Note to Self: Don't forget...

Last night I was cuddling Kate in my bed before it was time for her to go to sleep. She nuzzled her head into my neck and started rubbing my face. She said, "Mommy you are so soft." I melted. And then she said, "Mmmmm you smell good Mommy. Like apples!"
I die over this girl. I missed her!!!

we're going back...

to where is all started. just me and my hawaiian boyfriend!

skydivinghiking the jungle
first date at the shorebird
first ever picture together.








i secretly wish our little chub was going with us.

Dear Kate,

Only you could make me not excited to go to Hawaii.
I dread leaving you more than I am excited for a tropical vacation with out you.
The past few days it really hit me that we will be leaving you for a week. A WEEK?! Am I crazy. I spend every moment with you my Little Bunny. It seems like I won't know what to do with out you, but hopefully the clear, warm water, Daddy, and a Dole Whip will distract me.
I will miss you, but know you are in good hands.
Tell Grammy that every morning you like me to say, "Good Morning Sunshine!" and then you want your milk and "coons". Remind her that you love your naps, but need your binky, bobo, deer and bear to fall asleep. Make sure she reads, "Llama Llama Red Pajama" with you, and tell her you know most the words, and like to read it. Don't forget prayers. And I told Grammy to learn the words to the "You gotta friends in me..." song, so she could fill in for me. You will be sooo missed!
Love you "MUCH!"
-Mommy

I gotta feelin'...

Welcome home Joel!

Tracking his flight. We were nervous he was going to beat us to the airport.
Can we blame the heat for our puffy faces?
Kate loves her some limo.


All ready for him! He was the last one off his fight, and all the people passing us, wanted to know who JOEL was! About 10 random people hung out with us to witness the reunion, and to meet the famous Joel!
The Taylor Men
Taylor/Tuttle cousins
Is that Nigel shedding a tear??
First hug goes to Pam!


Elder T served a great mission, but we are so glad he is home!

Good Old Beach Day

The other night while laying in bed I got a sick feeling in my stomach when I thought about how fast summer was flying. I wanted this summer to be full of beach, pool, and long days spent with my Kate. Some bad beach weather, and morning sickness stole much of the summer away. But, we are reclaiming what we have left!

Marathon Day

Kate and I took some friends with us to the Circus a few weeks ago. We had a blast! I think the Elephants and the music were the biggest hits.

Me and my girl.
Mama Leslie, Raegan, and Kate!

Tight hugs!

Danny boy was on the move!
Taking a little break on the couch.
And chasing each other around.
Kate was going crazy dancing. That shoulder action was out of control!




We raced home for a quick nap, then met Matt at his work party where Kate ran around and played in the bounce houses.
Then, if that wasn't enough, we went to the Angel Game. I got hit on in the snack line, and I just pointed to my belly. The guys were like, "HEYYY MAMA!!" It was really funny!
Peanuts, hot dogs, and candy. We felt so sick that night.
We were WAY UP at the top! This picture looks fake huh?
A few minutes after we got home, she was out!

Grandma Carmen

Kate's blessing day- June 2008

Matt's sweet grandma Carmen passes away this Friday. We are leaving in the morning to Sacramento for her funeral, and also to welcome home Matt's brother, Joel, from his mission.

Just this past February grandma turned 80. One of her daughters put together a book with pictures, and messages from all of the family members.
BYU Football game-2005. Double date with Gma and Gpa.

This was mine:

"I have only know Grandma for a 5 short years, but I consider her my grandma now. She has always been so loving and kind to me. I love hearing Matt tell me stories about when he lived in their basement with his parents with he was little, and how grandma would make him breakfast every morning and play with him. She has such a special light in her. From the first time I met her I saw that spark in those eyes! And was thrilled when Kate was born, and discovered she has those same eyes, and spark!
My favorite memory of Grandma was about a year ago when Jill and Michael were sealed. We were all seated and waiting for the sealing to begin. Grandma came in with a big smile. I watched her from the row behind as she looked at each of her family members in that beautiful room with the most joyful and peaceful look. I can only imagine how special it would be to have so many of your loved ones in the temple at the same time.
I am grateful for her testimony and her diligence in raising a gospel oriented family. Her example and love to my husband has helped mold him into the husband and father that he is today.
I am so grateful for Grandma, and I love her very much!"

Matt and Grandma in the tent before the football game.

We will miss her so much, but we are thankful for the knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan for us.
The night I went to the temple for the firs time-August 2006.

April 2008-At my baby shower.

Dear Ellen,

Matt and Kate went on a walk tonight and to get the mail while I did the dishes. Kate came running into the house with the biggest smile on her face, and holding her very own letter. She was thrilled!



The two dollar bill, for my big two year old was a huge hit!
Thanks for making her day!
Love,
Ani

My Blanket

I was probably around 9 or 10. Nana and Papa came for Christmas, like usual. This year they had huge wrapped gifts for us. All of us! Nana had made us all different flannel blankets. It is probably the only gift I got as a child, that I still have.

(And use everyday!)

It is a little bit embarrassing, but I have slept with that blanket since that Christmas. When I went to college, it came with me. When I moved to Vienna for 4 months, it wouldn't fit into my bags. I seriously couldn't sleep without it. One day I received a package from my mom, and sure enough, it was my blanket. She must have known! I cried.

Once I got married, I tried to sleep without it. It just wasn't happening. Matt has learned to deal with it, and dare I say, sometimes steals it from me?

Needless to say, it has been looking a little tattered.
Nana has offered several times to make me a new one. NO WAY! It just wouldn't be the same. But the time had come, and it was coming apart. Nana dragged me to the fabric store, and we picked out some flannel to give my blanket some new crisp edges. She ended up talking me into giving it a whole new back as well.
Thanks Naners!

Biscuts and Gravy

When Nana comes to town she makes us Biscuits and Gravy. She has done this since I can remember. She is the Biscuits and Gravy master, no one can make 'em like Naners.

Every time she declares as the biscuits come out of the oven, "They just didn't turn out this time." But, of course they are always perfect. Naners is not a fan of the camera, but I took a few snaps when she was busy working away.

Nana told me that my great grandmother, her mother-in-law, made biscuits and gravy for my Papa and their family almost every morning! They lived on a cotton farm, and picked cotton all day. I guess they needed those extra calories to keep them going.
She told me that she was so nervous about getting married to my grandpa, and not being able to make this family tradition. So, she practiced and practiced, and used her "Daddy" for a taste tester, until she felt confident. Blury? Yes. She wouldn't let me take anymore. Adds to the memory!

All those years later, I would say she mastered them.