them next Christmas. We had our traditional homemade pizza, made by Bob and Carson, and a spectacular vegetable salad prepared by Annette. We had beautiful red and yellow roses that Dan brought and another dozen yellow roses that Bob brought home the day before. So not only was everything beautiful, but smelled wonderful. We also had other yummy not so healthy goodies. We had a music program along with Christmas stories.

Grandma told us stories of what Christmas was like for her growing up in Star Valley, Wyoming during the depression.

Dan Annette and Matt Edgren

Morgan Dusty Jaynee Carson Bob and Grandma Aileen

Lots of music

and Christmas stories

Dusty made a ceramic snowman dish for Grandma

Carson made a blanket for Grandma

Avery Grandma and Mat on Christmas afternoon

We had lots of fun making a mess

and more mess!

Christmas was definitely wonderful and very white!

The Pet Snowman

2008-12-21T22:57:00.004-07:00

This is a cute poem given to Bob by Grandma O one of his favorite patients. We all laughed and laughed! We really enjoyed it as it seems we have endless amount of snow lately!

I made myself a snowman.

He was cute as he could be.

I thought I'd keep him for a pet

and let him sleep with me.

I made him some pajamas and

a pillow for his head.

Then sometime in the night he left,

But first--he wet the bed!

Lights at Temple Square and a Visit From Susan and Baby Leah

2008-12-19T20:53:00.013-07:00

It was cold, but no snow yet when we took Grandma Aileen to Salt Lake Temple Square to see the christmas lights. Carson and Dusty pushed the wheelchair while Bob and Jayne tried to make sure they didn't hit any curbs, knock anyone over, or go over the speed limit! Poor Grandma. She was a good sport even though it was cold. We put a blanket over her to help keep her warm. When that awful leg brace gets cold--well it is like having ice cubes down your leg! There was no snow yet, so the girls couldn't turn the wheelchair into a snow machine--thank goodness. We all enjoyed the beautiful lights, and the manger scenes. We also liked the warmth of the visitors' center. It really set the feeling of celebrating the birth of Christ.

The lights in temple square were incredible. Carson took some beautiful pictures for us.

The 11 foot statue of Christ, in the visitor center at temple square, is a replica of Thorvaldsen's "Christus." It is so inspiring. As we all sat there two sister missionaries came to speak to us. They were so nice. One was one Brazil and the other from Korea. So they were learning how to communicate in English with each other. The sister from Brazil thought Dusty was from Brazil and was an exchange student. WE explained that she was ours and that Carson and Dusty are "twins"

Susan and baby Leah came for a visit to see Grandma Aileen. We were all excited to meet Leah and see Susan. Leah is beautiful just like her mom, Susan. Leah was singing us Christmas songs!

Susan holding Leah and Grandma Aileen

The "Wicked" Harvest Cup

2008-12-14T21:03:00.013-07:00

Dusty and Bob left for the Harvest Cup on Thanksgiving morning. The Harvest Cup is a tournament held in Irvine, Calif. each year. Dusty is an awesome player and so was selected to play on a U-15 team even though she is only 13 and the youngest player on the team. She played great and realized she could compete with the older girls. It was fun for her to play against teams from LA and Santa Monica. She had fun playing soccer and also fun going to the beach! From the pictures below you can tell that the highlight of the trip was going to Wicked at Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles with her dad. They stood in line for the lottery to win front row seats for only $25. each. It had to be paid in cash, so luckily they still had some of that real money, not plastic, left. It was a trip that will be remembered with fond memories by Dusty and especially her dad.

Door at hotel decorated by team members

Waiting for the next game

At the beach with friend Kayclyn

Winning the lottery for Wicked tickets

Highlight of the trip was seeing Wicked

Bob and Dusty returning home after a very fun trip.

