The Taylors

2011-12-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

Family Pictures from May/June 2011.

Piper Jan Taylor has joined our family!!

2010-11-15T13:58:00.001-08:00

Here she is... 5 days old.

Piper was born on November 5th, 2010 at 8:31am. She was 7 pounds 8 ounces and 19 1/4

inches long. We are grateful that she is well and healthy!

Keira also got a baby that very same day.

Awesome. Me at my best. Good thing it's not all about me, so keep lookin' at that adorable baby ;)

Piper is very loved and welcomed by all family members... so far! Ryan has been surpisingly great, soft, interested and loving. I couldn't be prouder of him!

On the News... Good Day Sacramento!

2010-11-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

We were on the news this past Sunday morning for winning the Chick-Fil-A Photo contest. If you want to watch, click on the link. There is a movie box to the right... you need to click next til' you get to our video... which is constantly changing pages since the news is constantly being updated. If you move your mouse over the videos one of them should read "chick fil a for a year, 4:02".
http://www.gooddaysacramento.com/

We won!

2010-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe it and didn't even tell anyone for a week because I didn't believe it, but we won the GRAND PRIZE for the Show Us the Cow Photo Contest sponsored by Chick-Fil-A. They called me and sent me an email to let me know that we won but I waited to make the big announcement until they posted all the winners on the winners page. So here it is...

If you want to know what we have one, you can click on the link which will list in order the winners. There is a tab for Contest Rules and Prizes. Click on that and scroll down until you see what the prizes are!

Thanks so much to everyone who voted for us! We wouldn't have won without your support!

Lots of love, Ryan, Meredith, Ryan and Keira
www.showusthecow.com/winners.php

happy birthday Ryan!

2010-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to the sexiest guy I know! I love you man!

Disneyland

2010-08-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Every other year Ryan's family rents a beach house off of Newport Beach. When Disney offered their give a day, get a day, I just couldn't help but get overly excited. Since we were already driving down to So. Cal and with all four of us getting in for free, it was a deal that I couldn't pass up. We also have a Disney credit card so we go up to $77.00 worth of free food and merchandise. Also, because we have a Disney card we were able to get two stollers for $12.50 instead of the regular price of $25.00 for two or one for $15.00. Awww, the joy of free or practically free stuff! Enjoy the pics!

Watching the Firework Show!
The Buzz Lightyear ride was a hit with the whole family (everyones favorite!)

Ryan loves Buzz and Woody, but unfortunately Buzz made no appearances that day :(

Tom Sawyers Island

Our first ride... The Jungle Cruise

Newport Beach

2010-08-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

He dug a hole and then used the boogie board as a diving board. It entertained him for hours through out the week!

Both of my kiddos love apples!

She super loves Hayden and copies everything he does!

Everyone minus Brandon and Tiani

Everyone!

Ryan was in Heaven... the beach and Keaton for a whole week. His life coudn't have gotten any better!

These two already fight like cats and dogs (I mostly blame Keira since she will hit him for no reason... all day long!) But a lot of the time they play together really well too!

Family shot! Lil' Ryan had just woken up from a 15 minute nap and was not happy about having to wake up!!!

Chick Fil A Photo Contest

2010-07-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

I entered Ryan and Keira again this year in the Chick-Fil-A Cow Photo Contest. Last year we were successful in making 12th in the whole nation. This year I was more creative with my photo and hope to do better. Please take a minute to click on the link and vote for their photo. Only the top 3 in the nation win free food for a year!

Also, please forward to all of your family and friends... we need as much help as we can get!

YOU CAN VOTE WITH AS MANY E-MAILS AS YOU HAVE... SO PLEASE VOTE MORE THAN ONCE!!!

BE SURE TO LOG IN TO YOUR EMAIL AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO CONFIRM YOUR VOTE OR IT WILL NOT COUNT!

http://www.showusthecow.com/vote.php?id=1182

Ryan and his 2 wheeler bike!

2010-06-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

This kid cracks me up. He should scare me more... since he tends to scare every stranger around me, but I'm pretty numb to his crazy stunts (jumping off of stages, climbing in and out of the shopping cart, etc.) Anyway, he decided on his own that he was going to ride a bike... with no training wheels. We bought him a bike over a month ago. The next day his cousin/neighbor, Keaton took his training wheels off. Ryan, of course wanted to ride Keatons bike and not his brand new spider man bike! He wouldn't let anyone help on the bike so he just walked around with it. Finally, the next week while my hubby was out of town working, Ryan decides he will let me help him. After three tries he could ride a bike with no training wheels. The next day he was able to turn. The next day he could stop all by himself and then the last day he could start by himself. He was 2 years and 8 months when he taught himself how to ride. On the last day when his daddy got back in town, he took Ryans training wheels off of his Spider man bike so Keaton could have his bike back. I'm so proud of him!

Note: he is riding Keatons bike and notice the band aid on the knee?

bebe #3!

2010-06-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be pregnant and to be having a baby girl join our family this coming November. So far this pregnancy seems to be a little bit easier and different than my last two (and I already thought my pregnancies were very easy), so I had no clue if it was a boy or girl since Ryan and Keira seemed more similar. The babies heart beat is slower than my last two so I am hoping and praying for a "chill- baby". My cravings are the same as when I was preggo with Ryan; baked potatoe, cinnamon rolls and lots of fried food :) I also feel and appear smaller than my other two pregnancies. Looks like I won't be gaining 55 pounds this time around (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!) We'll see what the summer heat brings on!

