MeRrY ChRiStMaS!

With Spencer's graduation, moving out of our apartment, and the holiday's, I never sent out any of our Christmas cards, so here it is!

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!



Love, Spence, Katie and Lance

Give three cheers for the MBA Grad!!!

HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spence officially graduated with his MBA. It was such an incredibly F-U-N day, so I will give you sneak peek of what the day entailed.

Thursday night, there was a reception for the graduates and their families. During this reception they give out five Thunderbird Spirit of Giving Awards. One to a student, one to a faculty member, one to a department, one to an employee and one to a club. Spencer's band won the club award. They got this glass plaque and a hard bound book about Thunderbird. It was a really neat honor for their band to be nominated by their peers and the Thunderbird staff for this award. Spencer was also awarded with a medal for being a Thunderbird Campus Ambassador, which is the metal he is wearing around his neck in the graduation pictures.

Friday: The graduation ceremony was L-O-N-G and quite boring if I am being honest. But it was so amazing to see my man up there receiving his diploma. Here is a picture of him walking into the graduation room.

Spencer was selected to sing the national anthem for graduation and it was beyond. Words can't even describe how amazing it was. He sang it Acapella and he did a great job. I wish I had the video to download for you all to hear.

Here he is with the president of Thunderbird receiving his diploma (well at least his diploma cover).

We are so lucky to have such supportive families. Both of our parents were able to come down for the celebration.



I have a better family picture, but I had to post this one, because isn't this the typical mommy picture. Your baby can be gouging your eye out and you just smile on throught it!

After graduation we went to the gala which was amazing. The committee did such a fantastic job. We had a wonderful dinner, and the decorations were amazing, and the best part of the night was Spencer's band entertained for about 2 hours and did an amazing job. It was so fun for me, but especially both of our parents to see Spence in his element. He even got my dad out on the dance floor!

Well a huge congrats to Spence. Not only did he survive the past year and a half, but he THRIVED! Seriously, he is so smart and talented it blows my mind. Not only did he do great in school but he had so much fun along the way, and made the most of his Thunderbird experience. He took away so much valuable knowledge, a new way of thinking, a million memories and great friends from all over the world. We are really sad that this chapter in our lives has come to a close, but we are excited to see what the next chapter holds. I am so proud of you babe.

WAY TO GO!!!

Last chance - going private!

I keep debating - do I really want to go private, but with Spence graduating (TODAY - WOO, WOO!) and with us starting a new chapter, I think it will be best. I know it is inconvenient, but with that said - if you didn't list your email address before but are interested in still checking our blog, go ahead. Deadline will be Tuesday, December 16. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Man I am so grateful for these two loves of my life. And how cute is it that they are totally matching?

And let me just say a few things about these cuties. Spence is honestly amazing at everything he does. He is so sweet to Lance and I. I couldn't ask for a better husband, father, and friend.

And Lance, wow, he just amazes us every day. Today I was looking at him walking around and exploring our apartment and he was just so dang cute. I love that he is walking and has such a new found freedom. He is so smart. He can say about 5 animal sounds, knows some of the facial body parts, can say several words, and is jabbering in his own language all day. It is adorable. He has also started to do this laugh that is two hard laughs right out loud and it just makes us laugh every time he does it. Sometimes when it is quiet, I think Lance has gotten into some trouble, and he is usually just sitting there reading his books. He is so happy and so chill. I don't have a clue why Spence and I lucked out getting the most amazing kiddo in the world, but we are so grateful for him and love him so dang much!


We had a lovely time at one of our friends houses. Because Spencer goes to an international business school, we enjoyed Thanksgiving with people from all over the world, and also enjoyed dishes from their native countries in addition to the traditional food. We are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to come to Arizona, for Spence to be educated at such an amazing school, for all the cultural experiences we have had, and for the many wonderful friends we have made.

I am grateful for our families who we missed a ton today, but will see them very shortly for the Christmas holidays and Speen's graduation.

I am grateful for the good health we have been blessed with.

I am grateful we are able to live in this country and for the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunities that are available to us.

And most importantly I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the staple of our lives.

Hope you all had a wonderful day as well!

CHOW!

Isn't this picture awesome? That is our friend Will's hand compared to my hand... WHAT?!? We all come in different shapes and sizes and I am grateful for everyone's individuality!

2 random thoughts!

First a riddle...

How do you know when it's time to buy your child a new pair of pants?

ANSWER: When today, while playing with a friend at the park, I am asked if my son is wearing capris!?! So, I look at the tag, and yep, pretty sure they are 6-12 months and Lance is now 16 months. Oops! But since it is still hot down here, I guess he is still in style with his now converted capris.

Which brings me to my second point: Today on my way to the grocery store - keep in mind, windows rolled down, Arizona heat blowing into my car - something interesting came on the radio, and that is when I realized that it was certainly strange listening to Christmas music in 85 degree weather!

The time has come...

Alright, the time has come for me to go private... so please list your email if you want to continue looking at our blog - - - If you feel uncomfortable leaving your email address, email it to me at: hikatietaggart@gmail.com

Even for all you blog stalkers out there who never comment, I'll still send you an invite if Spence or I know you. Thanks!

You know you are hormonal if...

...when you see a commercial for the new bachelor you start crying!