Thanksgiving Eve

2008-12-04T20:40:00.029-07:00

We had Thanksgiving a day early because Bob and Dusty left on the real Thanksgiving day to go to Harvest Cup (if you guessed soccer you are right) in Irvine, Calif. It actually turned out to be a wonderful blessing because we got to see family that would not have been able to come Thursday. Dan and Annette brought the biggest, prettiest poinsettia I have ever seen along with pies and ice cream. But the best of all is they brought EMILIA along with Tonya, Michael, Matt and Jane.

Emilia was born in February and a real beauty!! Her parents, Michael and Tonya are not only intelligent, and a handsome couple, they are so much fun to be around, When Tonya was about nine years old we would sneak her into the children's hospital and she would hide under Erin's hospital bed when the nurses came in--and that way she could stay all day and keep Erin company. What a gem! And it gave Erin and me a break from the drudgery of the long hospital stay.

It is always a treat when Melissa can come. She called to say she would be late, but she was the 1st one here. The rest were running on "Edgren" Time. John was able to come from the Air Force Base near Las Vegas and made it in time for leftovers and dessert. Thanks John for your service to our country. We are always glad when you come. Melissa made a great collage of our Thanksgiving. Check it out on her blog. Thanks to her I have all these great photos. Thanks Melissa!

Melissa & John

Jaynee & Tonya

Proud Grandpa

Mat & Morgan

My kids had fun playing games and of course creating chaos.

Carson playing with the whip cream

Dusty & Avery playing games

Jane & Matt

Matt has the best laugh in the world. It is always fun to have them come. Matt is also a great help figuring out computers!

Grandma Aileen with Mat & Cori

Bob & Mom (Grandma Aileen)

Grandma Aileen with Dan & Annette and Emilia

My mom, Grandma Aileen made the comment that everyone was patient and repeating the conversation so that she could follow it. Annette and my mom had an interesting conversation about books, the thing Mom misses most--not being able to read. Cori who is an RN and my brother Dan who also is an RN, conversed about nursing and medicine.

It was a fun evening and the only thing lacking beside maybe my cooking, was not having Erin and Jonathan, Kate and Sofia who are still in N. Carolina and Susan and Steve and their kids and new baby LEAH who had houseful of company. We love and missed them all very much.

Grandpa John--The Real Star

2008-11-24T20:37:00.008-07:00

The Red Star Garage in Thayne, Wyoming

The Red Star Motor Company was started by my Grandfather John Edgren in 1927. He went into the garage business and added gas pumps. Soon my Grandma put in gifts and then a grocery store. They began selling cars for the Rich Motor Company of Montpelier, Idaho. He sold Durrant Stars and Plymouths. A representative from the Chrysler Corporation came through Afton and saw several new Plymouths parked on the street. He wanted to know who sold those. When he found out it was my grandfather he immediately went to Thayne, about 15 miles away and signed him up as a dealer for Chrysler Corporation dealers for the Star Valley, Wyoming area. It was in 1945 that they moved to Pleasanton, California to open a new dealership. After the war their 3 sons came and also set up dealerships

The one in the hat is my grandfather. Next to him is my grandmother, Miriam.

My dad, Lloyd is 6th from the right.