2010-04-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Keira is officially walking. She is quite funny to watch because she is so small.... and she is super wobbly.... but she's doin' it! Sometimes when is she is standing or walking lil' Ryan will yell, "mom, mom, look! She's standing like me!" He is so proud of her :)

Not quite right

2010-04-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

We have been potty training the last couple of months and it has gone surprisingly well! However, I was checking my email and Ryan came and climbed on to the desk and right there at my eye level was something I would rather not see that close to my face... his goodies that are hiding inside his underwear. Lately he has been able to put his own underwear and shorts back on but this time he didn't quite get it right. Because the waste band is around his thigh, there is a nice, huge opening that allows you to see all of his goodies. Gross and funny at the same time.

You would want help if it were you!

2010-02-21T20:24:00.001-08:00

A family friend of mine is entered into a food-blog contest (they came to her and invited her to join the contest). So I am asking you to please vote for her by:

-going to her blog

-click in the button(s) to the right that look like an index card with a tab(she has two recipes that are entered in to the contest so be sure to vote for both!)

-Sign up to create an account (took me 45 seconds!)

-Once you have an account you can click on the stars and rate her recipes!

Happy eating!

http://www.santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com/

Super cute place for all things cute!

2010-02-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com/

Keira growing up

2010-01-19T13:02:00.001-08:00

My peanut and buddy

In his dreams!!!

2 years 4 months

Two teeth and showing them off!

9 months

Keira is a Peanut. She had her nine month check up today and her stats are as follows:

Height-27 inches = 30%

Weight-16lbs = 8%

Head-45 = 78%

Is it too late?!

2010-01-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Ryan was the Shepard in the family's Christmas Story as told in the Bible.

Cousin Emma was a great Angel too!

Keira, Me, Tana, Hayley and mom (Ryna)

Christmas Eve with the Taylors

I wasn't planning on sending out a Christmas letter this year. Sometime in December Ryan changed his mind and thought that we should. I said 'ok' knowing that this wouldn't happen before the 25th. Here we are half way through Janauary and I am still debating on whether or not to mail something out. I might prefer to start a tradition of mailing something out in January so that it can include EVERYTHING from the previous year (can't leave out the good stuff that happens in December!) So what do you think?

Snow in Roseville California

2009-12-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

Although I did not manage to get a picture of the snow on our lawn this morning (darn), this was my sons choice of clothing for the day. Yes, we left the house in below 40 to run to a couple of errands with the little guy looking like this. I don't know if it is an age thing or a stage he is going through, but I hope he grows out of it soon! The kid always has to be in shorts and flip flops. So Californian. I guess I would rather have him be that than anything else :)

I took a picture of him just a few short days ago with him wearing something very similar and eating an otter pop... again, with it VERY cold outside!

2009-11-17T17:12:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

MMM Good!

2009-10-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

These bad boys can not be duplicated!

Go to this site to check out the free give away from

California Caramel Company!

http://have-joy.blogspot.com/2009/10/give-away-california-caramel-company.html

Happy Halloween

2009-10-25T20:44:00.003-07:00

The family at the ward Trunk or Treat

I couldn't get hook to cooperate much, but at least he wore his hat and wig for a few photos.

Tinker Bell happy to pose for the camera

There's the captain!

I loooove Peter!

Good ol' Wendy Angela Darling... but you can just call me Wendy.

Oops!!

2009-09-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

I forgot to wish my husband a happy birthday.... Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!

It was on 9/11

Bet you didn't know he performed in the Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker!!

He complains that he has knee problems... I can't imagine why!

Too cool to smile? No, he got he teeth knocked out by an opponent.
J/K He has all his teeth :)

The Boys enjoying their time together.
Lil Ryan got a "blue geh-tar" for his birthday. (that's what he calls it)
I guess he couldn't take a break from sucking his thumb to play it!

Birthday birthday birthday!

2009-09-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

I saw a picture of this cake and thought it was adorable so I made it for Lil' Ryans 2nd b-day. Not bad for my first cake ever!!

The birthday party was based on the cake, so naturally the cupcakes needed to coincide with the carousel cake.

If only the weather had cooperated better (it was so windy that the cupcakes kept falling over!!

I think Silly the Clown was a huge hit with kiddos. With his fabulous personality and ability to make things with balloons, he could do no wrong! Thanks Silly!
My mom made this clown costume just a few days before the main event! She is genius. And amazing.

all the ladies... well most!

Big Ryan's b-day surprise... his very own volley ball net, boundary marker and volleyball. Boy was he surprised!

Thanks Tiani and Brandon (their code names during the four weeks before the big day were Abominable and Snowflake... assigned by Brandon... Tiani was named Abominable) Crazy newlyweds!

Abby enjoying her balloon hat and cupcake!

Lil' Ryan with cousins Jane and Hayden.

Hayley and Kailee also enjoying their cupcakes

Madi, Allison and Peyton... cute girls!

Ryan and Keaton in the bounce house! Lil' Ryans absolute favorite thing to do is play with his cousins.

My mom made his clown costume the day before... again, she is amazing!

Hope you had fun my two Ryan's!!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-09-02T22:46:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday big guy! You are now two years old. Seems like just yesterday mom and dad were welcoming you to the world!

Newborn

1 year old

Two years old

He is helping dad put together his newest big boy bed... a full size! Just right for a little guy who moves around so much!

