SpOoK and SpRinT

A few days before Halloween my sister Colette called me to see if we wanted to participate in a Spook and Sprint Halloween morning. I had planned to stay at her house the night before Halloween anyway so I said "Of course" and was very excited, especially when she told me there would be costumes.



I bought a pumpkin Halloween costume for Charlie. When I got to Logan I decided I should try it on him. It didn't fit! Ahh, it was the night before Halloween. Colette, Vanessa, Savanah and I went to find Charlie a new costume. We went to four different stores. Who would have thought it would be so hard to find a dog costume? We had nearly given up hope when we found a puppy banana costume that was Charlie size. It fit him perfectly. A.J. decided he would take advantage of Charlies too small pumpkin costume and wore it to the race instead. I'm glad it went to good use. You can see him in the background of the picture. Ha!



We woke up got ready and headed to the Spook and Sprint. Charlie as a banana, me as an In N Out worker. When we got to the Spook and Sprint it turned out there were fewer people in costume than we had thought. It turned out to be a very fun morning. I always love spending time with Colette and her family. And Charlie was an outstanding little banana dog racer! Happy Halloween everyone!

Cupcakes and General Conference

I was so happy to be able to watch General Conference last week. Colette had invited our family to her house to watch conference on Sunday and I had offered to provide dessert. I decided I wanted to make cupcakes for dessert so the baking started Saturday morning at 7:30.

I love to bake and try new recipes so it was a great day for me. However, being able to listen to general conference was the best part of the day. The talks that impacted me the most were Elder Holland and Elder Eyring. The way they express their love for the Savior and the humility they convey while testifying of Christ and sincerely committing to be better makes me humble and meek and submissive to the promptings of the spirit. If an apostle of the Lord dedicates himself to be a better more worthy more grateful saint, I too can make the commitment to be a better person. I hope that I will be able to do so.




I made 7 dozen cupcakes in the flavors of Pumpkin with Cream Cheese Frosting, Coconut with Almond/Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting and Chocolate with Chocolate Butter Cream frosting topped with miniature Snicker Bars. It took me until 4:00 to finish all of the cupcakes so, luckily I was able to listen to both sessions of Saturday conference while I baked.

A Trip to the Rockies

I made a quick weekend trip to Denver in August with Tricia, Dustin and Heidi. Brock lives there so we met him and spent the weekend hanging out. We ate a D Bar desserts which is exciting for me because it is owned by Gehard Butler who often appears on the Food Network as a Judge. I love the Food Network and watch it often for those of you who don't know. :)



There was an international sales convention in Denver that weekend. It just so happens there were several Brazilians staying in our hotel. Of course I take advantage of any opportunity to practice my Portuguese so, I immediately started a conversation on the elevator when I heard the Brazilians speaking. They were so excited I knew Portuguese and as the conversation ended they asked me if I would like to go to McDonald's with them. I politely declined and couldn't figure out how to tell them I haven't eaten at McDonald's in probably 10 years. I didn't want to burst their bubble.


The next day Trish and I were doing a little Saturday shopping at the 16th street mall. We ran into another group of Brazilians at TJ Maxx. Again I started a conversation with them and soon we were surrounded. We received several invites from all of them as well, for dinner, dancing, exchanging emails. It was quite hilarious.



We went to the Rockies game that night and ate some more really great food. I left on Sunday for California for work. I missed my flight and was delayed a few hours. I had to catch a flight into a different airport, rent a car and drive about an hour to where I needed to be. I was exhausted by the time I finally got to my destination. But the trip went well and it was good to see Brock and spend time with Trish, Dustin and Heidi.

Family Vacation

The words family vacation may in fact be scary for some people. The thought of spending numerous days with your family in a remote place together may cause some people anxiety. When my mother decided she wanted our entire family to go on a vacation together I slightly anxious about it but ended up having a great time.



My mom decided she wanted us to have the opportunity to learn more about our Taylor family heritage. Her parents, my Taylor grandparents passed away years ago. I believe I was 8 when my grandpa passed away and still in high school when my grandmother died. If my grandpa were still alive he would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. He was such an amazing man. He served his God, his country and his community only because he wanted to be a good man. Several stories were told of his devotion, loyalty and love for those he served. I hope that his legacy lives on. My sister Colette's post titled The Legacy explains why my grandpa Taylor was such an amazing man.





We spent a short time at fish lake close to where my grandparents lived, we stopped in the town where they used to live and spent time at Capitol Reef national park and Goblin Valley. For many years of his life my grandpa managed cattle in the desert. The registered brand of my grandpa was the box bar brand. All of us wore t-shirts with my grandpa's brand..box bar. It was the catalyst of creating some really great memories.






