Spring pics

Here are some of the spring pictures that we had taken a couple of weeks ago.

Originally I was only planning on getting Luke's done. Since he has pretty much been shafted in the pictures area.

Actually, Maddy has too. When Cardon was little I took him every 2-3 months.


Anyway, I figured I would just take them all.
This was the FIRST time they were willing to cooperate with the photographer. Which is GREAT for pics but not for the wallet.

However, I justify my spending money on pictures quite easily. Why? It goes back to my wedding. I only had the photographer come to the temple when we were married. I didn't have any from the luncheon and only 5-6 snap shots from my reception. I hardly remember what it looked like! I didn't even get a picture with my mom or my roommates. Sad.






It was a tough lesson to learn. My advice to you DON'T under budget for pictures!!! Whether it's your wedding or baby pics. Get lots. Get them as often as you can. Treasure them. :)
So here are my kids - how I like to think of them - clean, happily getting along and smiling.

Tara's 3-ring circus

Cue the circus music... dee dee deedle de de dee de deedle..
You know the music I am talking about - right?

That is what life seems to be like. And I am this supposed tight-rope walker. Trying to balance family, work, internet usage and health.

I finally gave in and got a Facebook account. It has been as addicting as I thought it would be - and now my blog is loosing some serious face time. I need to be better!


My family has been taking turns getting sick - and I AM SICK of SICK!! All of us have been on antibiotics in the last 30 days. Lovely. Oh, and I will be making my 3rd trip to the ENT for Lukes ears. :)

My diet was going pretty good. Until I took a business trip to Phoenix where I indulged in some SERIOUS Italian food from Maggiano's. Once I gave into to the temptations - it's been harder to resist. Now that I am home - I need something else to look forward to - that keeps me motivated. Something like a warm tropical vacation - hint to Ryan if he is reading this. :)

All the while I am realizing that Maddy turns 5 in less than two weeks and will start Kindergarten in the fall. Cardon will be 8 later this year and get baptized and my little sweet Luke is turning TWO. The TERRIBLE two's - in fact I have already seen inklings of these days. Scary stuff I tell ya. Nevertheless, time is going by faster and faster. In someways it's exciting and in someways it's scary and in some ways it's sad. I am not ready for an 8 year old and a 5 year old going on 15. Alas, I am in the middle of the tight rope. There is no point in going back - only forward.

So if you are looking for tickets to the show - let me know! ;)

I am speechless....

Happy Birthday Grandad!

I just want to take the time to celebrate the birthday of a wonderful amazing man.
While we are sad that we aren't able to celebrate this day with him here.
We know that he is watching over his family - guiding and protecting us.

I first met Leonard when he and Anita came to Provo to visit Ryan. We had only been dating a couple of weeks and they invited me along.
From the very start he was so accepting and kind to me. Going forward, he and Anita always welcomed me to their home in Cortez. There we played lots of chicken foot and mexican train playing. He was just as competitive as I was - and at one point almost had me in tears! ;)

Another memory I have is of Leonard relaxing in his chair watching television and laughing. He was so laid back and you couldn't help but feel the same way around him.


Even after he became sick - he never complained and was always smiling.

Ryan and I found out (surprise!) we were pregnant with the first grandson to be born with the last name Tanner. Leonard started calling me "little mama" which seems like a little thing - but it meant so much to me! (Especially if you saw how BIG I was!)
After Cardon Leonard Tanner was born. Leonard carried 5 or 6 pictures with him everywhere he went.

I think Ryan makes Leonard proud. Ryan learned a lot from his father that he has carried on with his own family. He is a hard worker and provides for his family. He loves being home with his family. He loves the Lord and serves in his church callings and responsibilities faithfully. He has a way with the feisty little girls that makes them melt with his teasing and loves.

Leonard is sorely missed and eternally loved. I wish my kids could know him NOW but I am so grateful that we will be able to see and hug him again someday.

Happy Birthday Leonard!