Easter

This Easter, I got Hannah and Adam involved in the easter egg hunt. First they spent an afternoon filling the eggs with treats. Then on Saturday morning they hid them all around the back yard. They then helped Samantha and Laurel during the hunt. They all came out with plenty of eggs and had fun hunting. Later they spent time on some crafts that Grandma had brought. All of this was done around the General Conference sessions that we really enjoyed watching.

Our cute little bunny

A day with Grandpa and Grandma Taylor

We had a fun day with Grandma and Grandpa as we visited the Happy Hollow Zoo and Park in San Jose. This is a place we'd been many times before, but it had just been reopened after a two year closure for remodeling and upgrading.

We toured part of the zoo and saw a jaguar, capybara, meerkats, lemurs and macaws. Then we toured the park and the big kids favorite was the new roller coaster. It's not a big one, but good enough to have some fun! We had a great time even though the day was cold and cloudy. Here are a few pictures of the day.

Grandpa and Laurel explore a big playground structure

Samantha enjoys the bug ride, while Hannah tolerates it because
Samantha wanted her to come with her

Mackenzie and Katelyn

Hannah in front of trees full of spring blossoms

Laurel riding in a firetruck

Grandma holding Katelyn

the roller coaster ride! If you click on the picture,
you'll see Adam in the front

Laurel and Samantha walking through a maze

Hannah, Jamie and Mackenzie on the carousel

walking through the zoo area (Jamie, Mackenzie, Cathy,
Samantha, Adam, Grandpa, Laurel)

Mackenzie and Adam at the Macaw exhibit

March Madness

I know March Madness refers to the annual college basketball championship tournament (which Derek loves to watch when he can), but sometimes it refers to our life! This month went past like a whirlwind and I wasn't able to record all the interesting events of our days as we went along. However, I'll give a brief recap.

Katelyn has been the star of the show this month. As an adorable baby, she often catches our attention anyway, but this month she surprised us with her accomplishments. As a five month old she got her first two teeth, learned to sit up by herself and learned to crawl. Apparently she didn't want to waste any time, and we wonder if she'll grow up to be a great multi-tasker. Here are some pictures of her.

Katelyn crawling

Katelyn sitting up

Laurel has taken more interest in Katelyn again now that she is on the floor more. This is not necessarily a good thing, as Laurel often gets her in an uncomfortable bear hug grip. Or she sits on her. We're working on helping her to ask first if she wants to hold Katelyn. Samantha continues to love holding Katleyn as well.

Katelyn and Samantha

Laurel

Samantha was so excited when we invited her primary teachers over for dinner. She has been having a hard time going to Primary by herself lately and we hoped it would help to get to know her teachers better. We had a great evening with them.

We've been pleased with more of our children helping take care of Katelyn. When she needs a change of clothes or diaper, Mackenzie and Jamie are quick to help out. Even Adam has changed her diaper a time or two.

Jamie has been looking forward to her birthday in April. She has been adding lots of items to her wish list. Jamie has also been loosing many of her baby teeth. It is fun to see her toothless grin.
Mackenzie was thrilled to go camping this month. Derek had an overnighter planned with his Varsity Scouts, but only one boy showed up at their meeting place. So Derek called home and asked if any of the kids wanted to go camping, since he didn't want to waste the good reservations he had made. Adam, Mackenzie, Jamie and Samantha went with him and they had a great time. The camp spot was very close to a beach. They also enjoyed some great food cooked in the dutch oven.

Adam has been making visits to the BMX park again. His skill on the jumps has improved. Sometimes Mackenzie and Jamie join him.

Hannah got even busier this month with play practices. As the performance dates approached she was having 3 or 4 practices a week! She didn't mind though, she has loved all of it. She would often sing her songs and eventually Laurel and Samantha could be heard humming the tunes. Hannah also attended her girl's camp kick off and a regional youth fireside that she really enjoyed.

Cathy enjoyed going to the Relief Society birthday dinner and attending a luncheon for a friend from Santa Clara. She stays busy with Cub scouts and with a new responsibility at our homeschool co-op--teaching the younger children (6 and under). We usually have a story time and then a craft. It's not difficult to do, just takes some time to plan and prepare.

Derek was gone every Saturday in March. Two weekends were for a scout training, one for camping and one for a seminar in Oregon. He too has had some involvement with the youth play, his assignment being to assist with assembling the background and stage extension. He made a number of trips to Home Depot and even helped with the painting.

It's been a good month!

Pipe Works

During the past few weeks, we have had pipe work going on in front of our house. The San Jose Water Company was replacing pipes , so for a few days we have had no access to our driveway. They are finishing up the process now and will be done soon. Hooray!! Below are some pictures.

Monthly Miscellanea

We often highlight some of the stand-out events of our month, but it's the little things that happen that really make up our interesting month.