Croup

2009-08-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Croup is no good. Google if you want... that's what I had to to do learn about it. That's all I'm going to say about that!
Ryan giving Keira a kiss... Keira not looking her best, but Ryan was being oh so sweet!

Keira is reaching for his toys... literally!

Cute hairbow made by my dear friend Melissa! She shipped it all the way from the East Coast!

Just some fun pics. of the kids as of late.

kids

2009-08-11T14:40:00.001-07:00

"When you see a family with a lot of children it's not because the parents like kids. They're just trying to get one right!"
-Sinbad

I heard this on the radio and about died laughing.

Ryan and I wan t a lot of kids :)

The Others

2009-08-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

Here are the individual pictures of Ryan and Keira from their last photo shoot. Sorry it has taken so long... been busy and been learnin' Melanies scanner. Thanks Melanie!!

baby #3 on the way!

2009-07-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ha ha, just kidding. Went and got some pics taken today. I FINALLY had a good experience with the Picture People..... not bad for it being the 7th time I've been there. ALL of the first 6 visits over the last two years were miserable!!!
Enjoy! Ryan 23 months, Keira 3 months

Please Help!! Keira Cow

2009-07-13T00:28:00.001-07:00

I have entered my daughter, Keira, in a photo contest put on by Chick-Fil-A. I could win a year's supply of food, so I would really appreciate it if all of you would to take a couple minutes, maybe even only 60 seconds, to vote for my cute little Keira Cow.

Go to www.showusthecow.com

click VOTE
in keyword type KEIRA
Click to vote
Type in your name
type in your e-mail
confirm your email.
Click submit

Then you must go to your email and click on the link and then it will confirm your vote.
You can vote with as many different email addresses that you have. Please please help us win! WE NEED ABOUT 200 VOTES PEOPLE!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!!!!!

My husband is such a good sport!

PS... Chick-Fil-A is not open on Sundays!!! Aside from their great tasting food, it is all the more reason to support them! So.........
Eat Mor Chikin!!!

Happy Birthday to our Freedoms!!!

2009-07-10T22:40:00.001-07:00

We had to deal with this..............

... and this......

To get this!

We started the Fourth of July off right by attending our nieces baptism. Congrats Jane on making a great choice. You are now held accountable for everything you do... good luck with that!!! :)

If you will notice lil' Ryan is a small speck out in centerfield. He would bat, hit the ball and then take off running to who knows where?! The whole game stopped while everyone had a good laugh at the crazy kid!

Keira sportin' her first swimsuit. She LOVED the water :)

Lil' Ryan holding his sparkler all by himself!

Keira was fast asleep while we enjoyed the fireworks outside.

I swear I had nothing to drink that night! Ok, maybe one or two rootBEERS!

We are so grateful for our freedoms, family, religion, friends and the many other blessings that our Heavenly Father has given us. I haven't been given the opportunity to travel outside of this wonderful country but I don't need to to know how lucky I am to Be An American!

Family at age 26

2009-06-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is what my family looks like at my ripe age of 26 and hubby 34 <-----yes, 34, not a typo ;0)

This is what my parents family looked like when they were both 26 (5 births, no sets of twins!!!) I'm the baby in my moms arms. I kind of blend in.

This is my family when I was age 11 or so.... the last photo of all 8 of us together. A gift and surprise to my parents at the time shortly after they went through divorce. Ps... if you are thinking about making any comments regarding my hair, my oldest sister did it!

Reality TV

2009-06-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love reality tv and can't seem to get enough of it.
So........

When did Jon Gossling get his ears pierced?
(TLC, Jon and Kate Plus 8)

Why do you guys, Jon and Kate, say EVERYTHING you do is for your kids? A. Divorce is not good for kids. B. You're both in this position because you didn't put your marriage first. Idiots.
(TLC, Jon and Kate Plus 8)

Didn't you recently renew your vows to one another? Musta did it for the free trip to Hawaii....

Jillian let Jake go? What, perfect isn't good enough for her? Numbnut!
(ABC, The Bachelorette)

The Duggars found a way to put Jesus into their happy birthday song. Interesting.... and not surprising.
(TLC, 18 Kids and Counting)

Is it proper to roller skate in a skirt?
(TLC, 18 kids and Counting)

Do you think they'll let me try the Wipeout course with a hip replacement? I want my chance at the money! Just looking at this picture makes my hip hurt... anyone got IBProfen?
(ABC, Wipeout)

Nope, I can't dance. But I enjoy watching! Sex is back, but still awful ..... and even worse with a partner!

(FOX, So You Think You Can Dance)

Like I said, I can't get enough of reality TV.

Keira's Baby Blessing

2009-06-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

Keira and Nana Ryna

Summer time

2009-06-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Keira in the jogger

Ryan climbing the wall

Ryan and Jack.... silly boys!

Ryan hanging around

We've been walking and going to the park a lot lately.

Bed head

2009-06-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

Just woke up from a nap

Keira's First Photos!

2009-05-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

We are outdated

2009-05-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

I had a couple of people remind me that we are no longer the three amigos since there are now four of us. I have been trying to come up with some creative costume ideas for this coming Halloween. I know I know, its a few months out, but I am a planner people! Plus if I have to end up making the costumes from scratch I need enough time to make them! Anyone got any great ideas for this family of four?

