Costa Rica

Passports renewed - Check. Bags Packed - Check. Lots of Hugs and Kisses for the little ones - Check. And Jody and I were off to Costa Rica.

This was an incredible vacation! The first place we stayed was the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort. Costa Rica has volcanic black sand on most of its beaches. In Guanacaste, the sand is white. Both were brilliant and beautiful.


We saw a large amount of the country during our week's stay. In order to see so many sights - we spent hours and hours riding on this tour bus.




Best Nachos Ever. I'm a little nostalgic just looking at this picture.





I met this friend at the Animal Refuge we visited.


This is our mud bath. (Apparently good for the skin.) It was all natural, so when it was all said and done - we didn't smell too good!

Jody and I played Frisbee on this beach. Such a fun day!!


We celebrated Jody's Birthday while we were in Costa Rica. We hung out with an interesting crowd that day.


We saw dozens of crocodiles, and they were all about 16-feet-long. Yikes.
The locals name them. Meet Osama.


And his cousin: Tyson.


With the lovely tropical weather, we kept forgetting it was December. But the locals did some creative decorating to get us in the Christmas Spirit!!


We went horseback riding - getting a better look at Central America. We'll give my horse the benefit of the doubt and say he was having an off day. We took the detoured route. (Through lots of off-trail bushes.) But eventually I met up with the rest of the group at the Zip-Lining Platform. The Zip-Lining was SO fun!


I had such a wonderful time with Jody. The scenery in Costa Rica was unreal! This was a business trip for Jody, and I was lucky enough to come along. It was a bit surreal to be on a trip without the littlest members of our family. Every time we left our hotel room, I felt like I was forgetting something. "Do I have the diaper bag? Where is the extra pacifier...or fruit snacks?" The girls were definitely on our minds! Thank you to our parents for watching our little ones so that this trip could happen.

2News Live Report - "Parker's" Closing

Below is the link to a story I reported last week. What a tribute to this Mom and Pop Shop...to see people waiting in a 2 hour line. My dad grew up in American Fork. Parkers was a part of him - just like it was for so many in that community. As I spoke to those standing in line to get one last taste, it was abundantly clear that Parkers was much more than just a Burger Joint. Parkers was an example of the American Dream. A small Drive-In, three or four employees working a regular shift, some great food and a whole lot of heart!!

American Fork Drive-In "Parker's" Closing - Connect2Utah.com

Fascinating Four

Gracie celebrated her birthday in November! (And yes, I realize it's January. But better late than never. And this post is really more about growth - rather than an age mark.) Gracie had a very eventful year as a three-year-old. She started preschool, took a dance class, became more acquainted with the time-out step, made us laugh with her silly comments and made us happy with her love for music and others.


I went with Gracie on her field trip to the Corn Maze and Farm. She has made many new friends in Preschool.


Gracie had a Butterfly Themed Birthday Party.


Gracie was really excited about her homemade butterfly cake with the crooked smile! :)



The highlight of Gracie's party was FREEZE DANCE. The kids really liked it. And yes, that's my child yelling, "Party like a Rock Star!" Not sure where she picked up on that one. I'm pretty sure I don't use that phrase on a regular basis...or ever. :)



I have often heard people talk about the "terrible two's". Everyone I have spoken with who has had a three-year-old will tell you - that stereotype is off by a year. Three is challenging. It's a time when little ones are pushing limits to see where their parents stand. They are gaining independence and learning so much. It's humbling to know as a parent, I have the ultimate chance to mold Gracie and encourage her in a positive way. When Gracie was 3 1/2, we took a trip to Disney World. This video describes PERFECTLY the roller coaster of a three-year-old. So Happy. So Upset. Watch it. To the End. (fyi - Gracie was not scared of that ride. She just decided half-way through the 40 minute line she wanted to be somewhere else. The tantrum began. Hitting, kicking ~ please tell me your children have had these moments too ~ and as you can see..it didn't end well.) I think she will look back and laugh!



We sure love our Gracie Girl. She has such a vibrant personality. She also knows how to push buttons. Recently, she was having a button-pushing day. I was SO frustrated. She was doing everything to disobey or do the opposite of what I needed and was asking of her. Finally, I told her I was going to say a prayer. She was being such a pill; I fully expected her to start clapping or yelling or doing something disruptive. But she did just the opposite. She folded her arms, bowed her head and was quiet.

