So, I was in the jacuzzi....

Friday I had a huge day at work and I was exhausted. My hips ached like they were going to fall off. I think I'm getting old.



Saturday I decided to go to the gym and do some stretching and maybe ride the bike for 30 minutes. It was suggested that I spend some time in the gym jacuzzi. The amount of chlorine at least makes me feel like I'm somewhat safe.

I didn't count on the creepers.

How AWKWARD to sit in a jacuzzi with 4 total strangers. Then I realized the two old men in the far corners were sure there a long time. THEN an older gentleman came out to get in with the shortest, loosest swimsuit I have ever seen. I made the huge mistake of glancing his way as he bent over at the water fountain to get a drink. You guessed it! Nothing like a little old man nut sack to add to the already pristine ambiance. Then I hoped no one saw me look and I started smiling and almost laughing. This is the first time I wished there was someone with me at the gym to share my person hell.

I don't regret it, but next time I want to make sure the creepers in the corner are taking a break and unwrinkling their skin!

Blog on..............

Sledding Family Vacation

This year Matt and I took Daniel, Sami and Austin up to the cabin in Island Park for a little fun on the sleds. The snow was sparse, but we managed to have a blast. There was some tense moments about who would drive the RMK's, but Sami was a champ and made riding the Indy look like it was an RMK. But she is MY daughter!

Hanging at the potty stop at the big springs side of the Two Top loop. I figured out why I look like such a freakin dork....My pants have ridden up and I just didn't care. I was warm and that is my priority.

Some random guy and me. Actually he looks suspiciously like my hot hubby.

Sami. I think she is getting her iPod or she is itching her boobies. Difficult to tell.

Austin.

Sami on the Indy. My old favorite sled.

Thumbs up and ready to roll!

Nothing like a sip of hot Sake to chase the chill!

Stopping for a few to shake out the thumbs and straighten the back.

Sami fell down the wood stairs to the storage. A full sacrifice for the need for Ramen Noodles.

Me and my man candy ala Hubby ala Matt.

TWO TOP!! Look how clear it is!! Don't' be fooled though, the wind was blowing and that is the very reason the helmet's never came off!

Cool pic of Daniel checking out the view.

Sweet view.

On the sleds. I was returning a text and trying to send a pic of the view to Gary. My phone battery went from three bars to dead in that short amount of time.

Kids checking out the view.

Family pic of me and my kids. Austin was the only one with enough inner warmth to be able to take off his helmet. No one else dared. I can promise that I was smiling in this pic! There is nothing better then spending time doing something you love WITH the little people you raised and love dearly. We really missed Jake, but unfortunately he had to work. Hopefully next year we can get them all and even maybe Matt's girls can make it!

My baby is on the far left. I love the XC. If I ever have extra money I am buying myself one. It's the perfect sled for my old hiney! It's like riding a Cadillac!

What a great trip. When we weren't sledding we were watching videos and reading. We spent dinner at Pond's lodge and had lunch in West Yellowstone. Matt and I went down to Pond's to watch the Dallas/Vikings game, but left early when the winner became clear and the bright sunlight was calling us to RIDE!!!

Slash and the blog.

What do Slash and my blog have to do with each other? That is an interesting and very valid question. First I finally updated my blog through Christmas with just a few to update from before that. Second, I am trying to post more of the day to day updates the way I had originally planned.

Matt and I just came back from the cabin (pictures to follow) and while I was there I read two books. The first one, "The non-runners marathon guide for women" and "Slash". Luckily, I am not planning on running a marathon and I'm not planning to be a rock star either....whew!! That was close! The marathon book was great entertainment and helped me realize I could run a marathon, if I truly become that insane. I busted through it really quick and it was pretty light reading. Helps keep me motivated with my 9-10 miles a week.

