Thank You

I wanted to give a special thanks today for our military men and women. I have always been so proud of this country, but it wasn't until I married into a family that is all in the Army that it hit me how much of a sacrifice it really is. I am so proud of Derek, his brothers ( Matt, Brent, Bryan, Devin and Travis), and our friends that proudly serve this country.

I still remember when Derek and I were engaged and he asked me how I felt about him joining the military. It really didn't come to much of a surprise, and I was proud that he would be so selfless. Being in the military has been no picnic, with alot of ups and downs. Tears have been in plenty, but I have also been blessed. I never would have been able to handle Derek being gone with out the support of my family; especially my sister in laws Jennie, Brittany, Natalie, and Michelle.

Thank you again to all of you willing to make the sacrifice to keep our country free.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

Well after three sittings and two days we finally accomplished family pictures. I hope the next ones go a little bit easier. Jane was a monster for most of it, but it was all worth it. I love most of her shots and wouldn't trade them for the world. I just thought we would share how adorable out little girl has gotten, and what a handle she has become!

Our Jane

Four Months!!

Some more....

Family Pictures

Yes, Jane was a turd for most of the pictures but we still wanted to have our memories. Here are a few of my favorites that we had taken.

Jane's Blessing

Now that Jane's Daddy got back in the country we were able to do her blessing. We did it at Derek's Aunt and Uncle's home instead of at the church, just for a little more intimate setting. We were so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family there. I was even happier that Jane didn't cry through the blessing.

Playing with Jane before everyone got there.

I was able to pass down my blessing dress to Jane. My Great Grandma made it for me, and now it will be Jane's dress to pass down to her daughter someday. It really meant to much to me to have her wear it.

Michelle with Beckham!

We call this face "the pirate" Jane does it all the time!

Sargent Taylor

The end of July, the 31st, to be more specific Derek got promoted to be a Sargent. This was very exciting for our little family. It was really nice to be able to have Derek's family there with us. They came down early for Jane's blessing to see the ceremony. Derek told me seconds before the cerimony started that I had to put his new rank on him. I have no idea why I was nervous, but it was my first time doing it.

This is a picture of Derek reciting the NCO Creed.

Derek cutting his cake to share with everyone. Not the best cake in the world, but the gesture was wonderful.

Our little family all together. I can never get enough of Jane and Derek together. I love this picture of them together.

After Derek's Promotion was over we went over to one of the hangers where some Apache and Kiowa Helicopters were. Needless to say Derek and his brothers (and sister) were in heaven playing around in them. They all had to take turns getting in them and pretending to fly the beasts, it was quite a scene to behold. Jane on the other hand wanted nothing to do with it. You will notice that by the was she is screaming in every picture; we still have to capture the moments though and just show her later in life what a stinker she was.

Jane and her Aunt Michelle just looking as happy as can be!

Not as noticible, but Jane is also screaming in this picture with Uncle Devin!

Derek just hanging out outside of the Apache. It is always fun to go down to Derek's work and see everything. If only everyone's job was this fun!