Finally

We FINALLY got the house.
This one, to be exact:

Because I love to blog about words, I thought this was fitting for this post….

Source: Uploaded by user via Susan on Pinterest

It’s true. There are no words.

The hours of conversations, prayers, phone calls, house hunting, crying, worrying…..they are FINALLY over!

Can you believe it?

We got the short-sale house we had been waiting for and under contract with for 8 months.

Needless to say, we are thrilled.

Also understand, my to-do list has grown like the weeds in our back yard… CRAZY FAST!

Hence, the “no words” limited info post…

We have been so blessed. There were miracles along the way, and our agent was absolutely delightful.

Moral of the story: Don’t buy a short sale home from BOA. Also, they need to stop calling them “short sales” because they are NOT short…weirdos.

Enjoy these pictures…
4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 living areas, 2,000 sq feet home!
Across from neighborhood pool and park!
We are so happy. Did I say that already??

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..I know, we didn’t get one with a “sold” sign… The little stinkers never put one up.

Let the projects and joys of home ownership begin!!!

 

Also, come visit us in TEXAS!! We have room now!!

Ruby

As I sat down to write this long-overdue blog post, I heard my little Nora stirring in the other room.

I immediately jumped up, went to her  side, gave her a smile, and cuddled her tight.

Why?

Because of Ruby.

Here is her story:

This is my cousin Matt and his sweet family.

I named my little Nora Jane Taylor, in part, after Ruby Jane Taylor. They are both January babies, about a year apart.

I thought the connection would remind me to treasure every second I have with her. I remember talking to Ani a few weeks before Nora was born, and mentioning that we were considering Jane as a middle name. She perked up, smiled and I hope I can uphold the legacy that little Ruby Jane has initiated.

Going along with this, the other day I took time to just lay on the bed with Nora.

I looked into her big eyes. I felt her Spirit.

Then thoughts of Ruby filled my mind. My heart was softened.

I felt that they had a connection of some kind, that maybe, they interacted on the other side.

Regardless of the details, I felt something tender.

Maybe it was because I took time to be a MOM.

To look in my child’s eyes. To hold her, kiss her and love her.

Something I now Don’t take for granted.

Here are my words I contributed to “How Ruby Changed my Life” 

(They made a book that was on display at Ruby’s funeral. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go, but my mom said it was simply beautiful.)

I remember waiting for little Miss Ruby Jane to come. I had just seen my cousin, Matt and his sweet wife Ani at Ryan’s wedding. They were counting down the days, and chasing Kate all around. I remember hearing that Ruby was born, and I was so thrilled. I knew Ani would take lots of adorable pictures and we’d all “oo and ahhh” over her new little one.

Then I remember the day Ani opened up. She opened her life to all of us. This brave act literally changed my life.

I remember thinking, “Wow, thank you Ani for sharing your story.” I had no idea how connected I would feel to Ruby throughout this journey. I would check Ani’s blog, almost daily.

I remember traveling with Ani through the stages of grief as I read her words. Tears would stream down my eyes, and I always sent prayers her way.

I would then put myself in her situation.

Would I be so strong?

Would I take Ruby out for walks around the hospital?

Would I curl up and go into a dark hole?

Would I be able to give my daughter shots, or constantly be bothered by nurses?

Would I be patient and wait for diagnosis, or would I get inpatient and angry?

So many thoughts would go through my head. Then I would look at a picture of little Ruby, and I could feel of her spirit. I thought, for her…I surely would try to do all those things. I would try my best to be the kind of mom Ani is.

I typically would read about Ruby while my little one-year-old girl was sleeping. She would wake up and I would run to her side. After reading from Ani, I didn’t want to waste a second. I used to just let her cry in her crib for awhile.

But not after reading about Ruby. I would hurry in, and give her a big kiss. I would whisper to her that I loved her, and I would tell her about Ruby. I am a better mom because I now am grateful for every second I have with my daughter.

