Rise and Shout....

Our little BYU cougar is out!!! This is the outfit that Aunt Shan and I picked out at the BYU Women's conference before Titan was even born. We knew that Great Grandpa Taylor would LOVE to see another Grandson who supported BYU. Great thing is that not only is the Taylor and Fennell side fans of BYU but also the Powells. This boy doesn't stand a chance! :)

Playing with my Grandbaby

Have had a couple days with Brian, McKinli and Titan. They came up for a visit and we talked them into staying a couple of nights. McKinli found this darling little playcenter on KSL.com for FREE and so I went and picked it up in Bountiful and it was in immaculate condition. We disinfected it (didn't look like it even needed it) and Titan seems to really like it. He is sure growing up and will be 7 months in just a couple of days. Doesn't seem possible! I sure love my family!

The Forgotten Carols

It was girls night out at Weber State Dee Events Center for our traditional "The Forgotten Carols". It was my 8th year, Whitni's 4th year, Mattisyn's 3rd year and McKinli's 2nd year. It did not disappoint. I relate to a different song each year and the song will touch me so incredibly deep. I am thankful that there are people like the cast and Michael McLean that share their talents with us. This has become a treasured tradition and kicks off our Christmas season together like we could never do for ourselves. It was so fun to see my daughters spend some time together also. It felt like old times! :)

I am always deeply touched also at the end of the show when he has us "link" arms and sing "We Can Be Together Forever" as that was the song to a video that we did many years ago for my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. Can't help but think of the family members we are missing. Michael asks us to think of someone who is not with us that we would like to sing that song too. That is also a time that we have all thought of different people on different years. It is great to know that we can be together forever someday! :)

Thanksgiving Sunday

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 29 rather than Thursday the 26th. This was so that everyone could attend Thanksgiving with other family members. By the time Sunday came, I was really craving Turkey and dressing. It didn't taste like mom's but it did turn out OK and satisfied the craving. We had Grandma and Shan visit from Pocatello. Matti and I were there of course. Whitni and Jess came from Roy, UT. and McKinli and Titan came up from Spanish Fork, UT. Brian was sick with the stomach flu and so he stayed while Kinli drove up with Titan. We ate dinner and then I had a craft for Whitni and McKinli to make for the 25 days of Christmas starting Dec 1. Ty got tired and so we had to pack up McKinli's stuff so hopefully she will finish hers but Whitni did hers and Matti had already helped me finish one for our house.

Grandma brought a cute Thanksgiving bib for Titan. Shana brought Tanner to play with Okey. We got up this morning and Grandma showed us how to make peanut brittle and then we did a little shopping at Kim's and off to the Olive Garden for soup and salad. What a fun couple of days! I sure am grateful this year for my family most of all. This is the second year we did our pilgrim placecards. You may notice on the table that we had a picture of my dad and two brothers, Randy and Blake, who have passed away. We wanted them to know that we miss them being with out family. Some of us...most of us...got a little teary when we saw their pictures with us on the table. I sure love and appreciate my family for making such an effort to spend Thanksgiving together!

Grandma's Thanksgiving

Grandma Taylor and Aunt Shan are so wonderful to never forget ANY family member for Thanksgiving. They took this beautiful wreath up to my brother Randy's grave. Almost every season they take stuff to his grave and many times up to my brother-in-law Steve's grave, Blake and my dad all the way to Idaho. Sometimes the things on the grave must get stolen because they come up missing but they still persist. I love them for being so thoughtful!

Here are some pictures of Grandma Taylor with Jack Randall Taylor...the newest great-grandson. He is a cutie! So glad everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Razzleberry Pies

I was excited when Whitni asked me to help her learn to make Razzleberry pies. However, it had been awhile since I had made them. I used to take them to all the family gatherings and now that she is a pro, I will let her make them from now on! :) It was fun and challenging to teach but not to "take over". Whitni made it easier because she was so willing and eager to learn that I had to just give her direction and she made awesome pies. This was a fun bonding experience and now she can teach her sisters. Right Whitni? :)

An Evening of Pure Joy

I have had McKinli and Titan here today and this evening and I was able to play with Titan for quite awhile up on my bed. We laughed and played for probably a good hour. Today has been amazing! Normally I do not get this much time with him and it was just what I needed! Wow! That is what life is all about and the pure joy!! I can't remember a time when I had more fun in weeks...ok...maybe months or even a year or so. Today was a long day and the last 6 months have been a struggle for me but it melted away when I was with Titan tonight. He was so darling while we played and giggled. McKinli fed him rice cereal which I have not seen him eat and then he took a bath in my bathroom sink. Here are the pictures. I can't think of a better day in a long, long time! He is my sweetie pie. I LOVE FAMILY!!!!!