The Taylor Family: November 2007

So sorry

I know I have been neglecting the blog lately, but I do have good reason. As Peter stated, we are so very tired. Luckily my class was canceled last night so when I got home I went to bed and fell asleep just after 8:00. I know, I can't make fun of my friends for being old and going to bed early anymore. I am loving my new job and I spend the last two days at a class for Evidence Room management and learned a lot of things (especially since I didn't know anything to begin with). I met a bunch of people from around the state that have my same job, as well as some people as far as Hawaii. I just happened to get lucky that this class had already been paid for by my department and I started just in time to take it. The girls are doing well, getting adjusted to the new schedule is a little hard but they are resilient and will adapt quickly. Brye is doing great in school and Abbi likes going to Daddy's shop. Tomorrow Peter and I have a wedding to go to in Tampa and we will be coming home on Sunday. I will update the blog then and add pictures too.

Very tired

This week has been a bit much for us so far. We've begun waking up much earlier than we are used to to get Chellee to work and so we are feeling it. Chellee enjoys her job so far, but with only one car we have to do everything as a family, including getting her there before 7:00. That means we have to get up at 5:30 in order to get the girls up and fed so that I can drop Chellee off and still be able to get to work and get Brye to school. It's only been a few days and so I know it will get easier, but for now it's a bit much. It's worth the trouble though.

Something Fishy

A new start

Today, I finally had my first day of work. It took a long time to get all of the background checks and paperwork through City Hall but I finally got the call to start. I had to go through an FBI background check, a Law Enforcement background check, a drug test, a physical, a lie detector test and lots of paperwork. Today I went in and ordered all my uniforms and got issued these really cool boots

and some clothes to wear while I wait for mine come in. I learned a lot about how to log in evidence and how it must be properly presented. We gave back stolen items to a victim and a couple lost wallets and a purse to other people. It was very interesting and I got a hang of logging the evidence pretty quickly. One of the CST tried to introduce me to everyone but just about everyone already knew me because I volunteered there everyday. Tomorrow I will go and do it all over again, and I must say, I am excited to finally be there.

Bye Bye

Today was a sad day because we had to say good by to our friends when they headed back home to PA. Luckily they stuck around all day first so we got to hang out one last time. There were a lot of things to be done so we stayed home all day and made sure everything was taken care of.

Sean and Ali cleaned out their car and then packed it up while all the kids colored with chalk and blew bubbles outside. Once all the pieces were picked up again and all the bubble bottles had lids on them again we moved the party inside. Sean and Ali stayed busy cleaning their rooms (against our orders) and the kids cleaned the girls rooms. Later the girls all made pretty necklaces and bracelets and the guys hung out and had some fun playing video games.

After nap time, I made dinner and then we said our final goodbyes and they headed out. I pray that they have a safe and uneventful trip and get home with plenty of time rest up for the new weeks events. We love you Sean and Ali, and you are always welcome in our home!

Another full Day

We all woke up a little late today so we got a later start than we had anticipated. We got up and cleaned the kids and ourselves and then had some lunch before heading out. Yesterday, my mom bought all three of the girls matching outfits to wear today so we were excited to see them all dressed alike. They were so cute in the clothes and although Brye is the oldest she is only slightly taller than Abbi so it looks like Seyonna is the oldest and Brye and Abbi are twins (we get asked that at least once a day).

The guys wanted to go to Lyrical Lumber (the guitar shop they both worked at for a long time a few years ago) which is in Maitland. We had one seat less than we needed in our van so we had to take two cars. We loaded them up with bikes and strollers and rollerblades and carts before heading out. When we got to Lyrical we hung out for a little while and the girls serenaded me with their version of

"You are my Sunshine" on the guitar. They are so cute. Brye is ready to be a rock star, she even has the shades going for her. :) Ali and I took her kids with us and my girls stayed with Peter and Sean at the shop. We went around a picked up a few caches with Gabe and Noni. When Peter and I went up to Maryland earlier this year to see my brother we went a little farther and met up with Ali and we did some caching with her. Apparently

Gabe thought it was the best thing in the world so we had to make sure to get some more while we were all together again. When the boys finished the took our girls and met us at Cady Way bike trail where we all got some exercise. Peter and I rode our bikes while Sean and Ali rollerbladed and pushed their kids in strollers.