Dealership in Pleasanton, California

Miracles Miracles and more Miracles

2008-11-19T15:31:00.016-07:00

As we were celebrating Carson 16 birthday I couldn't help but reflect back on the years--23 years to get her here--and all we went though to get all 5 of our miracle children. Each child was so difficult to get. I still feel the emotional pain intensely, but I feel overwhelming love that we were given these beautiful children. When we first realized having babies wasn't happening, and it seemed everyone else was having babies, we felt so isolated. Back then there was no one to talk to, no support groups. We tried to hide our shame for surely we must be defective and lack faith. No one talked about infertility. It was surely a bad, embarrassing word. I remember an esteemed church leader in a general conference talk saying "The power of creation is given to virtually every individual who is born into mortality. Someday you will hold a little boy or a little girl in your arms and know that two of you have acted in partnership with our Heavenly Father in creating a life. Our Heavenly Father has bestowed his choicest gift upon you, this power of creation" Again we questioned our faith and our worth. Why were we denied this blessing? In a blessing, it said I would "bare" children on this earth. I felt like that blessing and infertility that was inconclusive was a curse. How do you resolve that? Do you have faith and believe it will happen and if you have faith do you continue the endless treatments with hopeful doctors and month after month of hope then major distress or do you resolve it and go on with your life when there are no answers and is that lack of faith? I went to our Patriarch who also was a friend. I asked him how I resolve this. He said since I didn't have a father he would give me a father's blessing. In it he told me I needed to continue with seeing doctors etc. He told me he didn't know why but that was his impression. Cursed again.

Who ever said adoption is the "easy way" has never tried to adopt. First we were blessed with Mat. We lived in a small one bedroom apartment in NY. We didn't have furniture or didn't even own a TV. We had just put our application in LDS Social Services and they said we would have to wait a year before being considered. We did not have a home study, or Bishops interview. Within a few weeks we had Mat. They told us that they knew he was to come to us. We knew that too. What a miracle! Oh how we have loved our Mat, our first long awaited child. Then came Erin. They called her "special needs" because of her leg. Really though she had no special needs, she was just extra special and oh how we have loved our Erin. Morgan was 3rd and we had to fight to get him. Once again no money but we had a future as Bob would be done with his medical residency in 2 years. So we finally got the call. Bob couldn't even come home the night we got him as he was on call. Morgan has been a tender son, who again has blessed us. Oh how we have loved our Morgan. After 23 years we had Carson. I treasured every moment of the pregnancy. I didn't care how sick I was or how flat my bladder became. The physical pain was so much more bearable than the emotional pain of the infertility. When she got stuck in the birth canal I just assumed I wasn't really having a baby, that my body wanted it so bad it was just pretending to be pregnant, and that when they did the C section no baby would be there. I told the Dr that there was no baby, and he said "yes there is, we saw it on the ultra sound" When he pulled her out, he said "she has hair" and I said "you mean there is a baby in there?" He said "Of course there is a baby" The joke in the house is that we forgot we had Carson and told her she was adopted. Wait till she finds out she was born to us, she will really be traumatized! Actually sometimes she feels left out as she is the only kid not adopted in the family. Oh how we have loved our Carson. Our 5th beautiful child is Dusty. Her birth mom, who we love lived with us and wanted someone to love and take care of Dusty with all their heart. "We said, that is easy. We will love her with all our hearts" We were there when Dusty was born. What fun, and love she has brought to us. Oh how we have loved our Dusty.

When someone asks "Which kid is yours?" I answer "all of them" or "Which one did you give birth to?" I answer "I can't remember which one". Though I would never wish infertility on anyone I feel sorry for those that never get to adopt. You realize that it doesn't matter how a child comes, it is serving and loving that child that makes it yours. Having a baby and going thru pregnancy took me 23 years and I will cherish that experience forever. But I will always cherish adopting and the beautiful children that are ours that we fought to get here. How blessed we are. We are a family.

Cake Cake and More Cake

2008-11-12T17:56:00.013-07:00

November 11 (11-11) at 5:55 AM, 16 years ago, Carson was born. We have been celebrating ever since.

Carson's birthday celebration started Saturday night, at a team soccer party at our house. We had pizza and Carson's favorite cake--ice cream cake.

Sunday was extra special. We love having Grandma living with us and having Melissa visit. It is so fun having both of them here. We had angel food cake with Carson's favorite--almond frosting.

Bob and Carson enjoy another cake on Monday night--the day before her "real" birthday.

Carson's birthday started early. She had a surprise waiting at the band room at 6 AM. The drum line was there with rhythm, along with donuts and juice, to wish her happy birthday.

We will continue to celebrate this week with family going to dinner at Carson's favorite restaurant, Tepanyaki, and a family dinner at home Sunday. She wants ice cream cake--again.

