Joy to the World

Robby Ostberg Donation Account

2012-01-25T10:09:00.002-07:00

My cousin tragically died on Monday. The family needs help with funeral expenses for this unexpected death. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated. An account has been setup at Wells Fargo under Allen D. Ostberg "Robby donation accout." Please help if you can.

In Loving Memory.

2012-01-23T18:14:00.002-07:00

My cousin Robbie Ostberg.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=18977854&title=14-year-old-dies-after-being-shot-by-replica-cannon

In Loving Memory.

Happy Happy Birthday Laura Dear!

2012-01-14T15:38:00.001-07:00

28
That is old!

December

2011-12-31T15:37:00.011-07:00

Quinton turned 27 in 2011!

Settler's of Catan is a great game... now that dad got ride of the ROBBER! (don't ask) haha

One of my favoritest coworkers surprised me with the most delicious peanut butter pie. It was beautiful, and tasted divine. No, this is not a picture of it. I ate it too fast. THIS is Quinton's attempt at a repeat. We have the recipe and Quinton sure did try his hardest! Yes, it did taste just as good... I think the picture is of Analisa holding it because he's hoping people will assume that a 2 year old helped. LOL. No, it is completely Quinton's masterpiece!

Bowling Christmas Eve 2011

Catie and Jordan
Quinton and Analisa
Kayden
Kayden picking the perfect ball!
Oh ya! We're cool!

Bobbi and Carol Kayden
Kayden's turn!

I'm teaching Kayden to Bowl JUST LIKE ME! ;)
Go Analisa!
That was a strike! (almost...)
There's the perfect ball!
Stephen is always on top of it!
Bobbi and Kade
Stylin'
Eden and Jordan

Christmas 2011

Analisa's Favorite gift was the Dress-Up Box from the Munro's!

Wow! Look at those awesome hair bows!
Analisa was so cute! She would always ask for another gift, but then ask for one for Brother too. Then make sure that Mom had one and Dad had one... But Kayden was always still opening the previous gift. Analisa would exclaim "Don't worry mommy!" Then she would step over to him and help him finish opening his present for him. SUPER CUTE!

Stair at that Smile!

2011-11-16T02:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T15:37:00.004-06:00

I've got to keep this one inline!

Our two SUPER BABIES!

Quinton was an escaped inmate. Kayden is Superman! Analisa is Little Red Riding Hood. Laura is a Police Woman (a hot police woman!)

Kayden!

2011-10-29T21:04:00.002-06:00

The Party!

2011-10-11T11:58:00.005-06:00

We decided to have a small get together with my family and Quinton's... Ya, that's 28 people.

Quinton captured the entire night! He had no clue what to do with the candles. He tried to grab them! Yikes!
My amazing cake! (Catie helped me!)
Birthday Buddies! Catie and Kayden's birthdays are a day apart!

Spaggeti Dinner! Kayden's FAVORITE!
Do you want a bite?

One Year

2011-10-10T20:59:00.010-06:00

Kayden!

2011-10-10T20:55:00.001-06:00

Cute Video from July

2011-09-20T21:30:00.002-06:00

This is Kayden showing of his 2 talents. The first one we are very proud of. He would shake is head no! Over and over and over again. The second is still a favorite 2 months later. Its clicking his tongue. His tongue is quite amazing. He is really good at other things at rolling his tongue and flipping it upside down. Fun little guy! Andrea is also in the video. She was over, and its easiest to throw all kids in the tub at once!

Time to Eat!

2011-09-20T21:10:00.002-06:00

Analisa loves her little brother so much. And Kayden loves her right back! They are so fun to watch. Lately Analisa has been asking me for Kayden's baby food. Oh no! Not to eat by any means! She learned quite quickly the difference between BABY food and her food. I can't get her to eat bananas, apples, or anything in a baby food jar. No. She wants Kayden's baby food so that she can help feed Kayden!

Why not? Can't be more messy than my efforts. And she is actually really good to not force it on him. Now, Kayden, he loves it. He thinks it is great to have his big sister feed him. Its a fun game that he loves to play.

Wow! ... Wow!!

2011-09-19T11:28:00.006-06:00

Can I say that about myself?

check out my other sisters! http://www.aubrietolmanphotography.blogspot.com/

Andie turns 1

2011-09-13T19:50:00.004-06:00

Here is Analisa and all her cousins! Benjie, Eden, Ethan, Emma, Jordan
Millie, Andie, Kayden, Analisa

You can't tell, but he is sitting on my lap.
Grandma and Grandpa Hertel
Analisa
Andie
Kayden

Cute and Cuddly Kaden

2011-09-13T19:42:00.002-06:00

The Family Reunion in Star Valley, Wyoming

2011-09-13T17:18:00.006-06:00

The Taylors in the Mountains of Wyoming. By morning, there was no room for Quinton and I in our bed.

Analisa fell asleep on her 4-wheeler ride! And the tent was too hot. So we put her on a tarp in the shade where it was nice and breezy for her nap.

All the cousins.

The Girls. Laura, Quichee', Krystalina, and Kathleen
The Guys: Robert, Quinton, Brandon, Breylen
The In-Laws. This pictures captures their... quirkyness! (not just while camping)
Father and Son

Father and Son. (Robert came in 1st in the Horse Shoe Tournament, Quinton came in 3rd)
My little guy!
The family by the fire.
My smiley guy!

Lake Powell

2011-08-28T15:33:00.008-06:00

Me! Sloleming!