I love my mom very much for making all of us go on a family vacation. We all grew closer together and gained a greater understanding of our heritage.

GGGGOOAAALLLLL!

My sister, Monica and her husband have had season tickets to the Salt Lake REAL soccer team for years. I have had season tickets for a couple of years but not every year like Monica and her family. This year the REAL had a great package deal on their tickets and through Monica and Scott I was able to get tickets for the season again.

My friend Heidi is a very avid soccer fan as well and has been gracious enough to come with me to more than one of the games. She is even die hard enough to sit through them with me in the rain. Of course for true soccer fans it doesn't matter the weather or the sacrifice you're just there to see the game. It has been a really great season and I am sooo happy I was able to get the tickets again!! Go REAL, see you at the playoffs baby!!

Celebration Baskets

I started making what I call celebration baskets this year. The basket in the picture was for my friend Brianna's birthday. I made homemade granola, caramel puff corn, white chocolate covered pretzels and bittersweet chocolate brownie cookies for her basket. It has been a great project for me and I love brainstorming and making the goodies to put in the baskets. I've actually thought of starting my own celebration basket company someday. Who knows what the future holds.... but don't be alarmed if I become famous someday! (Hahaha!)

A Little of This... A Little of That

I have been slowly updating, remodeling and changing my house. I have lived here now for three years. That seems absolutely crazy to me. I recently made the decision to pull the carpet out of my living room and have the original hard wood floors restored. I should have done it long before. I love, love, love the refinished wood floors. They are so nice and so much easier to keep clean. I just have to find a way to keep Charlie from slobbering all over them. (I don't think that is going to happen any time soon...)

Special Delivery!!

I got a new baby nephew this summer. Sweet little Seth (Setharoni) was born in August. He is the fifth little person to be added to the lives of Austin and Alysha. And the 14th of the nieces and nephews I have. He is so little and so cute and such a good boy! I can't even wait for him to grow up so I can become his favorite Aunt like I am for all the others!! Haha! Congrats to Austin and Alysha for a very handsome little boy!

Elephant Rock

Looking west to the Great Salt Lake


The Trail

A few weeks after I got Charlie, he and I hiked to Elephant Rock. It's a little hike here in Bountiful up the canyon to a rock that looks like an elephant (only a little bit like an elephant in my opinion). It is about 6 miles round trip. We started a little late so by the time we got to the top of the trail the sun was going done. I hadn't planned for the dark. So, Charlie and I started to run. We ran most of the way down but then it got to dark for me to see so we had to walk. I kept trying to use my phone as a flash light but it didn't work to well. We did however make it down safely and both had a great time. Charlie met several other dogs on the trail. He loved his life that day. It was good times. Next time I'll pack a flash light :)

It's What Fun Is

I bought myself a season pass to Lagoon this year. Yep, I sure did. It was actually lots of fun. I spent several Saturday's at Lagoon A Beach in the lazy river and I don't even feel guilty about it. Heidi had a work party at Lagoon at the first of the summer so I joined Dustin, Heidi and Kelli for a night of a few rides. I think I actually only ended up riding 4 rides but it was tons of fun. Although I am not a kid anymore I still love a good ride!!

Iron Chef ?.. Perhaps just Pampered Chef

I hosted a Pampered Chef party this summer. It was actually quite fun. We made some really chicken sliders and homemade salsa. You can see Brianna and Janeal getting in on the action. It was fun to make great food, chat and buy some great kitchen tools.

Sleepover Parties

I was lucky enough to be the host of a few niece and nephew sleep overs this summer. The ironic thing was that they happened one day after the other. Ethan, Savanah and Vanessa came to stay with me on a Thursday night. We ate at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries. We took Charlie for a walk to the park and then made Smore's in my backyard! Yum!!



The following night Gracie, Jared and Miya came to sleepover. We ordered Pizza Hut pizza and had a Hershey's chocolate pizza for dessert. Yum, again!! We went to the park by the bountiful Rec Plex and played for a while. On Saturday morning the kids came to Charlie's obedience class with me. They were great to help out the dog trainer train the dogs and held her dog, Bowser for her while we were in class. Both nights were lots of fun. I have the best nieces and nephews in the world!!

My 31st BiRThDaY

I turned 31 years old on July 13th. I can't believe how the years start to fly by when you get older. I had one of the best days ever of course. Because my bday was on a Tuesday and I had to work I spent the Saturday before at the Spa. I had a 90 minute fire and ice massage and a 60 minute facial. Both were divine and I felt like a celebrate when I walked out the door.

