Friday, March 28, 2008

And since someone asked... when I finally got the 100 (yes it took a few tries), I had 0 errors, wahoo!

100 words

Speedtest

So Lance is 8 months, and has absolutely no interest in crawling. I know - everyone asks why do I care? And be careful what I wish for because once he starts moving it is so much harder. Well, it's true, I want him to crawl. He always kicks his legs like crazy, that I think he would just LOVE it! I think it would be so fun for him. So, this picture shows me trying to bribe Lance into crawling. Once he spotted his binky he kept scooting his butt in the air, trying to get it. I wonder what would happen if I dangled like 10 binkies!?!



We love this hiking park right by our house - here is Spence teaching Lance that sometime you just need to take time to smell the roses in life!



Me at the top of the mountain!



Sometime's Lance makes this funny face, and I think it is hilarious! I am so happy I captured it on film.



Here is what our little guy is like MOST of the time. Now I emphasize most of the time, because around people he doesn't know, he won't crack a smile. Nope - we got pictures done the other day by my friend Joy and yeah - for a whole hour we tried to get him to smile - Picture this: Spence and I blowing bubbles, peek a boo, singing every song we know from wheels on the bus to popcorn popping, dangling toys, etc etc etc for 1 hour - and he wouldn't crack a single smile, nope not one! Then as soon as Joy left, he started laughing, what a little pill. Oh well, I am sure we caught some cute serious ones!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

It's Done!

Can I get WOO WOO?!? The past three years our taxes have been a bit complicated due to Spence's land company in California. Not only do we have to file our own personal taxes, but also for two businesses. It gets complicated. Well, I am happy to report that as of today, our taxes are done, finishioso!!! In the mail and off to the good ole government. WOO WOO!!! MAN, THIS IS A GREAT FEELING!

Taking after mom?

Lance has become super interested in whatever Spence and I are eating. It doesn't matter if he has already ate, whatever we are eating, he reaches for. Yesterday he snatched this right out of my hand! Oh no, is he already taking after his mommy's sweet tooth?

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Easter Fun!

We had a great Easter!
Spence hardboiled 48 eggs! So we went to town dying them.

The Easter Bunny was a big fan of Lance this year!

Spence got up on Easter morning and made us this yummy breakfast - it even looks beautiful!

It is always a little sad to be away from family during the holiday's. We are lucky to have some great friends down here. We had a nice dinner on Erika's patio. Everyone brought something, and we had a traditional Easter dinner of ham, roast, potatoes, rolls, salad, spinach dip, carrots, strawberries, baked beans and strawberry shortcake for dessert -YUM!

Here is the patio set up. Our friend Kim was so cute and brought over a ton of Easter decorations to set the mood!

Here is Lance with his little friend Katelyn. What cuties!

We even had an easter egg hunt. Lance had fun playing with his little egg!

Hope you all had a fun Easter!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

We Did It!


Spencer and I have a friend down here who is Catholic and she invited us to Ash Wednesday (February 6, 2008) this year. Apparently that is the day you begin Lent, where you give something up until Easter (46 days - yes I was counting) as a sacrifice for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We thought it would be neat to participate in Lent this year. When I was thinking of something that would be a sacrifice for me to give up, sugar was always in the back of my mind, but I kept pushing the idea away because I didn't know if I seriously could give up sweets, candy, junk food, etc for 46 whole days.

Those of you who know me know this is a big challenge. Well, after trying to talk myself out of it, I decided to go for it. No junk food until Easter. I am not going to lie. It was TOUGH for me! In fact, it probably took a whole month before I got over my candy cravings. But, tomorrow is Easter, and I have already brushed my teeth for the night, so I guess it is safe to say WE DID IT!!!

Every time I wanted to give up, I just thought about how we were doing this for Jesus, and after all he has done for us, something as little as giving up junk food and candy for 6 weeks is nothing.

Now to touch on Easter. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for His resurrection. We went to the Easter pageant at the Mesa Temple last night and it was amazing to watch a pageant focusing on the Savior and why we celebrate Easter. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, for his life, example, sacrifice, and love for all of us. HAPPY EASTER.