Kade and the kiddos! Millie, Analisa, and Benjie

Quinton and Bobbi

Analisa is working on her skills.

We're quite a pair! One ski each!

This is Laura and Quinton sloleming!!

My family afloat.

As Close As it will Get!

2011-08-28T15:17:00.006-06:00

The Mellen Family- By Aubrie Tolman...'s remote :)

We have a hard time "getting the family together." These photos have Everyone... except for Dave. He's in Tennessee starting his residency.

Mom and Dad
Melissa, Benjie, Mille and Andrea
Catie
Carol and Chris, Jordan and Eden
Nanci and Chris, Emma and Ethan
Laura and Quinton, Analisa and Kayden
Aubrie and Kade
Stephen

That's us!

Happy 24th of July

2011-07-25T06:08:00.006-06:00

Photos by my mom! Alisa Mellen
(okay, except this first one was by Quinton)

Analisa's Birthday!

2011-07-25T04:51:00.010-06:00

Liv Young

The little birthday girl!

Stephen, Bobbi, Kayden, Andie, Melissa

Kayden, Quichee, and Jor-el

Grandma Kathleen, Anndelasya, Quichee' and Jor-el

Stephen and Analisa

Tami and Suzy

Maggie and Kerri

Clayson

Jordan and Benjie

Millie

Eden

Catie, Melissa, and Andie

We invited all of her cousins and a few friends to come play with us!

Benjie, Eden, Analisa, Laura, Millie

Quinton

Quichee' and Jorel

Anndelasya, Coventree, Krystalina, Brandon

Bobbi and Kayden

Eden, Grandpa Robert, Kerrin, Irene, Maggie, Daniel

Analisa, Kayden, Oscar, Liv, Gary, Suzy, and Tami

Everyone loved eating Pizza after their swim!

Analisa got a fun slide! She took ALL the pieces out of the box...

And made sure not to miss a one! Her dad took it home and put it together for her!

Analisa loved all her presents!

Analisa, Oscar Gudmonson, Neil Compton, Millie, and Anndelasya

Quinton, Melissa, Andie, Millie, Benjie, Catie

The Taylors

2011-07-18T07:19:00.007-06:00

By Aubrie Tolman

Late June, 2011
Analisa is basically 2, Kayden is about 9 months

E is for Ensign!

2011-07-12T17:55:00.005-06:00

Will You CARRY ME? And Me! and me?

We started about 5:30, and its a good thing we did! When we were ready to leave, a MASSIVE group of youth had just reached the top! And then on our way to the bottom, we passed probably 2-4 more youth groups!

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-12T08:09:00.007-06:00

Quinton and Laura

Kade

Kade and Quinton

Kayden

Kade

Quinton

Analisa, Millie, Kayden, Benjie

Kayden

Quinton and Analisa

Quinton

Millie- She was so happy the whole time! Faster Faster!!

Millie and Kade

(millie and kade), Kayden and Laura

Analisa getting some practice in!

Dad and Millie

Quinton and Analisa

Kade and Benjie

Eden and Jordan

Millie

Benjie got dunked! But he was a good sport!

Take one! Perfect timing! Kade didn't balance the tube properly, and when Benjie got on.. they both went straight over!

Kayden took advantage of the hill we were on and practiced his rolling! Wow! I've never seen him move so much!

Analisa practiced her somersaults, and her aim at landing on her brother!

Analisa LOVED the fireworks! She kept saying again Again!!

Kayden loved the glowsticks that Grandma Kathleen brought for the kids! We had fun watching Magna's firework show across the field from Catie's front yard!

D is for Dancing in the Dew Drops!

2011-07-12T07:46:00.004-06:00

Kayden, Jor-el, Covyntree

Azlynne, Jordan, Clayson

Jor-el, Covyntree, Kayden, Krystalina

Jor-el, Covyntree, Analisa, Kayden

Jor-el

kiddos and more kiddos

Dancing in the Dew Drops

Kayden and Covyntree

Analisa and Anndelasya

Azlynne and Jordan

Jordan, Zach, and Eden

Jordan, Eden, Zach, Azlynne, Clayson

C C C C Colors!

2011-07-12T07:09:00.006-06:00

Analisa loves colors

Krystalina Creative in hot pink!

Quichee' Comfortable in grey!

Kathleen Cookey in Black and White

Covyntree Clumsy in lavender

Anndelasya Cocky in pink!

Azlynne Candid in red!

Laura Calm in lime green!

Eden Careful in fushia pink!

Jor-el Celebrating in green!

C is for Colors!

Clayson is Cheesy in blue!

Kayden is Camping in brown!

Analisa is Chilling in yellow!

Jordan is Clever in purple!

The Children on a Colored Blanket learning about what makes different Colors

These are our C- Foods!
Crackers * Cheese * Cold Cuts * Chips * Carrots * Cheetos * Chicken Nuggest * Capri Sun * Cantelope * CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!

The kids Colored with Chalk on the neighbor Toby's driveway.

B is for BUGS!

2011-06-18T11:05:00.008-06:00

Its my turn! I decided that B is for Bugs! We had fun with the kids catching bugs in my back yard.

We found potato bugs, ants, a centipede, spiders, worms, slugs, snails, earwigs! There was so much to find when you start looking hard!
We ate lunch at the park and played for a while.

Jordan and Eden

What is hiding??
Analisa and Laura

Our Group!

Look at those bugs!