Ruby’s stories made me treasure the precious moments as a mom. There is a bond that is undeniable  between a mother and child. Ani showed us that. Matt taught us that support is everything. Kate taught us that there are still reasons to smile. And Ruby taught us that there is nothing more precious than a little Spirit. May she rest in peace and may we all be changed by her story.

Thank you, Taylors for your openness and allowing me to be directly changed because of you. I will remember this forever.

Moving Forward

I hope you will share Ruby’s story and let it change you.

Ani has done so much to develop her foundation, write award-winning essays about motherhood...and Matt is always by her side as a super supportive spouse.

I feel blessed to call them family, especially because I know Families can be together Forever.

As I said, this is long overdue, because there are countless times I have sat at this computer overwhelmed by Ruby’s story and reading Ani’s blog. It put things in perspective for me, time and time again.

To all mothers out there…happy mother’s day.

It’s a calling that is too much for words.

Timing

Such a good reminder…

If you’re wondering about a dating relationship, waiting for your house to close–LIKE US-AH!!, deciding when you should have children, or just looking for direction.

These words were powerful, so I thought I’d create this graphic and share it with you.

Sisters

There’s a lot I want to say about sisters…
So hang on and hear me out.

First, let me introduce you to my brother. (I know, this is a post about SISTERS, so why Kent?)

Here he is:

In all of his handsome glory.

He is my big brother.

I’ve always looked up to him. See, proof:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a great relationship. We have always been close.

When we were young, we’d spend hours playing together: legos, turtles, forts, orphans…he was the best!

Then as teenagers we spent lots of late nights talking. He was my cool senior brother when I was a freshman! Then, at BYU We used to do lunch dates and even attempted at sharing a car.

Then I got married.

Not only did I get married, but to a wonderful man who Kent set me up with.

I owe everything to Kent.

Michael has fit into the family perfectly. He comes along for the ride, and is a good sport about all our crazy quirks!

I soon realized that me and Kent turned different–not bad—but different. I now took lots of pictures with ‘my guy’ and Kent maybe felt a little on the sidelines.

I mean, I’m his little sister!

But I’m here to say, through life and all the changes, I still need my brother. He’s something special.

SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SISTERS??

Well, Kent is now the Mormon Bachelor.

This means he will have the opportunity to be set up with 12 different Mormon girls throughout the country. These girls will apply to date Kent, hoping to find a lasting match.

Kent will be open about his dates and portions of them will be available for the public to watch online.

He is taking this very seriously and is determined that girl is out there!

MY SISTER!

So here’s the deal. I was blessed with the BEST little sister.

Here she is:

We are 6 years apart,  but we are still best of friends.

I used to get upset with her for her hundreds of stuffed animals that she insisted needed to be on her bed (aka floor)…

Anyway, she is now blossomed into a gorgeous young lady and is going to BYU PROVO this summer!

We have a special relationship, and have grown even closer in recent years.

EXTRA SISTER!

So one of the MAJOR bonuses of marrying into the Taylor family is this gorgeous girl:

I LOVE HER!! She makes me laugh with cool things she sends me from the internet. She makes me feel comfortable in any conversation. She makes me feel like we are REAL sisters. She never had a sister before, and I was SO LUCKY to be her maid of honor at her wedding.

We clicked instantly, and she is a genuine, beautiful girl!

EXTRA EXTRA SISTER!

In just a few short days, I will get another beautiful sister. Michael’s brother is marrying the gorgeous girl (yes, she’s a blonde!!!) on the right.

She is absolutely amazing, in every sense of the word.

She is strong, subtle, sweet, and simply perfect!

I can’t wait to get to know her better and latch on to her, just like sisters are supposed to do!!

MY GIRLS!

How happy was I when I found out that Carmen was going to have a sister??! Well, sure, I was a little terrified at first..

Why? Because sometimes sisters are ruthless. Sometimes they fight over clothes and pull each others hair. Sometimes they like the same boys and sometimes they….you know…just do that girl thing.

But then I thought. No, they’ll be best of friends.

I can see it developing already. They love each other.

Nora smiles at Carmen.

Carmen looks out for Nora.

