Family Photos

We went and had a family portraits done today. Logan was a little cranky but we got it done. I suppose that's what I get for scheduling anything at 5:00P.M. I'm so excited because I got the 10X13 I had been wanting. Now I can put each of the boys' pics as well as the family pic up on the fireplace wall!

Hooray for Payton!

Today Abby, Payton and Grayson came over. We hadn't seen them since before Christmas and we're definitely going through withdrawls! We opened presents, ate lunch, had naps, played with the new toys, loved on baby Gray, read books and had a great time! We're so lucky to have such great friends. It's just a plus that the kids entertain each other!

Merry Christmas

All tuckered out

Logan's new friends

Christmas was very different this year. I am learning very quickly how many things I take for granted...like opening presents with both of my parents in the same house, having everyone cranky and tired but at least together and enjoying all of the silly little family traditions.

Despite some of my melancholy, Logan had a very good Christmas. He got lots of toys and learned what unwrapping presents was all about. His two new favorite things to do are ride or pull his wagon all over the house and cook in his new little kitchenette. We can't wait to have Payton over for a playdate...who knows what they will make together!

We miss uncle AJ and aunt Kristin but are so glad that they are safe in SC and from what I hear have already gotten some snow! Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

P.S. The great Dane in the picture about is looking for a home!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
The children were screaming, so who cares about a mouse!
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
And on the TV CMT station did blare!

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
Okay so maybe not…that was just in my head!
With Momma in jammies wishing she’d had a nap,
The children were crazy, Daddy could use a nightcap!

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Dad sprang to the door to see what was the matter.
Momma ran too, to the door in a flash.
Logan wasn’t far behind. He makes such a mad dash!

And then in a twinkling Mom heard in the air,
Ten thousand sirens and we all sent up prayers!
When we ran back inside and were turning around,
Out ran the darn dog, he’d for sure like to drown!

He sprinted from the yard with Mom behind on foot,
And his white coat was soiled with dirt and with soot.
Mom didn’t give up but decided she’d stay,
Who the heck would chase this dog if he won’t obey?

Just then Colby turned around,
Maybe he decided he was cold.
Doesn’t he know running isn’t for him?
He is far, far too old.

So inside we fled and all gathered by the fire.
Another truly Taylor Christmas, of drama we never tire!
We snuggled close together and thanked the Lord we were there.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and to bloggers everywhere!

Rough Time

Hey guys...I know there hasn't been a whole bunch on the blog lately. My family is going through a really rough time right now. I will get back into posting as soon I feel I am able. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Christmas Pic

Remember that adorable picture of Logan and Payton in their Santa outfits we got last year? Abby and I thought it would be fun to put the kids in their Xmas jammies and try it again. This is what we got....

...and let me assure you that we laughed, bought it anyhow and went on with our lives! There is always next year!

15 Months

We have been waiting for the 15 Month Update for Logan's Check Up so we would have all the current numbers! At 15 Months Logan:

1. Weighs 22 pounds 4 ozs.(20%)

2. is 30 3/4 inches Long(35%)

3. Head measures 19 3/4 inches(still greater than 95%)

He sleeps usually 9p.m. to 5a.m. has begun getting up at least once a night in the past few weeks. Logan can walk frontwards and backwards, run, go up and down stairs and is into EVERYTHING!

He can say: Momma, Dadda, Bubba, Nana, Papa, baby, hi, bye, puppy, bite, cheese, trash, shoes, eyes, button and hot!

Favorite things to do are read and dance. There is almost always music on at our house! Mac 'n cheese is a food group and grilled cheese is the next on the list! He doesn't like fruit or veggies and we have to sneak those in any chance we get. He is a good eater but prefers to take his meals on the go and isn't fond of sitting at the table unless there is some form of entertainment going on.

Logan has been going to Kindercare in Augusta since his birthday and it is amazing to see how much he has changed. Just this week he has stopped crying when I drop him off which is super nice!

Hooray For Quiet Weekends

The boys making popping noises with their mouths...

It was cold and nasty this weekend and so we didn't do much of anything! We stayed home and snuggled on the couch, ate good food and watched movies. The highlight of the weekend was Christopher coming home...Logan loves his big brother!

Yay For Baths!

This ornery little man is so cute in the bath! As he learns more about how things work he is so fun to watch. Since he especially enjoys bath time it is one of our favorite times of day also.