"Heavenly Father, I am frustrated. Will you please help me to know how to be a good mother to Gracie. Please help me to handle this moment...because I don't know what to do."

We said Amen. I felt better.

And then a little voice asked,

"What did He say Mama? What Did Heavenly Father tell you to do?"

Big blue eyes staring at me, and my prayer was answered.

"He told me to...love you lots and lots."

Instantly she was in my arms. She hugged me. And she was a different little girl for the rest of the day. And I was different too...better even. My children make me better.

I love being a mom. However, I know I can't be a good mom without daily help from up above. I am excited to see what age 4 brings!!

The REASON for the SEASON

It's such a lovely time of year. A time to reflect on the miraculous birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. And now being a mother of two...I am even more in awe of Mary. What a faithful, humble and devoted mother. During this Season, Jody and I have been asked to pray for many families who have received difficult news: a mother diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer, a newborn baby fighting for his life in the NICU and families who wonder if they have the means to feed their little ones for the upcoming week. There are so many struggling with obstacles. It's heartbreaking. It makes the rush to buy that perfect gift seem quite meaningless...doesn't it? The kindle fire, the bigger and better TV, a new wardrobe...all just things. Things that we can't take with us when this life comes to an end. When I return back to teaching school after the break - I'm sure many of my students will ask what I got for Christmas. I've thought about my response during my reflection of the Season.

"This year I received more time to spend with my Family, Good Health and a loving Heavenly Father's Mercy."

And those are my most treasured gifts.

Heavenly Father gives us hurdles to test our ability to Come Unto the Savior. It's okay to struggle. In fact, that's why we're here. And along the path of growing pains - we discover joy in giving to others, and we learn of our Savior's genuine love for each of us. 2011 wasn't perfect for our family - but life would have no purpose if it was perfect. There were, however, many perfect moments. Moments that carried us through to the next adventure. I am so thankful that our Savior Jesus Christ came to this Earth in such humble circumstances. So meek and mild...only to go on to Save all Mankind. How Blessed Are We!

Glory to God in the Highest * Peace On Earth * Good Will Toward Men.

This Season I made pounds and pounds of Candy Cane Fudge.

We saw the lights at Temple Square. Gracie has been telling us since her birthday that "She wants to go to the Temple Square to see Jesus."


We went. And it did not disappoint.

In our Family Christmas Pageant, Gracie played an Angel. Gracie really enjoys meeting new people, singing in front of people...she's just not shy at all. So when she told me she wanted to sing a song during the Christmas Program, I wasn't surprised. And Phew! I was worried she might need a microphone during her song. Ha! :)



The girls got some darling matching hats from Grandma and Papa Tait.




Gracie performed at the mall with her Preschool. Here she is with her teacher Miss Molly. She adores Miss Molly. In fact I often pretend to be Miss Molly, when we are home, so that she will listen to me.


May your Christmas be Magical and Bright!

Baby's 1st Haircut

Sienna had her First Haircut on November 18th. Her bangs had grown so long that they were hanging down in her eyes. She munched on some cheerios during the cut. She didn't wiggle as much as I thought she would!

Baby...err..Bunny Steps.

She's off to explore the world - this time on two feet.

CC looked so cute in her Bunny Costume for Halloween. I had to get some shots of her walking. {And it's super timely since she has a hint of a Frankenstein Walk going for her.}

~ Favorites of Fall ~

Little CC is walking more and more each day. She took her first steps {seven of them in a row!} the day of her 1st Birthday Party! I love this age. Sienna is a much happier baby now. I really believe she simply hated being an infant. Ever since she learned to crawl, the non-stop crying has halted. She makes us laugh with her deep contagious giggle. She is a hoot! She is also a mini-tornado. I don't remember Gracie being so 'messy'. Sienna knows how to total a room {everything out of every drawer and cupboard in a matter of seconds.} She says 'Mama, Dada, Hey, Hi' and a number of other words that are in her own special language. :)

I love this little pumpkin SO much!!


I just can't get enough of fall. I love the smell of pumpkin spice in the air. Cornbelly's is such a fun place to take the kids each year. Gracie had a blast playing on all of the play sets and riding the Cow-Train with her friend Corbin.

Back To School

Let's blow all of this dust off...there we go.
Blogging again.

