The Taylor Clan

My thoughts and us now

2009-12-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

Bekah my amazing strong roommate
James meeting Santa for first time
Best shot of open gifts
Little Zoey dear sleeping
Me after getting ready for my Christmas eve dinner of "godless Chinese" (Jon Taylor says)
Jonathan and our darling niece Kira Christmas 2009 in NC

Well I suppose its about time that I post something since I am now living in California and Jonathan is in Virgina. Merry Christmas to all since its today and all. Well lets see. James and I are loving it here, we have a wonderful little puppy named Zoey. She is such a sweetie. A joy to have, and a great snuggle buddy. We also have a roommate, who's husband is on deployment until next month at some point. So we are fairing quite well. Us two gals, our dogs and James. She is quite busy between church, school and work. I will take what little time we get. James is doing really well. He loves having Jack and Saddie to play with ( the parents to my puppy) and Bek too. I he talking up a storm and kissing mama all the time ( I make him mind you, but still lol). He is just as smart as ever and is growing up way way way too fast. He is nineteen and a half months old. I am meeting a couple about nanning for them sometime next week. I really hope that I get it so that James can have a little friend and so that we can have a little more of a side income as well as an outlet. I am waiting also on my refurral for my colposkyopy. I will up date you all as soon as I know something about that. I have been having too many migraines so I have recently been put on some new meds that are helping maybe... it maybe too soon to tell. I really hope that they get ride of them though... I had 10 - 12 in about 12 days. Mind you my stress level has been something that I have been choosing to not deal with. I refuse to deal with how much I miss my husband (until I had my break down a week and a half ago lol). MY father in law told me today that I put out a really tough exterior but underneath it, he knows I am really soft on the inside. I make fun of Jonathan for that very thing. Hahaha, I guess in the end, I am the same. Well thats is about it other than Jonathan is really missing his wife and son. We have been apart for over two months now. He is in North Carolina now with Cam, Nikki, and Kira having a blast. I am so glad that they are close by. He will be on hold soon, so James and I will go to him hopefully. After that, Jon will go to Maryland.... than here to Cali!!!! I love that I can eat a popsicle in the end of December, just put on a jacket and be fine going to the store. Well thank you for listening to the rantings and ravings again

James

2009-06-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Look out folks..... baby James is starting to walk. Here is a little clip of him doing so as well as his backwards crawl enjoy

James and his mohawk

2009-05-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

For those of you who would like to see his new hair cut here ye go :D

Our family 5/27/09

2009-05-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

I know its been quite a while since I have written so I shall at last fill you in to the best of my knowledge.

As of right now, Jon is almost done with school and feeling much better about things to do with that. Which also means, we could get transferred to our new house sooner than October. Look out Cali here we come!!! Jon is still talking about one day doing Law school, as you all know he mostly works his way through the thought. He has brought it up several times and maybe seriously considering it. He is loving his time home with his family and loving that James is also turning into a daddy's boy :D

James just turned one and is loving screaming at me at just about EVERYTHING!! He is also trying to break out of his crib! He is always trying to help me out and pull everything I could ever need and more out of the kitchen cupboards lol. I just went to check on him and he was into his towel drawer and had pulled them all out and sittin on them. Silly boy. He has learned how to say "I do" and "I do it" and in the right places. He is just about to take off runnin too!!! Look out world. He HATES the vacuum cleaner hahahah My little helper is pullin out all the dvds we own..... love his help. Where would I be with out him. We took him to the park the other day and went down a few slides.. don't really think he liked that much. Then we pushed him on a baby swing... he had a love hate relationship with it lol

Me, well lets see I just got back from a trip to Utah and Idaho( about a month) lol and have since had a kidney infection caused by e coli. I pretty much wanted to die!! The worst pain I have ever been in in my life!!! I have been busting my butt to clean the heck out of my house and are having four ladies over for a late breakfast today... I am meeting new ladies and liking Chicago more and more each passing day. I went on a date with one of the other wives last friday for dinner and a movie, IT WAS AMAZING!!! We have decided to do it every two weeks... I also got a unlimited pass to go tannin and a ESPRESSO MAKER for moms day :D
Well thats all I can think of now lol enjoy some pictures and the little bit of in site to my life :D

Leaving

2009-03-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today has been a bitter sweet day. Jon has to be at school on our last night together and he may not be home tonight :( So here are some pictures of the two of them in the last day for two and a half weeks, if you would like to see them.

