Look Who Is ONE Now!!

November 26th marked Gracie's FIRST BIRTHDAY!
I can't believe our baby is growing up so quickly. I'll never forget the first time I held her in the hospital - it was the most spectacular moment! I always thought it was appropriate that she was born right around Thanksgiving - because she has given us SO MUCH for which to be Grateful! She melted our hearts a year ago. And now she continues to make us laugh and enjoy each new day watching her learn and grow!


Gracie could barely hold back her excitement as she waited for her guests to arrive for the party. She even kept most of her sponge rollers in her hair!




We celebrated with friends and family. Everyone looked STUNNING in the Party Hats!


Gracie received many sweet and thoughtful gifts. Thanks to everyone for making her day so special!




She really liked listening to everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to her. She was a little hesitant with the Cake at First...But Then...


She realized with THAT much sugar in front of her...The Party Had Just Begun!


Enjoying the Party with Gwama and Papa Tait.


Having Fun with Grandpa and Grandma Wiscombe.


And in other Gracie Good News, our one-year-old took her first steps just days before her birthday. She is getting braver and faster everyday.

Playing in Paradise!

Jody and I flew to Hawaii this month and really, REALLY took a vacation!


The trip wouldn't have happened if it were not for my parents. They have a timeshare that many years goes unused...so they have "weeks" of vacations that build up over time. My parents rarely travel, because it's just too difficult with Michael; so being able to share this trip with them was a wonder! They were able to book two rooms at the Marriott's Maui Ocean Club on Kaanapali Beach. Thanks to Aunt LaMae for graciously watching Michael and Mom and Dad Tait for taking such outstanding care of Gracie. My mom and I both had our separate melt-downs. I lost it on the plane ride over and couldn't stop crying...I just missed Gracie so much! My mom had a hard time, but she and my dad needed a break from their daily routine. They haven't been on a vacation without Michael in 9 years. We love you Mom and Dad!




While in Maui we snorkeled and saw all different kinds of fish and huge sea turtles. The turtles were just an arms-length away from us. It was so great. We also went on a "Dinner Cruise"...which should have been called a "Booze Cruise"! We don't drink, but those who did provided some great entertainment!


The weather was incredible, and the views were just stunning! We enjoyed building a sandcastle on the beach...


We also shopped around in the adorable town of Lahaina. Thanks to the Lahaina Loony... for making our trip so memorable. You know who you are. Straight Up!


Also while we were on the islands, my dad celebrated his birthday! My dad is the hardest working person I know. He is always looking for ways to lend a hand and ease the burden for someone else. Thanks Dad for everything you do!


We also drove the narrow Road to Hana. (I nearly threw up....it was worse than I thought it would be) We got out of the car quite a few times to enjoy the scenery. Jody led us on a hike through a Bamboo Jungle. It was intense. Jody informed me later that he's read about deadly large snakes that live in Sugar Cane and bamboo rainforests...Hmmm...Glad I didn't know that during our little adventure!


Our hike took us to these waterfalls. Jody is taking in the moment!


Jody and Dad showcased their surfing skills!



All Washed Up!

We went to a Luau and ate foods from Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaii and Samoa.

Halloween was SO Last Month...

So I'm finally posting our Halloween pictures. Each day seems to be a new adventure since we moved down to Utah. Getting Settled, House Hunting, and Jody starting his new job have all been fun. We made the long trek from Montana the day before Halloween...so we should have dressed up like Zombies...because that's how we felt. Jody opted to bust out the ever-spectacular Banana Costume, I was a witch (if you consider wearing a hat a costume!) and Gracie was our little bunny rabbit!


It was so warm this year Trick-or-Treating in Utah! Papa Tait helped Gracie around the neighborhood, where she got lots of treats.


We ran into Aunt Kylene and Uncle Greg Trick-or-Treating. Check out this girl's hair! Wow. They made some radical 80's rockers.


We were so excited to actually BE in Utah, not just for a visit, this Halloween!! Here we are with Michael's and Gracie's Jack-O-Lanterns that my dad carved.


I found an old Halloween picture from 1984 of me dressed as a bunny holding Michael. I guess the bunny costume is the way to go!

Thankful Hearts and More Details...