They Are Coming!!

2008-11-09T22:05:00.009-07:00

Jonathan, Erin, Kate and Sofia are coming!! I was so excited when Erin called to tell me Jonathan got the job here in SLC. I was SO excited I could not contain my happiness that I did a cartwheel and then----

... I landed in a head stand

I am so excited and happy that they will be back with all of us!

(And I wanted to show Susan I could really do a cartwheel)

Halloween-Not to Scary

2008-11-02T17:41:00.023-07:00

Morgan and Avery get ready for Halloween

Mat with Hannah

Hannah got a special treat this Halloween--a puppy.

Mat and Cori had a great time taking Hannah (Cori's daughter) trick or treating. Both Mat and Cori work in the ER. Cori is an ER Nurse.

Avery ? Could you tell??

Notice the fur coat. It is about 40 years old and would give PETA heartburn.

Morgan spent his Halloween at the state capitol in Salt Lake

Carson passed out the candy while entertaining us with guitar music

Carson went trick or treating at 10 PM with a few friends. Because it was so late she got a trick instead of a treat--a VULTURE CLAW

Vulture Claw

Dusty's Halloween consisted of an overnight party. Scary for her mom and dad! They were still going strong at 2 AM.

They all got up at 7 AM to go to Dusty's soccer game.

Morgan's Soccer Week

2008-10-28T21:07:00.014-06:00

Morgan had a big soccer week. The University of Utah team on which he plays participated in the regional NIRSA tournament. His team played 5 games in 2 days. They played in the semi-

finals against the University of Oregon. Unfortunately they lost 1-0. However in the final minutes of the game Morgan hit a header (against a bunch of very tall players) which ALMOST

went in. His dad moaned when it hit the goal post. Needless to say Morgan was very disappointed. He gave a valiant effort and this week is getting much needed rest for his VERY

battered body!

Morgan's team that he coaches had a good week. They won both their last 2 of the season games. They are a U15 girls called Lightning. Dusty is 13 so plays up a year on Morgan's team. The girls really enjoy Morgan and rub his head before each game for good luck. Morgan has been a very patient coach. Their season record is 8-2 missing 1st place by 1 point.

Even as a little kid Morgan loved soccer. They called him "Soccer Animal"

Stories Of Grandpa Lloyd As Told By Grandma Aileen

2008-10-24T16:08:00.007-06:00

My Dad would have been 83 years old this October 15th. Unfortunately for all of us he died at the very young age of 46 in March of 1972. The grandkids did not have the opportunity and blessing of knowing Grandpa Lloyd, in this earth life anyway. What a loss for all of us! I have missed my Dad very much over the years. He was a very honorable man. When he died much was written in the newspapers about all he had contributed to the community. He also was very much a tease and very funny. He was very proud of his family and of his name. Since Grandma Aileen is staying with us we decided to have a "Birthday Party" for Grandpa Lloyd with stories told to us by Grandma Aileen and then have chocolate birthday cake and ice cream. Grandma is a great story teller. She talked and we turned on the tape recorder. She told us how they met, the war and about when they got married and came to California with Great Grandma Hannah in the car. Along with Bob and me, Morgan, Carson, and Dusty were laughing so hard when Grandma used her Swedish accent to imitate Grandma Hannah. It was so much fun and we hope to do more stories. Hopefully I will get the stories typed so everyone in the family can enjoy them. The picture Grandma Aileen is holding is of Grandpa Lloyd when he was a little kid with his dog. I love this picture and it hangs in my living room.