I am hoping to get a family picture in the next month or so to replace the Amigo picture. My Hubby wants to wait until the family is a little more tan.... I personally would like to lose these last 30 pounds!! I blame tax season, not Keira.

blog worthy

2009-05-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of friends today tell me that this was blog worthy. I never would have thought to share this with everyone but apparently I've already made someone's day by giving them a good laugh. So here it goes: I admitted to two fine ladies at church today that I had forgotten to wear a bra. That's right people. I was in public for three hours without a boulder holder :) I thoroughly enjoyed being "free".

Big trouble

2009-05-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have known Big Ryan since his childhood you may have a little more insight (and sympathy) than those of you who have not. You see, it all started about 20 months ago. I gave birth to a very special boy named, well, Ryan. I know, it was clever of us to come up with that one! Anyway, the boy came out kicking, literally! Since it was my first c-section, I thought the doctor had put his arms inside my stomach clear up to my rib cage and was yanking Ryan out. This brought tears to my eyes because it was 'almost' painful. Later, the nurses told me that it was the baby kicking up until the last minute. I should have known I was in big trouble. So little Ryan came out kicking and never stopped. His little legs were always moving and I don't think they ever will. At eight months and a week he decided he was going to run.... and sometimes walk. Now at 20 months he only runs or gallops.

Here comes the trouble and the correlation between the two Ryans. Oh, about two months ago little Ryan started to become a real handful... tax busy season may have had a little to do with it, along with his age, and along with his momma's tummy getting larger by the minute. Once tax season ended, we had Keira immediately after. So lil' Ryan gained a dad and lost a mom. Then the poor kid starts having night terrors. Does this vicious 'lack of sleep' cycle ever end? The kid can open doors so we put a door lock on the inside of his bedroom. Well, he was able to figure out how to get it off the handle during the second night. So, I used the lock on the hand to lock him in. He figured out how to unlock that the same night I decided to use it. So yesterday big Ryan turned the handle on his door around so that the lock is on the outside of his room. This seemed to work.... so far. The kid will probably think to leave a bobby pin in his room one of the days so that he can use it on the lock once we have put him to bed .... because after all, that is something his dad would have done back in the day!!! Trouble ~ trouble ~ trouble!Big Ry at 3

little Ry at 18 months

Never would have thought in a million years...

2009-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

.... that I would change my husband the way I did. We got a coupon in the Magazine Clipper for a free Icee from Circle K. I needed some gas so we thought we would hit up the Circle K close to our home and get a free Icee while we were at it. Hubby walks in, gets the icee, goes to cash register and pays for gas and gives coupon to cashier. The gas attendant says that he is not sure if they are a participating Circle K to use the coupon and says there is no manager around to ask. So hubby says, 'ok, give me the money back for the gas'. He then proceeds to pay for the 99 cent icee and comes out to the car. As we drive across the street to the Chevron he tells me what happened and says that if they aren't going to honor the "99 cent" coupon, then we are going to take our business somewhere else. I am trying real hard at this point not to laugh too hard and bust my incision open. But I never ever would have imagined Ryan doing something like this... it really shocked me because we have have had similar situations in the past where I would say something along the lines of, "Turn around and go back. They charged us the wrong price." These kind of situations usually ended with an argument because it generally "wasn't worth his time". I guess this time it was worth it?!

First couple of weeks

2009-05-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Lucky for me she is a really good sleeper!

Wide awake!

Dad messing around with the baby. I think he was trying to wake her up for me so I could feed her.

This was not posed... I woke up to her sleeping so sweetly with her hands curled up by her face!

Lil' Ryan insisted that she wear her shoes!

When I put a head band on Keira, Ryan wants to wear one too. I do whatever it takes these days to keep the peace!

This is one of my favorite pictures so far of these two.

He was kind enough to share his pillow.... for a second or two!

I got him to say "cheese" again!

Lookin' good Taylor girls!

The boys cuddling Keira

Oh yeah, I paid $5.40 for the dress. It was originally $39.50... on sale in the store for $14.99. Since I have a Gap/Old Navy credit card I earn free money and had a ten dollar discount. So is was $4.99, $5.40 with tax :) I am the best!

Good things come to those who wait

2009-05-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to buy this dress since the first time I saw it, but wasn't about to pay the amount they were asking for. So I waited for it to go on sale. Finally, it dropped to a reasonable price and I couldn't be happier!

So the question is.....

How much was it originally and how much did I end up paying? Hints: It's absolutely adorable and it's from Gap.

our sweetheart

2009-04-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

I didn't know babies slept so much!!! When I hear that people had to wake their babies to feed them, I couldn't comprehend it! Now I understand! She is soooo easy.... I think I got the sweetheart that I was secretly praying for.

Welcome Keira!

2009-04-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

I got to hold her a lot longer than Ryan... and my hands/arms weren't tied down this time, so I actually got to hold/touch her

She is my little cuddly bug, the complete opposite of Ryan!

Bright eyed and bushy tailed! (with Nana, Ryan's mom)

I love the looks that babies make :)

I love that my husband is totally and completely involved in raising our children.

The new Taylor Family.

Boogie, Dad, Keira and Mom

Keira Rae Taylor
April 17, 2009 8:04am
7lb 15 oz 18 3/4 in.

soooo content

2009-04-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

I know this doesn't show her beautiful face. And don't be alarmed, her neck is not twisting backwards.... her daddy put her outfit on backwards. As he was putting it on her earlier that morning, he was complaining about how difficult it was to get on. Hours later Keira's Aunt Alixe was holding her and I noticed the cute bow and label on her back that say's 'sweetheart'. Silly dad.