We went until it got dark and then headed back to the car. Lastly, we went to Chuckie Cheese for dinner. Rena and Reba had given us a gift card a while ago and we forgot it the last time we went so we still had it to use this time. We all ate pizza and then the kids

played until they were out of tokens and then we left. Most of the kids fell asleep on the way home but we were all ready for bed when we got there.

Black Friday

This morning Ali and I took the girls and braved the crowds at the Sanford Mall. It wasn't as bad as the bigger malls so we didn't get overwhelmed. I am sure the Altamonte Mall and FL Mall and the Mall of Millennia were awful. Normally we don't

do the after Thanksgiving shopping thing but my mom wanted to get together again before the Sean and Ali had to leave. We met up with my mom and did a couple stores and poked and touched lots of stuff. Mom had fun taking advantage of the sales. The boys took Gabe and went to

Peter's shop where they worked on guitar stuff. Us girls got home and fixed lunch and after a little quiet time we took all the kids over to Blue Springs Park. The weather was great but it got cold fast once the sun set. We saw the manatees and turtles and then the kids relieved some energy by

running all over the playground there. Later Ali and I went out and picked up some groceries and after the kids ate and went to bed us adults stayed up and played games and watched a movie.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope you all had a great Thanks-
giving! This year we had the big dinner at our house and my mom and Jim came over in the afternoon. We were also very blessed to have our friends Sean and Ali come down with their children from PA. They drove all night to get here by dinner time and they made with a few hours to spare. They will be staying with us until Sunday when they have to take the long trip back home. We had a great dinner and everything was delicious. After we had eaten and cleaned up the kids played for a while and then we decorated our Christmas tree.

Bread Winners

At Sunday School over the weekend, Brye got some dough to make homemade bread. When we got home after church we made the bread as directed and then shared it at dinner time. Brye

was very excited to make the bread and it was great practice for tonight when we made 6 loaves for dinner tomorrow. I made three for us and also three more to take to the Police Station tomorrow. Some officers have to work and can't spend the day with their families so every year the volunteers bring in a full Thanksgiving meal so the officers have good food to eat.

Night caching in the woods

Last night there was an event out in one of Seminole Counties Conser-
vations. A local cacher had put out a very evil puzzle cache that had to be done during the night because you had to

follow small reflectors that were nailed to trees. The cache was actually really cool but being that you had to do it at night I had never attempted it. That same cacher put on an event, and afterwards was taking a group of people through the woods to the cache so of course I joined in on the fun. Peter and the girls came to the first part where we had bbq'd

hot dogs and yummies. After the cookout Peter took the girls and hiked the 1.5 mile trek through the woods with 14 other people. I hitched a ride with a cacher that lives near my end of town that I have ridden with before. The night cache was amazing and excellently put together. I had the best time, I wish there were more caches like that. The pictures are the four of us at the event,

me at the final stage, the whole group of people who trekked through the woods (except the owner who took the picture), and just a few of us before we all went home.

EXTRA, EXTRA!!!

This morning in the Orlando Sentinel, Peter's picture was front page news in the Sunday Volusia section. I went to pick up a few papers after dropping the girls off at Sunday School and while I was going through trying to find the article,

I was surprised at how hard it was to miss. There were a total of three full color images as well as a complete article on Peter's shop and what services he offers. The article also included where the shop was, the hours, and the phone number and website. I love free advertising! You can read the entire article (without pictures) on the Senitinel's website. Above is the first portion of the paper. If you click on the image, it will open larger in a new window and you can actually read the print. The rest of the article was inside, and we haven't scanned it yet but I am hoping to have the rest of it up here shortly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!!!

Today is my little brother's 19th birthday. Brian is currently in A-school in Great Lakes, IL, where he is training to be a Gunners Mate for the US Navy. He is doing excellent in his classes and is getting 100%s left and right as he continues to lead his class in eminence. Brian will be coming home on leave on December 20th for Christmas. I can't wait to see him again! Brian, we love you, we miss you, and we are so very proud of you! You have come a long way!! Happy Birthday!