2009-03-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today so far nothing has really happened lol, but we did get up about an hour ago so.. still plenty of time. Lets see Jon is still in school, and doing very well. Last I heard he was at an 88% average and all he has to do to graduate with honers it to get 90. Not bad at all. James is crawling around the house only eating things I don't want him to. We are trying to teach him to eat cheerioes no such luck except the one lonely one that had been on the floor who knows how long. Hahahah Things are going well though, honestly, I cant complain. I am looking forward to coming home with in the next few weeks!!! Still making all the plans in me head as to what I am going to do :D Can't wait. Well anyway the reason to write today was to show you my new hair cut and my hair color that isn't quite so new lol I don't look so great, but still I hope you can get the idea

2009-03-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

Well hello there :D Just thought I would add a few little videos I took of James. Things are going great with us and just keep getting better. I have met some more new friends and I look forward to hearing from the doctor tomorrow. Jon is doing great in school and still liking it more and more. James is starting to crawl, its like a mix between a military and regular crawl.. all and all pretty dang cute :D He also loves his bday present( daddy opened it early) and another video of that :D Love love love, The Taylors

2009-02-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

Mushroom Pork Chops
( for some reason it wont let me put up pictures here is the url of where I got the recipe if you would like to see what it looks like http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mushroom-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx)

4 pork chops
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

DIRECTIONS

Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste.
In a large skillet, brown the chops over medium-high heat. Add the onion and mushrooms, and saute for one minute. Pour cream of mushroom soup over chops. Cover skillet, and reduce temperature to medium-low. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until chops are cooked through.

Jon and I loved this one. He said he has never had pork this moist, he kept calling it chicken. We also had mashed potatoes with it. The mushrooms and onions made a GREAT gravy

Mushroom and Swiss Chicken ( ulr http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mushroom-and-Swiss-Chicken/Detail.aspx)

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 cloves crushed garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Cajun-style seasoning
1 cup chopped green onion
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
4 slices Swiss cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine oil and garlic in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add chicken breasts and coat well with the oil and garlic. Sprinkle with the vinegar and Cajun seasoning.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
Remove chicken from oven and cover with green onion and mushrooms; then add a few more sprinkles of oil and vinegar and return dish to oven for 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove from oven and immediately place 1 slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast; cheese will melt. Serve immediately.

Teriyaki Chicken (ulr http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Teriyaki-Chicken/Detail.aspx)

Ingredients

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut in half
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

Rinse chicken halves, and pat dry with paper towels. Place chicken cut side down in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger and garlic. Mix well, and pour mixture over chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting frequently. Test for doneness, making sure there is no pink left in the meat. Let cool slightly, then cut into smaller pieces to serve.

FYI- I had a very hard time cutting the chicken in half, but this was FANTASTIC!! I would do it with someone suggested drumsticks... I also doubled the marinade and cooked it over night and used brown sugar.. all the choices were TO DIE FOR

Buffalo Chicken Chili (ulr http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Buffalo-Chicken-Chili/Detail.aspx)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds ground chicken breast
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
5 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup hot buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's® REDHOT Buffalo Wing Sauce), or to taste
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can white kidney or cannellini beans, drained
1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained

Directions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pot. Cook and stir 7 to 10 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in the carrot, onion, celery, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper, and cook and stir until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are beginning to soften, 3 to 4 more minutes.
Stir in the hot sauce, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and white and red kidney beans. Bring to a boil, and simmer over medium-low heat about 1 hour, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.