Anndelaysia

Analisa

Jordan

Jor-el

Azlynne

I didn't think all the kids would be too into it, but even Eden had a great time. Her mom warned me that she would be afraid and not participate. She did end up crying... but it was because she only had 2 bugs! Everyone else had more!
Last, we came back to my house and ate dirt cups with gummy worms and watched A Bug's Life. Everyone had a lot of fun!

Hot Dogs and S'mores!

2011-06-18T11:02:00.010-06:00

We love camp fire! This year we decided to have a fire in our back yard. We invited our families over one day after another and enjoyed the campfire, roasting hot dogs and S'mores, kids playing on the trampoline, etc. It was a great way to kick off the summer.

Wiggling in the Water

2011-06-18T10:58:00.006-06:00

Some of my siblings and I had fun at the pool at Treasured Memories. Analisa was shivering after a while, but you have to be 16 to get in the hot tub. So Quinton got our orange bucket we brought our stuff in, and filled it up with the warm water. Analisa loved her "hot bucket" while the adults enjoyed the hot tub!

Celebrating David's Graduation

2011-06-15T19:33:00.005-06:00

What better way to say CONGRATULATIONS than to take a graduate's kids to the zoo!
The Super Aunt Catie!

Benjie, Millie, and their cousin

What is next?

Crazy monkey Millie with her Aunt Bobbi

Analisa and Kayden

Too tired Andie!

Measuring up!

Millie, Benjie, and Analisa

Kayden

Here we go!

The Grad! (I snapped this from the parking lot of the Burrow's apartment complex as we came back from the zoo

Melissa's Birthday in May

2011-06-15T19:23:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Melissa!

This is all of the sisters... in Utah :) Here are the Sisters and most of our kidlins!
Jordan, Analisa, and Eden
Eden and Millie- Yummy BBQ!
Kayden and Andie
Analisa and Andie!
Benjie
Kayden and his melon!

A is for Airplanes!

2011-06-14T16:29:00.006-06:00

Kathleen had a fun idea for all her grandkids! Fun adventures going through the ABC's weekly. Last week we started with A. For Airplanes! We went to Hill Air Force Base to their free museum of all the old and newer military planes! They also had a great kids area. From small to big, there was so much to do, try, play with, and try on. Small tables with toys, blockks, crayons is what Analisa loved. They also had cockpits of planes to climb into and play, all sorts of different simulators and computer games, rows and rows of jump suits of different costumes to try on, lots of scientific experiments to try out, ETC!! What a fun place!

Easter Egg Eggstravaganza

2011-06-14T15:36:00.004-06:00

Put on by Grandma Kathleen.

We started the morning at Hillsdale Park, around the corner from our house. We had no idea it would be a huge easter egg hunt! There was probably 500 kids, all with parents. The grass was littered with eggs, and when the hunt started... it was not pretty. Analisa got 5 eggs! Then we saw another little girl with none. She was standing on the very empty grass crying. It was so sad! So I said "Analisa! Do you want to share your eggs?" And she was so sweet. She had just as much fun putting eggs in this little girl's basket as she did getting them off the grass during the hunt. As we continued to leave, we saw another little girl about Analisa's age with a huge basket just overflowing with eggs. You know that little toddler didn't put those all in there. Is it really necessary to push and shove and get as many eggs into your kids' basket? There's no golden ticket inside! Just Toosie Rolls!! I was so disgusted by it. Especially with that other little girl standing on the grass crying with not one egg afterwards.

California Chaos

2011-06-08T10:29:00.026-06:00

The Taylor Family (Yes, that is every in-law I have) took a lovely trip to California. We we visited their extended family, went to Disneyland, Sea World, and the beach.

Stressful? Frustrating? Longest ten days of my life? Trip never willingly to be repeated?

Perhaps.

However, let's focus on what was good about the trip.

California's top ten:

(This might take a while to think up) haha

1. My family got to fly there. Flights weren't full, so Quinton and I, and our two small kiddos hopped on a plane. (Stand-by was cheap for Quinton and free for the rest of us! Thanks dad!) We got to forgo the 12 hour car trip with our 6 month old son and 1 year old daughter along with the rest of the Taylor clan (another 5 children). Hallelujah!

Analisa asleep on the airplane
2. We rented our own car. The original plan was to carpool with the Taylors around California if we flew (squishy). The Myler's van had a problem, so they took their truck instead. Now there was no room for us, so we rented a very nice, very new car. Having the freedom of simply having our own vehicle was priceless. In addition, we still saved money compared to paying for the gas to drive to California in our own car.

Our 2011 rental car
3. Analisa had fun. She loved all the characters and the rides. She was never afraid the entire trip. Her favorite ride was easily the carousels. She'd still be on one if we'd let her have her way. And it was magical to see her interact with Mickey and his friends. She would walk right up to them and give them hugs (whether they knew that tiny girl was there or not!) And they were all so great and loved her right back.

Analisa on a Carousel
Kiddos and the chipmunks
4. Kayden had fun. He was so smiley and cute pretty much all the time. He would jump up and down in the stroller and just assume everyone was talking to him. We could take him on almost all of the rides ad Disneyland, and only the Astrojets were a bit much for him. He got a little stressed with how fast it went, so we didn't do that one with him again.

kayden

kayden
5. I bought a new swim suit. I haven't had a swim suit since before my mission. In addition, I didn't have time for shopping before we left, so I expected California's prices to be expensive. However, I found one I loved for $20! That's heaps cheaper than any I've seen locally!

