The Tree

I have to admit - I find Taylor to be a rather ugly town. Barren, old, dirty, weed-filled, etc. The view from my front window is a field of weeds with an old rusty car in the middle of it. It has been there for the entire four years that I have lived here. However, out my back window there is a view of an enormous tree. I have had a lot of time to observe this tree, as I have nursed my babies (yes - I have nursed all three babies in this house). I have watched this tree go from bare, to budded, to full of leaves, to autumn leaves, and back to bare again, several times now. I have watched this tree's branches go absolutely wild in the unbearably strong and persistent winds we get here. The other day, as I watched this tree through the snow, I thought about the moments of happiness it has brought me through the years and I just had to snap this picture. Whenever we end up leaving this house, I think the only things I will miss are the memories of our kids early years, our good neighbors and the tree.

Thomas is 3!!

Thomas is officially 3! He had a great day, as he received numerous train sets and Superman items. He was so busy playing, he didn't even want any birthday cake. Wow! Those are some good gifts.

Thomas is a great kid and he makes our lives so much happier. We love him!!

Happy 1st Jack!

Jack is officially one year old today. He is sweet, fun, and happy! We love him and are so grateful to have him in our family.

Happy Holidays!

We just got back from our Christmas Trip to Utah. It was so nice to see family and be in my favorite place again, but -oh - the drive. It seems to get longer every time. The kids were good little travelers, thanks to our neighbors for loaning us their DVD system. We are definitely investing in one of those before the next trip. I am posting a few pictures from the trip.

Arizona
Utah

Jack ended up with a bad case of croup and spent Christmas Eve in the hospital. Poor little guy. It took the nurses three attempts to get his IV in. I think it was the most traumatic part of the whole experience.

On the plus side. Santa visited Jack personally in the hospital and showered him with all sorts of gifts.

Jack got to come home (to grandma's) on Christmas morning.

Thomas

Dallin

The boys built this snowman with Jeremy in my parent's backyard. Dallin had never experienced snow and cold quite like in Utah. As we were getting into the car one day, he said to me, "Mom, I think this is the North Pole!"

On The trip home. We were packed in pretty tight.

Now That's Entertainment!!

We just had our church Christmas party. Here are some pics from the crazy good time!


Dallin with Santa. Thomas and Jack wouldn't go anywhere near him.

Yes! That is my kid dancing, while all of the other children are behaving and singing obediently.

Mom cheering wildly for her little performer.

Dad trying to goof off with Thomas, who, unfortunately, would not have it.

Good Times!!!

Andrew went to live on a farm...

Our awesome family dog, Andrew, died on Monday. He was a good dog and so sweet and patient with the kids. We all miss him.

2 out of 3 isn't bad

We recently tried to take a few snapshots of the boys. I just had to share some of these that we took of them together. It seems like two of them always looked great and the third was doing his own thing. I love how their little personalities come out. They sure are fun.