Believe it or not, I am in a really good mood here. I took my first shower.... I'm not sure how long it was, but let's just say for a while there I forgot that we are having a water shortage.
Not my most flattering picture, but hey, it could be worse, right?

More pics to come....

last one

2009-04-16T21:00:00.001-07:00

This may be the last time I get to hold him for awhile.... this has made me quite sad for a few weeks knowing that it will be hard to pick him up or have him sit in my lap.

My last belly shots.

All Ready Now

2009-04-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

I made this ribbon board to hold all of Keira's hair clips, hair bands, hair stuff. I can't wait to start making her the cute hair stuff and see her in them! Only two days to go, so this will be my last post until we come home from the hospital!

The best I could do

2009-04-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we made a quick trip to the Chic Fil A egg hunt and lil' Ryan and his dad got a few eggs, quickly got in line to redeem their prizes and then we were off to Fair Oaks. We were a little late so I was parking the car while the guys did their thing... result: no pictures of the event.

However, these are best of the pics taken at the Ruggle/Cadle egg hunt in Fair Oaks.

It was super fun and there were lots of great treats to be found. My favorite part about the Ruggles egg hunt is that you can find eggs with tickets in them and then go pick out your own prize. Boogie was so sweet to share a ticket with me... I picked the bag of Haribo gummie bears, one of my most favorite candies of all time.

I'm really curious to know what is on Ryan's dome in this picture.. his facial and hand expressions are so cute and funny to me. Anyway, this picture was taken in Ryan's parents backyard and again, it was another fun egg hunt!

The family picture taken in front of Ryan's parents house.

38 weeks preggo... only 6 days to go!!!

the latest project for Keira's room

2009-04-09T13:54:00.001-07:00

This is what I started with....

And this is the final project. It was very in expensive and surprisingly easy and fast to do!

Fun stuff

2009-04-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ryan enjoying our homemade strawberry julius.

He is saying "mmmm".

His first time ever saying 'cheese'. Yay, this is like a dream come true for me! I love taking pictures and for him to sit there, smile and say cheese... well I couldn't ask for more!

Ryan's first and very own cup of Big Spoon. He dove right in and thoroughly enjoyed his chocolate ice cream and gummie worm.

I recently moved the bassinet out of storage and into my room. Ryan now has a new favorite place to hang out.... in the storage basket underneath. I love these quiet, slow moving moments when I don't have to worry about what he is getting into or what he is climbing on!

How was my weekend?

2009-03-26T12:35:00.001-07:00

Need I say more? :)

The girl room

2009-03-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

Ryan worked his butt off during the weekends, in hopes that this would be finished before busy season started. It was his first time doing crown molding, second time doing chair rail and I couldn't be happier with the end result. The curtains were pretty easy to make, my first panels ever, my second valence.
It is finished and it turned out better than we could have imagined. We can't wait to fill it with furniture, girl stuff and of course baby girl.
Lil' Ryan is letting me know that he is ready to get out of the pink room and back to getting into things and making messes ;)

Where or where did my little Ryan go?

2009-03-01T11:03:00.001-08:00

I went to check on him during nap time and was almost ready to start panicking when I found him in the closet fast asleep.

Such a big boy

2009-02-25T21:26:00.000-08:00

Ryan had a bad cough and was weezing for awhile so we whipped out the Nebulizer. What a difference a year has made. He couldn't stand it last year, but apparently he is so grown up that he can hold it to his face all by himself.

Ryan has no problem wearing his helmet, thank goodness! He doesn't seem like the type of kid that wants to be safe. But I think it helps that all the other kids in the neighborhood wear their helmets. Ryan is the one who usually remembers to wear it and brings it to me to put on him. Its good we're getting rain, but I know he wishes he could be outside more!

Gap

2009-02-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

My husband warned me that he would be home pretty late tonight. I figured it was going to be a long and possibly rough day so I made plans this evening for baby Ryan and myself to go to Wal-mart and then to the mall to browse Gap and then go to the play area. I figured I could get him all tuckered out and hope that he might fall asleep on the way home or at least go right down to bed when we got home. By 6:45 I am arriving at Gap. At 6:50, Ryan is conked out. We didn't even make it to the play area. You see, I should have known better since he woke up at 5:15 this morning and then later only took an hour long nap. Shame on me... shame, shame.

Belly Pictures

2009-02-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

My sister, Chelsea, wanted to see some "fat"pictures.... and no, I'm not blowing out.
(The last time my brother in-law saw me, he asked if I was pushing my tummy out to look bigger.)

It is amazing how fast time goes by... sometimes its a good thing, sometimes its not. I am glad the pregnancy is going by quicker this time but so sad to see my son growing up daily. Once in awhile I will turn to Ryan almost in tears saying how lil Ryan will be off to college and on a mission before we know it. He's just not my baby any more.

The baby girl room is just about finished, so there will be pictures to come soon. Although, there will be no furniture in there until this summer, since lil' Ryan is still using it :)

Happy day to me

2009-02-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

I am officially 26, only 8 1/2 years younger than Ryan. Although I don't feel any older it already has been a special day with phone calls from family and friends as well as a couple drop ins. Thanks guys for making me feel so special. I think the best is yet to come when I get to dive into some Aussie cheese fries from Outback. There's a reason why they were #1 on the list for most unhealthy food at a restaurant in America. These french fries are freshly made and smothered with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. To me this is my chocolate.... this is my other half... I can't live without em' (sorry Ryan, you know I would replace you in a heart beat for food). Now my sister, Tiffany, who has a similar body type as me, doesn't have to wonder why I gain almost twice as much weight than her during our pregnancies... it's the crap I eat. And as long as crap is tasting this good, then I will be eating it til' the day I die :)

According to Men's Health Magazine....