When I went to the counter to pay they said that Rhianna had called and prepaid for my facial. I wasn't sure what that meant because I do not know Rhianna. What they meant was Brianna had called and prepaid for my facial. That was such a great surprise. Thanks to Bri for knowing what I love and for making me feel special.

On Sunday the family had a birthday dinner for me which consisted of a Nacho Bar, homemade rootbeer and my Mom's made from scratch chocolate cake. It was delicious. To celebrate the day at work we went for a popcorn lunch which means we went to see a movie and grab some Sushi. It was way yum and super fun! Dinner the night of my birthday was at Arella Pizzeria in Bountiful. Close friends and people that are important in my life were there.



Sweet Kelli made me the most amazing chocolate birthday cake with reese's peanut butter cups crushed on the top. Of course it was amazing. It was such a great birthday. I am so happy for all that I have in my life. Although it is passing by quickly it truly does just keep getting better and better.

Charlie....

I adopted a 3 year old boxer dog from the animal shelter a few months ago. His name is Charlie. He is the best dog ever!!! He was found on the side of the freeway by the highway patrol. The shelter staff was unable to tell how long he had been on his own. When he went for his neuter the vet found that he had low liver function which he said was probably from eating garbage. He had a cough when I first got him and was scared of nearly everything. But, he has adjusted well and now is my new best friend.



He loves to follow me around the house wherever I go. He fell asleep on the floor on this stack of dirty laundry. I like to think it's because it had my scent! Haa! When I come home from work and let him out of his kennel he wiggles his entire body and turns in circles. He paws at my feet until he feels he has had enough love. I've only heard him bark a handful of times. As of late it is when he thinks someone is coming into the house, like the guy who mows our lawn. He likes to protect his territory and I am happy he gets possessive.



Charlie has come to work with me a couple of times just because I don't like leaving him home alone day after day. Even while we are in the office he follows me everywhere. This is a picture of him climbing through my desk to keep himself entertained. He is the best!!

The Race for The Cure

The Race for the Cure was on May 8th this year. My sister Colette and my sister in law Kim came down to participate with me this year. We had a sleepover at my house the night before. Did a last minute shopping trip to Target and grabbed some ice cream. I had talked with Colette and Kim about the race's I had done before. The Race for the Cure is my most favorite race I have ever done. Ever year I ended up running with tears regardless of how hard I try to stay composed. My family kind of made fun of me for saying the race always made me emotional. Colette, Kim and I were walking to the starting line and I looked over a both of them. I was stunned to see they were both trying to hold back the tears and were becoming emotional before the race even began. It was really cool. I'm happy they made it done and had a good experience. Hopefully it can become a tradition for the rest of our lives. To all of those who suffer, or know someone who has suffered from the awful breast cancer disease. The race is for you and you will always be in my prayers.





Colette and Kim both ran for people they new personally in their lives who had been plagued by breast cancer. I love to see people show they care.

My Kitchen Renovations

About a year ago or more I decided I wanted to update my kitchen a little so that it would be a little more me. Well, I started by taking off all of the cupboard doors and applied one coat of primer to half of the cabinets. Then I got busy and bored. I am embarrassed to say, my kitchen stayed like that for months. Then one day a friend of mine said she knew a guy who painted for people on the side to make extra money. She said he didn't charge much and did a decent job. I thought it was a brilliant idea..I called him over to look at it and hired him to finish the painting my kitchen. The I had to summon the help of my brother Austin and sister in law Alysha to help me put the handles on the drawers. You would think I would figure out how to do a project before I dive head into it. Obviously that wasn't the case. However, it is finally complete. Hallelujah! What do you think?

Here is a lovely picture of before....



And here are the pictures of the after...

Not Sleepless in Seattle

I went to Seattle in March to see one of my Brazilian mission companions that was visiting from Switzerland. While we were in Seattle we also met up with another Sister missionary from our mission and had all sorts of good times!! We were definitely not sleepless in Seattle.





Underneath the Fresh Market there is a Wall of Gum. To be honest I think it is absolutely disgusting but actually kind of amazing. The entire wall is plastered with people's gum. Crazy! And as you can see I felt like I had to participate!



We went to the Pier and saw some barges. Cindi fed the seagulls some donuts. That's healthy for them, right?




Eliete and I at Pike Place Market.










Of course we had to eat some Brazilian food!! Yummy!

I love that Seattle city. Such a fun place to be. It was beautiful weather the entire time and I loved spending time with Eliete and Cindi. I hope it isn't so long before we see each other again!!