FYI I just added it all and cooked it in the crock pot. I cooked the chicken first and did one huge can of crushed tomatoes and a huge kidney beans. I added everything else just more of it. If you don't want it so spicy.. you can add more butter. We loved this and are still enjoying it :D

Feb 25 2009

2009-02-25T17:58:00.001-08:00

Hello all,

Just thought I would fill you in again and share some really yummy recipes if you should feel the need to try them.

Jon is doing well and loving his new class. He is aloud to talk and feels more at ease. He missed passing his first test by just a little bit and had to study all day yesterday. He was a little bummed, I am sure today was better. He is now officially in a band with friends Brandon Steineckert ( the drummer for Rancid) Brian ( used to be music something or other for several bands) and the former bassist for Funeral For A Friend. Jon is pretty stoked about it and thinks the only reason its working now in his favor is because he has other things to take up his time like work, family and his own music. Jon and I are feeling much better about his dad's condition. He can hopefully be back in work on Monday after dealing with the hospital and such for about three months. It Jon's twenty fifth birthday on the 1th of March. I am so proud of him and his many sacrifics and love he so freely gives to us, his family. I am so lucky to call mycself his wife :D

James is just about crawling. He has been doing so backwards for like two months, but now he gets down on all fours and rocks back and forth. Jon said he saw James moving his one knee forward. I would be suprized if he isn't crwaling by the end of the week. Its so fun to see him practicing the many things Jon and I show him. He talks so much. Today he met a little girl about his age and he wouldn't shut up!! Maybe he was hitting on her. James is much farther advanced than the little girl. She doesn't even say "mama" and James has been saying that for about four months :D His fourth tooth is poking out. He is loving food and spending timw with mama and daddy. He plays hard and rests less :D
I guess that brings us to me. As many of you know, I have been having health issues as of lately. I have recently found out I have HVP. Something that can be transmitted from one partner to another, or I guess can be developed by bacteria infections ( as in my case). Its the main cause of cervical cancer. Even if the HVP goes away on its own, I still have to worry about the cancer fact until I die. I had an abnormal pap and was told that I am not aloud to have kids until it shows as normal. I had a colopscopy today and saw two inflamed areas that they were worried about. I should know something by next Wednesday. Jon and I have been working out with our new toys ( treadmill and weght set) and shedding the pounds. I have lost maybe 5 or so pounds since I have been on it. I also have been cooking alot and making fun and healthy meals. Here are a few of them. Please feel free to try them and enjoy as we have.

2009-02-17T17:20:00.001-08:00

James being a rockin fool. I haven't watched this, but Jon filmed it today and thought I would share. James had three teeth now and chipped one the day after he got it in :( Other than that.. nothin too much is goin on. Jon is hopefully starting A School this week. Its been really nice though to have him home a bunch this week. Well we love you all and will keep you posted

James, Jon and Em

2009-02-12T17:10:00.001-08:00

Today was a fun filled day. We had a photo opp and then James and I went to a ward play date. After we had our fill of other kids, we went to Sweet Tomatoes :D Right after we got home, I got a call from a friend who has a friend who wants to get rid of a couch and love seat and has a truck to do so!!! Hopefully we will have them this week end with out having to pay a cent!!! I got a call from my mama too and then my daddy. Its so great to hear from the family. I just thought that I would write a note, oh and bye the way, I am feelin so much better!!! Thank you for all the love. James and Jon were being silly at the dinner table, so I thought I would add that video as well! Love you all, Em

Recent pictures of the Taylors

2009-02-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

James and daddy
James and Jon
James and Jon playing with music and listening

James listening to music daddy was working on
James after eating fudge him and daddy made :D
James chocolate face