Prayer Request

1. My Grandmother, Ann, went to the doctor on Wednesday where a plum size tumor was found near her liver. The doctors believe the tumor is inoperable as it is located extremely close to the major arteries that feed the liver, which Ann only has 50% of. Ann has a CT scan today to see if there is any way the tumor is operable. The doctor is recommending radiation for the tumor but we are not sure if this specific procedure is available in upstate, New York where my grandparents live. Please keep Ann and my family in your prayers in hopes that God's Will is for Ann's body to heal itself and have no pain.

Matthew 7:8, Luke 11:10
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

2. My close friend, Claire, has a daughter who just found out she has a malignant tumor the size of a Nerf football in one of her kidneys. Donna is scheduled for surgery after Thanksgiving to remove the kidney, but she is experiencing breathing problems, and this has to be resolved before the operation. She has as portable breathing machine to get that done. Thankfully, Donna's other kidney is fine. At this time they don't believe that there is any cancer in the lungs that is causing the breathing problem. The doctor's believe that it is "throw out " from the kidney pushing up into the lungs. There will be an oncologist at surgery to make a determination of the lung condition, and they will proceed from there. She will have chemo and possibly radiation. Donna's spirits are good and is ready to meet this thing head on. Please keep Claire and her daughter, Donna, as well as their family in your prayers.

Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

3. Lastly, my friend Dave lost his father to cancer on Wednesday. His father, Gerald, had fought cancer and won once before but this time it wasn't God's Will. The death was somewhat unexpected as Gerald seemed to be getting stronger and better and his condition didn't seem too serious. Please keep Gerald's son, Dave, Gerald's wife, Toby, and the rest of their family in your prayers. This holiday season is going to be very rough for the Thierer Family.

Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Coming Soon

Peter got a call from the Sentinel who wanted to do an article on him and his shop. They asked him a bunch of questions and came out with cameras to take lots of pictures of the shop and Peter at work. We are anxiously awaiting the full article, but this little snippet was on the front page of the local section of the paper today.

1 down, 7 to go

In the past couple on months there have been an increasing number of stray dogs running around the neighborhood. There are usually two dogs at a time and they are drawn to our house like moths to a flame. I am not a dog person, but I appreciate them as pets and sometimes consider getting a family dog of our own. Peter and I do not have a fence around our backyard, though we really want one, it isn't something we can afford just yet. The other day I saw two pit bulls running full speed behind our house and then they proceeded to do laps around it. I immediately called animal control but they were too late to find them. There are two other dogs that come around and are responsible for destroying our fish pond out front. They jump in and splash all the water out, they knock all the bricks in, and no matter how often I clean it the water is constantly filthy because they wash themselves in it. I love animals and I understand if a dog escapes once or twice every once in a while but this is an ongoing occurrence. I see a stray dog at least once every three days and that is just the times that I am home.

The other day, there were two labs running around and they jumped on our screen in the nursery and it sounded like someone was trying to break in. I was home alone with Abbi so I put up in my room and shut the door and then started checking the rooms before I saw the dogs running in between ours and the neighbors house. I have had enough. Today when I saw a small cute dog in our backyard chewing on something, after having used our wall for a bathroom, I caught him and put him in the garage. I called animal control and they picked him up. I hate the fact that I can't let my girls go out and play because someone else is too neglectful to properly care for their animals. This is the first one I have sent and hopefully the only one I have to. I hope that from this one incident word will spread that animal control will be called and they will respond to unleashed animals.

A day out

I really wanted to get out of the house for the day and since my job hasn't started yet I figured I should take advantage of my freedom while I can. I called my mom in the morning and we made plans to meet at the Altamonte Mall. When I got there with the girls we ate lunch and walked around a bit then we took Brye and Abbi to see Santa. I didn't realize he was at the mall already, I thought he showed up after Thanksgiving. No one was in line because they probably thought the same thing so we wondered over to say "hello." Abbi was scared but Brye went right to him and gave him a big hug and got up on his lap. She told him she wanted "the Princess Sunscreen" that she has seen at the store.

When we were done with Santa we went across the street to the dollar theater and saw Disney's Ratatouille again. It's a really cute movie and we could watch at the cheap theater for less than we could rent it for. We had a great day and went home to clean the house. Later Nathan and his wife Colleen came over and we went through some pictures we helped them shoot of a wedding a couple weeks ago.