6. No Children were lost. That was a big fear of mine. It was all I could think about the few days before we left. Kathleen had a great idea to put stickers on the back of the kids' shirts that said "If I'm lost, call my dad Quinton" with all of the working cell phone numbers listed. Luckily we never had to put that idea to the test. We also had a "leash" for Analisa... she got so mad if an adult were to hold the end of that thing! She would grab it from you (or try) and yell, "mine!" to let you know she was NOT going to give up her freedom quietly.

7. I found a new favorite ride. California Adventure's Soaring over California was amazing! I loved it. Last time I went to that park (2002), I was highly UN-impressed. So much was not done, I don't know why they had even opened it. Now it ia quite impressive. Number two favorite is Toy Story Mania.
8. Sea World in general was amazing. The shows, the exhibits, the rides, the stuff for kids were all great. My only wish would have been to spend another day there.

Our family at Sea World (even if everyone doesn't look the happiest)
9. My family got to fly home. Again, there was room on the flights. We were on a plane and home before the rest of the family even woke up and checked out of the rooms. I cannot express how grateful I was to not spend Mother's Day in a car.

Kayden on the airplane
10. I got to see my Mom on Mother's Day. Because we flew home, we got to have Sunday dinner with my side of the family that night. If we had driven, we would have gotten home around 11pm with everyone else. Again, I cannot express how grateful I was to not spend Mother's Day in a car.

Our family gone 3-D

Little Buddy! Six Months!

2011-04-17T21:17:00.012-06:00

Photos by Aubrie Tolman

Kayden's Blessing

2011-04-06T12:55:00.002-06:00

(last December) Better Late than never!

Analisa's First Visit to the Dentist

2011-01-26T12:48:00.004-07:00

Analisa was all smiles for her first check-up. She has 12 teeth, including 4

molars. We practiced the week before hand "opening wide" and I would count her teeth. She did a great job!! Her personal favorite part was the the tool that sucks your spit out of your mouth. She loved loved loved it.

Joys in January

2011-01-26T12:10:00.006-07:00

Analisa on a Sunday afternoon. I told her to go take a nap, but she had to get in a book or two before she fell asleep.

Kayden in the tub with his Daddy.

Analisa loves to share her love for books with her brother.

Kayden is such a happy boy!

This is my favorite birthday present. We replaced my wedding ring that was stolen from our house in July.

This was the best part of my birthday. Quinton took the family to the Olive Garden. We love it there!

A fun time at Brighton! Quinton and I went with Aubrie and Kade to celebrate all of the winter birthdays!

3 Month/ 18 Month Portraits by Tami Lynn Young

2011-01-23T09:24:00.002-07:00

http://tamiyoungphotography.blogspot.com/

Thanks Tami, the Photos are beautiful!

Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T23:13:00.010-07:00

December was crazy! It was a good crazy! Quinton got a new job in November! He's now working for Wells Fargo. Kayden is waking up to the world and smiling so big. He is always weary of where his big sister is. Trouble follows when he hears her high pitched, "Hi brother!". I've got to keep my eye on that girl! She loves her brother so much. Analisa is also talking up a storm. Its adorable. Mostly gibberish, but she loves to say "I love you!" and "one two three" along with her constant greeting to her little brother as noted before. As for me, with the end of the year also comes the end of maternity leave. I go back to work on Monday... But the holidays were great! Sorry my pics are out of order!

I've always thought the best gifts were "from me, to me!" You can see I learned that from my Dad!

Me and Kayden, New Years Eve before our party.

Me and my children New Year's Eve.

There is that smile! So hard to catch on camera!

Kayden is such a sweet heart.

Christmas Morning in his new Hat!

Analisa Loved the box the best!

Christmas morning at my partents house is always cherished chaos.

Analisa loved ripping open all of her gifts... and all of her brother's too!

This is the top of our tree.

These are our stockings and my nativity from a dear neighbor.

These are the annual Christmas goodies my sisters, mom, and I got together to bake.

This is our tree. I never actually got around to putting ornaments on it!

This is my awesome Gingerbread house I made... and the not quite as awesome Gingerbread "garage" Quinton made, lol.

The backside view

"Hi Brother!" is what Analisa Loves to say to Kayden.

Happy Birthday Babe!

My little guy.

My little guy, again!

My MOM and DAD are BLACK BELTS!

2010-11-21T02:19:00.008-07:00

You have my permission to be impressed.

Photos by Aubrie Tolman

New York and Back in 24 Hours

2010-11-20T23:20:00.006-07:00

For our... late anniversary fun...ness, Quinton and I hopped the red-eye flight to New York! We left at midnight, got there at 5am, saw some of the fun sights. Some we'd seen before, some were new to us. And then hopped the red-eye flight and were back home by midnight. It was So Much Fun!

Time Square at night is incredible

Radio City Music Hall

Statue of Liberty

View in Central Park

Do you want the truth? It was so cold, we pretty much never took off our coats and sweaters to SEE our way cool T-shirts I bought for us. BUT THESE REALLY ARE OUR PICTURES, I promise. They are just fixed a bit with a photo we took of our shirts... once we were at home in our warm house ;)

Analisa LOVES Bathtime...

2010-11-16T20:37:00.002-07:00

Sometimes a little too much!

This funny little girl loves the bath. On this particular day, We got her out, no diaper yet, but Quinton put her little bathrobe on her and let her run about. ...So Where Is Analisa Now?

I found her back in the tub. Bathrobe and all. Just happy as could be playing with her toys.

Emma's baptism

2010-11-10T00:15:00.003-07:00

Emma had quite the crowd for her important day. I think she loved having so many cousins there

My beautiful children!