High School Friends!

I had forgotten I had taken these pictures in January with my dad's camera until he came down here last weekend. We got together with Spence's high school buddies while we were in town over the Winter break. It was so much fun to get together and see everyone and the cute kids!

The Boys: Jason and Landon Winzler, Owen and Luth Palmer, Eric Sutterfield, Zann Call, Spence and Lance Taggart

The Girls: Jonna Sutterfield, me, Erin and Brinley Winzler (missing; Luth's wife was 9 months pregnant and not feeling well - has since given birth to Henry! Congrats guys - and Zann's wife Emily was working - hope to see you girls next time).


Monday, March 17, 2008

SURPRISE from JoJo and Poppy!

I called my parents on Wednesday morning and they said that they were in the car driving down to visit! SURPRISE! We were absolutely stoked. We had such a fun time hanging out with JoJo and Poppy! Thanks so much for coming, and please come back soon... oh wait, my mom already is - she has had her ticket to come back the first part of April for a couple months... now that is what I'm talking about!

We had a ton of fun hiking, seeing the sites of AZ, baseball games, lounging at the pool, watching movies, playing games, and just being together. I think the best part was that it was snowing in Utah while my parents were laying out at the pool here, now that is called good timing!

Hiking Camelback Mountain was super fun - definitely a must for those of you who live in AZ! However... DO NOT take your kiddos! It is too steep and dangerous to be hauling a baby on your back or in your bjorn...


Can I just say my mom and dad are iron man and woman! They busted it to the top - 15 minutes faster than Spence and I! I don't think they stopped one time and it is straight up! Props to the power couple!

View from the top baby!


There are two super steep parts on the trail that have bars to help assist you! The other problem is that the rocks are a bit slippery. We were more nervous about coming down, but it wasn't that bad!


This is basically what Camelback is like... boulder hopping like this for at least a 1/2 mile pretty straight up. Oh and ps - I don't know what my obsession with flexing my muscles is - I know there not that big!


We even got my mom to try out DDR!


We went to spring training baseball!
Overall an amazing time had by all!!!



Smiles all round!

Lance is such a fun loving, EASY-GOING guy! Seriously, he is just the chiller! Here are some cute pic's of the little man! HAPPY 8 MONTH TO OUR LITTLE LOVE!





Monday, March 10, 2008

A MUST READ!


Becca Bishop encouraged me to read this book, and boy am I glad that I did. This book is seriously one of the most amazing things I have ever read. I had no clue that there was a holocaust that occurred in Rwanda, let alone in the mid-1990's. Hotel Rwanda describes the situation that occurred up to a point, but nothing like this book. I encourage everyone to read it. Although it is somewhat graphic and discouraging in parts, the moral and message of this book is potentially life changing. Enjoy!

Dinner is Served!


We just had an incredibly tasty dinner, and so I thought I would share the recipe. It comes from a health food cookbook, so not only is it healthy and low fat, but it is also very tasty. Enjoy!!!

Women Burger (This may be the name, but it is definitely manly in taste!)

1 egg
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 c oats
1/2 c chopped spinach
1/3 c chopped onion
2 T shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese

In a large bowl, whisk egg.
Add beef, oats, spinach, onion, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Mix with hands until well blended. Form into 4 patties.

Place burgers in grill pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook 6 minutes per side or to desired level of doneness.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Weekend Fun!

Spring training has arrived in Glendale. Yesterday we soaked up the sun at the Padres/Mariners game.

Lance loved laying on the grass!

Our sweetie pie!


Lance and Easton ARE NOT a fan of tummy time!

Me, Spence, Kim and Sam ARE a fan of DANCE, DANCE REVOLUTION!


Today I FINALLY conquered ISTANBUL on Dance, Dance with an "A" and 125+ max combos in a row, I was so proud, I had to document it with a photo!

Lance and his best friend Easton - they love to watch us play dance revolution!