Aileen carried this picture of Lloyd with her during WWII

Lloyd carried this picture of Aileen with him during WWII

Lloyd and Aileen Married January 28, 1946

Father vs Son--Sister vs Sister

2008-10-18T15:41:00.011-06:00

THE GAME
The talk in the family this week had centered around who was going to win THE game--meaning the soccer game. This was not just any soccer game. This was a game of father vs son (Bob vs Morgan) as coaches of each team, and sister vs sister, (Carson vs Dusty) as players. They had played one "rival" game several weeks before which was won by Coach Bob. He had the advantages as Coach Morgan had fewer girls playing and so had no subs. So now this was payback time--big time!!!! Major RIVALRY !!

Carson, the goalie on the father's team was up against Dustyn, the striker on the son's team. The father coach knew it was going to be a tough game when the sister, striker Dusty, in the second minute scored the first goal. (According to Carson, the goalie, it was kicked out of her hands.) The final straw came in the 87th minute with the score 3-3 when Dusty headed the winning goal into the back of the net. The father said no excuses, but it didn't help that this time he had no subs and the last goal was scored in the dark. It was fun and according to the Irish trainer Danny very entertaining.

Heads--Cabbage, Shaved, and Wild

2008-10-16T23:16:00.009-06:00

One of Dr. Bob's patients brought him this cabbage. (Country Doctor--chickens and cabbage pay for services) He grew this in his garden in Morgan, Ut. We had a contest in the family to see who could guess the weight. Grandma Aileen came the closest at 11lbs. The actual weight was 11lbs 6ozs. That is one big cabbage.

Morgan's shaved head turned into a "cabbage"

Dusty wild hair day

WHS Birthday Reunion Party

2008-10-15T11:22:00.034-06:00

The Best Birthday Party Ever!

This September I flew to Sacramento for a__year old birthday and slumber party for us "girls" that graduated from WHS in 19__. (My girls don't know how old I am. Don't want them to worry that I won't be around to get them raised!) Anyway, it was a long time ago. My wonderful friend since 2nd grade, Kathy Jibson, put together a most terrific 2 day party held at her home in Loomis, Calif. It was fun to see her husband, Bob, before he moved out for the day and night. There were 12 of us. Some I have not seen in years. Kathy made it so special. We had so many treats and a catered dinner by a few of her neighbor friends. So yummy!!! We even had a birthday cake! We slept at Kathy's house--well mostly we stayed up the night. Early the next morning Kathy, Barbara, and I went to Church. We wrote notes in church just like when we were teenagers. It was an incredible couple days for me. Everyone there had amazing stories. They had to have so much courage and strength. A few were cancer survivors and others had lost children and loved ones. Several were taking care of parents. And there were a few that had loved ones dealing with drugs and alcohol. Every person there had a story that touched my heart. I learned so much those few days about gratitude, love and courage.

Leslie and Marilyn (Toots)

Bob visiting with Mary Ellen and Barbara

Delicious YUMMY Food

Thank you Kathy and Bob for all your hard work and opening up your beautiful home. Kathy is not only an artist but one of the most positive people in this whole big world. I remember that about her even as a child. (Kathy also made the top picture for all of us) Leslie is also an artist. I remember at Glenmore Elementary the teacher telling her she wasn't allowed to make fancy loops in her writing. The teacher just wanted plain old stuff and didn't see the budding artist. Even as a little kid I was impressed with how beautiful Leslie's writing was. It was neat hearing Barbara's story of her conversion to the LDS faith. As she describe her husband Jeff (who went to school with us) "that he was born with a testimony." I always had great respect for him. Mary Ellen and Linda were as fun as ever. Everyone there was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

Kathy and Jaynee

Thank You, Thank You, for the wonderful party.