US

2009-02-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Lets see right now James is sleeping and Jon is at school. He hopefully with be done with ATT school today he was saying before. James has two teeth coming through and one is most of the way through!! Yay!! James is getting so big and super adorable :D He just gets cuter by the day. He said "Jon" last night while we were in the ER. He also said " I would" clear as day yesterday. He is only eight and a half months old! He is so smart! He also said about two weeks ago "continue" thats my boy super smart just like his daddy. I have been super sick since Sunday night. I have been throwing up everything I ate until I went to the ER last night. I called Jon at school to come home to take me to the doctor and he never got the message and then I called again FIVE hours later, still nothing until about two hours later and then the hospitals were closed so to the ER we went. Thank goodness it wasn't a real emergancy, because it was a number he was told that they can get ahold of him in ten minutes flat! Bull crap! After I got in there they took my temp and my blood pressure, they said it was good but they didn't want it to be any higher. They took three vials of blood and quite honestly, I was shocked that they could get a UA from me, I have only pead once in two days... They wanted to make sure I wasn't pregnant, because of the birth control I am on, they were worried if I was, that it would be eptomic and that they would have to operate on me. They did a pap on me as well and then hooked me up to an IV. They had to pump fluids in me, since I couldn't any of them down. They also gave me some anti nausea. They told me nothing dairy for twenty eight hours, still six hours away from that one. They say tonight I should be able to eat whatever I want to. Honestly, I am starving, but most things sound too much for me. I have had a little applesauce, gaderade, two thin slices of ham, a few sips of water and a small piece of toast. I am scared to eat anything more, but I am so so so super hungry. When they released me all they said is that it was a vrius and it could last three to five more days. I am not pregnant and my white blood cell count is high. Whatever that means.... They gave me some pills to take to fight the nausea, told me I could take then three times a day, but they only gave me six... what if I get really sick... I guess I have to go back. Hum... Well As soon as Jon finishes ATT he will be on a new shedual and hopefully wont be on watch on Valentines weekend. I just want to have one weekend thats a sweet holiday together, I don't think its too much to ask.... Stupid military lol. We were apart on our first anniversery and it just would be sad id we were apart again on a lovers day. I feel like we hardly ever get any time together and the time we do have, he has to many things he wants to do and I don't get very much time. I know its just so tough to get used to the military life style.. Maybe I just need an outlet other than Jon. I never get out and don't really have anything to do, just gets lonely. Sorry this sounds like I am whining. I love my life, my husband and my son more than anything, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I just am so lonely even though I am here with MY family .... So anways thats us again, hope you enjoyed hearing my sob story lol

Hello All

2009-01-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have not thought about adding more pictures or video of James. He is so hard to catch on tape what he does :D Maybe he does not like to be the center of attention. Well none the less I have got some of his silliness on tape and think you might like it. Jon is feeling better in spirit and James and I are having fun holding the fort down. I hope you enjoy and I will try to get a better one :D :D I love my silly little man. I hope you enjoy his random silly boy things

2009-01-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

Well hello again all. I just thought that I would write a quick note to keep you posted on how my little family is doing. Jon has had a pretty nasty cold that he caught at the barracks, but is finally starting to feel better. Things with his schooling isn't going as well as he would like them to. He doesn't get to talk during class and during the breaks, does not feel like he can. But he has finally started to get passed the tough patches in not understand this stupid quiz he had to retake several times. His next test he passed on the second try, which was not very common!! Go Jon! He heard rumor that he would get out of school early today and has been stuck waiting around for over two hours :( I know that he has a really tough time with the Military, but he is so strong and providing so well for us. Even if its not what he would choose now. James has been sick for about a week or so with the same thing Jon had. He finally is eating bottles during the day today and holding it down!! The only thing he ate (during the day) was pedi light. He has learned how to smack his hand on my hand, arm, anything really that will make a smacking sound :D Silly little man. Before long, he will be crawling the right way; instead of the way he does now. He crawls backwards on his back with his leg kicking and his head stretched out looking up! Smart little man. He has been doing that for about two months or so... He also learned how to kick his feet really hard on his crib and throws his new toy behind his bumber pad. He likes to hide underneath it and lodge his little arm in between the rails. Silly little man :) Last but not least me. I am still tired all the time. I have a hard time sleeping at night lately AGAIN and thats pretty much all thats new with me. Oh I too am getting the cold, slowly but surely. I am tring to get in better tough with how I am feeling about things. Jon brought that to my attention lately and I find that I have no idea how I feel about things... I mean how I am really feeling. Strange I know. I like to talk a lot about all kinds of things, as long as its not me and my feelings.... No news about the doc, since I haven't been and so.. therefore nothing new. I find I miss my family more than I like to admitt. I miss you all :( hope we can see eachother sooner than later. Well thats the update from the Taylors. We love you