--Adam and Jamie both gave talks in Primary
--Cathy pruned trees in our backyard as she was tutored by our landlord, Sally
--Katelyn perfected her rolling over, as well as started learning to eat baby food


--Hannah and Mackenzie attended a birthday party/goodbye party for friends who were moving out of state
--we attended the Blue and Gold Banquet and Adam received his Webelos award there.
--Hannah and Mackenzie both played piano pieces at our ward's Variety show. They did a great job. Hannah had to learn some new things in her role in the play. She had to practice a dramatic death (though her character is just pretending to die)
--Adam and Jamie enjoyed playdates with friends
--Derek went to the temple with a friend going through for the first time. The next day we all went to the baptism of two of his children.
--We all had dentist appointments this month. Cathy and Adam had a visit to the Orthodontist. We've got some HSA money saved up, so we might get started on orthodontic treatment that many of us needed. We'll probably start with Hannah and Cathy (eek!)
--we watched lots of olympics in our free time

Katelyn enjoying some outdoor time

Snow, Sonora and some good ol' R&R

Derek was scheduled to teach an NCCS seminar in Sonora, CA. That town is close to the mountains on one side of Yosemite. Since the kids have been wanting to see some snow, we decided to all go with him. We had planned to stay at a hotel there, but a kind family offered their vacation home to us. It was farther up the mountain from Sonora and surrounded by beautiful trees. It was a very peaceful place to stay. What helped with the peacefulness was the absence of tv, computer and radio. All we could do was visit and play games and sit around reading. What a treat!

We arrived a day before the seminar so that Derek could take the 4 oldest children to a snow park where you rent tubes to slide down a hill. They had a blast! Unfortunately there wasn't snow where we were staying, so only those who went to the snow park got to see any. But they had fun and the little ones (and mom) got a nap.

Laurel trying on a snow outfit before the trip

The following day Derek, with Hannah, Adam and Mackenzie, went to the seminar. Hannah was training Adam and Mackenzie how to run the book table. At lunch time I and the younger ones went to meet them during the lunch break. Then we went back to the house and started packing and cleaning. We planned to drive back home that night (it was a 3 hour drive). Before we headed for home, we ate dinner at the home of the family who hosted the seminar. We were so touched by the kindness of everyone involved with the seminar and their generosity to us. It was a short, but enjoyable family trip. (we wish we would have taken some pictures! I guess we were truly relaxing!)

Mom's Morning Out

One of the "grandmothers" in our ward has started a new monthly activity for mothers. It is primarily for mothers of young children, but she invites all mothers who are interested. She chooses a book or theme each month to give an informative and inspiring lesson. She usually has handouts or other items to share that go along with the lesson. She then has a full lunch prepared for the moms (as well as for the children who are being tended by others during this time). These lunches are really yummy and the tables are decorated so beautifully for whatever holiday is happening that month. It has really been a neat experience to go to these. I have loved the little "break" it gives me and the chance to be uplifted by a message specifically for mothers. I also really enjoy the time to visit with the other moms who come.

It has also been a good experience for me to watch the example of this sister (and those who help her in the nursery and with lunch) . I love how she has chosen to serve and use her free time now that her children are grown. She remembers what it was like to be "in the trenches" and she found a way she could strengthen and show love to those who currently are in that stage of life. I have been really touched by her efforts and can see that the other mothers have been too.

"And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:32
"By love serve one another." Galatians 5:13

Updates

So......................... the play is moving along nicely. We are about 10 pages from the end, and then we start running through the WHOLE thing. I am learning all my songs, and my lines. Well, trying to anyway. School is doing okay.

I recently read The Undaunted by Gerald N. Lund and LOVED it!!! It was amazing. For school I am currently reading Sherlock Holmes Mysteries. We have a book with ALL of the Sherlock Holmes adventures and novels and I am really enjoying reading it.
We have also been watching a bunch of Olympics since they started. We have seen Men's Short Track, Bobsledding(?), Ski Jumping, and Women's Mogul, possibly more. It was cool because a USA girl named Hannah Kearney won Gold! Personally I think my favorite sport is Ice Dancing!!! My favorite team is Merill Davis and Charlie White(USA), they are fab, so keep an eye out for them! I also like Men's skating. My favorite skater is Johnny Weir(USA).
That's the latest and greatest. See my Blog for more news, and pictures. I update it usually once or twice a week. Sometimes more.