They are SISTERS and I can’t get enough of it.

Ok, so it could end there..but like I said, this is long. Why is sisters today’s word?

ANOTHER SISTER?

Because I want another amazing sister!

I want Kent to find the woman of his dreams.

I know he is looking for a connection and he will know when he finds her.

But let’s be honest. 100s of girls are applying…and I’m just NERVOUS.

What type of girls are out there?

Will we overlook one that might have worked?

Who knows!

But as I went to bed last night I couldn’t help but think…

Can I put my opinion out there?

Can I influence one (it only takes ONE) girl out there to apply for the show?

The right girl…the IDEAL girl.

So, here it goes.

WHAT I SEE AS AN IDEAL MATCH FOR KENT

Here’s my top-10 two cents…

A girl who…

1. Loves the Lord more than anything. More than she’ll love Kent, herself, anyone. Cares more about what the Lord thinks than what others do or say.

2. Is temple-worthy and desires a temple marriage.(Might even be willing to be sealed in Kent’s fav the SD temple!)

3. Wants to be a mom. A NICE mom who loves kids. Won’t yell at them like a crazy-person and has a service-oriented spirit. (As my baby starts to fuss in the other room…haha)

4. Can make Kent laugh. Doesn’t take herself or life too seriously. Is fun, spontaneous and lives life to the fullest. Balances fun with deep intellect.

5. Can help Kent feel comfortable. Doesn’t stretch to make conversation. Is easy to talk to and real!

6. Is naturally good-natured and non-judgmental. Doesn’t dwell or feed on drama. Doesn’t talk bad about others or themselves.

7. Can support a family with strong financial common sense. Is smart and college educated. Isn’t afraid to go through dental school with Kent or sacrifice a little. Doesn’t feel entitled to things, or over-spoiled. My parents do SO much for us, so it’s nice to have a grateful heart.

8. Likes to be active, fit and fun. Enjoys sports and has a healthy competitive flair.Doesn’t mind getting sweaty playing vball or dirty when camping.

9. Dresses modestly. Always. Period. (Don’t know why that is so hard for some women…) It is about respecting herself. A girl who is not interested in getting attention from guys, but respect from them. Shoots for attention from the right men and will teach her girls to do the same.

10. Is someone I can look up to as a person of genuine kindness and character. Is willing to love our family as much as we’ll love her.

and MOST OF ALL….

Loves Kent and can find true joy living eternally with him!

Best of luck to all the ladies, and I hope one of you will someday be my SISTER!

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Connect

Let’s take some time to connect.

Not just online, but in life.

Let’s make a difference.

People matter.

Little kids matter.

Life is about relationships.

That’s why these both struck me, and are worth sharing.

Enjoy this video of this amazing 9-year-old boy, who has an imagination and a beautiful heart.

And enjoy this blog post from a mom who “gets it.” Who isn’t obsessing over her lack of pinterest-implemented projects, but who takes time to be a MOM.

So special.

Read it from the Power of Moms.

What do you think?

Glimpse

I know you all wish you could be a fly on the wall…

We do have a lot of flies around here…(I desperately need sunshine, and sometimes I have to leave the door open for some fresh air…hence, the flies…)

Anyway, if you want to know a little of what’s been going on, here’s a peek:

• We get into the car. The CD player takes a minute to start. In those few seconds, Carmen manages to say, “Dance, Dance.” She’s a little impatient if you ask me. Then the music comes on and she says, “Dance mom!” Sometimes she’ll even tell Nora to move her elbows. “Nora Elbows!” And she even has song requests, “Old McDonald!!” man… this girl and her music!
• When Carmen wants to put on lip gloss, she’ll pucker her lips and say “Lip gloss!” complete with the motion of putting it on her lips. It’s really cute…
• When Carmen wants a chocolate I tell her she can only have one. I’m trying to teach her some limits. Now she says, “Treat. One” and holds up her finger with a number one. I just wish she really understood what the “one” means.
• Carmen tried on glasses in Walmart, and she kept asking to see herself in the mirror. I was just praying that she didn’t bend them out and break them. She was trying on all types of shades and thinking she was so cool looking in the mirror.
• Carmen is all about the bubbles. She even got a bubble gun, so now it’s non-stop action around here. She freaks out, stomps her feet around, and then says “Nora bubbles!” I’m glad she likes to share the happiness with her sister.
• She now associates gum, mints and tic-tacs with Nana…and church. It’s a great technique to keep her on our lap the whole time. Thanks Nana…you’ve revolutionized our Sundays.
• Carmen has now learned how to make funny faces. When Kari and her kids stayed with us, her sweet little girl would pull her cheeks down with her fingers, showing off her bottom teeth. Carmen thought it was hilarious, and now does the same thing. She can even associate it with her, and says “Maylee.” haha. YAY for cousins!!
• Carmen is aware when things go bad. When she drops things, when things brake, or when she rips a sticker in half. My recent favorite is when the mouse on Cinderella had his tail tangled, and he sits on the bed trying to untie it. Every time this part comes on, Carmen always yells, “Oh no!”
• Speaking of princesses, Carmen can now say princesses. She has a Disney sing along movie, and it’s a lot of fun to watch. I like that it changes through multiple movies quickly, and I don’t get sick of the music. I mean, who doesn’t love some Disney classics now and then? Her favorite is Snow White, don’t ask me why… But she loves to say “Snow White!” haha. She also has princess bath toys, and she likes to swim with “Ariel” in the tub. Bring on the princess madness!
• Carmen is a big helper with Nora. She can shove her pacifier in, and every time she’s crying she says “Help Nora.” She also thinks that Nora is always poopy, so she’ll pat her bottom and diaper and say “Poopy, Nora.” She can go get her a diaper, and always says “ewww.” Little does she know, her diapers are 5x more gross! It’s cute to see her get diapers out for her dolls. She even tries to change her doll’s diaper. I guess she’s learning from her mamma!
• So Michael is a great dad. He plays with the girls and reads them stories. He also fills up the bathtub waaaayyy high and Carmen loves it. When we are not doing the bedtime routine, we are usually watching a show. Because of this, Carmen associates the remote with Daddy. She’ll say, “Daddy’s remote.” Now what is even more advanced…she’ll give it to him!
• Because Carmen likes to follow me around and do what I do, I’ve tried to teach her associations. Like what things belong to whom. She has her own stuff now. The best is that she has her own camera. She says “Carmen’s camera” and will take pictures of Nora when she’s laying on a blanket. It’s too cute for words. She also has her own toothpaste, fake makeup, vacuum, blanket…the list goes on and on. She pats her chest and says “Carmen’s.” It’s so funny.

Just a little glimpse of our life. So much more….but that’s the joy of being a mom. I get to not just blog about it, but LIVE it.

It is perfect.

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Yummms

Happy Easter….

Carmen can’t get enough of all the yuuummms!!!

Bluebonnets

It’s the Texas thing.

Now we are true Texans!

Little did I know you aren’t supposed to pick them, since they are the state flower. Michael said, “Gotta respect!” haha.

Enjoy…we had so much fun, and Carmen was a good sport.

We took lunch to a park after and enjoyed Spring.

haha. That sounded so family-ish…Guess that’s what we are!!!

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24

I almost forgot to mention…I turned 24!!

I had a fabulous birthday and was completely spoiled.

I got to attend a fabulous Gala dinner and desert tasting with Michael, and really enjoyed myself.

It felt great to dress up and go out together.

Outside of the gala

But this birthday was really significant, because I turned 2-4 and that’s Kobe’s number.

Because of this, I now have an element of “greatness” to my name. (My brother-in-law is convinced that 24 is the best number ever!)

Which brother-in-law you ask?

This handsome man…

He calls himself the WHITE MAMBA. That’s because the BLACK MAMBA is already taken by Kobe.

Oh, here are Kobe highlights if you don’t  believe me. Something to be said that it’s 10 minutes long. Gotta love Kobe fans.