Bike it

We had a nice surprise today when Peter's Uncle John came to town and had

some time to hang out. We had a great talk over lunch and as always we were really happy to see him. Later, after we picked up Brye we went on a bike ride. I tried to get a shot of Peter pulling the girls while we were both riding but it didn't work out too well.

Peter's latest Creation

Michael and Chris came over tonight. Mike brought his camera and Chris brought his guitar. This is just one of the many pictures Mike took for Peter.

Cache on

I took the girls out caching with my friend Flora and her daughter. I hadn't been out caching since the big event in the forest

three weeks ago. With all that is going on I don't get out too much and with the prices of gas I can't really justify going many places. I have already found all the caches near my town and in the surrounding cities so I have to drive for a bit to get anywhere that has enough for me to make a day of it. We all had a great time and the girls were such good helpers. They were so well behaved all day, how sweet they are.

Park Fun

After picking up Bresa from school, I took the girls to the playground to run around. It was so beautiful again that we had to take advantage of it. The girls had fun going down the slides and playing on the big rock. I tried to teach Brye how to swing by herself but that is

going to take a few more lessons. She did pretty well though. Abbi got quite adventurous and climbed up this weird ladder thing so she could get to the big slide. You can see her in the picture, it kind of looks like she is climbing on that blue thing but that is actually behind her, she in only on the yellow thing. After about an hour we had to go to get some groceries before we had to pick Daddy up from work. I hope this weather sticks around, I can't get enough of it.

FORT!!

Today, after Daddy went to work, I introduced the girls to the exciting world of "fort." I went to work putting up sheets and

blankets and making a good size fort in our living room. The girls just sat back and watched and asked what I was doing. They must have thought Mommy was going crazy. Once it was all finished I showed the girls the door (the round circle next to Brye). Once inside the girls loved it! We had a wonderful tea party and I told them all about how their Uncle Brian and I use to play fort when we were little. Brye went to work making the fort a

nice house and found a nice spot for Moose to sleep. When it was time for lunch I let the girls eat their sandwiches and pears in the fort, they thought that was great! It made quite the mess outside but it was worth all the fun we had inside.

Operation Christmas Child

I learned about Operation Christmas Child at our church this year.

I had heard things about them in the past but didn't really know what it was all about. Basically, what we do is get a shoe box and fill it up for a little girl or little boy and then bring it to church. The church then takes it to a drop off location and from there the shoe-boxes are sent all over the world to less fortunate children. When I heard about this I just had to get involved. We didn't have any shoe-boxes but you can also use a plastic container that is about the same size. I took the girls to the

book store and we picked up a couple small books for girls about Brye and Abbi's age. I had a really hard time deciding on what to get, I wanted to buy everything to send away but Peter and I haven't got that kind of money. We used some of my gift-cards that I had received and tried to find things that were on sale. I got some awesome pop-up books and really cool color changing sliding books. The girls loved them so I know other girls will too. Later we went to Wal-Mart and tried

to find some essentials like toothpaste, a toothbrush, a holder, soap, socks, and hair things. They ask that you don't send liquid so I couldn't get any shampoo or lotion. We searched for toys and got a couple inexpensive things and then went over to Michael's. The craft store was my favorite, they had some really good sales and I was able to get more than enough to fill up two boxes. We got crowns

because every girl is a princess, we got a kit that you put together and it comes with paint and wood and all, we found 48 markers for $1 so we bought two boxes, and a bunch of other things that the girls thought the "children with nothing" would enjoy. When we got home the girls made bracelet's for the receivers and then they went through all the Halloween candy and picked out every

piece of hard candy and every lollipop to send in the boxes. I explained to Brye that while we still have other kinds of candy, some children have nothing at all and so it would really bless them to have the things we were aloud to send. Brye never once complained and even wanted to put more in the bags after we had already found all the hard stuff. I wrapped the boxes up pretty (as best as I could with the odd shape) and then the girls loaded them up. It took some rearranging and cramming but we were finally able to fit everything into the two boxes.

