My 30th Birthday "Cruise"

My 30th birthday came bright and early...  I got up around 6ish to hit the zoo's new exhibit and then ended up going there again in the afternoon to enjoy the zoo with my family before heading to Erin's for the pool party.  For my birthday, I was informed that I could go to lunch in a restaurant of my choosing (a nice present from my parents)!  I was so excited to go anywhere, only I didn't realize how hard it is working around hungry kids and a pregnant sister!  So it was decided to save that for another day.

Due to the running around in the afternoon and my terrible timing - I was running late...  And I HATE running late!  I drove like a madman to Erin's house knowing I had people there waiting for me to arrive...  I felt TERRIBLE! 

Finally, we pull into the driveway and I grabbed everything from the car and rushed inside.  As soon as Erin spotted me she insisted she bring out the cake....  I hadn't even put down my purse or said hello to my friends!  I told her we could wait a little bit and then sing, but she told me we were doing cake NOW!  I thought it was weird and then in she came - with no cake - but the cake was behind her being carried by - - - - - -   MY MOTHER!!! 

The surprise brought me to tears - I mean who WOULDN'T cry!!! - I sobbed for probably a good 5 minutes.   Then I noticed that Aunt Pam was there too - I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!  I had my two moms there!  :)

(It should be mentioned that my father even kept this a secret from me!! Way to go Dad!)

My family had decked out the Kitchen and Living Rooms to look like a cruise ship deck and I was in heaven!  The lights on the ceiling where my favorite - thanks Dru!  Here are some pictures to show you just how amazing everything was that night!  BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!! 

I couldn't believe the friends that traveled far and near just to celebrate with me - I won't ever forget!  I am so blessed!  Enjoy some shots courtesy of Cassie!  :)

Mother, I Love You!

So, it has literally taken me a few days to figure out how to post a video...  I feel my mad computer skillz have gone down the drain!   :(

Mom,
I made this little video because I wanted to show you how much I love you!  Plus, I am hoping that I will be earning creative bonus points towards being your favorite child!!  :)
I hope you know that you are an amazing woman! 

This is for you...

Mary's Little Child

This is a season which is my favorite of the year. It is a time that I reflect on my feelings of the Savior and his ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

But these last few days I have been thinking about Mary, his mother.

I wonder how she felt as she wrapped the babe in swaddling clothes and laid him down. How did she feel as people came and spoke of angels visiting them and proclaiming the arrival of her son.

What an amazing thing it must have been for her to gaze into his eyes and know he is the Son of God. To know of the greater mission he was born to fulfill and the lives he would forever change. At the same time I wonder if she was praying for constant guidance to help teach Jesus the lessons of love and forgiveness he would in turn teach in his later years.

Mary was a perfect example of a woman I would like to become. She never questioned God and her part in his plan, but she accepted it fully.

She showed obedience and faith in God.

When Christ was found teaching in the temple at the age of 12, when she found him she wasn't angry with him but simply asked him why he stayed behind and accepted his answer when he stated he was doing his Father's business.

She showed patience and understanding.

And then we come to Christ's death she was there... How hard this must have been for her.

She showed love and forgiveness.

Yes, she is a wonderful example of the woman I would like to become.

Friends

Day 26 - What do you think about your friends?

When I think of all the friends that I have had in my life, so many faces and memories run through my head. And I realize just how many people I have gotten to know over time and just how lucky of an individual I am to call them friend.

One of my earliest memories of friendship was a touching one - one that I reflect upon often. I had this friend named Stephanie and I was talking to her about going to church and being in Primary. That was when I found out that she wasn't a member of the same church that I was and therefore I thought that meant the friendship must end. I remember crying all the way home and my mother promptly asking what happened.

I informed her of Stephanie's religion and explained how I thought it meant we couldn't be friends anymore. I know that my mother could have laughed and just told me to grow up or something... :) But she didn't.....

Instead, she pulled me over to the table and sat me down and explained that it doesn't matter what religion, race or lifestyle a person was - as long as they treated me well then they were true friends. I happily went to school the next day and explained everything to Stephanie and apologized - we happily held hands as we ran into class and things were great!

At a young age, my mother knew the importance of what a true friend should be to me and taught me what to look for. I know that my family and some friends would agree that I have not always picked the best friends, but I believe that there is good in everyone. Sometimes it is through some strong and bitter walls that you have to help peel off or break down before you see the person that individual can really become or who they are deep down inside.

I know the importance of friends and how they can be the support one needs just to hold themselves together.

I know that friends quickly forgive and love us even when we make childish mistakes.

I know that friends will really tell us exactly what we need to hear - even when it is hard.

I know that friends shape us into better individuals and teach us things about ourselves that we didn't know or couldn't see.

I know that I am grateful for the friends I have made over the years and I hope that as they see me, my friends will be proud of the individual they helped shape over the years.

Baby Loving!

So, my youngest brother and his wife had a baby this morning! Every time a new little one joins our massive family, I am super-duper excited!!

This being my... 18th? 19th? 20th?? niece to join (I was serious about my massive family!), I thought that the feeling of having a new addition would get old. It NEVER does!

I am dying at the fact that I am not there to cuddle little baby Merkley. I now understand what my siblings must have felt when little Alesa was born. One word which perfectly describes my pain is: AGONY!!

So, my dear new niece... Expect a lot of cuddles, cute outfits and maybe a tear or two when we first meet. And to Cassie, Happy "First" Mother's Day! Love you! Aunt Taci

No sleep...

Ever had time periods in your life where you aren't able to sleep all the way through the night? That has been my life for the last month or so!

I crave for those mornings when I wake up and see the sun shining and feel completely rested.

Big thanks to my mother and sister who decided a little trip to Maryland was exactly what Erin and I needed. Mother made wonderful cinnamon rolls, cookies and other goodies! Erin for letting all of us (four additional people) cram into every nook and cranny - good times, which could also be why I haven't slept well. :)

Overall, things are much better! Thanks to my great family!!! :)

Til the next time!!

Taci

P.S. Thanks to Dad for my special gift. I Love You, even if you don't send gifts!!

Happy Birthday Mother!!!

I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for giving me such an understanding and loving mother. In a recent conversation someone asked if I was loved enough as a child (long story) and I quickly replied that I was!

My mother made sure that I knew how much she loved me! I loved sitting next to my mom on the couch and having her play with my hair or rub my back! I remember all the times I was sick Mom would bring me my favorite icecream or yogurt. My friends LOVED to come to our house for sleepovers and just to hang out because I have the coolest parents ever!

I won't ever forget the dress that Mom made for Homecoming. I don't remember ever feeling so pretty in my life! And my mother was there the very next morning drying my tears after learning that some fabrics aren't suppose to be ironed (although I heard some giggles escaping her during that tearful experience). Mothers just know how to make everything better! :)

Mother, I hope and pray everyday that I can at least be half the mother that you have been to me! I LOVE YOU!

Your child #7 - Taci Beth