1. The Worst Food in America
Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing

2,900 calories
182 g fat 240 g carbs

Even if you split this "starter" with three friends, you'll have downed a dinner's worth of calories before your entree arrives. Follow this up with a steak, sides, and a dessert and you could easily break the 3,500 calorie barrier.

PS, I will be eating this entire appetizer by myself and I intend on not only finishing it, but still ordering an entree as well. Happy birthday to me.

25, female and balding

2009-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, cause we usually nit pick at ourselves more than others, or did anyone else notice my female version of parking lots? You see, I have always had "hair issues". My mom said my younger sis would pull my hair and it would fall out by the handfuls. As I have gotten older, it has thickened up some and I would even venture to say that it is quite healthy... one of the healthier locks of hair out of the five girls in my family. However, I still like to wear my hair back and out of my face which reveals my lack of hair in the front. I can grow more hair on my upper lip than in my front/sides!!!!! (ok, maybe my stache isn't that bad.)

Do they make rogaine (spell check) for women?

ps, My last post was not intended to fish for compliments, more to show you the funny stuff that happens between man and women behind closed doors. I love my husband... including his honesty :)

kicks n giggles

2009-02-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

Ryan and I were watching best of the best Super Bowl commercials countdown. The Budweiser Clydesdale's (Very, very large horses) were in a handful of these commercials. Shortly after watching this program I was changing into my PJ's when my oh so sweet husband made the comment, "honey you've turned into a Clydesdale." I commented by saying, "You mean I'm no longer a short, petite mustang?" All we can do is laugh and joke about my largeness. (Now some of you may be thinking I don't look large at all, but if you saw what is hiding beneath my jeans where my butt and thighs are, you would quickly change your mind :)

I've been wanting to take a family picture before baby girl came along. So we thought we would try out my Christmas gift (HD Video Camera, that also takes HD still pictures.) It came with a remote control so that we could take the pic with no help. :) Kind of cool and handy! So here are the best of the few we took.

It's been awhile

2009-01-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

I just haven't made the time to update my blog or even look at others blogs. So here I am, once again during Ryans nap time, busy on the computer. Nothing super special has happened lately except that Ryan and I had our three year anniversary and the three of us continue to grow older and older every day. Naturally it shows more on my son than Hubby and Me. Lil' Ryan's favorite thing to do these days is read books. He is constantly bringing them to me to read with him. He can now imitate what a cat says, a monkey, and a cow. Way cute and fun, for me. Enjoy the pics.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Although Hubby and I enjoyed decorating the house, lil' ryan's favorite part is eating it. As you can see he didn't even wait for the candy. He was diving right into the frosting :)

ps Earthquake hit shortly after our home was built (and it had nothing to do with baby Ryan!! seriously)

Ewww, gross

2008-12-21T10:56:00.001-08:00

I swept my kitchen floor the other night and turned for just a moment to grab the dust pan. When I turned back around to go sweep up the mess, Little Ryan had already found the pile of delicious left overs. I ran to grab the camera as he helped himself to a little snack. So gross.

You make the call

2008-12-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Does he look more like his dad?

or his mom? (he is ready for a nap, so tired!)

His dad thinks he looks like him. I think he looks like me, so you make the call.

Better Pictures of Baby Girl

2008-11-29T12:44:00.001-08:00

Start cleaning out the room and picking paint colors

2008-11-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

First of all, happy Thanksgiving. I am tired and ready to go to bed so this will be short and sweet.

We aren't having twins like I had been praying for the last few months, but....
It's a girl, in case you couldn't tell. There's a small arrow to help you out. You should see 'nothing'.

Of course we are excited.

She already sucks her thumb, just like her brother.

Sorry pics aren't clearer, but there isn't any light source good enough because it is night. I couldn't use the flash cause those pics just turned out to be a big white spot.

Ps, we have another booger on the way. It took the tech, Forrest, an hour and a half and some extra help to get all of her measurements and what not because she was so active.

Oh yeah, one more ps, I thought I would mention briefly what a beautiful thing it is being a women, holding your pee in for hours so they can check your cervix, braxton hicks that are as painful in my lower back as trying to give birth (seriously, I'm not exagerating) while having the ultra sound and last but not least the every so often tummy pains from the tech pushing on my tummy while baby girl was pushing (or kicking) right back at him! Ouch!

But of course, we are excited.

2008-11-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

Tag Your It

Rules:Post rules on your blog.Answer the six "8" items.Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

8 Things I Did Yesterday: Napped, cleaned house, decorated house with Christmas stuff, watched Amazing Race (and wished I was on it) did my hair and makeup, ran after lil' Ryan at church, left church early, threw up (only my fourth time this pregnancy. Apparently the LOOk of ryans poopy diaper was enough to set me off, I didn't even have to catch a whiff of it)

8 Things I Look Forward to: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Shopping, the sex of the baby, meeting the baby in my tummy, more money to: paint house, decorate house, new furniture, or at least put furniture where there is none.