Analisa's new bed

2010-11-10T00:08:00.003-07:00

She is very happy to have her new bed with a pillow and all. Bedtime is very... interesting now.

Yes, I found my daughter under the bed!

Happy Halloween

2010-11-09T23:46:00.005-07:00

For actual Halloween, I went to Florida for Emma's Baptism. Most my nieces and nephews were there, it was fun to see them all dressed up. The week before, We all had fun at the Mellen Halloween Party. I made my Grandma Mellen's famous peanut butter rice krispy pumpkin treats... that didn't turn out exact. But yummy still.

Grandpa Mellen and Grandma Laura with Analisa

Yes, that is a nose ring...

This is my cute little bear.

Catie and Quinton both went over board with the rings ;)

The first month

2010-11-09T23:27:00.003-07:00

What a dad!

2010-11-09T19:58:00.018-07:00

2010-11-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Kayden Robert Taylor

2010-10-13T19:05:00.002-06:00

Kayden Robert Taylor
Born 10/10/10
Weighed 7 Pounds 7 Ounces
Born 13:13

Taylor Family Portraits by Aubrie Tolman

2010-10-03T22:21:00.006-06:00

This is me! 11 days to go!

Aubrie's blog is http://aubrietolmanphotography.blogspot.com/

Lake Powell 2010

2010-09-28T17:45:00.006-06:00

Our Family- taking a dip!

Those boys!

So tired!

Analisa is a water baby!

Me, Analisa *just chillin*, and Millie, *asleep*

Wyoming 2010

2010-09-28T17:35:00.002-06:00

This is the view just outside our camp.
Analisa wanted to help and go fill up the water jug! She was so CUTE!
Analisa loved 4-wheeler rides. She loved playing on them and saying "vroom vroom" as she jumped up and down in the seat.
This is our family. You can't tell much, Quinton is blocking the way, but I am very pregnant. And yes, we did put a hat on Analisa. No worries.
This is Analisa and Mom! We had so much fun!

Analisa's birthday- Eating Cake

2010-08-04T23:16:00.002-06:00

Analisa in the tub, rub a dub dub!

2010-08-04T19:26:00.007-06:00

Analisa on the Trampoline

2010-08-04T17:39:00.004-06:00

7/4/2010

Fun in July

2010-07-30T11:08:00.003-06:00

Analisa and Mamalisa, 7/05/10

Hiking up to Granduer Peak (I only got about 1/3 up)

Analisa on the 4th of July

Analisa hitching a ride

Analisa loves watermelon!

Being Robbed is NO FUN.

2010-07-29T19:10:00.003-06:00

Sunday, we got home from an overnighter up in Logan, showered, and left again for my parents house for dinner. We left close to 5pm, we got home around 9pm. Still light outside.

Once home, Quinton and I dinked around in our front yard trying to figure out what sprinkler system was there and how we could make it actually work. After a while we went inside, when Quinton started asking me strange questions. He has a small container/bowl thing he throws his keys, wallet, receipts, and other odd and ends into. When he went to put his wallet in in, he asked, "Did you empty this?" ...Why would I empty that? Then at his computer desk, the cubby contents were all on the floor. He asked, "Did Analisa play in this?" ...If Analisa had played in there, CD's would be EVERYWHERE!!!! Then he freaks out that his credit card and debit card (from Cyprus, unused, but he keeps them in our room) are missing! I countered: "Your house is just a mess. Go find them."

Well, he is smart. He went straight online to check his history. Sure enough, from $1000, only $880 was available. So he gets right on the phone to visa to cancel his cards. I was... finally becoming convinced. From Logan, I'd taken my purse and Quinton's mimi DVD player inside from the car, thinking it was safer. My entire purse was gone. Driver's Licence, credit/debit cards, gas card, gift cards, insurance card... all goodbye. Soon, I was on our America First account and canceled our PIN, which in turn shuts off all cards. We were on the phone about an hour canceling one card after another. I didn't think we had that many, our account, his account, my account, gas cards. But when you have debit and credit for some of those, it adds up quick.

Next we started inventorying. I'd taken off my Wedding ring to shower, and never put it back on... gone. Purse, mini DVD player, WII games (amazingly they left the WII, but who is complaining about that?), 2 digital cameras, 3 books of checks are unaccounted for so I stopped them, my entire jewerly box simply dumped (into a backpack?) and completely empty (that makes me laugh almost, it was all just junk jewelry), Quinton's cologne from France, library cards and who knows what else.

We've been cleaning up the mess ever since. (No, they didn't trash the house, I just mean the hassle). Canceling this, disputing that. I've got a list of things I need to do and replace. Cards, DMV, library, new keys cut and on and on. And sadly, we are very poor. We don't have expensive stuff to take (hence they took such junk like the cologne and worthless jewerly). We estimate about $1300 was taken. To claim the robbery on our house insurance, we'd pay $500 deductable, get only a "depreciated value" of our belongings, and the premiums would probably to up. Not... really worth it. We'd be about where we are now.

I feel violated. Yet oddly, I feel very blessed. The important things to me were left untouched. Statue of Christ, scrapbooks, pictures, pictures, pictures. I am most sad about my wedding ring, be the marriage is going strong. And my most valuable posession is my daughter, and she is safe and sound with us. Should I not be happy? Should I not be grateful?

