Monday, February 26, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Pictures of San Antonio Trip
Hannah's first airplane trip.
A boat trip on the San Antonio River.
Hannah at the Alamo.
Uncle Frank comes for a visit.
Brian eats a waffle shaped like Texas in bed.
The team Brian worked with installed 12 self check-out lanes on the military base. He slept during the day and worked at night. He did not get a lot of sleep.
Brian saw an old friend at the military base!!! We went to Hard Rock Cafe with them. This is Hannah having fun with Emma Grace.
We took a whirlwind trip to Dallas to see the Johns. It was a ton of fun. We loved seeing their house and church. We wish we lived closer.
Hannah has fun with cousin Luke.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Destination San Antonio
Well, we have made it to San Antonio without any major problems. Hannah did great on both flights. We left an hour late from Raleigh and almost missed our connecting flight. We got to see Papa in the airport for 2 minutes in Memphis before the gatekeeper made us get on the plane. We arrived in San Antonio and had not eaten a thing for 8 hours, so we stopped at Denny's on the way to the hotel. The waitress was extremely helpful in coming up with something I could eat at Denny's that did not contain cheese or butter. Just for you info- they fry their fries in vegetable oil. We had a very eventful first day here. We took a boat ride on the Riverwalk- it was awesome, and ate lunch at Rainforest Cafe. Hannah enjoyed looking at the colorful fish. Then we drove out to the Military Base to see where Brian is working. Finally, we made a trip to Whole Foods to pick up food I can eat- thankfully our hotel has a fridge and a microwave. I love Whole Foods- it is one of the only cafes that has soy creamer next to their half and half. We rushed home, so Brian could go to work at 7pm. Hannah and I lounged in the hotel and Brian did not get home from work until 11:30 am. We went out and bought him lunch and hung out with him for a few minutes before he finally got some sleep. Then Hannah and I went and checked out the Alamo and Rivercity Mall- figured out how to do it with a stroller all alone:) Brian heads back to work around 8 tonight. Tomorrow I think we'll check out the Mexican market and Frank is coming to visit us in the afternoon. San Antonio is a great place to visit!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
The overdue Taylor update
Well, I have not given an update in quite some time, so I have set aside some time to do so. Hannah's bedtime is getting earlier and earlier, so I have some time in the evenings.
We had a wonderful Christmas holiday in Florida. (apart from my hair being frizzy from the hot humid weather) We spent Christmas in Tallahassee with the Gross family. We finally got to taste Franklin's (sorry Frank's) famous Matza blob soup... although this time the blobs really did look like balls. Thanks to Gramzy and Popsy we got to go to the movies, and we had a wonderful Christmas with the whole family (all 5 of us:). Thanks to the empty back apartment, we got some much needed rest and relaxation.
We journeyed over to Amelia Island to the Taylors' for about five days. Since Allison and Shane win in the kid category, we got the room with the bunk beds. Brian and I waved good night to each other. Amelia Island was very eventful, and we enjoyed seeing everyone. I got sick one day and Mrs. Taylor, Hannah, and I laid on the couch and watched Pride and Prejudice while the guys went golfing. We also got to see the whole entire Taylor family and Peggy! When we went to see Peggy, she offered to babysit for us and we went to my absolute favorite restaurant in the whole world Biscotti's with Brian's parents. Brian and I both ordered the Salmon sandwich which is superb. We also got to go to Eastside Community Church (the church that we went to in Jax and got married at). We saw all our friends there!!! It was very encouraging to get to see so many people that mean so much to us. Finally, we went to see another movie and got to the beach once or twice. We had a great time.
I posted some pictures on the previous post-- I guess we didn't take any pictures in Tallahassee.
We came home and had a wonderful visit with Bryan and Lynn Kane. It was very encouraging spending time with them, and even though they only stayed one night, I feel like we were really able to connect and catch up. Hopefully we will get to do that again soon.