8 Restaurants I Like: Melting Pot, Claim Jumper, Red Robin, Costa Vida, Outback, Panda Express, PF Changs, Me-n-Eds Pizza

8 Things On My Wish List: Video camera, paint house, bedroom funiture, family room furniture, Trip to Hawaii, Cruise to anywhere warm, lots of kids, healthy babies/family

8 Favorite TV Shows: Survivor, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Amazing Race, The Office, So you Think you can dance, Jon and Kate plus 8, Wheel of Fortune, Hannah Montana

8 People I Tag: (Your It!)
Cami W
Nika D
Shaunte S
Crystal D
Jen P
Gretchen P
Donna M
April H

Sex please

2008-11-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy but I definitely have to find out the sex of my babies. So, I thought it would be fun to find out what everyone else thinks I'm having. Don't ask me, cause I don't know, and if I were to take a guess, I am always wrong. Ryan thinks it is another boy. We find out a week from today, the day before thanksgiving! This is definitely something to be grateful for. I love babies and feel very blessed to be able to have them :)!!!

Sleepover with the cousins

2008-11-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

This is a rare moment to catch all three smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. Thanks Hayden and Hunter for staying the night with us!

The fort we built the following morning. I have to admit it was my best ever!

What's wrong with this picture?

2008-11-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

His dad got him dressed for the day... it's November and a chilly day. And the top and bottoms definitely don't match... even I knew this! Oh yeah, white shoes after labor is a big no no. Don't ask me why.

Need I say more?

2008-11-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

The rally was amazing! It extended down Sunrise from Highway 50 to Highway 80. I've never done anything like this. Ryan and I drove from Greenback to 50 and couldn't believe how many people we saw.. in the rain... in the cold. Oh it gave me chills (not because I was cold). We saw Ryans dad and decided to get out for a bit and fight for the cause. It was sooooo fun!

Shoes

2008-11-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks lil' Ryry for keeping my feet covered.

No longer hard hats required... shoes required

2008-11-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

This kid is so funny. He went all the way down the hallway to bring me my shoes (I did not ask for them) and if you've been to my house, you know its not a short hallway. Then he proceeds to put them on me. I promise he is ALL boy, except for this one minor thing, he is obsessed with shoes. The only time he sits still for me is to let me put his shoes on. I am grateful for that ;)

My Ryans

2008-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you how cute my Ryans are... in case you didn't already know.

The best afternoon of my life!!

2008-10-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Baby Ryan all snuggled up on his blanket and bumper.

Tayton curled up in the pack n play.

Keaton all cozy on my bed.

And Elle sprawled on the recliner.

Did this really happen??? to me?? Wow, what did I do to deserve this? I had three EXTRA little ones today, 4 total with my lil' Ryan and they ALL slept at the same time!!! I was even brave/stupid enough to go in each room and take a pic of the sleeping little tikes.

You don't have to ask twice how my day went :)

2008-10-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hangin' with the Cadle Clan....

Thanks Melanie for having us over for pudding art. I don't think Ryan quite got the concept so we'll wait til he's a little older for next time :) (I had to do all the work, including the feeding and mess!)

"We are the three amigos, and amigos we'll always be"

2008-10-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Dusty Bottoms, Ned Nederlander and Lucky Day

I was sick a couple months ago for two weeks. I caught some kind of crazy cold, felt sick and tired from being pregnant and to top it off I got in a car accident all in the same weekend. So, from being down for so long I watched a handful of movies, including one of my all time favorites since I was super young "The Three Amigos" Halfway through the movie it hit me, "there are three in our family this year. This is what we should be for Halloween." I set out to every store in town I could think of that might have something like this... Wal-mart, target, K-mart, Evangelines in Old Town Sac. Finally, I had to settle with going to the DI and making these bad boy costumes all on my own. It was a lot of work, but I think it was well worth it. Every time I look at these I just laugh because it sends a flood of one liners from the movie to my mind. Hilarious show. If you haven't seen it, please tell me and I will gladly let you borrow it. If you are out of town, then you need to go buy it. LOL it is soooo funny! I think it ended up costing me about 80 bucks for all three costumes... not bad huh? We even won our ward costume contest for best family costume. The 5 dollar gift card to Sonic was worth all those back breaking hours I put in to these bad boys. Enjoy!

This one's for Aunt Chelsea

2008-10-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

My younger sister, Chelsea, used to suck her thumb and play with her ear. She would also play with other peoples ears. I have a pic of us in bed together spooning (come on people, we were very young) Anyway, she was behind me and had her thumb in her mouth and her other hand rubbin' on my ear. I'll have to find it and scan it for you all to see.

John's Incredible Pizza

2008-10-13T21:21:00.001-07:00

John's Pizza has a little GATED play area for smaller kids! Love it! Lil' Ryan loved it and we didn't have to worry about him too much, with his climbing skills and ability to get himself into trouble.

Twelve weeks pregnant, looking nice! I am not looking forward to the days of blowing up. I couldn't pass up an opportunity to eat at a buffet :)

I don't know if we just look tired, or just tired!?

Ryan caught doing things he shouldn't be doing... again!

2008-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is definitely a daily routine. It's a matter of whether I feel like whipping out the camera or not. The look of "oops, I'm stuck" does not stop him from doing it all over again, once I help him down.

The California State Fair

2008-09-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

He loves animals, so the petting zoo was a big hit! Watch out for the deer... they eat your shirts!

