Merry Christmas

This year we stayed in AZ and had Christmas with my family. We missed our white Christmas in Utah, but it was great to be with the Carroll Side for the holidays. Derek and I got each other way to much....not too much of a surprise. Derek said he can't wait until our baby is here for next Christmas so I can spend all my energy on the child instead. On Christmas Eve we always go out to Olive Garden as a family. It was delicious as always, then we came straight home and got into our new pj's. We were so full we couldn't move to do anything else anyways. We hope everyone else had a great Christmas!

Hahaha, at my mom's side Christmas party my aunt wanted to get my first belly shot. Even though i thought there wasn't much to show. My crazy uncle couldn't help but jumping in the picture with me. Maybe I will get to where he is someday...just not any time soon I hope!

Coyotes Game!!

Playing some more catch up for October. Derek and I got some amazing tickets for the Phx Coyotes game through the military. For $80 we got two tickets (that were eight rows up from the ice), free shirts, hats, and dinner!! I never thought I was much of a hockey girl, but i loved it. If there is anyone who wants to go to the game we are always ready and willing to go!

My favorite part of the whole game was when the players would get into fights or bash each other into the walls! It was awesome!!

Derek shoving down some grub. It is always good to see him eating tons of food in one setting. I still make fun of him because no matter how much food he eats, he will never gain any weight.

So even though we lost the game it was still a blast to go too.

Brent's Homecoming

Derek and I couldn't resist the opportunity to go up to Utah, last October, to visit Brent and the family for his homecoming. Jennie threw a sweet party for Brent so everyone could come and see him again. It is always great to go up and see the family when ever we can squeeze it in.

Derek with a few of his brother (Travis, Matt, & Troy)! Believe it or not, but three of them are not in this picture. Needless to say there is never a dull moment in the Taylor household.

Check out this sweet cake that was made for Brent.

This picture was taken on October 19, just one day after we found out that we were pregnant with our little one. We wanted to try to capture some of the Fall colors that Utah has since back in AZ it gets a little slim.

Derek and Janel + One!!

Well it has finally happened. Janel and I are proud to announce that we are going to be having a baby!! We found out while we were up at my parents house for Brent's homecoming last week and we confirmed it with a blood test at the clinic I work at. We have our first appointment tomorrow so we will hopefully find out more, but we think she is about 7 or 8 weeks along. We are really excited about this and we can not wait to add a new member to our family.

Brent's Homecoming

Brent got home last Thursday night. Here is a story the local news did of him and his family!! Of course it made me cry, I saw Derek tearing up a little too! Enjoy!

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4494703

HATS OFF TO OUR SOLDIERS

Our dear brother Brent (second in from the left) is finally coming home. Derek's brother has been in Iraq and Baghdad for the last two years....and his journey home has finally started. We are so excited for him and his family. We are even more excited that Jennie (his wife) no longer has to be a single mom with two crazy, but adorable kids. Oh the good times ahead of us all. Derek and I are thrilled that we will be joining everyone in Utah in a few weeks for Brent's homecoming party. I am so proud of all of our military, and their families. I have learned first hand how hard it can be when your husband is gone. Jennie once described it to me that "it is a little harder to breathe when they are gone.' It is true. My husband's family may be crazy, but they are a strength to my life, and my testimony everyday. We are soooo happy for you guys Brent and Jennie!!! We love you!

I can see the light!!

I met with my adviser today and set my date for graduation!!! I have 14 credits left and then home sweet home. Just so everyone knows, there is going to be a killer party in May to celebrate!!

Those Dang Colors!!

Ok, so I couldn't pass up telling this story. This weekend I had a nasty cold, and spent most of the weekend on the couch. My wonderful husband helped me out by finishing up the laundry. Yesterday I was putting mine away when I noticed the two pairs of my socks were mismatched. When I looked closer Derek had paired up my light pink one and my light blue one together. Heres the catch. For those of you who don't know, Derek is colorblind so he didn't even realize he had made the mistake. haha!! Of course when I realized why they were paired up that way I went out in the family room and gave him a big kiss and told him he was the best; then I rubbed in the colorblind mistake. Oh man...the little things in life make me crack up!!

Cruise Slideshow

Our Latest Vacation

In between working full time and summer school Derek and I were able to squeeze in a fun vacation. We went on our first cruise and it was amazing. We left from L.A. and went to San Diego, Catalina Island, and then finished it off in Encenada Mexico. The food was incredible! Surprisingly we both didn't gain any weight, yea I know what some of you are thinking, like Derek could gain any weight. We would definetly recommend a cruise to any one who wants to get away!!!

Monarch of the Seas...Getting on the Boat!


Formal Night in San Diego
Heading to Mexico