The charges on our cards start at 9:15 down the street. That is so close to when we got home. How did we not cross pathes? I am so glad we didn't. Who knows if it was stupid kids or some creepy person. But I would never want to cross them. If we'd walked in on them, would they have broken a window to escape? Would they have used violence to get out? What if they'd had a weapon?

I am so grateful for my family and the protection Heavely Father has provided for us. The stupid things someone stole from us, I hope they pawn them for pittance. I hope they get caught. I hope I'll miraculously get my wedding ring back. I hope it never happens again. But if this is the end of the line, oh well. Life goes on, and I have a really good life.

Finger printing the bathroom

The door they jammed open.

(Use your dead bolts people!) But maybe I should be grateful they didn't break a window or something. (Those are new windows!!)

1 year portraits by Aubrie Tolman

2010-07-09T23:30:00.006-06:00

This was so much fun. Analisa is full of energy. We would sit her down right where we wanted her, and she would be up less than 2 clicks of the camera running in the other direction. She thought it was a great game. I'm glad she was so full of smiles! She is my sweetheart. Thank you Aubrie for the great pics!

Analisa One Year!!

2010-07-07T19:44:00.005-06:00

We celebrated with our families Analisa's One Year. It was fun to see her enjoy her cake. She had heaps of fun and loves her presents.

On her actual birthday, we went to This is the Place Heritage Park. I didn't know there were so many fun things to do! Analisa LOVED the pony rides! She went twice, and both times was full of smiles and happy noises. She thought the day was GREAT!

How has one year passed?

The Taylors

2010-06-29T17:01:00.001-06:00

This pic is from my Mother in Law's 50th birthday party. She doubled her grandchildren within the past 12 months, and I'm still having another in October!

My new kitchen

2010-06-29T16:23:00.005-06:00

Quinton and I decided that with some of our tax refund money we would get new countertops! Our old ones were probably as old as the house, and along the walls of the kitches up to the cupboards was the same gross stuff as the counters.
The Old Counters

Counters and Wall Ripped Out

Our Improved Kitchen

Yesterday we the counters were finally installed! The are beautiful. Quinton and I had the day off, so we worked together and also put in new laminate on the wall. It looks wonderful! Next we are going to repaint the cupboards. My kitchen just became very exciting.

My sweet walker

2010-05-25T10:39:00.004-06:00

Analisa LOVES to walk. I've seen her take about 4-5 steps before falling. Here she just gets so excited, she isn't even thinking about the need for balance. She just goes. I love it.

Too many apendages...

2010-05-24T03:03:00.002-06:00

We went to the doctor's the other day for the ultrasound. It was exciting to see my baby's cute alien head. ...Doesn't look look much like a "gummy bear" any more! Before there was a cute little head with little stumps as legs and arms. Now they seemed to have grown, and there is one other apendage that is visable now... Its a boy? ITS A BOY!

Aubrie and Kade's BIG DAY! Congratulations!

2010-05-19T09:46:00.003-06:00

Aubrie and Kade were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on the 30th of April, 2010. For me, it was a stressful day! But it looked like Aubrie was walking on clouds, so that is good! She was most beautiful.

Cruising down Mexico

2010-03-30T20:59:00.009-06:00

Lover's Beach

My entire family (minus Dave and Ananlisa) all went on a great cruise. I dreamt about Analisa every night! First that she grew an inch of hair... then she was standing and walking. I missed her :)

Mexico was wonderful, we spent two days in Cabo San Lucas. The sea was very violent there. The "calm" side was called Lover's Beach, the "violent" side was called The Divorce. To give you perspective, three huge waves engulfed Lover's beach and washed three people away with it! It was crazy. Now at The Divorce, my brothers thought it would be fun to go play, and Stephen almost drown, Kade rescued him. How sad, Quinton missed out on the manly fun so he decided to go over there himself... He also had to be rescued. Don't worry, I recorded the whole thing.

Dad, Mom, and my muscle husband ;)
QT VS The Divorce
The Arch at Cabo
Formal Night
Sisters
Grandpa Mellen and his new wife Laura

After the cruise, we all got a Day at Disneyland! (All old enough volunteered at the Living Planet Aquarium and got a day pass for free!) It was a lot of fun. And there were only six rided that I was banned from. I avoided 5 of those. I really don't think Autopia is more hazardous to my health than driving any car :p And, one day was enough for me. I was so tired!

Mrs. & Mr. Mouse
I be done seen about everything....
when I see an elephant fly!
And they lived Happily ever after.

The Announcement!!!

2010-03-30T20:52:00.002-06:00

ANALISA IS (GOING TO BE) A BIG SISTER!!

Sorry that I'm too lazy to call people... Really too lazy.

Because it has not been long since my last baby, and I got pregnant so soon after getting off the pill, I have not had a period at all... which makes figuring out the due date a bit hazy. :) My doctor had me get an ultrasound to measure such and such, and the pending date is October... 16th? lol, did I already forget what I was told? Pregnant brain ;) Anyway, from the ultrasound pics, we've named the new one "gummy bear." I, of course am hoping for a girl. Quinton unsurprisingly wants a boy. We are very happy.

The Engagement

2010-03-30T20:51:00.002-06:00

Aubrie and Kade are getting married!!

Happy Birthday To Me! I love to SKI!