Ryan loved the bead necklaces they were handing out during their parade. I think it was 104 that day!We went to the fair on the absolute hottest day it was open. You see, this was part of our plan in hopes that no one else would be there. I think it worked!! I came prepared with lots of water. Every once in awhile we would dump water over the baby, notice his awesome hair do lol

He didn't love it, but he didn't hate it!

2008-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

His dad leaves his clothes out one day and the kids grabs it and brings it to me to put it on him. He loved wearing it until he tried to walk. Yes, that is his dads sock in the background. This is not the norm around our house... to have clothes just hanging around.

Caught doing things he shouldn't be doing.

2008-09-25T21:24:00.001-07:00

I just laugh all day long!

Ryan's First Birthday!!!

2008-09-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Just a few days before Ryan turned one he started putting on other peoples shoes. Now he will even bring me his own to put on him. And.... he doesn't fight me anymore when getting him dressed. I love it!
Nana helped Ryan blow out his candle and helped keep his little paws away from the flame.
He used his fingers to lick most of the frosting off before diving into his apple spice cake with cream cheese frosting.
I'm tellin' ya, this kid is all boy!

ry

2008-08-27T17:01:00.001-07:00

some more fun

2008-08-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

so much fun

2008-08-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

more fun

2008-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

He had no fear of the water.... the whole week! He so stole that red shovel from someone because it wasn't ours!

diaper rash? no, its a sand rash

2008-08-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

Lil' Ryan's aunt Alixe, gave him a sucker while out at the beach. He sucked on it, but then fell and used his hands to catch himself. Even though the sucker was completely surrounded with sand, he still sucked on it. In fact, he would suck on it, then dip it in the sand to get more on it. Eww, gross, but pretty entertaining. The looks on peoples faces around us, priceless. What's a mom gonna do? Take his sucker away?.... yeah right!

Poor guy not only had sand EVERYWHERE, but he was even pooping the stuff. We had to use vaseline with every diaper change. He still has two little scars on his bum bum. Awww.

yummo

2008-08-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

Ryan found a super huge doughnut, the biggest we had ever seen. I gotta have my frozen banana!

fun in the sun

2008-08-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ryan's family goes on a vacation every year. This year, and I believe every other year, we go to Newport for a week. It is so much fun having the ocean so near. We stay in a beach house right off of the beach. There is a bike trail that you can run/walk, bike, or roller blade on that is parallel with the ocean. So cool! The weather was perfect this year since I was able to get in the water.... everyday..... for long periods of time..... without a wetsuit. Awesome!

One of my favorites is getting a frozen banana dipped in chocolate and nuts. Yummo. Who needs the state fair? The lady was so nice she even gave baby Ryan a mini one.... it was the perfect, delicious teething toy. Yes, chocolate (and sprinkles) got all over him and the stroller :) Ryan always enjoys the water best, but then rarely you can pull him away to eat or even stop for a treat. He likes the Hawaiian shaved ice with soft serve ice cream at the bottom.

Two years ago when we went to Newport, Ryan skipped meals because he didn't want to get out of the water.... he was having to much fun body surfing and body boarding. This time was different because he had a baby and I wasn't babysitting a week straight by myself while at the beach. Luckily, Ryan and I got along taking turns watching the baby eat sand, run full speed for the water and steal other peoples sand toys. We can't wait til' next time!

Fun in the Sun

2008-08-24T18:07:00.001-07:00

Grandma's 80th birthday party

2008-06-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ryan has only one grandparent left. We celebrated grandma Ida's 80th birthday in May and had a fun time with the family. It was baby Ryan's first time in a swimming pool and he loved it. Thank goodness because with his mom and dad he will be spending a lot of time in the water!

I scream, You scream, We all scream for ice cream!

2008-06-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

I went to visit my family in Fresno a short while back and baby Ryan got his first taste of ice cream. Of course he loved it! Ryan with Grandma Lori (Meredith's mom)

Rivercats baseball game!!!

2008-06-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Ryans work (kpmg) paid for employees and their families to go to a Rivercats baseball game and we also received 40 bucks "cat cash" to spend on whatever we wanted. I got a ginormous nachos, a soda (I never buy soda, waste of money on something that is so bad for you) cotton candy and icecream! It was by far the best pro-game I have ever been to. Ryan and I together spent $38 on concession stand food. With me and baby Ryan (9 months) is Cami Walker and her boys Jack (exact same age as baby Ryan) and Owen, 3

2008-06-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

At the River Cats game with Ryans work. I love free stuff and thanks to KPMG, we got to spend 40 bucks on whatever we wanted. It was literally the best pro-athletic event I have ever been to. I got a ginormous nachos, a soda ( I NEVER buy soda, waste of money on something that is so bad for you), cotton candy and icecream. What a great night :)

River Cats game

2008-06-13T21:49:00.001-07:00

Kings Game

2008-06-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Like I said when he was three months old... he wants to walk. He is crawling everywhere and pulls himself up to stand.

yucko

2008-03-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

He doesn't like the peas... but he'll eat anything else! He actually gagged on them and almost threw up a couple times. Interesting how we have likes and dislikes at such a young age.

2008-03-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Mom and baby at a church function. He is growing up before my eyes.

Washing the car

2008-03-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. Ryan took the baby outside to wash the car and after a half hour they came in and looked like this. My next door neighbor gave the baby sunglasses to my little guy. I laugh every time I look at this picture. I love my Ryans.