One Year

Okay, so I've been slacking since I became addicted to Facebook. But, I haven't let it go too long. One year would be too long, right? Tayler is winding down on her Freshman year of high school and has maintained a 4.0 all year. I am so proud of her! Last weekend she competed at gymnastics regionals for levels 8, 9 & 10 in Long Beach, CA and did really well. Now she's learning all her big tricks that will land her on a college team in 3 years if she can master them. Its so exciting, every gymnast waits to get to this level of gymnastics. I will post a couple pictures to update everyone. We look forward to coming to Utah for a short visit the end of May!

8th Grade Graduation

Oh, its been too long. I've been too busy messing around with facebook! Tayler graduated from 8th grade last night and out of 270 8th graders, she was 1 of 31 to maintain a 4.0 GPA the entire year. I was so proud of her last night when she got her award. That is an amazing feat! I told her if she keeps it up for 4 more years she will get a full-ride scholarship to ASU, U of A, or NAU or really any other college she chooses. The other part I have to brag about is that she does ALL her homework and projects herself. I do not help her at all. I know a lot of parents sit and do homework with their kids which gives them an advantage, but she truly earned this herself. She will be more prepared for college where the parent can't do homework for you. She is taking 2 online classes through the High School this summer so she can get out of school early to do homework before gym. So she gets 4 days off before its back to hitting the books. I am so proud of you Tayler!!!

Close Call

Yesterday we were involved in a car accident in Phoenix on our way to Tayler's gymnastics meet. We were on the highway in heavy traffic and had come to a complete stop. The car in back of me did not stop and hit me going about 50 mph. We were smashed into the car in front of us which smashed into the car in front of him. 4 cars total were involved. My car had the worst damage, it is totaled. Fortunately no one was hurt (just really sore). The air bags did not deploy since the impact came from behind. Tayler, her teammate and her mom were able to get a ride to the meet with another gymnastics family that was driving down after us. I had to stay around for 2 hours while the police did the investigation and cleaned up the mess. Another family from Prescott picked me up and drove me to catch the rest of Tayler's meet. Not the best meet, T was pretty shook up and was worried about me since I wasn't there. What a rough day. Now I'm supposed to write a big paper with all this on my mind....

Fiesta Bowl Meet

Here are Tayler's routines from last weekend's meet. She had a great meet, getting a 35.65 all around score. Her vault videos did not turn out so I didn't post them. She has another big meet this weekend where she hopes to hit the 36.00 all around mark. Her team took 3rd place by less than a tenth from 2nd and 1st.

Best Day of Tayler's Live

Last Saturday Tayler got to meet our favorite NASCAR driver, Tony Stewart. She was lucky enough to pose for a couple pictures with him. Tayler said it was the "Best day of her life". Of any person in the whole world she could choose to meet, it was him. He was so nice and made sure I got a good picture. Tayler still can't believe she had a conversation with him.

Merry Christmas!

We had a really good Christmas this year. We went to my friends annual Christmas Eve party last night to kick things off. Tayler got a Wii a couple weeks ago, shoes, clothes, jewelry, and some decorations for her room. The big surprise this year was buying new luggage and writing a christmas poem telling her we are going to Utah on Monday. She had no idea (see video below) and is so excited to see her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She is also excited to play in the snow. I got a new Coach purse, a carpet cleaner, and clothes. This afternoon we took a nap then headed to the movie theatre to see "Marly and Me". Seriously, the saddest movie ever. We were both still sobbing 30 minutes after the movie when we got home. Although the dog in the movie is cute, we still love our little puppy the most. She got a giant bone from Santa and a new soft blankie from Tayler (see video below). Right now she is curled up at my feet hugging her new blue blanket. I love this time of year and now I'm excited to visit my family next week for New Year's.
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas Season!!!

We are so glad its Christmastime. We love to decorate the house and go shopping. Last weekend we put lights up outside for the first time in 4 years. Its not the Griswald's, but its not bad for a couple of inexperienced females. Next weekend we will do our annual holiday baking. We decided to tone it down this year and just make 3 things instead of the usual 8. Tayler got her handstand vertical on the high bar last week so she got her Wii today. I can't believe how physical the games are. I played for about 30 minutes and I'm pooped. Over the past two weeks I have been collecting money from friends to give a family in need for Christmas. Today I was able to give them a $300 Walmart giftcard and $100 cash to buy groceries and presents for their family. Every year we give to Christmas Angels unless we know a specific family in need. It is so rewarding to make someone's Christmas and know their kids will be happy on Christmas morning. I came across the following saying today:

"That's what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing" - Simone de Beauvoir

I hope we all feel this way over the holidays and long after they're gone.