2010-01-19T15:48:00.004-07:00

I made Quinton taking me skiing as a fun birthday activity. 2 for 1 was available for Brighton on Wednesday nights, so I actually traded my birthday off for Wednesday off. It was Well worth it! We started the day by going to the Oquirh Mountain Temple together, it was beautiful. Later we headed to the slopes.
I gave Quinton a few ski "lessons," it was fun to see him learn. He only fell... a few times. :) And within a few hours he was almost pro, and we met up with Aubrie and her FIANCE' Kade for a few more runs. In the space of 4 hours, Quinton went from falling all down the "bunny" hill to expert skiing down the highest lift, the Crest Express. Okay, he fell down that one too! But he did an amazing job of learning and we all had heaps of fun!

I gave Quinton a few ski "lessons," it was fun to see him learn. He only fell... a few times. :) And within a few hours he was almost pro, and we met up with Aubrie and her FIANCE' Kade for a few more runs. In the space of 4 hours, Quinton went from falling all down the "bunny" hill to expert skiing down the highest lift, the Crest Express. Okay, he fell down that one too! But he did an amazing job of learning and we all had heaps of fun!

Let's Eat!

2010-01-19T15:41:00.004-07:00

Analisa begged and begged me to try new foods. I could just see it in her eyes everytime we ate something. She would just stare so intently. We had fun helping her to try "solid" foods for the first time. Not really that solid, lol. I'm not sure any got to her tummy :)

Little Analisa at 6 months

2010-01-08T22:21:00.005-07:00

My sweet baby is flying though time. She is now 6 months old. She laughs, she plays, she talks and talks and talks. I think she likes the sound of her own voice. She screams and coos and gabbers and yells. Its quite funny. She sits up pretty well. Although she still falls over sometimes, and its with no sense of "hey, I'm falling!" Its more a sense of "Hey!! Why is my face on the FLOOR!!!" Lol, kind of an after thought for her. And she is so ticklish. Its hilarious.

Today Aubrie and I went out to take some fun pics in the snow. Don't worry, we weren't in the cold more than 5 minutes, and she was bundled pretty good! These aren't edited at all, but they are way cute!

Merry Christmas to Us!

2010-01-08T22:15:00.004-07:00

Christmas was wonderful. Lots of Family, lots of fun. Analisa loved sitting on Santa's lap. It was sweet. Christmas morning, Quinton, Analisa and I enjoyed opening gifts. Quinton loved his gifts from his daughter. She gave him the Land Before Time (number 1,428 I'm sure lol), Balto, and a few Wii games. She's more excited for him to watch the movies with her. He's more excited for the Wii games.
After our own family gift unwrapping session, we went to my parents and then his parents for more and more gift unwrapping. Crazyness! I'm grateful for the presents I recieved, but don't want this to be a "I got for Christmas" list. Suffice to say, Christmas was wonderful, and a little overwhelming. But with family hopping (hopping from one get together to the next), that is to be expected.

Happy Birthday Quinton

2010-01-08T22:00:00.002-07:00

Quinton's birthday was great fun! We invited our families over for dinner and such. The best part was was seeing him open his gifts. He pretty much found out that I got him a Wii. But I still tried to be sneaky with his gifts. So, with the Wii box, I emptied it out and put his new shoes in it. His face a glowing when he opened his gift. Then he got suspicious and said that was too easy... there must be something wrong. Then he proceeded to open the box up, only to find his shoes. I probably thought it was funnier than anyone else thought, lol. Then the shoe box had his Wii. I sure think I'm funny! Analisa's gift was funny too (I thought)! She gave her dad a great set of funnels for the car and such. He needed them. But in the box with them, she added a few pieces from my breast pump. Hey! They look pretty identical, she got a little messed up! Who can blame her? For being her first gift giving experience, I thought she did quite well! Picked it all out herself!

Amazing Talent at my work!

2009-12-07T13:37:00.006-07:00

For our weekly meeting, we went with the value of the month: fun & enjoyment. We held a staff talent show, everyone got 3 minutes of fame. It was alot of fun, and my amazing talents of 1- water glass music (inspired by Miss Congeniality) and 2- signing the song "some say love" (inspired by Napoleon Dynamite) got me First Place Prize!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-12-07T13:35:00.002-07:00

This Thanksgiving I was most grateful for pie :) YUM!

Then my niece explained that there are more important things to be grateful for. Like Family.

I accepted that, but explained that I was still grateful for food items... also. :)

Two Years of being Mrs. Taylor

2009-11-10T13:32:00.003-07:00

Quinton and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. Our original plans fell through of going up to Park City for 2 days, but that's okay. We had heaps of fun. We did an all day date that reminded me of high school where its go go go all day, then the dance at night. First we went ice skating. We were practically the only ones on the ice! Then we headed down town and had fun on Temple Square taking pictures and playing at the visitor center. Later we went out to dinner at the Olive Garden. There I took time to pump, so I disappeared for a while and the waitress thought I ditched Quinton, lol. When I came back, I felt like the waitress thought we should be done. And I was starving and ready to EAT, and she is offering dessert. When I asked for another bowel of soup, she told me, "you know you can't take that to go." I thought that was rude! Anyway, dinner was good, even though I didn't like the waitress. LAST, we went to Studio 600 and danced. That was a shocker. All those young people have so much energy, the dance floor was alive! And we were the old fogies that knew no moves, lol. Definently out of practice. By 11pm I said I'M DONE! I was so sore from being on my feet for stuff all day! So we packed up and wend and got our daughter and went home. Goodnight!

