Florida Pics

Hannah's First Baby Doll

Brian took Hannah to Target yesterday night while I was at church to buy a Baby Doll. They waited until I got home to open it.

Here is a picture of Hannah grooving to some tunes and a picture at the park.

Shoes

Thirteenth Tale, American Idol picks, Compassion

I really liked this paragraph from The Thirteenth Tale- "Everybody has a story. It's like families. You might not know who they are, might have lost them, but they exist all the same. You might drift apart or you might turn your back on them, but you can't say you haven't got them. Same goes for stories... You are at liberty to say nothing, if that is what you want. But silence is not a natural environment for stories. They need words. Without them they grow pale, sicken and die. And then they haunt you."

My current American Idol thoughts
Bottom Three
Kristy
Syesha
Brooke

Next to go- Jason

My top picks at least for now (in order)
David Cook
David Archuleta- Brian is not too into him, but I like him
Michael Johns
Carly

I am very happy to say that after 4 months of procrastination, our family is finally sponsoring a child through Compassion International www.compassion.com. We picked a little 3 year old girl from Tanzania whose birthday is one day before Hannah's. We are so excited!

The Thirteen Tale

Not that anyone is probably going to read this blog entry besides you mom, but I am going to write it for my own benefit. When my very smart friend Erin wrote on her blog that this book was one of her favorite books of all time, I decided I had to read it. For her review of the book, check out her website: http://bestsellers.about.com/od/fictionreviews/gr/thirteenth_tale.htm. So I read it in three days. I haven't read a book that fast since the last Harry Potter. I have to admit, it is not a book I would have read on my own, and if they made a movie from the book, I probably never would have gone to see it (mainly b/c it would be a little freaky). But from page one, I couldn't put the book down. It has been a very long time since I have read a bestseller, and it was very refreshing. That could be a little misleading b/c the novel is not really a "refreshing" book, but after reading the heavy Brothers Karamazov- it really was refreshing.

So, the main thing I really liked about the book was the theme of storytelling. Actually, I found it interesting that I read this book when I did. The other book that I am reading at the moment is a psychology book about writing out your own story (To Be Told by Dan Allender). The novel was was a nice companion in a weird way. In the novel, a woman named Margaret is commissioned by a famous British writer, Vida Winter, to write her biography. Margaret goes and lives in her house and Ms. Winter shares her story during their daily meetings. The book is packed with libraries, big houses, twins, gardeners, interesting people, ghosts, etc. It is a story about a storyteller telling her story. I really did enjoy it. But, it is a book that you feel like you need to read a second time after you read the ending-- and of course you don't really have time to read it again:(

I think my next book will be Atonement which is also about an author.

Hannah Staying Busy

The other day Hannah went upstairs and got a diaper. She proceeds to lay it out, put her bunny down, and put it on the bunny. It was so cute.


Hannah was in heaven helping Daddy open the new light fixture.

Thoughts on A Wrinkle in Time

A book club that I have yet to attend recently read A Wrinkle in Time. At the recommendation of a friend, I have finally finished reading it. My overall opinion of the book is that I like a lot of the ideas presented, but overall I found it lacking for some reason.

My favorite chapter of the book was the part about Aunt Beast. She was by far my favorite character. I love the idea of a planet where they don't need eyes. They sense everything. "She (Meg) realized now that here on this planet there was no need for color, that the grays and browns merging into each other were not what the beasts knew, and that what she, herself, saw was only the smallest fraction of what the planet was really like. It was she who was limited by her senses, not the blind beasts, for they must have senses of which she could not even dream."

I also like the idea of a universe of planets who are all fighting in a cosmic battle. "All through the universe it's being fought, all through the cosmos, and my, but it's a grand and exciting battle." The great battle of good versus evil, and evil must be fought with truth and love.

In addition, I liked the quotes that were scattered throughout the book, and some of the overall images that the book left in my mind upon reflection.

But, while I was reading the book, I felt a sense of lacking during most of it. I think it is because of one of the following reasons. First, I didn't really like any of the characters (besides Aunt Beast). Charles Wallace was really weird and annoying. Meg was okay, but I found her relationship to Calvin to be a little unbelievable. Mainly, because I had glasses and braces at that age and there were certainly no popular basketball players trying to hold my hand:) In the Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter I really come to love a lot of the characters, and that did not happen in this book. Also, I don't really like science fiction, and I think this book could potentially be put in that category. So again, I think the book is good, but it did not connect my soul in a way that a lot of books do.

Notice the new Title

We have changed the title of our blog in an effort to revive our original purpose. Originally it was designed to post thoughts and reflections on life, books, movies, etc and to occasionally update others on what we are up to in life. Ever since Hannah was born, the "thoughts" aspect of our blog has slowly become obsolete. In fact, I feel like I hardly even know how to write any more. (Notice the captions to my pictures are not even complete sentences- if there even is a caption) Some may think it is weird to have a bunch of pictures of Hannah and then an evaluation of presidential candidates on the same page. I completely disagree. I like having it all together because that is my life. It runs all together, and so I like the blog being set up this way as well. A chronological log of what is going on in our hearts, heads, and house. The lack of "thoughts" is evidence that I really have not been thinking all that much lately. I have been reading, watching movies, etc. as before. But I have not been writing, reflecting, and processing all the stuff I do. It has left me feeling incomplete. Most of our readers will probably only read the "Happenings", but we want to post "thoughts" as well. It is an effort to fight to keep our minds alive post-college, something we have found to be a challenge.