2009-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Well nothing too exciting is going on here at the Taylor's. James and I spent four and a half hours yesterday at the on base doctors office!!! I am now on Zoloft and James got three shots... we are both super tired and worn out, but at least we can smile and rest today :D I have to go in soon to have them do a thyroid test on me hopefully this weekend. James is all laughs and smiles today, I am so glad. I am super tired and Jon is at work all day.... I can't wait for him to stay awake and spend time with us :D

James

2009-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

James is so stinkin cute, just thought I would share why and some pictures. He is going through this phase now where he will just shake his head from side to side over and over again. I am not quite sure why he does this. I can think of three reasons #1 He likes the way it looks #2 He knows he is moving it himself ( thanks Rachel) or #3 Just a silly little boy. He does it every few minutes!!! Well I caught it on tape! I also finally put him in his Halloween custume and I swear, he took on the persona of a Ninja!!! So here enjoy

Yummy Speghtti

2008-12-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

I made some spaghetti from scratch, well some would say that....
By request I will give it to you :-)

Emily's yum yum (lol)
1 can Contadina crushed Roma tomato with Italian herbs
1 Large can Hunts tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste Hunts with Italian herbs
1 can Del Monte stewed tomato with Italian herbs
1 can Del Monte Diced tomato with basil, garlic and oregano
1 can Del Monte diced tomato
2 Large tomatoes sliced, and diced
2 Cloves garlic finely sliced
1 small onion chopped
1 Package mushrooms sliced thinly
1/2 cup Vodka
2 tbsp green olive Juice
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp olive oil
season to taste ( I used basil, garlic, Italian seasoning salt and pepper)
12 green olives
1/8 cup sugar
1 package spaghetti McCormick packet

Put all the tomato stuff int he crock pot. Stir it around. Cook it on high. While its cooking add, garlic, tomato, mushrooms. And Spaghetti sauce packet. Cook on high two to three hours, stirring occupationally. Add olives and vodka and olive juice and sugar. Cook another few hours and then serve. I think it turned out great!!

Silly James Taylor

2008-12-02T10:25:00.001-08:00

Okay this probably stupid but I can't stop laughing! My sweet Mr. Baby is giving me the funniest look ever! I am jamming out to Carrine Baily Rae and he thinks I am strange, which I am sure I am. Now he is doing pelvic thrusts on my lap and talking up a storm. He misses his daddy. Earlier he was yelling at me because I put my phone away with pictures of his daddy. He was grabbing my phone and saying "dad dad dadada" still is. Its been a long time since he has seen his dad, well since we have. Only a few more hours and we can be back together :D

December 1st

2008-12-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have never been great at writing anything worth listening to. After being told I should do this, here I go dragging my feet. I suppose I should tell you about me and my amazingly adorable family. I am married to the best man you could ever imagine. His name is Jonathan. We have been married since October 20th 2007. I love him more than I ever thought I could possibly do. We had a beautiful baby boy named James on May 14th 2008. He is the biggest ray of sunshine on a cloudy day :D He Just rolled over the other day for the first time and I swear he is growing by the minute! He looks like a mini Jon :D We have recently moved to Chicago. Jon has joined the Navy and is going to school for electronic technician. Its all snowy outside and the heat is up to 80 :D Well I don't know what else to say, I am going to go to sleep in my warm bed with out my Jonnie boy.