Fine Time with Taylor

Taylor Taylor....She can be so funny!!!! Since her arrival home she has made so many positive changes that I can even begin. So far so good is what we are saying...

Last night her and I had a fun night. After Jackson went to bed I went in and just "hung out" with her. We chatted about her friend Jesse and other stuff. Then I begged her to scratch my back. Literally begged! She has fake nails so when you have that itch...it feels good to have your back scratched. But what was so funny and I am sure this does not do it justice is that she and I got laughing so hard. She made this cat noise while we were talking about something...I don't even remember what the conversation ones. But then I was on the floor laughing and she was in her bed, acting like a cat making these weird cat noises! even the dog came in to check it out.

But it is sill moments like this, that maybe make no sense at all that are so enjoyable. It shows me that we have all learned to laugh again, have fun and take time out of our busy day to just sit, chat, laugh and be a family. It also shows me that Taylor continues to thrive in the changes she has made. She has found God and is serving him.

What a blessing!

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them all." Matthew 18:19,20

Minnesota

This picture is of Jackson on one of his MANY plane rides. I thought it suited this journal entry well since we will be traveling once again!

Well tommorrow the kids and I are jetting off to Minnesota for a long weekend!! I can hardly wait! Statefair here I come!!!! Deep fried pickles, beware! You will be eaten!!!

We will be heading off to the MN Statefair on Saturday with the whole gang! My sisters, mom, dad, and all the kidlets! It will be so much fun! I have spoken with Sarah's kids. Andrew, Abby, Adam & Alex. I told them to beware that they will be tickled and hugged! Then there is Sophie! Jackson and I are going to chase her!! (She is learning to walk) so Jackson said he would show her how!

I can't wait to see Jackson eat his corn on the cob and see all the animals. Go on rides and just have so much fun!!! I am going to boat loads of pictures so that I can have like an 20 page layout!! (not..ok maybe...)

So anyways, say a little prayer for us. I will be flying through Vegas with the kids on a red eye to MN so we can make it. Pray that I survive the journey! I am sure it will be fine, but one never knows how kids will be!

"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." II Thessalonians 3:3

Anniversaries

Well today was our 4 year anniversary….Its hard to believe that it has been 4 years. Funny thing is the other day Jamie or I couldn’t remember the year…Was it 2003 or 2004? Thanks to Chrissy that was clarified that in fact we were married in 2003.

Jamie and the kids surprised me with a dozen roses that were beautiful. I would have posted a picture but I forgot to take one….Then Jamie and I got dolled up and we headed out to my favorite restaurant.

Olive Garden!

There we feasted like kings. We had my favorite toasted raviolis, Jamie had the tour of Italy, I had my cheese ravioli and I sipped on a glass of wine. We had such a good time. We didn’t even have to pay our babysitter! Taylor stayed home with Jackson and did a wonderful job!!

Overall, it was a wonderful day / Night and I look forward to many more years. Jamie. If you read this - I love you very much! Through thick and thin, I will always stand by your side!

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is Love.” I John 4:7,8

Taylor Jordan Hines

Taylor Jordan Hines:

Springboard:
Well first I just want to say THANK YOU to all the staff at Springboard. It is a truly amazing facility and without it who knows where our family would be. It was by the grace of God that we heard of the place and we are ever so thankful that God guided us there. Taylor’s counselors really loved her and really work with these girls 24/7 to help them see there blessings in life, bring God into there lives, and help them prepare for there lives outside of Springboard. Our counselor Trisha was amazing. She is truly and Angel. Taylor learned so much at Springboard, not only about herself, but about relationships, and how different things impact her life. She has made so many positive changes.

She started school again at Desert Ridge High School. She is in 10th grade. She is about 3 credits behind, but she will make that up very fast. She is focusing on her studies and choosing who she will have a part of her life.

In honor of her time at Springboard we will be hosting a garage sale this weekend and the earning will go towards a care package for the girls. I am sure it will include mostly yearn, because the girls can crochet in there down time and they are sparse on "cool" colors as Taylor would say. So are hoping to raise some good Dollars to send them more yarn than they know what to do with.

She is getting anxious for our trip back to Minnesota over Labor day. She can hardly wait for the fair. Plus she can't wait to see her cousins. It will be nice to take her away for a long weekend since she didn't really have a summer or a birthday. I hope we can surprise her with a cake and celebrate with family their if time permits. She will have a blast and I hope that everyone see the wonderful changes she has made and welcome her with open arms.

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy Children" Isaiah 54:13

Mark from HI!!

Thank you Mark!!!

Well On Sunday a good friend of our arrived from Hawaii. We were so excited to see him. We have had some serious fun!! On Monday he slept in until like 2 pm!!! But it was worth it for me. When I arrived home from work, he and Jamie had headed to the grocery store and make me and the kids an amazing dinner!! This salad he made was to die for!!! I could have eaten the whole bowl!!!

Then they made Beef Shicskabobs (Ok I can’t spell), grilled zucchini, grilled egg plant and it was all so wonderful! Fresh herbs garlic and lots of other spices!! I get hungry just thinking about it.

Then last night while Jamie was his photography meeting, Mark took me out for dinner. I put Jackson to bed and then we headed out to BWW!!! My all time favorite place. We had beer and wings. We chatted and had just a grand old time. It was really nice for me to get out and just be an adult for a split moment. It was nice.

So thank you Mark! I truly appreciated my time out last night and the wonderful company! I so hope to come out to Hawaii soon to see you and Jeanie. Safe travels and I hope you and Jamie have a wonderful time in Vegas today! I hope you see your friend Miranda!

Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus." 1 Timothy 1:14

Slide Rock - Sedona AZ

The weekend before Taylor came home we took a drive up to Sedona. Sedona is one of our most favorite places to go. There is always so much to see and even if you see it once you can always go back.

SIDE NOTE: Hopefully my pictures will work this time...

So we headed up early on Saturday morning..Jackson strapped in the back seat our snacks on the cooler and away we went.

We arrived about 9 am. Got our park pass and headed to Bell Rock. We have never hiked that. So we put Jackson in the back pack carrier and away we went. We hiked about half way up. With Jackson it just got too hard. So we headed back down and back to the Van.

Then we headed up to a quite place to have our picnic lunch. We sat by a stream away from anyone. It was quite and peacful. Jackson loved climbing on the rocks.

After Lunch we headed out to Slide Rock. It was full the first 2 times we went by. But the Third times a charm. We got parked, suits on and headed out. Slide Rock is a State Park. It is a natural formation. It Literraly has natural Slides in it.

COUPONS COUPONS COUPONS

WOW!!! I saved 67% on my grocery bill last night!! I got all my Lunchables for free, baby wipes for .49, Salad dressing for .69!!! I scored big time!!!

I just thought I would share because I get a total high out of using coupons and saving boat loads of money. Too bad you can't cash in your coupons. Otherwise I would be rich!!!

Just food for thought..

Jenny