It's been awhile. The transition to teaching everyday at the High School has eaten up oodles of time. I co-teach second hour - that's 2 hours in the morning. But it's been a stiff reality to learn teachers invest SO much more than the hours shown on their time card.

High School: The experience - never dull - that's for sure! I am so excited for these students. They are at that pinnacle of life, where options are endless. Their dreams are attainable, and the future is theirs to own.

Sometimes I think I am way more excited for them than they are for themselves. So many of them are completely fine with coasting - often at a below average rate to get to graduation. I want to inspire, I want to lift - I want to teach. And it's been deflating when some of them simply don't care that I care.

But there are others - eager, excited and listening. And I enjoy seeing them reach their potential.

This is NERD DAY during Red Ribbon Week.
I fit the part nicely.

This picture below is me with a student {not in my class} who told me she facebook stalked me to see what I looked like. Apparently numerous students told her she and I look alike...she told me she saw some "ugly girl" taking pictures awhile back and was bummed because she thought it was me.
Actually we never clarified if that was me or not...anyway...hmmm...here I am with my Student Twin.

The Second Time around in High School is teaching me to laugh -- alot -- in order to keep my head above water. My days are crazy. My Co-Teacher was gone a few weeks ago...so it was just me {and the knitting substitute in the corner - who didn't make a peep} verses 50 kids. Things were going well. Class was almost over, and it was time to Floor Direct the Student Live Broadcast we do at the end of 2nd Period. Clearly not all 50 kids have a role in this live five-minute show. So when I walked out of the studio, into the classroom to find a student duct-taped to a table -- I was slightly humored.

"Look Taiter-Tot -- Weston Duct-Taped me to the Table! Awesome Right?!"

Yes. Awesome.

Ode to the Jode

I have a wonderful husband - that is no secret.

From Day 1 - he had his hands full. When we jubilantly walked out of the Salt Lake Temple on our Wedding Day, I tripped. Not like 'fall down on your face trip' - but tripped none the less. For those of you who know me well - I tend to do quirky things like this often. I was pretty excited to make that first appearance as husband and wife. Anyway - look at this picture I found of us later that day. I'm just taking it all in...and Jody is afraid I'm going to tumble down the stairs.

Like I said - he had his hands full.

I think the world of him. He is a hard worker, caring, athletic, good looking and amazing with our children. Because of Jody I can look out my back window and see this:

It is so beautiful. And it is all because of him.


I also love that Jody is willing to work hard to turn something worn into something renewed and incredible. He would rather dedicate the time and energy to have the ownership of creating something beautiful verses spending money to easily buy the finished product. Jodes took this used dining room table... (this picture is from Jody's Ugly Sweater Birthday Party.)

He sanded all of the chairs and table. It was a hefty project, which took MANY long hours. But after staining and painting - the result is amazing!

And my favorite aspect about Jodes is the example he is to others. When we visited Disney World a few months ago, we were waiting in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. A lady also in line came up to Jody and said,

"You are LDS - right?"

I'm thinking, "She must be playing 'Spot the Mormon' but how did she know?" We weren't wearing matching shirts....socks with sandals...any of the dead giveaways. :) Jody had a nice chat with her, and it wasn't until weeks later that he told me how she knew. (That in of itself is very Jody. He doesn't like to put himself in the spotlight. He is humble that way.)

She said, "I can tell you are LDS because of the way you are holding your baby. It is tender. And it is special."

Now I'm not saying those of other faiths don't adore their children. That's simply not true. However, Jody carries a radiating love for our girls. Strangers can tell there is something special about him. And I feel blessed to know he is my other half.

Age is Just a Number...

Earlier this summer, some of my best friends and I stayed up in Salt Lake City for a Girl's Night Out. These girls are the friends with whom I confided most during those college years when I was making monumental decisions that would direct the path of my life. They are amazing women...and it's safe to say that when we get together - we tend to get borderline silly...okay downright hilarious!!


Let's rewind to before the outrageous jumping tricks began...We had some InCreDiBLe desserts at the Hotel Monaco downtown. So Good!!


* Cathy * Melinda * Brittany *



After a great sit-up/push-up workout organized by Cathy, we were ready for a relaxing night of uninterrupted sleep with no children. But then this happened...






Hmmm...not sure how I didn't break my neck on this one.


This is Cathy laughing SO hard at HOW ridiculous we look!


We finished off the outing with facials at a Day Spa the next morning. Thanks Jody for watching the girls so that this could happen!