Halloween

2009-11-06T21:57:00.010-07:00

This year my work wend prehistoric and we all dressup like cave men and women at my branch. I'VE NEVER HAD SO MUCH FUN ON HALLOWEEN!
OOGA

BOOGA

MOOGA

UGG

EEEK

My Crazy Family

Cuddley Bunny Analisa, Dumb Cave woman Laura, Pretty Princess Krystalina, Scary Mother in Law Kathleen, cute niece Azlynne

Toquerville

2009-11-06T21:43:00.004-07:00

My work did an amazing thing and gave me 5 consecutive days off! So, I drove down to southern Utah to a little town almost on the map called Toquerville! There, my bestest friend Tami and I played and played!

First fun was their ward's Halloween Party. Never such a good time!

Second fun was up Zion's Nation Park at Weeping Rock!

Third fun was Tami's photo shoot of my baby girl. She did an AMAZING JOB.

Besides these, there were many many fun things!

Just a typical day's complaints:

2009-10-17T16:16:00.001-06:00

JUST AN FYI FROM A CREDIT UNION

1. When I say Hello and how are you, your response should not be your account number. Hi. I am a person. If you do give me your account number at this time, trust me, my smile is now fake.

2. When I do ask you for your account number, you should not be surprised by this. You should not have to look for it for five minutes. I do not want to look it up by your name. Believe it or not, there is more than one Maria Sanchez, Mike Anderson, and John Smith. Chances are you are not as unique as you would like to think.

3. When you want information or cash back, do not expect me to know you by name. Sure I know some members. And I recognize a lot of faces. But unless I know you off hand by name, ID please. And don't be offended I don't know you as well as you'd like. Do you know how many people I help on a daily basis?

4. When you want information or cash back, do not try to explain your way out of not showing me valid ID. If you want me to do you that kind of favor, don't be mad if I do everyone else that favor from Your account.

5. When I drop my pen and dive under the counter to retrieve it instead of grabbing one of the dozens I have in the spinner next to me, it is because you smell really bad. And I need some air. I can only hold my breath for so long.

6. If I explain that I cannot do something and I apologize for the inconvenience, that means no. Do not try to explain more or try to talk to someone else about it. You really can't cash a check when your loan is very delinquent, and you really can't pay on your loan within the grace period to avoid a late fee when your checking is negative. That is just the way it is.

7. If I explain that I cannot do something and I apologize for the inconvenience, do not tell me its been done before or that another branch always does it for you. I don't care, I still won't do it. In addition, I'll put notes on your account so it not likely anyone else will do it for you again either. Good luck.

8. When I ask you how you want your change back, don't say, "all in pennies" unless you really want pennies. Its really not that funny for you to say that.

9. When I ask if there is anything else I can do for you today, don't respond anything that includes giving you a million dollars. Again, Its really not that funny for you to say that.

10. Also, when I ask if there is anything else I can do for you today, don't respond with, "yes" and then walk away. Either learn better English or pay attention to what I am saying.

11. Do not come into the branch 3 minutes before we plan to close and expect to do a wire transfer, apply for a loan, close on a loan, or have us go through all your transactions for the month and balance your check book for you.

Back to work: Bottle Battles

2009-10-03T18:28:00.011-06:00

Twelve weeks went by Too Fast. I had to go back to work finally. I arranged to have Mondays and Fridays off, and Quinton has Wednesdays and Thursdays off. That only leaves Tuesdays (only when I'm scheduled) and Saturdays that we need someone to watch our baby. Good plan. One problem. My baby is Such a good breastfeeder! She does not recognize a bottle as a source of food!! A week before I was scheduled, I started offering a bottle once a day. She would play with it, gag on it, push it out of her mouth, or just flat out scream and cry. Sucking on it is a rare thing, and usually short lived. Her biggest achievement was drinking one ounce. I don't think its been repeated. We've tried everything and every nipple. I think I'm just a sucker (at least one of us is!) because whoever has her will end up bringing her to me at work and I'll take a break and feed her. Which is nice that I can do that, but hindering the bottle battle. Someone needs to tell my baby that its the SAME MILK no matter where its coming from.

Florida

2009-10-03T18:28:00.010-06:00

I got to go show off my new baby to my sister in Florida. It was way fun to spend the week with her and her family. If I hadn't, who knows when Nanci would have met her. Probably age 2! My brother in law Chris was so cute with her. They need to make a cute cousin friend for my daughter ;) Wink Wink! (They already said no, not now, darn it!)

Analisa's First Flight

2009-09-27T10:14:00.005-06:00

This child is well traveled. I wanted to make the most of my maternity leave from work, so I went and visited my sister in Florida. Analisa took her first flight at 2 months. She was so good! I was afraid of a screaming child for 8 of the 9 hours of flights, but she was great. I was so thankful that on every flight, the seat next to me was left open. So a few times as she slept, I buckled her into that seat. It was way cute.

We counted how many states she has been in already, its 8. Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida.

2009-09-13T16:50:00.008-06:00

Laura and Quinton skiing!!

Our tiny houseboat

My baby girl playing in the water

Me and the head of the household

The head and the baby

Analisa and her Daddy

Smiley Baby!

Our family

Quinton's frog friend

Playing it safe

Mom and daughter

Squish his head!

Wyoming

2009-09-13T16:49:00.004-06:00

Pregnant, pregnant, Not pregnant!

My macho man

Keep your eye on the target

How do I throw these?

Quinton on the 4-wheeler

So happy to be here

The Taylors

Analisa's Blessing Day

2009-08-09T22:22:00.007-06:00

Today was very special. Analisa was given a name and a blessing by her father, Quinton Robert Taylor.

An eye for an eye

2009-07-28T19:03:00.006-06:00

Quinton got Lasik!

(Before)

(After)