Halloween Decorating

I've been waiting and waiting for September to be over so I could decorate for Halloween.

I started by trimming the bushes in front of my house. BIG mistake. I hurt for 3 days after. You'd be surprised how many muscles you don't use when you start doing yard work.

Then I put up a dead lighted tree (on the left), frightful green box lights and purple and orange pathway lights. They look so good in the evening.

I bought my Wednesday doll several weeks ago and now she is joined by my Halloween sign, wire pumpkin and orange flameless candles.

My favorite is what I call my pumpkin patch...glass pumpkins surrounded by the kids pictures. The jack-o-lantern on the far right is filled with candy. It's the good kind of candy so not for the trick or treaters. Mostly for decoration right now but look out for the rest of October.

And what's Halloween without a cookie jar. This might have been a big mistake. The jar sits on my kitchen counter and every time I walk by I crave a cookie...double stuffed Oreos. I'll probably gain 50 pounds before the holiday is over.

Family Photos

Melissa loves getting family photos. This year she decided to have the photographer come to her house and take pictures on their property.

Struggling to get 5 kids to cooperate can be a bit of a struggle but it looks like she pulled it off.

While I prefer candid shots, it's always nice to know I can depend on Melissa to get me a recent photo of all the kids.

Ma's Day Tailgate Party

One of the local churches set up a tailgate party which also happened to be Grandparent's Day or what I like to call "Ma's" Day.

Food trucks, bounce houses, slides, face painting and the Chiefs mascot KC Wolf were all on hand to celebrate the opening day of football season in Kansas City.

Best of all I was able to get an updated picture of me with Violet, Lincoln, Hazel, Goldie and Pearl.

Lots of fun and excitement for all ages.

Childhood Friends

There's something about getting together with friends from your childhood. They know all the fun stuff we did as kids.

Jana, Jamie, John, Jim and I got together for dinner at Jana and Jim's house. We laughed and laughed about things from grade school and high school but then things turned to kids, grandkids and ailments. I guess old friends still do old people stuff.

Goldie Goes to Preschool

Watch out world. Goldie is going to preschool.

Melissa was a little nervous about Goldie even getting out of the car the first day of school but she jumped right out. I told Melissa now she just has to wait for a call from the school saying Goldie beat someone up. That didn't happen. She actually likes school and is making new friends. Whew!!! 

New Storm Day

I got a Grandparent's Day present a little early this year. I finally went to the top of Jamie's "To Do" list and he installed a new storm door for me.

I'm a little...okay...a lot claustrophobic and I like having my front door open. Nothing really happens in my neighborhood but it's nice to know if something does I'll be able to see it!

Back to School

It's that time again. Time for all good Taylor kids to go back to school.

Violet is in her last year at middle school. She's anxious to start or maybe finish with middle school.

Lincoln is entering the 5th grade. He reminds me so much of Michael. He has to be dressed just right.

Hazel is going into 2nd grade. How can that be? She's still excited about school and learning new things. Me on the other hand can't make the time slow down. Acceptance is another word besides patience I must add to my vocabulary.