And if you’re not a Kobe fan, consider this.

We were watching the Hornets v. the Lakers, and he had missed basically all of his shots.

He was like 0-15 and hadn’t scored in 3 quarters.

Then with 20 seconds left, he pulled up and took a 3, making it, and putting the Lakers up by 1.

It was crazy.

He has some serious guts.

I hope that my 24th year of life can be full of risks like that.

It will be fun to see what new adventures lie ahead, and what we have in store!!

Here’s to 2-4!!!

Happy Birthday to me!

Oh, and of course…had to throw this in of my cutie!

And a shout out to this gorgeous couple, getting married on the 24th of April…
Hurray for 2-4!!

My favorite from our photoshoot. No, I'm not a pro photographer...

Safe

First of all, let me introduce you to my little chicas…

Little Nora Jane has started smiling. She loves it when you tickle her tummy and make high-pitch voices at her.

People make fun of it, but it really works.

And looking like a total weirdo, is worth getting a smile like this:

Sweet Nora smiling at me

She is already 9 weeks old! (Speaking of safe…that little scratch is from her big sister getting a little too up close and personal..)

Then there’s my little munchkin, Carmen. She’s 20 months old, and absolutely delightful.

She’s getting more interested in taking pictures, and I actually get her to hold still a time or two.

She usually plops down next to Nora for a split second, says “Cheese” and then is on her way again.

This time, she plopped down right on top of these pansies.

How adorable is this:

Carmen posing by the pansies

I just love her. She is full of energy and life. She is learning so much every day.

I watch her little mind work, and I am blown away.

I love my girls more and more. It’s unbelievable.

I catch myself many times just reflecting on my life. Usually when I have a chance to breathe, but sometimes in the most spontaneous moments.

I stop and think, “Wow, these are my girls.”

It hit me when Michael told me what happened just outside our apartment.

There was this little bird’s nest hanging out on the overhang where the cars park.

Then all of a sudden, Michael saw a huge black bird…a raven maybe? (idk..i’m no bird expert)…

Anyway, a huge bird came in and swooped in on this nest.

He hung upside down until he got the eggs out.

Michael assumed he ate them, and then came and told me all about it.

He was so sad for those little bird eggs…I love my sensitive man!!

Here’s the egg shell…

Bird egg

And the nest….

Bird nest

I immediately put myself in that mama bird’s place.

What if something happened to my little girls? My little eggs….so innocent and fragile?

What if a big black bird came in and swooped in on us?

Lucky for us, we have this man….

My protector

That’s Michael. (not Photoshopped, just all real MAN) He was first of all so embarrassed that I even took this picture, but he’d absolutely DIE if he saw I posted it for all the world to see…

Anyway, I think he’s perfect.

He does so much to look out for us, and to keep us safe.

Physically, but mostly emotionally.

It’s  a real treasure to have a relationship and a life where you feel secure, safe and loved.

I feel that with my husband.

I want to carry that same assurance onto my daughters.

There is so much evil in the world. It can be a scary place. Big black birds can swoop in, coming in all forms and directions.

We have to be ready. We have to teach our children.

That’s why we participated in General Conference this weekend.

We have living prophets on the Earth today that keep us safe.

They teach us how to strengthen our families, renew our commitment to Christ, and how to press forward every day.
‘

We are so blessed. Although at times it was a little hard to pay attention, we soaked up all 4 sessions, all 8 hours!

The Spirit is now more abundant in our home, and we are all a little better off!

It just made me so grateful to have leaders, examples and direction.

I know that my family will be with me forever.

I know that what I’m doing now, is the most important calling.

It brings me so much joy to keep my girls safe.

It brings me even more joy to share in that role with my best friends.

This makes me smile…

My beautiful best friends and their baby girls!

Both of my friends have beautiful baby girls. They are so full of light and joy, and are striving to do what’s right.

That’s what life is about.

We have to keep each other out of harm’s way.

We all want to be safe.

It’s a small part of drawing close to our Savior, who keeps us all eternally safe.