Love,
Hannah

Sweet Recipe

We've been studying a nutrition and health curriculum (http://growinghealthyhomes.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=182) and have been learning some great things about eating healthier. The curriculum has some great recipes to try (many are healthier versions of familiar favorites)

Here's one we tried for our Valentine's Party at Co-Op. It's a healthy sweet treat. It was great! Everyone who tried it loved it! It's also gluten-free. (though not good for those with nut allergies)

Almond Butter Chip Bars

1 16oz organic creamy almond butter (not "no-stir")
1 cup Blue Agave nectar sweetner (can find at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, etc)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 cup organic carob chips or dark chocolate chips (we used carob)

Mix almond butter with a hand blender until creamy. Add blu agave, eggs, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Mix half of the carob/dark chocolate chips into the batter. Pour batter into a well greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with the rest of the carob/chocolate chips. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Once out of the oven, it will look like a puffed up souffle. Let it sit for five minutes before cutting and serving. Substitute other nut butters for unique flavors.


Let us know how you like it!

Arizona Trip--Funeral

Our month started pretty normal (as normal as possible while Cathy was recovering from illness the previous week). About mid week we got news that Derek's grandmother had passed away. It wasn't a surprise, as she had been struggling on and off for a couple of years. We had a day to decide if we would go to the funeral. In the end we decided to go. It's always nice to be with family to pay your last respects to a beloved grandparent. The children hadn't been to a funeral yet (those who had in the past were really young then), and they wanted to experience it. We were also looking forward to a few days with family.

We had the usual long drive, but it went pretty well. Katelyn struggled the most, but in general did better than expected. Even Laurel and Samantha surprised us how quiet and content they were through the long drive. (I think it was mostly due to having such great big sisters available to entertain and help them)

Once in Mesa, we had two full days of time with cousins and aunts and uncles. Plenty of visiting and playing. (some of these pictures were taken by Aunt Diane--thank you!)

Our children and their cousins enjoying Grandpa Taylor's back yard

Hannah with cousin Sarah

Jamie with cousin Sidney

Samantha with cousin Reagan

Katelyn, 4 months, with cousin Owen, 1 month

The third day there was the funeral, which was touching. I didn't know Derek's grandmother very well, so it was neat to hear her life history. It was special to see so many of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gathered to remember her.
Since I didn't take pictures during this time, check out my sister-in-laws blog with pictures at http://dannyandbeka.blogspot.com/2010/02/grandma-mary-taylors-funeral.html

After the luncheon, the remainder of the day we relaxed and spent more time with the family. That evening we had the monthly Taylor birthday dinner with everyone and that was fun. We were also celebrating Grandma Taylor's 60th birthday! And we also spent time repacking for the drive home. It was a quick trip, but a nice change of scenery for a few days!

Some of us "sisters" having a good chat

Derek, Samantha, and Cathy enjoying the swing

Samantha had lots of smiles for us on this trip

At the birthday dinner--the line of up of February birthdays.
Cathy, Grandma Taylor, Aunt Anna, and cousin Matthew (in front of the cake)

Cathy and Katelyn

The Last (and best) Pinewood Derby

This was Adam's last year to participate in the Pinewood Derby. His first year he had come in last place each race. The next year his car did better. This year, he had high hopes that he could win a race. With the help of his friend, Grandpa Cate, he was able to get his car prepared. When his car raced this year, it was first in his heat. His time was 2nd in his age group. Adam was thrilled to have greater success this year. Though I must say, in all the years he participated in the Pinewood Derby, he always had a good attitude, win or lose.

Back at it again

We were enjoying a blessed time...when Laurel either seemed to forget about undressing herself, or she was starting to mature a little and was no longer interested. Well, I knew she was back at it again when I heard a child calling, "Mom! Laurel's reading a book, naked!" Yep. Even in the cold winter, she doesn't seem to mind running around in her birthday suit. She's even stepped up her efforts a notch this time too. I walked into the room where Katelyn was laying (and unfortunately we had left her alone with Laurel) and I found Katelyn stark naked. Her diaper and clothes right next to her, and Laurel sitting there observing her handy work. I guess it doesn't matter how long you've been a parent. There can always be something new to surprise you!

A houseful of book readers

All of our children love to read. Even the little ones can be found looking at books at least once a day. Usually we can find a few children scattered about reading a book, but rarely all at the same time and all in the same room. This is what I found the other day.

I guess we should call our living room the Book Nook!

Stake Play

Hi everyone! My stake is doing a youth play called, The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux! We had tryouts at the beginning of December. Last Night(Jan 13) we recieved the Cast List. I go the part of Wendy March, the story's heroine! I really didn't think I would get a main part, even though I really wanted it. When Sister Clark, the director, called me on Tuesday night, I began to think I would have a chance. I am so excited! It will be fun, to act as a lead in my first big play! I will keep you posted.

Love,

Hannah(aka-Wendy March)

What's new with the little ones

Katelyn is three months old now and just growing so well. She gets so bored laying on a blanket or in the swing that we got out a new toy for her.


It entertains her for a time, but she only tolerates it for so long. Her favorite place is still in someone's arms. Katelyn is also cooing more and she must be in the early stages of teething, as she drools a lot and puts her fingers in her mouth to chew on.

