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.

Orange Balloon

Kate is obsessed with this orange balloon. We see it driving on the toll road, and she talks about it non-stop. Have you gone? It is fun. And FREE! We went up 400 feet, which is way higher than I thought it would be. We had some time to kill before our "flight"..and had fun with Chad and Carly playing Catch Phrase, eating dinner, and doing tricks for the camera!

Sisters

I have kept my two positive pregnancy test. Call me crazy, but I just can't throw them away. It symbolizes two life changing moments in our lives.
Two days ago, I saw Kate playing in the corner, and she kept saying,
"Sisters...Sisters..."
I walked over to investigate, and caught her with both of the tests.
She has never seen the pregnancy tests before.
Intuitive? I think so.
I think Kate will be a great big sister.

Sacramento

The whole plane ride, Kate kept talking about going to church. And when we asked her who she was going to see? Jesus.
Sacramento, and Sacrament are just to confusing for Kate.
She figured it out in the end, and keeps telling people, "We go to Sacramento, it's hot!"

Kate loves pickles, so naturally was obsessed with this lunch stop.
Kate's Aunt, Michele, is in cosmetology school, and gave Kate a manicure and pedicure!


And I got a facial...dreamy!
Kate wanted to try out Ry's new car, and wouldn't get out!
The boys played a rough game of basketball.
Pool time.
Home again...
Buzz, Woody, and Jessie entertained Kate. (She is saying "chhhheese!")
She was serious about reading the emergency information. And check out those crossed feet! Such a lady!
Our car battery was dead when we got back to the airport, so it made for a later night than we thought, and Kate was pretend sleeping. She thought it was sooo funny.

The next morning she brought out half of the toy box in her shopping cart/arms. I think she missed her toys!
We found some crazy cheap Jetblue tickets, and surprised Matt's parents. It was so fun! We loved hanging out with everyone, and Kate was spoiled of course! Can't wait to go back in two weeks! (Hopefully it will be cooler!?)

Lazy morning

After a gourmet breakfast of Eggos and watermelon, Kate wanted her "princess on."

That means her crown, a tutu, and jeweled shoes.I couldn't help but die over her choice of toys while dressed as a princess.
Too many toys, so little time.And somtimes, a princess, armed with a Buzz Light Year gun, just needs to take a little break.
And after this, she came and snuggled with me in the big leather chair she loves. She smelled like syrup, her nails were painted bright pink, and she told me, "I love you much, Mommy."
I love my Kate bug.

Babies Needed!

I am currently taking another photography class and need some local babies to be my models this week for my homework!

I need:
Newborn 0-5 months, that will be sleeping
Crawling or sitting baby, 5-10 months
Just walking, around 12 months

If you are interested in helping me out, email me at anitaylor1@gmail.com
It needs to be either Thursday, Friday or Saturday. I will come to your house, and you will get a handful of the best images, edited, and on a disc for you to print!

If you would like to take a look at my Photo Blog, here is the link. Please excuse the messy blog, it is currently under construction.

Update: All spots are taken. I will be needing older children next week, so stay posted!

i can feel her

i've been anxiously waiting to feel the tiny kicks from baby girl, and she finally decided to make her mama happy.
she goes crazy for skittles, starburst, and seems to dislike when I lay too much on my belly, and when the lap top is resting on my belly as well.
hmm...sounds like another sassy girl on her way!