The Slash book is another subject. It's 460 pages of drugs, sex, debauchery and bad choices. I am still out on how I feel about reading it. The reason I did read it is easy. Daniel wanted to read it about 2 years ago. I went to our trusty book store and browsed the book and told him no. Unfortunately, his buddy in guitar crime talked his parents into buying it and more sooner then later it ended up in Daniels hands. Now, this is my 4Th kid and I'm tired. I know I could stomp and threaten and burn the book, but then it would make it something mysterious and wrong and he would definitely have to read it! So, I did what any tired mom of a teenager does and I gave in. BUT, I told him that after he read it, I would read it and then we would talk about it. See that? TALK about it! Fourteen year old boys hate to talk about anything and especially drugs, sex and debauchery with their MOM! He read the book and updated me on details as he read it and then handed it to me. It has taken me a while to really start on it and I finished the last over 300 pages in 24 hours. I was surprised that it did have some lessons about hard work and respect and really showed that if you are really talented you don't have to go the drugs route.

Anywhoooo......
I count it as a book read and it was an experience. Awkwardly, I would love to meet Slash or at least watch him play. Kind of like I want to ride a pterodactyl after seeing Avatar. Although I think my odds are with me on Slash, especially since he is touring soon. Guess I better get my 80's stuff out!

DISCLAIMER: Any parenting advice taken from this post and used on your own kids is done at your own risk.

Blog on..........

Christmas Party at Taylors! Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas!!

This year we had our big Taylor family Christmas on Christmas day. I'd like to thank my family for being flexible with my schedule. My brother, Brad is also a nurse and at times has to work on Christmas too. It's part of the job.

Either way, we had a blast! I love my family and we had a great time, as always!

Me with my cute little nephew, Charlie

Jake and I with Charlie

Xadi! So adorable and sister to Charlie.

Austin, chilling on the massage chair. Relaxation!

My mom and Jake

Matt and I getting ready for the best part! NO, not the food...the PRESENTS!

Austin and Daniel.

Sami and my sister-in-law Christie

My dad puts on a good show and this year he had us SING! YIKES!

Even a nose!

The Taylor family excitement while singing!!

Dave opening Charlie's present. Charlie was hanging out with his mom getting a delicious meal.

All the grand kids open their presents with Grandpa! Here is Xadi kicking off the festivities.

Jack is loving his Legos!

Abby opening her present.

Jove getting his new car track.

Matthew opening up his present.

Katelyn getting her new jacket.

Emily with her present. A new Coach purse, well that's what the guy on Canal street said it was!

Jordan.

Daniel gets another black Guns N' Roses T! Looks like the kids are getting too big to sit on Grandpa's lap!

James.

I think James is gonna take Grandpa down! Hehe

Alec got some nuts and he was happy about that, but luckily there was more to the present!! YES!

Sami! He picture is a little fuzzy, but her cuteness is showing through!

Jack watching Dylan opening his present!

Grandpa gave in and got another chair when Jake came up to sit on his lap! Grand kids are growing!

Sweet gift from Xadi and an even sweeter hug!

Jake was given the wrong gift at first and it had baby stuff in it! Oh the harassment!!

My dad thought it a better idea for him to sit on Austins lap!

Austin.

Thumbs up to a stretchy hose!

Mark and Christie had their gift together. Looks like fun and games at their house!

Melissa.

Cody.

My sister Caroline.

Sister-in-law Cathryn.

Matt and my dad

Matt received some fishing lures.

My turn!

My brother Brad.

Brother Dave. I made him a hat and put together a pic of him and Xadi.

My dads turn!

My mom and dad opening presents.

Matt and Sami

More pics of my mom and dad

Xadi got a digital camera from Grandma and Grandpa. It's the cutest thing ever and I would love to see the pics that she takes! I have a feeling she is going to keep us busy with performances as she gets older!

It was definately a great Christmas this year. Times are tight, but "things" don't matter when you are with family. It was a great dinner and fun times with lots of laughs. Missing from the crowd was my brother Joe and his wife, Marie. Joe was feeling ill that day and they didn't make it. Neither did Rachelle, Chris, Ryder, Corinne and Logan as they were with their other families. We had our chance to celebrate earlier with them.

I'm a lucky lucky girl!

Blog on.......