In the mean time both Brian and I are trying to fill our time with a few things that we enjoy. I have been going through all the Harry Potter books again. I started on Halloween and I just finished the fourth book. I want to finish five and six and watch all the movies before the seventh book comes out. I am going to try and not speed read the seventh book, so I can really take everything in. Those books are fantastic and I have more appreciation for them reading them a second time. Of course I always love a book more on the second reading... think it takes me extra long to process themes and characters. Brian has been drywalling our garage and making it look PERFECT. There is not another garage in our whole neighborhood that can compare to ours. Last night we got both cars in the garage for the first time in almost 11 months! He still has a little organizing to do- but it looks fantastic- especially considering he had never drywalled anything before.
And of course we are doing our daily duties in life. Brian has been working hard on a project at work. He has had to be at work early everyday for the past few months, but he has been enjoying it- once he gets out of bed that is. He came home last week to announce he was going to San Antonio for a week and then said, "Do you want to come?" So now we are all going to San Antonio on Monday. This will be Hannah's first flying experience. We are all excited and just kind of leaving things open to see how they work themselves out. We will be staying downtown so hopefully Hannah and I will find plenty to keep ourselves busy. I have heard it is a great city. We are also tentatively planning to see Franklin, Allison, Shane, and the kids if it works out. I'll be bringing Harry Potter number six to keep me busy.
With all that said, we have had a rough time trying to figure out how to eat milk-free. It is amazing how much food plays a part in your life and your moods. I went to the library and got three allergy-free cooking books. Of course I have to learn what half the ingredients in the cookbook are, but they are a source of encouragement for me during this time. I have to admit, I do feel a lot healthier since I started. Some of my new staples are rice milk, oats and honey cereal, LUNA bars, hearty salads, salmon, and earth balance buttery spread- it is really good! The down side is that I really can't ever eat out. Even when you order something you think is fine- you never know what they have cooked with- almost everything has some kind of milk product in it. I ate out at Chick-Fil-A and Outback on Monday and Hannah's problem came back. This will make San Antonio a little more challenging- but the phrase "Give us this day our daily bread" will have more meaning now:)
I have also been going to a Bible Study at our church every Wednesday morning. Our group just finished studying 2 Corinthians and now we are going to start James. This is my favorite thing to do each week. I love all the women in my group and I have enjoyed really studying a book of the Bible. They have child care, so it is a wonderful much needed break in the week. Hannah loves the nursery too.
Brian continues to co-lead a Small Group Bible Study for couples. We just started studying Philippians. The guys just took a camping trip in the middle of winter. None of us girls can understand why anyone would WANT to go camping in 2o degree weather- guess it's a guy thing.
Last but definitely not least, the joy of our life continues to be Hannah. We are so thankful for her life and soul. She is getting up on all fours, laughing, playing, almost sitting up and generally being happy. All the nursery workers say she is such a good baby- by that they probably mean low maintenance. I would have to agree with that but she certainly has her high maintenance moments. I feel like I am getting crazier everyday she is alive though. I worry more and more each day. She has had a pretty bad cough, and it just hurts me to hear it. I wake up every time she coughs and I am constantly checking on her. Last night I prayed that God would give me His peace that passes all understanding. I must learn now to submit her to His perfect Love and Will. God has a plan for Hannah and I am blessed to be a huge part of it, but I can relax in knowing He (the God of the whole universe) cares for her and is looking out for her. (Amen!- that was for my own benefit) I am trying to focus on loving her and giving her a secure environment to learn and grow- especially in the stressful lack of sleep moments.
Please keep us updated! That is those of you who actually read this blog.
We had a wonderful Christmas holiday in Florida. (apart from my hair being frizzy from the hot humid weather) We spent Christmas in Tallahassee with the Gross family. We finally got to taste Franklin's (sorry Frank's) famous Matza blob soup... although this time the blobs really did look like balls. Thanks to Gramzy and Popsy we got to go to the movies, and we had a wonderful Christmas with the whole family (all 5 of us:). Thanks to the empty back apartment, we got some much needed rest and relaxation.
