The Simple Joys

A tribute to all you bird enthusiasts among us who have seen better days...

"The Utah deserts and plateaus and canyons are not a country of big returns, but a country of spiritual healing, incomparable for contemplation, meditation, solitude, quiet, awe, peace of mind and body. We were born of wilderness, and we respond to it more than we sometimes realize. We depend upon it increasingly for relief from the termite life we have created. -Wallace Stegner

(Taken from The Utah Chukar Foundation newsletter; farewell address of Aaron Robinson.)

KEEP THE FAITH!

Cereal Anyone?

Since Lydia is 4 1/2 months now, we thought it might be a good idea to get her used to a spoon. So far she is not loving it, but we'll try it every couple of days and see how it goes! If anyone has any feeding suggestions that would be great--Thanks!

Lydia's Big Day!

Lydi Bug had her 4 month well-check yesterday. Everything checked out great and she seemsto be right on track and healthy as can be--what more could two parents want! She topped the charts in true Taylor baby form...

Weight: 15 LB 14 OZ (90%)
Height: 26" (95%)
...and that Head: 17 1/4 cm. (97%)

She certainly didn't like her shots and she woke up with a fever of 100.4 this morning, but after a dose of Tylenol and a little nap,she was back to her old self. She even came along with me to a meeting and did very well for the full hour and a half.

Recipe Exchange

In honor of the new year and the resolution of being healthier (which seems to top my least each year), I have added some new "healthy recipes" to the recipe blog...feel free to check them out just in case you might have a similar resolution on your list :)

And the Dundee Goes to...

While idling the days away in Winemmucca, little Lydia and I got caught up on seasons one and two of THE OFFICE. Gary and I just started taking a liking to it so I decided he might like the DVDs for Christmas (with a tiny bit of a selfish motive) so we could catch up! It was nice to have the time with nothing else to do. I don't know how I haven't caught on sooner, but this is some great television. Gary and I have Very different taste in movies and TV, but The Office has us both hooked and laughing out loud!

A Merry Christmas!

The festivities started Sunday when we had a nice dinner party at my parents house. I have the CUTEST niece and nephews around and it was so much fun to watch them open their gifts. This also happened to be Gary's birthday and we celebrated with his favorite...Texas Sheet Cake. He got a whole bunch of gift certificate to put toward some hunting gear he's had his eye on.

On the receiving end of things, I got the COOLEST pan from my parents. It is a Cephalon dutch oven that can be used on the stove or in the oven and it has a red enamel finish which makes it cute too! I also got some kitchen items from Gary (including a really neat baby food processor) and a few cook books! I am excited to put them all to use!

We spent our first Christmas in Winnemucca this year. Nancy (Gary's sister) made a wonderful prime rib dinner for Christmas Eve. Christmas day was a big change from the Taylor family traditions, but nice and quiet none the less. Lydia was spoiled by her aunts and Grandpa Cannon. Gary had fun working on some welding projects and hunting with his dad and I, well I pretty much didn't do anything at all. It was nice for the first couple of days but I was stir crazy by day three.

Here's hoping you all have a very happy new year!

Snowed In!

I wanted to post these pictures of the beautiful and much needed snow storm we had this weekend. I was a little upset Friday night that my plans of going to Salt Lake to visit my family and to see my niece's dance recital had been ruined by the storm. In fact, I spent quite some time complaining to my mom about it over the phone(I know, I know--I never complain;)). But I decided to change my attitude and make the most of the weekend. Gary, Lydia, and I ended up having a great time. We went to find deer--and had much success (I wish I had pictures). We also did some decorating for the holidays and got a Christmas tree!

Sorry if you find this BORING, but I just needed to remind myself, as inconvenient as it may be at times, I really do love living here!

NOW--Please don't leak this to Gary or I will NEVER have any chance of moving back to the valley, not that I want to--for today anyway!