So now you will really see the level I have stooped to-

Thoughts one the bottom three on American Idol this week:
Chikezie
Jason Castro
Ramiele Malubay (although she is so incredible sweet and adorable)

At this point I am going for David Cook or Michael Johns. And I want the world to know that this is the first full season of American Idol I have watched. I am hooked!

Easter

We had a week filled with FUN and celebration.

Hannah decorating an Easter craft...well sort of.
The neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. I was bummed Hannah did not find the golden egg to win the big prize. She had fun and did not eat one bite of candy.


Hannah's Easter attire. Playing with bubbles that were in her Easter basket. No pictures of the Easter basket because she would not sit still. She got Annie and a new Bible.
Our friends Wally and Eowyn came over for dinner. It was VERY fun and Hannah and Rhi played very well together.

Pictures

Florida Trip

We took a really quick trip to Florida to run the River Run. I am very proud to say that both Brian and I finished the 15K race with good times. I had so much fun and even got to see a few friends (some planned some unplanned). My time was 1 hr and 32 mins. and that was with what felt like hurricane powered winds:) I loved running into the stadium where everyone was cheering for you. It is probably the closest I'll get to feeling like a professional athlete. We are a little tired and sore, but it was well worth the trip if only to spend a few days with our families together. We hope to make it a yearly event. We didn't bring a camera, but here is a pic from my mom's camera. We miss everyone already! This morning Hannah and I went and picked up her new craft princess table. I'll post those pictures when we get it set up.

Jury Duty

So I have officially been summoned to jury duty. When I got the letter in the mail, I thought, "I'll just tell them I have an 18 month old and I have to take care of her... surely, they will let me off." So, I wrote my excuse and sent it in thinking I wouldn't hear about it again. Then I got the letter back saying my summons was still effective. So, I called thinking, "surely, they will let me off when I explain my situation." Well, apparently there is no way around it. I don't think I was very nice and happy on the phone when I realized I could not get out of it. I persisted with my story to no avail. I was able to get my summons deferred for six months, and she did mention that possibly they might not need me on that particular date. So we will see. My new jury duty date is August 26th. Brian thinks jury duty sounds fun and that I should be looking forward to it:) Maybe so. I feel a little bad about getting annoyed about the situation. I definitely would not want to be the lady who answers the phone for people who have been summoned for jury duty!

Raleigh Exploris Museum

Valentine's Day

We had a great day today. I started by running 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in preparation for the River Run. I mention that because I am really proud of myself. Me and Hannah went to get an oil change at our favorite mechanic's. I was glad we had that scheduled b/c my car didn't start until the sixth try this morning. I guess it is the starter connector (whatever that is). He said I could wait to get it fixed- BUT probably my car won't start one day- so I am going to get it fixed next week. I love my mechanic- WASP automotive. We ate Chick-Fil-A and talked to an amazing woman while we waited. Gwen has been a teacher for 30 years and she was our angel for the day. Hannah loved her and she read and talked to Hannah a bunch. She even gave her a hug good bye. Hannah took a nap while I read the Brothers Karamozov- which is really picking up. I have to confess I skipped a little bit of the book- which I never do. I also did a few chores. For our Valentines dinner we had homemade brocolli cheese soup with ham and cheese sandwiches. I even made the bread for the sandwiches from strach! Then we had a family event and decorated cupcakes. What a great day! Oh yeah and Hannah did not eat one cupcake!

Valentine's Day Smile for Gramzy and Popsy and Nana and Papa

Pictures

So, I am so far behind in the blog that I am not even going to attempt to go over all we have done in the last two months. Here are some links to some current pictures. We also went to New York City. We had a GREAT time, and remembered everything but our camera- so unfortunately I have no pictures of that trip. One note-- Brian started a new job at IBM that he is really excited about!

Christmas: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/Christmas
Brian's dad's retirement party in St. Augustine: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/MrTaylorRetirement
Hannah at the beach: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/TheBeach
Travis and Stephanie's wedding: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/TravisSWedding
Cruise to the Bahamas: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/Cruise
Snowing in Durham: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/Snow

Thanksgiving Holiday

We had such a fun Thanksgiving holiday! Originally we were going to go to Waynesville, but at the last minute we changed plans and my mom and dad and Carla drove up and stayed with us for Thanksgiving- and yes that means that I cooked the Thanksgiving meal. I guess I can't take full credit for it because my mom did a lot of the work. They came up on Wednesday night and we headed to the mall. It was a lot of fun and Hannah had a blast running around and going up and down the escalator and up and down the escalator again and again. Then, Brian, Carla and I went to see Lion for Lambs- very fun! We cooked most of the day Thursday and everything was very tasty. We even had a little Indian food from our Indian friends who came over. I made mac and cheese and sweet potato pie from scratch and I must admit- they were wonderful. On Friday: Mom and Dad drove to Richmond to see family and friends, Carla and I went to a spin class, and Brian installed crown molding in our dining room. In the afternoon, we lounged around and read then helped Brian a little and went shopping. When my parents got home we watched my favorite movie in the whole world- The Family Man- I love that movie. Today, Carla and I went to Muscle Pump after a pancake breakfast and then she watched Hannah while the rest of us went to see a 3D movie at the IMAX theater. Then we had Randy's pizza and watched the game. Who could ask for a better holiday!!!? Everyone leaves in the morning. I will miss then, but I hope to sleep a little tomorrow:)

Sorry, I am soooo bad at taking pictures and don't have any. I might be able to post one if you send me one mom.