The Joe Taylor Family: Happy New Year...2010 here we come...!

Looking back on 2009...we have sure experienced many ups and downs as the year has passed. Joe and I have never been stronger for all that we have endured. We are extremely blessed as we have such an incredible support system in our family and close friends.
Looking back to the spring we were wading in water for two months until our de-watering system was installed in May. We never would have made it through this time without Joe's dad making countless trips back and forth from Alpha to Peoria during the day...Uncle John and Papa Spriggs tending to the vacs during the evening hours. Not to mention Joe's true spirit of taking care of our family. I have always known that he is built of strength...but, he displayed pure loyalty...perserverance...not quitting until he got the job done. During this time I started having problems with my gall-bladder while being 8 months pregnant.
Once June came we were so excited for Baby Ava to make her grand entrance. Little did we know our strength and perserverance would be tested once again. We marveled at the pure blessing of having the Children's Hospital of Illinois right in our backyard as Ava had an extended stay in the NICU after her birth for over a week. During this time we were very thankful for Grandma and Papa Berry to keep Emma in their care while we focused our attention to Ava. Bringing Ava home from the hospital was a true miracle.
Soon the summer months would zoom by and my gall-bladder would come out the middle of July. Whew...I was never so happy to have that taken care of. :) We won't ever forget calling Aunt T in the middle of the night to come be with the girls while Joe and I went to the ER after having multiple gall-bladder attacks. What a blessing the Myatt's are to our family.
Joe and I wondered if 2009 would seem normal again. Things did seem to slow down...although still never forgetting the blessing of having a job...a roof over our head...and two beautiful daughters. Emma started preschool the beginning of September...we were once again testing our strength as Emma was sick for nearly two weeks...then daddy and mommy and then Ava. We all got better then it all started again. You sometimes take insurance...medicine...good doctors for granted...until you completely rely on them...turning to them for their guidance, advice, care. Joe's Grandpa Johnson turned 90 years old this September...how amazing. November would bring 9 years of wedded bliss for Joe and I. We also said good-bye to my Cousin Andrew as he headed off overseas until this coming summer. Everyday we thank God for watching over him and protecting him from harm.
Spending time with family during Thanksgiving and Christmas was simply priceless. We tend to forget that the simple things in life like time with the ones you love...hugs...kisses are what makes us.
Once again we thank God for another year...a crazy year filled with wonder...testing our will...strength...feeling more blessed than ever before. Joe and I look forward to 2010...wondering what is in store...excited to watch our girls grow and develop...spend more time with family and friends. I am sure I have forgotten someone or something...know that all who touch our family is truly a blessing to us. We are who we are because of you. Here are a few pics from the past couple of weeks during Christmas. PS...today our miracle baby Ava is seven months. Where...just where does the time go??

Emma and Ava visiting with Santa before his big arrival.

Emma enjoyed making this gingerbread house given to her by Grandma and Grandpa Horstman.

Ava with her Santa hat...what a cutie. :)

Papa Taylor and Grandma Ruth & Papa Spriggs came to Emma's School Christmas program. Ava enjoyed spending time with her Grandparents too. :)

Grandma Ruth and Papa Spriggs with Emma after her Christmas program.

Papa Berry with Emma and Ava on Christmas Eve.

Ava enjoying some time in the saucer while everyone opened their gifts.

Emma and Mommy.

Good thing Emma was a good girl and on the nice list this year. :)

Daddy was very excited that Santa brought Emma her own set of "tools" for Christmas. Now the two of them can "fix" things together. :)

This is now become a tradition that Santa leaves Emma and now Ava...a bell under the Christmas tree at Papa and Grandma Spriggs house. Believe...

Emma and Aunt Emily...! :)

Grandma Berry with Ava.

These three girls had so much fun at Papa and Grandma Taylor's house for Christmas. Can't wait for next Christmas and the one after that...etc. Memories waiting to be created. :)

Four generations...

Papa Taylor and Ava. (I am sure you are struggling to see the resemblence...ha!). :)

So fun...first Christmas Baby Leah...Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Jimmy and Cousin Leah! :)

Emma and Daddy found some time to play in the snow before the bitter cold hit.

Ava has now found her feet...so fun. :)

Emma was given this cool book shelf from Papa and Berry for Christmas. We have created a reading corner in her room. She is in heaven. If you can't find Emma...she is usually reading her books and listening to her cd's.