We journeyed over to Amelia Island to the Taylors' for about five days. Since Allison and Shane win in the kid category, we got the room with the bunk beds. Brian and I waved good night to each other. Amelia Island was very eventful, and we enjoyed seeing everyone. I got sick one day and Mrs. Taylor, Hannah, and I laid on the couch and watched Pride and Prejudice while the guys went golfing. We also got to see the whole entire Taylor family and Peggy! When we went to see Peggy, she offered to babysit for us and we went to my absolute favorite restaurant in the whole world Biscotti's with Brian's parents. Brian and I both ordered the Salmon sandwich which is superb. We also got to go to Eastside Community Church (the church that we went to in Jax and got married at). We saw all our friends there!!! It was very encouraging to get to see so many people that mean so much to us. Finally, we went to see another movie and got to the beach once or twice. We had a great time.
I posted some pictures on the previous post-- I guess we didn't take any pictures in Tallahassee.
We came home and had a wonderful visit with Bryan and Lynn Kane. It was very encouraging spending time with them, and even though they only stayed one night, I feel like we were really able to connect and catch up. Hopefully we will get to do that again soon.
In the mean time both Brian and I are trying to fill our time with a few things that we enjoy. I have been going through all the Harry Potter books again. I started on Halloween and I just finished the fourth book. I want to finish five and six and watch all the movies before the seventh book comes out. I am going to try and not speed read the seventh book, so I can really take everything in. Those books are fantastic and I have more appreciation for them reading them a second time. Of course I always love a book more on the second reading... think it takes me extra long to process themes and characters. Brian has been drywalling our garage and making it look PERFECT. There is not another garage in our whole neighborhood that can compare to ours. Last night we got both cars in the garage for the first time in almost 11 months! He still has a little organizing to do- but it looks fantastic- especially considering he had never drywalled anything before.
And of course we are doing our daily duties in life. Brian has been working hard on a project at work. He has had to be at work early everyday for the past few months, but he has been enjoying it- once he gets out of bed that is. He came home last week to announce he was going to San Antonio for a week and then said, "Do you want to come?" So now we are all going to San Antonio on Monday. This will be Hannah's first flying experience. We are all excited and just kind of leaving things open to see how they work themselves out. We will be staying downtown so hopefully Hannah and I will find plenty to keep ourselves busy. I have heard it is a great city. We are also tentatively planning to see Franklin, Allison, Shane, and the kids if it works out. I'll be bringing Harry Potter number six to keep me busy.
With all that said, we have had a rough time trying to figure out how to eat milk-free. It is amazing how much food plays a part in your life and your moods. I went to the library and got three allergy-free cooking books. Of course I have to learn what half the ingredients in the cookbook are, but they are a source of encouragement for me during this time. I have to admit, I do feel a lot healthier since I started. Some of my new staples are rice milk, oats and honey cereal, LUNA bars, hearty salads, salmon, and earth balance buttery spread- it is really good! The down side is that I really can't ever eat out. Even when you order something you think is fine- you never know what they have cooked with- almost everything has some kind of milk product in it. I ate out at Chick-Fil-A and Outback on Monday and Hannah's problem came back. This will make San Antonio a little more challenging- but the phrase "Give us this day our daily bread" will have more meaning now:)
I have also been going to a Bible Study at our church every Wednesday morning. Our group just finished studying 2 Corinthians and now we are going to start James. This is my favorite thing to do each week. I love all the women in my group and I have enjoyed really studying a book of the Bible. They have child care, so it is a wonderful much needed break in the week. Hannah loves the nursery too.
Brian continues to co-lead a Small Group Bible Study for couples. We just started studying Philippians. The guys just took a camping trip in the middle of winter. None of us girls can understand why anyone would WANT to go camping in 2o degree weather- guess it's a guy thing.