Merry Christmas!

I'M THANKFUL FOR...

1. My daughter, Tayler-I couldn't be blessed with a sweeter kid. We have so much fun together; I can honestly be 100% myself around her and that is nice to have.
2. My Family-They give me inspiration, we have lots of fun together, and they are always there for support when I need it.
3. My Friends-I have a few good friends I have been close to for years. My friend Angel (14 years) is unconditional in her friendship; Marsha (19 years) doesn't mind if we don't talk for weeks even though we live in the same community; Erica (27 years) has always been a friend who makes me feel I have accomplished so much in my life. She is such a caring person and always asks about my family. Randee (4 years) has been through many of the trials in life I have. She would bend-over-backward to help me out. I am truly thankful I met her.
4. My gymnastics family-Many of these ladies have become dear friends to me. They have welcomed me and Tayler to the community and provided a network that feels like we have family in town.
5. My Job-I couldn't ask for better bosses and a better working environment. I've been running my own office for four years now and the flexibility has really been a blessing for me and Tayler.
6. My dog, Roxy Girl-4 years ago I wouldn't believe a dog would be in the top things I'm thankful for. She brings so much joy and unconditional love to our household. When Tayler is gone to school, gymnastics, or a friends she keeps me company so I don't get too lonely.

Tagged By Tonya-My 7 Quirks

1. I cannot stand dirty dishes in the sink. The dishes are washed and put away as I make dinner or immediately after.

2. I am obsessed with the doors and windows being locked at night. I check them about 3 times in a row to make sure I haven't missed any.

3. I can't stand to wear shoes in the house. I will wear slippers, socks, or bare feet, but NO SHOES!

4. I empty the trash in my car every time I pull into the garage or gas station. The car may be dirty, but its never messy.

5. I insist the roll of toilet paper is placed so the sheets roll over and down, not under. I will change it in hotels, public restrooms, and other peoples houses if it is wrong.

6. I am never late. Usually I am early everywhere I go. If I am late even 5 minutes, my whole day is messed up.

7. I am still a clean freak, but not as bad as I used to be. Last year I had to hire a someone to clean my house every week because I don't have time anymore. So I don't do a lot of cleaning because she does most of it. Although I have chilled-out about cleanliness, I still need a clean home to fully relax and be in a good mood. In fact, my house is kinda buggin' me now, so I think I'll go clean.....

Nascar Sunday

We had a blast at the races this weekend. Tayler got to go down to pit road and we got some great pictures and got up and close to the drivers.

Day 2 at the races

I was feeling much better today so I ventured down to the track and got to use my pit passes to go onto pit road and get some good pictures. Tayler wasn't able to go since she's under 18. We found out she will be able to go to the pits tomorrow before the big race. Later this afternoon we watched the Nationwide race. Carl Edwards won.

McCain Election Eve Rally

We had the opportunity to attend the final Republican Presidential rally on Election Eve in Prescott, Arizona. John McCain and his crew arrived at midnight to give a speech to thousands in attendance. Although he didn't win the bid to be our 44th president, the experience was awesome!

Halloween

Tayler didn't go trick or treating for the first time this year. We sat out on the front porch and handed out candy to the many princesses, witches, and ghosts who came to visit. Roxy got away once but didn't make it far down the street before turning around to come home. She was too scared of all the people dressed up in costume. Any other night she would have been long gone and probably dinner for the coyotes.

Tony Wins!

The three girls have waited more than 14 months to celebrate a Tony Stewart victory! He won his first race at Talladega today and his first race of the 2008 season. Today's win moves him up to 7th position in the race for the Nextel Cup. Only four more races on TV then we get to watch Tony live at PIR! Good job Tony!!!

About Us

Me, Tayler and Roxy Girl thought we'd post a blog to keep our family and friends updated on our happenings. Fall has started in Prescott and we are enjoying the cooler temperatures. Tayler is an eighth grader at Mile High Middle School and is working hard to be ready for her gymnastics competition season to start in December. I keep busy with work and am going to school to get my master's degree in accounting. Roxy spends her days sleeping and keeps an eye out for the UPS guy. We love watching NASCAR on the weekends and look forward to the race in Phoenix next month.