The Taylor Family: February 2013

Thursday, February 28

Need a Ride?

These two kids are the best of friends. Abbi came in to my room and said, "Look Mommy!" Oh, how I love them.

Sunday, February 24

Return home and Surprise

After getting all cleaned up this morning and packing our things we headed to Kohl's to do a little more shopping. I enjoy looking around when I am not rushed or have little darling circling my legs. I didn't buy anything there either but had fun before we headed to Panera for lunch. I probably waited too long to eat because I didn't feel very well until after I had finished and sat at the table for a bit. It was great to catch up some more and talk but then it was time to say good bye and head our separate ways. Christina and I got in Oscar and drove back to my house where Noah met us to take Christina home. When I got in I was so happy to see Peter again. I know it was only a little more than a day but I missed him terribly and so happy to get some hugs and kisses from him. When I went to put my stuff in my room I found a big shipping box that said KitchenAid on it. I knew immediately what it was and said, "You bought me this?!" Of course my wonderful husband spoils me rotten so he came over and opened

it all up and took out my brand new standing mixer. I was excited about it. I had been wanted one for a long time but more so recently since my hand mixer died on Christmas day. I had borrowed a friend's once to see if I would like it and was hooked after that. They are quite pricey though and not something I wanted to drop a bunch of money on right now so I had made due with mixing small things by hand and not making anything that wouldn't be able to done that way. I am so excited to make something with my new mixer but I am not sure what to make just yet, in any case a trip to the grocery store is in order.

Saturday, February 23

Girl's Weekend In Gainesville

Christina, Rena, and Reba and I had been trying to organize a girl's weekend. We went to St. Augustine a couple years ago but since then things got a bit hectic for everyone so we hadn't been able to meet up all together again. Finally we all decided this would be the weekend and that we would meet up in Gainesville. Rena has a house there and said she could kick out her husband so we could have it all to ourselves. Reba lives in Tallahassee so she came from there and Christina met me at my house and then the two of us drove up. Reba was going to be later than we were so we met up with Rena at a Mongolian Stir Fry and had a wonderful dinner. I had never been to a place like that so it was a fun and new experience for me. I followed Rena home and then we unwound from the 2.5 hour drive and dinner and just relaxed and talked a bit. Reba showed up just after 11 and I was exhausted because I usually go to bed by 8:30 since I have to wake up so early on work days. We talked a little longer then I headed to bed. Reba had an interview in Ocala so she had to head out until lunch time. Rena, Christina and I wanted to get pedicures so after trying one place that was packed and said they

couldn't help us all at once we stopped at another place that was completely empty and had plenty of employees to help us. I was so happy to get a pedicure, it had been several months since my last one and my toes were feeling very neglected. I chose a pretty blue color and after getting nice and pampered the three of us went to Target. We just kind of wandered around and did a little shopping. I found a cute maternity jacket (surprisingly of the 6 pregnancies I have had I have never bought any) and some headbands--the children keep taking mine. After we killed some time we heard from Reba who was on her way back so we decided to all meet her at Chick-fil-a for lunch. I was starving so this was not a moment too soon. Rena is also pregnant, with her first baby, and is due just a couple weeks after me (actually on Peter's and my anniversary).

We ate lunch and then headed back to Rena's so we could consolidate cars and so Reba could change out of her interview clothes. Next we went to a state park called Devil's

Millhopper which was actually a sinkhole. The park had a probably a couple hundred stairs leading down to the bottom where there was a little stream and lots of plant life. It was really pretty nice and shaded so it wasn't too hot. After we made the trek back up all the stairs Rena and I rested while Reba and Christina walked around a trail that looped around. We decided next we would head to the mall to do

some window shopping. Rena had told us that they didn't really have good deals up there and that Orlando was usually better but it didn't stop us from looking. Peter would be proud that I walked away empty

This morning

handed but Rena and Tina bought a few things. We stopped at the grocery store on the way home and picked up a movie and some things to make
dinner. Back at the house we made a nice big salad as well so spinach stuffed tortellini with spinach in a sun-dried tomato oil with parmesan. I mostly supervised and then enjoyed the food. My feet were a little too sore to stand much after our day. Christina and I played a game of Flash Point while Reba rested a bit and Rena took a shower and then we all headed out for ice cream. Reba told us all about this place that makes homemade ice cream and how we couldn't leave without trying it. It was also her and Rena's birthday earlier in the week so we

needed some sort of sweet treat to celebrate. I got the house chocolate and Reba was right, it was very good. We went back to the house once again watched the movie we had picked up while Christina and I added some fun stamps to our pretty nails.

Monday, February 18

Family Day at work

Every year the children get President's Day off from school but I still have to work at the Police Department. A couple years ago the PD and the Fire Department joined together to start a Family Day on President's Day where they make yummy food and set up fun stuff for all the kids to enjoy. It's a nice break for me too because I get to hang out with my family for a couple hours and not deal with all the usual Monday stuff for a little bit. Peter brought the children down just after 11 and after getting signed in we headed to the FD bay to get some food. Our PD guys make some awesome smoked meat. They start around 4am and cook until it's time to eat. This year they made pulled pork sandwiches and hotdogs for the kids. There were also chips, veggies, goldfish crackers, and cake to go along with the meat. The children all ate happily and Peter and I enjoyed our meals too. After we filled up we went around to the various activities that were available. The children all got to spray the fire hose, a fire extinguisher, explore a patrol car, the Swat Tank, and the firetruck. We watched the Swat guys repel from the top of the building and the FD guys climb to the top of the Ladder truck and repel from there. The girls got to go into the Fire training Trailer where they heard thunderstorms and were alerted about severe weather, then smoke started to come into the room and they had to find a safe way out (through a window over the sink). All three of the children got lessons in CPR and some tattoos and Fire bracelets. Eventually it was time to go and they were sad, so was I. I couldn't go with them but I only had a couple more hours to work and then I would be headed home too.

Sunday, February 3

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Today is Peter's Birthday so we had to make it all about him. We went to church this morning for the first service and then went to Five Guys for lunch. The children were excited because they love the food there and always enjoy eating out. When we got home Peter decided he wanted to watch a movie as a family so we all cuddled up on the couch and watched The Muppet Movie. I had to get some food prepared for the evening so I worked in the kitchen mostly so everything would be ready. We were going to our Life Group tonight (like every Sunday) but since tonight was the Super Bowl we were having a nice social with lots of food after our normal group time. I made a big veggie tray and some Dill Dip and brought some cookies. At Life group there was a ton of food from everyone and we all enjoyed our time there. We left about half time to get the children home. They have school tomorrow and I have work so we couldn't be up too late. Last Friday we had met Peter's Dad at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner which was very nice and tasty. Peter was excited because he got to have his favorite cheesecake. I somehow managed not to take a picture the whole day but not for lack of fun and good times being had.