It broke my heart that I couldn't do more and I cried several times (I know, I am way too sensitive) while trying to decide on what a little girl would like the best with the little money that I had to spend, I really wished that I could make a 100 of those boxes to send but two will have to do. We all had so much fun finding the things and making the box, if you are interested in blessing a child this Christmas you can learn more a SamaritansPurse.org, if you haven't the time to make up a shoebox you can also donate at EZ Give.

All Done!!

Well, today I finished another guitar for my friend Chris Peters. I've been working on it since August with high expectations. The

results were better than I expected. I always try to do my best when I build an instrument and so each one gets better and better. This one was especially fun since it's color scheme was modeled after one of the guitars that inspired me to build in the first place. I learned a lot and in the end didn't want to let it go.
-Peter

Fire

Peter and I got invited over to our friend's, Scott and Diane's, house for marshmallow roasting last night. We loaded up the girls and headed over just after 6.

Scott and Diane already had the roasting sticks ready so after a little bit of veggie eating all the girls started working on their marsh-
mallows. Abbi had a little bit of a difficult time and got very sticky but she enjoyed it all and wanted more and more. Sydney was a great help to Abbi and they got her marshmallows just right. McKenzie helped Bresa with her marshmallows and Brye couldn't get enough. After about four I had to say no more. After the roasting, Peter played some songs on the guitar but we had a hard time trying to figure out songs

we all knew the words to. Later Diane found a bunch of stuff to put in the fire (i.e. shredded papers, cardboard boxes, etc.) and we had a blast tearing everything up and throwing it in. We stayed for a long time, feeding the fire and talking, until finally we knew it was late and we had to go. All in all we had an awesome time and I am saving up all my flammables for the next fire. :) Thanks for the great time Scott and Diane!!

Gratuity

This morning, Brye had her very first play date with a friend from school. Hannah came over and they had a great time but surprisingly enough, Brye spent most of her time playing with Abbi. I thought that was really sweet but I was kind of concerned for Hannah. After Hannah left, and the girls took a nap we got the finger-paints out to make some cards. We had to make a couple Thank You cards for Grandma to express how much we

appreciated all the fun we had last night, not to mention the beautiful princess costumes. After we finished that, we had to make Birthday cards for Miss Kim, who has a birthday tomorrow. The girls did a great job with their pictures and they all turned out very nicely. There is no doubt that Grandma and Miss Kim will be pleased with their cards.

Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween

My mom got us tickets with her discount to Disney's Halloween Party. We got the girls all dressed up in costumes again and took them to the park around 7:30pm. In the park there were character stations where the girls could meet the characters and there were trick or treat spots where you collected candy in Halloween bags that they gave you at the entrance. My mom was with us for most of the night until she had to go to work. We went on a couple rides, got lots of candy, we saw the special Halloween parade, saw the fireworks show, got some character's autographs, and had popcorn. Once again the girls were so pretty in their princess costumes and they got excited when they saw other girls dressed as princesses too. Peter grabbed the camera on the way out of the house (I would have completely forgotten) but there was no memory card in it so we couldn't get any good pictures. We took a few with his phone though, and when he has time to transfer them I will upload a couple onto the post.

This is all the candy we collected from Disney's event, and we only did half of the trick-or-treat spots.

Friday, November 30

So sorry

Thursday, November 29

Very tired

Wednesday, November 28

Something Fishy

Tuesday, November 27

A new start

Sunday, November 25

Bye Bye

Saturday, November 24

Another full Day

Friday, November 23

Black Friday

Thursday, November 22

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wednesday, November 21

Bread Winners

Tuesday, November 20

Night caching in the woods

Sunday, November 18

EXTRA, EXTRA!!!

Saturday, November 17

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!!!

Friday, November 16

Prayer Request

Thursday, November 15

Coming Soon

Wednesday, November 14

1 down, 7 to go

Tuesday, November 13

A day out

Monday, November 12

Bike it

Sunday, November 11

Peter's latest Creation

Saturday, November 10

Cache on

Friday, November 9

Park Fun

Thursday, November 8

FORT!!

Wednesday, November 7

Operation Christmas Child

Tuesday, November 6

All Done!!

Sunday, November 4

Fire

Saturday, November 3

Gratuity

Friday, November 2

Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween

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