Last but definitely not least, the joy of our life continues to be Hannah. We are so thankful for her life and soul. She is getting up on all fours, laughing, playing, almost sitting up and generally being happy. All the nursery workers say she is such a good baby- by that they probably mean low maintenance. I would have to agree with that but she certainly has her high maintenance moments. I feel like I am getting crazier everyday she is alive though. I worry more and more each day. She has had a pretty bad cough, and it just hurts me to hear it. I wake up every time she coughs and I am constantly checking on her. Last night I prayed that God would give me His peace that passes all understanding. I must learn now to submit her to His perfect Love and Will. God has a plan for Hannah and I am blessed to be a huge part of it, but I can relax in knowing He (the God of the whole universe) cares for her and is looking out for her. (Amen!- that was for my own benefit) I am trying to focus on loving her and giving her a secure environment to learn and grow- especially in the stressful lack of sleep moments.
Please keep us updated! That is those of you who actually read this blog.
Monday, January 15, 2007
No more milk
Well, I am just starting to feel a little better after a sort of depressing weekend. The cause: It looks like Hannah is allergic to milk, and since I am nursing, I have to give up everything with milk in it. That includes everything! Can you think of any dessert that does not have milk in it?? If you can- think again because it probably does have milk in it. I even bought some dark chocolate at the store b/c I was told that it does not have milk. After I ate half a bar, I read the ingredients again. Hidden in the list were the words "milk fat" which means that it has milk in it. So, I just went did an on-line search to find out what dark chocolate is milk-free. Luckily, I found some!!! I am told you have to scrutinize labels if you really want to go milk-free.
I really have been in kind of a bad mood this weekend, and I finally came to the conclusion that having to give up milk is the reason. Think about having to give up all your favorite foods: pizza, coffee with half and half (my morning ritual), chocolate, did I mention chocolate, brownies, ice cream, cake, cookies, and every meal that you put cheese on. On top of that I have to learn what to cook for our family. No more skillet sensations, baked ziti, veggies with cheese, and basically everything else I make. Oh yeah, did I mention no butter! That alone is cause for depression.
After sulking for a few days, I am starting to focus on the benefits of having to give up milk. First, I always thought that if you really wanted to go on a diet you could pretend you were allergic to certain foods and that you absolutely could not have them. Of course you always know deep down that you are really not allergic to the food and would probably end up eating it anyway. Well, now I can lose the last few post-pregnancy pounds without having to really try and sweat it off or play mental games with myself. I have to do it for my daughter. Second, I have been doing a little research and it turns out that milk is not all that good for you anyway. Third, not being able to have milk forces you to find other healthier options. When I want a snack now, I go for apples and carrots rather than cookies.
So, I am going to need a lot of encouragement and support in the coming months. Feel free to send me positive reinforcements. And if anyone is looking for a new diet, give me a call, I know what you are going through.
I really have been in kind of a bad mood this weekend, and I finally came to the conclusion that having to give up milk is the reason. Think about having to give up all your favorite foods: pizza, coffee with half and half (my morning ritual), chocolate, did I mention chocolate, brownies, ice cream, cake, cookies, and every meal that you put cheese on. On top of that I have to learn what to cook for our family. No more skillet sensations, baked ziti, veggies with cheese, and basically everything else I make. Oh yeah, did I mention no butter! That alone is cause for depression.
After sulking for a few days, I am starting to focus on the benefits of having to give up milk. First, I always thought that if you really wanted to go on a diet you could pretend you were allergic to certain foods and that you absolutely could not have them. Of course you always know deep down that you are really not allergic to the food and would probably end up eating it anyway. Well, now I can lose the last few post-pregnancy pounds without having to really try and sweat it off or play mental games with myself. I have to do it for my daughter. Second, I have been doing a little research and it turns out that milk is not all that good for you anyway. Third, not being able to have milk forces you to find other healthier options. When I want a snack now, I go for apples and carrots rather than cookies.
So, I am going to need a lot of encouragement and support in the coming months. Feel free to send me positive reinforcements. And if anyone is looking for a new diet, give me a call, I know what you are going through.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thanksgiving Pics
We had a great and very busy Thanksgiving. Both of our parents had lots of things for us to do and people for us to see. We got to see two movies!!!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Ode to the Toe Sucker
I pulled out my old Shel Silverstein books and I am dedicating this poem of his to Hannah as well as all those other thumb (and toe) suckers out there:)
Oh the thumb-sucker's thumb
May look wrinkled and wet
And withered, and white as the snow
But the taste of a thumb
Is the sweetest taste yet
(As only we thumb-suckers know).