Dance, Dance, Dance

Dear Santa,

...Can you hear me? I'm trying to tell you what I want for Christmas! Daddy said there is an app for everything on this phone...I can't seem to find the "Send your list to Santa" app!

Love, Logan

Loving Mommy's Tree

Well we are still a bit cranky but doing better. Logan slept from 9:15-4:30 this a.m. then was ready to go. I had to work and couldn't believe he really thought we needed to be up that early but I used the time to love on my little man and get the bills paid!

Logan loves my tree...he is especially fascinated with my little light up present that lives under the tree. He's gonna be so much fun Christmas morning!

Rough time

Well, I don't have any pics to share tonight. Logan was a complete crab today after having been up four times last night and it seems to not have done a whole lot positive for my mood either. This is such a rough time of the year...all the running around and changes in schedule. Add in getting new teeth and I don't blame the poor kid. I thought for sure by now we'd be expecting our second, I'm almost a bit thankful we aren't. God must have just known that there was no way I could handle Logan while being completely exhausted from pregnancy!
Next month will be the two year anniversary of when we conceived Logan. But just like everything else that comes with being a parent, I am still trying to figure out that I have ABSOLUTELY no control over the situation. However, I am so glad to share that my cousin just found out she is expecting! This means the Stalnaker/Edwards and Howell/Taylor children are restarting the stair step child rearing! First Logan, then Sophia and now baby Edwards! How exciting. Watch out El Dorado School system, here they come! They will have so much fun in high school. I'm so happy that our family is being blessed again.
I'm hoping for a better night tonight and for a good mood for Logan in the morning...and just as an evil side note:I guess if he's in a bad mood tomorrow he will be sharing it with Payton at least for the morning...poor Abby!

Deck the Tree!

So excited to decorate the tree!
Placing the star...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Teamwork

My Boys

This morning I went and picked out the tree and couldn't wait for Christopherto get home tonight to decorate! It's kind of one of the only things we truly enjoy doing together. I was going to do it last friday while he was gone and he got a bit offended! I'm glad I waited though. We had a great time. Logan was in on the fun too! If I have to say it myself I think we have a pretty good looking tree(nothing like Debby's of course!).

Newman Family Thanksgiving

The happy couple
Family pic

Lovin him some Aunt Kate!

Silly Sofi!

Today was our get together with Nana Susan's side of the family. We had great food as always and good company too. We actually made it through dinner without a major catastrophe which is amazing. Christopher was missing but we did manage to get a family picture while Kristin and AJ were here.

Park Time With Auntie Kristin

Logan spent some time with Aunt Kristin at the park this afternoon. He showed her how we feed the ducks, throw the leaves and slide down the slide! Aunt K is so much fun!!!

The Howell Family Tradition

Today we went to the Aunt Helen's farm for the annual Thanksgiving get together. This is probably a little over half of the whole group...some were not able to attend. We also had a little shower from that side of the family for AJ and Kristin. A good time was had by all!

New Chair

Logan is soooo funny. It has been quite the trying couple of weeks...Daddy has been busy working overtime and also moving Grandma Lori closer to us and of course working on the truck! After taking it to the dealership for a diagnostic exam Daddy was finally the hero today and fixed the problem(saving us about $400). Yay, Daddy!

Logan loves this little wooden rocking chair pictured above. I had thought that one of my great grandpas had built it...come to find out my parents purchased it at Lords Acre(a church bazaar where donated items are sold to raise money for the church). They aren't sure who but know one of two men that could have made it. I loved this little chair growing up and it's so fun to watch Logan love it too!

Fall Zoo Day...

So we weren't really sure when we started out this morning if it was going to be warm enough for the zoo...forecast said 68...the truck said 40. But, by the time we had errands run the sun was shining so we set off for our favorite place!

Right after lunch Logan fell and bonked the side of his head pretty good. We thought we might have to leave but he came around. SO, we spent our time indoors at the jungle and the amphibian/reptile place...neither of which we have ever visited more than twice.

We are struggling with our vehicles right now. Prayers would be appreciated! Hopefully we can outlast this little hardship without wanting to hurt each other. Poor Logan is 0-90 these days. We are happy and content then we are throwing ourselves on the floor and screaming like a spoiled brat...no idea how that happened!