Carson and Davis Marching Band

2008-10-13T16:03:00.006-06:00

Since joining Davis High Marching Band this summer, Carson has probably marched more miles than I have driven in my Honda Pilot. That is a lot of miles. This August they had a training camp in Delta. The high school kids couldn't escape as they were out in the middle of nowhere. They marched and practice for a week. Even with sunscreen the kids came back looking like lobsters. They worked so hard. The show they put on is amazing. It is called "Matter". It has three movements. "Vapor" "Liquid" and "Solid". Carson plays the piccolo. Honestly, I don't know how they can play an instrument and also march and find their positions. They are constantly moving. It is spectacular and fun to watch. They have many competitions. This week they will compete in the BYU invitational. Next Friday, October 24th, they begin their Band Tour. It starts with the Red Rocks Competition in St. George, then on to Las Vegas for the Bands of America Competition. The highlight will be on the Monday when they perform in Disneyland. Her family just wishes they could be there and watch and also play at Disneyland!

Morgan & Dusty's Adventure

2008-10-12T14:19:00.013-06:00

Friday night, Dusty and Morgan were returning from a grocery store in Layton. They were buying treats (junk food) for the evening activity. Little did they know they were heading into a little on the way home adventure. A police car followed them from the store. Then a few blocks away came the red light. The policemen told Morgan they had stopped him because his right brake light was burned out. They were checking "randomly" for drugs since it was a Friday evening, when there are more drug parties. The policemen asked if they could search his car. Morgan was very polite and told they they could. They got out of the car. They did search every spot in the car, including under the hood and in the trunk. They had them both stand by the car while they patted them down. Morgan is very protective of his 13 year old sister, and told them to be very careful with her. They had to put their hands behind their back and Dusty asked quite excitedly if they were going to handcuff her. I think she was disappointed when she didn't get handcuffed and hauled away to jail. She loves adventure! The policemen said sorry, but they just have to do these random checks, then send them on their way. There was no hauling them away for their "junk food."

My kids--Carson, Dusty and Morgan--

To much junk food!!

The Grandkids

2008-10-09T20:38:00.007-06:00

GRANDkids--as in magnificent--and our three, Avery, Kate, and Sofia, certainly are grand.

It is so much fun having grandchildren. You do not have to tell them to pick up their messes, eat their vegetables, practice piano, do their homework, or go to bed---you just get to enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy. What could be more grand than that? (Poor Carson and Dusty. Bob and I have become great experts at nagging them.) All of us love when the grandkids visit. Avery lives close by so we are blessed in getting to see him often. As soon as he gets here he finds his Uncle Morgan, and then the banging on the walls begins--the soccer ball is in play. All I can think is "why did I redo the walls?" Morgan is a fantastic uncle and loves to do stuff with Avery.

We just had a delightful visit with Kate and Sofia. We don't get to see them often enough as they live on the other side of the country. With the internet, cell phones, email, picture sharing, blogs, we get to be part of their lives. Erin is wonderful making sure we have pictures and stories of their adventures. One of the best stories is of Kate going visiting teaching and the little backyard house. You have to ask Erin that story sometime. I wouldn't dare write it!

This past September we had Avery, Kate, and Sofia all together. It was so fun and so so nice for Avery to spend time with his cousins. Aunt Carson and Aunt Dusty loved the time with them, but they still had to do their homework and only got to miss one day of school. I am a mean mama!!! Uncle Morgan had so much fun too and loved to tease and play with all of them.

The "Kids"

2008-10-06T12:58:00.007-06:00

Mat is the oldest and a fun and adoring dad to his son Avery who is 12. Mat graduated from the University of Utah. He works many long and odd night hours in the ER at Davis Medical Center in Layton. He audits charts, and checks in patients and many other jobs. His calm and gentle nature and funny sense of humor is a real plus there. Mat helps with Avery's many sports adventures, particularly soccer.

Erin lives in Charlotte, N. Carolina where her husband Jonathan is finishing his last year in ER residency. I always told Erin "What ever you do, don't marry a doctor! Be one if you want, but don't marry one." When they got married Jonathan was just starting to think about medical school. Jonathan is always ready for an adventure and his girls absolutely adore him. They have two beautiful, fun loving daughters. Kate will be 4 in December and Sofia will be 2 next March. They all love outdoors and especially rock climbing and bike riding. Erin is also very creative. Love to look at all the wonderful, creative cards, pictures, cakes she creates. She has inspired many, by her motivational speaking of lessons and adventures in life with her prothesis "fake leg." We miss them all and look forward to having move closer.