I wouldn't even consider myself an avid Bachelor fan, but he is a single dad with a kid, and you know they show you the scene where he runs and tackles his little boy in a big bear hug and gosh it was so darn sweet... I just may have to tune in!

*For the record, I am hormonal because I am currently visiting with Aunt Flo!

Tomato Soup Gone Awry!!!

The ending of the recipe said to blend it up in the blender but I guess it was too hot, cause it exploded... all over me. Two of the burns on my face have already blistered and look like huge nasty zits, but hopefully they will clear up soon! I am just grateful nothing worse happened...

McDonald's!

Spence doesn't have class on Friday, so around noon I came up with the brilliant plan that we should take Lance to McDonald's for his first time and let him play in the play pen!

Ok, so I am sort of a germaphobe, so I made Speen go in the play area with Lance. Isn't he a great guy, he could barely fit.

Lance was so happy to be there, he was totally into exploring and grinning from ear to ear.

Hmm, look at this cool toy that came in my happy meal!

Big fan of the cheeseburger!

Alright, so I felt bad that Spence could barely move around, so I went in and played with Lance.

Can you find us in this picture?

Every dark cloud has a silver lining.

It passed! HURRAY! I just have to throw out a huge kudos to our family and friends in California who worked non-stop to get this proposition passed. THANK YOU for your hard work.


Well, since it is pretty obvious who my choice for President was - I will just say that I hope with all my heart that Barack Obama can unite our country and restore the economy. I will probably disagree with him more than I'll agree with him, but one thing I will do is support him, because I think we should all show respect for the President of the United States of America.

What?!?

I just thought this was super funny, so I had to post about it...

Saturday night, my dad tells my mom to choose a movie to go to. My mom is browsing through the movies and is thinking probably Secret Life of Bees or Forever Strong - then she's sees a movie that peeks her curiousity...


Fast forward to 6:45 pm - they are in the movie theatre, and the following convo takes place:

Dad: Do you realize we are the only adults in this movie?
Mom: Oh, you're right.
Dad: What is this movie about anyway?

Previews start - they are all cartoon...

Dad to Mom: This better not be a cartoon!


For those of you who know my parents, especially my dad, I am totally busting up that just the two of them went to HSM3! And better yet, they liked it. My mom's quote exactly, "your dad didn't mind it at all!"

Who knew that such a wide range of people would like HSM3, maybe I'll have to check it out myself!

Picture Tag

So I usually don't like tags, but this one was easy. . . 4th picture in the 4th folder - - - I present to you: Baby Spencer! (and no, I don't have a clue what mamma Taggart was doing to his binky!)


I tag everyone whose name starts with an "L" or an "S"

Too true not to post!

I know what you are thinking, not another political post... but since the election is only 5 days away, the political ramblings will soon come to an end.

And since chances are he'll be elected in a few days, I have to get out my jabs now. I have to show some respect towards the president even though I don't think I'll like him all that much. And for the record, I am not saying this election is over, I think it is actually going to be a lot closer than most people think.

So with out further adieu - here is the poem that I feel (in the spirit of the season) is just too funny not to post! EnJoY!

'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

' On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Thunderkids Trick or Treating!

So I changed up the costume today. This is the costume Lance wore as a newborn. It still fits! Since we were trick or treating on campus, I thought he needed something a little cooler than the lion costume. Still looks cute as ever, and I am lovin those cute legs.

Here are the "Thunderkids!" (Thunderkids because they are kids of the Thunderbird students!)

Dale, Speenie, and Lance prior to T&T







Look at that loot! I guess the malt balls are to blame for Lance bouncing off the walls tonight!

Ward TrUnK oR tReAt!

And the parties begin...

The fun started on Saturday night. We had a murder myster party called the "Watersdown Affair." It was a lot of fun. We went all out with our costumes and the food. We ate on Becca's china and had a delicious 3 course dinner. Appetizers included stuffed mushrooms and homemade cheeseball and crakers. The dinner consisted of roast, mashed potatoes, asparagus, orange rolls, salad, and martinellis. And the dessert was homemade pumpkin cheesecake and cranberry wassal. Wow, it was incredible!


Spencer and I were "Florence and Donny Brooks" - he is the big shot business man, and I am a former model. We both love to be social and to travel extensively.



Here are the girls: Randy (kim the actress), Florence (katie the business mans wife), Eguille (Bex the secretary), Tygess (Erika the golfer's wife), Ali (Jen the writer), Ivonna (the doctor's date for hire)


Can I just say I love this girl!?! When we were deciding who would be who, we knew that we had to give Kim the role as the actress cause she would go all out, and she sure did, I love her costume!

I hate to admit... but yes, this is Lance and Evi at close to midnight!


Here was our wonderful dinner. I have to say this picture cracks me up, cause look at Kim's hair, is it not like 10x bigger than everyone else in the picture! LOL

The whole gang.
*************** Fast forward to Monday night ******************************

We went to the Thunderbird woman and family Halloween potluck dinner. I had to take a pic of the Brown fam cause their costumes were awesome! Jason is the Matador, Paulo the lady in waiting, and Mateus the bull, so cute!!!

And here is a sneak peek of what Lance is... I taught him to say "ROAR!" It is so darn cute!


Not the best picture of Lance, but you can see his whole outfit... so cute!

We have a lot more Halloween festivities planned for the rest of the week, so I am sure there will be more pictures to come.