The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur, but here are the details about our move back to Utah! It's nothing short of a modern day miracle. Amidst dozens of for-sale signs in our neighborhood, a young family bought our Missoula home. In a housing market crisis and a struggling economy - we are overwhelmed with gratitude. We had three people walk through our home to take a look - that's it. We had a deadline of when we really needed to be in Utah, and that was the end of October...Our buyers closed October 30th! We felt the Lord's hand helping and guiding us through each step, and we feel we're supposed to be in Utah.

We still own our home up in Butte – which we continue to rent. We have cherished our time in Montana; however a wonderful opportunity for Jody to continue to work in sales...but now along side his father opened up in Utah. That combined with a tremendous desire to be closer to family brings us back to our roots!

We are anxious to find a suitable home, and while we look, we'll be living in my parent's basement. We feel hopeful that we can find the right place in the next few months.

As for me, I have my Reporter Resume tapes ready to distribute at the Salt Lake Local Stations. You never know unless you try. In addition to all those great experiences up north...nearly freezing to death while doing a live shot for the news should be put toward something...right? It's always been my dream to report in the TV market with faces I grew up watching. We'll see if it's in the cards for me. At this point - Jody and I just feel humbled that we're here so safe and so blessed.

Leaving the "Treasure State" for a Greater Treasure...

It's true...after more than 3 years living in Montana; we have packed our bags and will be heading back down to Utah this week! Thank you to my Mother-in-Law, Irene, who flew up to help us pack. We couldn't have done it without her - She was so helpful! This is a bittersweet move for us, but we are absolutely thrilled to be closer to extended family. Our family is our greatest treasure!


Over the years, Jody and I have learned a great deal living up in Big Sky Country! We have shared sentimental and wonderful memories here including our first Christmas as a married couple, the purchase of our first home...and then another one, and of course - the birth of our beautiful daughter Gracie!


We will miss our fantastic friends the most! In addition to them, we'll miss living under an endless Big Blue Sky, a two lane highway with hardly any traffic, a more relaxed lifestyle, NO SALES TAX, and bolo-ties...most of you probably don't even know what those are...but it's the latest men's fashion in MT! But we won't miss below zero temperatures and seeing snowmen still standing in May. Jody and I built this snowman when we lived in Butte on Christmas Eve...He froze into an indestructible "Iceman" who stood in our yard until late April - So Crazy!


Jody and I have really enjoyed living outside of Utah for awhile to get a different perspective. We have been really touched by the dedication of LDS members here in Missoula who drive 3 hours to visit our Temple in Spokane, Washington. We are thankful for the experience we have had here, and all of you who have been a part of that. We will miss you all!!

A KPAX Goodbye...

Today was my last day working as a Reporter for KPAX-TV. My understanding and love for journalism has really grown in the past couple of years. I've been able to meet and interview many dignitaries and officials. The experience has been amazing! We celebrated my time at KPAX with a giant cake! Yummy.


On my last day I had to shoot an interview with a Zombie for one of my stories...you read it right...a Zombie. I guess it's a good thing I'm leaving when I start interviewing those coming back from the dead!


Here I am with our Weekday Anchor Jill Valley and our Weekend Anchor Trisha Hendricks. I've learned so much from all the people here.


Here I am with Irina Cates, who took my place on the Cops & Court Beat when I went on maternity leave.

One Last Party in the Garden City...

Tonight we got together with some of our wonderful friends who we have met over the past 2 years here in Missoula for a night of fun and laughter. Even though some jokingly asked if we were celebrating that we were leaving. :)


Thanks Janna for organizing this! We love all of our outstanding friends and hope we can always stay in touch!

The Girls!


What was in the punch? Really now!?


Here Jody and I are doing a wild Beyoncé rendition of "Irreplaceable" on American Idol Wii. To the Left...To the Left...

How This Little Pumpkin Has Grown...

Gracie will be 11 Months in just a few days! The time has simply flown by, and everyday is a blessing. I remember a year ago during October...that was when I really started feeling the effects of my pregnancy. Most of the day I couldn't breathe, and my stomach just kept stretching! But I couldn't wait for our own little pumpkin to arrive. Because I love the fall season so much, and the latter part of my pregnancy was during that time of year, I wanted Gracie's middle name to be "Autumn"...However, when she came out looking exactly like Jody - we both knew "Jo" was more than fitting!

LAST OCTOBER...


THIS OCTOBER...


Really...She just wanted to eat the Hay! Talk about a True Taste of the Season...Right?!!