As some of you know I used to write poetry... Here is one of my own- written this morning. Maybe I'll have a revival of my writing.
The Beautiful Mystery
of the ageless King
The heralds of old
join with creation and sing
so softly, so softly
that you might not hear
their enchanting voices
in the atmosphere
so loud, so loud
that you can not erase
their eternal pleadings
throughout time and space
and what will you do
when you hear their voice
will you try to hide from the awesome force?
will you try to pretend that you can not hear?
hoping that it won't interfere
with your plans, with your life,
with this age and terrain
you block out the One
that you don't want to reign
or will you join
the kingdom's quiet plea
and give up your heart
to this Mystery
before this age ceases to exist
and there is no more
resistance
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Wheel of Fortune
Newest News:
Brian got called to audition for Wheel of Fortune on Nov. 30th. Please send him luck and advice!!!
Brian got called to audition for Wheel of Fortune on Nov. 30th. Please send him luck and advice!!!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
Nov. 13th
Lots has been going on. I turned 28 a week ago. I always wanted to have a baby by 28, so that mission has been accomplished:) I had a wonderful birthday. Brian came home at lunch with roses and lilies (my favorites), and we went out to lunch at Chic Fil A. Brian's whole family called to wish me Happy Birthday along with my family, Carla, Ross and Liz, and Leslie. Then Erin came over and babysat so we could go out to dinner. We had dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. We were laughing b/c dessert cost more than our dinner. Thanks everyone for thinking of me! We got home and researched all the candidates so we could be informed voters.
We are happy to say we successfully voted and felt good about our choices. Hannah came along for the ride and everyone smiled at her at the voting precinct.
On Friday we took our first road trip with Hannah. We decided rather than buying a new car we would rent cars whenever we go on a long trip, since our cars are about 10 years old each. We got a $20/day car on priceline. We drove to Vienna, VA for Ross and Liz's wedding. We got our hotel on priceline too and it was great! Hannah did great! She slept the whole way there. Kathi babysat on Friday night for us. It was perfect b/c she lives about 15 minutes from where the rehearsal dinner was. She had a great time with her cousins Ella and Maryn. Sorry Kathi that she refused to take her bottle:) Meanwhile we went to Nizam's for a great Turkish meal. Franklin entertained our table with stories of Matza Blob Soup. It was great to see the Kanes and of course to participate in celebrating. We had some of the best baklava ever.
Saturday was eventful to say the least. We went over to my parents hotel to hang out. They invited a bunch of people over who live near the area. Jackie and Bob came over with Wombat. Elizabeth, my cousin who I have not seen in ages, came. Rusty brought my dad's uncle Jerome and his girlfriend Karen. Brian missed the fun b/c he went to pick up and hang out with Kevin. After all our visiting, we went to the wedding. Kevin was our babysitter:) It was really a special wedding ceremony. I appreciated the thought that went into it and Liz looked gorgeous. The reception was Great- lots of food, drinks, and dancing. We also met a lot of cool people there. Luckily our hotel was right next to the reception, so we went back and crashed. Yesterday, we went and had brunch with Kathi, Kirby, Ella, and Maryn. It was really good and great to catch up with them. Hopefully we'll be better about that in the future! Our drive back was not as smooth as the drive up b/c of the weather and some traffic, but Hannah slept the whole way back too. Over all the trip gets a perfect score.
We leave Friday for Florida. We'll be there for 10 days.
We are happy to say we successfully voted and felt good about our choices. Hannah came along for the ride and everyone smiled at her at the voting precinct.