At church, Katelyn has a friend, Sister Huang, who loves to hold her. It is so sweet when she comes up to us smiling and with her arms open to take her.

Laurel continues to add to her vocabulary each week. It's nice to be able to understand her speech a little more. Her favorite activity is asking "what's this?" over and over while she points to different things. Her question, "Where's Dad?" continues to come up 2 or 3 times a day. Then she adds, "Where's Mom?" and "Where's me?".

Laurel loves to "go". If anyone puts on their shoes (whether or not they are actually going somewhere) she says, "I come!" and runs to her shoes. Once in a while we can leave without her, but most of the time she insists that she gets to go when someone is leaving the house. As with many other things in her life, she is very definite about what she wants!


Samantha really likes painting these days, and asks to paint almost daily. When she does get to paint she usually paints "rainbows". She fills the whole paper with color. It's quite beautiful.

Sammie loves to help in the kitchen. She's the designated bagel butter-er on the days we have oatmeal. Her and Laurel crowd around me when I'm making anything that needs to be stirred. Sammie is also helping with a few chores, now that she is four. Her favorites are organizing the shoes at our "shoe depot" and helping set the table.

Samantha has a great giggle. We tease her that her belly button is her giggle button. Sometimes we don't even have to push her giggle button to get her going. It's fun to make her laugh.

We sure love these little ones! Their hugs and smiles make our days.

Pruning rose bushes

We enjoyed a fun service project this month. We (all but the three youngest children) joined with hundreds of other volunteers at the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden to prune their roses. We had previously watched a video showing us how they prune their roses. We then show up at the designated time and got further instruction. It was pretty fun. Though, when you're not used to pruning and the clean up, it doesn't take long to get tired. We didn't get any good pictures but you can see a video summary here. Cathy was very grateful to learn how to prune rose bushes because we have 6 bushes in our backyard and she was able to get them pruned a week later.

Finally...it came out

Jamie had a few weeks of being bothered by a loose tooth. No matter what she ate, or how she wiggled it, it just wouldn't come out. It became quite a concern for her. Then, by surprise as she was sitting at church, the tooth came out. She caused such an excited stir that a few people around us were offering plastic bags and tissues to put the tooth in until she got home. Makes for an interesting day at church!

Jamie was quite excited to have her tooth gone!

New Year's Eve

This was our second year staying up late with the kids. The rule is that if you are under 12 (or a mom) you had to get a nap in the afternoon to stay up. Just about everyone did too. Laurel went to bed by 10pm, but the rest made it until midnight. Even Samantha amazed us. She was determined not to go to bed early. We had pizza and lots of snack foods for the evening. Movies and games kept us busy. Our friends, the Sareddy's, joined us for a few hours as well. We also spent some of the evening working on a 1000 piece puzzle (and finished it about a week later). It was a fun night!

Hannah, Jamie and Mackenzie beginning our 1000 pc puzzle

the finished puzzle days later

Laurel enjoying a chocolate covered pretzel

Laurel had a hard time staying asleep New Year's eve, so she's pretty tired looking by the time we celebrated at midnight

Hannah had way too much energy at midnight!

Christmas Eve/Morning

Christmas Eve day we finished up all our gift wrapping and preparations for the evening. We then prepared dinner and enjoyed a nice meal. Afterwards, we had the children dress up and act out the Christmas story as Derek read it from the scriptures.

the Angel (Samantha) bringing news to Mary (Jamie)

Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus

Later in the evening we went on some secret gift deliveries and had a lot of fun doing that. We didn't even get caught! We then drove around a bit in San Jose and looked at Christmas lights. We saw a street that had super tall reindeers (looked 8 to 10 feet tall), about 4 of them hooked together by strings of lights and a sleigh at the end. This display ran in front of 4 or 5 houses since there was one reindeer per yard. It's amazing what people will do to decorate for Christmas!

Once we got home, we got everyone ready for bed, and because we had all our wrapping done, we were able to put things out under the tree and be in bed by 10pm. It was great!

Christmas morning didn't start too early, which was a really nice gift! The children had fun going through their stocking gifts which they had given to each other. We had a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, bacon, eggs, juice and egg nog. Yummy!

Christmas morning

Katelyn was our little elf this year. This outfit was given to Hannah as a baby, by her Great Grandmother O'Dwyer. Ever since, whoever is having their 1st Christmas, has gotten to wear the elf outfit. Thank you Grandma!

Katelyn, almost 3 months

After breakfast we opened our gifts and enjoyed the thoughtful presents we had been given. We then spent the rest of the day relaxing, reading, watching new DVDs, and playing games. It was a nice break after such a busy month!

We love the Christmas season and have felt the great joy that comes from sharing time and gifts with others. We have also felt love and support from family and friends. The Christmas Season truly is JOY.