Next is Morgan, my baby boy, who has grown up to be a remarkable son. He goes to school at the University of Utah and Weber University. He plays soccer for the U. He also coaches a soccer team, 15 year old girls, for Wasatch Soccer Club. Dustyn plays on his team. The soccer girls absolutely love Morgan. It tries his patience's, but he is an excellent coach as well as soccer player.

Our quirky Carson will be 16 on Veteran's Day. She is very musical and plays piano, bells, flute, piccolo, guitar and now learning drums. She is on the Davis High Marching band and will be going to Las Vegas and Disneyland to perform. She also plays soccer on her dad's comp team. She too, loves to create all kinds of art projects. She misses her very good friend Amy who has moved to Japan for a year. Carson is trying to convince us or at least her to move to Japan too.

Dustyn-Sierra better know as Wild Woman Dusty, not only plays for her brother Morgan, but plays on another comp soccer team. She will be playing Harvest Cup Tournament in Irvine, Calif during Thanksgiving holiday. She is a force to be reckoned with. Dusty also is getting very good on the piano. She played the cello for awhile, but it gets cold practicing outside! She loves to read and create all kinds of art work. She won an award (6th grade) for reading the most books in her school.

Lake Jenny, Jackson Wyoming

2008-10-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

In August we did a short trip to Star Valley and Jackson Wyoming. A friend let us use her "cabin" which is actually a beautiful home overlooking the valley. Amy, Carson's and Dustyn's friend came with us and later Mat, Morgan, Cori and Hannah came up and met us.

We had a wonderful hike around Jenny Lake and then up to Inspiration point. It is a breath taking view.

Visit to Thayne Wyoming Cemetery

2008-09-28T16:12:00.006-06:00

In August during our visit to Star Valley and Jackson, we stopped to visit the cemetery where Grandma Hannah was buried. The day before we had hiked Jenny Lake and Jaynee injured her ankle (she tripped over the only rock visible on the trail for a hundred yards). So she was carried into the cemetery by her daughters. If you look closely you can see that it is swollen. We didn't know it at the time but she had a small fracture.

The cemetery is located in a beautiful setting and was quiet and serene. We followed the tradition of our Swedish cousins and took some flowers for Grandma Hannah's grave. We also saw grave sites for Elizabeth her daughter and Elizabeth's husband Henry William Aullman.

Dustyn"s Soccer Game

2008-09-27T21:43:00.008-06:00

Saturdays at the Taylor's house usually means a day of soccer. Morgan is playing for the University of Utah's and Carson and Dustyn are still involved with comp soccer. The old saying "soccer is life" rings true here. Today our kids were spread out along the Wasatch front as Dustyn went and played in Bountiful & Provo. Carson played locally in Kaysville. Morgan had a game in SL.

Dustyn has really come into her own. It is delightful to watch... and has been for years. In the early days, the girls were all clumped together, huddled around the ball. Most of the time the team would take the ball in the wrong direction. Still, fun to watch. As the years have passed, they have really come into their own. Dustyn once afraid to be aggressive now scores on a regular basis. Carson has found new interest as playing keeper. And Morgan not only plays for the U, he also takes time to coach the girls. And the girls on the team LOVE him. Morgan has a shaved head these days and before each game, the girls rub his head for luck.

Homecoming Dance

2008-09-27T21:31:00.000-06:00

Tonight was a big night... Carson's first date. Not only was it her first date, it is Davis High's Homecoming. She was just beautiful. It's hard to believe that she is growing up so fast. Erin was in town and so we all got to go dress shopping. After many options, we found the perfect dress. She looked fantastic! Carson's date is a senior that plays in the drum line for Davis. Carson met him when she joined the band this year... but hasn't abandoned soccer.