On Friday we took our first road trip with Hannah. We decided rather than buying a new car we would rent cars whenever we go on a long trip, since our cars are about 10 years old each. We got a $20/day car on priceline. We drove to Vienna, VA for Ross and Liz's wedding. We got our hotel on priceline too and it was great! Hannah did great! She slept the whole way there. Kathi babysat on Friday night for us. It was perfect b/c she lives about 15 minutes from where the rehearsal dinner was. She had a great time with her cousins Ella and Maryn. Sorry Kathi that she refused to take her bottle:) Meanwhile we went to Nizam's for a great Turkish meal. Franklin entertained our table with stories of Matza Blob Soup. It was great to see the Kanes and of course to participate in celebrating. We had some of the best baklava ever.
Saturday was eventful to say the least. We went over to my parents hotel to hang out. They invited a bunch of people over who live near the area. Jackie and Bob came over with Wombat. Elizabeth, my cousin who I have not seen in ages, came. Rusty brought my dad's uncle Jerome and his girlfriend Karen. Brian missed the fun b/c he went to pick up and hang out with Kevin. After all our visiting, we went to the wedding. Kevin was our babysitter:) It was really a special wedding ceremony. I appreciated the thought that went into it and Liz looked gorgeous. The reception was Great- lots of food, drinks, and dancing. We also met a lot of cool people there. Luckily our hotel was right next to the reception, so we went back and crashed. Yesterday, we went and had brunch with Kathi, Kirby, Ella, and Maryn. It was really good and great to catch up with them. Hopefully we'll be better about that in the future! Our drive back was not as smooth as the drive up b/c of the weather and some traffic, but Hannah slept the whole way back too. Over all the trip gets a perfect score.
We leave Friday for Florida. We'll be there for 10 days.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween
This is a very Happy Day for us. Hannah slept from 9pm-6:30am and then went back to sleep until 9:30am. Go Hannah! Her newest thing is staring at her hand. I can only imagine that she is thinking to herself "What is this thing?" Yesterday I looked over at her and she had found her thumb. Grandma and Grandpa and Gramzy and Popsy came to visit this past week. We had a lot of fun with all of them. We topped off the week with a trip to audition for Wheel of Fortune (we did not get called up) and Florida beating Georgia in football. Go GATORS! This Halloween I have decided to pick up the first Harry Potter again. I forgot how great that book is.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Hannah and other things
Well, we have not posted pictures for a while or given an update. I am sure no one really notices besides my mom, but never the less- here is an update. We are getting back in the swing of things since Hannah has been born. I finished some more books- The Color of Water and a couple more No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books. A possible day for us looks like this:
7-8am- wake up and feed Hannah
sometimes we go back to sleep if not, Hannah plays on her "gym" while I do my Bible Study w/ a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee
next Hannah usually falls asleep and I check email, pay bills, etc.
around 10 Hannah eats again
we play some and then Hannah hangs out in her bouncer or enjoys her mobile while I do laundry or chores, if she is fussy she goes in her swing
then we await the call to see if Brain aka Dad will be coming home for lunch
Hannah gets fed again and we enjoy having lunch with Dad
In the afternoon any one of the following can happen:
a trip to the grocery store or Target
a nap
a walk around the neighborhood
Hannah eats a bunch more
more chores or errands
write Thank you notes
rock and read books
listen to music
At 4:00 we usually watch Oprah and Hannah sleeps at some point during the afternoon
Most of the time our walk around the neighborhood is after Oprah
Then we wait for dad to come home and start getting dinner ready
I usually call a bunch of people while making dinner
We turn on jeopardy and usually get sucked in to watching the daily reality TV show (Wife Swap, The Bachelor, The Bigger Loser, the Amazing Race) The only one I watch on purpose is the Amazing Race.
We all hang out and then at about 9pm Hannah has to eat a ton and starts to get fussy.
It is a guessing game as to when she will go to sleep. But thankfully it has been before 1:00am for a while now. And she sleeps any where from 6 and a half hours to 8 and a half- YEAH!
Okay I am tired- hopefully I'll be better about the blog.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Hannah is 7 wks old
Her e are some pictures of Hannah at 7 weeks old. The cute lamb is from Paige Russo, a friend from High School.
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